Snowbound Fairy Christmas

by Hunt, Brenda

  This beautiful fairy woman walking down the aisle was about to become his wife. She would be his for forever. With that thought, his breathing eased and so did his heartbeat. Nate took her hand brought it to his lips and kissed it. He assisted her up the two steps and together they faced Reverend Treadwell.

  The smile Nate gave her, the love she saw ablaze in his eyes, Dulcey knew her entire life had been getting to this moment. Nate was the part of her that had been missing. Nate was the part of her that made her whole.

  Reverend Treadwell stared at the couple standing before him. As solemn a ceremony this was, it was also a moment of celebration. He began, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate--------.”

  Dulcey looked at Nate listening as Reverend Treadwell said the words that would legally bind them to each other.

  Nate heard Reverend Treadwell state, “Therefore, if any man can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.” He was about to turn and look at his mother, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Worth look in his mother’s direction. He had never known anyone to disregard that look. If anything, one cowered before that look. He smiled. Yes, he was glad Worth had come. He gave Dulcey’s hand a squeeze.

  Dulcey wanted to look at the Countess but she would not give her the satisfaction of her knowing she was a thorn in their side at this time. The Countess was quiet and did not say a word, much to every ones amazement.

  “Lord Nathaniel William Hollins Beckham, Baron of Chesterton, Earl of Shefley wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”

  Nate looked at Dulcey. With a strong voice he replied, “I will.” He would do that and more. She was already his, the very heart of him.

  Reverend Treadwell turned to Dulcey. “Lady Dulcey Elizabeth Langely Fergers, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey

  him, and serve him, love, honour and keep him in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”

  Dulcey looked to Nate and smiled and said with a clear voice, “I will.”

  Reverend Treadwell looked up and asked, “Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?”

  Mr. Percy Kinley stood up with pride, took Dulcey’s right hand in his, squeezed it softly and presented it to Reverend Treadwell. “I do.”

  Dulcey smiled with tears in her eyes. Mr. Kinley had been so pleased when she had asked, if he would give her hand in marriage to Nate.

  Reverend Treadwell took Dulcey’s right hand and placed it Nate’s right hand. “Please repeat after me.”

  Nate looked at the reverend and began in a firm voice. “I, Nathaniel William Hollins Beckham, Baron of Chesterton, Earl of Shefley take thee, Lady Dulcey Elizabeth Langely Fergers to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.”

  Dulcey let go of Nate’s hand reluctantly just as the Reverend had instructed her to.

  Reverend Treadwell nodded and Dulcey took Nate’s right hand in hers. She took a deep breath and repeated as the reverend instructed her to. “I, Dulcey Elizabeth Langely Fergers take thee, Lord Nathaniel William Hollins Beckham, Baron of Chesterfield, Earl of Shefley to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, to cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance, and thereto I give thee my troth.”

  Nate dropped Dulcey’s hand and took the wedding ring, Mr. Kinley had given him. He had not told Dulcey about it. He placed it on the book the Reverend read from.

  Reverend Treadwell took the ring, looked at it for a moment, then gave it back to Lord Beckham. “Please place this ring on the finger of her left hand and repeat after me.”

  Nate took Dulcey’s hand and said, “With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.” He placed the ring on her finger.

  Dulcey smiled when Nate said “with my body I thee worship.” She remembered the cottage and the worshipping he had done there. She looked down at her hand and the ring he placed on her finger. It was old looking and very different than what she would have expected, a crisscross woven of silver.

  Nate smiled, and whispered, “Your mothers.”

  Dulcey looked at him in shock and then smiled with such love in her heart that Nate would give her mother’s ring. Where, how had he gotten it?

  “Please kneel.”

  Reverend Treadwell led everyone in prayer. He joined Nathaniel and Dulcey’s right hands together again. He looked up to the people that filled his church.

  “Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.”

  He paused and then added, “Forasmuch as Lord Nathaniel William Hollins Beckham, Baron of Chesterton, Earl of Shefley and Lady Dulcey Elizabeth Langely Fergers have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

  Reverend Treadwell said his prayer over them and the church book of registry was signed. Reverend Treadwell smiled and said, “My lord, you may kiss your bride.”

  Nate leaned over and gently kissed her lips. A peace the likes he had never known settled over him. Dulcey was now legally his wife. Nothing and no one could come between them.

  Dulcey returned his kiss. The forces around her celebrated this union leaving her feeling one with all the world about her. It was a most glorious feeling. She walked proudly at his side as he escorted her out the church to the waiting carriage. Nate helped her into the carriage and sat next to her. A quick tap on the roof and they were off.

  Nate pulled Dulcey onto his lap and kissed her properly, his tongue met hers in a dance of mutual enjoyment. Long moments later, Nate raised his head.

  Dulcey pushed his hand away from her breast though she felt it deep inside of her. She had missed his touch.

  Nate raised his eyebrow in question. “We are married, my love. I did wait till we were married, like I promised.”

  Dulcey laughed. “It is not that I don’t want to continue with this but we do have our wedding breakfast to attend. I would like to attend in some semblance of decorum.”

  Nate laughed. “I have my decorum on. I wish I did not.”

  Dulcey shook her head. “We have the rest of our lives, my husband.” She liked the sound of that, my husband.

  Nate relaxed. “Very well, my lady, I will wait till tonight. But no longer.”

  Dulcey cupped his face in her hands. “I promise you will not be sorry you waited,” she promised.

  “I’ll hold you to that promise, my love,” replied Nate with anticipation. These past few days had been difficult, not being able to touch and love her like he had at the cottage. But that would end tonight. He smiled with anticipation.

  She looked at the ring on her hand and remembered what Nate had said during the wedding ceremony and asked, “Is it true? Is this my mother’s ring?” She examined the silver crisscross woven ring that adorned her left hand. It appeared old.

  Nate nodded, “Yes, I thought you would like it.”

>   “How? Where did you get it?”

  “It seems it survived the fire. Your uncle gave it to Mr. Kinley for safe keeping and he gave it to me. He thought you would like it. I thought so, too.” He watched her face closely. There were tears in her eyes, but a smile on her face, a smile of serenity and peace.

  “Thank you. It is perfect,” Dulcey replied. She felt like her mother and father had been a part of her wedding and now she knew why. The forces around the ring had embraced her like a loving wrap. It filled her heart with joy.

  Dulcey cuddled in his lap and sighed. She was glad the wedding ceremony was over but the wedding breakfast was next. All the surrounding gentry and most of the town’s people would be there. She wondered if they would treat her different now that she was the lady of the manor. She hoped not. Many of them, she considered her friends.

  “What’s troubling you? I can feel you are worried?”

  She confided her fears to him.

  “Adding lady to your name will not change you. They know you and they know that as well. Everyone I have talked with could not be happier for you.”

  Dulcey nodded.

  “When you see the grand ballroom, you will understand.”

  “Evers has refused to let me anywhere near it. What has he done?” asked Dulcey. It had been a big secret the past couple of days. Evers had been adamant, she not go anywhere near the grand room. She had watched the staff go in and out, smile and nod at her. She was anxious to see what had been done.

  Nate smiled smugly. “It is a surprise. A surprise, I am certain you will like.”

  “A hint, please?” Dulcey begged.

  “And get on Evers bad side. Never, my love. I have promised. My lips are sealed,” replied Nate as he closed his lips tightly.

  Dulcey smiled and kissed his closed lips, licking them with the tip of her tongue. She felt him smile, his lips open and his tongue met hers.

  The carriage came to a halt and Dulcey glanced out of the window to see the steps of Brandanlyn.

  Nate pulled away. “Ah, we are home and now, you will be able to see for yourself.”

  Dulcey sighed then smiled. “Yes, lets.” She scooted over to the other seat as Nate opened the door. Dulcey took his offered hand and allowed him to help her down.

  Evers awaited them at the open door. “Welcome, Lord and Lady Beckham.”

  Dulcey smiled. “Thank you, Evers. Is all ready?” She knew it would be.

  Evers smiled. “Of course, my lady. Follow me, as

  there are many of the guests have already arrived.” Dulcey noticed Evers left Thomas at the door to greet the rest of the guests that followed. A glance over her shoulder saw Worth, Abby and Nate’s mother coming through the door.

  Evers stood at the closed doors to grand ballroom. With a grand flourish, he opened the doors. Dulcey stepped through the doors with Nate at her side. She stopped after several steps through the door. The grand ball room had been turned into enchanted fairy woodland with trees and flowers.

  Dulcey stopped and placed her hand over her heart. Her breath was caught in her chest. Her eyes glanced from the trees, the flowers to the butterflies and the small fairies scattered throughout. This was the middle of winter with a snowstorm but a couple of weeks ago. How had Evers brought this about? To have done this for her touched her heart with such love.

  She turned to Nate, then to Evers at his side. She was speechless. She tried to say something but the words would not come out.

  Abby stood beside her and pulled on her arm. “Do you like it Aunt Dulcey? I telled them it had to be like the stories you tell me. Maybe the real fairies would come,” explained Abby

  Dulcey looked down at Abby. “It was a very good idea, Abby.” She turned to stand in front of Evers. “Oh, Evers, I don’t know how to tell you, how much this means to me.” She placed her hands over her lips to stop them from trembling; the tears in her eyes blurred her vision. She took a deep breath and placed her hand back over her heart. “I am so touched by this. Thank you. Please thank everyone for me. This is the best wedding present I could have ever had. It is beautiful.”

  Nate watched Evers puff up with pride. He noticed the brightness in his eyes. He knew Evers had worried maybe Dulcey would not like it, no matter how much Nate had assured him he was certain, she would love it.

  “It has been our pleasure, my lady. We are glad that you like what we did.”

  Dulcey smiled. “I love it. I have no idea how you did it, but it is so beautiful, so very beautiful. Thank you.” She overwhelmed with such feelings of elation. The forces about her were ablaze with the colors of joy and love.

  “Come love, we have guests to greet. I do believe everyone about is here,” stated Nate, as he began to walk further into the room.

  Dulcey followed where Nate led. She was amazed and so touched because everywhere she looked, she was truly amazed, how much work they had done to make the grand ball room look as it did. There were small round tables scattered throughout, where all those invited sat.

  Nate led her to the long table set at the end of the hall. It was set up like the medieval feast she and Lord James had done several years ago, because she had been studying the time. That Evers remembered how they had both loved it, to have incorporated into the wedding breakfast was overwhelming and so lovingly thoughtful. It made Dulcey feel like the fairy princess of Abby’s stories.

  She looked at Nate as he escorted her to the seat of honor. “Evers?” she asked.

  Nate nodded. “He thought since you and Lord James had enjoyed it so much and so often talked about it, you might feel like Lord James was here with you.”

  Dulcey nodded, trying desperately to hold back the tears of joy. She never once imagined her heart could hold so much joy. Surely, it would burst. She watched as Nate sat beside her. Abby sat at her other side with Worth at her side. Nate’s mother was at his other side.

  The lavish feast was enjoyed by everyone. What was supposed to be a wedding breakfast was instead a feast of such magnitude. There were platters of ham and eggs, beef and poultry, with bowls of currents and fruits of plums, peaches and berries of every kind. Breads and pastries accompanied by pots of honey and fruit marmalade were in abundance. Guests served themselves and since it was also a celebration of Twelfth Night everyone mingled together.

  The centerpiece of the celebration, the Twelfth Night cake stood on its own table, an elaborate white sugar confection decorated with images of fairies and pink roses. A large bowl of wassail complimented the feast as was custom for Twelfth Night.

  She looked out onto the ballroom to see so many friends and neighbors mingling about. The hum of voices and the sounds of laughter filled the grand ball room. It sounded like bees in a busy hive. Dulcey smiled. Lord, Uncle James would be so pleased.

  Dulcey ate bites of everything placed in front of her yet she could not remember any of it. Abby kept asking her questions about everything and everyone. She enjoyed explaining all of it to Abby. Abby was having a grand time which made it all the more enjoyable.

  Worth stood up and raised his glass. Evers had the staff quieten everyone.

  “Friends, as the best man for my good friend Lord Nathaniel Beckham, I raise my glass and wish he and his new bride, the Lady Dulcey, a happy, prosperous and fruitful marriage.” He raised his glass in Nate and Dulcey’s direction, “To Lord and Lady Beckham!”

  The hall echoed with “Lord and Lady Beckham.” Worth downed his glass.

  Nate tapped Dulcey’s glass and each drank in response to Worth’s toast. As Dulcey looked over the rim of her glass in Nate’s direction, she noticed his mother put her glass back down on the table. Dulcey shrugged it aside. She was not about to let the Countess put a damper on her wedding. After all, she would be gone in a couple of days. Nate had told her it was part of her wedding present.

  Dulcey stood up. “I wish to mingle and talk with everyone. Will you come with me?”

  Nate stood up, grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips. “I will f
ollow you anywhere you lead me, my love.”

  Dulcey smiled and took his offered arm. She was going to enjoy introducing her husband to the people that had been a part of her life.

  Chapter 16

  What’s here? A cup closed in my true love’s hand.

  Poison,…….

  William Shakespeare

  Dulcey grabbed the last flute of champagne on the tray and turned to Nate several feet away. She returned his silent toast. The love and promise reflecting in his eyes made her heart sing. Never had she been so happy. She raised the glass to her lips and the liquid touched her lips.

  The colors of the forces about her changed to darkness, to black. A vision appeared, a hand adding drops to the glass. She knew that vial. She knew that face. Her eyes widened in disbelief and horror. The glass slipped from her hands to crash to the floor and shatter into pieces.

  She looked desperately to Nate but already she could feel herself slipping away. She had to tell him but all she could do was whisper, “Poison,” before its affects took over her body. The last thing her mind cried was Nate’s name.

  Nate watched. The happy smile on his face turned to shock, as he watched the glass slip from Dulcey’s hands. Fear and desperation replaced the joy on her face. He rushed to her side in time to catch her as she collapsed in his arms and heard her whisper.

  “No!” he screamed like a man tormented to hell as he held her tight.

  Worth was at his side in a second demanding, “What? What has happened.?”

  Nate fell to the floor with Dulcey in his lap and began rocking back and forth holding her tightly, his face an image of pure anguish. No! No! his mind cried. No, this

  could not be happening.

  Worth put his hand on Nate’s shoulders. “Tell me.”

  Nate looked up to him lost, adrift in a sea of pain. He held his life, his heart in his arms. Dulcey was his life, was his heart. “She’s been poisoned. She whispered poison.” He held her tighter. It felt like his heart was being ripped out of his chest.