“Now, what can I do for you?” His Excellency asked.
“I need a special license, sir.”
“You’ve come to the right place. Tell me a bit out this young lady.”
“Her name is Lady Harriet Churchill. Her father is the Marquess of Blackpool. She is a delightful young woman. Everything I will need as my duchess one day,” Lucien said.
“I know her father, of course. He’s a delightful man. Her mother is another story.”
A chuckle escaped Lucien’s lips.
“When’s this wedding to occur?” the bishop asked.
“It’s complicated. We had an opportunity to elope to Gretna Green as I will have to make a run with the Prince of Wales soon. Special rail cars he’s purchasing. So instead of that we’ve decided to marry here in a very small ceremony.”
“The prince? That would be something to tell the children and grandchildren,” the older man said.
“Yes, it would be.”
The bishop shifted his body in his chair. “So, what have you decided?”
“We’re going to have a small ceremony with my parents, her father for sure, and another couple we both know.”
“What about her mother?”
“Lady Harriet is terrified her mother will disrupt the wedding.”
The bishop arched his brow. “I take it the marchioness does not approve of you?”
“No. Why I don’t know.”
“You don’t think it will hurt her more to be excluded from her daughter’s biggest day?”
Lucien shook his head. “Nothing satisfies the woman. We include her, and Harriet has to be on pins and needles on what should be her day.”
“I understand.”
They sat in silence for a moment. This wasn’t an easy decision to make. “What if I officiate your wedding say in three days? Thursday? That will allow me time to call on the marchioness. I can remind her of a few things and inform her I will be officiating, and I expect her to be on her best behavior.”
Sitting back in his chair, Lucien pondered the bishop’s words. “You’re too kind, but I think I should speak with Harriet about it. Can we finish our conversation tomorrow?”
“I’m going to hold the wedding day open and will see you tomorrow.”
Lucien stood and extended his hand to the man. “Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Don’t you want your special license?”
“That wouldn’t be right. We can do it tomorrow.”
“Very well. Until tomorrow.”
Heading out, Lucien was not sure if anything had been accomplished. He hadn’t accepted the special license because he was split on the bishop’s idea of him officiating and talking to the marchioness. He had learned what Harriet had told him about her mother was true. It wouldn’t matter who was officiating, the woman would do or say whatever suited her.
In his mind’s eye he could see Lady Churchill objecting to the marriage in front of all who had gathered. It would mortify Harriet. To make matters worse, she would have something negative to say about everything. Even the wedding breakfast wouldn’t be off limits.
He needed to talk to Harriet about it. This was her wedding, not her mother’s, and he would move heaven and earth to give Harriet the perfect wedding.
As the carriage pulled up and came to a stop, Lucien took a deep, cleansing breath before exiting the carriage. Harriet was an understanding young woman, but there was almost so muchshe could tolerate. She was finally finding her own voice and would not be silenced again by anyone.
