From the choir stand, a soft sound of string instruments filled the air as she walked down the aisle, her dress shimmering subtly as the beams from the sun caught her fine fabrics.
She exuded an ethereal grace as the sunlight bathed her in a warm golden aura. Walking down the aisle with majestic steps, heads turned but her gaze was fixed on the man she was about to say yes to. The man she was going to spend the rest of her life with; the Duke of Montford.
He was standing at the altar alongside his groomsmen, looking like a charming prince in his tailored cutaway coat, waistcoat, cravat, and breeches. Colin looked so handsome and she couldn't deny that fact.
As Jane walked to him, she could hear the murmurs amongst the young ladies seated in the pews close to her but couldn't quite make out what they were saying. She knew they were most probably gossiping about her but she didn't care.
Jane's eyes caught her sister as she smiled at her from that part of the altar. Jane smiled back. It was a small ceremony, only luxurious enough as to fit the name of the Duke and not get the tongues of the ton wagging. Still, only few were in attendance and Jane was grateful.
She got to the altar and Colin helped her up the steps. She smiled and muttered an appreciation as she stood facing him, both of them before the clergyman.
As the ceremony began, the clergyman's voice was gradually becoming distant to Jane. Her heart was racing and her hands were subtly trembling.
Colin leaned closer and whispered to her.
“I thought nothing scared you.” He smirked satisfyingly.
Jane squinted at him as if to say that she needed more clarity.
“You're nervous,” he declared almost inaudibly.
“No, I am not,” she responded with the same tone, hating the idea that he was able to detect it.
He took her hand and gently squeezed it. The feeling of his skin against hers was reassuring but what was more reassuring was the look in his eyes. He didn't have to say anything, his countenance and expression said it all, making her blush discreetly.
It was time for the most important aspect of the ceremony and the clergyman began with the duke, reading him the ritual rites.
Colin looked at her with a faint grin and said;
“I do.”
The clergyman turned to the bride and read her the same rites to which she responded after a few seconds of hesitation.
“I do.”
He then pronounced them man and wife after which Colin leaned forward and planned a kiss on her lips to seal their union. A round of applause erupted from the crowd.
Amidst the flurry of congratulations and well-wishes, the newly-wedded couple emerged from the church, heading straight for the carriage that awaited them in the open.
Fingers intertwined, they walked down the steps at the entrance of the building with Colin holding her hand tightly.
Jane was tired and exhausted but she was obligated to smile and wave so she wouldn't seem rude. She was a duchess now and this was just the beginning. Prudence's words still lingered on the fringes of her mind, keeping her on her feet.
They headed toward the duke's carriage; a magnificent four-wheeled vehicle richly decorated with a glossy black lacquer finish with gilded accents that gleamed in the sunlight.
Four healthy horses with their manes adorned with white ribbons stood gallantly, ready to pull the carriage.
As the couple approached the vehicle, Jane admired the intricate carvings and the Grove family crest emblazoned on the fine wooden doors.
Colin helped Jane settle into the carriage, making sure that her gown was elegantly arranged. When they were seated and ready, the coachman, dressed in a fine livery cracked his whip and the horses sprang forward.
“Hyah!” his voice echoed, blending with the sounds of the horses' hooves as the carriage rolled smoothly along the cobblestone path, its wheels turning steadily towards the Montford Manor.
Inside, seated on the luxuriously plush, upholstered seats, Jane exclaimed in her mind.
Finally!
Silently, she sat juxtaposed with her husband who could not stop staring at her. He was so handsome himself that she struggled to keep her eyes off him.
