“Stand still, daughter. I would like this not to look like you tied it yourself, as did the gown this morning,” her mother said with a smile in her voice. “Your father would want you to wear something that does not say mourning on your wedding day. Your uncle will get the bill in a few days.” She laughed.
“Mama, he may be angry.” Charlotte worried.
“I am ashamed to say that he is my brother. I am not sure what happened to him these past years. I do not recall him being so . . . so mercenary in his dealings with his family. I do not care if it bothers him to pay for a beautiful wedding dress for my daughter.” She tightened the strings. “There! I think that looks respectable. I did not have time to get a pelisse made, however I got this beautiful muff created, and it matches the brown fur trim on the pelisse you have.”
“It is almost time to go. How do I look?” Charlotte spun around slowly.
“The jewelry is lovely, darling,” her mother said, kissing her head. “I have hope for you both that this will be a good union. It is Christmastide and miracles are possible with the season.”
“I have heard that, Mama,” she said, nibbling her bottom lip. “I barely know him, yet I feel comfortable when he is with me.” Charlotte heard the hopefulness in her own voice. “He seems kind.”
“His father and mother were a love match, if I recall,” she mused.
“I confess, I am nervous, Mama.” Charlotte had been too nervous to eat and could feel her stomach snarling in its most fervent voice.
A knock sounded on the door. “The carriage is here, my ladies,” urged Mrs. Plume.
“We will be right there,” Mama called out, placing the combs and her silver hand mirror back into the bag. “I think I will leave these items here and send someone for them later.”
“I will ask Evan to have them brought to our townhouse.” Charlotte felt the awkwardness of calling Evan’s townhouse her own.
Lord Banbury rode his horse alongside their carriage to the chapel. Charlotte felt the vehicle stop and looked out the window. “There are two other carriages, Mama.”
“Let me see.” Her mother stretched over her and looked. “I believe that is Lord Clarendon’s carriage. The other one . . .” She bit her lip. “That looks like his sister’s coach. Lord and Lady Rivers.” She closed the window and took a deep breath.
“I have never met them.” Charlotte responded.
The door opened and Lord Banbury stood with his arm outstretched. “Clarendon is waiting in the chapel. He is already worrying over jinxing your union by seeing his bride in her finery before it is time.” He shot a grin at her. “Are we ready?”
“Yes, my lord,” she gave him her hand as he helped her down from the carriage. “In truth, he did not see my dress. Mama had this one made especially for today.” She smiled and opened her pelisse enough for him to see the different color.
“Your mother has outdone herself. That is going to bring a smile to his lips.” Banbury grinned.
I hope so. I do not think I could be more nervous. “Thank you,” she answered politely.
Jason hopped out the coach. “Allow me, Mama,” he said with an outstretched hand.
“Thank you, son,” her mother answered, with pride in her voice and a grin stretching across her face. The two walked ahead of Charlotte and Lord Banbury.
Jason opened the door for them. Soft candlelight bathed the chapel, helped by the many intricately carved sconces that lined the walls. A candelabra with a trio of thick white candles stood in the front of the altar, which had a red velvet kneeling cushion. The cleric stood at the front, smiling and waiting for her. Lord Clarendon turned around. Seeing her, he smiled.
As Charlotte approached the front, a woman she recognized as his sister stepped into the aisle and handed her a small nosegay of greenery, white camelias and baby’s breath. “Evan sent word of his nuptials and an invitation to witness. I did not think you would think of flowers but wanted to welcome you into the family,” Lady Rivers smiled and squeezed her hand gently before sliding back into her seat.
“Thank you, my lady,” Charlotte said, touched by her kindness.
The ceremony itself felt almost ethereal. It meant a lot that both of their families had joined them to witness their vows. As soon as the bishop pronounced them man and wife, Evan turned her face to his and kissed her lips chastely. Softly kissing her ear, he whispered, “You look very beautiful. I will delight in learning what makes you smile, my lovely countess,” before turning her to face their families. “Our carriage awaits.”
Mama had taken her aside to prepare her for their first night. “When he comes to you, relax and allow your body to react as it feels. Do not be ashamed of lovemaking. It is a perfectly natural act, Charlotte. Give yourself to your husband and stay true to your marriage. Be considerate and trust. Love will follow.”
Wanting to know more, she had asked, “Do you truly believe I will know when and if I ever fall in love, Mama?”
Mama had squeezed her hands and kissed her on the forehead. “It is my fondest prayer for you. Trust in your heart, my daughter. You will know when it happens.”
Now the time was here. As they walked past her mother and brother, Jason jumped up from the pew and hugged
