Mamma gasped as the heavens let loose and it began to pour torrents of rain. “Oh, my, the reception—the inn is too far,” shesaid.
Susan went over to the family. “We’ll just need to wait it out. It’s far too fierce to try and get to the carriages with the rain likethis.”
Some of the guests had come forward to congratulate the bride and groom, and some of the guests were gathered at the church door watching the violence of thestorm.
Katherine came up to Susan. “We’re not going anywhere soon with this going on. Come visit with some old friends we’ve not chatted with in awhile.”
Susan and Katherine went over to visit with their friends. Daniel gave her a generous smile as sheapproached.
“You were a stunning bridesmaid,” Daniel said. “You almost outshone thebride.”
“I did not,” Susan insisted. “She was much prettier than Iwas.”
Daniel cocked his head. “I guess that’ll depend on who youask.”
Several old friends engaged Susan in conversation and she got caught up in the visiting until she looked up and saw the Duke and his aunt standing alone near the entrance looking anxious toleave.
“Excuse me,” Susan said and went over to greet theDuke.
“Your Grace, and I’m sorry, I don’t know your aunt’sname.”
“Mrs. Clarissa Darlington,” the Duke said. “Aunt Clarissa, this is Miss Susan Wilton, the sister of thebride.”
Susan wondered if the Duke remembered her from the previous unsuccessfulwedding.
“Such a pleasure,” Mrs. Darlington said. “What a shame about the storm. We’ll all get muddy feet, even just going to thecarriage.”
“I believe the drive in front of the church is graveled, Mrs.Darlington.”
“Ah, perhaps that’sso.”
“We’re so pleased the two of you could attend the wedding. It’s such an honor to have youboth.”
Aunt Clarissa smiled. “How nice of you to say so. I’m afraid I get out little these days with all my duties at Haverford House, and I know few in the localcommunity.”
Susan turned to the Duke, “Your Grace, I’m sorry we couldn’t order better weather foryou.”
The Duke laughed. “Even his Royal Highness can’t do that. And please call me John. I think we’re well enough acquainted to be able to use Christian names, may wenot?”
“If it pleases Your Grace. Sorry—John.”
“Will you be attending the reception?” Susanasked.
John thought for a moment. “I think not. Aunt hasn’t been feeling too well, and I think it best if we return home so she mayrest.”
“Of course.” She turned to his aunt who was looking a little pale. “May I get you anything? Would you like to sit while the stormpasses?”
“Thank you, dear, I would. I am feeling a littlefaint.”
Susan turned and waved to Katherine to comeover.
“Please sit.” She led the aunt to an emptypew.
Katherine arrived. “Do you need something,” sheasked.
“Yes, could you find some water, please? Mrs. Darlington is feeling a littlefaint.”
“Of course,” Katherine said, and turned to search forassistance.
