CHAPTER SEVEN
She heaved a sigh as she stared at her reflection in the mirror; her heart beating really fast, threatening to jump out of her chest. Jane tried to control her breath but she wasn’t doing a pretty good job at that. This was the day she would become the duke’s wife and for some reason, she was nervous for the first time in a long time.
Clad in a high waistline short-sleeved white wedding dress, which was made luxurious satin fabrics with intricate lace and embroidery she exuded elegance, glowing like the bride that she was.
Reflexively, she reached for the tiara on her head, adjusting it for a moment with a smile she managed to squeeze out. Her attention was drawn by the sound of her sister's soft grunt from behind her.
“All set.” Sarah rose to her feet, dressed in light silk pastel fabrics adorned with delicate lace.
She'd been helping the bride with the train of her gown for the past few minutes.
“Thank you, Sarah.” Jane turned to face her.
“What are you thanking me for?” she asked amidst chuckles.
“Everything. I'm thanking you for everything, especially for how you've been a mother to me all these years.”
Her words melted Sarah's heart and her eyes started to blink rapidly as she tried to stay composed. Jane could tell that these few words spoken genuinely and with all sincerity had affected Sarah positively.
“Is it part of your plan; to make me shed tears on your wedding day?” Sarah asked, gratitude flickering in her gaze.
“Tears of joy…yes,” Jane replied and immediately, Sarah slipped into her arms.
“You look gorgeous, by the way,” Sarah said to her.
“And you, my principal bridesmaid, look adorably stunning,” Jane replied.
“Okay, now you're simply over exaggerating.”
They laughed lightly and were soon interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Who is it?” Jane inquired.
“It is I, my lady,” the voice spoke from behind the closed door.
Jane recognized the speaker. It was Elizabeth, the housekeeper.
“Your carriage is ready and your father seems furious that you're running late for your own wedding.”
“We'll be out in a minute, Elizabeth. Thank you,” Sarah replied and they both heard the sounds of retreating footsteps.
“Are you all right?” She asked Jane.
“Yes. Yes, I am. Why would I not be?” came the reply.
Sarah looked closely at her sister, peering into her eyes with concern coloring hers.
“You're not having cold feet now, are you?”
“What? No!” Jane responded swiftly, squinting at the question.
“Good.” Sarah flashed a smile at her. “Okay.” She walked over to a table and picked up a bouquet of flowers and handed it over to Jane. “Let's go get you married.”
Jane accepted the flowers and smiled.
The church bell tolled and the doors parted while Jane stood at the entrance. Her slender figure was enveloped by the soft rays of sunlight steaming from behind. The illumination created a halo around her, brightening the lace of her veil.
The building interior was adorned with floral arrangements and ribbons. Garland of roses, lilies and other greenery draped over the pews, intertwining around the columns.
