The Standwell Estate

On her walk home that morning, Greer could not help but reminisce about the night before. Charles had never hinted seriously about a marriage between the two of them. They had laughed and joked together. Made fun of the town’s obvious opinion of them, but never came close to a near proposal. She was not even sure if that was what happened last night. Still she could not help the thought that entered her mind next; “Do I belong with Charlie Rue?”

Once she arrived at her family’s estate, she was almost immediately greeted by her servant.

“May I take your coat, Madame?”“Should I draw a bath?” “Breakfast is still on the table and warm enough to eat.” “Your father would like to see you in the study.”

Greer’s simply turned around with her arms spread wide as she shut the mouth. “Where is Lydia?”

“Right here, My lady.” Greer turned as she heard the smile in Lydia’s voice, and saw her standing in the doorway, allowing the others to finish their frenzy. The girls ran to embrace each other.

After a quick exchange of the eye they ran upstairs hand in hand laughing as I went.

“So are you going to tell me where you were all night, or am I going to have to guess?”

Lydia had already drawn a bath for Greer, as if she known when the lady would arrive. Greer had discarded the previous days attire, bathed, and was re-dressed into something more homey in no more than 20 minutes.

“I went to the Austin Ball last night. You know that. ”

“Ah… Yes, the Austin Ball.” Lydia was not stupid and she was not want to leave with half the story. At least not half of Greer’s story. Lydia had been Greer’s handmaiden since they were 12 years of age and the two had only grown as friend ever since. “I know you attended, yes. But I also know that those parties only last ‘till midnight; and that is only due to the polite group that stay past 10, as not to embarrass the poor family.”

“Charlie took me out to the garden around nine. We danced a little and walked a little. Then we just sat on the fountain.” Greer informed her companion matter-of-factly. However, she had a dreamy look in her eye as though she was mulling something over in her head. The look had been there since she arrived and Lydia took notice.

“That’s it?”

“Yes, that’s it. Why do you ask?”

“Because I find it hard to believe you said with Charles Rue Standwell all night and did not say a word.” A blush rose to Greer’s face.

“What was that?”

“What was what?” She turned hurriedly into the hall, trying to act natural on her way to her fathers study.

“That blush! Not to mention the daydreaming you’ve been doing since you arrived. Greer Elis Colborn you stop right there!” Greer turns slowly with a grin ranging from ear to ear. Lydia grabbed Greer’s’ arm and pulled her into the nearest room. “Spill,” she whispered as the door shut behind them.

“There’s nothing to spill. At least I don’t think there is. ”

“You don’t think there is? What does that mean? ”

“Well, last night was just like every other night except the Trebek sisters decided to drown is in wedding ideas. That’s when we left to the gardens. When we finally sat down he said something that had started to make me wonder.” Greer had sat down on one of the old couches and seem to be at a loss for words.

“Well,” Lydia kneeled on the floor next to her, “What did he say?”

“He said that maybe they weren’t complete fools. Maybe they had a point. Maybe as being married wouldn’t be such an unsolicited idea.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, Lydia. Nothing at all. We just sat there until the sun came up.” Lydia turned and stuck her back against the foot of the couch.

“Well, what do you think he meant by that?” Lydia asked, “does that mean he wants to court you now?”

“If I knew, don’t you think I would have told you?”

“Well, you can ask him soon enough. Your father has invited his family for dinner tonight. They are expected about four this evening for cocktails.” Lydia stood and held out her hand, “nevertheless your father is waiting and has been for quite some time. Let’s go.”

Greer groaned but grabbed her friends hand anyway. They straighten their dresses and continue down the hall to Sir Colborn’s study. When they arrived Lydia knocked and announced Lady Greer’s arrival and left the room to give the father/daughter duo some privacy.

“Come sit down,” Sir Colbourn had a deep voice but was a very kind man. Greer set promptly in front of her fathers desk as if she were one of his many business ventures. “Now I know that you and the Standwell boy are just friends and have been for quite some time now, but I want you to listen carefully to what I have to say. I do not want any interruptions or comments until I am finished. Is that understood? ”

“Yes, sir.“ Her father has rarely spoken so sternly with her and she hardly ever liked what followed. There were a couple times she gotten into trouble as a kid and was forced to miss out on certain parties and festivities. Another time was when her grandparents died. Then there was now. She had no idea what to expect, only that it would not be pleasant.

“I have taken the liberty of inviting The Standwell’s over for dinner tonight. Sir Standwell and I have had several meetings over the past few months as to the idea of marrying the two of you off. We have concluded that every available suitor in town is convinced the two of you are meant to be. Every suitor we bring from out of town or state see the two of you together once and want no way to interfere with the bond you two so boldly exude. Tonight we will be introducing the idea of a marriage between our families and I expect full cooperation. You may speak now.”

Greer was completely stunned. She wasn’t sure what to think. She was about to be married off to her best friend, but did she love him? Then the thought of last night struck her. Was Charlie sincere in his words or was he led by his father to say them? Greer spoke the only words she could utter, “Does Charlie know?”

With her father‘s confirmation Greer stood, turned, and quietly walked back to her room.