Martha embraced her mother to hide her nervous expression. Her own wedding was exactly what she didn’t want to think about right then. She thought quickly, turning to look at the empty seats beside her.
“Where are Isabel and Patrick?” she asked.
Her mother looked like she was about to answer. But just then, the butler entered, bowing gratefully and wearing a smile that matched that of the other wedding breakfast guests.
“Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have arrived,” he said, sounding almost proud.
All the guests rose and softly applauded. Martha noticed how her cousin beamed as the butler spoke her new name. Patrick hardly seemed aware of the other guests as he gazed lovingly down at his new wife. Everyone reclaimed their seats, and Isabel and Patrick headed for their own beside Martha. Isabel practically leapt into Martha’s arms, her cheeks also stained with tears.
“Oh, Cousin,” she gushed. “This has been the most magical day.”
Martha squeezed her before guiding her cousin to sit.
“And now, it is time for you to enjoy this lovely celebration,” she said.
Isabel clapped her hands together, smiling at Martha’s parents on the other side of her.
“Thank you both, for everything,” Isabel said, wiping away more tears with a laugh. “My, has anyone in all of London ever cried so much?”
The viscountess giggled and nodded, dabbing at her own eyes.
“I believe we would be in competition for the most tears,” she said.
As the large feast was served, Lord Elwood rose, tapping his glass to get the attention of everyone. Across from her, Lord Billington ended a conversation with his mother and looked up. Martha quickly turned toward her father, blushing. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed her own future husband sitting across from her at a wedding breakfast. She supposed she had been too distracted by the excitement around her. She mentally shook herself, devoting all her attention to her father, who now looked as watery eyed as her mother did.
“Good morning, everyone,” he said, catching the attention of the last few people who were still whispering. “I’d like to thank you all for attending the beautiful wedding of my dear niece, Isabel, and her new husband.”
He paused as everyone applauded, murmuring their agreement about how lovely the ceremony had been. When everyone quieted, he spoke again.
“I would also like to offer my sincere congratulations to the newlyweds,” he said, turning to face Patrick and Isabel, who smiled dotingly at each other before looking back at the viscount. “Isabel, as far as I am concerned, I witnessed my youngest daughter get married today. My heart is full of joy for you, but also the sadness of a father who has watched his children grow up. I am so proud of you, darling. And I hope that you and Patrick have many long, happy years, filled with love and joy.”
Isabel sobbed with happiness, raising her glass higher toward her uncle. Everyone clapped again, and more women began dabbing at their eyes. The toast was completed, and the applause died down, in favor of spoken congratulations for the couple.
Martha beamed at her father. Isabel would always be considered a daughter to Martha’s parents, and a sister to Martha herself. The speech had made her emotional, reminding her of how much she would miss her cousin, now that she was married. She took her napkin and wiped at her eyes, understanding the bitter sweet joy of which her father had just spoken.
When Isabel noticed her cousin crying, she reached over and wrapped her arms around Martha’s neck.
“Sister, please, do not cry,” she said. “I assure you, we will be as close as ever, no matter what.”
Martha laughed and nodded.
“I know, Cousin,” she said. “I’m so happy for you. I suppose this is just a big change. But you are right. I will always be here for you. No matter what.”
Isabel nodded, kissing Martha’s damp cheek.
“I know, darling,” she said.
Patrick stole Isabel’s attention just then, leaving Martha alone with her thoughts. She glanced up only briefly, noting that Lord Billington seemed to be glancing at her from the corner of his eye. She looked away quickly, before she could find herself captivated by his blue eyes again. She wanted to keep her focus on Isabel, as it should be. But she thought she saw him give the women a small smile before he went back to looking at his father.
It was a lovely wedding breakfast, and Martha reveled in her cousin’s giddiness all throughout it. It was clear that Isabel was getting the perfect wedding day she had always wanted, and Martha was thrilled. Her cousin was getting the perfect day to begin her perfect marriage. Yet again, Martha thought about how much her cousin deserved such happiness. She adored Isabel, and she knew that her parents would be incredibly proud of her, if they had been there to see her.
As soon as the breakfast feast ended, the viscountess announced the opening of the dance floor, to be led by the newlyweds. Martha filed away from the table, slipping away to the drink table, which held champagne, punch and wine, as Isabel and Patrick slowly made their way to the center of the dance floor. Everyone else was enthralled with the newlyweds. Martha was, too. However, she was more than content to be enthralled with them alone, and with a drink.
Though her happiness for her cousin hadn’t waned in the least, she couldn’t help fretting about her own upcoming marriage. If she did, in fact, end up marrying Lord Billington, they would be doing just what Isabel and Patrick were right then. The difference was that she and Lord Billington didn’t love one another. Would their guests be able to tell? Would the guests even be able to talk about anything other than the viscount’s scarred face?
The song began, and Martha was delighted to hear that it was the waltz. That had always been her favorite dance, even though she herself had never danced it in public. She had had a tutor give her lessons on the dance, and she had loved each practice session she had been able to get for the dance. She watched her cousin as her new cousin-in-law led Isabel across the floor during the first chords of the song. Isabel’s cheeks were flushed, and she was smiling like Martha had never seen before.
After the introduction to the dance, several other couples joined the newlyweds on the dance floor. Martha sighed, envying the couples who got to participate in such an incredible dance. It was a dance of passion and love for couples who were devoted to one another. She knew she would likely never share such a dance with anyone. But she would never stop loving it, just the same.
