her brothers will punish them But the Duchess reassures him saying love is more important than fear The Duchess also tells him that he is a complete man and has good character She encourages him to accept her love Secret Marriage When Antonio still hesitates the Duchess speaks openly and clearly She says that she is a young widow and wants Antonio to be her husband She also explains that royals like her have to propose because no one dares ask them to marry She says The misery of us that are born great We are forced to woo because none dare woo us Antonio agrees to exchange vows The Duchess calls her maid Cariola to witness the vows They kneel and promise to love each other forever The Duchess says their marriage is legal even without a church ceremony Importantly this wooing scene shows the Duchess s courage and independence She is a young widow and she chooses her own love despite her brothers threat She also proves that love matters more than status