Page 172 of A Winter By the Sea
Emily clasped his hand tight, only resisting the urge tothrow her arms around him and kiss him because their families were nearby. There would be plenty of time for kissing soon enough.
On a bright spring morning, Miss Emily Summers and James Thomson, Esquire, walked into the Sidmouth parish church in eager anticipation of their wedding.
The pews were filled with local friends and a few from May Hill, although the Parkers had sent their regrets. Major Hutton, his father, brother, and friend Armaan were there, family to the Summerses by marriage. Other guests included Mr. Hornbeam and Miss Reed, Mrs. Denby, Mr. Wallis, Fran and her new husband, and many others—even Mr. Marsh.
Emily would have loved for Claire to be there as well, but the letter she had sent inviting her to attend had gone unanswered.
There was as yet no sign of James’s family. Emily hoped they were simply running late and would still come, especially now that tensions between James and his father had lessened.
Having a few minutes to spare before the service, Emily slipped into the Lady Chapel to pray.
She thought fleetingly of the three things she had once wished for: to return to May Hill and marry Charles, to be reunited with Claire, and to see her novel published. None of these things had happened, yet Emily was no longer discouraged. Instead she was filled with gratitude, and looked forward to a happy future.
James soon joined her in the side chapel. From there, he scanned the crowd, no doubt searching for his family. Emily’s heart went out to him.
A few minutes before the hour, the parish clerk closed thedouble doors. The wedding would soon begin without them. Emily took James’s hand and gave it an apologetic squeeze.
Then the doors opened once more and James’s parents entered, although neither of his brothers. There was time only to acknowledge them with nods across the nave before the first chords of organ music sounded through the church.
Emily tightened her grip on his hand and whispered, “At least your parents are here.”
James nodded, exhaling in relief.
Then Viola and Fran were beside her, handing her a bouquet of flowers, straightening the silver cross around her neck, and adjusting Emily’s veil.
It was time.
———
After the service, the new-married couple rode back to Sea View in the Huttons’ carriage, which the sisters had festooned with colorful bunting.
The guests followed in carriages of their own, or by chair, or on foot, to attend the wedding breakfast.
Reaching Sea View, Taggart halted the horses, and Chown hopped down to help them alight.
A second carriage arrived after them, carrying Mrs. Besley, Lowen, Jessie, and Mr. Gwilt. Emily had insisted that their dear retainers be included in the wedding before having to hurry back to Sea View to finish laying out the banquet.
Only Antoine Bernardi, who had returned for their nuptials at James’s invitation, had decided to stay behind and prepare several fine dishes for the wedding breakfast.
The new Mr. and Mrs. Thomson were the first to enter the house, and there they paused to share a deep, lingering kiss.
Realizing they were standing beneath the painting of Finderlay, Emily glanced up at her former home and found she did not feel wistful in the least.
James noticed her looking at the painting and met her gaze with a flicker of concern in his eyes.
She gave him a reassuring smile and another kiss.
James’s parents soon arrived. Mrs. Thomson hurried to them with enthusiastic congratulations and embraces for them both. Mr. Thomson approached more slowly, yet he surprised them all by affectionately clapping his son’s shoulder and kissing Emily’s cheek.
Mrs. Thomson apologized for their tardiness and for their absent sons. She explained they had decided it would be too difficult for Arthur, an invalid, to make the journey. “And I have no idea where Edward might be,” she added, with an obvious effort to sound casual. “You know how he is.”
Her husband frowned and muttered, “Probably off on another gambling spree.”
Mrs. Thomson’s expression remained determinedly bright. “Let’s not worry about that now. Today is a happy day. A celebration.”
Beside her, her husband merely grunted.
The wedding breakfast was soon underway, the dining room, drawing room, and parlour filled with loved ones, delicious food, many embraces, and sincere well-wishes.
