Page 71 of A Housekeeper for the Earl of Drinkwater
The following morning, her eyes were barely open before Emily and Mrs. Chantry practically dragged her out of bed. She laughed as she followed them down the hallway to the countess’s bedchambers, where Lady Drinkwater was almost dressed for the wedding and fretting over Serena’s wedding dress.
When she saw Serena, she grinned, taking her hands, and pulling her gently into the room.
“Come, and stand here, darling,” she said. “And allow us to do the rest.”
Serena giggled as the other women set to work getting her out of her night dress and into her wedding outfit. There was a flurry of hands, chat, and laughter as the women worked together to ensure Serena looked perfect in her wedding attire. Then, Mrs. Chantry steered her over to the countess’s vanity and started to style her hair.
She used two mother-of-pearl combs to fix Serena’s hair up and away from her face on either side, exposing her white neck and shoulders, leaving the rest to cascade down to her waist in shining waves. Tresses were pulled free at the front and curled with the irons to frame her face perfectly.
At last, she was ready, and the women escorted her to the countess’s full-length mirror over her wardrobe. She could hardly believe the transformation as she looked at her reflection. Her dress was of the brightest white silk embroidered with tiny seed-pearls.
A broad satin ribbon tied just below her bust, and her matching gloves and satin slippers were also dotted with pearls. The small veil was pure white lace.
The women around her gasped and murmured with admiration, and the tears began to flow.
“Oh, Serena,” Mrs. Chantry said, wrapping her arms around her. “I feel as if I am watching my own daughter get married.”
Emily sniffled loudly, embracing both the housekeeper and Serena, careful not to crease the bride’s dress
“I feel as though you are my big sister,” she said. “I never had a sister, but to have one like you would be magical.”
Serena smiled warmly at the maid, wiping tears from her cheeks.
“You may call me your sister, if you like,” she said. “I would be honoured.”
Emily burst into tears and embraced Mrs. Chantry tightly. The tearful exchange was interrupted gently by the smiling countess, who also had tears in her eyes.
“Come, Serena, darling,” she said softly.
Serena approached her, noticing the tears shining in the older lady’s eyes. When she reached her, Lady Drinkwater pulled something shiny from behind her. Serena could see it was a tiara, and that it was encrusted all over with diamonds. There was also a pair of matching earrings, which the countess helped her to put on.
“These belonged to my grandmother,” she said. “My mother got married to them, as did I. And now, I wish you to have them, so that your daughter might also wear them one day.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she placed the tiara on Serena’s head. Then, she led Serena by the hand back to the mirror, where Serena burst into tears, as well.
“Oh, Lady Drinkwater,” she breathed, gently patting the beautiful heirloom. “They are absolutely beautiful.”
The countess nodded, smiling at her fondly.
“Yes, my darling,” she said, kissing her cheek. “You most certainly are. And as you are soon to be my daughter-in-law, please, call me Maria from now on.”
Serena sobbed, throwing her arms around the countess’s neck.
“Thank you . . . Maria,” she said. “I shall never forget your kindness.”
The countess nodded, stroking Serena’s loose curls.
“Nor shall I forget yours, my dear,” she said.
After some last-minute adjustments to her wedding outfit and lots of dabbing of eyes, the women filed out of the countess’s bedchambers and down to the waiting carriage. Everyone was talking all at once as they travelled to the church. Serena felt her heart had never been fuller, and she knew she would never stop smiling.
The church was grand and beautiful, from its white and black exterior to its elegant interior, decorated for the occasion with rich, red velvet banners and flowers. Sunlight sparkled through the stained glass windows. But the beauty of the church was nothing compared to that of the event that next occurred when Emily, Clarke, and Mrs. Chantry left Serena to take their seats.
Two very familiar people rushed up to her, startling her.
“Oh, Miss Serena,” Evelyn cried, enveloping her in an embrace and sobbing. “I can hardly believe it. You look so beautiful.”
Serena squealed, hugging her old housekeeper tightly before running into Whitton’s open arms.
