This was unexpected but not unacceptable.
Richard never gets into a causal relationship. When he confessed to Amelia, he had already made the decision to marry her one day.
However, he was thinking of marrying in a more peaceful situation, when everyone he knows and cares for can attend their wedding. He wanted to arrange a grand feast and marry Amelia with all the rituals.
However, after Lady Hawkbridge imposed the condition, Richard was left with no other option than to prepone the marriage.
"I apologize…I should have talked to my mother about this." Amelia genuinely looked regretful since she knew that Richard had gone through a lot recently to get involved in this.
However, "It's okay, Amy. Thinking about this from her perspective I can guess what she must be thinking." Holding her hand fondly, the redhead added, "And you also wanted to wear the white wedding dress, no?"
Amelia lowered her eyes shyly, a soft smile blooming on her face.