A Scandalous Affair (Completed)

Chapter 18. 1857 

On the morning of February 26, Amelia was standing in front of her mirror, staring at the beauty before her. She felt and looked like a duchess. Her wedding gown was spectacular. It was composed of off the shoulder cap sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and a 3 foot long train. The material was comprised of white and cream silk, intertwined with pearls and lace. The top of her cream silk gloves had the same pearl and lace detail. Her hair was fixed into an elegant chignon, pearls decorating the crown of her head. Her veil was composed of lace to complete her ensemble. The back of the gown was composed of a corset that had special cups for her breasts, which made everything more comfortable. Her slippers were composed of cream with white lace ribbons to tie around her ankles.
Rachel. "You look beautiful Amelia."
Amelia smiled at her soon to be sister-in-law. "Thank you Rachel, and you look magnificent."
Rachel smiled, blushing slightly. She was wearing a lovely off the shoulder gown of lavender silk with a square neckline and iridescent crystals decorating the bodice. Her hair was fixed into a chignon as well, but without the embellishment of gemstones or pearls.
Charlotte poked her head into the room and smiled brightly. "You look stunning your grace! I mean, Amelia."
Amelia giggled. "It's all right Charlotte, I think we are both going to be needing to get used to the title. I'm just glad Nicholas has made you my lady in waiting. I couldn't imagine anyone else."
Charlotte moved into the room, hugging her best friend tightly before inspecting her handiwork that she had been working on for the last three hours. "I couldn't imagine serving anyone else."
Moments later, William and Frederick stepped into the room, their eyes going wide as they took Amelia in. They both smiled. William was now officially Viscount Morgan, which made him a part of society.
William took a step forward, taking his sister's hands. "You look absolutely perfect my darling Amelia. Nicholas won't be able to take his eyes away from you."
Amelia squeezed his fingers. "Thank you William. And I have a feeling I won't be able to take my eyes away from him."
Violet, wearing an elegant powder blue gown with lace decorating the neckline, stepped into the room and smiled. "You look breathtaking my dear. However, I don't believe we should be standing here any longer. We must go to the church before the rest of the guests arrive."
Frederick. "And I don't believe you want to keep the Duke of Richmond waiting any longer than he has to."
Rachel giggled, playfully slapping her husband on the arm. "You are a devil my love."
Frederick chuckled, sliding her hand through his arm. "I believe you are the devil my darling."
Rachel burst out laughing as the two of them left the room, Violet following behind them. That left William and Amelia alone, Charlotte stepping outside to give them some privacy.
William. "Are you ready to become the Duchess of Richmond?"
Amelia. "Yes, I certainly am."
The two of them carefully made their way downstairs, Charlotte holding Amelia's train so that it didn't drag. They climbed into their carriage and made their way towards Westminster Abbey. Arriving to the church half an hour later, they climbed out of the carriage and walked up the stone steps to the front of the church.
Taking a deep breath, Amelia knew that it was almost time. By the end of that day, she was no longer going to be Baroness Tristan, or Miss Morgan. She was going to be the Duchess of Richmond, the wife of Nicolas. She was going to have love and compassion, Everything that she could ever desire and want. She knew that Nicholas was going to love and cherish her until her final days, and she was going to do the same to him. She was no longer going to be ridiculed by her husband. She was going to be adored, and adore him in return.
When the large oak doors of Westminster Abby finally opened 10 minutes later, Amelia took another deep breath before stepping inside. Her eyes quickly traveled around the overflowing church, noticing several people who she knew and others who she didn't. She smiled as she saw Richard and Cornelia toward the front of the church. She was grateful that her closest friend and her intended had been able to make it to her wedding. She smiled as Rachel made her way down the aisle, holding a large bouquet of pink and white roses. Amelia was holding the same bouquet, but hers was a little bigger.
And then, Amelia noticed Nicholas waiting for her at the altar. Her heart nearly stopped as she saw just how handsome he was. He was wearing a three-piece black silk suit with a white button up shirt matching cravat and black boots. Her heart started pounding as she noticed that his dark chocolate eyes were glued to her. She could see the love passion and desire swirling in their depth.
Nicholas felt as if his world had come to a paws. His darling Amelia was absolutely ravishing. She looked like an angel, his angel. She was his, and he was hers. He wanted nothing more than to shout to the world that he loved her, but he knew that would have to wait until that night. He was wanting to say those three little words to her in private.
As they approached the altar, William took Amelia's hand and placed it into the hand of her betrothed. He smiled at the two of them sweetly before going to stand by Nicholas on his left side. He knew that the Duke of Richmond was going to take very good care of his little sister. And he also knew that he was going to be in the best of hands when it came to finding his perfect match that October.
As the minister started speaking, Nicolas and Amelia smiled at each other, their fingers intertwined. No words needed to be spoken between them, their eyes held every emotion. Their lives had changed for the better.