“Thank him, Papa,” Emily said, trying to focus herfather.
“Thank you. And please thank His Grace for me.” He then turned to Emily. “Can you believe this? New horses and a carriage?” He turned back to the man leaving. “And the horses come with thecarriage?”
“Most certainly,sir.”
Then Papa turned to Spencer and asked, “Can you drive acarriage?”
Spencer seemed not able to respond. He lookedstupefied.
“Papa, it is their marriage. Do you really expect him to drive his carriage and not be inside with his newwife?”
“Perhaps you are right. Very well, then Daniels can drive them to Bristol and return after. But then who will driveus?”
“I am certain you can make it for a few days until he returns,Papa.”
“You mean your old carriage is for us?” Spencer asked, finally finding hisvoice.
“Yes, Son. As one of our weddingpresents.”
Spencer took both of Papa’s hands in his and shook them viciously. “I cannot wait to tellRuth.”
“Not until after the ceremony,” Emily cautioned. “You must not see the bride on her wedding day until thechurch.”
* * *
The rest of the morning was turmoil as Mother and Emily assisted Ruth with her hair, makeup, and gown, along with Ruth’s bridesmaid—her best friendCharlotte.
A number of the wedding guests were gathering in the sitting room hosted by Teresa and their father. Children were running around in the back garden and Molly was frantically serving punch and sandwiches to the guests as they arrived in ever growingnumbers.
Emily took a break from helping Ruth when Molly, as she had been asked to do, told her that Fanny and Trent hadarrived.
Emily went downstairs and gave each of them a bighug.
“You two… Look at you. So beautiful,” she said to Fanny. “And so handsome in your new suit,” she said toTrent.
“Thank you. And where isTeresa?”
Emily looked around. “She may be in the kitchen helpingMolly.”
Trent left to findher.
“I hardly see you anymore,” Fanny said,pouting.
Emily leaned her head against Fanny’s forehead. “Oh, you have no idea what all I am having to deal with these days—Ruth’s wedding—my wedding—preparing for my first UK tour—and endless daily practice. I cannot go on that stage to perform unless I am fullyprepared.”
Fanny took hold of Emily’s arm. “And your man? The dreamy duke—is he exactly what youwant?”
“Oh, Fanny… he is so perfectly wonderful. He even gave the family new horses and a carriage so they could pass their old one on to thenewlyweds.”
Fanny sighed and squinched up her nose. “And where is my princecharming?”
“Oh, my dear friend, he will appear. And speaking of which, it seems your brother and my sister have become quite infatuated with eachother.”
“Besotted. All he does is moan and complain until he can see her again. I have the feeling that we shall soon becomesisters.”
“Oh, another wedding? I do not know if I can managethat.”
“Never fear, I will take charge if necessary. I needsomeromance in my life, even if it is only mybrother’s.”
