CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

81.

August 1839

I was now very pregnant. I am sure that the baby would come any day now. Caroline was getting married. She wanted Bastien to be there, but obviously, that wasn't possible.

I would be her matron of honor, which was an honor for me. I was married, which is why I could not be a maid of honor. Augusta took that role. Caroline and Augusta had slept at our house.

I walked into their bedroom.

"Good morning. It is time to get ready.", I said.
"I am up and ready."
"So am I?", Gusta said.

"I am glad you both are.", I said, as Gusta walked past me.

"Are you alright?", Carrie asked.
"Yes. Why?"
"I heard you talk last night."
"Oh. It was just Bastien.", I said.

She looked at me with a confused expression. She did not believe me.

"I know you miss him, but he's dead and he cannot talk to you anymore."

"Carrie, I say this the most humble way because it's your wedding day, but you have no idea what I went through this year. I lost the love of my life and now I am close to giving birth to the last part that is left of him. I know he's dead but for me, he's always around.", I said.

Carrie had a sympathetic look on her face. I could tell she felt sorry for me and I know that it was wrong to yell at her.

"I am sorry, Carrie. I will get ready now. Eat some breakfast and I will help you with your dress.", I said, returning to my bedroom.

I sat down and got ready for the wedding. It was a simple dress and all I could fit into. Whatever this baby was, it cost me a lot of sleep and clothes.

Carrie came inside and hugged me.

"Do you need help, Annelise? I mean, because of the baby."
"No, thank you. I can do this by myself."
"Just because you can, does not mean you should.", she said, helping me dress.

"You know, it should be the other way around. I should be the one to help you dress."
"But you're carrying a beautiful human being inside you. I want to help where I can.", she said.

When we finished we began getting her ready. After tying her in her beautiful wedding dress, Augusta began to do her hair. Carrie would get soft curls and an updo.

***

Carrie got out of the carriage. Augusta and I did our finishing touches and the ceremony began. It seemed unreal that my little sister was getting married.

Augusta and I walked before Carrie before she struts down the aisle. Our family members were standing and smiling. It was a wonderful day to be alive. Caroline was a beautiful bride and Lord Anthony Dormer a handsome groom. He looked lovingly at her.

Seeing Carrie smile, melt my heart. What a beautiful smile she had. Bastien loved her as well. And now he was responsible for the wonderful sunshine that happened to shine directly at her. Into a brighter future with her husband.

***

"I do."
"And will you, Lord Anthony Dormer, take Caroline Marina Robillard to your lawful wife?", the priest asked.
"I do. Of course, I do.", he said.

We applauded the newlyweds. They kissed. Caroline was truly happy and it was all that mattered.