AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No, it won’t.” Then Lena forced a smile. “I am very happy for her. For them.”
“I think Grandfather feels the same as we do.” Norah watched as a range of emotions passed over the duke’s face. A mix of pride, sorrow, and joy. She knew exactly how he felt.
“That surprises me, given how he treated us on our arrival.”
“True,” Norah agreed. “This must be a painful occasion since he never got to see Mother marry. Her and Father’s elopement must’ve been quite a blow to him.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Lena’s smile became more genuine. “Why don’t we offer our support?”
They joined him, each taking one of his arms. Their gestures of affection always seemed to startle him but in a positive way. This time was no different.
The Countess of Marbury gave the happy couple a warm embrace, as did Lady Havenby. Viscount Worley was there, as well, and kept the mood light with his humor. Still, Norah missed Simon and wished he had come. She would welcome the comfort of his presence.
Soon they returned home, where the wedding breakfast was being held. The guests who’d been at the church joined them for the meal. As was tradition, the bride was never congratulated. Only the groom was, implying that the honor was conferred on her for marrying him. Norah didn’t appreciate the custom but knew how much Marbury loved her sister.
“Will you be leaving us soon for another of your adventures?” Norah asked Worley as they mingled with the guests while waiting for breakfast to be served.
“Not for several months, unfortunately. I am anxious to go, though.”
“You always are. But from what Marbury has shared, you enjoy the homecomings just as much as the adventures,” Norah teased.
“I won’t deny it.” Worley chuckled. “Why don’t you and Lena join me on this next trip?”
“Where are you going?” Lena asked, much to Norah’s surprise. Her sister had never expressed a desire to travel.
“To Mexico to visit an Incan site. It promises to be spectacular.”
Norah gave a mock shudder. “I don’t think I will accompany you. Greece, perhaps. But a jungle? No, thank you.”
“I think it would be amazing,” Lena said, her expression one of wonder. “Though I would prefer to begin my travels on the Continent.”
“Would you really like to go to Paris and the like?” Norah asked.
“I would. Perhaps leaving here for a time would make it feel more like home when I returned.”
Norah’s heart ached at the thought. She couldn’t bear for both Lena and Ella to be gone.
“Not anytime soon though.” Lena smiled, seeming to sense Norah’s thoughts. “Have no worry that I’ll leave you. Perhaps in a year or two.”
Norah made no effort to hide her sigh of relief, causing Lena and Worley to laugh.
“If I had sisters like you, I wouldn’t be able to leave so easily,” Worley admitted. “It would be too painful to say goodbye. What of you, Norah? Do you want to travel?”
She considered the question. “Yes, but I want to travel with someone who would make the journey more enjoyable.” She nearly caught her breath as Simon came to mind. Traveling with him would be a true pleasure. His knowledge of artifacts and historical sites would make exploring new places fascinating. She enjoyed his company, no matter what they did together.
The guests took their seats, then Davies and several footmen entered with silver trays of food to begin the meal, distracting her from her thoughts. Bacon, sausages, and thick slices of ham, as well as coddled eggs and toast were served. Coffee and tea were offered as well.
Once the meal was over and the dishes cleared, cake was served, along with flutes of champagne. Norah knew the cook had also prepared enough cake for the servants to enjoy.
Their grandfather stood, his glass raised, and silence descended. “Best wishes to the bride and groom. May they know that their future happiness is near and dear to the hearts of us all.”
Everyone cheered, then took a sip. Norah couldn’t help the lump in her throat. Though they’d known this day was coming, having it nearly over was another thing entirely. The thought of waking in the morning without Ella in the house was unfathomable.
She blinked back tears and focused on Ella’s glowing face and the tender looks Marbury gave her. Ella was happy, and that was all that mattered. She’d been through so much and had been there for Norah and Lena to lean on for so many years. It was her turn to enjoy life rather than worry about her sisters.
Soon the time came for Ella to change and depart with Marbury. The couple would spend the night at his home and then leave for Paris in the morning.
Norah and Lena joined Ella in her room to assist her, though Dorothy, her maid, had everything well in hand. Norah walked over to the wardrobe and peeked inside, her chest aching at its emptiness. The sight made the moment all too real. Ella was leaving, and nothing would be the same.
