Chapter 21
Beckwith had the door open for them as they walked up the stairs. “Welcome back.”
“Thank you, Beckwith,” Mia said before turning to her sister. “Audrey, would you mind terribly if I rested for a while?” She knew her sister was tired but wouldn’t want to rest and would likely try to decorate some more, and hoped if she feigned tiredness, then Audrey would rest too.
“Excellent idea, Mia,” Fletcher said. He took Audrey’s hand. “Come, my darling. I think we all could use a bit of a rest after that stroll.”
She chuckled and let him help her upstairs.
Mia followed on their heels, even though she was far too excited to rest. She knew if she didn’t do as she’d said, her sister would object to having been lied for her own well-being.
She didn’t want Audrey to push herself. Tomorrow was Mia’s wedding day, and she wanted everyone to feel well.
“I’ll see you at tea,” she said when Fletcher and Audrey reached their bedchamber.
Audrey nodded, and they went into their room.
Mia had been sitting on the bench under her window, watching the birds in the garden come and go for nearly an hour when she heard voices downstairs.
Who could have come to call?
She rushed out of her bedchamber and down the hallway. At the top of the stairs, she stopped and stared, hardly believing her eyes. “Grace!” she squealed and ran down the stairs.
Her sister looked up after giving her pelisse and bonnet to Beckwith. She opened her arms, and Mia flew into them.
“I can’t believe you’re here. I thought you couldn’t attend. Audrey told me you and Peter couldn’t leave the parish.”
Grace chuckled and stepped back. “A minor fib, Mia dear. We wanted to surprise you.”
Peter stepped forward and gave Mia a hug. “You’re more beautiful than ever, sister.”
“Thank you ever so much for coming. It wouldn’t have been the same without both of you here.”
“Miss Parker, shall I ask Mrs. Culbert to prepare a tea tray?” Beckwith asked.
“Yes. I’m sure our guests could use a nice cup of tea,” she said, grabbing her sister’s hand and dragging her into the drawing room.
Peter followed them.
“So, tell me everything. Have you been enjoying London?” Grace asked. “I was delighted when I received your letter about your engagement. Delighted, but surprised.”
“I know. There’s so much to tell, but yes, for the most part, I do enjoy London quite a bit.”
“Does that mean you’ll not be moving to the country?” Peter asked.
“I don’t know. I’ve not been to the Devon family estate or any of the other properties they own, but if you must know, I prefer the bustle of the city. Sorry if that upsets you.”
“Mia, there’s no need to live your life to please anyone besides yourself and your betrothed.
If both of you prefer the city, then that is where you’ll live, although perhaps you might enjoy the country air in the heat of the summer,” Grace said.
“If Lord Devon owns a property near the sea, that could be quite lovely in the summer months.”
“That’s a good point. I shall ask Easton about that. Did Audrey tell you that he’s purchased a lovely house in Belgravia for us?”
Grace nodded. “She did. I’m very pleased for you.”
“Will you be staying in London long? Perhaps I can give you a tour,” Mia said.
Peter shook his head. “\I’m afraid we must return to Reading the day after the wedding. We’re needed to help organize the spring festival.” He looked lovingly at Grace. “My wife has become indispensable to my parishioners.”
Mia nodded with downcast eyes. “Of course. I understand.”
“Don’t be sad, Mia. We’re here now. I want to hear all about your Season,” Grace said.
Mia spent the next hour telling her sister and brother-in-law about all the different activities she’d been invited to. Halfway through the retelling, Audrey and Fletcher joined them in the drawing room.
“I should be cross with you, dear sister, for keeping such a secret from me,” Mia said with mock outrage. “But how could I be? You managed to convince our dear sister to come to London even though she detests it.”
Grace chuckled. “Well, I wouldn’t exactly say I detest London, but I’m much happier in the country.” She turned to Audrey. “How are you feeling, sister? Better now?”
Audrey nodded. “Yes. I do believe the worst of it has passed.”
“Is it the same for all women?” Grace asked.
“That I do not know. Is there a reason you’re asking?”
Grace couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she grabbed Peter’s hand. “I’m with child.”
Audrey and Mia rushed to hug her. “Such happy news.”
Fletcher shook Peter’s hand. “My congratulations.”
“Thank you, Fletcher. We’re both quite pleased.”
Mia had never been happier. She was marrying the man of her dreams, and both her beloved sisters would be there to witness her happy event. She couldn’t ask for anything more. Everything was perfect.
The next day dawned bright and sunny. Mia opened her eyes and stretched.
Today was her wedding day.
She never would have thought she’d be happy saying that, but her feelings had changed so much. Lord Easton was everything she could ever wish for in a husband, and she was over the moon with happiness.
She heard a brief knock on her door before Beatrice came in bearing a tray of chocolate and toast. “Good morning, Miss Mia.”
“Oh, Beatrice, it is a good morning, isn’t it?”
“It is indeed,” Beatrice said, placing the tray over her legs. “Enjoy your chocolate while I arrange for your bath.”
Mia nodded and took a bite of the toast. She was almost too excited to eat, but she didn’t want to faint at the altar.
That would not be good. She glanced over at the dress hanging on the door of the armoire.
It was the most perfect shade of ice blue, complementing her eyes to their greatest advantage.
Fletcher had been more than generous, allowing her to choose what she wanted for her trousseau, but she didn’t abuse his generosity. With Lady Devon’s help, she chose pieces that would satisfy even the most stringent fashion critic, while trying not to be greedy with her brother-in-law’s purse.
After a leisurely bath, Mia sat at her vanity while Beatrice worked her magic on her hair. “Beatrice, you’re such a marvel. “
“Thank you, Beatrice.”
“Would you consider coming with me when I marry?”
“Oh, Miss Mia, I would love to. Thank you.”
“That makes me so happy.”
After Beatrice arranged her hair, Mia sat on the window seat and watched the birds as they fluttered about the garden. She would miss Fletcher House, but she was excited to be in her own home later today.
Her own home.
It had such a nice ring to it, and she was lost in thought when the door opened again, and Audrey and Beatrice walked in.
“Good morning, dearest,” Audrey said, kissing her cheek. “You look stunning, even in your dressing gown.”
Mia chuckled. “Thank you, Audrey. Have I told you how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me? You’ve been more like a mother than a sister to me, and I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you for being my sister.”
Audrey pulled her into an embrace, and the two sisters held each other for long minutes. “Now dearest, no more of this, or I’ll be a watering pot before the ceremony even begins.”
Mia stepped back and swiped the tears from her eyes. “I love you, Audrey.”
“I love you too, dearest. Now, I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh, Audrey, you’ve done so much already. I don’t need anything else.”
Audrey held out their mother’s pearls. “I think you’ll like this one. Both Grace and I wore these on our wedding day. It’s a Parker sisters tradition.”
“They’re so beautiful. Thank you.”
Audrey fastened the necklace around her neck. “There, they look perfect.”
Beatrice went to the armoire and slipped the dress from its hanger. “This dress is stunning, Miss Mia.”
“I know. I do love it.”
Beatrice slipped the dress over her head and began to lace up the back.
“Well, I’ll let you finish dressing and meet you in the drawing room,” Audrey said.
When she’d left, Mia stood still while Beatrice finished with her dress. “Beatrice, I’m so pleased you’ll be coming with me. I was dreading trying to hire anyone to take your place.”
Beatrice nodded. “I am looking forward to it. Now, you mustn’t worry—I’ll have your things packed and ready to go to your new home in no time. Everything will be ready when you arrive in Belgravia.”
“I hope you’ll love it. It’s a lovely townhouse.”
“I’m sure I will.” Beatrice carefully placed the bonnet on her head. They’d added a lovely veil to the back of the bonnet that could easily be removed after the ceremony. “There, you’re all set. What do you think?”
Mia glanced at herself in the mirror. “You’re a marvel, Beatrice,” she said, tying the ribbons.
“It’s my pleasure, my lady,” Beatrice said, handing Mia her gloves after the ribbons were tied. “I’ll see you later.”
Mia slipped on her gloves before heading down to the drawing room, where Audrey, Fletcher, Grace, and Peter were all waiting for her.
Grace was the first to speak. “Mia, you’re a vision. Lord Easton is a very lucky man.”
“I think I’m the lucky one,” Mia said.
Fletcher came forward and kissed her cheek. “Mia, my dear sweet Mia, what a lovely young lady you’ve grown up to be. I’m so proud to call you my sister,” he said, hugging her.
“Oh, Fletcher. I should be thanking you. You saved our family, and we’re so grateful.”
He looked over his shoulder at Audrey and smiled. “I think we all saved each other. Now, are you ready to be married?”
“Absolutely.”
When they walked out to the foyer, the staff were lined up to say their goodbyes. Mia was overcome with emotion as each of them wished her happy.
“Thank you all for being part of Fletcher House. I will miss you,” Mia said. She turned to Beckwith with tears in her eyes. “Beckwith, I’ll miss you the most. You’ve been such a constant in our lives for so long, I cannot begin to imagine my life without you.”
“Thank you, Miss Parker. It has been my pleasure. I wish you every future happiness,” he said before opening the door.