As her gaze traveled up the length of my appearance, I watched her, feeling detached and cold. The moment she saw my tears, impatient annoyance flared to life in her face.
“Really, Elizabeth.” She walked to my side and pressed a handkerchief into my hands. “Wipe your face clean and stop acting like a spoiled child. You’re not the first bride to marry a man she didn’t love. How selfish and ungrateful you are.” She nodded at the window. “Almost every woman on that street would change places with you in an instant.”
“Let them. Lord Cumberland would probably prefer them over me.”
She moved to my mirror and touched her coiffure. “How many of them would give him a hundred million dollars’ worth of shares in the Wells Shipping Company?”
I clenched the handkerchief, loathing my father’s money and my mother’s unquenchable thirst for status.
“After today,” Mother continued as she turned back to me, “our names will be numbered with the most important in NewYork Society. And when Lord Cumberland becomes prime minister one day, we will surpass them all.”
Oh, how I hoped that day would never come. And even if it did, I’d already be gone, and Mother would have no reason to boast. It was one small consolation.
“It’s time for Elizabeth’s veil and gloves,” Mother said to Edith, who stood to the side, her gaze lowered. “And then we must leave for the church. The carriage is outside waiting.”
Mother had insisted we pull out our old carriage, which we hadn’t used in several years, to drive the six blocks to the church. The top would be down so the onlookers could see us.
In no time at all, my ensemble was complete, and the veil was lowered over my face. The tears returned when Father appeared at my bedroom door to escort me to the carriage and then on to the church. He stood there in his black coattails and white tie, his top hat under his arm, and for several moments we just stared at each other.
“You do not need to do this,” he said, his voice heavy with pain.
“I must.” I wouldn’t let him talk me out of it, knowing what it would cost him.
Slowly, he moved across the room and offered me his arm. “You look lovely, my girl. I am going to miss you with every breath I take.”
I hugged him as I wept, knowing I would have few opportunities left.
Why did the sun shine today, of all days? Not a cloud marred the blue expanse overhead as I stepped out of the brownstone mansion on my father’s arm.
The crowd of onlookers cheered at my appearance, clapping, shouting, and calling my name. The usual traffic that bustledby our home on Fifth Avenue had been stopped and the road cleared by police officers. Newspaper reporters were there with their cameras, trying to get a glimpse of the newest American dollar princess. To many of the onlookers, I was the closest thing they would see to royalty.
I didn’t have it within me to acknowledge any of them, though they’d been waiting for hours. Father nodded at them and raised a hand in greeting. His presence beside me was the only thing keeping me standing.
The black carriage was resplendent with garlands of white flowers. They’d been draped around the sides and back of the vehicle, offering a profusion of scents. Edith walked behind me, helping with my gown as Father handed me up into the carriage. Edith and Mother would ride in the motorcar just behind us.
“Despite everything,” Father said as he sat beside me and patted my gloved hand, “I do believe you will be happy, Libby. It is the only reason I’ve let this continue. I’ve spoken to Lord Cumberland, and he appears to be an intelligent, reliable sort of man. I know you do not love him, but I believe you could learn to care for him.” Hope filled his gaze.
I tried to smile for his sake. If I did not, he would carry guilt from this day forevermore—especially after I was gone.
“And,” he continued, “I am relieved that you will be out of your mother’s grasp after today. I know it hasn’t been easy for you, and for that I am truly sorry.”
I leaned close to him, trying to savor this last moment together.
The streets were lined with well-wishers, and the carriage driver took his time. Police officers stood at each intersection, directing cross traffic. As we passed, they doffed their caps at me with big grins on their faces.
Sooner than I would have liked, we arrived at St. Thomas’s. The church had recently been rebuilt in the Gothic style, much like the other buildings up and down Fifth Avenue, witha hulking limestone exterior and ornate stonework. It was an impressive structure, and Mother had insisted on using it for our ceremony. Though we were not members of the church, the large contribution given to the rector was much appreciated.
When the driver opened the door for us, Father stepped down and then offered me his hand. His white gloves gleamed in the bright sunshine as I took his hand and stepped out of the carriage. The crowds continued to cheer, and several women tossed flowers onto my path.
Mother and Edith pulled up behind us, and the driver helped them exit their automobile. As Mother was escorted into the church without even looking in my direction, Edith arranged my train and veil, handed me my bouquet, and then gently smiled before she disappeared.
Then it was just Father and me as we faced the large double doors leading into St. Thomas’s. I did not try to stop the tears as they flowed beneath my veil. Instead, I looked at the ground, forcing my feet to walk up the steps and down the aisle.
Someone opened a door for us, and we entered the narthex. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim interior. Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” echoed from the organ, and the nave doors stood open before us.
The massive church was full of people. Mother had invited the height of society, and her invitations had been well-received, placing her in the social position she’d always desired. I recognized many faces, though I only claimed a few as friends. Mrs. Alva Belmont had come, but she was the only person connected to my suffrage work who had been invited.
It hardly mattered to me, since this marriage and wedding were not of my choosing. This was not a celebration in my mind. It was an elaborate business transaction and nothing more.
