Page 62 of Persuading Penny
NINETEEN
“Are you nervous?”Keelysaid as she adjusted my veil over my upswept hair.
“No,” I said, looking at my reflection. “I’m excited.”
My white dress was simple, no lace or no crystals. No long train. Just an elegant sleeveless bodice with a long smooth silk skirt that skimmed the floor.
We were in my old room, the room I’d grown up in. It felt strange to be back in my own house after months at the cottage, but Richard and Reagan were set to head back to the States the following morning. They were leaving for London right after the ceremony. Copperfield Corner was ours again.
Mum and Dad were downstairs greeting the few guests that were to attend the ceremony. They both seemed so excited...happy, even my dad.
A light tap sounded at the door, and it opened slightly, Abbie’s head popping in. “The cast has arrived,” she said. “They all came together.” She looked at me and smiled at my unasked question. “Bridget didn’t come. They say she’s already in London preparing for her next project.”
I nodded, relieved. Having invited the entire cast and crew, we couldn’t very well exclude Bridget, but I’d clung to the hope that she would not attend.
“Is anybody missing?”Keely said.
“Nope. Everyone’s here. Cliff is ready and waiting. Hugh is doing his best to keep him calm. The children are ready. They’re eager to do their part.”
I went to the window to look down into the yard where dozens of chairs were set up. Most were already taken by guests. Mum greeted the last arrivals and guided them to the empty seats.
Gabriel Tillsbury, the pastor stood at the altar, ready and waiting.
I turned to Abbie. “Looks like we’re all set. Is anyone missing?”
She smiled and I realized she’d already answered that question from Keely. I glanced at Keely. “I guess I am a little nervous.”
“Everyone is here,” Abbie said once again. “Your father is eager to come up to get you. He seems a bit nervous but...”
“I’m ready.”I picked up my bouquet. “Could you send him up?”
She nodded and backed out of the room.
“If you don’t need anything else, I’ll leave you two,” Keely said, joining Abbie in her retreat.
I nodded. “Thank you.”
