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Chapter Twenty-Three
“When can I take theblindfold off?” Penny asked.
“When I tell you... And no peeking before then.” David replied.
“We’ve been driving forever!”
“It only seems that way because you can’t see. Relax, not long to go now.”
The car slowed, she heard the crunch of gravel from beneath the tyres. Then the vehicle drew to a halt. She felt David’s hands at her neck as he untied the blindfold and gently removed it.
Her eyes took a moment to adjust to the light. She blinked. Sprawled before her was a palace built of aged, rose-coloured bricks; it seemed vaguely familiar, and then recognition dawned. “Oh, my God, it’s Hampton Court!TheHampton Court, the one that Henry the Eighth built?” she cried in disbelief.
David grinned. “You said you trusted me to arrange our wedding, and I sure wasn’t gonna let you down. After all the times you dressed up and played princess, I thought it was about time you were one for real.”
With an ear-splitting squeal Penny flung her arms about his neck. “We’re getting marriedhere?” She couldn’t believe it.
“Yes. Hey, mind your veil, you don’t want to tear it.” He straightened her head wear. “Before we disembark, I have something for you.” David reached under the seat and pulled out a tissue-wrapped package, which he placed on her knee.
“Oh, David, you have given me so much already.” she protested.
“Hush. Today is a special day for me too. Go on, open it.”
Pulling the bow apart, she pushed the tissue aside and gasped. “The crystal tiara I wanted at the Tower of London!”
He lifted it from her hands and carefully set it upon her head. “There, you are the most beautiful, perfect princess I have ever seen!” he declared and kissed her lightly on the lips. She pressed closer, but he clasped her shoulders and gently set her back into her seat. “You’ll spoil your makeup; the time for kisses is after we’re married. Come along, princess, this is your big day. Your guests are waiting.”
The chauffeur opened the car door. She was in a daze, unable to believe David had arranged their wedding to be held at Hampton Court. She didn’t even know the public could get married here.
The Master of Ceremonies approached them, dressed in full ceremonial regalia, and bowed. “Welcome, please follow me.”
He led them through ancient double doors into a beautifully arched chapel, graced by beautiful stained glass windows.
Inside Penny saw a small number of people stood gathered apart from the already seated guests.
Penny saw Allie and Lucy in the group and moved to greet her sister and niece. Both were dressed in cream bridesmaid outfits. Lucy looked so sweet, like Little Bo-Peep, but instead of a crook she carried a basket full of peach-coloured rose petals. Lucy exclaimed over her aunt’s white princess bridal gown. Allie hugged her.
Penny kissed her sister’s cheek. “Did you know about all of this?” she asked, looking about her with awe.
“Not until yesterday. David didn’t want to risk anyone spoiling the surprise.” Jack came up and congratulated David. The Master of Ceremonies whisked David and his best man, Mark, down the aisle to where the minister waited.
Organ music began. “Shall we?” Jack offered her his arm and she took it. Lucy stepped in front of them both and Allie took up position behind her husband and sister. Slowly they proceeded down the aisle toward David. Reaching his side, she met his sparkling blue gaze. Could this be real? Happiness bloomed deep in her chest and flowed through her body in a wave of euphoria.
Their vows made, David drew up her veil and kissed her. Penny clung to him, unable to believe that she had her daddy back in her life. This day felt like a fairy tale come true.
The Master of Ceremonies led them from the champagne reception ahead of their guests, guiding the two of them into the Great Hall. Opening the double doors, he allowed them a moment to pause, obviously used to couples halting in awe at the sight of the fabulous medieval hall, built by Henry the Eighth, once used as a part of his state apartments.
Penny gasped. Coloured light from the beautiful stained glass windows surrounding the walls spilled refracted light across the white linen tablecloths of the circular guest tables and glinted off the crystal glasses, creating flashing prisms of colour.
David pointed up at the incredible ceiling. She lifted her eyes and gasped. This truly was a room fit for a king, but just for today it was all hers.
They stood together and greeted each of their two hundred guests personally.
“Who are these people? I don’t know most of them,” she leaned in to whisper in David’s ear when there was a lull between people arriving from the champagne reception.
“Most of them are my University friends and work colleagues but there are some distant cousins and of course you’ve met my parents.”
She had. It was difficult to pretend not to know her former in-laws on introduction. Luckily David’s mother was just as friendly toward Penny as she’d been in her former life.
