Smiling, she says, “She is. I cannot wait to see her.”
“Well, stand still and let me dress you so we can get you out of here as soon as possible.”
Marigold tries to hold her tongue to allow Helena her focus, but she cannot resist more questions. “Have you dressed Miss Burke yet?”
Helena pulls her corset tight so that it knocks the breath out of her. “She declined, miss.”
She whirls around. “She did what?”
“When I woke her this morning, she politely stated that she was too ill to attend the event.”
Is it the effect of the curse again, or is Lottie trying to avoid her after everything that happened last night?
“Let’s hurry, Helena.”
“What do you think I’ve been doing here, miss?”
Helena finishes dressing her as quickly as possible. She hurries to Lottie’s door, pushing inside. Lottie sits in her chemise at her vanity, brushing out her hair. She gasps at Marigold’s entry.
“You are meant to knock. You of all people should know that,” she says, her tone cold and dry.
“And you are meant to be dressed by now,” she says as she approaches. She stands behind Lottie, only able to see their faces in the reflection of the gold mirror on the vanity. There is a sadness in both of their eyes that they pretend not to notice.
“I need you with me today,” Marigold says. Her hand cautiously sits on Lottie’s shoulder, and Lottie stiffens beneath its weight.
“You do not need me for anything.”
“That’s not true and you know it,” Marigold says as she squeezes Lottie’s shoulder.
Lottie sighs and places her hand on top of Marigold’s. “After last night, I feel as if I know nothing. Everything I thought was true has turned out to be wrong. Magic is real. Your curse is real. There is something between us, and I cannot hold on to it no matter how hard I try.” Her lip quivers as if she is trying not to cry. “I wish I could fix it.”
“I do, too,” Marigold says. There is much more to be said andexplained, but she does not want to disturb Lottie further. Now is the time to be strong and selfless, for Aster’s sake.
“I know. And I do not want to make you feel worse on your sister’s wedding day, so leave me here.” She stands and faces Marigold, her eyes wide and glassy. “Let me do this for you.”
“If you want to do anything for me, you will allow Helena to help you dress quickly and you will come with me. I want you there.” She reaches to hold her hand again but stops herself.
It is not right. It is not fair.
Her hand hangs heavy and empty at her side. “Please.”
Lottie chews her lip, but she nods. “Okay, Mari. For you.”
The ceremony between Aster and Mr. Woodrake takes place in the gardens of the Claude estate. The greenery is tinged with autumn, providing a warm honey-colored glow throughout the venue. Some chairs have been set up to face an arch that has been decorated with peach flowers and burgundy ribbons. A violinist and harpist play soft, joyful tunes that float delicately through the light breeze.
Mr. Woodrake stands at the arch, his family and friends sitting in the seats closest to him. He is the son of a great novelist, so his family has talent and wealth that rival that of the Claudes. On paper, Aster Claude and Mr. Woodrake make an excellent match. But as Aster rounds the corner, holding on to the arm of her father, it is clear that there is much more between her and her betrothed than titles or wealth.
There is true, undying love.
From her position at the arch, next to Frankie and across from Mr. Woodrake, Marigold can see the love in his eyes as he watches his bride approach. He mouths something to Aster that Marigold cannot quite read, but Aster smiles in response. Perhaps it was a compliment, or an inside joke, or some other joyful phrase that one can share with the person they love.
The officiant begins the ceremony as Aster and Mr. Woodrake stand hand in hand in front of the arch. Aster recites her vows through her happy tears.
As the two exchange vows, Marigold’s eyes drift over the onlookers. She sees Mr. Woodrake’s family, her own parents, and many famed Bardshire residents. But her gaze stops on the beautiful Lottie Burke. Their eyes meet, both welling with tears, until Lottie looks away. She would give anything to hold Lottie right now, to kiss her without causing her any pain, to give her the love that she deserves.
The ceremony commences as Aster places a golden ring on his finger, and he does the same for her. The two seal their vows with a kiss and are met with roaring applause. The newlyweds must immediately follow the officiant to write their marriage lines, but Aster hugs her sister first.
“I love you, sister. Thank you for being here with me.”
