Page 60 of A Lady's Passion Knows No Distance
Epilogue
Butterflies were swarming in Caroline’s stomach as she readied the next day. Gwendolen sat with her in her bedchamber as her lady’s maid helped her into her wedding gown and teased her hair into long curls that she then pinned to the top of her head. Caroline couldn’t stop smiling as she watched herself be transformed in front of the looking glass.
“You were not kidding, Gwendolen. This is the finest wedding gown I have ever seen,” Caroline said as she moved in front of the reflective glass to see all the details. The gown was rather fitted, with a lacy bodice that gave way to layers of silk. Though it was detailed with pearls and embroidered lace, it did not weigh very much.
“I pride myself on being able to spot good fashion, my dear. When we went to have the seamstress design your unique gown, I was not willing to let the older woman change my mind. I knew this design would suit your body perfectly,” Gwendolen said proudly.
“I can’t wait to see Sir Roberts’ expression when he does see me,” Caroline said as she tilted her head from side to side to get a good view of her magnificent hairdo.
“He will look at you with those hungry eyes that men get when they want to be alone with their wives,” Gwendolen said, causing them all to laugh openly, to include the maids.
“Hush now, Gwendolen. Let us not discuss such things. There is a wedding to perform first,” Caroline said as she sat and allowed her lady’s maid to place the veil comb into her hair before folding the front part of it over her face.
“You are truly a vision, Caroline. I can’t wait for the Ton to see you,” Gwendolen said as she stood and moved closer to Caroline. In turn, Caroline looked up at her through the veil, smiling at her friend.
“I can’t wait to see you married, as well. I know that Lord Sergio will return for you as soon as he can,” Caroline said.
“I know it as well. But today, let’s not discuss my future but yours. I won’t be surprised that if by the time I am married, you already have a child of your own.” The women laughed again as Caroline was helped to her feet. After making sure that everything was in place, the maids picked up the train of her gown and helped her make her way down the stairs.
“How beautiful,” Lady Murphy said as they came down the stairs.
“Truly a vision,” Lord Murphy agreed. They were all dressed in their finest, and Caroline couldn’t help but smile broadly. She had been looking forward to this moment for so long that she was eager to reach the church and finally be married to William. She was so grateful to Lord and Lady Murphy doing so much for her. They were like true parents to her and she was glad to have them in her life.
“Let’s head out to the carriage,” Gwendolen suggested. “Someone’s a bit excited for the day.”
“My word, I can’t wait for all the festivities. I can’t wait to see Sir Roberts,” Caroline exclaimed.
“All right, let’s be on our way,” Lord Murphy said with the chuckle. The butler opened the door for them, and the Earl led the way to the waiting carriage. Caroline was helped up into the carriage first since it took a little extra time to make sure her gown was completely taken care of. Once the other three were settled, Lord Murphy rapped his knuckles against the side of the carriage to signal to the driver that it was time to go.
As the vehicle was drawn down the cobblestone road, Caroline was filled with all manner of excitement. She smiled brightly behind her veil, her eyes watching the town pass by.
She couldn’t wait to get to the church and finally get to see William in all of his finery. She thought him a handsome man already, but was curious about what style he’d chosen for their wedding day. And, if Caroline was being completely honest with herself, she longed for the wedding night, as well.
Caroline was surprised by the sheer number of people filing into the church as the carriage came to a stop at the bottom of the stairs. The church bells rang, signalling that the wedding would soon begin. It thrilled Caroline to no end as the carriage door was opened and the ladies stepped out first. Once Lord Murphy had alighted, he turned back and helped Caroline down safely from the carriage, her gown flowing behind her as she stepped up the stairs of the church.
“Your father would be proud of you today, Miss Caroline. I know I am,” Lord Murphy said as they climbed the stairs. Lady Murphy had hurried ahead of them to take their seats at the front of the chapel.
“Thank you, Lord Murphy. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to repay all the kindness you have shown me. But I hope one day I can serve you and your family as you have done me,” Caroline said, fighting back the tears that pricked her eyes. She didn’t want to cry this day, though her body was filled with all sorts of strong emotions.
As the Wedding March began, Caroline turned her eyes forward as Lord Murphy led her into the chapel. The pews seemed to be filled to the maximum number of occupants as everyone stood to watch her walk down the aisle. And though there were a vast number of guests, the only person Caroline focused on was William.
He stood at the altar with the priest, his hair now longer than when she’d first seen William for the first time after so many years. He looked the same as when they’d first fallen in love. He wore a black jacket with embroidered lace throughout, the light reflecting off it. She thought he was so handsome in his wedding clothes, and she blushed at the idea of seeing those clothes on the floor of their bedchamber.
“Who gives this woman to be this man’s wife?” asked the priest as they reached the altar, momentarily pulling Caroline’s attention to the man.
“Her guardians do,” Lord Murphy said as he placed Caroline’s hand in William’s. He then went to sit down with Lady Murphy and Gwendolen as they occupied the front pew with William’s father and Grendel. She looked at them all for a moment, thinking it was good to have family and friends in her life.
As the ceremony continued on, Caroline focused her eyes on William’s bright blue ones. They smiled at one another, becoming lost in their own little world. When it came to repeat their vows, they did so with slow, clear words. Caroline could feel every promise in William’s words as he spoke his vows to her. And she tried to do the same with hers.
The ceremony seemed to pass so quickly. Before she knew it, William was lifting her veil and revealing her face so that he could lean down and kiss her when the priest finally said, “You may kiss your bride.” The embrace was gentle and sweet, a promise of things to come.
As the congregation cheered, William placed her hand firmly on his arm and led her from the chapel. Everyone stood and clapped for him. Caroline had never smiled so much in her life as she waved to everyone before being led from the church and to the waiting carriage. They would then be transported to the dance hall for the wedding reception. But all Caroline could think was that she was finally officially married to William.
“How are you feeling, my dear?” William asked once they were situated in the carriage, Caroline’s gown safely tucked into it as well.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my life,” Caroline declared. “I’m just so relieved that we are finally married.”
“I feel the same. This is all like a dream come true. It was worth all the effort, and perhaps all the pain,” William said as he tucked an arm around her and held her close to his body. She rested her head on his shoulder, her hand on his chest.
