She was working on the bodice when she heard light footsteps approaching the sewing room.
“Mattie?” Cecy stood in the doorway. Joy glowed on her face. “I have something to tell you.”
Mattie laid down her sewing. “I think I can guess what it is.”
“Oh, Mattie! He’s asked me to marry him!” Tears shone in Cecy’s eyes.
Mattie stood and embraced her friend.
“He says it was your doing.” Cecy hugged her back, half-laughing, half-crying “Oh, thank you, Mattie! You can’t imagine how happy I am!”
Sadness clenched in Mattie’s chest. Yes, I can. If Edward had truly wanted to marry me, I should be this joyful, too. “I’m glad he listened!” she said, forcing a note of heartiness into her voice. “I’m sure you’ll be extremely happy together.”
Dusk had fallen by the time Edward reached London. The sev
