Page 165 of The Lady and the Duke

Her Grace did not seem to appreciate that. However, she added, “If you would be so kind, would you please stop by my suite after you have put on your wedding gown, and before we drive down to theceremony.”

“Of course,Mamma.”

* * *

“You wished to see me?”Lydia asked, as she entered the Duchess’s suite. The Duchess did not yet have her new companion, so she was alone and seated at her dressingtable.

The Duchess looked up and saw Lydia, who took her breath away. Lydia was dressed in her wedding gown, looking like an angel just descended fromheaven.

“My darling, daughter-in-law, how absolutely splendid you look. I never could have imagined…” She seemed to choke up and showed the first genuine emotion Lydia has ever seen herexpress.

“Come.”

Lydia went over and stood before her. Lydia’s hair was a crown of beauty with ribbons and dried flowers matching perfectly the warm cream colors ofhergown.

“I want you to have this,” the Duchess said. “Lean forward,please.”

Lydia bowed and the Duchess placed the most beautiful pink diamond and ruby necklace aroundherneck.

“This is my wedding present to you. It was my Grandmother’s, the Duchess of Carnaven. It was given to her by the Grand Duke Nicholai Shvarnova ofRussia.”

“Oh, Mamma, how splendid and beautiful.Thankyou.”

Then the Duchess said in a whisper, “And do not sell it off to fund any of Edwin’s crazy projects. Promisemethat?”

Lydia smiled. “Yes, Ipromise.”

* * *

It wasa chilly morning and it seemed that everything leading up to, and after, the church ceremony was about putting on or taking off coats, hats, and gloves; or getting in or out of various carriages—with fussing footmen, drivers, and assorted retinue getting in the way more than actuallyhelping.

Edwin and Lydia, and Bartley and Ellen—now man and wives—stood before the assembled guests at Honeyfield who were enjoying a hearty weddingreception.

Edwin, as the host, was preparing to welcome all guests, but first he turned toLydia.

“My darling wife… I cannot believe I can say that now. Well, here we are. About to begin this grand adventure together. I could not do what I want without you. I could not be who I am without you. I am so excited to start our life together.” He leaned over andkissedher.

Then he turned to his guests and raised his glass in a toast. “My lords, ladies, and gentlemen… and to you few children scampering around the sidelines… welcome, each and every one of you. Thank you for attending our nuptials and showing us your lovingsupport.”

He turned to Bartley and Ellen. “To my darling sister, Ellen, and her new husband, Bartley, my most sincere congratulations.” He tilted his glasstothem.

“And finally to my loving wife and inspiration, Lydia, theDuchessof…”

Lydia leaned in and whisperedtohim.

“Excuse me… my wife reminds me it is to be justLydia.”

“Let me take it from here, dear,” Lydia said. “My dearest family, friends, and new family—this moment… this day… is like a chapter out of a fairy story. That I… a lowly vicar’s daughter should become the wife of such a wonderful, caring, and devoted son, brother, and husband is beyond my wildest imagination. I promise to all of you—as he has promised to me—to be forever mindful, true, and generous in my dealings with all of you—with all my comings and goings in the world—and to those who will one day be ourchildren.”

Lydia raised her glass. “To Ellen and Bartley; to my dear friend Jenny and her husband, Doctor Cooke; to my Mother; to my new Mamma; and, finally, to you my dearest,” she said, as she ended by raising her glass toEdwin.

She then took his arm and whispered. “I love you,Jammy.”

THEEND