"Aye, my love. This time tomorrow, you shall be my wife in every way."
Elizabeth knew she was only imagining it, but it was almost as if the gold bracelets winked.
Chapter Twenty
The following morning dawned bright a clear, an late summer's day in Ireland which bathed everything in a warm glow.
Elizabeth rose early to have a long soak and some toast and tea to soothe her nerves. She also wanted some private time. Everyone was trying to be most helpful, but if one more person offered to brush her hair or help with her train she would scream.
She dressed herself carefully, and only then did she call Charlotte and Vanessa in to survey her appearance.
Elizabeth's wedding gown set off her beauty to perfection. It was pure white muslin with lavender embroidery on the bodice, hem, and sleeves. The sleeves were frothy confections in their own right, split and tied with matching lavender ribbons. Her hair was a shimmering mass of jet ringlets in a simple pearl and gold filigree diadem, her jewels a small pearl choker with matching gold and pearl earbobs. She was about to pick up the gold bracelets Will had given her, but put them back in the box and lifted her pearl ones instead.
She shivered as his gifts sparkled at her sensually, almost demanding to be put on. She shook her head at the fanciful notion and turned away from the dresser.
Her brother's gift to her had been a lavender silk reticule decorated with seed pearls, and matching slippers and gloves.
"They were intended for your birthday," he told her with a fond smile when he arrived a short time later to see if she was ready. "But somehow I think that you'd like to have them today instead."
"Thank you, Thomas. They're so lovely." She kissed him and smiled. "Now I know why Charlotte recommended that I wear this gown."
"Yes, clever, isn't she." He winked at his wife. "Every happiness, my dear." He embraced her and patted her back for a few seconds, and finally let her go.
"Thank you, Thomas, for everything. You have been the kindest brother a girl could ever wish for."
He kissed her hand. "My pleasure, dear. Anything you ever need, you have only to ask."
Charlotte and Vanessa shooed him out of the room so they could put the finishing touches to her ensemble. As they worked, Vanessa said in a low whisper, "Is there anything you'd like to ask us about tonight?"
She shook her head. "Not really. Just how to not make a fool of myself. When he touches me I practically swoon."
Charlotte laughed. "That's always a good sign. But do try to be enthusiastic. Pamper and spoil him a bit, ask him what he likes. Your pleasure and his are completely intertwined. If you truly love him, then there are no boundaries, no restraints, no shame. You'll crave each other and want to be together always, day and night."
"Even every month, or when I am expecting?" she asked in surprise.
Vanessa grinned. "If you're anything like me, then especially when you're expecting."
Charlotte nodded.
She looked from one to the other. "Thank you. I'll keep it all in mind."
They both kissed her, and looked around the room one last time to make sure they had everything they needed.
They were just about to head downstairs when there was a tap at the door and Vevina came in. "Everyone is ready downstairs. You look lovely."
"Thank you."
She kissed Elizabeth warmly. "I just wanted to say how thrilled I am to have a true sister at last. You're so good for Will. I've never seen him so happy. So in love. I never thought he would never be happy again after everything that happened last year, well, these last few years, really. I'm glad you can see beyond appearances to the true man underneath."
Elizabeth smiled. "It was easy. His heart spoke to mine," she said, recalling their brief but fateful encounter in the cave.
Charlotte signalled to her eagerly. "Come, my dear, it's time."
Elizabeth took a deep breath, threw her shoulders back, and gathered her train. She swept out of her room and descended the stairs, pausing when she got outside the ballroom where all of the guests were assembled.
Thomas was waiting for her, took her arm and led her into the room and down the aisle formed by the two rows of chairs for all their guests.
Will was standing at the top of the room with the vicar, dressed in civilian clothes. Stewart and Parks stood as his groomsmen, both resplendent in their full dress uniforms.
Thomas escorted her up to the altar, placed her hand in Will's, kissed her, and stood to one side.
Elizabeth felt her mouth go dry at the sight of Will and the enormity of what she was about to do. But when he smiled down at her, his aquamarine eyes dancing, Elizabeth felt an inner peace and absolute certainty that everything would be all right. That all of it had been meant to be.