Aurelia’s whine was drowned out by clapping and whooping.
“It’s only just eight, so there’s plenty of time for all of us to get home, shower off any remaining pond scum, put on our finest, and meet at a spot I’ve already reserved for a night of dancing to a carefully curated playlist of tunes you haven’t heard—likely by choice—since university days.”
“Well done, David!” Antonia called out, waving her cup of wine in salute.
Others cheered and stood, as though ready to head off right then to get ready. Aurelia, meanwhile, had thrown herself down on the blanket in mock protest, only to laugh and sit back up again as David nudged her side with his foot.
“I know you have it in you. And now that I have you fed and thoroughly watered, just try thinking of an excuse.”
She stood and took her time pretending to dust herself off, as though she were debating her answer.
“I suppose I could be persuaded, especially if you’re playing DJ.” Reaching out a hand to help Oliver stand, she added, “What do you say?”
“I say… I guess I’ve got to get up to get down,” he said to groans and knocks about his shoulders as he stood.
Aurelia snorted out a laugh and put her arms around him.
“Alright, David. Well done on all fronts, though you may regret putting dancing on the agenda once you see me on the dancefloor,” Oliver said gamely.
“I’ve heard you’re terrible but enthusiastic, which is good enough for me.”
Oliver looked at Aurelia accusingly and she pulled a face of innocence, as though she hadn’t been the one who’d made that report to David. Oliver just laughed as they all set about packing up and listening in as David explained where and when they were to meet for the next phase of the evening.
“Terrible but enthusiastic?” Oliver asked Aurelia once they were walking back to the Tube station.
“Yes, but it’s the enthusiasm that really matters,” she said decisively. “And on the plus side, from what I can tell, dancing is the only thing you’re terrible at. For example: editing—excellent and enthusiastic. Cooking—excellent and enthusiastic.”
“What about kissing?” he asked, pulling her aside as he checked to confirm none of their friends were in viewing distance now that they’d scattered on their separate ways home.
“Hmm… Extraordinary and enthusiastic,” Aurelia answered before confirming her assessment.
60
Thedayoftheirwedding had finally arrived. They’d had a late night at Johanna and Geoff’s the night before, where their families had met for a loud and wonderful dinner. Geoff had gone overboard, making far too much food, but the abundance had only added to the sense of occasion.
With two late nights in a row—first dancing with their friends, then the family dinner—Aurelia was happy for a lie-in. Deciding not to buck tradition, Oliver had spent the night at Jack’s, so that Aurelia woke up to Fezz and Biscuit nestled on the bed next to her, taking advantage of his temporary absence. Aurelia had a leisurely breakfast, took Biscuit for a long walk, then was home in time to let Antonia and Julia into the shop.
Julia helped Aurelia with her makeup (with promises not to follow any strange makeup tips she’d picked up from her teenaged friends), while Antonia managed her hair—nothing too fancy, just something to feel a little different and special in honor of the day. They were there as Aurelia stepped into her dress and helped her with the buttons at the side as her fingers were shaking slightly in her excitement. Antonia put Johanna’s clip into her hair, just above one ear, and admired it as it caught the light in the mirror. Marigold’s bangle danced around Aurelia’s wrist as she got ready, and she felt her mother’s pearl drop earrings give a slight swing every time she moved her head. Each bit of the women in her life made her smile, though she’d freely let the tears flow over her tea that morning. She’d accepted that the day would be one of highs and lows as she worked through her excitement at tying the knot with Oliver and her sadness at not having her mum or Marigold there to share it with her.
Once she was nearly ready, Aurelia shooed off Antonia and Julia to help gather everyone in the square below, secretly wanting a few minutes on her own. Walking to the full-length mirror in her bedroom, Aurelia ran her eyes over her reflection: there she was, standing in a wedding dress on her wedding day. With the upheaval and uncertainty of the past few weeks, and the grief and magic of the past few years, she’d found the man who she wanted by her side for whatever lay ahead in her life. She almost wanted to pinch herself to confirm the day was finally here, then laughed out loud at the idea that she was having trouble processing something so normal when she’d gotten used to watching fictional characters materialize from print at night. She took one last look, then went down to find her father.
Aurelia spotted him standing at the front of the shop, looking out the window toward the square and absentmindedly shuffling the change in his pocket. She stepped onto the spiral staircase and cleared her throat dramatically, and he turned at the sound.
“I didn’t want you to miss myMy Fair Ladymoment,” she said. She took each step slowly and lifted her arms out to the sides to show off her dress.
“I’m glad you warned me,” her dad said softly as he watched her descend.
She could hear the tears in his voice before she got close enough to see them in his eyes.
“What do you think?” she asked gently.
“Lovely. Just lovely,” he said as he pulled her in for a hug. “The dressmakers did a marvelous job, didn’t they? It’s just like hers.”
“I did have them make some changes,” Aurelia told him apologetically.
“No, but it’s an ode to her dress, isn’t it? I think you’ve done it one better.”
“I wish Mum were here,” she said in a whisper before stepping back.
