Vivian glanced into the mirror. Her curls shone like they had never done before. “What did you use in my hair?”
“A bit of oil her ladyship gave me. Do you like it?”
“It makes a great deal of difference.”
The clock struck eight and Vivian almost came off the bench. “I’m late.”
“Has no one told you the bride is never late?” Clara stood in the doorway. “Unless she doesn’t appear at all.” She stepped off to the side. “Stanstead’s family is here, and he is champing at the bit.”
Vivian expected to feel her heart pounding with nerves, but nothing but calm came over her. No matter her fears, neither Rupert, or Clara, or any of the others would allow anything to stop the wedding. “I’m ready.”
Rupert couldn’t tear his gaze from Vivian as she glided into the drawing room, a vision in a gauzy white gown with silver netting, which set off her perfect complexion. Her cheeks were a delicate pink.
Robert punched him in the shoulder. “You’re a lucky man.”
“I am.” As Vivian came up next to Rupert, he held out his hand, waiting until she placed her fingers in his palm, where he would keep them for the rest of their lives. “Two hours has never before seemed like an eternity.”
Vivian graced him with a brilliant smile.
Mr. Octavius Trevor opened his prayer book. “Shall we begin?”
“Yes.” Rupert was more than ready to have the deed done.
“Who will give her ladyship away?”
“I will.” Nick strode to the makeshift altar. “As the head of Lady Beresford’s soon-to-be former family, I’d like to do it.” He glanced at Vivian. “If it’s all right with you?”
“I’d be honored.”
Rupert held Vivian’s gaze and she held his as they promised to love, honor, and cherish one another. A stifled sob came from one of their guests as the rector pronounced them man and wife.
Once they signed the register, Lady Telford announced an early breakfast. “It will still be a few hours until the wedding breakfast, and I imagine everyone is hungry. Lord and Lady Stanstead may lead the way.”
Vivian turned to face their families, and stopped. “Mama, when did you arrive?” She looked around in panic. “Is Father—”
“No.” Her mother rushed forward and hugged her. “No. I came straight here.” Lady Brackford held Vivian by the shoulders, tears streaming down the older woman’s cheeks. “How beautiful you look, and happy. I can’t remember when I’ve seen you so radiant.”
“I’m glad you’re here.” Rupert let go of Vivian’s arm long enough for her to embrace her mother. “I really do not wish to see Father though.”
“I can’t blame you. A more addlebrained idea he never had. You’d think he’d been reared in a cow byre.”
“May we,” Nick cut in, “insult him in the dining room? I’m famished.”
“Indeed we may,” Lady Telford pronounced. “Cook has outdone herself.”
The sideboard was laden with dishes, everything from ham and beef to kedgeree. Pots of jam and butter that had been molded into flowers and fruits were on the table, as well as cakes and biscuits normally served for tea. Footmen scurried back and forth with pots of coffee and tea.
“We won’t have to worry about eating at the wedding breakfast.” Rupert leaned back in his chair at the foot of the table, replete.
Vivian turned her hand that was under his and gently squeezed his fingers. “Considering how many guests we shall have, that might be for the best.”
Rupert had been concerned about the condition of his house, but his servants had scrubbed and polished the ballroom and other reception areas so that they sparkled. There had been no time to change the hangings, but all else would be ready. Vivian would have nothing to be ashamed of in her new home.
A loud rapping came from the front of the house, and a few minutes later Barnes entered the dining room and bowed. “My lady, Lords Brackford and Tewkesbury wish to speak with Lady Stanstead alone.”
“Not a chance.” Rupert rose. “I shall go to the hall.”
“Stanstead, I have too many breakables there.” Lady Telford calmly poured another cup of tea. “If you are afraid they may make off with Vivian, the gentlemen may join us here. Barnes, escort their lordships to me with two extra footmen in the event they require assistance making their departure.”
