"Expectations" (Book 2), by Gratiana Lovelace (2018-2019), (Completed)

Ch. 29: A Blushing Bride to be

"Expectations" (Book 2)--Ch. 29: A Blushing Bride to be, 

July 22, 2019 by Gratiana Lovelace (Post #1249; and on Wattpad)

[an original Regency romance copyrighted by Gratiana Lovelace, 2018 - 2019; all rights reserved); [(1) story cover art, above left]

[As is my custom, from time to time I will illustrate my story with my ideal cast consisting of (in order of importance/mention in this chapter): Lord Robert Knightsbridge the Marquess of Wyre (portrayed by Hugh Grant); and Lady Gwendolyn Lindsay of York (portrayed by Emma Thompson)]

Author's story content and serializing scheduling notes: For the most part, my ratings for the chapters will be PG-13—for romantic interludes and dramatic moments. If you are unable or unwilling to attend a movie with these ratings, then please do not read that chapter. This is my disclaimer. And I always put the previous chapter's brief recap at the top of the next chapter. Also, I hope to post new chapters weekly on Sundays or Mondays. I hope that you enjoy this chapter.

Ch. 29:  A Blushing Bride to be

Though Lord Duncan the Viscount Lindsay of York and his soon to be bride in two weeks Lady Elizabeth Blount of Sussex are delighted that their wishes for an earlier marriage are to be fulfilled, Lord Duncan is keenly aware that his sister Lady Gwendolyn Lindsay of York is not so lucky.

Though Lady Gwendolyn is finding love with the somewhat reserved but kind Lord Robert Knightsbridge the Marquess of Wyre of Lancashire, their Father Duke of York denied her hoped for fiancé Lord Robert his request to become her betrothed—her Papa Duke insisting that they court four weeks before making the decision to marry.

And despite the logic of the Duke of York's stated reason for his wish that Lord Robert court his daughter Lady Gwendolyn is to allow the couple to become more acquainted with each other, there was another consideration—actually two of them, the Duchesses.

It seems that with the secret marriage of Lady Constance Knightsbridge of Lancashire to Lord Alfred Lindsay the Marquess of Malten and heir to the Duke of York ten years ago, both the Duchesses of York and Lancashire were deprived of their dream of a society wedding in London for the momentous joining of their two families. So the Duchesses convinced their husband Dukes to insist on a regular courtship and a lavish wedding in London.

And Lord Robert proves unerringly accurate about Lady Gwendolyn's reaction to the delay put upon them by their parents enforcing a courtship before a marriage would be allowed to take place. He actually takes her for a picnic to break the news to her.

With everyone else among the younger people of their families attending the Sussex Village Faire again today—especially Lord Alfred and Lady Constance with their daughter Lady Tamsin—this leaves Lord Robert and Lady Gwendolyn to the privacy of their picnic discussions.

After settling his curricle and horses under a big oak tree for shade, Lord Robert carries their picnic basket while Lady Gwendolyn carries their blanket to another nearby tree—far enough away from horse smells and near enough for a lovely view of a small lake [(2) above right]. And with the overhanging tree branches providing them shade, they will also be secluded from prying eyes—should anyone else venture this far on the Sussex Hall estate. And at present, the only eyes around are those of the swans swimmingly peacefully and obliviously past them.

Lord Robert: "Here we are. This shall do." He nods to Lady Gwendolyn holding the blanket.

Lady Gwendolyn: "Indeed! It is a fine prospect. Will you not help me place our picnic blanket upon the ground?" She asks sweetly, but with a raised eyebrow for Lord Robert standing stiffly to her side.