“And that is navy life foryou.”
“Did I say he’s been made acaptain?”
“Really? No, I don’t believe you told me that. Your parents must be veryproud.”
* * *
Louisa’s weddingwas just a week away. The activity in the Wilton household could only be described as frantic. The Duke of Lennox had RSVP’d that he’d attend the wedding with his Aunt Clarissa, which they’d not expected, after the debacle with Simon. And the fact that he was attending put added pressure on the family to be sure the wedding planning was justperfect.
Mamma appeared to be in a tizzy, but everyone knew she was reveling in the chaos of thewedding.
Susan was helping however she could, but she was still haunted by the fact that Louisa’s wedding was going to be held in the same church where Susan had been jilted those few years ago. And she couldn’t help but worry that Simon might show up as well—even though he’d not been invited. But Susan brushed away her few lingering concerns and focused her entire energy on helping make the wedding as happy as possible for hersister.
One afternoon there was a knock at her bedroomdoor.
“Yes?” Susan calledout.
“It’sme.”
“Come in, Louisa,” Susan said, as she sat on the edge of herbed.
Louisa came inside. “May we chat for amoment?”
“Of course.” Susan patted the bed. “Come, sit withme.”
Louisa paced the room for a moment before shesat.
“Susan, I’ve spoken to Mamma, about… youknow…”
“The weddingnight?”
Louisa looked down shyly. “Yes.”
“And she’s not answering your questions to yoursatisfaction.”
“Exactly. What can you adviseme?”
“Well, as you know, I’ve not yet been married, so I’m, perhaps, not the best person toask.”
“But you’re older and wiser, and a teacher. Surely you know more than mother’s willing to tellme.”
Susan sighed. “What’s she told you sofar?”
“She assembled a carrot and a melon and attempted to do a demonstration, but she became so flustered she ended up throwing her hands up in the air, tossing the carrot into a soup, and running out of the kitchen with the melon in her hands, going who knowswhere.”
Susan nodded and laughed. “Yes, I had the same botched demonstration. And when I asked Papa, he tuned beet red, and kept blowing his nose until he too had to leave theroom.”
“Can you helpme?”
“I’m quite certain you must know the mechanics by now, Louisa. You’re twenty years old, after all. But what’s really important, are the emotional aspects of your relationship with your husband. And you must certainly have some inclination of how he may behave with you.No?”
Robert’s such a caring man. I believe he’ll be sensitive and patient withme.”
“Robert Tunbull is a wonderful man from my experience. I’ve been teaching with him for quite a few years now, and I can attest to his many fine qualities. But to be quite honest with you, I’m not experienced in the arts you’re asking me about. What about asking your friend, Matilda? She’s been married for over a year now, and should be much more useful as a resource than Iam.”
Louisa considered the suggestion. “Yes, that’s an excellent suggestion. I’ll speak to her tomorrow when I’m in the village. Thankyou.”
