Page 151 of The Seaside Homecoming
“I suppose it’s possible. I could consider it.”
Claire nodded. “Good. And remember, if you went with us, we might visit that most generous friend of yours. Mr. Henshall? I could thank him personally for returning my necklace. And you could renew your acquaintance with the gentleman, who, according to Emily, is quite handsome and admires you a great deal.”
“Emily romanticizes everything.”
“Perhaps. But even I can see that dreamy look in your eyes whenever his name comes up in conversation.”
“I could not just ... call on him. It would be too forward.”
“We would not be going simply to call on him. We are going to look at the house. And while we are there, it would only be polite to visit an acquaintance, especially one who performed such kind offices for our family.”
“Now you sound like Emily. Very well, I shall think about it.”
“You do that, Sarah. And while you’re thinking, I will begin making plans.”
On an early September morning, Claire rose from bed, stomach fluttering with anticipation as she prepared for her wedding. As in days of old, she and Sarah helped each other dress.
As she laced Claire’s long stays, Sarah said, “You’re trembling. Are you nervous?”
“A little, yes, although mostly eager.”
Sarah gave her shoulders a reassuring squeeze. “It is going to be a lovely day. Relish it.”
With her assistance, Claire donned an elegant new gown of ivory satin, which their mother had engaged a modiste to make for her. Mamma had also had a pretty new gown made for Sarah, who would serve as Claire’s bridesmaid.
Soon after they finished dressing, Fran arrived to curl and arrange Claire’s hair, as well as Sarah’s, Mamma’s, Emily’s, and Georgiana’s.
As Claire sat at the dressing table, Fran met her gaze in the mirror and asked, “Do you recall the first time I dressed your hair? For the Huntley ball?”
“I remember.”
“I knew then you would be a most beautiful bride one day, and I was right.”
They smiled at each other’s reflections, then Claire rose to make way for Sarah. When all were ready, they went downstairs together.
Major Hutton sent his carriage to collect Claire, her bridesmaid, and her mother, while the others would walk to the church. It was a fine, temperate day for a stroll, and a perfect day for a wedding. Claire decided to take Sarah’s advice and relish every moment.
When the carriage arrived at St. Giles and St. Nicholas a few minutes later, there was Mira waiting for them in a sweet ivory gown similar to Claire’s, a wreath of flowers in her dark hair. Her father stood beside her, handsome in a dark blue frock coat, fine waistcoat, and snowy cravat. Armaan and Sonali stood just behind them and seemed to have eyes only for each other.
William stepped to the carriage to help the ladies alight, keeping hold of Claire’s hand. His gaze, full of warmth and wonder, was a delight to behold and filled Claire with love and gratitude anew that this man would soon be her husband.
The party from Sea View and Westmount arrived on foot: Emily and James, Viola and Major Hutton, and a much younger man he introduced as his brother, Colin. Georgiana and Mr. Hornbeam brought up the rear.
Georgiana’s hair—so recently and carefully curled and pinned by Fran—was already falling loose into her eyes, and her skirt bore grass stains.
“Georgie!” Mamma called. “What on earth happened?”
“Oh, nothing. Chips ran off with Mr. Hornbeam’s walking stick, so I chased after him and wrestled it away.”
“Of course you did.” Sarah slowly shook her head, a tolerant grin on her lips.
“Well,” Claire said, “you all look beautiful to me.”
“And to me,” William echoed, squeezing her hand. “Now, shall we go inside and get married?”
Together they entered the nave, and Claire was surprised by how many people were in attendance. There was Mrs. Ballard, Mary, Fran and her husband, Mrs. Denby, a few women she had met at church, and many others she did not recognize—a testimony to the affection the townspeople held for her family.
Claire walked to the front of the church and stood with William before the altar, Sarah on her other side as attendant, while Armaan stood near William.
