Hugh dealt them without comment.
*
Brigitte brought atray of hot chocolate and rolls when Kate woke after a restless sleep. She sipped the rich chocolate while the maid tended to her clothes and chatted about the staff. One footman was very good looking and had all the maids in a flutter.
The wedding ceremony would take place in the ballroom at ten of the clock. Kate bathed and sat in her petticoats while Brigitte arranged her hair.
“I need a touch of rouge, Brigitte.” Kate’s face was pale in the morning light, after Brigette applied the hare’s foot. The maid was excellent at her craft. When they returned home, Kate would reward her with the garnet brooch she so admired. Finally, Brigitte stood back to admire her handiwork. “Now the gown, my lady.”
Kate stood before the mirror. The gown emphasized her small waist, and the color suited her. After pulling on her gloves, she clasped a silver and pearl bracelet around her wrist and pearl earrings to her lobes. A long strand of pearls hung around her neck. She slipped on the buckled shoes. “I believe I shall do.”
“Magnifique!” Brigitte clapped her hands.
“Thank you, Brigitte. You have done my hair very nicely.” Kate gave a wry smile, accepting that Brigitte took full credit for the overall result.
Robert knocked at the door. His brows rose as he offered her his arm. “How well that gown suits you, Kate.”
“Thank you. Shall we go down?”
A nervous quiver fluttered in her stomach at the glow of appreciation in his eyes. She banished Lady Elphinstone from her mind. Today was a special day, and she intended to enjoy it.
In the flower-decked ballroom, they took their seats with the other guests. A three-piece orchestra played Hendel’s water music as Merry, in primrose-yellow brocade, her dark locks dressed in white rosebuds, walked down the aisle on her father’s arm. She looked fresh, young, and very lovely. Her brown eyes shone when she reached Hugh. His were filled with pride, adoration, and love.
Her father stepped away, and the ceremony commenced.
Once their vows were spoken, they went to sign the register.
Kate fought to hold back her tears. She peeked at Robert and found a smile playing on his lips. She tucked a hand through his arm, and he patted it and smiled at her. You couldn’t help but be moved by the endearing couple. A union born out of love was so refreshing in this cynical world.Marriage should not merely be one of convenience or a business partnership, Kate thought. She had been right to refuse to accept it. She walked with Robert into the wedding breakfast where a feast awaited, refusing to glance at Arabella when she passed.
After toasting the bridal couple with champagne, she danced with Robert and laughed and allowed herself to forget her worries. At least for a while.
