But Henrietta deserves to be feted and celebrated and fawned over.
“Mr.Tisend, I need you,” Amalie says, appearing on Rosalie’s other side.
“All right?” Christopher asks Rosalie.
“Let Amalie steal you for whatever shenanigans she needs,” Rosalie dismisses, giving him a practiced smile.
Amalie tuts, but grabs his arm, grinning at Rosalie. Rosalie watches them go, noting the way Amalie’s pretty blue dress complements Christopher’s starched blue shirt. She wonders if they coordinated.
Rosalie and Catherine could wear beautiful matching gowns, or contrasting colors. Could coordinate their bonnet ribbons to each other’s dresses. It would be charming. She wants the opportunity to be that sappy.
But Catherine isn’t here. Rosalie has combed her eyes over every inch of the garden, and she and her mother are suspiciously absent. So is Mr.Dean. Rosalie hopes they’re at separate functions. Hopes that Mr.Dean isn’t presently getting down on one knee.
Rosalie twists her fingers together, trying to focus on the pull of her kid gloves as the fabric bunches between her fingers. She wishes Motherhadbeen able to come now. At least she’d have someone to talk to.
She should be used to being left behind. All of her other friends, Jane—they’ve all left her for happy marriages.
Except this time, she does have someone of her own. She just can’t parade her around like Christopher does with Amalie. Can’t present her proudly like Mr.Rile will do with Henrietta.
It’s then Rosalie realizes she’s been standing alone for ten minutes, and not one person has come to greet her. In fact, no one appears to be looking her way at all. But she can see people watching her covertly. Judging. Pitying.
It’s dreadfully uncomfortable to be stared at this way. Her stomach clenches unpleasantly. How much worse must it have been for Mrs.Pine?
Blessedly, Henrietta and Mr. Rile finally make their entrance,appearing through the back doors of Henrietta’s townhouse to thunderous applause. Henrietta beams out at her guests, holding Mr. Rile’s hand. Mr. Rile looks incredibly chuffed, standing there in what must be a new navy tailcoat with a light pink cravat.
It matches Henrietta’s stunning pink dress, embroidered up to her thigh with delicate white flowers. Her bright cheeks are stretched wide, eyes shining even at this distance beneath her pink-and-white-trimmed bonnet.
Rosalie listens to Henrietta’s parents introducing Mr.Rile as their son-in-law-to-be. She watches Mr.Rile and Henrietta struggle to keep their eyes from each other, barely listening.
Rosalie glances to the side of the patio and notices Christopher and Amalie standing rather close together too, beaming at Henrietta. It might be them next. Which would be wonderful.
She’ll be gaining a sister, rather than losing a friend. And Henrietta will still visit.
Amalie catches her eye as the speeches wind down and jerks her chin, summoning Rosalie over. She goes, ignoring the feeling of eyes on the back of her head.
She reaches her brother and Amalie just as Henrietta comes barreling over to them, dragging the still-grinning Mr.Rile behind her. Christopher bumps Rosalie’s shoulder.
“Congratulations,” Amalie says, taking Henrietta’s free right hand. “Let me see.”
Henrietta beams, turning her hand so they can look at the beautiful pearl-and-gold engagement ring that adorns her short finger.
“Well done,” Christopher tells Mr.Rile.
“She deserves the best,” he says, standing flush with Henrietta, his wide cheeks pink.
“You both do,” Rosalie says. “I’m so happy for you,” she adds, glancing at Mr. Rile before meeting Henrietta’s eyes.
“We owe it all to you,” Henrietta says.
“We do,” Mr.Rile agrees. “You gave me the courage I needed to walk up to the most beautiful woman at that ball.”
Rosalie watches them look at each other. It feels different, this time. You can’t be forced into love. Both people have to want it. It’s work, to make the life you want. She didn’t understand before.
“I’ll take credit for that first introduction, but the rest was all you,” Rosalie says, speaking toward Mr.Rile but staring into Henrietta’s widening eyes. “You both braved so many seasons, found each other, and fought to have each other. That is the true accomplishment, and I am sure you will continue to make each other happy in this next chapter of your life together. Because you are wonderful, and beautiful, and worthy of all the happiness to come.”
Henrietta bursts into tears, lurching forward to wrap her free arm around Rosalie. Rosalie huffs in surprise, wrapping both arms around her friend while Amalie, Christopher, and Mr.Rile watch in amusement. Henrietta’s still holding Mr.Rile’s hand.
“Thank you,” Henrietta whispers, pulling back, eyes shining, nose a little red.
