Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

Mary awoke to a pile of altered dresses and a traveling trunk at the foot of her bed. What could it mean? She'd heard nothing more of the wedding from Lady Catherine, Charlotte, or Mr. Collins. Even Redmond failed to show up at the reading room window last night.

Was she the willing bride or an unwilling wedding guest? Her question was partially answered by a maid with a breakfast tray.

"Morning to you, Miss. Her ladyship thought you might enjoy a private breakfast today. A lady's maid will come to do your hair and help you dress in about an hour. Shall I have the kitchen heat water for a bath?"

"Yes. That would be lovely." Bride or not, Mary was determined to be beautiful today. No matter what, she'd hold her head high and get through this. She wasn't wrinkled paper, and she deserved love.

Gazing down at the gold band on her finger, Mary couldn't help but wonder, was she married or not?

Standing so as not to wrinkle the beautiful pale pink gown she'd been dressed in, Mary waited alone in her room to be summoned for a carriage. No one came to speak to her. There were no flowers or well-wishes for a wedding day. Clutching her copy of Arabian Nights , and with the feather brooch pinned near her heart, Mary awaited her fate.

She nearly jumped out of her shoes when Lady Catherine burst into the room and closed the door behind her.

"I suppose you think yourself clever?" Lady Catherine paced back and forth as she spoke. "You were a bit more determined than I gave you credit for. Understand me, girl, this is happening only because I allow it."

"Anne would not suit him, Lady Catherine. It can be no one but me."

"Of course she would not suit! Do you think me blind? Anne is strong in temperament but weak in body. What was I to say when the brave girl offered herself up? I was yet undecided until Mr. Collins confessed all. While of dubious legality, your actions relieved me of having to lose my daughter."

"Please don't be cross with Mr. Collins. He was trying to be helpful, and we took advantage."

"I can forgive, but I will not forget. After today, you will not be invited back to Rosings Park."

"My actions were mine alone. I beg you to not punish my family for what I was compelled to do." Clearly, Lady Catherine was still ignorant of Redmond's plan to move to Canada. To be cut from the Rosings Park social agenda was of no consequence.

"All has turned out the way I planned and the way it should be. I promised Lady Naismith a wedding, and I shall deliver one. Come, we must away to the church. You'll travel with me. Not from any great affection, but because I wish to keep an eye on you."

The sight of her family moved Mary more than she thought possible. They were all there save Lydia. It was foolish to pine for her, and yet she did. She wanted them all present for the day surely none of them thought would ever arrive. She wanted them to witness her happiness .

Appearing at her side with a smile despite an expression of concern, her father offered her his arm. Remembering just in time, Mary surreptitiously transferred the gold ring to her thumb and held her hand so it couldn't be seen.

Redmond, smiling as ever, waited for her at the end of the aisle. When her father passed her hand to Redmond's, she slipped him the wedding band. His mouth twitched ever so slightly in amusement. They went through the motions of another wedding, just as Mr. Collins had shown them.

This time, when Redmond promised to ‘love and cherish' he caressed her hand and gazed deeply into her eyes. He meant it. When he slid her ring back onto her finger, Mary had to clench her toes in her shoes to keep from laughing aloud with joy. As it was, she smiled until her cheeks hurt.

When the parish register was opened for signatures, they shared a knowing glance and repeated yesterday's signature ritual. Once Mary signed her name in the space provided, she relaxed. It was over. She was married in the eyes of the church.

In three days, they'd be boarding a ship bound for Montreal. She'd be the first Bennet sister to go to the Northern Territory. She'd be the first at something, no longer stuck in the middle.

Today, she would enjoy her wedding breakfast and meet Redmond's family. Tomorrow, hand in hand with her husband they'd step onto their magic carpet together.