Chapter Twenty-Six
Storm knew he wanted to do something amazing to show everyone that he was serious about this marriage. And he was serious about this marriage. He knew that it surprised most people, but he also knew that Eleanor was a perfect match for him. It was so apparent now to him he felt foolish for not have realizing it the moment he had met her. However, to his utmost annoyance, after what she had told him last night, the rest of the world would need some convincing.
Last night, he had not lied to her. Storm did not care what the world thought, but he also knew that she cared. Not that she cared for her own feelings, he knew that much. Eleanor cared because it would affect the future of their children, their families, his position in London. Being accepted as a true partnership, it would be important to make their life more pleasant. So, after much pondering on the matter, it seemed there was only one logical conclusion. Storm would have to show the ton just how amazing he thought Eleanor Pinecrest was.
Eleanor found herself in the drawing room of Dowager Garrison surrounded by woman whom she would never have had an association had she not found herself engaged to Lord Wakefield. Storm. Her mind wandered to thoughts of him far more then she should have allowed, but after her visit with him last night, it could not be avoided. She was falling in love with him. Truth be told she probably was already in love with him. One day, though, she would make him fall in love with her, and then, well then, her life would be perfect.
“Three weeks seems such little time to prepare for a wedding, and I believe your sister is also on her way to the alter?”
Eleanor realized this sentence was aimed at her and tried to turn her focus back to the conversation at hand.
“Indeed. Felicity is too be married on Saturday.”
“Saturday!” the dowager exclaimed, “why that is not enough time at all. Why ever would she marry so hastily?”
Eleanor smiled weakly. With her luck, she just got her sister enwrapped in a scandal. But Bonnet, the dear friend that she is just smiled and laughed.
“Young love is hard to control. Dear Alex Larford has it in his head that someone will steal precious Felicity away and wants to be married as soon as possible. I suggested that they not wait the full three weeks when I overheard plans to elope. It is romantic, I confess, to see such love can still drive people to such measures, as irrational as they are.”
Eleanor caught Bonnet’s gaze and knew at once, that no matter what, there would never come a time when Bonnet would get the recognition she deserved. She was completely underestimated by everyone, and Eleanor rather suspected that Bonnet liked that fact.
“I will be eternally grateful for that wisdom. I would have hated to miss my sister’s wedding.”
Bonnet gently touched her hand.
“She will regret her rushed plans when she sees how beautiful yours is.”
Eleanor blushed but was saved from commenting by the entrance of the butler. It was actually a ridiculous sight, the poor man. He carried with him an enormous flower arrangement, and Eleanor tried not to laugh as he walked blindly toward where the dowager sat. It was amazing he could manage it without tripping.
“Merciful Heavens! Whoever could have sent such a beautiful arrangement?”
The butler set it down on the table next to her chair and plucked a card from the bouquet, handling it to the woman before heading toward the door where he was promptly handed a silver try with a rose on it. As the dowager read her card, Eleanor was shocked to see the silver tray appear before her.
“He left this for you too Miss Pinecrest.”
Gently taking the rose from the tray, Eleanor saw that she too had a card. Before she could read hers however, the Dowager spoke.
“Why Miss Pinecrest, you have yourself a special gentleman. Listen up ladies; you simply have to hear what Lord Wakefield wrote.”
-My lovely godmother
These are for your kindness in entertaining my lovely wife to be, even if it does deprive me her company this afternoon. You are, as always, a most generous woman. I know that they pale in comparison to the beautiful ladies sitting in your drawing room at this very moment, but I do hope it makes your smile even brighter.
Wakefield –
Eleanor looked around the room and noticed everyone was watching her. She had never been the center of attention and certainly not for something as sweet as that. Storm really was he most amazing man she had ever met. And then, her smile did grow brighter.
“Lady Garrington, I completely agree with you. Lord Wakefield is the most remarkable gentleman I have ever met. If I was not terrified that our sweet Miss Westbrook would murder me, I would fancy an elopement myself!”
The room burst into laughter then, and Eleanor took that moment to raise the delicate rose she had received to her nose. It smelled like heaven. Then, unable to resist any longer, she opened the envelope that had been attached to it.
My Dear Eleanor
I will have you know that I actually plucked this out of my very lovely rose garden just for you. It has occurred to me that I would like, very much, to marry you there, if you are not opposed. Although I am sure it pales in comparison to your fathers, I do think you will feel his presence when we take our vows in such a place. Then, after you are finally my wife, I suggest we go about working on the creation of little Rosepetal.
Yours always William
Eleanor felt everyone’s eyes on here again, and she held back tear. She wanted to laugh and cry and blush all at the same time. It was foolish, and ridiculous, and it was wonderful.
“Well do not keep us in suspense dearie!”
Eleanor smiled, and looked toward the room again. One of the other Dowager, the Duchess of Oakshire, actually looked as if she too were about to cry. It was so amazing to see that Storm had the ability to make everyone in the room feel such emotions.
“He asked if we could marry in the rose garden.”
“That seems like an awful short sentence for you to have taken so long to read.”
That was the Dowager Garrington again. Eleanor looked at her and laughed.
“Very well, if you must know, when I was little, my father had this magical rose garden. It was my favorite place growing up. He also stated that he thought if we had our ceremony amongst the roses, I might feel my father’s presence.”
This time she did let a tear slip from her eye. She tucked the card in her pocket then, lest someone inquire about the rose petal comment. But no one notice, they were far too busy exclaiming over just how very sweet her future husband was. She could not blame them. He was, a very very sweet man.