“As much as I love our bedchamber, my dear, I’m very happy to leave it for a bit,” Peter said.
“You’ll soon be fully recovered. Have patience, my love.”
“I want to look over the sermon Mr. Randolph’s prepared for Sunday services.”
Grace shook her head. “Oh no, you mustn’t worry about that. Mr. Randolph can handle Sunday services this week.”
“My darling Grace, I’m feeling much improved.”
“I’m glad to hear it, and you’ll be fully recovered by Tuesday to perform the Clifford wedding.”
Peter’s shoulders sagged a little. “You’re right, of course.”
Kathryn awoke to thesun streaming in her window. Today was her wedding day, and she thought her heart would burst with joy. At the end of last Season, she’d lost hope that she would ever receive a proposal and had convinced herself that she would be content helping her sister with the children.
Her sister and her husband, Viscount Sterling, had arrived at Dandridge Manor with the children the previous day. She was thrilled that they could make the journey to see her marry the man of her dreams.
There was a knock on her door.
“Come.”
Eleanor walked into the room. “Good morning, Kathryn.”
Kathryn slid out of bed and went to hug her sister. “I’m so very pleased you were able to come for the wedding.”
“How could I not? My little sister is getting married, although I must confess, I was very surprised Papa gave his blessing for such a match.”
“Mr. Clifford is a good and honorable man, Eleanor, and he loves me,” Kathryn said, a little more harshly than she intended.
“Darling, you misunderstand me. I’m thrilled that you’ve found someone to love. My surprise is more about Papa. I’m glad he’s not going to force you to marry someone of his choosing.”
“I am as well, although it took much convincing before he said we could marry.”
“I can imagine. I have something for you,” Eleanor said, holding out a small jewelry box.
“Thank you. There was no need for you to give me anything. Having you and your family here is a wonderful gift in itself.”
Eleanor chuckled. “When Mama told me about your wedding dress, I knew these would be perfect. Go ahead, open it.”
Kathryn opened the small box and gasped. Inside, nestled on a bed of white satin, was a beautiful pair of emerald earbobs. “Eleanor, these are too much. I cannot accept such an extravagant gift.”
“Of course you can. Besides, it was actually Sterling’s idea.”
“It was?”
Eleanor nodded. “Yes, he’s very generous and wanted you to have these.”
“I shall cherish them always.”
There was another knock on the door, and Selena entered the room. “Lady Kathryn, are you ready for your bath?”
“Yes. Thank you, Selena.”
Eleanor kissed Kathryn’s cheek. “I’ll see you at the church, sister.”
After her bath, Kathryn sat at the vanity table while Selena performed her magic on her hair. “You’re going to look beautiful, my lady.”
“You’re too kind, Selena.”