Page 33 of Georgiana
“We’ll see how the day goes. These past few weeks have been so hectic, Georgiana may wish to spend a few quiet evenings here, near family. As well, I cannot tarry too long with my new bride as I am required to be in the House of Lords. There are some important bills being put forward with all the unrest in the North, and I wish to be here for the vote.”
“I wouldn’t recommend the Continent. Even with Old Boney surrendering, the whole area is in a state of upheaval,” Richard said.
“I thought I may take her on a tour of Scotland.”
“My sister would enjoy that. She’s always wanted to view some castles and has often expressed an interest in sighting the fabled Loch Ness sea creature.”
“She has more chance at a sighting of the Fae,” Richard guffawed. “George, do you remember when Adborough declared he’d seen a wood nymph?”
“Yes! I’d forgotten about that.”
“I did not say I saw a wood nymph.” Max protested.
“Yes, you did,” three voices said in unison.
Nathan glanced at all of them, a puzzled expression on his face. “I don’t remember that.”
“You were still at Eton,” George said. “You always came home a week later than the rest of us. If memory serves me correct, which seems to elude my brother, we were at Pemberley, swimming in the lake near the front of the house.”
Max leaned back in his chair, enjoying the sense of comradery which permeated the room. He knew they’d have many years of family gatherings, filled with warmth and laughter. Already he pictured golden haired little girls like their mother and dark-haired boys bearing his features gathered around the fireplace Christmas morning. He wanted the timbers of Adborough Hall to shake from all their laughter and joy. And, when Nathan and George joined them with their families, the room would positively burst from happiness.
~~~~~
The wedding day dawned bright and clear. A good omen, Max thought as he paced in a small room nestled beside the main sanctuary. Nathan and George spoke in low tones with their mother. She excused herself and came toward him, hands outstretched. He clasped them in his, then leaned in and kissed her cheek.
“I am so happy for you, Maxwell. I’d begun to despair of you ever taking a wife.”
“I’m very much aware of that, Mother, but I did not want to choose someone I couldn’t love.”
“And you do love Georgiana, yes?” His mother reached up and brushed an unruly lock of hair from his forehead, a soft smile gracing her still beautiful features.
“Yes, mother. I do love her and hope she will come to love me.”
“Pish posh,” his mother teased and tapped his chest with an elegant finger. “How could she NOT love you?”
“My bride is very young and inexperienced. As you know, a long courtship was denied us. I don’t want her to live her life with regret.”
“Maxwell Kerr.” He grimaced slightly at her soft chastisement. “I have watched Miss Darcy grow into a lovely young woman and could not fail to notice how much she esteems you. If she doesn’t love you now, she will soon. Of that, I am sure.” Mother rose up on her toes and gave him a light kiss on the cheek. “I shall see you after the ceremony.”
With that, she turned and left the room on Nathan’s arm. George gave him a small salute and followed them out. Left to his own devices, Max strolled to a window near the back of the room. Partially hidden by a tapestry covered screen, he listened for the arrival of the Archbishop, who would lead him into the sanctuary. His attention was caught by the sight of the Darcy carriage parked on the road. She was here!
~~~~~
“Are you ready?”
Georgiana looked up at Fitzwilliam’s voice and nodded, not trusting her voice.
“Then, take my arm and let’s not keep your groom waiting.”
He extended his elbow and she placed her gloved hand on his forearm. In her other hand she carried a small bouquet of blush pink roses delivered earlier that morning from Max. The fragrant blooms matched the ribbon on her gown which encircled the bodice before falling softly down her back. Her veil, intricately woven with seed pearls and diamonds, was held in place by the Kerr diadem tiara and she wore a single strand of pearls which had been her mother’s. Fitz and Lizzy had presented them after dinner last eve and it was one of the few times she’d seen her brother moved to tears.
Everything coalesced into this defining moment. About to marry a man she loved deeply and start a new life made her heart almost burst to overflowing, and it was with this thought she started the long walk down the aisle.
St. George’s parish of Hanover Square was filled to overflowing. The wedding may have been short notice but it wasn’t very often that a Duke married, so the pews were packed. Fortunately, the wedding breakfast itself was reserved for family members and close friends, the one exception being Aunt Catherine. Still in high dudgeon over Fitz’s marriage to Elizabeth, she had not apologized for her extreme rudeness from over two years ago and therefore was not back in the family’s good graces. Although Georgiana was pleased to see Anne seated next to Cousin Richard, smiling broadly at her and Fitz.
Her first glimpse of Maxwell was of him standing regal and proud next to George. The crowd rustled and murmured in anticipation as she walked by and when they reached the alter, Max turned to face her, his expression loving and warm, if not a bit anxious.
Like her, he must be experiencing wedding nerves and it didn’t help they were on display in front of London’s elite. Throughout the ceremony, her focus remained on Maxwell and she savored every word spoken, binding them together. How lucky she was, to have captured the interest of such a man. Someone who wanted her for herself and not her fortune.
