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“I can hardly believe it,” she breathed, reaching for the wispy fabric that fluttered airily under that same wind flowing from the windows. “Will I truly be married in such a wonderful gown?”
To the left of the wedding gown, Patience grinned from ear to ear. “No other gown would suit you than this, My Lady,” she said. “I believe it will truly be the wedding of the Season.”
“I agree, My Lady,” Minnie murmured, a gentle smile fluttering across her face. Her eyes sparkled with the same excitement lighting Patience’s entire features. “You truly deserve no less.”
“Oh, you two are far too kind,” Elizabeth murmured with a wave of her hand, still drinking in her gown.
At first glance, it was easy to see that it descended in multiple layers. At the very top, flowing from the bottom of the bodice was blue gossamer silk that captured every light that shone upon it. Underneath it, a firmer material of decorated muslin, sapphire blue, outlined the shape of the skirt, with lace trimmings along its hem. The same intricate design of the lace wrapped around the bodice and extended into the puffy sleeves that would cap at the top of her upper arm.
Laid out on her vanity table were all the pieces of jewelry Elizabeth would also wear today, among them a lovely opal tiara her mother had worn for her own wedding. Elizabeth had held on to it for this very reason and now that it was here, she could hardly believe how perfectly it would match her gown.
The day was truly here. After months of waiting, the Season drawing to an end while she was unable to leave her home, Elizabeth could only think about the day she would finally be married. Soon after that night, she’d learned of Lord Horenwall’s charges for attempted murder, brought on by Elizabeth’s statement. As luck would have it, William also escaped charges due to self-defense but had to spend many days proving that to a judge. On those days, Elizabeth had prayed for all to end well and when she’d learned that he would come out unscathed, she thanked God for His mercy.
“Come now, My Lady,” Patience said, cutting into Elizabeth’s quiet awe. “If you stand around staring at the gown instead of wearing it then you will miss your own wedding.”
Minnie looked surprised at Patience’s words. She’d only met Patience early during the preparation for the wedding. Elizabeth had asked William to send Minnie to the House, wanting to have the timid maid by her side during this wonderful time. At first, Elizabeth had been a little nervous about the two maids meeting each other, considering their very different personalities, but Patience had taken Minnie under her wing with ease. Clearly, Minnie wasn’t used to Patience’s penchant for saying whatever was on the tip of her tongue.
“You’re right,” Elizabeth giggled. Ever since she’d woken this morning, she’d been grinning from ear to ear. “We should hurry. I do not want to be late.”
Less than an hour after beginning, Elizabeth was ready for the wedding, her tiara placed perfectly on her head.
Her gown’s train, though not very long, was long enough to require the maids to carry it in her wake as Elizabeth made her way to the foyer. There, she spotted her father waiting for her, looking quite dashing in his dark waistcoat and trousers with a stark white shirt and cravat. He was talking to the butler when she appeared at the top of the staircase. He trailed off when he saw her.
“Elizabeth!” he gasped, his jaw falling. “You look…”
Elizabeth grinned, sliding her gloved hand into his. “Beautiful? Lovely? Bewitching?”
“You look exactly like your mother,” he breathed.
Elizabeth’s smile widened, even though her heart twisted a little. It would have been lovely if her mother were here to see her, but the pride and love in her father’s eyes was enough for them both.
“I didn’t think this day would come,” he went on, running his awed gaze down the length of her as he rested a hand on Elizabeth’s cheek.
Elizabeth laughed in surprise. “You did not think I would ever be married, Father? Did you have so little faith in me all along?”
“Of course not, of course not,” Lord Gillet said with a shake of his head. When he caught her smile, his eyes gleamed with humor. “But surely, you can understand my past concern?”
“I do, Father.” Her heart warming, Elizabeth placed a gentle kiss on her father’s cheek. “Thank you for being so patient with me. Now, you can rest easy.”
“Yes, you were the one holding me back all this time.”
Elizabeth laughed again, slapping him lightly on the arm. She took the arm he offered to her and let him lead her out of the House. Footmen stood by to help her into the carriage that would take her to the church, Patience entering behind her with the bouquet Elizabeth would carry down the aisle.
