Page 87 of The Scholar (Emerson Pass Historicals 3)

“I’m going to make potato salad, which we’ll have to keep on ice,” Lizzie said. “We’ll have everything set out on the back porch in a buffet style.”

Jasper groaned. “My father’s turning over in his grave.”

“Jasper thinks your request for a casual affair is for peasants,” Lizzie said, sounding apologetic for her husband.

“A formal sit-down dinner is what all of Lord Barnes’s children should have,” Jasper said.

“He’s no longer a lord.” I exchanged an amused glance with Lizzie. “Anyway, this is what Louisa and I felt comfortable asking for since the wedding is such short notice. Lizzie has enough to do without adding an impromptu wedding.”

“As you wish.” Jasper sniffed, straightened his tie, and left the room, his heels clicking on the wood floor as he climbed the stairs.

“The poor man is tortured on a daily basis.” Lizzie laughed under her breath. “Now back to your wedding feast.”

24

Louisa

* * *

In my wedding dress, I sat at the mirror on the dressing table in the room I’d be sharing with Theo until our house was ready. Fiona, wearing a silk-and-lace champagne-colored frock, pinned my hair to the back of my neck. Annabelle had made my dress from a combination of silk, satin, and lace with a rounded neckline and sleeves as soft as butterfly wings that fluttered around my shoulders.

Fiona placed a beaded headband around the front of my hair and stood back to look at her handiwork. “Perfection.”

Cymbeline was lounging on the window seat with her legs spread out long on the cushions. She and Fiona were dressed already for the wedding in silk dresses.

“What do you think of my masterpiece?” Fiona asked Cymbeline as she helped me up from the chair.

“You look like one of those porcelain dolls,” Cymbeline said. “The prettiest one ever made.”

“A perfectly perfect bride,” Fiona said.

I looked at myself again, pleased. “I do love this dress.”

There was a knock on the door, followed by Quinn asking if she could enter.

“Yes, please,” I called out to her.

Quinn had a wrapped package in her arms. She set it on the table before exclaiming, “Louisa, what a spectacular bride you are.”

“Thank you.” For some reason, I curtsied, then giggled. “I’m a little nervous.”

“I was an absolute wreck on my wedding day. Once it all begins, you’ll forget all that and enjoy yourself.” Quinn gestured toward the package. “I brought you something. Would you like to open it now?”

“I would, yes.”

“Yes, do,” Cymbeline said. “I love surprises.”

“Then, please, go right ahead,” Quinn said.

I tore open the brown wrapping paper to find a leather Bible.

“This is for you and Theo to write the names of your babies as they come,” Quinn said. “And your grandchildren too.”

I ran my hand over the soft brown leather. “Thank you. I love it.” I opened it to see that Quinn had written inside.

Louisa,

Welcome to the family. May our good Lord bless you and Theo all the days of your lives. Much love, Mama and Papa.