Courtney looked up from her plate. “Do you wish to marry in London instead?”
“Lady Edgerton, I have a growing fondness for the garden here. Since it’s where Emma accepted my proposal, I would dearly love to make her my wife in this special place,” Richmond said, squeezing Emma’s hand.
Courtney looked at Edgerton, who nodded. “Of course, wherever you’d like to marry is your choice, and we’re happy to accommodate your preference, Your Grace.”
“Thank you, Lady Edgerton,” Richmond said, digging into his breakfast.
Emma glanced at her mother, who wore a knowing smile. Her mother understood the reason behind the request, and Emma was grateful that she made no further comment on the change of venue.
The following two weeks flew by with all the arrangements for the wedding. Emma and Lavinia talked with the vicar about coming to the estate to perform the marriage ceremony. They also visited Mrs. Dillion for fittingsfor her dress.
On the eve of their wedding, Emma and Richmond were out on the terrace staring at the stars. The weather had cooperated and had remained pleasantly warm.
“The next time we gaze at the stars, you’ll be my wife,” Richmond said.
“Oh, William. I never believed I could be so happy,” she said, leaning into him. “I love you with all my heart.”
“And I you, my darling. Shall I walk you to your bedchamber for the last time?”
“That will be lovely,” she said, slipping her hand into his.
He kissed her soundly at her bedchamber door. “Until tomorrow, my love.”
“Good night, Your Grace,” she said, winking.
“Always the minx,” he chuckled before striding down the hallway.
The next morning, Emma opened her eyes to a stunning sunrise. It was her wedding day. She hoped the warmth would last one more day. After Richmond had managed to convince Courtney that they both preferred to have the wedding in the garden where he had proposed, all the other arrangements had fallen into place nicely. She was also pleased to see her mother so happy. With two daughters making good marriages this year, Emma hoped her mother would let Julia enjoy thelast of her childhood before starting her matchmaking machinations when her sister turned eighteen.
She pushed her blankets back, swung her legs over the side of the bed, and went to the window to look outside. Big wispy clouds floated across the sky, and a few leaves fell from the trees. While most of the trees were still clinging to their fall foliage, the roses had all lost their blooms. She didn’t mind, especially since her mother had ordered enough flowers to decorate the parlor for the wedding breakfast and then some.
Her bedchamber door opened after a quick knock, and Emma looked over her shoulder as Ava came in carrying a breakfast tray.
“It’s your wedding day, Your Grace!” the maid said. “You’re going to be such a beautiful bride.”
“Thank you, Ava.”
After four hours of primping, Emma was ready to wed the man of her dreams.
A knock on the door drew her attention. “Come.”
Lavinia opened the door and walked in. “My darling girl, you look stunning. You were right—Mrs. Dillion has created the most beautiful dress for your wedding day.”
Emma smoothed down the lace overlay on her pale pink silk dress. “I do love it, Mama.”
Lavinia held out a small jewelry box. “I’ve saved a special piece to give to each of my daughters on their wedding day. This one is for you.”
Emma took the box. “Thank you, Mama,” she said, opening it to reveal a beautiful pearl necklace and earbobs. Her eyes filled with tears. “They’re beautiful,” she said, hugging her mother.
“No tears, my darling. This is a happy day,” Lavinia said, fastening the necklace around Emma’s neck and stepping back. “It’s the perfect accessory. You look lovely,” she said, kissing Emma’s cheek. “Now, before I turn into a watering pot, I’ll see you downstairs.”
After Lavinia left, Ava helped Emma with her earbobs. “You’re perfection, my lady.”
Edgerton had entered as Lavinia left and said. “You are indeed, dear sister. Are you ready?”
She nodded, pulled on her gloves, and took her brother’s arm.
“I know what you did, changing the venue for the wedding, and I can’t thank you enough for thinking of Courtney’s comfort,” he said as they walked down the hall.
