A Season for Love (Completed)

Chapter 18. 1814

Over the next several weeks, James and Olivia prepared for their wedding. The guest list was finalized, the flowers arranged, the food and drinks selected. The ceremony would be held at Saint James Chapel and the reception at Norfolk Manor. The date for the wedding would be in late April.

Three days before the wedding, Olivia was standing before her mirror, staring at her reflection. The gown she was wearing was one of a kind. It was composed of off the shoulder cap sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. The material was composed of silk, with a train that stretched out 5 feet behind her. The back of the gown was composed of a corset. But the unique part of the confection was the color. It was a delicate and beautiful combination of cream and pale pink, layers of lace and ruffles covering every inch. The underskirt was composed of soft pink silk. It was simple but lovely. It was worthy of being worn by the future Duchess of Norfolk.

Martha, Olivia's lady in waiting, smiled at her. "I believe everything fits perfectly my lady. Or should I say, your grace." She smiled brightly.

Olivia giggled. "Thank you Martha. I am so grateful that you're going to be my lady in waiting from now on. I wouldn't want anyone else."

Martha had been a part of Olivia's life for the last 10 years, ever since her mother Margaret had died of a sudden fever when Olivia had been nine years old. She had taken on the role of a mother figure to both her and William, taking the children whenever Charles needed a break. She adored the two of them as if they were her own children. And she was going to be following Olivia wherever she went. She brought her mistress against her for a tight squeeze. "I couldn't be happier being with you my dearest Olivia. I'm just thankful that his grace is the one you want to be with. He's quite the dashing gentleman and the kindest man."

Olivia. "James is a blessing."

The two of them exchanged another tight squeeze before Martha helped Olivia step carefully out of her gown. Once it was hung back up on the hanger in the closet, she selected a lovely pale pink nightgown for her mistress and helped her into it. She smiled. "Is there anything else you need for tonight my lady?"

Olivia shook her head as she climbed into bed. "Not at the moment Martha, thank you."

Martha. "Of course dear." She turned and left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Snuggling beneath the covers, Olivia closed her eyes and fell asleep, dreaming of the new life she was about to experience with her future husband. She couldn't wait to be married to James, to become his wife and the mother to his children. To be loved and adored by him. To lie in his arms and kiss him senseless for hours on end without having a care in the world. A smile spread across her face as she fell into dreams.

***

Two nights later, on the evening of April 29, the evening before their wedding which was April 30, James and Olivia were snuggled together on the chaise In the living room of Norfolk Manor. Both decided that it would be best for Olivia to stay the night for their wedding, but for the two of them to sleep in separate chambers until the following night. But that didn't stop them from cuddling and kissing senseless.

James brushed a few loose strands of hair away from his fiancé's cheek. "Are you looking forward to becoming Lady Olivia Abernathy tomorrow?"

Olivia giggled. "I've been looking forward to it ever since you asked me on Christmas Eve."

James chuckled, kissing her nose. "I'm glad, because I am very much looking forward to it as well. To have you as my wife and the mother to my children, to never be separated from you again."

Olivia smiled, kissing him sweetly on the cheek. "I am very much looking forward to that as well my love."

They kissed sweetly, their arms intertwining around one another as they held each other close. The fire light from the fireplace danced across their silhouettes. James had told his household not to disturb them, and everyone had respected the Dukes wishes.

James came away after a few moments, taking her face between his hands. His voice was soft and gentle as he spoke. "Darling, I know we agreed that we would sleep in separate chambers tonight, but... I want you to feel comfortable sleeping with me. Without clothing."

Olivia's eyes widened. "James..."

James stroked her cheek reassuringly. "Don't worry, I am not going To make love to you tonight, that's going to be saved for tomorrow. However, tonight, I want to hold you in my arms without a clothing barrier. I want you to feel what it's like to be held by someone who absolutely adores you. I want you to feel safe and not afraid to be held intimately. If you don't wish to do so, I completely understand. I can wait until tomorrow night."