Beast and Beatrice

Chapter twenty-three- Beatrice

  It was a beautiful day, with the sun pouring in over the roofless building and painting them all in brilliant sunlight. Beatrice stood in the breached opening that had once been the entrance to the old monastery church, with young Teddy by her side. Martine, with Miss Prissy clutched to her chest fidgeted in the aisle in front of them. Felicia stood nearby, hands folded demurely, eyeing her little sister with youthful disdain. Beatrice nearly sighed aloud.

  The girl was trying so hard to act like a mature lady. Beatrice wished she could just relax and enjoy her childhood just a little longer. She glanced at her nephew standing so stiff and straight at her side and found herself wishing the same for him. If only she could ease some of the burden now thrust on those narrow shoulders. He was still just a boy. But he was taking this duty very seriously.

  Daimler's offer was kind but it was actually Teddy's place to walk her down the aisle. After all, he was her only living male relative and also the current Baronet, Lord Smail. As a peer, he outranked their noble Gentleman Sheriff and it was his privilege as well as his duty to escort the bride. The older gentleman had been most gracious in his disappointment and promptly promised to sign the registry as witness instead, as Teddy was not yet of age. Of course, he also insisted on being the first to kiss the new bride. Beatrice had laughingly agreed and Sheriff Daimler now stood, front and center of the crowd, happily eyeing her in anticipation. Beatrice could see him over the heads of the others lining both sides of the nave as they stood waiting for the impromptu ceremony to begin.

  The entire town, or at least all those who could fit inside the ruined church, were there. If it had been left to the happy couple, the whole wedding would have taken place already. It was Mayor Howard and Sheriff Daimler who had insisted on this elaborate ceremony. The villagers needed an excuse to relax and celebrate, a way to forget their troubles for a few hours. A wedding and a lively celebration afterwards would be the perfect vehicle and they were throwing themselves into it whole-heartedly. Mayor Howard had even delayed the town meeting until the following day to accommodate the party.

  Preparations were quickly made, everything arranged and Beatrice now stood awaiting her cue. She still wore her sister-in-law's deep blue cloak as a skirt paired with her own blue-gray top, blotchy with soot and reeking of smoke as it was. Not exactly the perfect wedding attire. Nothing like the silk and organza ball gown she had envisioned as a young girl. Unfortunately, there was little she could do about it.

  At least she was decently covered, and reasonably clean. Miss Mabel and a group of women had whisked her away to the river earlier. They had formed a ring around her at the water's edge so she could bathe in some semblance of privacy. Her hair, however, was a different matter. There was no chance to do more than wash and plait it back into her usual braid. She could feel the damp length of it against her spine. As usual, as it dried, wispy curls escaped and fluttered about her face. She habitually tucked in a wisp or two but it was beyond hopeless. Her curls had always had a mind of their own.

"My Lady. Please, My Lady." Came a soft, young voice and Beatrice turned to see a group of young girls approaching.

  In the lead was a slender blonde about Teddy's age. The girl tossed a shy, hopeful glance at Teddy. He stared straight ahead and didn't even acknowledge her. But Beatrice watched him swallow hard and noticed how his muscles turned to stone under her hand. He wasn't as immune to the girl as he pretended.

"Here, My Lady. My Nan says a bride needs flowers on her wedding day." The blonde held out a surprisingly colorful bouquet of wildflowers.

"Oh, how lovely. Thank you." Beatrice cooed with delight as she accepted the offering.

"They're so pretty." Felicia sighed in wonder.

Beatrice glanced down and watched in pleased surprise as the others handed Felicia and Martine two smaller bouquets.