Once Nicholas slipped the ring on Carrie’s finger, their guests, as if they’d been holding their collective breaths, erupted with cheers.
After signing the registry with Charles and Nellie as their witnesses, Nicholas and Carrie emerged outside into the morning light. Traffic slowed while pedestrians gathered to form a crowd. Carrie tossed her bouquet to a woman in the crowd clustered around the church entrance. She caught it with a squeal of delight.
Nicholas laughed and took Carrie’s hand in his, and they climbed into the landau decorated with ribbons.
“Our life together begins with a kiss, sweetheart.” He framed her face with his hands and bent his head to hers. Boisterous merriment rippled through the crowd.
Their carriage lurched forward.
Nicholas placed an arm around her shoulders. “I want to have you to myself so very much.”
She placed her glove hand against his cheek. “And I.” The desire in her eyes made him want to kiss her again, so he did so as the carriage took them to the wedding breakfast.
***
It was almost time for Carrie and Nicholas to leave. Carrie asked Bella to come to the bedchamber while she changed.
Careful of her dress, Bella sat in a chair, while Anna assisted Carrie out of her wedding gown. “You were very poised,” Carrie said. “Papa would have been proud of you.”
At the mention of him, Bella’s eyes grew teary. “Papa would be so pleased that you married Nicholas.”
“Because he liked and admired Nicholas?”
“Yes, but also because Nicholas will keep Jeremy and me safe.”
Carrie came and sat down beside her. “Safe?”
“A housemaid told us about the man who killed Alex. She said he tried to kill us all.” Bella shivered. “Why would he do such an awful thing?”
Carrie frowned. “I don’t know why some people are so evil. But fortunately, most people are good. And they’ve gone to prison, and can’t hurt anyone, anymore, dearest.”
Bella jumped up. “I can’t wait to return to Elm Park with Scotty tomorrow and see my puppy. I’ve decided I must be patient, concentrate on my studies, become proficient in the French language, deportment, and dance, and wait for my Season.”
“Scotty will be pleased you feel that way.” Carrie smiled, hoping it would last. “Tell Jeremy I want to see him, will you, please?”
As Anna rearranged Carrie’s hair, Jeremy came in and stood beside her. He picked up an earring and twirled it.
Carrie took it from him. “Are you looking forward to school?”
“It will be good to see the fellows again, I suppose. I’ve missed playing cricket.”
She searched his face. He looked like a different boy these days. The haunted look in his eyes had gone, but it disturbed her he’d found out about the murder. “Nothing worries you?”
He shrugged. “What should worry me? Do you think Nicholas might take me to see another ruin during my next holiday?”
She smiled. “You’ll have to ask him.”
He shuffled his feet. “Is that all you wanted to say? I was about to have some cake, it’s got silver frosting.”
“Yes, that’s all. But you might kiss me goodbye.”
“Girls always want to kiss a fellow.” But he obligingly bent over her and kissed her cheek.
“I know. It will get worse, too,” Carrie said, trying not to laugh.
Jeremy widened his eyes. “Good grief.”
She stood. “Thank you, Anna.” With one more glance in the mirror, Carrie left and went to the stairs. There were many people she wanted to say goodbye to. Recently acquired friends and relatives who warmly welcomed the Leemings into the fold. She imagined her father smiling down at her with that quizzical, amused smile of his before he became ill.
