As soon as he spoke, Mr. and Mrs. Campell knew what he meant-matchmaking.
“He’s a good man,” Mr. Campell commented. “I talked to him in the backyard garden last night and found him reliable.”
“Since we know him well and Agnes likes him, why not get engaged and married soon? Let’s move things along,” Spencer suggested.
Mrs. Campell looked at him with confusion, “Spencer, why are you in such a hurry?”
“I…” Spencer thought about the marriage certificate, “I just think Tom is not young anymore, it won’t take long. You should be prepared mentally.”
“The engagement should be initiated by the man’s side,” Mrs. Campell said. “It’s not good for a girl to be too proactive; it seems like she’s pushing herself onto him.”
“Mom, it’s the era of gender equality now,” Spencer agreed internally but said, “My friend hinted that he wants to settle down soon, so he should take action shortly. I’m just giving you a heads-up.”
“As long as he takes action, we won’t stop it,” Mr. Campell stated directly. “Feelings are personal matters; everyone is an adult and can be responsible for their choices. Marriage is unpredictable; you don’t know how it will turn out until you experience it.”
“Yes, I believe in fate.”
While they were discussing this topic, Agnes walked into the dining room. “Mom, Dad, everyone, I’m back!”
“You’re back? Have you eaten?”
“Yes, I have.” Agnes got straight to the point as time was limited. “I have something to report to everyone!”
“Go ahead,” Mr. Campell said.
Everyone turned their attention to her face. Agnes smiled cautiously and began, “The Fritz family is coming over to propose marriage. They will arrive in about an hour or so. His parents will also come to discuss the engagement with you.”
They had just been talking about taking action, and now there was action already?
The elders were a bit shocked and exchanged glances.
Spencer responded with a smile, “That’s great! Engagement and marriage are wonderful news! If you can get pregnant soon, our baby might be born around the same time and grow up together!”
“What are you talking about? No premarital pregnancy,” Mrs. Campell was anxious and emphasized to her daughter, “Premarital pregnancy always disadvantages the girl. Since you’ve chosen to be together, having a child is inevitable sooner or later.”
Agnes felt awkward, “Why are we talking about having children? We were discussing the engagement!”
“Agnes, listen,” Mrs. Campell said seriously to her daughter. “We won’t stop your engagement or marriage, but no cohabitation before marriage.”
The girl initially wanted to explain but feared it would reflect poorly on Tom and make her family think he was abnormal.
So she nodded obediently with a smile, “Okay, Mom, I understand.”
“Starting tonight, don’t go to any apartment; stay here!” Mrs. Campell insisted. “Bring the cat over!”
“Okay.” The girl had a very good temper and complied fully.
After all, she didn’t want her mother’s emotions to create an awkward situation when the Fritz family came over to discuss the engagement.
“Today, Fritz’s grandmother gave me a ring.” The girl touched her finger and reported again, “Mr. Fritz and Mrs. Fritz each gave me a bank card with the password set to my birthday. I guess when they come over later, they will bring gifts for you too.”