Page 82 of A Marquess to Save Her
Louise gasped at the sight of the beautiful fabric. It was everything that she had always imagined her wedding dress to look like and she immediately knew that it was either that fabric or nothing.
"I want that," Louise announced immediately.
"Then, you shall have it, my lady," the dressmaker said, "now I have to take your measurements."
Soon enough, the measurements were all done and the dressmaker left.
Louise sighed as she leaned back into the couch, smiling. The fact that she was getting married to Callum, the man that she loved still seemed unreal to her. Her dreams were finally coming true and she was giddy with happiness.
The butler came into the drawing room then, bearing a box.
"The box was delivered by a footman from the Callum household," the butler said.
"Is that so?" Louise asked, grinning from ear to ear.
"Isn't she just adorable?" Her mother said to Aunt Theodora, "I remember when I was engaged to her father and I would be giddy with joy when I received anything from him. That was such a beautiful time."
Louise collected the box and waited until the butler left before she opened it to see its contents.
Inside the box were a couple of items, a flower crown, a letter, and a jewelry box.
"Isn't Lord Langton just sweet?" her mother said.
Louise pulled the flower crown out first. It was the type that brides would often wear and it contained beautiful flowers from lilies to tulips and orchids. It was such a beautiful sight to see.
Next, she pulled out the jewelry box. Opening it, she saw a set of gold necklaces and earrings with pink topaz.
"Wow!" Louise was pleasantly surprised.
"That is a beautiful gift," Louise's mother said, "and it would go perfectly with your dress."
"Not only is it beautiful, but it is also quite an expensive piece," Aunt Theodora pointed out.
Of course, Louise knew. Pink topazes were quite rare and therefore expensive. Louise could already imagine the necklace glowing in the candlelight at one of the many balls and feasts that she would attend with her husband.
Next was the letter. Louise broke into a smile even before she even began to read it and she knew for a fact that the letter would go in the drawer that contained precious items that belonged to her.
My Darling Louise,
I am writing you this letter because I miss you so. I miss your smile, your laughter, and the way your hair falls in your face and you tuck it back behind your ear in one smooth motion. I know that it is only two days before our wedding and yet, I cannot wait until we are joined together in holy matrimony to become husband and wife for as long as we breathe. Some years ago, I never thought that I would meet a woman who would make me eschew my earlier resolve to get married, and yet I am, counting down the hours until you will be mine and I will be yours forever.
I may not be the most expressive man but I make a promise to you today that I would spend the rest of my life loving you and making sure that you live a life of ease. Nothing can fully quantify what I feel for you, therefore, I hope that these gifts can convey just how much I regard and love you.
I cannot wait for that day when we will walk down the aisle; a man and his wife.
Callum
For a moment after reading the letter, Louise simply pressed it against her bosom, while smiling into space. Everything that she had ever dreamed of was coming to pass and her heart could not contain the happiness.
Even the Duke who usually disapproved of her being married to his grandson had to give his blessings especially when Callum told him that he was ready to be disowned if that was the only way for him to get married to Louise. She was daydreaming about their wedding day and how perfect it would be when a voice woke her up from her reverie.
"Is that pink topaz?" a voice that Louise immediately recognized as the heir's said and she rolled her eyes at the disturbance.
The Earl was currently staring at the jewelry box beside her and his eyes bulged so much that for a moment, Louise feared that they would pop out of their socket.
"Indeed, it is," Aunt Theodora replied, snatching the box up and snapping it close away from the greedy eyes of the heir, "and it is a gift from Louise's soon-to-be husband."
The Earl shook his head. "I have to admit, you managed to snag yourself a good match," he said.
