Chapter 14
Four Months Later, New Orleans
The sound of Mama’s voice above the hum of the crowd pulled Gieselle to her open bedroom window. A soft breeze cooled her face and had the Spanish moss swaying from the live oaks that bordered the garden. Mama was shouting instructions to the wedding party.
There must be three hundred guests sitting in rows before the arch where Gieselle and Aaron would exchange their vows. Papa and Mama’s social circle stretched far and wide, but Gieselle would have been satisfied with only her family present.
And Aaron, of course, but he’d already been welcomed into her family. Last night he’d told her it was the first time he’d ever felt like he had a family. She watched, unable to see him through the crowd, but Mama popped into view, pulling ten-year-old Mary, who was to be the flower girl, into place. Boyd, her fourteen-year-old brother, slouched in his chair, looking bored.
Her married sisters and sisters-in-law made a colorful bouquet in their flowing blue gowns. They were Gieselle’s six matrons of honor.
She couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. Late November in New Orleans, after the threat of hurricanes, brought the best weather of the year in her estimation. Not hot and muggy as in summer. Not damp and cold as in winter.
The winter in North Dakota would really be shocking to her, but she had no doubt Aaron could keep her warm. Her chest squeezed in joyful anticipation and her corset cut into her stomach where a hundred butterflies tried to get out.
Everyone was now in place and Mama had disappeared somewhere at the front. Papa would be coming for her at any moment, and that thought jolted Gieselle back to the mirror to check her veil.
That bride looking back at her couldn’t be the brassy, bold, always unflappable Gieselle Dubois. That’s what love could do. It had softened her. She recalled Mama’s words the day Gieselle was baptized.
Being a Christian isn’t just one moment in time. It’s a process where God begins forming you into the person He wants you to be, and you will show your love for Him by letting Him transform you.
Gieselle had tucked that advice in her heart and, as she grew, understood the wisdom. She had to yield her will to God in order to be happy. Surely, God was smiling down on her this day and saying, “Well done, daughter.”
The knock she’d been expecting startled her when it came. The time had come to join her life’s partner—her soul mate—and they would let God transform their marriage into what it should be.
She fingered a tendril that had escaped its knot, poking it into place, and readjusted the veil. Mama, and grandma before her, had worn the cream-colored satin and lace gown. It had taken on a golden sheen with age that made it more beautiful than when it was new. She was so blessed to be wearing this gown.
Papa’s knock became more urgent and she flew to the door.
For a long moment, he just stared at her, a stunned expression on his face. “It’s me, Papa.”
“I know it’s you, sweetheart, but permit me a second to compose myself. You look just like your mother on our wedding day. I can only wish for you and Aaron the same happiness.”
Still, he stared at her. She dropped her head and sent up thanksgiving for her parents. Lifting her gaze, she murmured. “It’s a big moment, huh?”
“A very big moment, sweetheart. Ah…” Papa’s voice choaked.
Tears began to form in her eyes despite all her efforts to control them. “Don’t you cry now. I’ll start bawling like a calf and how will I look when Aaron lifts my veil?”
“He’ll think you’re beautiful, as you are. Just dry your tears when you sit for your photographs.”
“Mama has a photographer? That’s good. Since Aunt Liddy can’t be here, I’ll send her one.”
“Your mama has engaged three photographers and they are stationed to capture you and Aaron from different views.” He chuckled. “I, too, regret Liddy missing this, but what a blessing that she is in the family way after all these years.”
“Yes, Doctor Gracie said because of Aunt Liddy’s age and it being a first child, she shouldn’t travel much. But Aunt Liddy and Uncle Wally are over the moon happy.”
“We are all happy for them.” Still, Papa waited for his cue to march her down the aisle. “In case you didn’t know, your mama didn’t invite any of the Grimes family.”
“That is somewhat of a relief. Has Sam married yet?” It wasn’t something that concerned her much, but she did wish him happiness and success.
“I’m afraid Sam’s political career was short-lived. His grandfather stepped in and straightened Sam out. He sent Sam to manage his farm near Baton Rouge. Sam is engaged to marry the mayor’s daughter next month, so perhaps he’ll get into politics, after all.” Papa glanced over his shoulder, then checked his watch. “I wonder what’s keeping them?”
Gieselle didn’t mind the delay. Talking to Papa helped settle her nerves. “Don’t worry. They can’t start without me.”
“Don’t be sure of that, daughter. I wouldn’t put it past your mother to take your place as your proxy.”
She laughed and popped him on the arm. “Papa, you love everything about Mama.”
“I do, and I can only hope you and Aaron fit together as well as your mother and I do.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Ah, I think I hear Mrs. Ricks playing the piano. That’s our cue to go.”
As they entered the back parlor where the French doors were wide open to the wedding party, Gieselle’s six attendants fell on her. Hugging and weeping went on until Mrs. Ricks hit the piano keys hard enough to get everyone’s attention. Papa took Gieselle’s arm and they strode up behind little Mary, who didn’t even look back, and the matrons of honor fell in behind.
Gieselle was glad to have the veil hide her face since the tears were now gushing down her cheeks, as she’d feared. She couldn’t see Aaron clearly, but she knew he stood beside Reverend Whitley, whose silver head couldn’t be missed.
The next moments passed in a blur and Gieselle concentrated on her responses to the old English wedding vows. I take this man…I pledge my troth…to love, honor and obey…in sickness and in health…for richer or poorer…till death do us part.
Was it really possible for death to end their love? No, they were going to be loving each other and their God forever.
After the seemingly endless photographs, Gieselle and her new husband went in to supper. Mama stopped them in the parlor. “Before we sit down for supper, I want to give you two my wedding gift, which I didn’t want to put on the display table. You’ll know why when you see it.”
Gieselle exchanged a glance with Aaron and they followed Mama into the library. She saw nothing at first, then Mama went behind a desk and lifted a painting.
With a gasp, Gieselle ran to her mother and gave her a tight hug. “You’re giving us sixth great Grandmother Gieselle? Are you sure?” She knew how much Mama loved the painting.
“Yes, I’m quite sure, and the letters, too—well, I kept out four of my favorites.”
“That’s too generous, Mother,” Aaron said. “They must have great sentimental value.”
“They belong in your house, and I know you will keep and appreciate them as I have.”
Gieselle thought she was cried out, but new tears tracked down her cheeks. “We will. I love you so much, Mama.” After more hugs and tears, they joined the others in the busy dining room where guests tried to talk over each other and servants scurried here and there.
The food was superb, but Gieselle could only nibble a little of each dish. The fullness of the day crowded out any want of food, along with the anticipation of the night when she and Aaron were finally alone. By the time the last toast was given, she was longing to leave.
Finally, the string orchestra tuned up to begin the dance. Aaron led her onto the dance floor and swirled her around in a waltz. Suddenly, the crowded room—the whole world—fell away, and she only caught a glimpse of the kaleidoscope of colors flashing around them as she kept her eyes on her handsome husband. There remained only the two of them as another unspoken pledge passed between them.
An agreement that no matter what happened in their future, nothing would come between them and their love.