Page 71 of Ladybird

Chapter 17

TWO DAYS LATER

“Go on, boys. You know what you have to do.” Hunter helped Regina out of the wagon, having stopped in front of the tailor’s shop in town. Luke and Fred were in the back of the wagon. Luke clutched Inky in his arms.

“I don’t want to give up my cat,” whined Luke.

“Whose cat?” Hunter gave the boys a nasty stare.

“William’s cat,” said Luke sadly, scooting out of the wagon. Fred did the same.

“Hunter, can’t we just buy the cat from William?” asked Regina.

“We could, but we won’t.” Hunter shook his head. “The boys are in my care now, and I can’t let them get away with stealing.”

“They said the cat followed them home,” Regina tried once again.

“With a lot of coaxing,” Hunter answered, pulling open the door. “Let’s go, boys. There is a lot of planning to do for the wedding and we need to get back to the castle quickly.”

“Yes, Uncle,” said Luke, slowly entering the building, clutching on to Inky.

“Yes, Uncle,” repeated Fred, following his friend inside.

Regina grabbed onto Hunter’s arm. “Did Fred just call you…Uncle?”

“Yes,” said Hunter, looking extremely pleased. “He asked if he could call me that since I am now his guardian. I think it is because he admires Luke and my nephew has started calling me Uncle again instead of Hunter.”

“That makes you happy, doesn’t it?” Regina felt so happy with everything that she couldn’t stop smiling.

“It does,” he admitted. “But not half as happy that tomorrow, you and I will be wed and you will be my wife.” He bent over and kissed her on the mouth.

“I still think you’re being a little too hard on the boys. Luke loves that cat and will do anything for her.”

“I know. Did you see how fat the cat’s become? I think Luke has been feeding her way too much.”

They entered the shop and were greeted by both William and his wife, Bernadette.

“Regina, you’re all right, thank goodness.” Bernadette ran to Regina, giving her a big hug. “We heard what happened and we were so frightened for you.”

“Thank you, Aunt Bernadette,” Regina answered. “Because of Hunter and Sage’s ministrations, I feel just about back to normal.”

“Hello,” said Hunter to the couple with a nod of his head.

“I hear congratulations are in order,” said William. “So, the wedding is tomorrow at the castle?”

“Yes,” answered Hunter. “Regina and I decided we didn’t want to wait.”

“Mother, Dot, and Martine are coming, but we decided to keep it a small gathering,” Regina told them. “You’ll be there, though, won’t you?”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” said William. “Besides, I don’t see my brother, Madoc, that much anymore and cherish visiting with him. Since this is such short notice, I don’t suppose you have a wedding gown, do you?”

“Nay,” answered Regina. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll just wear a nice gown.”

“No, you won’t.” William walked over to the worktable, holding up a beautiful gown made of blue velvet. It was trimmed in an ornate burgundy satin with white lacing at the bodice. “I’ve been working on this gown, and I’d like you to have it. As a present from us for your big day.”

“Really?” Regina walked up and gently ran her fingers over the soft cloth. “It is so beautiful, Uncle William, I love it. However, I am sure it is for another noble.”

“Nay, it isn’t. It is just something I wanted to construct, hoping some beautiful woman would want to wear it someday.”