Margaret hugged her sister. When they came apart, Margaret was smiling.
“I would like that,” she said.
“So, what are you doing?” Bridget asked.
“I’m folding invitations to be sent out by the end of the week,” Margaret told her.
“Show me one, and I will get started.”
“You don’t have to,” Margaret informed her. “I know you don’t like this sort of thing.”
“Normally, I don’t, but I love my sister, and if she is happy, then I am happy. So, let’s do it together, and we can discuss your wedding. I want to hear all about it.”
Margaret hugged her sister again. “Youarethe best!” She went to the table and picked up an invitation. “So, you need to crease it here and fold it over, and then add a crease here, but not on the other side, or it will not work. Then, fold here, tuck it back, fold again, and it should look like a heart.” She held up the invitation to show her work.
“I can do that,” Bridget said, hoping she could.
“Fantastic.” Margaret smiled. “If you can work on that, I can finally figure out this seating chart. Now, I did enjoy your conversation with His Grace on the veranda yesterday evening. Would you like to sit next to him for the wedding?”
“No, I will sit next to you,” Bridget replied quickly. “I mean, anywhere is fine, and you know best, but I would like to sit next to my sister on her wedding day.”
“Alright,” Margaret agreed.
Bridget began folding, and while the first one did not turn out exactly how Margaret folded hers, the second one was pretty close.
“Hmm, it could work…”
Bridget had heard that tone of voice before. It was a statement, but Margaret made it sound like a question.
“What are you thinking, Margaret?” Bridget asked.
“Well, it is just that I have known so many people who have met their partners at weddings, and if you were to sit with His Grace, especially after spending two weeks together, you could?—”
“I don’t wish to,” Bridget interjected. “I only want to… I must have all my focus on you for your wedding day. That is what I want most in the world.”
“I know you don’t wish to marry, but wouldn’t it be such fun to be married to brothers? And our children could grow up together, and it would be a dream come true.”
“It is a fairytale,” Bridget argued. “I know Lord Michael makes you happy, but marriage has passed me by. Even if I were to marry, I could never be with a man like His Grace. Still, I am happy that you are happy, Margaret.”
“I only wantyouto be happy,” Margaret said.
“I am happy,” Bridget insisted. “I don’t need a man to make me happy. I have so many other things that brighten my life, and helping you plan this wedding right now is one of them. Keep working on the seating plan, but I really do want to sit next to you.”
“Alright,” Margaret relented, as if she had made a considerable compromise. She returned to the table and picked up one of the folded invitations. “This is not half bad.”
Bridget laughed. “Why do you sound so surprised?”
“Because you usually work as if you have five thumbs on each hand.”
Bridget laughed again before she crumpled a piece of paper and tossed it at her sister.
“I heard that Father came home from his business early yesterday,” Margaret commented. “Lord Michael and I were sad to have missed him.”
“There will be other times,” Bridget assured.
“Her Grace said something about his behavior.”
“Oh?” Bridget raised an eyebrow, half curious, half anxious.
