And Peggy

Meeting the in laws

4 months later

Stephan has officially started courting me. He had a one on one talk with father in father's study just after New Years. Both men came out looking happy and content and I am sure the prospect of marriage came up.

I have accepted the fact that my purpose in life is to marry well and am glad that it is with Stephan and not a stranger who is twice my age.

Stephan has been courting me for three months now. We have been all around the city and have attended church a few times. We both like outdoor activities so we do lots of walks.

At the beginning of April, I receive a formal invitation from Stephan's family inviting me to dinner at their manor, Rensselaerwyck a week post.

I send back a prompt acceptance after mother's approval and nervously await the day when I will finally meet Stephan's parents.
Our parents know each because they are family friends but despite this, I've never met Mr and Mrs Rensselaer.

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I take a deep breath. Rensselaerwyck looms over me, overwhelming me. And I thought Schuyler mansion was big!

My dress is pale yellow with a waist band sewn on and no sleeves. Embroidered flowers drape down from the bodice onto the skirt bit of the dress.

I grab the knocker with my hand and bang it twice on the thick wooden door. Arnold, the Rensselaers butler opens the door. He leads me through the house to the dining room where the Rensselaers are already seated.

Stephan stands up and kisses me quickly on the cheek. Then he dismisses Arnold and pulls out a chair for me.

"Glad you could make it!" He says.

"Thank you for having me Mr and Mrs Rensselaer." I start but they quickly start squawking over me.

"Please, call us Catherine and Steve, dear!" Catherine Rensselaer insists.

"Well then, thank you Catherine and Steve for having me at you manor this fine evening."

"No problem, dear! Stephan speaks very highly of you and we thought it'd be nice to meet you in the flesh. You really are as beautiful as he describes you.
We are very fond of your parents. As you know, Stephan, Steve and your father Phillip work together in the military so they see a bit of each other but I haven't seen your mother in quite some time. Is she well?"

"Yes ma'am, she is a bit lonely now that Angelica and Eliza have left home but she is healthy and overall happy."

Talk turns to my sisters and then dinner is served. We have quesadillas with beans and cheese inside then and a salad on the side.

"So Margarita, tell us about yourself. What do you like to do?" Steve asks me.

"Well" I start, "I like being out in nature. Going to the beach and bush walks and that kind of thing." I throw a wink at Stephan who has a goofy grin on his face.
"I also like playing with my cat, Tiger. She's a ginger cat." Catherine and Steve nod politely.

"Now that I am legal age, I've stopped schooling with Hannah my nanny, but Father and i have recently become interested in jigsaw puzzles!"

"Splendid!" Steve exclaims.

"And have you been courted before, dear?" Catherine asks, her voice seems strained.

"Ah, I was in love with a man named John Laurens who was a soldier during the war. He never officially courted to me but we did adore each other. But he was killed coming back from the war front. In his will, he left a ring for me. I believe he intended to marry me but..." my voice falters.