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It seemed like something out of a storybook to think the two of them had fallen in love, when their engagement had begun as one of convenience. She laughed aloud with sheer delight as she thought yet again of just how lucky she was.
“Miss,” Sally said, wiping a tear from her cheek as she, too, giggled. “Please keep still. I almost stabbed you in the head with that hairpin.”
Rowena laughed again, reaching out to gently squeeze her friend’s arm, careful not to knock the diamond encrusted pins out of her hand.
“I wouldn’t have noticed,” she said. “But I am sorry. I will try to be still.”
Sally nodded, her lip trembling. It was an emotional day for everyone, and even Sally seemed to be overwhelmed. She finished styling Rowena’s hair beautifully, just as she had for the ball.
She topped it with the diamond tiara that Nancy had insisted Rowena buy. Lastly, she clasped the sapphire bracelet Nancy had given to Rowena around her mistress’s wrist. Even though it was a stark contrast to the rest of her wedding outfit, it matched her eyes and seemed to compliment it perfectly.
At last, Sally took Rowena’s hands and stepped back, helping her mistress to stand. Then, she started to lead Rowena to the full-length mirror across the room. Before they could reach it, however, the door to Rowena’s bedchambers flew open, and in rushed the other three women in her family.
“Sister,” Sybil and Nancy said almost in unison, hurrying over to Rowena with tears streaming down their cheeks.
Lady Worthingwood joined them, somehow managing to pull all three of her daughters into an embrace all at once.
“Heavens!” she said, sobbing. “Another of my beautiful girls is to be married.”
Rowena patted her sisters, gently, shifting to hug her mother singularly for a moment.
“And I couldn’t be happier, Mother,” she said, pulling back so her mother could see the joy in her eyes.
The viscountess sobbed again as she smiled and nodded.
“You have found love, after all,” she said. “Oh, darling, I am so happy and proud.”
Rowena grinned, kissing her mother’s cheeks. But an instant later, Sybil was gripping Rowena in a hug so tight that she could hardly breathe.
“You are easily one of the most beautiful brides London has ever seen!” she declared. “Oh, I will miss you so much.”
Rowena laughed, wriggling free from her sister’s tight grasp.
“You shall see me often,” she said. “Besides, I wager you will be married yourself within one year of your coming out.”
Sybil sniffled as she laughed.
“I will miss you even after I marry,” she said.
Sally cleared her throat gently, getting the woman's attention.
“It is time to depart for the church,” she said softly, curtseying.
Rowena nodded, moving back from her mother and sisters to link arms with Sally.
“Let us be off,” she said.
As the women filed down the stairs and to the waiting carriage, Sally leaned in close to Rowena.
“I’ll miss you too, miss,” she said. “Oh, after today, you won’t even be Miss Whitworth any longer. You will be Lady Elsbrook.”
Rowena laughed, patting her friend’s hand.
“And where are you planning on going?” she asked. “I have no intention of letting you go after I have married. In fact, I intend to have you promoted to a higher position.”
Sally’s eyes lit up and she smiled.
“I am to go with you?” she asked.
