“I am… I just needed a minute.” Jane took a deep breath and turned to face her reflection.
She gasped.
Before her stood a beautiful young woman in a resplendent green dress with beautiful embroidery. The dress was made of a delicate muslin, with white gloves and shoes to match. The embroidery Jane had painstakingly added was full of little references to her and Blake’s love story.
She had falcons flying across her arms, arrows hemmed her sleeves, and across her chest was a tree. There were dancers, flowers, and all of the things that made her think of Blake. Her hair was styled in an elegant bun, and she wore a simple gold necklace around her neck. She looked completely stunning, but more than that, she looked like herself.
“You look wonderful,” Lady Cotswalts said, tearing up. “Utterly magnificent.”
Jane nodded, but could not find the words to describe what she was feeling.
“Do you think he will like it?”
“My darling, he will love it.” Lady Cotswalts squeezed her hand.
“Now, I think it is high time we get you to the church.” Cressida looped an arm through Jane’s. “We would not want to keep your fiancé waiting for too long.
“No, we would not.” Jane smiled. “Let’s go.”
* * *
“I think I am going to be sick,” Blake complained, only barely restraining himself from pacing.
He was in a small room off to the side of the church. He twirled his top hat in his hands, absentmindedly tapping his foot on the smooth stone floor beneath him.
I am getting married.
Richard gave him a sympathetic look. “I know. Do not worry, it will all be over before you know it.”
“I feel as though I have swallowed a bucket of live eels,” Blake groaned.
“Have a sip of this.” Richard offered him a flask, but Blake pushed it away.
“I do not think whiskey will help me.”
“It is mint tea, and it is good for the nerves.” Richard pushed the flask back into his hands. “This just happened to be the only container I had.”
“What if she does not come?” Blake felt panic rise in his chest.
“She will be here, I promise you.” Richard said soothingly. “Cressida will make sure of it.”
Blake nodded, twirling his top hat once more as he absentmindedly ran through the order of service.
“Oh no, the rings. Where are the rings?” Blake frantically began to search his pockets. “I knew something like this would happen, I knew it.”
“Rochester, I have the rings.” Richard held up the simple gold bands for Blake to see. “They are safe and sound with me, as they should be.”
“Oh, thank you.” Blake dropped his face in his hands. “I really do think I am going to be sick.”
“You are not going to be sick. And if you are, try and do sobeforewe enter the church properly.” Richard clapped him affectionately on the back.
“What if I throw up on her?” Blake could just picture it in his mind, a church full of people and Jane beside him, covered in vomit.
I do not think she would ever forgive me.
“Well, no one will be able to say your wedding was not eventful.” Richard shrugged and laughed.
Blake swatted his arm. “That is not helping.”
