Talk of the Ton | S. Basset DoH

The Wedding and The Carriage Ride

The Wedding and The Carriage Ride

The Duke and I - Part II

Previously...

    The queen breathes in. "You are wise..." she says softly. "Or perhaps usually lucky to understand friendship to be the best possible foundation marriage can have." She looks down. "Even if that foundation should crumble as quickly as it was built," she said sadly. "I shall like to offer you the choice, Miss Bridgerton." I've not yet once looked away from Simon. "Do you wish to marry this man?"

    "With every fiber of my being, Your Majesty..."

}~~~~~~~~~~~{

It is finally Saturday and I finally get to marry Simon. The queen accepted our appeal and gave us a special license to marry. I'm standing in the entryway of the church with Anthony, prepared to meet my love at the alter. Madam Delacroix made my dress in record time, in which she was paid handsomely for, and it is absolutely breathtaking. "Are you ready, Sister?"

I take in a shuddering breath. "As ready as I have ever been, Brother." With that Anthony nods and we start walking. The wedding march starts playing as we enter, and everyone in attendance stands. "They're all staring, Anthony," I whisper quietly to him.

"Let them, you just keep your eye on the man you are to marry, on your love." I nod and meet gazes with Simon, his mouth open in astonishment. I would have giggled were it not for Anthony imperceptibly nudging me in the side. On the first pew on the left side was my family, unfortunately, Francesca could not make it, and Prince Friedrich and the Queen. The Featheringtons are on the second pew on the bride's side, with other family and friends. On the groom's side, Will, his wife Alice, and Lady Danbury were on the first pew. Everyone else that we invited were left to chose the bride or the groom's side.

We make the long walk up the isle and to Simon. Anthony and I stop as we get to the steps of the dais. He gives me a bittersweet smile has he give me away. I smile at Simon and he helps me up the steps. We both face the Archbishop, the congregation sits and the ceremony starts.

"Dearly beloved," The Archbishop starts. "We are gathered to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony." I chance a glance at Simon to see him smiling softly and my eyes start to water. "It is said that marriage hath in it less of beauty but more of safety than the single life..." I zone out as I think of all the moments that have brought me to here, standing beside this man. I cannot help to feel the warmth that spreads throughout my body, and the happiness that blooms in my heart. More tears come to my eyes, but I do not allow the dam to break.

My refrain shatters as soon as we're told to face one another. The tears start falling, contradicting the huge broad smile on my face. Simon quickly brings a hand to my cheek, wiping away the tears, but I can see how hard he is trying to hold it together. He takes my gloved left hand and effortlessly pulls the glove off. As he pulls a ring from his coat pocket, my breathing starts to quicken. This is it. I am about to become Mrs. Elena Basset, Duchess of Hastings. Sliding the ring on my finger, Simon looks me in the eye and mouths an 'I love you'. I wetly smile as we turn back to the Archbishop. I finally tune back into what he is saying.

"...In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. I now pronounce you man and wife."

}~~~~~~~~~~~{

The reception is beautiful, the cake it gorgeous, and the attendees are bustling. The band plays a lively tune as people converse, eat, and drink. Simon and I have not once left each other's sides, and had been in constant physical contact with each other. Whether that be my arm or hand in his, or his hand placed on my shoulder or the small of my back. Even while people try to pull us away to talk about something, we both stand firm in each other's grasps.