Three days later, Lucinda watched in the mirror as Greene put up her hair into a knot. “What did you think of the staff at our new home?”
“They were all very nice and helpful when I was preparing your bedchamber.” Greene held up a strand of pearls, then put it down. “I’ll wait until you return from the church. You’ll have your bonnet on in any event.”
“I think the pearl necklace and earrings will be enough for the service.” She was already wearing a turquoise and diamond bracelet from Louisa. Rothwell had given her a beautiful gold butterfly broach set with emeralds and diamonds that had been in their family for centuries.
Greene took a pearl and emerald necklace Lucinda had never seen before from her jewel box. “Where did that come from?” she asked.
“Lord Elliott, my lady. He brought it earlier this morning and gave it to his grace.”
She fought back the tears of joy that threatened to spill over. She would not cry today, no matter what kind of tears they were. “I cannot imagine anything lovelier.”
Just as her maid had clasped the necklace around her neck, a knock sounded on the door. Greene opened it, and Arabella floated into the bedchamber. “I shall not hug you; you look too beautiful, and I would not wish to muss you.” She handed Greene a small package. “Something borrowed.”
Lucinda and Arabella had decided to support each other at their weddings. Yet due to Gerald’s plan to leave for Dover early the next morning, Arabella and Quorndon would wed directly after Lucinda and Gerald. Louisa had suggested a joint wedding breakfast be held at Rothwell House.
Once Greene had affixed three pearl-tipped pins into Lucinda’s hair, she handed her friend a cameo broach. “Something new.”
“Oh, this is perfect!” Arabella leaned over carefully and bussed Lucinda’s cheek before pining it on her bodice.
Louisa entered the room and smiled. “You both look beautiful. However, if you wish to be married today, we must leave. Miss Marlow, could you give us a moment?”
“Yes, your grace.” Arabella floated back out of the room.
There was only one dark cloud on the extremely sunny day: Lucinda’s mother hadn’t spoken to her since the betrothal. “Mama?”
“She has accepted the marriage and will be present.”
“How did you do it?”
“We discovered that Quorndon is not in as good financial condition as she had believed. In fact, even if he had not fallen in love with Miss Marlow, she is a much better choice for him. Her father is extremely wealthy, and her dowry is equally large. Not only that, but Lady Quorndon let it slip that Miss Marlow has a head for figures that Quorndon does not.” Louisa raised one brow. “You mother did not at all like the idea that she had been so deceived in the man.” This last part was said so exactly like Mama would have said it that Lucinda could not stop herself from laughing.
Her sister-in-law slipped an arm through hers. “I would let the matter go. By the time you return from your wedding trip, all will be well again.”
Lucinda entered the side door of the church followed by Arabella. Gerald was dressed in a dark blue jacket and breeches, but his waistcoat was embroidered with flowers and vines that matched the trim on her gown. Clever man. He was the most handsome gentleman she had ever seen. And he was hers.
Gerald stood with Quorndon and the young clergyman in front of the altar at St. George’s church as Lucinda made her way to the altar. Sun filled the large windows lining the walls, illuminating her as she strolled toward him. Or was it that she sparkled so brilliantly that she would have brightened the church had it been raining? “She is exquisite.”
“Yes, indeed,” Quorndon breathed.
Only then did Gerald notice Miss Marlow. The lady could not hold a candle to his Lucinda, whose yellow silk gown trimmed with embroidered flowers hugged her legs as she walked toward him—legs that had been wrapped around him and would be again.
Rothwell slapped Gerald on the back as he went to Lucinda. “Not long now.”
Only a minute later, they were saying their vows. Her voice was firm and strong as she promised herself to him. Finally, the clergyman pronounced them man and wife.
Joy filled his heart as, finally, she was his.