Chapter Thirty-One
O ne month later a long white carpet had been rolled out toward a large chuppah —a wedding canopy—in the garden of The Lyon’s Den. Uncountable yellow tulips shimmered in the sunlight. Rows upon rows of yellow petals stretched out as far as the eye could see. Alfred stood ramrod straight next to Seth, both awaiting their brides.
Their parents stood on Seth’s side, and the doctors from 87 Harley Street on Alfred’s. As a symbol of the home that two people found upon their wedding, their closest relatives stood with them. It was an ancient tradition that honored those who accompanied the groom to this pivotal moment in life.
Then the music started. An elegant string quartet was situated in the corner of the garden under the willow. Angelic tunes soared through the air as if the weddings were not being held in the Town’s most risqué gambling hall. Rows of familiar faces, Alfred’s numerous patients, and a select group of the most influential members of the Ton sat primly in the chairs. The scene was like a painting, serene and peaceful. It was hard to imagine anything more beautiful, more perfect than this garden in its full glory, a breathtaking masterpiece in every sense of the word. But then Alfred’s eyes locked with his bride and the surroundings vanished.
Escorted by Mrs. Dove-Lyon, Ada walked slowly along the white carpet, flashing her brilliant smile at him. His heart dropped to his knees and he nearly buckled, but his brother’s shoulder touched his. He wasn’t alone here; it was their double wedding.
Led by Wendy, Lucy emerged just after Ada. When both brides stood before their grooms, Seth cast Alfred a proud nod. They each covered their brides with the veils that hung over their shoulders in the bedecken ceremony. It wasn’t exactly the traditional order of events, but Mrs. Dove-Lyon had insisted that the Jewish wedding be welcoming for the guests of the Ton and not obscure the view of the brides.
Mrs. Dove-Lyon surprised Alfred when she gave Ada a warm hug and whispered something in her ear that sounded like, “Your father would be so proud of you.” Ada blinked away tears and then found Alfred’s gaze again.
Alone, holding only a bouquet of golden tulips, she circled him seven times while the Rabbi recited the Sheva Brachot , the seven blessings.
He had married the girl of his dreams, a woman who was bold, confident, and full of life. It was as if he had waited his entire life to find her. Alfred couldn’t believe his luck that they had met—or had Mrs. Dove-Lyon planned that they’d meet all along?
No matter. Alfred could see the way his bride’s eyes shone as they gazed upon each other. He’d known somehow the moment their eyes met that she was the one he had been searching for. Their life together would be a grand adventure, filled with surprises and thrills. Alfred was excited to share every moment of his future with his beloved Ada.
The rest of the ceremony washed over him in a daze. After the well-wishers filed past, his mother finally found him.
“Alfred, Yingale , sweet boy.” She rubbed his cheeks as she’d done since he was a boy. “ Mazal tov and may your love blossom and shine as bright as your smiles.”
“I’m so happy. Mother, will you ever forgive me?” He glanced over to the corner where Ada was encircled by a group of young women who admired her gown.
“Whatever for?”
“I failed to secure the down payment for an office. I just don’t know how long it will take me to save enough to bring you and Father back to London.”
“Oh dear, don’t you realize? We are glad to be out of the busy city. And so proud of you already! We never expected you to have a practice so soon after your studies. In time, son, in time, you will have it all.” She gave him a warm hug and a kiss on his forehead. “Now go and see your bride.”
Curious debutantes cornered Ada. They asked so many questions that she wanted to press her hands against her ears.
“Pardon me.” Alfred’s strong voice penetrated the din and reverberated in her stomach. “I need my bride, ladies.”
His smile left the young women fanning themselves.
“Come with me,” he said, pulling on Ada’s hand as he’d done that night when she despaired in this same garden.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Home!”
“No wait!” She stopped and looked around. Puck stood guard by the gate. His eyes met hers and within seconds, Aunt Bessie’s carriage, decorated with white carnations and yellow tulips, pulled around the corner.
Alfred lifted Ada into the coach and climbed in after her. He looked dashing in his light grey breeches and dark coat. A lock of golden hair fell onto his forehead just the way Ada liked it best.
“To 91 Harley Street,” Ada called to the coachman. She turned her head slowly to Alfred who had jerked back in surprise. “I bought the building.”
“What?”
“Aunt Bessie gave me some advice on investing my inheritance. What better way to use the money than to secure our future?” She spoke with as much nonchalance as she could muster but she was giddy with excitement and ready to burst into tears.
“The whole building?”
“Why yes, it’s going to be a hospital. The practice for ambulatory patients will be on the ground floor. Supply and laundry in the basement. On the first floor, Seth can have his office next to the patient rooms and the nurse. You’ll have to help me with the layout, but I reserved the apartment on the top floor for us and the baby.”
Alfred’s mouth dropped open. “Baby?”
Ada took his hand and placed it on her stomach. “Well, you tell me, Dr. Stein. I haven’t had my courses since we met. It’s been two months.”
“Oh Ada,” Alfred claimed her mouth with a searing kiss. When he’d kissed her breathless, he told her, “I’m so happy you stalemated me at rouge at noir that night. I love you so much!”
“So, I didn’t break your winning streak?” She pressed her forehead to his.
“No, my beautiful wife. You started it. I am the luckiest man alive.”