Suite bergamasque, L. 75 III. Clair de lune

Four Weeks Later

Bathed in the warm, late August sun’s golden hue, Ana stood amidst long, dappled shadows that stretched across the carefully arranged path. The air was redolent with the scent of blooming flowers—a fragrant tapestry woven from summer warmth and floral sweetness.

From a distance, a delicate melody played by a string quartet threaded its way through the blooms donated by Lady Fitzroy for this auspicious day.

Ana’s heart mirrored the rhythm as she proceeded through the elaborate arrangement. Accompanying her were Charlotte and Lucy, whose gowns softly echoed that of the bride yet remained distinctively stunning in their own right.

The whimsical flutter of Charlotte’s sky-blue dress gave expression to her youthful energy, reflecting a vivacious spirit. Beside her, Lucy was adorned in a rich shade of lavender that beautifully contrasted with her silver-streaked hair and warm, twinkling eyes—embodying both wisdom and nurturing grace.

Lucy’s gentle glance, Charlotte’s reassuring hand squeeze, and Ana’s radiant smile suffused the air with an unspoken camaraderie and mutual affection.

Emerging from the floral pathway onto the steps of the small chapel, they were greeted by an intimate enclave. To the left of Reverend Karey stood Jack, his expression one of rapt attention. The sight of Ana stole his breath; his eyes widened with awe and affection as he beheld her. His heart had thumped with nervous anticipation, now replaced by a profound sense of joy and love. The familiar ache from his battle scar faded into insignificance against the warm thrill.

An exquisite blend of ivory silk and delicate blue lace composed her wedding gown, which draped over her figure as a cascade of morning dew might glisten in the summer light. Amidst the blossoms that framed the aisle, she stood resplendent, her radiant beauty reflecting the myriad hues surrounding her. Elegantly pinned up sable curls were adorned with a crown of tiny daisies; their soft blush complemented the warm undertones of her glowing skin. The intricate embroidery embellishing her gown shimmered akin to stardust beneath the moon’s caress, matching the twinkle in her enigmatic eyes—eyes brimming with love and hope —as they beheld Jack.

He seemed as if he had been sculpted from ancient stone; his raven hair captured the sunlight, the streak of white gleamed brightly. His impeccable suit, in a shade of deep dark grey, contrasted sharply with the surrounding greenery. Indeed, he was a sight to behold; the very embodiment of a romantic hero brought to life. Ana paused mid-step. After a moment and a fond glance at each other, Lucy and Charlotte each took an arm and gently led her forward.

Mr and Mrs Hargreaves were seated in a beautiful harmony of lavender and silver. Lady Fitzroy, adorned in a serene ensemble of moss-green silk that complemented her soft brown eyes, exuded elegance. In contrast, Lady Wintersley was impeccable in pastel pink and Helena sat with a tinge of romantic wonder, clad in a youthful gown the colour of baby blue.

Lord William Fitzroy, standing beside Jack, was dressed in tasteful attire of deep burgundy. He offered a comforting smile and nod to his companion. A soft chuckle escaped him as he winked at his wife. Their shared laughter, carried on the gentle breeze wafting in from the open doors, created a delightful duet that added an extra layer of cheer to the atmosphere.

Upon Ana’s arrival, the scent of her delicate vanilla enveloped Jack’s senses, mingling perfectly with the surrounding bouquets. Their hands met in a warm touch.

Jack and Ana savoured the sweet anticipation in the air as Reverend Karey stepped forward, prompting the soft whispers of the small gathering to subside into an expectant hush. The sun beamed down through the stained-glass windows, casting an iridescent glow upon the quaint congregation, and bathing the humble ceremony in heavenly light.

“Dear friends,” he commenced, the chapel resonating with the day’s jubilation and the gravity of the moment.

Ana observed Jack, his undivided attention fixed upon her in harmony with the joy emanating from the reverend’s sermon. His gaze once again held that look of abject adoration.

“The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by the Divine for their mutual joy; it serves as a source of help and comfort they bestow upon one another whilst they nurture their progeny. Thus, marriage ought not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly but with reverence, deliberation, and an adherence to the purposes for which it was instituted by God.”

Jack could discern the reverend’s words as they continued, yet all that resonated with him was Ana. She gazed upon him with adoration, her radiance eclipsing even the brilliance of the sunlight.

“I possess something that may pique your interest before this matter proceeds any further.”

A murmur of displeasure rippled through the assembly; an echo mirrored in Lucy’s countenance as she regarded Thomas staining the joyous ceremony from the doorway. A spiteful smile played upon his lips as he basked in the apprehensive silence he had conjured. The late summer sun did little to warm the sudden chill that had settled upon the gathering.

Helena’s eyes widened and her pale hands clutched at the soft fabric of her dress until her knuckles turned white. Her mother felt a knot tighten in her stomach at the sight of her sudden distress, suspicion clouding her features. She placed a comforting hand upon her daughter’s arm, endeavouring to reassure her whilst grappling with the unsettling shift that had befallen the atmosphere.

Lady Fitzroy clutched her fan, her lips formed a thin line of disapproval, and she looked to her husband. He looked back, gave her a slight shake of the head, then turned to Thomas with the same expression as his wife, ready to speak.

Reverend Karey, however, raised a placating hand. “Even those burdened by sin have the right to speak before God. Allow him to speak his piece.” A hush supplanted the prior murmuring, enveloping all in a weighty silence. Every gaze was affixed to Thomas, who basked in the scrutiny with vindictive delight.

The world around Jack coalesced into an indistinct haze, every sound and colour fading to a dull roar. His peripheral vision dimmed, his entire universe contracting until it encompassed only the figure of his brother. His jaw set firm, teeth grinding as if held by an iron vice; with each heartbeat came a resonant echo filled with tumultuous fury.

Thomas brandished a piece of paper. His eyes sparkled with unseemly satisfaction while he addressed Reverend Karey with unconcealed glee. “I believe you find pleasure in perusing reports, Reverend.”

“No.”

Jack’s gaze lowered to find Ana staring, petrified, at the paper in Thomas’ grasp. Her slender fingers gripped with his in terrified desperation. Her secret hovered on the precipice of exposure, threatening to be unveiled in a manner most callous of all.

Reverend Karey advanced, accepting the document. As his eyes traversed the script, his shoulders drooped progressively with each line perused. The words inscribed upon the parchment, in his increasingly enraged opinion, constituted a grievous affront to the sanctity of their gathering. His fury ascended, alighting first upon Ana. “Is this true?”

Ana remained motionless. The soft rustling of the wind, the gentle strains of the distant string quartet, and the murmurs of assembled guests all receded. The figures around her transformed into indistinct shadows. All that remained was the thunderous pounding of her own heart. She could almost visualise the fragments of their shared world scattering in the wind, each shard a stinging rebuke to the happiness they had dared to claim for themselves.

Amidst the maelstrom of despair that threatened to engulf her, she clung to the one steadfast presence—Jack. His hands gripped hers, a lifeline amidst the chaos, emblematic of their united fortitude. Side by side they stood, their world on the verge of collapse.

“Miss Hartford!” Reverend Karey ferociously waved the paper in the air. “Are you unable to bear children?”

A sizzle of shock roiled through the gathering, rendering it motionless as every eye fixed upon Ana. Her lips parted, yet no sound issued forth. Her countenance was a tableau of devastation and hopelessness; her eyes, wide and unseeing, brimmed with tears.

Jack’s gaze shifted to Lucy, whose features were etched with a visage of comparable torment. A torturous silence ensued, pervading the atmosphere like an oppressive fog that seemed poised to suffocate them all.

He drew her closer, enfolding her within his protective embrace, uncaring of the susurration of scandal that it received. Every line of his face; every fibre of his essence stood in defiance against this onslaught upon their love. He pulled himself from the edge; his heart throbbed with a fierce and rebellious tempo as he took a running leap.

“Yes,” said Jack, “it is true.”

The chapel constricted around them, the hush deepening. He remained unconcerned; his focus was solely upon Ana, who trembled against him in utter anguish, unwilling to lift her face from his jacket. In the presence of all assembled, he boldly pressed a kiss upon her head, disregarding the outraged gasps that ensued. It was a silent vow of acceptance, that no matter what transpired, they had one another.

He faced the congregation, a quiet authority in his voice masking the lingering bitterness. “Ana is incapable of bearing children. Should any among you believe this to be a diminishment of her worth... Depart.”

A stunned silence pervaded the room, and then, as though a silent accord had been reached, the Hargreaves rose from their seats, their countenances a blend of indignation and scorn. Many who had come to partake in the joyous assembly followed, quietly walking past an almost crowing Thomas.

Helena stood; her mother failed to detain her, she skirted past Thomas, who did not even look at her, and disappeared in the direction of home.

Reverend Karey, his visage marred by wrath, made to follow; however, Charlotte’s entreaty stayed him. “Justin, you must not…”

“Charlotte, the sacred vows of matrimony encompass the creating of children, the perpetuation of a lineage… to forge a family in unity.” His gaze fell, troubled. “Such is a cornerstone of conjugal union, an obligation conferred upon us by God. In its absence—”

“With all due respect,” interjected Jack. “It is of love that the scriptures speak. ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud’—” With a gesture that defied the very word, he indicated Ana as nothing less than a work of exquisite artistry. “—and nothing with regards to—.”

“Matrimony encompasses more than mere love,” retorted the ever more enraged Reverend. How dare this man interrupt a man of god. “It signifies the confluence of two souls and the pledge of a future shared in concert with a new generation. It demands responsibility, commitment, and unwavering devotion.”

“And that is precisely what we possess. Our future may not include children of our own; however, it is undeniably ours. A future built upon love, trust, and respect. Should these elements prove insufficient to validate our marriage, I confess myself utterly at a loss for what would.”

Maintaining his steady gaze, with jaw firmly set, Jack challenged any who dared question their commitment to one another. The atmosphere brimmed with anticipation as the assembly awaited Reverend Karey’s pronouncement. Even Thomas, despite his jubilation at the unfolding drama, held his peace.

Jack stood resolute, his arm encircling Ana, their love a tangible force amidst the turmoil. Together, they were fortified to face whatever might lie ahead.

Lord Fitzroy, seeming to snap out of a daze, advanced towards Thomas and clasped his arm. Thomas sneered and wrenched his limb away, whispering venomously, “Observe closely, old man. Clergymen take little pleasure in being contradicted.”

“Marriage is more than the merging of two hearts. It represents a commitment to go forth and multiply as commanded by God Himself.”

Ana’s grip on Jack tightened as she felt a quiver of fury course through him upon the utterance of Reverend Karey. She pressed her face into his chest and kissed him.

Jack drew in an invigorating breath of Ana’s vanilla scent. “I… we care not that a verse in the Bible makes you consider offspring an essential part of matrimony.” Ana squeezed him tight in approbation of his words.

“You may see it as an inconsequential matter; nevertheless, infertility carries significant repercussions for the both of you. I find myself compelled to halt this ceremony.”

Ana began weeping against his chest, and a flood of pure hate rolled within him towards his brother. Lucy emitted a sigh fraught with hopelessness, and proceeded towards a pew, sinking into it with resignation. Thomas bestowed upon Jack a smile of triumph before saluting the reverend with a playful tap of his top hat. The clergyman frowned, feeling somewhat used, and even more incensed and bewildered, as Thomas swaggered out of the church, his shadow casting one final, lingering sneer as he passed through the doors.

Lady Wintersley rose with outrage shining from her very pores. “Reverend, I must object—”

“This moment is ill-suited for games, Dowager Duchess,” snapped Reverend Karey, realising he was surrounded by a group of individuals who vehemently disagreed with him, and also recognising, to his humiliation, that they may indeed be correct. “We find ourselves amidst a matter that concerns man and the Almighty.”

“Justin, can you truly be contemplating such an action?” Charlotte, quivering with indignation, had all but rent her bouquet asunder.

“Indeed, Miss Morland. We must not dismiss this as a matter of little consequence.”

“Miss Morland?” Charlotte stared in shock upon the man to whom she was betrothed.

Without uttering another word, Justin departed from the chapel.

Debates volleyed around Jack as everything faded to a monochrome pallor. Only his beloved, adorned with her delicate crown of daisies, retained any semblance of reality amidst the discordant symphony enveloping them. He inclined his head, his lips grazing her as he whispered, “I love you.”

Her arms tightened around him, and he commenced their departure, tenderly steering her as she held on, refusing to let go. The clamour of voices dwindled into silence as they traversed past blossoms exhaling their final breaths. The countenances of those assembled blurred into obscurity while he escorted her beyond them all, through the church doors and out into the world beyond.

At the foot of the chapel steps, he halted as Ana shifted and said, “We must destroy him.”

Jack exhaled a sigh, laden with the weight of his failure. “There must indeed be some profound affliction within my brother. Yet, as you rightly observed earlier, to take his life would not be right.”

“I did not speak of killing. I said ‘destroy’ him,” clarified Ana, her bosom heaving with each breath as the dreadful world persisted in its relentless march around her.

“Such a course of action…”

“He must not be allowed to escape the repercussions of his deeds,” cried Ana, pushing Jack from her embrace.

He seized her arms, adamant in maintaining their bond. “We lack evidence of his… intent, save for his efforts to warn others about… me, and the subsequent unveiling of the truth concerning… this.”

Ana wrenched herself from his grasp and commenced to stalk down the thoroughfare. “His schemes and machinations have wrought devastation upon us.”

Jack pursued her, seizing her hand. She attempted to withdraw, but he held fast and matched her stride. “Are we to… stoop to his level and dismantle his… life as he has ours?”

“He must be made to confront the consequences of his actions.”

“I do not wish for… the foundation of our relationship to rest upon a… shared animosity towards him.”

“Then tell me!” said Ana desperately, “What course of action shall we embark upon? What is to be our next move?”

For a moment, Jack lapsed into silence, wrestling with his thoughts. Presently, a slow smile graced his face. “We could depart England and journey north… to Scotland.”

“Scotland?”

“None could impede us there, not even Thomas.”

The notion ignited a surge of exhilaration within Ana, a flicker of hope sending a bridge across the abyss. Her world slowly resumed its rhythm as the image of a ruined abbey rose in her mind. “Yet what shall become of our life in this place?”

“We return here; it is solely for the… purpose of marriage that we would depart.”

“Do you recall the painting that fell when he visited my cottage?”

He nodded, a sombre expression clouding his features; the memory of that night was not one he wished to discuss; however, she smiled a little at the thought of her cherished painting.

As they continued their walk, the late summer sun cast a radiant glow upon their splendid wedding attire, drawing a mix of curious and furious glances from passersby. Yet they were absorbed in their own world, oblivious to the onlookers.

Her voice softened, reverence infusing her tone. “It is of a place known as Jedburgh Abbey. I have admired it for as long as it has been at the cottage. I have dreamed of beholding it with my own eyes.” Anticipation and nervousness fluttered within her, kindling a faint hope that perhaps more than one aspiration might be realised in this lifetime.

He regarded her, absorbing the sparkle of excitement and genuine joy that radiated from her countenance. “And you wish for us to be wed there?”

She nodded happily. “It is my desire that we be united in matrimony in that very place.”

As the final word escaped her lips, Jack enfolded her in his embrace, drawing her near. Together they approached their cottage, its green door appearing more inviting than ever before.

“Jedburgh it shall be,” concurred he, his words eliciting a bright smile from Ana’s countenance in response.

To Be Continued