Page 40 of The Uncompromising Marquess
“Florence.”
Turning, Florence smiled at her cousin. “Helena. Is everything ready?”
“It is.” Helena tilted her head and studied Florence. “You look quite beautiful, my dear cousin.
“Is the house not beautiful also?” Florence replied, looking around the drawing room. The scent of pine mingled with the mulled wine Florence had in her hand. Red and gold ribbons draped across the windows, their heavy curtains pulled back to reveal the sun fighting against the cold winter day. Ever since her father had given Lord Applegate his consent to marry Florence, he had done everything possible to make her wedding day a joyous, memorable one – including decorating the house like she had never seen before.
“I think that your betrothed will think you a good deal more beautiful than the house, my dear Florence.” Helena came a littlecloser, shifting Florence’s veil just a little and every so gently, so that it sat quite perfectly.
“I do not think I have ever worn anything so fine,” she admitted, as Helena smiled again. “Mother thought to have me use one of my sister’s veils but father would not have it.”
Helena took her hand and pressed it. “I believe he wants to do all he can for you by way of apology,” she said, as Florence looked away. “He recognizes, mayhap, that he did not give you the same attention as he did his other daughters, let himself be pushed into the agreement with Lord Cheswick – only to realize he had been deceived! If it had not been for Lord Applegate – ”
“Oh, do not speak of it!” Florence shuddered lightly, the happiness in her heart tearing away for just a moment. “I dared not even think of it!” She shivered again and then closed her eyes. “And whilst I am grateful to my father for all of his consideration, I hold nothing against him.” Her shoulders lifted and then fell as she smiled tenderly. “I have such joy now, there is not even the smallest hint of anger or upset in my heart.”
“That is wonderful to hear.” Tears glinted in Helena’s eyes as she stepped back. “Come then. The carriage is waiting.”
The small chapel was a building that Florence knew well, given that she had sat in the pews near every Sunday since she had been a child. Today, however, it felt a little unfamiliar, the snow casting a white glow over the building itself. The path had been cleared for her and, to her delight, the sun shone beautifully, making the snow glimmer and sparkle as if in joyous celebration of her wedding. As she stepped inside, Florence caught her breath to see the garlands of holly and ivy all around, candles lit everywhere to cast away the shadows from the otherwise dark building for its tiny windows did not let in a good deal of light.
“Are you ready, my dear?”
Florence, hearing the gentle murmur of the guests seated just through the door ahead of her, nodded. “Yes, father.”
“I want you to know how sorry I am.” His brow furrowed as Florence looked up at him. “I should have done a good deal more for you, Florence. I should have – ”
“Please.” Florence set one hand on his arm, smiling up at him. “There is no need, Father. I am to marry a gentleman who loves me and who I love in return. What more could I ask for?”
With a slow nod, Lord Grangemouth took in a deep breath and then released it, patting her hand gently. “You are very good, Florence. And I am happy for you, truly.” Standing tall, he turned to the door. “Come then, let us see you wed.”
Her heart fluttered like a bird in her chest as she took her first look at Lord Applegate. He stood at the front of the chapel, waiting for her with the faintest smile playing at the corner of his lips. As their eyes met, everything else faded into nothing, leaving only the two of them together. Walking towards him felt like the most wonderful thing in the world, his gaze was steady and filled with love as she drew near.
“Shall we begin?”
Florence could not take her eyes from Lord Applegate, knowing full well she ought to be looking at the chaplain but unable to do anything other than gaze at her betrothed. It was not yet time for her father to set her hand in that of Lord Applegate but she was aching for his touch.
As the chaplain began, his voice steady and clear, Florence had to fight with every ounce of her being to pay close attention to what was being said. The first vows were spoken by Lord Applegate and, as she too spoke her promises, Florence’s heart soared towards the skies. Never had she expected to be standing beside a gentleman that she loved! Her hopes had been for suitability and nothing more, telling herself that no-one would ever see past her clumsiness and her worry… but despite allof that,hehad seen her. This was not a match of duty or expectation but of love, and her world seemed all the brighter for it.
Yet more vows were said, more promises given and still, the moment was not come. Finally, as Lord Applegate slipped a ring onto her finger, Florence let out a sigh of contentment and joy, wishing she could throw her arms around his neck.
The chapel bells rang out in joyous peals as the chaplain declared them husband and wife, making Florence’s heart leap with joy. Lord Applegate was gazing at her as if she was the most precious thing he had ever beheld, the tenderness in his look making her heart fill with an even greater affection for him.
“I love you, Florence,” he whispered, taking her hand and, in full view of all the guests, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand.
“As I love you,” she replied, caring nothing for who heard her, “and as I always shall.”
