Page 389 of Conveniently Wed
“It’s not you, honey, it’s not you at all.” She closed her eyes as if in prayer and turned aside for a moment, then lifted her head toward Katherine.
“My brother married your ma, who was way above his humble social standing. Their marriage was not accepted by society, nor her family. Truth is, your mother was once a pampered socialite in Richmond high society. She grew up surrounded by a wealthy family with servants at her beck and call. She was educated, primped, and taught the finer graces of life for one purpose only—to marry well. Then…” A troubled light stole into her eyes.
“Then what?”
“The fact she left Richmond and all that finery to farm with your pa in the Shenandoah Valley is nothing short of a true love story. As to the why your ma never talks about her family or has any contact with them, that’s your mother’s story. You’ll have to discuss that with your parents.”
“I’ve tried a hundred times, and neither of them will talk about it.”
“Sadly, some things are better left unsaid. However, this one thing I can assure you—they love you very much.”
“I would agree Pa does, but not?—”
“Yes, your ma loves you.” She placed her hands on Katie’s shoulders. “I know she seems overly stern and harsh at times, but trust what I’m saying.”
“Am I part of this unhappiness in their past?”
Her aunt’s gaze grew wary, then lit up in response. “You were the only part of that sad time that brought joy. But I can’t say more.” She gave Katie’s shoulder one last warm squeeze. “Can you find it in your heart to let your mother treat you special today? She wants so much to give you a nice day. Your disappearance just flustered her well laid plans.”
Katie fought back the tears. “Go get her, Aunt May, and tell her I’m sorry.”
Her aunt turned to leave, but stopped short of the door and whirled around. “You may not think so, but we all understand and appreciate the sacrifice you’re making for your family today. And although you can’t see it now, I’ve been praying up a storm, and, in that deepest part of my soul, I believe you and Josiah will find love.”
Katie looked away. She was not about to believe that fairy tale.
The dress Mr. Richardson had dropped off earlier in the week, which Katie had not had the stomach to look at, now hung over Ma’s arm. Huge butterflies cartwheeled in Katie’s stomach.
Shooing everyone else out of the small bedroom, Ma shut the door firmly behind them. She laid the dress with care on the bed and turned toward Katie.
“Katherine—”
“Ma—”
They both spoke at the same time. Katie waved at her mother to go first.
“I’m sorry for my snappy ways. I love you very much, and want to make this day special.” She moved forward and drew Katie into a rare hug. Katie soaked up the warmth.
“I’m sorry, too. This whole thing is...” Katie bit off her words. There was no point.
“Let’s get you dressed,” Ma said, pulling back. “You’ll look as beautiful as that bouquet Jeanette created for you. Aunt May had some late blooming pink and cream roses and you should see what she did. That girl has an eye for arranging.”
Clucking in satisfaction, she smoothed her hands over the creamy-white gown. “Why, that Mr. Richardson must have paid a pretty penny for this. I know he made a trip to Harrisonburg for the gown, but with supplies being what they are these days, I’m not sure how he found one so lovely.”
Her ma’s eyes danced in delight. “Just look at all this crinoline, and the layers of material in this petticoat.” She ran her fingers up and down and lifted each piece for inspection. “You even have a new corset.”
A faraway look entered her eyes as she held the soft material up to her cheeks. “If there is one thing I truly miss, Katherine, it’s the feel of fine silk next to my skin. And I know my fabrics. This one is divine, absolutely divine.” Her face beamed, making Katie realize how seldom her ma smiled. She looked twenty years younger. “I’ve made something for you.”
Katie straightened. It was a rare thing to receive a gift from her mother. A slender vine of hope curled around the edges ofher hurting heart. Could it be that she was wrong, that her ma cared more than she understood?
Ma turned away. “Don’t peek while I lay them out.”
Katie closed her eyes. The squeak of the dresser drawer opened, and the rustle of material piqued Katie’s interest.
“All right. You can look.”
She opened her eyes to a beautiful dressing gown, a camisole, and a set of lace trimmed unmentionables that lay spread out on the bed. “Oh, Ma, when? How? I was so embarrassed at the thought of him seeing the state of my?—”
“A lot of stolen hours here, there, and everywhere, and the fact that you didn’t mind the outdoor work helped a lot too. But to find enough material to sew this for you, let me tell you, that was a feat. However, I wasn’t going to have my girl in anything less on such a special day.” Ma’s face lit up. “And I forgot how much fun it was to keep a surprise.”
