Audrey pulled her into an embrace, and the two sisters held each other for long minutes. “Now dearest, no more of this, or I’ll be a watering pot before the ceremony even begins.”
Mia stepped back and swiped the tears from her eyes. “I love you, Audrey.”
“I love you too, dearest. Now, I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh, Audrey, you’ve done so much already. I don’t need anything else.”
Audrey held out their mother’s pearls. “I think you’ll like this one. Both Grace and I wore these on our wedding day. It’s a Parker sisters tradition.”
“They’re so beautiful. Thank you.”
Audrey fastened the necklace around her neck. “There, they look perfect.”
Beatrice went to the armoire and slipped the dress from its hanger. “This dress is stunning, Miss Mia.”
“I know. I do love it.”
Beatrice slipped the dress over her head and began to lace up the back.
“Well, I’ll let you finish dressing and meet you in the drawing room,” Audrey said.
When she’d left, Mia stood still while Beatrice finished with her dress. “Beatrice, I’m so pleased you’ll be coming with me. I was dreading trying to hire anyone to take your place.”
Beatrice nodded. “I am looking forward to it. Now, you mustn’t worry—I’ll have your things packed and ready to go to your new home in no time. Everything will be ready when you arrive in Belgravia.”
“I hope you’ll love it. It’s a lovely townhouse.”
“I’m sure I will.” Beatrice carefully placed the bonnet on her head. They’d added a lovely veil to the back of the bonnet that could easily be removed after the ceremony. “There, you’re all set. What do you think?”
Mia glanced at herself in the mirror. “You’re a marvel, Beatrice,” she said, tying the ribbons.
“It’s my pleasure, my lady,” Beatrice said, handing Mia her gloves after the ribbons were tied. “I’ll see you later.”
Mia slipped on her gloves before heading down to the drawing room, where Audrey, Fletcher, Grace, and Peter were all waiting for her.
Grace was the first to speak. “Mia, you’re a vision. Lord Easton is a very lucky man.”
“I think I’m the lucky one,” Mia said.
Fletcher came forward and kissed her cheek. “Mia, my dear sweet Mia, what a lovely young lady you’ve grown up to be. I’m so proud to call you my sister,” he said, hugging her.
“Oh, Fletcher. I should be thanking you. You saved our family, and we’re so grateful.”
He looked over his shoulder at Audrey and smiled. “I think we all saved each other. Now, are you ready to be married?”
“Absolutely.”
When they walked out to the foyer, the staff were lined up to say their goodbyes. Mia was overcome with emotion as each of them wished her happy.
“Thank you all for being part of Fletcher House. I will miss you,” Mia said. She turned to Beckwith with tears in her eyes. “Beckwith, I’ll miss you the most. You’ve been such a constant in our lives for so long, I cannot begin to imagine my life without you.”
“Thank you, Miss Parker. It has been my pleasure. I wish you every future happiness,” he said before opening the door.
Everyone piled into the carriage for the ride to St. George’s. When they arrived, there were numerous carriages lined up, letting their passengers off before moving out of the way. Several people stood outside the church, waiting to wish the happy couple well.
“There are so many people out there,” Mia said, a bit awestruck.
“No need to be nervous, my dear. Just focus on Easton, who will be waiting for you at the altar,” Fletcher said.