Chapter 21

The wedding morning broke clean and bright. There was a flurry of activity on the grounds as flowers were arranged and decorations were finished. As family members and visitors got ready for the big event, there was a tangible air of excitement and expectation in the estate.

Andrew was standing in front of his room's mirror, taking one last look at his cravat. His heart was thumping in his chest, and his hands were trembling. It was as if a massive weight were bearing down on him, making breathing difficult. Though he felt in his heart that this wasn't the proper thing to do, he had tried to steel his resolve.

Andrew was not feeling very encouraged by his uncle James's words of encouragement when his uncle had been by earlier to give some last-minute guidance. He was plagued with a sense of impending disaster and the conviction that he was going to commit a grave error.

Andrew's nervousness increased as he approached the chapel. Family and friends, all dressed to the nines, were sitting in the pews, their faces beaming with excitement and expectation. His shoulders were burdened with expectations as he noticed the Dowager Countess in the front row, her severe stare fixed on him.

With his thoughts racing, Andrew took his place at the altar. This was beyond him. He was unable to deceive all of these people and commit to a marriage that was not based on love. It was useless to try to achieve any semblance of serenity, so he tried to steady his breathing.

A silence descended on the congregation as the doors at the rear of the chapel opened. With a gentle touch on her father's arm, Marianne walked down the aisle.

She was breathtaking in her wedding gown, a picture of elegance and beauty. The dress was exquisite, classic, and ideal—everything they could have imagined. Her eyes gleamed with a mix of hope and fear, and her veil fell down her shoulders like a waterfall of beautiful lace. Andrew could not breathe as she proceeded down the aisle.

He recollected every experience they had had together, including the silent talks, the shared moments, and the giggles. Above all, though, he recalled his feelings for her, sentiments that had developed over time into something more intense and meaningful. Emotions that she withheld.

I can't hold this against her.

Marianne was finally standing next to him, but her grin was muted and sorrowful. At the sight of her, Andrew's heart ached with shame. She was worthy of happiness, joy, and real, unconditional love. Could he give her that?

The vicar began speaking, but Andrew was unable to understand a word. He glanced at Marianne, who was putting on a brave face but had agony in her eyes. He could see the doubt, the dread, the uncertainty. It mirrored his own.

As the officiate spoke, Andrew's thoughts were racing.

What steps should I take next? How can I continue with something when I know it's wrong?

The real thing was going to take place. Andrew faced the vicar, who asked him to deliver his vows. Andrew's lips dried up, and his hands started to shake. He opened his mouth to speak but said nothing.

The hush stretched across the chapel, a tense, suffocating wait. The guests made awkward movements and whispered to one another. The Dowager Countess leaned forward, her eyes narrowing with anxiety.

Marianne turned to face Andrew, a mix of confusion and worry on her face. "Andrew?" she whispered in a barely audible voice.

Andrew looked into her eyes and saw the frailty and unanswered questions. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding at the choice he had made.

His voice wavered, then, but he apologized. "I'm sorry, but I cannot do this."

The chapel was filled with a perplexed mutter, and Marianne's shocked eyes widened. With guilt and shame roiling in his chest, Andrew turned to face her.

"Marianne, I apologize," he said regretfully, his agony palpable. "I can't be untruthful with you, with myself, or with anyone else. This isn't the right way to get married. It's not founded on the love and respect that a marriage should have."

Marianne nodded slightly, understanding starting to show in her eyes despite her tears.

Andrew turned to face the congregation and raised his hands. "I implore you to listen to me. I must tell you the truth."

There was silence in the chapel as everyone looked at him. He inhaled deeply and summoned the courage.

"Marianne and I came to an agreement," he said, his voice becoming more firm. "Not out of love, but out of duty and obligation, we accepted this marriage. We were mistaken to believe that it was the best thing to do for our families. There should be more to a marriage than merely a contract. It ought to be a union of souls and hearts based on respect and love."

With a stern stare, he turned to face his uncle. "I understand that you had high expectations for this marriage, Uncle James, but I am unable to follow through. Neither one of my cousins nor I want to get married. Everybody has the right to pursue genuine pleasure and love."

Despite the mix of amazement and rage on James's face, he said nothing as he listened to Andrew's moving remarks.

With a tone full of thanks, Andrew turned to face the Carters. "I want to thank the Carters for everything. You showed me what it's like to be surrounded by people who genuinely care about me, welcomed me into your house, and made me feel like a member of your family. I sincerely appreciate your generosity and assistance."

The Carters nodded, their faces displaying a mix of empathy and worry. After inhaling deeply, Andrew faced Marianne, his heart heaving from the weight of what he had to say.

He took a step in her direction and lowered his voice. "Marianne, I need you to be aware of something. It's possible that we could be married. I was genuinely eager to marry you. But I know you don't feel that way, and because of that, I can't carry on with the wedding."

Marianne's eyes filled with tears, and her breath seized as she heard his statements.

Andrew continued in a calm yet impassioned tone, "An annulment can be difficult and detrimental to your reputation. I can't let you go through it. It is your right to live a happy and loving life.

Her lip trembled, and she fought the urge to cry. "Andrew, I…"

He shook his head subtly and smiled pitifully at her. "You're all right, Marianne. This chapter is not the last one. Both of us are starting over. I hope you find fulfillment and pure, unadulterated love."

The chapel fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. All of the family members and guests looked on, their faces exhibiting a mix of amazement, anguish, and, for some, sympathy.

Andrew turned and started towards the door, his footsteps resonating through the still room. Despite the looks and rumors floating around the room, he maintained his composure. Even though it hurt, he knew that what he was doing was right.

He came to a stop in front of Tabitha as he approached the door. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of respect and humor as she shot him a knowing smirk. Andrew silently reached into his pocket and pulled out the family pin, a representation of his ancestry and duties.

With his eyes meeting hers, he put it in her hand. Tabitha's sly smile turned into a kind one. Without saying anything, she acknowledged his choice with a nod. Her quiet acceptance of his decision said volumes.

Andrew straightened, gave her a respectful nod, and turned to leave the chapel.

Andrew didn't make it to the door. The emotions of the day weighed heavily on his shoulders as he walked down the aisle of the chapel, lost in his thoughts. The whispers of the guests and the silent shock of his family faded into a dull hum in his ears. He just needed to get out, to breathe, to escape the weight of the moment.

Suddenly, the sound of running footsteps echoed behind him. He turned just in time to see Marianne charging towards him, her face a storm of emotions. Before he could react, she reached him and slapped him hard across the face. The sharp sting shocked him, bringing him out of his daze.

"Idiot!" she cried, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation. "You absolute idiot!"

Andrew stood there, stunned, his cheek burning from the impact. "Marianne, I?—"

But before he could finish, she grabbed the front of his shirt, pulled him down, and kissed him fiercely. The world seemed to spin around him, everything else fading away at that moment. Her lips were urgent, demanding, and he felt himself responding, his arms wrapping around her instinctively.

When she finally pulled back, her breath came in ragged gasps, her eyes blazing with a mix of fury and passion. "Do you have any idea how much I love you, Andrew?" she shouted, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Do you?"

Andrew blinked, completely taken aback. "Marianne, I thought… I thought you didn't feel the same. I thought you were going through with this out of duty, not love."

Marianne laughed, a sound filled with both relief and exasperation. "You really are an idiot, aren't you? I've loved you for so long, but I was afraid. Afraid that you didn't love me back, afraid of what would happen if I confessed."

He stared at her, his heart pounding. "Marianne, I… I love you too. I've loved you for so long, but I didn't want to trap you in a loveless marriage."

Her eyes softened, and she reached up to touch his cheek where she had slapped him. "You didn't trap me, Andrew. You gave me the courage to face my feelings. And now, I'm asking you—no, I'm daring you—to marry me. Right here, right now. Don't you dare walk away from me."

Andrew's breath caught in his throat, the enormity of the moment crashing over him. He looked into her eyes, seeing the raw vulnerability and fierce determination there. "Are you serious?" he questioned, his voice quiet.

Marianne nodded, her expression firm. "Yes, Andrew. I really am. I love you so much that I want to marry you. Right now."

He saw the honesty in her words and the depth of her feelings, and his expression relaxed into a grin. "So let's get started," he said, his confident smile lighting up the room. "Let's tie the knot."

They looked towards the chapel, where the visitors and their families were still seated, startled by the abrupt change in the situation. At the altar, the vicar appeared stunned and bewildered.

Andrew and Marianne walked back down the aisle hand in hand.

As they approached the altar, Andrew said in a clear, powerful voice, "We're ready at this moment. We're ready to exchange vows."

The vicar blinked, clearly registering the sudden change. "Are you sure?" he asked, looking between them.

Marianne nodded and smiled brilliantly. "Indeed, we are."

A murmur of surprise was heard from the guests, and the mood changed from shock to a kind of unbelievable elation. Tabitha and Lady Hillsfolk looked at each other, a mix of relief and shock on their faces. Ruth, Rose, and Harriet all had proud and animated looks in their eyes.

The vicar composed himself by clearing his throat. "Excellent. Let's move forward."

The anticipation in the chapel seemed to hum as he re-started the ceremony. Andrew and Marianne stood with their hands firmly clasped, facing one another. The formalities were only a background to their feelings for each other, and the vicar's words were a haze.

Andrew's heart was filled with joy as he gazed into Marianne's eyes during the vow-taking ceremony. "Marianne, I swear to love and cherish you and be there for you no matter what obstacles life throws at you. I am honored to be your husband, since you are my heart and soul."

Marianne had a constant smile and tears in her eyes. "Andrew, I swear to love you, to stand by you, and to go everywhere with you on our adventure together. I am incredibly lucky to be your wife, since you are my rock and my love."

The vicar smiled warmly as he concluded, "I hereby declare you to be husband and wife using the authority bestowed upon me. You are free to kiss the bride."

Andrew acted without thinking. With a kiss that sealed their vows with a pledge of love and dedication, he took Marianne into his arms. Cheers and applause broke out across the chapel, creating a happy cacophony that permeated the space.

Marianne giggled, her happy eyes glimmering as they broke the kiss. "Andrew, we succeeded. We truly succeeded."

With a smile, his heart racing, he replied, "Indeed, we did. I've never felt happier, too."

With congratulations and well wishes, the guests got up and moved towards the newlyweds. Glowing with pride, Lady Hillsfolk and Tabitha were the first to approach them.

Lady Hillsfolk wrapped Marianne in her arms. "My love, you have my undying love. And you as well, Andrew. You two have exhibited such bravery and affection."

With a smile, Tabitha's eyes sparkled. "Andrew, welcome to the family. You've made the proper decision. I'm really happy for the two of you."

Ruth, Rose, and Harriet surrounded them, their enthusiasm contagious.

With bright eyes, Harriet planted a kiss on Marianne's cheek. "Both of you have such bravery. Something magnificent is just getting started."

With a broad smile, Rose nodded. "It was always meant to be, you two. I'm overjoyed for you."

Ruth continued, "You've shown that love is stronger than all else. Congratulations to you both."

Andrew experienced a deep sense of calm as they made their way through the throng and accepted hugs and congratulations from their friends and relatives. This was the true moment that had united them more than before, the one he had both hoped and feared would come.

Andrew finally pulled Marianne aside as the guests started to arrive at the reception, leading her to a private area where they could both take a breather.

Taking her hands in his, he murmured, "Marianne, I can't believe we did this. It amazes me how fortunate I am."

With love in her eyes, she grinned. "Andrew, we did it together. I'm the fortunate one. You are with me."

His heart was overflowing with love as he gave her a tender kiss. "I swear to adore, love, and make you happy every single day. Our story is only getting started."

With a dazzling smile, Marianne nodded. "And I make a vow to cherish every second of our adventure together, to love and support you."

The future opened up in front of them, brimming with opportunities, as they stood there, embracing one another. They had made a decision that would impact the rest of their lives, conquered their anxieties, and embraced their love.