Finding Love

Chapter 20

My mother helped Margret get me ready for the funeral and for meeting the queen. My gown was simple black with lace in the front the sleeves were puffy and it had a bit of a train. I wore a dark maroon colored neck tie and small black gloves. I wore some simple black boots that were new and was not looking forward on wearing them for hours. My hat was of black and Maroon. 

Once I was done I walked down stairs and John, Ezra and my self made our way to the carriage. As Ezra was helping me into the carriage man was walking towards us. He was one of Lavinias family butlers. 

"Collin correct?" I asked 

"Yes miss Coves, Miss Lavinia asked me to deliverer this to you."

"Yes thank you" Collin Handed me the letter and walked off. Ezra then helped me into the carriage. 

"Who was that?" John asked 

"Lavinias Butler." I answered as I broke the seal to the letter.

'Alice, 

It seems with the scandal my sister has caused I am forbidden to leave this home. So I write this letter in inform you of her wedding tonight at the church. I would so love it if you would come and sit with me. I have also send out a note to Kate. There will be no wedding party, and we will tell the ton that they were married the night before and could not keep it a secret any longer. As soon as she is wed she and Mr. Brington must leave and are going to his family's home in the country. I have been told it is very small and I hope it will be very unpleasant for her.

Anyway hope to see you tonight at seven.

Your friend 

Lavinia'

"Is everything all right?" John asked 

"It looks like Lydia will be getting married in secret tonight and Lavinia invited me and Kate to be with her. Its going to be hard for her." I felt sad for Lavinia. 

"Why will it be hard for her? Is she with Mr. Jefferson again and going to get married. she shouldn't be worried about finding a suiter."

"But she does Mr. Jefferson again broke her heart and will no  longer pay any mind to him. He made it clear that he no longer wants to be married. And now with her sisters being married off. I am to be married and George spending so much time with Kate. I have a fear that It will crush her heart. And that is not including how the ton will react to the scandal of her sister and if she is shunned who will she marry then?"

"You will be duchess soon, would you not be able influence the ton on not shunning her out." Ezra said.

"I guess, I don't know how much of an Influence I could possibly do. For as long as I have been alive there hasn't been a Duchess around in these area." 

"You will be higher ranking then any of them, I believe you will have little to do to make your point across." john added. 

The conversation died after that and we continued the ride in silence all the way to the Buckingham Palace. Which was quite the sight. We were ushered in and right away to a private sitting room. Where the queen sat on a sofa. 

In a Black gown with gold corset and gold sleeves. A small black head dress. I stood between Ezra and John. As we were announced to her Majesty the Queen Victoria. I followed Ezra's lead by curtsying when my name was called out and stayed low till The queen stood up. 

"Come please cousin." Ezra went right up to her and bowed on one knee. She laid her hand on his shoulder. "I am sorry for your loss. Simon was a honest dear heart and I am sad that he has gone but I am sure you are far more upset." She took a step back and sat back down on the sofa.