When a Young Heart Loves (The Secret of Moonacre Fanfiction)

Of Marriages and Plans

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Asked Jane. She was looking at the newlywed couple.

Digweed had been practicing his dancing just for the occasion. Though he was still a bit awkward, he did his best to gracefully lead Mrs. Heliotrope around the dance floor. Her lilac dress softly trailed behind her. Mrs. Heliotrope had decided to keep her maiden name, though she did hyphenate Digweed at the end. She figured at her age, there was no point in changing names, nor was she particularly fond of the surname 'Digweed'. Her husband hadn't minded at all. He was just happy to have conquered her heart, a feat he never thought possible. He was determined to do all that he could to make her happy.

"Yes, it's a beautiful story. Gives me hope that one can always find happiness," Lizzy mused.

"It's a bit scary honestly," Cat stated. "I feel as though there's too much to see, I can't quite think of settling down with children within the next few years."

Lizzy and Jane looked at Cat in bewilderment.

"What?" Cat asked.

Lizzy laughed before responding, "Dear sister, has the monster's poison gotten to you too?"

"Ugh, what do you mean?" Cat countered rolling her eyes.

"It's just strange, we all thought you'd be the first to marry," Jane explained.

"Me? Why would that be the case?"

"Well you are the one who's always going on about weddings and how handsome the boys are," Lizzy responded.

"And you never fail to gush over romantic stories or how you want to be swept off your feet," Jane added.

Cat rolled her eyes, "it's not the same thing. Honestly Lizzy you're supposed to be the smart one. Yes, I love grand balls and weddings and fine men. But that doesn't mean I want to settle down now. I mean I'm only 16.
"Loveday and Sir Benjamin got married in their late 20s and they're quite happy. Digweed and Ms. Heliotrope are much older, and they only just got married today! They seem happy too. You know what's similar between those two cases? Love! They waited for love. Not money or status. Not time."

"That's a luxury not all can afford," Richard said walking towards them.

"What do you mean?"

"Most marriages are treated as a business. As if they're only a transaction. Humans for money or status. You're lucky if you get both..." Richard said with a forlorn expression as he looked towards his friends. It was an expression Jane had never seen on him before. "A lady of humble beginnings must be on the hunt for that dashing man with money. Otherwise, how else is she to raise her family? A man of modest origins better get straight to work, and work his entire life, if he's to make enough to even support a family."

The girls stayed silent and watched Maria dance another song with William. He seemed intent on monopolizing her time.

"Perhaps that's why Mrs. Watson is so strict on Maria," Lizzy thought out loud.

"But her uncle, surely they would never leave her in need of money!" Cat exclaimed.

Richard laughed, "I'm sure you're correct, but how many other orphans can say that?"

"If you know so much about marriage, what are your plans then?" Jane asked.

Richard shrugged his shoulders and flashed a smile. "It wouldn't be fair to the other ladies to let just one have me to herself, would it?"

Jane shook her head in disbelief. For a second she actually thought there was a deeper side to Richard.

"Which reminds me, Jane, would you care to dance with me?"