Chapter 31
Chapter Thirty-One
The estate was abuzz with excitement on the day of the wedding. Charlotte had risen bright and early. She, Agatha, Lydia, and Clara had all been together with Mary, helping her to get ready and getting ready themselves.
“It’s been too long since I’ve been to a wedding.
Have I ever told you about Lord Tillbury’s wedding?
” Agatha began and continued before anyone had the chance to respond to her question.
“He was a romantic soul and had arranged for all these doves to be released at the ceremony. Unfortunately for him, the doves were ever so hungry, and the food was uncovered. The doves went straight for it. That’s the danger with having an outside wedding, you see. ”
Mary smiled.
“Alfred is romantic, but in more of an understated way. There won’t be any doves today,” she said.
“Just Hector and Brutus,” Charlotte added.
“Are they not being kept in the house?” Lydia asked.
Mary frowned and shook her head.
“That would be cruel. They are as much a part of the family as anyone else.”
“How do you think Alfred is feeling?” Lydia asked.
“Much the same as me, I imagine—eager to get on with things,” Mary chuckled.
Clara was dancing around the room, humming. Agatha was keeping an eye on her, although Charlotte made sure to toss a glance in Clara’s direction now and then to make sure that she wasn’t in danger of hurting herself.
“It’s a beautiful day for it. God is smiling upon you,” Lydia said, glancing out of the window.
“Yes, and I have all my close family with me. I am so grateful to have you all here. I have had some trying times, and you all helped me through them. Since I married to clear my father’s debts, I thought I would never have a chance for romance.
Of course, I was fond of him, but it was more of a practical marriage.
He did not have room in his life to foster a love with me.
You nursed me through the sorrow and helped me reach a place where I could open my heart once more. ”
“Your mother would be so proud to see you now. It’s a shame that it all became too much for her.
I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, as you know, but it wasn’t right of your father to leave you with such a heavy burden.
At least, Alfred isn’t as fond of cards.
It brings me so much joy to see you content and cherished. ”
“We’re all glad that we can be here to share this happy moment,” Charlotte said.
She and Lydia helped Mary with her hair and then fit the veil on her head.
They adjusted the veil, making sure it was even as it flowed down Mary’s face.
Then, they gently folded it back, ready to hide her face when the time came.
Charlotte examined herself. She wore a pale blue dress, matching Lydia and Agatha.
Her hair was in braids, and flowers had been woven into the strands, reflecting the setting of the wedding, which was to be the estate’s gardens.
The dress fit her snugly, accentuating the curves of her body. Her arms were exposed too.
She couldn’t help but wonder what Nathaniel would think when he saw her, even though she tried to stop herself. She had been lying awake for a long time last night, thinking about leaving the estate, wishing for time to speed up so that she might ride away and put it all behind her.
But her thoughts returned to him, damnable him.
“I’m so happy,” Agatha said again, this time dabbing her eyes.
“It reminds me of when John and Madeline were married. Oh, they were so in love, and they were eager to begin the future together. I remember them telling me how they dreamed of having three children, and they got their wish. If only they could have enjoyed it for longer…”
Charlotte glanced at Lydia. Sorrow shadowed their faces at the mention of their parents.
“It would have been lovely to have seen that,” Lydia said quietly.
“It was the happiest day of their lives—well, until they had you children. Oh, how they danced. I was so proud of them both. It was a special day. And I’m sure today is going to be equally special for you, Mary.”
“I certainly hope so, Grandmother.”
There was a soft knock at the door.
“I hope that’s not you, Alfred!” Mary cried out.
“It’s just me,” Beatrice said softly, slipping into the room. Beatrice looked like royalty. She no longer bore any sadness or disappointment caused by Honoria’s exit. She was refined and elegant with every hair perfectly placed on her head.
“Mary, you look so beautiful,” Beatrice gasped in wonder as she approached Mary. “And you all look wonderful.”
“As do you, Bea; it’s just like looking in a mirror!” Agatha said.
In truth, the two women could not have looked more different. Beatrice’s figure was thin, while Agatha’s was plump. Beatrice was taller than Agatha by a head. However, Beatrice did not say anything to highlight the differences between them.
In fact, she welcomed the compliment with a smile, one that was not forced.
“We are both proud of our families and beaming on such a happy occasion,” Beatrice replied. Charlotte shared a quick look with Lydia. Beatrice’s unease around Agatha had been no secret, but it seemed a thing of the past now.
Beatrice moved to Mary and cupped her hands together, exhaling deeply.
“You are a vision, my dear. Alfred is such a fortunate man.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Mary said, bowing her head.
“Please, today you are becoming part of the family. You must not be so formal. I insist that you call me mother.”
Mary’s face lit up at this. Charlotte smiled at her as she was finally being accepted wholeheartedly into the family without any doubt or misgivings.
“How are you feeling?” Beatrice asked.
“I am well. I am excited. Have you seen Alfred yet?”
“I am going to visit with him shortly. I thought I would come to see you first. Oh, to see you like this… it brings back memories of my own wedding. I was so happy then… and it brings me such joy to know that at least someone here respects the tradition of marriage.”
The smile was still present on her face as she said this, but her voice became strained and her eyes narrowed a little.
“The less said about that, the better,” Agatha replied.
“Indeed, the past is behind us, and today is all that matters. It shall be glorious.” She squeezed Mary’s shoulders and kissed her on the cheek before leaving.
Mary rose. Lydia handed out the small bouquets that each would carry. Clara held hers tightly, focused on not dropping them.
“You are going to have to help me, Charlotte. I can barely see through this veil. I hope I don’t trip,” Mary said.
Charlotte took her arm while Lydia walked beside Agatha.
“You must be pleased with that visit. It would seem you no longer have to worry about Her Grace’s estimation of you,” Charlotte observed in a low voice that only Mary could hear.
“Indeed, after last night, my willingness to be married must be a great positive for her.”
They emerged from the house and were bathed in warm golden light. The sweet scent of flowers greeted them. The guests were already gathered. An arch had been erected. Hector was lazing in the sun. Brutus was beside him, rising to greet the bridal party with a lolling tongue and a happy pant.
Edmund greeted them with a warm smile and many compliments. He took Mary’s arm and prepared to lead her down the aisle with Charlotte and the others following just behind.
As Charlotte approached the arch, her gaze drifted past everyone in the crowd and settled on Nathaniel. She gave a sharp intake of breath as she saw him dressed in his finest clothes.
The man looked like a god.
She walked up to the altar, and for a moment, it almost felt like she was the bride, and Nathaniel was waiting for her.