Page 28 of His Unforgettable Bride (Bride Ships: New Voyages #4)

Twenty-Eight

In preparing a bridal outfit, it is best to furnish the wardrobe for at least two years, in underclothes,

and one year in dresses .

J uliet and her friends—Sage, Willow, and Daisy—stood around a table in the elegant, sunlit breakfast room of Victoria’s Royal Hotel. The room was empty, save for them and the anticipation that filled the air. A lovely Christmas and a busy two weeks had flitted past since she agreed to travel to Bascandy with Henry.

“You’re giving me a wedding dress?” Juliet traced the beaded bodice with her fingertip, then the length of a silky white sleeve. The gown matched perfection, as did the thoughtfulness behind the gift.

They had gathered to ogle Daisy’s creation, a wedding dress tucked inside a long, white carton now serving as the table’s centerpiece. Henry, always eager to help make Juliet’s life easier, had arranged for the private meeting space and refreshments.

Quite pregnant, Daisy rested her hands on her extended stomach. Darling dimples dented her cheeks, and freckles dotted her nose. She’d tamed her dark brown hair into a long braid as usual. “Though I sewed the gown, it’s a wedding gift from us all. Believe it or not, you inspired the design before I knew you had even met someone special.”

“That is me.” Juliet chuckled. “Miss Inspirational.”

Willow laughed as her blue eyes sparkled. She and her sister Sage had the same heart-shaped faces, dainty chins, and reddish-blond hair. Willow’s teal blue hat sat at a jaunty tilt, adding to her charm. “Tell us more about your mystery man.”

“And make it snappy.” Clad in a smart burgundy dress trimmed with black bric-a-brac, Sage grinned. Twin tortoise shell combs locked her flowy red-blond hair from her lovely face. “Will your wedding take place soon? It was hard to tell from your letter.”

“Not exactly.” More than a little, she wanted her friends to approve of her decision, but a big fat knot sat in the middle of her stomach.

Juliet had mailed them invitations two weeks ago to meet her today. Now, with all eyes on her, she questioned how to explain her complicated situation. Maybe the same way she’d told Livy and Tabitha during their teary goodbye yesterday back in Everly. I’d risk everything to spend the rest of my life with Henry.

She gestured to a nearby table before a sunny floor-to-ceiling window trimmed with velvet gold drapes. Attractive ivory wallpaper with tiny pink roses on either side added to the room’s appeal. “Does anyone care for coffee or tea?”

They all moved to a nearby table and sat on the well-cushioned chairs with Willow across from Juliet. A tray of pink-and-green petit fours perched between tea and coffee urns. Cream and sugar containers completed the spread.

“You’ve stalled long enough, Juliet.” Daisy leaned back in her chair. “We want details about your fiancé.”

He wasn’t exactly her fiancé.

“Yes,” Willow added. “You’ve only told us his name is Henry and he’s handsome.”

“Not a very vivid picture, Juliet.” Sage poured coffee into her cup and her sister’s, the rich scent circulating. “Give us the particulars.”

Juliet squared her shoulders and one at a time locked eyes with her friends. “I may have neglected to mention one little detail—odds are, I’m about to marry a king. Well, in a few months.”

“A king?” Willow lowered her cup, clattering it on the saucer. A few drops of coffee spilled onto the white linen tablecloth. “A flesh and blood king?”

“With a crown?” Daisy’s big eyes doubled in size. Perhaps tripled.

“I assume.” Juliet hadn’t pondered such things and figured she’d have plenty of time on the ocean journey to think about palaces, kingdoms, and everything royal.

Sage finally closed the wide gap separating her rose-pink lips. “That’ll make you a queen.”

“But I fell in love with a carpenter.”

“Back up.” Willow raised her palm. “Give us the full story, then we’ll badger you with questions.”

After Juliet filled her cup and Daisy’s with tea, she shared everything important since meeting Henry. Finding him in the woods, learning he suffered from amnesia, converting the carriage house into a tearoom, dancing together, and learning to become a lady. “Trust me. I was as equally astounded as all of you when I discovered his identity.”

Daisy’s animated face suddenly grew serious. “Wait a minute. I want my wedding dress back.”

“No, ma’am.” Juliet knew wholeheartedly that wearing Daisy’s gown on her wedding day would be like having a friend by her side. She suspected she’d need the support if a ceremony ever occurred.

“You can’t wear…a homespun dress.” Daisy sputtered and stood. “You need something beautiful, fancy, and…expensive.”

Juliet stretched and tugged on her friend’s sleeve, guiding her back into a sitting position. Then she reached for a petit four and placed it on her plate. Even though it wasn’t ladylike, Juliet couldn’t resist saying, “I’d prefer to walk down the aisle naked than to give you back my gown.”

Laughing, Sage shook her head.

“I’ve missed you all more than you know.” Juliet meant every word as she sampled the dessert. Tasty but inferior to Icala’s treats in the tearoom.

Willow wiped her mouth with her linen napkin. “Since you’re in love, I’m curious why you seek our advice. Does his station in life unnerve you?”

“Yes, but something else disturbs me more.” She explained the situation regarding his engagement to Faith. “Even so, I intend to leave for Bascandy with him tomorrow because Henry has no intention of wedding her. I apologize for bringing you here under pretenses.”

Sage’s eyebrow cocked. “What pretenses?”

“Initially, I wanted your advice but then realized I knew my mind and heart’s desire. I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t do everything possible to have a life with him.”

Sage patted Juliet’s hand in a rallying, supportive manner. “I’d do the same thing if I were you.”

“And I’d never forgive myself if I left without telling you all goodbye.” Her friendship with Willow and Daisy had only existed for one year, yet they’d shared dreams, fears, and hearts during their voyage. In a sense, they’d created a makeshift family. She’d known Sage for a shorter time, though they’d instantly formed a quick, solid fondness for each other.

A hefty lump wedged in Juliet’s throat. Maybe she’d return to Victoria one day, or they’d pay her a visit in Bascandy. A person never knew what life had in store.

She smiled at her friends. “But enough about me. Tell me what’s the latest with you. Willow, please go first.”

“All right. Caleb adores farming in Salt Springs. We both do. However, with winter upon us, work has slowed. Yet we’ve stayed busy.”

Sage laughed and swatted her sister’s arm. “Tell them.”

Either Willow blushed or the room’s heat flushed her rosy cheeks. “My flowy dress hides the fact, but I’m with child.”

A chorus of congratulations followed from Daisy and Juliet.

“Caleb is ready to bust his buttons and claims he wants a girl just like me,” Willow said.

Of course he desired a wee one like his wife, lovely through and through. “How wonderful. What is the date?”

“Late spring.”

Daisy applauded, and Juliet liked that the first person she’d met before boarding the bride ship hadn’t lost her whimsy. “One day, perhaps we’ll arrange for our children’s future marriage.”

Everyone chuckled but Juliet. “In my opinion and experience, arranged marriages are dreadful and should be avoided at all costs.”

“A fine point.” Daisy tapped her chin with her finger. “I’m happy to report our sewing shop thrives, and Mother arrived before Christmas. Fortunately, she and Seth get along like long-lost friends. Sometimes, I can’t get a word in edgewise when they start chattering.”

Willow cocked her brow. “I find that hard to believe.”

Daisy sheepishly grinned. “You’re right.”

Sunshine streamed directly from the window onto Sage, brightening her happy face even more. “In my world, Jackson and I married while out of town.”

All four women squealed.

“That’s wonderful.” Gratitude sank to Juliet’s toes. Each woman had been transformed since leaving Manchester. Who would have guessed they’d find prosperous, precious futures in foreign lands? And husbands who adored them as they were—unique, brave women willing to cross the oceans for better lives.

“Juliet, I never heard why you left the Firth mansion.” Sage poured more coffee into her cup and added cream. “When I returned to Victoria, I was surprised by your letter that you’d uprooted and moved to Everly. Once again, you were vague regarding the reason why.”

Juliet summarized the situation that had led her across the strait and how Ruby had tried to blackmail her. “But she’s in jail now and shouldn’t bother anyone anytime soon.”

“Huh.” Slowly and perhaps absently, Sage stirred her coffee. “Shortly after my arrival in Victoria, I saw Ruby bury something behind the Firths’ house, close to the fence line. Suspicious, I went over and investigated.”

Juliet’s muscles grew taut. Was Sage involved with the stolen jewel fiasco? “Don’t tell me you dug up the missing jewels.”

Sage nodded, lowering her spoon onto her saucer. “Before I rushed out of town, I tried to return the jewels to the Firths but couldn’t gain an audience with either Mr. or Mrs. Firth. So I left the jewels in my drawer and forgot all about them.”

It had never crossed Juliet’s mind to associate Sage with Ruby’s crime. What a strange turn of events. “I assume you’ll return the jewelry to Mrs. Firth. At least one piece is a family heirloom.”

“Of course. I’ll do it later today. I’m sorry if my actions caused you distress.”

If Juliet hadn’t lost her position with the Firths, she wouldn’t have met Livy, Tabitha, and, most importantly, Henry. Perhaps she should stop by the jail and thank her old roommate before leaving town. “Everything has worked out for the best.”

Well, not for Ruby.

Someone cleared his throat, and they all turned toward Henry, tall and masculine in his dark blue tailored three-piece suit. He grinned, his eyes on Juliet as he strode forward. She deemed his smile the perfect combination of friendliness and breathtaking. Even before she’d learned of his lineage, she noted his impeccable manners, perfect diction, formal speech, and almost regal bearing.

She had grown more accustomed to his title, albeit slowly. Deep down, he hadn’t changed. He was still as sweet and kind as ever.

Standing beside her chair, he gave a slight bow. “Hello, everyone. I am Henry.”

The women stood, looking in awe. Daisy curtsied and whispered to Juliet, “He is ridiculously handsome, much like Seth, Caleb, and Jackson.”

Juliet nodded, her heart adding an extra beat. “Oh, I am well aware.”

After introductions and tight farewell hugs, the women departed. Not one tear fell from Juliet’s eyes because her gratitude for their friendship outweighed her sadness.

“Did you enjoy visiting with your friends?” Henry stood across the table from her and popped a petit four into his mouth, his eyes grazing on her face.

“Immensely, and they were duly surprised when they heard our tale.”

“I can only imagine.” He swallowed, and she watched his Adam’s apple rise and fall. “And did you seek their guidance on how to proceed with your future?”

“I did not?—”

“Because you had already made up your mind?” He pinched the bridge of his nose, obviously distressed.

Dobbin entered the breakfast room, postponing her response. He approached their table. “I have fulfilled your request, Miss Dash.”

“What is this secret you two share?” Henry slipped his hands into his pockets, worry filling his eyes. “I find this development utterly disturbing.”

Laughing, she moved to the table holding her bridal gown and passed the large, cumbersome container to Dobbin. “Will you please deliver this to my room, as well?”

“To clarify, your room on the steamer?”

“Yes, please. Put it with the rest of my belongings aboard the royal ship.”

Henry raised his face to the ceiling before directing his focus back to her. His eyes shimmered with emotion, and she wanted nothing more than to plant her lips against his. But no kissing was allowed for a dreadfully long time. “I love you.”

Without a word, Dobbin turned to leave, but not before Juliet caught sight of his bright smile.

She drew her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “Are you ready to escort me to the dock?”

“Yes, but first, I have a surprise for you.” He nodded toward the doorway. “What could it be?”

“I’m wondering the same thing.” Side by side, they moved toward the room’s exit, the noise in the lobby growing in volume. She raised her voice. “I require a hint.”

“It is furry.”

“A cozy blanket to keep me warm on the steamer?”

“Ideally, I would perform that task myself, but alas, I cannot.”

Before becoming a lady, Juliet may have readily ignored the no-kissing rules. Not anymore. My, how her life had changed.

Henry reached for her hand and led her to the lobby. After rounding the corner, he pointed at a wicker basket alongside the wall, no bigger than her new side-laced brown boots. A white-and-blue checked cloth concealed what hid underneath until a furry gray head revealed itself—an adorable puppy.

“Since you left Bells behind in Everly, I thought you needed another female traveling companion besides your new maid.”

Dobbin had hired Miss Walker to accompany her on the voyage. She’d protested having a maid of her own when she’d only just been one herself, but both Dobbin and Henry had insisted she have a woman companion for the long voyage.

“How thoughtful, and I love puppies.” She placed her hand against her chest, her heart ticking excitedly. “You are the best man on earth.”

“Am I?” His grin held a mischievous slant.

“Oh, yes.” Juliet picked up the bundle of fur and hugged the squirmy pup to her chest. A cold, wet nose tickled her neck. “I’ll name her Junior.”

“Interesting choice.”

“I always make interesting choices, and isn’t it obvious? She has gray fur.”

“Ah.”

She glanced at the hotel guests rushing up the staircase or out the wide brass door. Everyone had somewhere to go, and so did they. With her arm joined with his, they strolled toward the exit and departed the hotel.

The bright sunshine drew a squint to her eyes as the brisk air kissed her cheeks. Across the street sat the brick Brown Jug Saloon and a lovely church. “Goodbye, Victoria,” she whispered under her breath.

As they approached the harbor, she let her gaze linger over the breathtaking view of the Olympic Mountains beyond the ocean. Snowcapped and exquisite, the scene always stole her breath. She sighed and tried to capture the image to remember forever.

The large royal ship couldn’t weigh anchor in Victoria. Therefore, they’d first board a smaller steamer to reach the harbor in Esquimalt, where she’d arrived on the bride ship. In many ways, it felt like yesterday, but almost a year had passed. “How long until we reach Bascandy?”

“Roughly four months.”

Juliet glanced over her shoulder, expecting to find Dobbin shadowing their steps. Sure enough, two additional uniformed men and a middle-aged woman with an exceedingly large hat, presumably Miss Walker, accompanied the group. What a strange, royal world.

She moved her gaze to the man at her side. “Plenty of time to achieve my goal.”

“Which goal is that?” He swung the empty basket’s handle, his steps matching her stride.

“Since I learned to be a lady in less than two months, I assume learning to be a queen in four will be a luxury.”

His cheerful laughter serenaded her heart as he guided her around a pile of melting snow and down the hill toward the waiting ship. “Dobbin and I shall happily teach you everything you want to know. But never forget, I adore you as you are.”

“Likewise.” She squeezed his arm. “How long until you speak with Faith?”

“Immediately upon our return. I do not care to waste two minutes.”

“Then how long after that until we wed?”

“As soon as humanly possible. One of us can barely wait for the honeymoon.”

A pleasing warmth settled inside Juliet’s belly. She agreed with him, but mentioning the truth would be unladylike. “What an outrageous thing to say.”

“My only excuse is that I am outrageously in love with you.”

Little girl Juliet could have never imagined this moment. Even now, all grown up, she barely believed it was happening. “And I love you just as much.”