Page 54 of Regency in Color

In the large parlor, everyone mingled, the voices loud and merry, most excited at the prospect of spending an evening at the estate. The invitation to remain had been done purposefully by the Yarnsby’s, so that the guests could properly recommend it to their extended connections in London.

“How are you doing Thomas?” Lottie, dressed in her new starched black and white frock, came to stand next to him. “Isn’t this exciting?”

Like him, she’d also been promoted. Lottie was now the housekeeper. Lottie, along with Moira and Harold, had all decided they’d remain behind at the estate. Moira as head cook and Harold as the estate’s steward.

“The last of the guests arrive,” Lottie said looking into the horizon.

Thomas nodded and took a breath. In just a few hours, he and Mary would be married. Every guest in attendance a witness to their declarations of love.

* * *

“My wedding is far too large,”Mary complained as her mother fussed with her hair. “This is really uncalled for. I am part of the staff.” She batted her mother’s hands away.

Penelope grinned at her. “I think the family deserves a large wedding since my sisters cheated all of us out of one.”

Both Clara and Vivian had impromptu weddings, which although lovely, had been last minute and with only minimal attendance.

Of course, Mary loved to be considered part of the family and that they included her and Thomas’ marriage as part of the planned event. The sisters had all insisted she had to have a beautiful wedding. Nonetheless, Mary wasn’t sure what kind of impression it would make on the guests.

Mrs. Humphries entered the room and immediately hugged her. “This is all so wonderful. I am so blessed to see all of you get married. You look absolutely beautiful, Mary.” She wiped at tears daintily with her handkerchief.

Mrs. Humphries then whirled to Penelope. “You will also have a large wedding. No last-minute dash for you, young lady.”

“I agree,” Mary said with a grin. “Yours should be the grandest of all.”

Penelope grinned and whirled, arms outstretched. “Of course, mother, Tommy and I will have the grandest wedding of the year.” She stopped and frowned. “Once he proposes, that is.”

As always, there was an awkward silence at the mention of Penelope’s childhood friend who showed no interest in her, past a friendship.

“I so love the bride’s dressing ritual,” Lady Barrow entered the room with Lady Torrington, both neared and looked over Mary.

“You look radiant darling,” Lady Torrington said, and then picked up a mirror and held it up for Mary to look at herself.

Barely able to recognize herself in the reflection. Bright eyes looked back at her and Mary was struck speechless and then tears spilled down her cheeks. “I am the most fortunate girl in the world.”

“D-don’t cry,” Vivian said with sniff. “Y-you’ll make me start crying.”

“Stop at once,” her mother’s strong accent made Mary sit up straighter and sniff one last time. “This is a joyous occasion, is it not?” Everyone nodded. “Very well.”

She took in the room. “Indeed, my daughter is very blessed to be surrounded by all of you. I am grateful for how you’ve accepted her into your family with so much love.”

“I believe there is a wedding to get to,” Lady Barrow said, a tell-tale tinge of red on the tip of her nose. “We are all blessed to be part of the Humphries’ family.”

On the first floor, the murmuring of voices ceased when Mary began her descent down the stairwell. Her heart hammered wildly at the sea of faces looking up to her. Everyone seemed enthralled, following her movements.

Of course, some were there to attest to the fact that the estate would be a perfect place to have a wedding and host guests at the same time, but still, the moment was more than magical.

When she reached the bottom step, her father took her hand and weaved it through his arm. He pressed a kiss to her temple. “You are the most beautiful bride, aside from your mother, that I’ve ever had the privilege of seeing.”

Mary inhaled to keep from openly weeping and kept her gaze forward to where Father Matthews and Thomas stood.

Next to Thomas, who looked so very handsome, stood Harold, who was to be the best man. She’d chosen Vivian to be her maid of honor, however, she was quickly joined by her sisters, and all three took their places on the priest’s opposite side.

She had to smile at the three having appointed themselves a trio of maids, for she’d not have it any other way.

As Mary stood next to the love of her life, she repeated the vows and focused on Thomas. At looking up into his eyes, the entire room disappeared and except for Father Matthews’ words that they repeated, nothing else existed.

Upon kissing to seal their marriage vows, the room erupted into applause. When they turned to face the room, maids and valets appeared with flutes of champagne so that everyone could toast their nuptials.

The rest of the evening, although magical, had very little to do with them. Thomas and Mary sat at a table to the side of the room, while Duke and Lady Torrington along with the Yarnsby’s sat at the head table entertaining the guests.

A harpist and flutist played beautiful songs that Mary committed to memory. The Humphries were well aware of her favorites and the player ensured to play them. It was a beautiful evening and soon Mary could not keep from yawning.

She leaned into Thomas’ ear. “I am so glad the focus is not on us so we can escape soon.”

“I was thinking the same.” He squeezed her hand, the intimate touch as he slid his fingers up the back of it to her forearm sent chills of anticipation up her arm.

A waltz began and they were encouraged to dance. Mary an accomplished dancer, as she’d attended classes with Vivian, worried about Thomas.

However, much to her surprise and elation of those in attendance, he guided her around the room with ease. Soon they were joined by the other couples, the room filling with music and chatter as everyone glided in circles a display of colorful skirts moving in sync.

It was not much later that Thomas guided them to the bottom of the stairs, then taking her hand, pulled her forward. They hurried the rest of the way and escaped to begin a future that Mary knew would be utterly wonderful.