by Jen Turano
“It really would be nice if just one of my ideas would go according to plan.”
Felicia swiveled on her heel and found Grayson standing a few feet away from her. For some reason, the man had thrown what looked like a large burlap sack over his clothing. “Why are you wearing that?”
“You know the bride isn’t supposed to see the groom’s outfit before a wedding,” he muttered, “but I saw that mayhem was about to descend, so I had no choice but to intervene.”
All the breath left Felicia’s body in a split second. “Wedding?”
“It was supposed to be a surprise, but obviously that’s gone the way of the wind now.”
“You’re not supposed to see the bride,” Felicia heard herself say, having no idea why those particular words came out of her mouth. Her pulse was galloping through her veins as pure happiness settled over her. Something odd was indeed going on, and that something seemed to be a wedding—hers.
Grayson had apparently taken it upon himself to give her a romantic adventure, one that seemingly had been planned with the help of her family and friends.
In that moment she realized once again that he was the perfect gentleman for her—a gentleman who understood she had a talent for trouble, but a gentleman who would save her from that trouble every time.
He understood her as no one else ever had or ever would.
Before she could say another word, Grayson whipped the sack off himself and threw it over her head. “These pesky traditions. How’s a man supposed to keep them straight?”
She snorted through the burlap. “You’ve already seen me.”
“Yes, well, I’ll pretend I haven’t.”
“Honestly, Grayson, why are you trying to smother poor Felicia?” a voice she recognized as Eliza’s asked. “If you must know, tradition states you’re not supposed to see the bride before the wedding, but we’ll have to settle for you not seeing her in her bridal dress.”
“But I did see her dress. It’s quite lovely,” Grayson said.
“She’s not wearing the gown she currently has on. Her mother only suggested she wear that gown so that she wouldn’t feel out of place traveling here with Agatha and Arabella, who insisted on dressing properly for the wedding. I’ve brought her a real gown.”
“Which I won’t be able to wear if I lose consciousness from having this hot sack over my head,” Felicia called.
“Oh dear, I do beg your pardon,” Eliza said, and a second later the sack was pulled from her, but it wasn’t Eliza who stood before her—it was Grayson.
“Better?” he asked.
“Much.”
“There’s no time for smoldering looks just yet,” Eliza said firmly, stepping between them. “We need to get Felicia ready.”
“I need to speak with her first.”
“You’ll have your entire life to speak with her, Grayson.”
Felicia grinned when Grayson arched one aristocratic brow at his sister, which had Eliza arching her own aristocratic brow in return, right before she threw up her hands and stepped to the side. “Fine, but make it snappy.”
Grayson looked around, seeming as if he wanted to ask all of their friends and family members who were currently in their vicinity to leave, but then smiled at them instead right before he took her hand in his and brought it to his lips.
Her pulse hitched up another notch.
“Before we exchange our vows, I wanted to tell you some things.” He smiled and drew her closer, pressing a kiss on her forehead before he leaned back. “I love you, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“I love you too.”
“I wasn’t done.”
He really was somewhat of an impatient gentleman at times, which made her love him all the more.
“I know you’ve always wanted a husband who was a man of faith, and I do think I’m on the right path. I’ve made my peace with God and asked Him for His forgiveness. Because my very soul seems to be lighter, I believe He’s accepted my plea and granted me my request.”
Felicia’s eyes brimmed with tears, and she gave a loud sniff.
Grayson dug into his pocket, produced a handkerchief, and pressed it into her hand.
“You will make the perfect countess because you’re such a compassionate woman, and we will have countless tenants who will welcome you and who you’ll be able to fuss over and . . .”
Felicia reached up and placed her fingers over his lips, effectively bringing his speech to an end. “I’m going to marry you no matter what you say.”
Grayson grinned. “Are you insinuating that you’d like to get this wedding underway?”
“Yes, please.”
Grayson turned and motioned Ruth forward. It was apparent her mother had been weeping throughout Grayson’s speech, but she took Felicia’s arm, let out one hiccup, straightened her spine, and nodded to Eliza, Arabella, and Agatha. Her friends escorted her a short distance away to where a tent had been set up. Piper, Beatrice, and Harriet were standing in front of the tent, all dressed in identical purple dresses, matching bows, and clutching what appeared to be bouquets of violets.
“We’re your flower girls,” Piper proclaimed. She nodded to Sam, who was standing off to the side. “He’s going to be Uncle Grayson’s best man, and Ben’s going to be the ring bearer.”
Piper steered Felicia into the tent, and before she knew it, with the help of her mother and friends, she was dressed in a stunning gown of white trimmed with delicate lace, a sheer veil hiding her face from view.
Ruth let out a sniff. “You look exquisite, and I must tell you, it was exceedingly difficult for me not to let you in on the secret. I knew you wouldn’t mind not being in on the planning of the wedding, but . . .” She suddenly dissolved into tears but waved Felicia’s offer of an embrace away. “No, my tears will stain the silk.” She drew in a shuddering breath. “I’m just so happy for you, my dear. You’ve found your prince charming.”
“I’m not certain Grayson’s a prince charming, Mother, but whatever he is, he’s mine.” She turned and smiled when her father ducked into the tent. “I was wondering if you were going to be here.”
“Your mother sent me a telegram, and it was a close call.” He grinned. “It would have been nice to have been given a little warning that you’d fallen head over heels in love, and with a foreigner, no less, but Ruth says you’re deliriously happy, so let’s go get you married.”
Her father gave her his arm, and she walked with him out of the tent and back into the beautiful summer day. Butterflies flitted in front of her as anticipation began to flow through her.
She watched as Jeffrey, Daniel, and Robert escorted Ruth to her seat. Then she glanced around, unable to help but smile when she realized that somehow Grayson had turned this corner of Central Park into a beautiful outside church, replete with pews and a choir.
She would miss her church’s choir.
A grin teased her lips as the thought came to her that the members of the choir would probably not miss her overly much.
The sound of a harp filled the air, and she took a deep breath as she waited for Piper, Beatrice, and Harriet to walk ever so slowly down the white runner spread over the grass. They reached the end and took their places, and she shifted her attention to Grayson.
He really was an extraordinarily handsome gentleman.
Her feet set to motion, and she quickened her stride, causing her father to laugh even as he increased his pace. “I don’t think he’s going anywhere, darling.”
Felicia glanced at her father. “I think you might be right, but no need to take any chances.”
They reached the end of the aisle in no time at all. Her father turned her to face him, lifted her veil, pressed a kiss against her cheek, and then passed her over to Grayson and took a seat next to her mother.
Grayson leaned closer to her. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered, right before he kissed her.
The world melted away until Reverend Fraser coughed, loudly. �
�May I suggest the two of you hold off with that until after the vows are spoken?”
Grayson pulled back, straightened, and grinned. “Just don’t make it a long ceremony, Reverend.”
Every vow spoken sang to Felicia’s soul, and when Grayson placed a large gold band surrounded with diamonds on her finger, she barely spared it a glance, which had him turning a bit sulky.
“Don’t you like your ring?” he whispered, his lips only an inch away from hers. “I picked it out myself.”
“I’m sure it’s lovely,” she whispered back, “but right now, I find I’m more interested in your kiss than your ring.”
Grayson laughed and proceeded to oblige her. As his lips pressed against hers, she realized that God had indeed known what was best for her. He’d given her not what she’d believed she wanted but what He’d known she needed—a gentleman who would love her, flaws and all, forever.
Acknowledgments
I am incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by so many people who offer me their encouragement and support as I journey through the publishing world. All of you have my deepest appreciation.
To my editors, Raela Schoenherr and Karen Schurrer, thank you for all of your suggestions and for pushing me to produce a better story. Your advice and expertise are invaluable to me.
To John Hamilton and Paul Higdon, thank you for a spectacular cover. This one literally stole my breath away.
To Steve Oates, Noelle Buss, Debra Larsen, Anna Henke, Brittany Higdon, Stacey Theesfield, Chris Dykstra, Jennifer Parker, and Elisa Tally, thank you for everything you do to get my books published and promoted.
To John and Paulette Tangelder, my in-laws extraordinaire, thank you for your unconditional love and support. It means the world to me.
To Gail Broyles, a wonderful librarian and friend, thank you for being so enthusiastic about my work.
To the friends of my heart, the girls I grew up with and the girls responsible for shaping the woman I am today—Barbara Porter Petrozzi, Lachell Favede McFadden, Paula Waddell Henwood, Kim Terhlan Yates, Lynne Porterfield Lim, Rita Wood, and the late Amy Sessi Harris—thank you for all the laughter and adventures we’ve shared. Love you, ladies!
To Al and Dom, my guys, thank you for amusing me on a daily basis.
To the readers, thank you for enjoying my words.
And to God, thank You for . . . everything.
Discussion Questions
Felicia goes to extraordinary lengths to make herself attractive to Reverend Fraser. Have you ever changed your appearance or personality in order to impress someone? What resulted from your changing?
Grayson has made a vow to never marry again because of his past. Do you believe that was noble of him or just misguided?
Felicia came to the conclusion that God sent Reverend Fraser to her because of a prayer she’d prayed, only to come to the realization that she’d been greatly mistaken. Have you ever thought God sent you something you’d asked for but then learned differently? What was your reaction to that realization?
Felicia and Eliza tell Grayson that all he needs to do to have God forgive him for his past is to ask, but Grayson doesn’t accept that right away. Why do some people find it difficult to accept the idea of God’s grace? Has there ever been something you’ve had trouble accepting or offering forgiveness for?
Felicia feels that she’s been helping the needy for all the wrong reasons, but do you really think that was true? Have you ever been in a situation where you were doing the right thing for the wrong reasons?
Why was it so important for Grayson to tell Felicia the truth about her singing?
Ruth Murdock has the tendency to exaggerate her daughter’s abilities. Why does she do this? Do you think this is a good habit? Why or why not?
Did Francisco deserve to be left at the mercy of Mei and Chao? What would you have done in the same situation?
Many people assume that those who possess great wealth are content with their lot in life, yet Grayson certainly wasn’t. Why do you think some people aren’t satisfied with their circumstances, no matter their monetary standing? Have you ever experienced this?
Well before the beginning of this story, Grayson finally realized that his participation in the opium trade had ruined people’s lives. Will he always carry around some guilt over his past actions, and how can he experience relief from it? Is there anything in your past that you still feel guilty about?
Felicia believes at the end of the story that God sent her not what she’d asked for, but what she’d needed. Has this ever happened to you? How did you react?
Jen Turano, critically acclaimed author of A Change of Fortune and A Most Peculiar Circumstance, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She is a member of ACFW and makes her home outside of Denver, Colorado, with her husband and teenage son. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
Books by Jen Turano
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A Change of Fortune
A Most Peculiar Circumstance
A Talent for Trouble
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