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As Matthew, respectful and sincere, requested the privilege of courting Agnes, the garden seemed to hold its breath. Agnes, a mix of nerves and excitement, looked at him and found herself nodding in agreement. Benedict, witnessing the exchange, sighed, a subtle gesture of support, and greeted Matthew with a firm handshake.

Agnes, expecting retaliation from her parents, was taken aback by this unexpected turn. Her eyes darted between her mother, whose expression had softened, and her father, who had just welcomed Matthew into their circle. The air buzzed with tension and a sense of transformation.

Benedict offered a genuine smile. “Welcome to the family, Your Grace. I trust you’ll treat my daughter well.”

Matthew, grateful for the unexpected acceptance, shook Benedict’s hand. “I assure you, My Lord, Miss Agnes’s happiness is my priority.”

Agnes felt a mixture of emotions—surprise, relief, and a tinge of joy. She glanced at her mother, whose stern facade seemed to crumble. Mary walked over to Matthew, her steps deliberate but her expression soft.

“You have my permission to court my daughter,” Mary said, her words carrying a weight of sincerity. “If you’re the one who brings her happiness, then I won’t stand in your way. I must admit, I may have been too quick to judge. I’m sorry for what I said about you, it was foolish of me.”

Agnes, absorbing the unexpected turn of events, felt a lump in her throat. She hadn’t anticipated such a change in her mother. As Mary turned to her, Agnes was met with an apology that caught her off guard.

“I’m sorry, Agnes,” Mary said, her voice sincere. “I may not understand everything, but if this is what makes you happy, then I’ll support you. I shouldn’t have doubted your judgment.”

As Mary extended her apology, she continued with a revelation that caught Agnes by surprise.

“I told you this morning that your actions would not go without consequences,” Mary confessed, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken struggles. “I was wrong. There are expectations, responsibilities, and I should have made it clear that putting yourself and your family first is not a weakness. I’ve been wrestling with that realization, and it’s eaten me up. I’m sorry, Agnes.”

Agnes, shocked by her mother’s candid confession, felt a rush of emotions. The weight that had burdened her relationship with her mother seemed to dissipate. Mary’s vulnerability laid bare the complexities they had both faced.

Overwhelmed with a mixture of joy and relief, Agnes embraced her mother. Tears of happiness welled up in her eyes as she whispered, “Thank you, Mother.”

Mary, reciprocating the hug, held Agnes tightly. It was a moment of reconciliation, a bridge mended by the sincere words that had finally found their way into the open.

As Agnes pulled away, she looked at Matthew, her eyes conveying a depth of emotion. With a smile that radiated warmth and love, she mouthed, “I love you.”

At that moment, amidst the blossoms and the echoes of apologies, Agnes and Matthew stood united, ready to navigate the uncharted waters of their courtship with newfound support and understanding.

EPILOGUE

Agnes groaned softly and turned. The sun’s gentle rays peeked through the delicate lace curtains, casting a soft morning glow over the room as she opened her eyes and rose from her bed.

A profound realization settled in her heart—this day marked the beginning of her life with Matthew as his wife, a journey she had eagerly awaited. The air itself seemed to shimmer with delightful anticipation.

She smiled widely. She couldn’t contain her excitement, feeling like the happiest woman in the world.

Her eyes caught sight of a large, steaming bath patiently awaiting her presence.

A smile played on Agnes’s lips as she recognized Peggy’s thoughtful gesture. Her loyal and sometimes meddlesome handmaiden had ensured that this morning, the ritual of preparation would be both luxurious and comforting.

With graceful movements, Agnes undressed, allowing the garments to cascade gently to the floor. The room was filled with a sense of quiet excitement as she approached the substantial bath, its warmth inviting her to step into a moment of respite and reflection.

The water, heated to a perfect temperature, promised not only physical cleansing but also the soothing balm of emotional release.

Agnes sank into the inviting depths, the warmth enveloping her like a comforting embrace. As she reclined in the bath, a sense of serenity washed over her.

The worries and cares of the weeks leading up to this day seemed to dissolve in the water, leaving only the radiant glow of love and commitment in their wake.

The scent of fragrant oils mingled with the steam, creating an ambiance of tranquility. In this private retreat, Agnes allowed herself to savor the quiet moments before the bustling excitement of her wedding day unfolded.

Publishing the banns in the local chapel every week had stirred whispers among the townsfolk, and the anticipation had only grown stronger as they awaited the issuance of their marriage license, which took forever to arrive.

Agnes thought about the moments when she had almost said that was it! She was done! And cast aside societal expectations, ready to defy conventions just to marry the man she loved.

Peggy entered the room with her wedding dress, perfectly tailored and washed, as Agnes bathed. “Good morrow, Miss Agnes! The day has finally arrived, hasn’t it?” she greeted as gently placed the white dress on the mattress.

Agnes grinned in response, a twinkle in her eyes. “Indeed, Peggy! I can hardly believe it’s here. Today is the day I become Agnes Fitzroy.”