Page 28 of An Arranged Betrothal with a Contrite Duke
“Wonderful,” he said. “I was wondering if you would like to begin today, by joining me at Ranelagh Gardens.”
Lydia was nodding before he had even finished speaking. She could hardly believe that she had made such an impression on Michael that he wanted to begin courting her right away. It didn’t matter to her want he had wanted to do. But as it was, she enjoyed the beautiful landscaping and the incredible Chinese pavilion at those particular pleasure gardens.
“I would love to, Michael,” she said.
The countess clasped her hands together and rose, hurrying over to her daughter. She smiled with warm approval at her, embracing her and kissing her on the cheek.
“As soon as Hester returns, she shall escort the two of you,” she said. “In the meantime, I shall walk the two of you to the front door.”
Lydia felt a little disappointment at the notion of having a chaperone. However, she understood that it was crucial to be seen with one in public to avoid scandal so soon before her wedding. She also knew that Hester would give her enough room to speak with Michael alone. She didn’t even think that Hester would tell anyone if Michael did decide to kiss her for real.
As they walked to the front door, Lydia and Michael exchanged excited, yet somewhat nervous glances. The Countess opened the door for them and waved goodbye as they awaited Hester's arrival. The sun shone brightly, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air, setting the perfect stage for their first outing together.
Once Hester arrived, Lydia and Michael set off toward Ranelagh Gardens. The ride to the gardens was filled with polite conversation, and Lydia enjoyed every second of it. They talked about the weather and the engagement party the evening before. Even though they never discussed anything of real consequence, Lydia found that she was thrilled just to be in the company of Michael.
When they reached the gardens, they headed in through the parks’ entrance, with Hester trailing a respectable distance behind. As they entered the enchanting garden, the soft rustling of leaves and the melodious sound of birdsong filled the air.
“It has been far too long since I’ve been here,” Lydia said softly.
Michael looked down at her, giving her a warm smile.
“Well, I am glad that I could bring you here today,” he said.
Lydia blushed again and smiled.
“As am I, Michael,” she said softly.
With a sense of freedom and anticipation, Lydia and Michael walked through the gardens, pausing occasionally to admire the exotic flowers and the intricately carved statues that adorned the landscape. Their conversation flowed effortlessly, as they spoke about their mutual love for nature and history, and their hopes for the future. Lydia was stunned by the way the afternoon went with Michael. She had been eager to marry him before. But by the end of that day, she was more excited to be his wife than she ever had been for anything in her entire life.
The following two weeks went just as such. She and Michael went to the theater, Hyde Park, shared picnics both at her family’s home and at his, and they attended the opera. She had been so sure that when her father told her she was to marry Michael that he had condemned her to marry someone who would never connect with her in the ways that were important to her. But the more time she spent with Michael, the more she was sure they would have a happy marriage. And she could hardly wait for their wedding day.
***
Lydia nervously clutched her bouquet of roses, their delicate fragrance filling the air as she and Michael stood at the altar. She could feel the tremble in his hands, and it only intensified her own nervousness. Yet, seeing his anxiety, Lydia's heart went out to him. She was certain that, with time, she could come to care for him deeply, perhaps even love him.
“Lydia, do you take Michael to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, until death do you part?” the priest asked solemnly.
“I do,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. It wasn’t because she wouldn’t do those things for Michael. It was because her own emotions were overwhelming her. Try as she might, she couldn’t steel her own nerves. Partly because of her own excitement, but also because of Michael’s. All she could do was to give him a kind smile and try to convey to him with her eyes that she would always be there for him, just as she had been on the night of their engagement party.
As they exchanged their vows, Lydia couldn't help but feel a spark of hope for their future together. Her heart pounded fiercely in her ears, but she did her best to focus on repeating the words spoken to her by the vicar. The rest of the ceremony passed by Lydia in a blur. It wasn’t the way she had anticipated envisioning her wedding day. And yet, now, she couldn’t imagine it happening any differently than it was right then.
The wedding ceremony was to be followed by a lovely breakfast with their closest friends and family. Whereas she and Michael had taken separate carriages to the church, they took the same one back to Strawbridge Manor, where her new mother-in-law was hosting the wedding breakfast. Michael stared at her with an expression of awe and, she thought a bit of fear. She reached out and took his hand, smiling sweetly at him.
“We are married now, Michael,” she said. “And I promise to be a dutiful, doting wife to you.”
Michael blushed and smiled, nodding. However, he said nothing else to her. Lydia began to wonder what her new husband was thinking. Was he so shy that he didn’t even know what to say to his new wife?
The sun shone brightly upon Strawbridge Manor as the newlyweds, Lydia and Michael celebrated their union with the lovely wedding breakfast arranged by the dowager duchess of Strawbridge. Lydia could hardly believe that she was the new reigning duchess, and she knew that would take her some time to grow accustomed to her title. The tables in the ballroom, where the wedding breakfast was being hosted, were laden with exquisite treats and delicacies, a testament to the love and support of their family and friends. Laughter and conversation filled the room, lifting Lydia's spirits as she enjoyed the company of her dear ones.
As the festivities continued, Lydia couldn't help but steal glances at her charming husband, Michael. His strong jaw, kind eyes, and warm smile caused a flutter in her heart. While she was excited to begin their life together, she couldn't deny that a part of her was nervous about the wedding night that lay ahead.
Seated beside her, Michael seemed to sense her unrest. He leaned in and whispered softly into her ear,
“You look enchanting, my dear Lydia,” he said, giving her a sweet smile. “I hope you're enjoying the day as much as I am.”
Lydia blushed, her nerves momentarily eased by his kind words.
“Thank you, Michael,” she said. “It has been a wonderful day indeed.”
