Goldie hugged her arms in front of her. Everything was happening so fast.
“Let's not talk about that today.” Lady Caroline took charge again. “Lady Marigold has a wedding to prepare for.” And as though responding to a cue, a footman knocked, and with a nod of permission, he and three other uniformed men began carrying in steaming buckets of water.
Behind them were two maids, one bringing linens and the other a tray with sponges and soaps.
“Reed had piped water installed at our father’s estate—at Breaker’s Cottage,” Lady Melanie sighed. “He’s quite forward-thinking when it comes to practical matters. I’m just happy we won’t have to live in this mausoleum after all. Uncle Lucas considered the convenience of modern amenities a waste. He said the expense didn’t justify when there were servants to tend to such matters.”
“Uncle Lucas didn’t care—”
A harsh look from Caroline silenced the youngest yet again. But in the matter of a few minutes, Goldie understood that Reed’s sisters were all staunch supporters of their brother.
And although Goldie had already deemed him trustworthy in her own mind, she found it reassuring.
Lady Melanie, however, had mentioned residing elsewhere. “Surely you’ll remain here at Rutherford Place?” Goldie asked.
She’d imagined his entire family living here with her and Reed after the wedding, and learning differently, she experienced a jab of disappointment. The prospect of having such lively girls about was something she’d never realized she’d wanted.
“It’s because of me.” An older woman with salt and pepper hair and piercing blue eyes stood in the open doorway. Dressed in all black—gown, gloves, and veil—the woman could be none other than Reed’s mother.
Having endured years of etiquette training, Goldie immediately rose and then dipped into a low curtsey. “I am honored to meet you, ma’am,” she said.
Technically, as the daughter of a duke, Goldie outranked Mrs. Rutherford. But this woman was going to be her mother-in-law. And having turned her back on her own family by agreeing to marry Reed, Goldie would do whatever she could to find favor with his family.
Her new family.
Because Goldie needed… people.
“The pleasure is mine.” Mrs. Rutherford’s gaze drifted around to her three daughters. “We are grateful, all of us.” The servants moved silently as the girls nodded solemnly. “Your decision cannot have been an easy one.”
Goldie wished she could think of an appropriate response but only gulped. In the end, she hadn’t had much choice.
Her own father had taken that from her.
“As for returning to my husband’s residence,” Reed’s mother continued, “It’s best you begin your marriage as mistress of your own home. We promise to be out of your way first thing in the morning.”
Goldie would have protested, but Mrs. Rutherford’s demeanor was firm. And from what the girls had said earlier, the newly widowed lady no doubt simply wanted to return to her own home.
Reed’s mother reiterated her welcome and then disappeared as quickly as she’d arrived. And over the next several hours, Goldie was sure she would have been overwhelmed if she didn’t like Reed’s sisters so much.
Lady Caroline had sent for a modiste, who brought several gowns for Goldie to try, and then just as quickly swooshed away to alter the one that all three sisters deemed perfect.
After languishing in a hot bath, Goldie barely touched her tea and sandwiches as she sat by the fire while Caroline styled her hair. And upon donning the lovely emerald gown that now fit her perfectly, Goldie even agreed to a very small amount of rouge on her cheeks and lips.
Sometime in the midst of it all, Reed had sent up a missive informing them that the wedding had been scheduled for seven in the evening. They’d all sit down to a special dinner afterward. And although a part of Goldie may have wished otherwise, time flew.
“I’m going to leave you alone now so I can get ready.” Caroline was the last sister to remain in Goldie’s chamber. “But if you have need of anything else, I’m three doors to the left.”
“All of you are coming?” Goldie asked, imagining herself and Reed in the magnificent cathedral all alone.
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Caroline smiled as she backed out the door. “Just remember, the third chamber on the left. I’m there if you need anything.”
When the door closed behind the older girl, Goldie exhaled a loud sigh. Just this morning, she’d been determined to make the most of her season, and now…
She stared at herself in the looking glass.
Now, she hardly recognized herself. The gown, made up of luxurious silk, fit in a way that emphasized her bosom and hips, nipping in at the waist so that it appeared smaller than usual. And Caroline had done her hair so that the curls seemed deliberate rather than chaotic.
Even her eyes looked brighter. Was that because of Reed?
