Doe (#Wattys2016)

Chapter Seventeen

My Dear Father,

I would love to have another visit from you and your family. Lord Lurie has been kind enough to consent to the meeting taking place here at the manor. It would please me greatly, if you all could attend. Send me a date that would best suit you.

I look forward to hearing from you again,

Your faithful daughter,

Francis Cecil.

Francis waited anxiously for her father's reply, she knew that the key was Lady Cecil, if she ever took an interest then her father would surely pay attention. During the weeks she waited, things had cooled between her and Draco, once again. He had not mentioned his visit to her home, nor was he particularly friendly towards her. Her new resolve to follow Harri's guidance had not come under any test, and this suited her. They continued to spend time together in the classroom and with each other in quiet pursuits, either reading or sketching in the same room. Draco kept the conversations to minimal and they were very superficial. Francis followed his lead. She was only mildly pondering what it was that she had done to deserve such treatment. However, because these cool periods had become so frequent in recent years she wasn't overly concerned, let him get on with it and she patiently waited for his return.

Lord Cecil replied that his wife and stepson would be delighted to call on her and the Luries. It was with some surprise and apprehension that Francis mulled over the new found interest of Lady Cecil's. 

The day they were due to arrive, Francis was anxiety ridden. She had dressed carefully; even applying a little make up that Kitty had been kind enough to let her borrow. She paced the corridors all morning. Glancing critically at herself whenever she caught her reflection in a mirror or the glass fronted paintings that hung on the walls.

"You're making me nervous." Doe told her, as she passed.

"You're not even going to see them." Francis replied, ringing her hands, "I'm not sure, how I'm supposed to do this."

"You'll be fine. You've met them before and anyone can tell who you are from a mile off." Doe comforted her, "You're so strong and honest. Plus you look lovely today, you're a wonderful daughter."

Francis gave her a small smile, and continued to pace after she had left.

Doe had been roped in to help with preparations. The Cecils were to come for lunch and stay until well into the evening. This had the kitchen and the staff in a flurry of activity that would only stop long after the guests had left. Doe was uncertain of the meaning behind all the effort for the Cecils, she was sure that Lord Lurie did not want Francis to be married off to William Harrold, and yet he desperately needed her father to love her and them. It was a difficult balance, and Doe wasn't sure he was getting it right. She was on her way to dress Kitty before helping set the dining room when she bumped into Draco. He was already dressed in a fine suit and looking bored. He nodded at Doe as she approached.

"I suppose you've been running around all morning." He said to her.

"Yes." Doe sighed, "I'm off to dress your sister."

"I feel sorry for you. I'm sure that's not an easy task, with Kitty."

"Actually, when it comes to what she looks like, she knows exactly what she wants." Doe mused.

"I shan't keep you any longer then." He bowed his head.

"Draco?"

He stopped.