Chapter 61
It was daybreak. A rosy sunrise glowed through the valley, just as it had many months ago when Tobias had galloped through the early morning mist in despair. Now he was the happiest and most content he had ever been. Drawing back the heavy curtains, he surveyed the grounds before him. The staff were busy carrying out wicker chairs and tables, ready for the guests to sip champagne on the lawn, before entering the Great Hall for the wedding breakfast. He chuckled at seeing his mother fuss, pointing and flapping at everyone. She was in her element. Celia was on standby, trying her utmost to calm Beatrice down. A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. Turning, he saw Henry enter the bedroom with his dark grey pinstriped, morning suit, pristine white shirt and silver-grey tie.
‘Your attire, sir.’ Henry hung it on the wardrobe door.
‘Thank you, Henry.’ Henry bowed slightly and left the room, leaving Tobias to gaze out of the window at the commotion.
Sebastian was the next distraction, singing at the top of his voice about Tobias getting married in the morning and how the bells were ‘gonna chime’!
Tobias laughed and threw a pillow at him. ‘Be quiet, you fool.’
‘So,’ Sebastian rubbed his hands together, ‘how are we feeling? Nervous? Excited? Still amazed you’ve bagged a girl like Megan?’
‘All of the above,’ Tobias laughed again.
‘Seriously, bro,’ Sebastian looked sincerely at Tobias, ‘I’m pleased for you.’
‘Thanks, Sebastian, and one day I’ll be saying the same to you.’ The two brothers embraced.
‘Right, I’ll leave you to bathe and dress. Then, show time!’ Sebastian jazzed his hands.
Tobias rolled his eyes. ‘Go on, out of here.’
*
Megan was remarkably calm. A tranquil peace surrounded her as she ate a breakfast of egg and bacon. To her surprise she was hungry and easily managed a full plate. She had expected to wake a nervous wreck, but the steady, calming influence of her mother and Finula the previous evening had steered her. She peeped out of the curtains to see more reporters lined up by the row of cottages, patiently waiting for the first glimpse of her. It all felt so surreal. Dylan would be here in two hours. Then she saw Kate scurrying up the lane. She smiled, having missed her old chum. Opening her front door, she quickly ushered her inside and embraced her.
‘Kate, it’s so good to see you!’
‘You, too! I can’t believe this is happening! Have you seen outside?’
Megan nodded. ‘I know, it’s mad, isn’t it?’
‘Sorry I couldn’t come round last night. I was knackered from the drive.’
‘Don’t worry, I understand. How come you couldn’t get the day off work? Nothing to do with Adam, was it?’ The thought had crossed her mind that he was peevish enough to put a spanner in the works if he could.
Kate giggled. ‘No. He’s gone, sacked. Thought I’d save that gem of information for you.’
Megan’s eye’s widened. ‘Why? What’s happened?’
‘Well, apparently his secretary – not you-know-who, another one, called Jennifer – reported him for indecent behaviour!’
‘No! You’re kidding!’
‘About time, I say,’ replied Kate with a firm nod.
Well, well, well, Adam had finally got his just deserts, thought Megan with satisfaction. She still found it hard to believe she had ever been taken in by him.
After a coffee and a catch-up, Megan took a long warm bubble bath and relaxed, taking deep breaths in contemplation, while Kate was busy getting ready in the spare bedroom. After drying off, Megan rubbed in her favourite body lotion, which smelt of freesias, then carefully dried her hair into a smooth bob. Kate applied her make-up delicately, to keep that natural look Megan wanted. Now for the dress. Carefully Kate helped her into it. It was the epitome of vintage-inspired femininity, with its scalloped Bardot neckline. The ivory silk fell to a chapel train, creating an elegant and timeless fit. Megan looked every bit the demure and romantic bride. She tentatively put on the diamond tiara Beatrice had given her and fixed it in place. All done. Not too shabby, she told her reflection.
‘Oh, Megan, you look gorgeous,’ whispered Kate.
‘Thanks, Kate. You’d better dash.’
‘Will do.’ Kate collected her bag and made her way to Treweham Hall, choosing to walk along the back footpath, out of sight, as directed.
Megan heard a stir outside. Looking out of the window, she saw Dylan’s horses and carriage in the distance trotting up the track. She took a steady breath and pulled her shoulders back. Time to go.
