“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God…”
The priest had a bit of a droning voice. Helena found that she was glad of it. The somnolent monotone calmed her nerves. She repeated her vows faithfully, then held out her hand for Silas to slip a ring on it.
She stared at the silver ring with a ruby center stone in some surprise. She had been expecting a plain band, something rudimentary and functional. The ruby on the ring was shaped like a heart and seemed to pulse with literal life. She was flabbergasted, and quite frankly intimidated by its presence on her finger.
What am I to do with this?
“You may kiss the bride.”
The priest’s voice jolted her out of her panic and into a new worry.
She looked up at Silas, brow furrowed. They had not discussed any of this. She had no idea what he wanted to do.
Before she could spiral any further downward, he swooped down pressing his lips on hers to raucous applause. She felt her face heat as his lips moved on hers, even as she arched upwards, increasing the pressure and parting her lips slightly should he want more of a taste.
They broke apart slowly and she blinked a few times, the room going in and out in a blurry haze. His hand closed on her arm, as if he knew, and steadied her.
Tucking her arm into his, he patted her hand and began walking back down the aisle. The applause was continuous and noisy. It seemed Silas’s household was very happy to see him wed.
A small part of her wondered if Silas himself would ever be happy about it.
There were no plans for a wedding breakfast as far as Helena knew. Still, she, Silas and Amelia had tea with the priest and Benedict in the parlor, to thank him for officiating.
Helena regretted that she could not eat much due to the corset of her gown, which was wound quite tightly. She could not wait to get to her chambers and take it off. Much as she enjoyed the loveliness of the gown, she wasn’t very happy with how uncomfortable it was to wear.
After years of walking around in what were essentially rags, she was used to a certain amount of freedom in her movement and ability to eat her fill.
No wonder ladies are given to fainting if they have to live in such clothing day in and day out.
Her thoughts traveled to her trousseau. The modiste had promised it would be ready by the end of the week. She sincerely hoped that most of the gowns were not as tight as this one.
“I have prepared a few clothes for you to wear while you wait,” she had informed Helena just that morning, as if she was worried that Helena would be upset with her otherwise.
Helena had simply thanked the dressmaker, in lieu of telling her that she was quite content to keep on wearing the gowns that had been adjusted for her already.
She knew it wasn’t proper for a duchess to wear secondhand gowns, but she hoped that within the home she could get away with it now and then. If they expected her to be a fashionable lady, they were about to be sorely disappointed. Helena had noideahow to be fashionable.
The priest took his leave, and Benedict departed soon after.
Helena was surprised when Amelia got to her feet as well. “I shall be in my chambers for the rest of the day,” she announced. “I’m a bit tired.” She gave a very fake yawn. “I think I’ll have my meals there as well.”
Helena and Silas exchanged amused glances. Amelia could not have been more obvious if she tried.
The younger woman grinned. “Well, good afternoon, and have a happy first day of marriage!” She gave them a wave and skipped out of the parlor.
Silas shook his head, ruefully. “I apologize for her.”
“No need.” Helena smiled. “She is very sweet.”
“She can be.” He looked at her seriously, “And much of that is thanks to you. You bring out her sweetness. For that alone, I’m glad you came to us.”
Helena felt her cheeks heat. “No need for thanks. You saved my life.”
“And I will save your brother’s too. I give you my word.”
She nodded. “Thank you… I hadn’t said that before. It was remiss of me.”
Silas’s mouth twisted as he looked uncomfortable. “Are we going to be polite and sincere with each other from now on? Is this what marriage is?”
