“How are you feeling,” Evie asked Lucy?
Lucy replied, “Honestly, I do not know how to feel. I am nervous and yet anxious for it to be done.”
“Can you at least try to enjoy your special day?”
“I shall try.”
Evie returned home preceding Lucy’s nuptials. Although she remained conflicted on her sister’s behavior, she was also quite excited. She would be seeing her sister Hannah for the first time since her own wedding. It had been little over a month, yet it had felt like a great deal longer. Evie had never gone so long without seeing her sister before.
Hannah returned to the house, tanned from her bridal tour. Her family embraced her and she seemed over the moon to be back at her former home. She was alone, as her husband had other obligations in which to attend. So once again, the five Seymours came together as a family. Evie was thrilled.
Following dinner, two days out from the big day, Evie, Lucy, and Hannah gathered in Lucy’s room. In some ways, it felt like old times. In others, it felt immensely different. Soon two of the sisters would be wed; gone from the family home. Once again, it was bittersweet.
Hannah said, “I have so missed you all. The bridal tour was lovely, but I would have liked if you all had been there with me.”
Evie replied, “It has not been the same without you. It feels like so much has gone on in your absence. The letters can hardly cover it.”
“I know. However, I am excited for you all to come and visit us at our home. It is quite lovely, though at such a distance. The only thing that sustained me through that long journey was being able to see your faces.”
Lucy remained quiet. Both Evie and Hannah looked at her, concerned. Evie asked, “Lucy, are you alright?”
Lucy answered, “I suppose so.”
“Why aren’t you talking?”
“I’m just thinking. In two days nothing shall be the same. I will be Lady Drake. I will have a new home, new responsibilities, new everything. It is so much to take in.”
Hannah countered, “Yes. It can be overwhelming. But you shall adjust. I was nervous about becoming a wife as well. In spite of all of our breeding, we still do not feel as if we know what to do. Yet, once you become a wife, it is natural.”
“You know I have always been strong-willed. How do I turn that off?”
Evie said, “You may just use that strong will for other pursuits. Such as insuring that your family and home are well. Lucy, you are a capable woman. You shall be more than capable.”
Evie realized that she was having the conversation for the second time. She thought vaguely of when her time would come. Would it be she that doubted herself and needed her sisters to assure her? She knew that she would and looked forward to her sister’s encouraging words.
Lucy still seemed not to be convinced. Evie and Hannah looked at each other. Hannah said, “Is this to do with Lord Oliver?”
Lucy’s head bowed. She said, “I try not to think of him, but I simply can’t help it. Perhaps Lady Lydia is right, he just may make a terrible husband. I just feel so foolish for becoming convinced there was so much more between us.”
Evie replied, “Many young women have fallen for the charms of higher nobility. You are not to be blamed. I too was fooled.”
Lucy agreed, “I know. I do believe that Sir Green is a decent man. I do not believe I shall suffer with him as my husband.”
Evie was relieved to hear it. As when they were but three maidens, the three women cuddled together in Lucy’s bed. The following day, things moved much more quickly. Final preparations were being made, some guests began to arrive, and things moved so quickly that Evie felt as if she were hardly keeping up. By the evening she was incredibly tired and fell into a deep sleep no sooner than she lie down in bed.
The next morning, the ladies once again went about the pre-ceremony ritual, this time with Lucy as the bride to be. They fitted her into the wedding gown, saw to it that the others were properly powdered and in their wigs before continuing on to the parish. Upon arrival they whisked the bride inside, unseen, and waited for their cue that the ceremony was to begin.
Once the music started, the ladies handed Lucy off to their father before making their way inside with the groom and other guests. In terms of the Seymour’s side, it was much of the same people. Evie felt a thrill when she looked about and saw Lord Boyd seated amongst the other guests. She and Hannah went to stand up as Lucy’s bridesmaids.
Sir Green appeared to be at peace. He was not so melancholy as they had last seen him. He seemed to have been lifted. Mr. Seymour escorted Lucy down the aisle and gave her hand to Sir Green. The ceremony moved on accordingly, complete once the new Sir and Lady Donald Green.
The wedding party moved over to the breakfast. Evie sat to eat with her family for a bit before moving about to greet the wedding guests. She was in conversation with Lady Lydia when she turned to find Lord Boyd drawing near her. Once he was before her, he said, “Good afternoon, Miss Evie. Once again, I am honored to make your acquaintance.”
“And I yours.”
“Once again, your family had put on a beautiful ceremony. You shall be next, no doubt.”
Evie thought that it must be her imagination that caused her to some deeper meaning the look that Lord Boyd gave her as he said that. She felt that her imagination were getting away from her. Lord Boyd continued, “I regret that I must take my leave. I must be getting on to other commitments. I felt it of great importance for me to be here.”
“Thank you very much for taking the trouble. I am sure that my sister and her new husband are grateful for your attendance.”
“I shall be seeing you at the ceremony of Lady Isabella.”
“Indeed. Good day and safe travels.”
“Good day to you.”
With that, Lord Boyd took his leave. Evie felt that she could not be mistaken that he seemed to have designs on her. The way in which he spoke, his suggestiveness, told her that at some time in the not so distant future that he may venture to seek an audience with her father. However, she simply enjoyed the pleasantness of the exchange and looked forward to the next.
As the day progressed into evening, the time came for Lucy to depart. Evie embraced her older sister. They exchanged wordless proclamations of love. Once Lucy had exchanged heartfelt farewells with her family, Sir Green stepped forward to address them. He said, “I thank you all for such a beauteous occasion. I am grateful for my bride’s hand and I assure you that before long we shall call upon you all in our home.”
Lucy took her husband’s arm, already appearing quite comfortable. Mr. Seymour shook his son-in-law’s hand and said, “I wish you good fortune and safe travels. You shall always be welcome in our home.”
With that the newlyweds boarded their coach and were off. The remaining Seymours, and Lady Townshend, returned into the now empty house. They each somberly drifted off into their own rooms. Evie laid upon her bed in thoughtful reverie of her sister. Before long there was a knock upon her door and in came Hannah. The two sisters exchanged sad smiles before climbing into bed together.
The following morning, Hannah took her leave, needing to return home to her husband. Evie remained behind for lunch before taking her own coach toward Wellington Manor. She thought about being the only remaining Seymour daughter not to be wed. It was only proper as she was the youngest, yet with the end of season drawing near, she felt the pressure beginning to build.
She truly hoped that she was right about Lord Boyd and that soon he would be seeking her hand. Otherwise, she was not sure with whom she might be wed. She thought vaguely of Thaddeus before immediately dismissing the thought as ludicrous. The time for her to adorn the family wedding gown drew nearer. She only hoped that she would be fortunate in her fate. Next, she would be attending the wedding of Lady Isabella, which promised to be an event. There was already much talk of it. She had no doubt that her aunt would insure that the day was grand. Evie only hoped that her poor cousin would find some peace in her imp
ending nuptials. Evie would soon find out.
Chapter 31
Thaddeus made the necessary preparations for the travel to the wedding of Lord Montgomery and Lady Isabella. He was familiar with Lord Montgomery through long family association and found him to be a decent gentleman. He understood that the union had been intended since the two had been children.
There had been a strange manner about Lady Isabella as she had announced her engagement at the seaside resort. Thaddeus got the notion that Lady Isabella was not happy about the union. Or perhaps it was simply her having to submit to her parent’s arrangement. Thaddeus had perceived defiance in her as she had been about with Evie. He could not imagine that she was pleased to be so pushed into a marriage.
It was, however, the manner of things. Thaddeus too had been intended for the daughter of one of his father’s associates, however, she had taken with cholera as a girl and perished. Attending another wedding brought Thaddeus back to thinking of Lady Teresa.
He had not made up his mind about anything; neither Lord Fitzgerald’s solution, nor Stephen’s. He had much to consider. He felt no rush to do so, although he was sure Lady Teresa’s hand would not lay in wait for too long. In the meantime, he carried on with his business and affairs as usual.
Thaddeus and Lady Grace would be taking the journey to the Montgomery wedding on their own. Evie would be traveling separately with Lady Lydia. Thaddeus once again began to perceive some strangeness with Evie, although she attempted to mask it. She no longer seemed at ease with him. She spoke, but remotely and not as liberally. He wondered at the change.
The journey to the wedding was not so unpleasant. Thaddeus had timed it so as to arrive well within time, yet not too early. He and Grace disembarked and set about freshening themselves up, changing into their wedding attire. As they entered the chapel, Thaddeus looked about at the crowd of people. It was an impressive turnout, with many among the most important people in attendance.
Grace spotted Evie and took the seat beside her. Thaddeus took the seat at her side. When he saw Evie he said, “Good morning.”
She returned, “Good morning.”
Her smile was not as bright as usual. Again, he took note of this. The guests did not sit about for very long. Lord Montgomery came to take his place and the room fell into a hush. As the wedding band began to play, all rose and turned to see the bride entering. Isabella’s wedding gown was beautiful. Below her cap, her face bore no expression. She was walked down the aisle by her father, staring straight ahead.
The stiffness in her body made it clear that it was no happy occasion for her. She looked exquisite all the same. Isabella was given to the groom and the ceremony began. The vicar began the rites. When the time came to exchange vows, Isabella repeated hers tonelessly. Similarly, she signed the registry submissively and made no change of expression at the pronouncement of herself and her husband as Lord and Lady Montgomery.
The wedding guests were much more enthusiastic about the day. Lord and Lady Talbot were in high spirits. Lord Montgomery seemed to be of somewhat good humor. Isabella remained mechanical; smiling humorlessly and speaking in a voice that hardly seemed to belong to her.
As Thaddeus moved about, he spotted Lord Fitzgerald. He went over to greet him. As he approached, Lord Fitzgerald proclaimed, “Ah, there’s the man! How are you fairing, Your Grace?”
“Quite well, My Lord. Quite well.”
“Happy to hear it. You remember my lovely wife, Lady Fitzgerald. And of course my daughter, Teresa.”
Thaddeus turned and there she stood. As before she was a vision of loveliness. Teresa smiled at him serenely. He nodded to her and her mother, saying, “Good afternoon, ladies. You are both ravishing.”
Lady Fitzgerald answered with a chuckle, “Oh, Your Grace, you do always know what to say. You are looking quite handsome today. Doesn’t he, dear?”
She directed the question at Teresa. Teresa said, not removing her eyes from Thaddeus, “Yes. Quite.”
Thaddeus replied, “Thank you for your compliments.”
Lord Fitzgerald launched into one of his epic tales, drawing a bit of a crowd. As the crowd formed, Thaddeus stepped aside. Teresa took some steps to stand beside him. She said, “It was a pretty ceremony.”
Thaddeus replied, “Yes, it was.”
“It is a shame that the new Lady Montgomery did not seem to enjoy it. The poor girl.”
“Yes, she does not appear to be pleased.”
“I do feel for her. As a young lady, one has no control over these things. You can never tell where you’ll wind up.”
“Yes, that is unfortunate.”
“Of course there are circumstances when a lady is quite fortunate. Should her parents think not only of wealth, but of his manner, a girl might be able to find herself well-matched.”
“Indeed.”
“I am sure that shall be true for your next bride.”
“I am not so sure. As before, I shall pity the lady so unfortunate as to be bond to me.”
“Oh, I am sure it should not be so bad.”
Thaddeus could think of no further statement on the topic. He felt as if he knew what was being suggested, yet still being in contemplation it did not seem proper to make any suggestions otherwise. He made an effort to turn the conversation. He asked, “Are you as fond of the arts as your father?”
“Oh yes. I could hardly be his daughter and not share his passion for the arts. He has surrounded me with them for the entirety of my life.”
“I should like to broaden my own collection. I must admit in the past my concern in the arts was primarily on their value.”
“As is the focus of most high ranking gentlemen. My father is quite rare in his more sentimental appreciation of an artwork’s content.”
From there, the conversation trailed off into Teresa’s favorite works of art. She then intimated, “I do quite a bit of painting and drawing myself. I would love to show you some of my work.”
“I should hope to see it someday.”
Feeling the conversation drawing back to the two of them, he decided to excuse himself and move about. At this time, groups had broken off for conversation and activity. Thaddeus sought out a solitary space where he might take a moment to himself. While standing along a path on the grounds, he heard the giggling of a lady. It seemed that she was coming along. He then heard the voice of a man.
As he turned to move off he saw Evie coming around with Lord Boyd. He had seen Lord Boyd many times before, although they were not intimately acquainted. It seemed, however, as if he had become quite intimately acquainted with Evie. She laughed as he talked, even placing a hand on his shoulder. It looked to Thaddeus as if he was witnessing a gentleman and lady in the midst of courtship.
Thaddeus immediately became angry and stalked off. His temper flared so that he nearly collided with a young lady. He could not quite understand his anger, yet it was already raging and so he found reason for it. He decided that Evie had been deceiving him. In all of their conversations, she had never mentioned Lord Boyd or any other man she might be courting. She continued to suggest that she hoped that sometime in the not so distant future that she might be betrothed.
It felt like a deception and a betrayal. He wondered how long the two of them had been carrying on. He remembered seeing Lord Boyd at the seaside resort. He wondered if they had been together there. All the while, she was conversing innocently with him. Meanwhile she had not let him know that she may not remain at Wellington Manor much longer.
What about Grace? What would she do once Evie had taken up with Lord Boyd? It was entirely intolerable. How dare she so inconvenience Thaddeus? After all he had done to insure her wellness. He had bought her gowns and taken her on a lovely trip in spite of the fact that had not been at the time speaking. He could not stand the indignity of any of it.
After that he sought out Grace and said, “I am taking leave.” Grace looked at him with confused annoyance. She replied, “Fine. I will find a coach home with
my friends.” Thaddeus was too incensed to argue. He simply found his coachman and footman and made to leave. He spoke briefly with Lord and Lady Talbot. As he made to go, he encountered Teresa. Apparently the expression on his face was quite frightening, for she took a step back once she had seen it. He simply said, “Good day to you. Please give your father my apologies and regards.”
Before she could say anything further he had moved off. His coachman saddled up the horses and Thaddeus climbed into his coach. He thought perhaps the journey home would cool his temper, yet he pulled around the drive to Wellington Manor still in a state. He had decided that he would be confronting Evie upon her return. She owed him some answers and he would be getting them.
Chapter 32
In spite of the fact that Isabella had been so morose, Evie found the ceremony very enjoyable. That had a great deal to do with the time in which she spent with Lord Boyd. It had proven to be quite pleasurable and he had proven to be every bit of the gentleman in such she originally believed.
The Roguish Ways of a Hopeless Duke Page 23