The smile was still present on her face as she said this, but her voice became strained and her eyes narrowed a little.
“The less said about that, the better,” Agatha replied.
“Indeed, the past is behind us, and today is all that matters. It shall be glorious.” She squeezed Mary’s shoulders and kissed her on the cheek before leaving.
Mary rose. Lydia handed out the small bouquets that each would carry. Clara held hers tightly, focused on not dropping them.
“You are going to have to help me, Charlotte. I can barely see through this veil. I hope I don’t trip,” Mary said.
Charlotte took her arm while Lydia walked beside Agatha.
“You must be pleased with that visit. It would seem you no longer have to worry about Her Grace’s estimation of you,” Charlotte observed in a low voice that only Mary could hear.
“Indeed, after last night, my willingness to be married must be a great positive for her.”
They emerged from the house and were bathed in warm golden light. The sweet scent of flowers greeted them. The guests were already gathered. An arch had been erected. Hector was lazing in the sun. Brutus was beside him, rising to greet the bridal party with a lolling tongue and a happy pant.
Edmund greeted them with a warm smile and many compliments. He took Mary’s arm and prepared to lead her down the aisle with Charlotte and the others following just behind.
As Charlotte approached the arch, her gaze drifted past everyone in the crowd and settled on Nathaniel. She gave a sharp intake of breath as she saw him dressed in his finest clothes.
The man looked like a god.
She walked up to the altar, and for a moment, it almost felt like she was the bride, and Nathaniel was waiting for her.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Nathaniel felt a prickle of sweat on the back of his neck. His stiff, rigid clothes were not the ideal garb to wear on such a sun-soaked day. However, the occasion called for nothing less.
Servants served refreshments while the guests waited before they were told to take their seats. Nathaniel strode up the aisle and took his place beside Alfred, who was breathing deeply, attempting to remain calm.
“Today is a good day, Alfred.”
“It is. I hope nothing goes wrong.”
“Nothing will,” Nathaniel said with calm authority. Alfred smiled and relaxed a little. Beatrice came striding up the aisle, stopping frequently to speak to guests. Eventually, she approached them and smiled widely.
“I have just spoken to Mary. She looks exquisite, Alfred. I hope you know how lucky you are,” Beatrice said.
“I do, Mother, and I will remind myself of it every day. Thank you both for arranging such a special occasion. Everything is perfect. It’s better than I ever could have dreamed.”
“Nothing but the best for my son,” Beatrice said softly, offering Alfred a smile. She reached up and pulled a drooping lock of his hair aside. This would usually have irritated Alfred, but today, he didn’t seem to mind.
Then, she turned toward Nathaniel. The look in her eyes was one of pity and understanding.
“One day, you shall enjoy an occasion like this. I’m sorry I failed you, Nathaniel.”
“You did not fail me, Mother. And I am fine. The fates evidently did not intend for Lady Honoria and me to be together. I have made my peace with that.”
“Very well. Let’s not speak her name here again. I don’t wish today to be tarnished.” Beatrice turned back to Alfred.
“You remind me so much of your father, Alfred. He would have been so proud to see you standing here today. You have been everything we could have hoped for in a son, and I’m glad that you have found your match.”
Alfred bowed his head.
“I have only ever tried to make you proud, Mother.”
Beatrice rolled forward on her tiptoes and kissed him on the forehead. She then departed, taking her seat in the front row.
