Voices From Within (Book 2)

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Five

Mr. and Mrs. Reggie Thanturnam

He placed the ring boxes in his pocket, and then he packed a small trunk for the hotel. Oscar and Milton had the honor of driving the bride and groom to the Regency after the wedding reception. Reggie told the groomsmen that he would be in no need of a carriage until Tuesday morning. The instructions brought smiles to the old bachelor's faces.

The Thanturnum family was the first to leave the estate for the church, followed by the Winthrops. The last carriage carried the bride and her family. When they arrived at the church, guests were lined up to get into the church.

The families took their places and waited for the guests to be seated. Then it was time to begin the ceremony. Reggie ushered his mother down the aisle to her seat and then he ushered Senor Melachora. After that, he and his father walked forward to take their place in the front.

Violin music played as Charlotte's mother walked up the aisle carrying a single red rose in a stunning gown in purple with black trim and gold accessories. Gordon escorted her to her spot in the church's front area. The congregation stood as the music switched.

Charlotte stood at the end of the aisle looking like an angel. She was wearing the gown her mother wore when she first met Maxwell. It was white satin with gold trim. The tiny, puffed sleeves draped off her shoulders. She wore her Grandmother Melachora's full lace mantilla in her hair that artfully was arranged.

The red ruby earrings that Reggie had given her adorned her ears. She carried red satin roses and held on to her father's arm. Maxwell was dressed in full formal wear and look as dashing as ever to Constance as she watched the two of them walk down the aisle. It was a dream come true for her and her family.

Charlotte saw Reggie in full Scotsman formal wear and looking incredibly handsome.

She whispered, "You shaved for me?"

"Do you like it?"

"Yes."

"I didn't want people to think you were marrying a rogue."

Charlotte giggled and affectionately took his arm to walk forward. When they arrived at the front, the priest asked, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

"Her mother and I," said Maxwell in a booming voice for all to hear. Then Maxwell handed Charlotte's hand to Reggie, and her father took his place next to his wife. The young couple walked the rest of the distance until they stood in front of the priest.

Prayers, scripture, blessings, and a sermon were presented. The Thanturnums stood up and sang Capella, a Scottish love song, and they followed with a song of blessing. The mass continued with communion and more prayers. Finally, the vows were pronounced, and they exchanged rings. The last prayer of blessing was given.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Reggie Thanturnum. You may kiss the bride."

It was the moment Reggie had been waiting for. He took Charlotte into his arms; the slow romantic kiss lasted longer than the priest thought it should as he interrupted them. The guests applauded, and Reggie and Charlotte walked down the aisle with smiles radiating on their faces. Constance and Gordon followed the couple to the back of the church. As the guest filed out of the pews and down the aisle, the receiving line began with shaking hands, hugs, introductions, and familiar greetings to friends.

Ridge and Juliette had sat on opposite sides of the church but found them standing beside each other as they waited in line. Ridge was much more subdued today, and he felt embarrassed at being so forward with her last night.