The wedding was scheduled for one o’clock at the family church, just down the block. The reception was at two-thirty. Mother was fussing in the kitchen as Molly was repairing a last-minute tear to the dress Mother was to wear. Teresa no longer needed Emily’s assistance or advice on her toilette. She had bloomed into a handsome woman—no doubt aided by the admiration of her new beau, Trent.

Papa was in the sitting room with Spencer who had come early to confer with him about the bride and groom’s transportation to Bristol early tomorrow morning in the family carriage. Emily came into the sitting room during their conversation.

“You understand what I am saying?” Papa asked.

“Yes, sir. The left rear wheel is wobbly, and the harness is worn for both horses.”

“Exactly.” Papa signed. “Now Daniels is a fine coachman, but he is getting on. It would not do to tire him, so I suggest you stop every ten miles or so. Give him a break.”

“I understand,” Spencer said, looking harried, as he glanced over at Emily who nodded to him in sympathy.

“Very good. And I suppose your father has spoken to you…”

“What about?”

“About how to treat your new bride. You know about the wedding night, do you not?”

Spencer blushed scarlet. “Yes… yes sir, I most certainly do.”

“Well good. I want my daughter to be well cared for, you understand?”

Emily took pity on poor Spencer and she went over to her father from behind, put her arms around him and kissed the top of his head.

“Papa, Spencer is a grown man. I expect he has all the pertinent information he needs. Now, let the poor man be.”

Her father grumped but nodded that Spencer might leave. The young man bounded up, and with a ‘thank you’ nod to Emily, left the room.

“Papa, how are you doing with all this ‘lady business’ going on around you?”

He chuckled. “Fair to middling. There are times when I wish your mother and I had had a son. But… I have three lovely daughters, so who has a right to complain?”

There was a knock on the sitting room door and Spencer reappeared. “Sir, as I was leaving there was a gentleman at the door. Says he wishes to speak to you.”

Papa looked up. “Huh?” He turned to Emily. “Are you expecting anyone?”

“No, Papa.”

The three of them went to the front door where there was a man dressed in the Duke of Edgerton’s livery.”

“Mr. Dunn?” the man asked.

“That is me.”

“Sir, the Duke asked me to deliver this note to you personally. And enjoy the carriage.” Then he turned to leave.

“Wait, what are you talking about,” Papa asked.

“Everything is explained in the note, Sir. Do you want me to leave the carriage here, or should I drive it to another location for you?”

“Wait,” he commanded the young man. Papa was totally stumped and he opened the note.

Dear Mr. Dunn,

Miss Emily has informed me that your daughter Ruth is to be married today. And I understand that they are to be transported to their new home in your carriage. It occurred to me that it would be most inconvenient for you to be without your transportation during their travels, so I have sent you a new carriage and set of horses for your use.

Then it occurred to me that you should probably just keep them, as my gift, so that you and your lovely wife might visit us at Linfield as often and as long as you wish.

Perhaps your daughter and son-in-law might enjoy the use of your old carriage in their newly married life. Then there would be no need to return it. But that is just a thought.

Ever Your Devoted Servant,

Mark Linfield

Duke of Edgerton

Papa looked up at the bearer of the message. “I do not understand. This is for me?”

“Yes, sir. I am to return to Linfield by that horse there,” he said, pointing to a steed tied to the back of the carriage.

“Thank him, Papa,” Emily said, trying to focus her father.

“Thank you. And please thank His Grace for me.” He then turned to Emily. “Can you believe this? New horses and a carriage?” He turned back to the man leaving. “And the horses come with the carriage?”

“Most certainly, sir.”

Then Papa turned to Spencer and asked, “Can you drive a carriage?”

Spencer seemed not able to respond. He looked stupefied.

“Papa, it is their marriage. Do you really expect him to drive his carriage and not be inside with his new wife?”

“Perhaps you are right. Very well, then Daniels can drive them to Bristol and return after. But then who will drive us?”

“I am certain you can make it for a few days until he returns, Papa.”

“You mean your old carriage is for us?” Spencer asked, finally finding his voice.

“Yes, Son. As one of our wedding presents.”

Spencer took both of Papa’s hands in his and shook them viciously. “I cannot wait to tell Ruth.”

“Not until after the ceremony,” Emily cautioned. “You must not see the bride on her wedding day until the church.”

* * *

The rest of the morning was turmoil as Mother and Emily assisted Ruth with her hair, makeup, and gown, along with Ruth’s bridesmaid—her best friend Charlotte.

A number of the wedding guests were gathering in the sitting room hosted by Teresa and their father. Children were running around in the back garden and Molly was frantically serving punch and sandwiches to the guests as they arrived in ever growing numbers.

Emily took a break from helping Ruth when Molly, as she had been asked to do, told her that Fanny and Trent had arrived.

Emily went downstairs and gave each of them a big hug.

“You two… Look at you. So beautiful,” she said to Fanny. “And so handsome in your new suit,” she said to Trent.

“Thank you. And where is Teresa?”

Emily looked around. “She may be in the kitchen helping Molly.”

Trent left to find her.

“I hardly see you anymore,” Fanny said, pouting.

Emily leaned her head against Fanny’s forehead. “Oh, you have no idea what all I am having to deal with these days—Ruth’s wedding—my wedding—preparing for my first UK tour—and endless daily practice. I cannot go on that stage to perform unless I am fully prepared.”

Fanny took hold of Emily’s arm. “And your man? The dreamy duke—is he exactly what you want?”

“Oh, Fanny… he is so perfectly wonderful. He even gave the family new horses and a carriage so they could pass their old one on to the newlyweds.”

Fanny sighed and squinched up her nose. “And where is my prince charming?”

“Oh, my dear friend, he will appear. And speaking of which, it seems your brother and my sister have become quite infatuated with each other.”

“Besotted. All he does is moan and complain until he can see her again. I have the feeling that we shall soon become sisters.”

“Oh, another wedding? I do not know if I can manage that.”

“Never fear, I will take charge if necessary. I need some romance in my life, even if it is only my brother’s.”

Papa then began clapping his hands and announcing, “Time to go to the church. Everyone, the church is just down the street to the left. We are to walk there.” He then went to the garden to announce to the others.

Emily said, “I had better get back to Ruth. I will see you after the ceremony. And everything is taken care of for the reception.”

“Wait until you see the cake. I heckled the baker all week to make certain it was perfect.”

“You are a darling.”

* * *

The church service went well. No surprises. No accidents. And even the children were fairly well behaved. And it was a joyous crowd that followed the family and the bride and groom to Harrods which was not a long walk. It seemed much easier than dealing with many jostling carriages or hansom cabs.

Papa knew of many musical groups from running the music store, and he had hired a lively ensemble that kept the guests dancing most of the afternoon.

The wedding cake was displayed on a table on the side of the room and it was time to cut the cake. The bride and groom were poised to make the first cut, when Emily was shocked to have a pair of arms reach around from behind and take her by the waist. She gasped, startled, and turned to see Mark’s smiling face.

“I thought I might surprise you,” he whispered in her ear.

“Are you alone?”

“Not at all.” And he turned his head and Emily looked in that direction to see Alice beaming at her.

Emily reached out her hand and invited Alice to join them. Alice came over and Emily linked her arms with Mark and her dear friend.

“I had no idea you would be here,” she said turning to them both.

“Had to celebrate with our new family,” Alice said.

“I am so pleased you are both here,” she said. But just then, a roar went up from the guests as the first slice of cake was cut, which diverted their attention to the bride and groom.

But as soon as the servers took over and began serving cake to the guests, the music started up again and couples resumed dancing.

Mark turned to Emily and said, “You realize we have never danced together?”

“Well, that can be remedied right now.”

Alice had just accepted a slice of cake and was content to be left alone as the two joined three other couples to dance the quadrille. It was not possible to hold much of a discussion during the dance, because the couples were constantly interacting, but they were able to exchange smiles and loving glances with each other.

When the dance finished, Mark led Emily to where Alice sat at a small table for four.

“I secured a piece of cake for each of you,” Alice said, as Mark and Emily sat with her, still holding hands.

Emily turned to Mark and said, “I cannot tell you how pleased Papa was with your most magnanimous gift of a carriage. Mark, that was so very generous of you.”

“Mark parted with one of his precious carriages?” Alice asked in mock horror with a twinkle in her eye.

“How many do you have?” Emily asked.

“Maybe twenty. Well, nineteen now,” he answered.

And, as if on cue, Papa and Mother appeared at the table.

“Oh, Your Grace, we did not know you were to grace us with your presence today,” Mother said, curtsying.

“Just wanted to pay my respects to the family—as we are soon to be united in marriage,” he said patting Emily’s hand.

“How can I ever thank you enough for your most generous gift of a pair of horses and a carriage, Your Grace,” Papa said, taking hold of Mark’s hand and shaking it vigorously.

“I wanted your family to ride in comfort when you come to visit us at Linfield,” Mark said.

Emily stood and said to her parents, “Mother, Papa, I want to introduce you to Mark’s sister, Mrs. Alice Savoy. You have heard me speak of her often. She has been greatly instrumental in helping launch my new career.”

“Mrs. Savoy,” Papa said, bowing to Alice, as Mother curtsied.

Emily was delighted to be showing off her fiancé and his sister to her family and the many guests who were admiring the aristocratic couple from the dance floor or from their tables.

Suddenly her heart raced and she had to catch her breath as she saw Linton come into the ballroom, looking disheveled and with a fierce look in his eyes. He scanned the room and seeing Emily started towards their table.

Emily took a strong hold of Mark’s arm, which caused him to look at her.

“Mark, I think we are about to have some trouble,” she said quietly.

Mark looked to where she was looking.

Emily broke free of Mark and left the table marching directly to where Linton was charging toward her. Linton stopped once he reached her.

“What are you doing here, Linton, looking like you just rolled out of bed? You haven’t even shaved.”

Linton looked over her shoulder toward Mark and Alice.

“I wanted to see my competition. I wanted to see the man who stole my beloved.”

Mark came over and stood next to her.

“Is there a problem, Emily?” Mark asked.

It was then that Giles came over having witnessed the event.

“Linton, why not come with me?” he asked, taking Linton by the arm.

“No. I am not going anywhere until I have a private word with Emily,” he said pulling away.

“She is Miss Emily to you, young man,” Giles insisted.

Mark went up to him. “Young man, you are upsetting my fiancée and are disrupting this very happy event. Will you please leave?”

Linton seemed to be somewhat intimidated, as Mark was taller than he was and with a very commanding presence.

“Not until I talk to her.” Linton then pleaded with Emily, “Please, just a word. I have been so miserable.”

Emily took pity on him, and turned to Mark and said. “Mark, let me handle this. I will not be long.”

“Very well,” Mark said.

Emily led Linton out of the ballroom as a stunned wedding party looked on.

As they reached the hallway where they were alone, Linton bursts into tears. Emily put her hand on his shoulder.

“Linton, please. Why are you behaving like this? It is so out of character for you. You were always so polite and thoughtful. And now you appear at my sister’s wedding looking and behaving like a fool.”

Alice appeared in the doorway behind Emily. She came over and stood next to her to offer support but did not say anything, and let Emily handle the situation.

Linton took several deep breaths to try and control his outburst and finally said, “I have been so lost without you. I cannot sleep. My piano practicing has fallen away and I have no income. I am wretched and I know not what to do. And I thought if I saw you…”

“What Linton? What did you think that would accomplish?”

“I thought perhaps you would take pity on me and change your mind.”

Emily sighed. “Oh, dear friend, that is never going to happen. But let me speak to Giles. I know he will want to help you get back on your feet.” She turned to Alice and said, “Can you please fetch Mr. Carter for me? He is the one who came over when Linton appeared.”

“Of course,” Alice said and went back to the ballroom.

In a few moments, Giles appeared and stood next to Linton, putting his arm around Linton’s shoulders. And the gesture started Linton sobbing again.

“Son, let me help you. Come with me. No need to disturb these fine folks any longer.”

And Giles led Linton away, casting a glance at Emily over his shoulder as he escorted the young man down the hallway.

As Emily stood and watched them go, Mark came out of the room and stood next to her.

“Are you alright?”

“I am now,” she said taking his arm and holding on tightly to him. “And please forgive him. He was in a great deal of pain.”

“I understand you were friends. I believe he was your ‘Sophie’ so there is no harm done, as we have both let go of the past.”