Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Wedding plans took over every aspect of daily life in both households. The Viscountess Leighton and the Duchess of Hargrove enjoyed overseeing arrangements. This wedding would be arranged in less than two weeks.
Cook calmly accepted the need to cater for guests at a supper party to be held after the wedding in her stride.
"Are there any further scandal sheets being distributed?" Lady Leighton asked Marcus. "I somehow do not think that this has finished. The sheets are targeted directly at you and Olivia, and everything is planned to drive you from society."
"There is nothing new circulating, but I do not believe this is over," agreed Marcus.
"But we have no proof it is Lady Cressida spreading the gossip," said Olivia.
"You caught her red handed, spreading gossip designed to hurt you at the ball. In my view that's proof enough," added Marcus.
"Oh, I know she is the instigator of this vicious campaign," said Marianne.
"One day we'll prove it, and I vow that I'll find a way to humiliate her," said Marcus.
"Marcus, no," said Olivia, touching him gently on his arm. "We must walk away from this with our heads held high. Let's forget about her."
"I can only try. I intend to keep the investigation open and locate evidence, even if we do not act on it."
"They deserve public humiliation," said Marianne. "Look at the hurt they caused you and Jocelyn."
"Before we change the topic, I will add, that I suspect she has been in contact with Jonathan," said Olivia. "He sent a letter to you at the same time that I received mine. That seems too much of a coincidence," she added.
"They have to be in league with each other. The letters were orchestrated," insisted Marianne. "Now we must bid you farewell Lord Hatfield, as Olivia has a fitting for her wedding dress."
Marguerite followed him to the door and turned around looking sad. "I don't believe it. You'd think that dog knew about the betrothal," said Jocelyn.
"Have you and Colin decided on a date for your wedding, Jocelyn?" asked Olivia.
"I think it will be in August, and we've definitely decided to hold it at Silverton Hall. It's a shame we can't have a double wedding, Olivia. It could be such fun, and of course it would save uncle some money," replied Jocelyn.
They all laughed. "He's being very kind at the moment. No one could ask for a sweeter uncle," said Olivia.
They all went through to the blue room where Ellen had set out maid and matron of honor gowns.
Despite limited time, Madame Beauchamps had insisted on making new gowns. "It is a wedding ma petite , and so it is a very special occasion. I shall make you a gown which makes you look like a fairytale princess."
True to her word, she had been working with Ellen and her sister on the dresses, and she had made excellent progress.
"I can hardly believe this is true," said Olivia. "I'm trying on my wedding dress, and I'll be married within the week. I like the pale lemon muslin you have chosen for my dress and the deeper mustard for Marianne's. Both colors and fabric are perfect."
"Now stand still Lady Olivia, while we adjust the bodice. Madame is going to create a silk bodice and then wrap a gauze like fabric over it to create a shimmering, almost luminous, effect," Ellen instructed her.
"I like the material very much. Long and flowing with simple puffed sleeves," added Olivia.
"I have to make you a train to flow behind you as you walk down the aisle. I wondered about it being diaphanous and floating, rather than heavy silk?" said Madame Beauchamps.
"Madame, I am in your hands. Please make all the decisions. I am happy with anything," replied Olivia.
I never thought to marry. Now here I am preparing to marry the man I love. I can hardly believe it's happening.
"Will the duchess lend you a tiara? Or is it best to plan for flowers in your hair?" asked Marianne.
"I have no idea, we must ask the duchess when we see her tomorrow," said Olivia.
"Ouch," said Jocelyn. "I've got a pin stuck in my arm."
"If you stood still, then you would be safe," murmured Madame in frustration.
The midsummer sun shone brightly until late in the evening. They all retired early, exhausted by the relentless schedule. The flowers would arrive the next day, and they would need to collect their silk gloves and Olivia's veil.
I'm tired, but I can't sleep. I believe I'll write for a little while. She settled to write in her journal, waiting for the words to flow.
Dear Journal,
Soon I shall be married and to the man I love. We met in a woodland glade and that is where our fairytale romance began.
We love the same authors, and he knows the stories of Monsieur Perrault in the original French. He calls me his Cinderella or Cendrillon, and I think of him as my handsome prince.
We are in love. After the fire, and when I lost Jonathan, I thought I would always be alone. Little by little, we have discovered each other during the last ten months.
He cares nothing for the scurrilous gossipmonger. He trusts me and I trust him.
Very soon, we shall be joined together, and another volume of our romance will begin.
I heard today that my book will be published in the next two weeks. I'm so excited and have already started writing a second book.
And Jocelyn is to marry her handsome Lord Ludlow.
How my life has changed. I'm glad to be alive.
Yours truly,
Lady Olivia Sherwyn (soon to be Olivia, Countess of Hatfield)
When she finished, she stared at the page, realizing something had changed. She'd kept going since the night of the fire on sheer will power and determination. The last few weeks dealing with the gossip mill and uncertainty about her relationship with Marcus had further drained her energy.
Yet now she felt those depleted stores of energy replenishing. I'm seeing the world differently . All my senses seem heightened, whether it is smelling a rose in the garden or the sensation of rain on my skin.
I've recovered. I feel excitement about the future. In less than two days I will be married, and I have found my safe harbor in life.