“What is more, he listens to me. When I requested that we postpone our wedding trip—I don’t want to go anywhere until we find Lillian—he replied that I should let him know when and where I wanted to go. How agreeable is that?”
A knock interrupted Fiona. Charlie entered, looking effortlessly chic in a gown of bronze moiré silk. Her honey-gold hair was tucked beneath a headdress of lace.
“I thought I would see how the bride was faring.” Gliding over, Charlie kissed the air by Fi’s cheeks. “You are stunning, my dear.”
Fi was relieved by her mentor’s genuine warmth. When she’d first told Charlie about her nuptial plans, the other had expressed some skepticism…which was no surprise. Although Charlie rarely spoke about her past, the little she’d said implied that marriage was not an institution she held in high regard. Nonetheless, Charlie’s belief that every woman had the right to determine her own destiny took precedence over her personal feelings. She had respected Fi’s decision to wed, even if she questioned whether marriage would lead to freedom.
“Have the guests arrived?” Fi asked.
“They are assembling in the drawing room,” Charlie replied. “Your parents will come to fetch you soon. Before they do, however, I have a small gift for you.”
Taking the velvet pouch Charlie proffered, Fi untied the drawstring ribbon. She took out the brass disc, brushing her fingertips over the filigreed cover before flipping it open.
“A compass,” she breathed. “How beautiful.”
The directions were elegantly engraved on the face of the compass, with north being represented by a single, sparkling diamond. On the back of the piece was an inscription:May you never lose your true north.
“I won’t.” Meeting her mentor’s gaze, Fi said fiercely, “From now on, I will be able to dedicate myself to the Angels more than ever. You’ll see. And I won’t betray the oath I took; Hawksmoor need never know about my investigating.”
“We shall see what the future holds.” A distant look came into Charlie’s eyes before she blinked it away and patted Fi on the cheek. “For now, my dear, enjoy your special day.”
Soon after Charlie’s departure, Fi’s parents came in.
Mama looked stunning in a belted blue gown that complemented her curvy figure. She clutched a handkerchief in her gloved hands, her eyes already reddened from crying. Papa had an arm around her waist and was murmuring something in her ear. He was elegantly garbed for the occasion in black and white, a peach-colored bloom in his boutonniere.
The other Angels went to wait outside, giving the family a few moments of privacy.
“Oh, my dear, you are so…so b-beautiful.” Mama’s voice hitched. “I cannot believe it is your w-wedding day. That you’ll be l-leaving us…”
Fiona went over and hugged her mother, who returned the embrace fiercely. Mama’s comforting arms and the familiar scent of her perfume brought unexpected heat to Fi’s eyes. Despite her struggles with her parents, she knew they loved her. On the cusp of gaining her hard-won independence, she felt a sudden spike of fear...like a child who has strayed from the safety of home and finds herself lost.
“I won’t be going far, Mama,” she whispered. “And I shall visit all the time, I promise.”
“Our girl is all grown up.” Papa’s voice had a gravelly edge. “Are you ready to walk down the aisle, my dear?”
Fi quelled her doubts. “I am always ready for an adventure, Papa. You know that.”
“Marriage certainly is an adventure.” Glancing at Mama, Papa smiled faintly. “Full of unexpected surprises.”
“Adam,” Mama protested with a blush.
Papa kissed Mama’s hand. Their gazes held; some secret message passed between them. Witnessing her parents’ private yet undeniable devotion, Fi felt a lump rise in her throat.
The price of love is freedom,she reminded herself.I don’t want that. I want to investigate and do as I please.
Papa turned back to her, saying quietly, “I hope Hawksmoor knows what a lucky fellow he is.”
She felt a sharp pang. “I’ll make certain that he does.”
“And he had better make you happy.”
Her father’s unmistakable threat made her want to laugh and cry at the same time.
“As a Garrity, I would not settle for anything less,” she managed.
“That’s my girl.” Papa placed a kiss on her forehead before studying her. “I only want the best for you. You know that, don’t you?”
I know. And I’m sorry I’ve disappointed you. I will try to make you proud.
