The wedding was only two days from now, Lexa realized as she checked the date. The wedding was to be on the twenty first of June. That was a week from her twenty second birthday. And today was the nineteenth of June. Time went fast. Only two months ago, she had met Edward at Matilda's engagement party, and now...
There was a knock to her bedchamber, and Lexa turned to see her mother entering. Like always, Lady Pembroke frowned at her daughter and said, "why are you hiding in your room, Alexandra?"
"I was just checking the date," Lexa mused as she walked away from her calendar pinned on the wall.
Her mother raised n elegant brow, and said, "There is to be a comedy playing at Theatre Royal called My Fair Lady by Sir Ambrose Lovelace."
"Sir Ambrose?" Lexa asked.
Lady Pembroke nodded, "Lady Lovelace told me. You may invite Anna, if you wish."
Lexa brighten at that prospect. If Anna went with her perhaps her nerves with the whole wedding might fade way. Lexa took off her glasses and after setting them in its case and placed it on the nightstand beside her stacked books. She was about to make her way towards the door when her mother unexpectedly walked towards her nightstand and said, as she picked up Lexa's glasses after taking them out of its case, "I always did hate these."
Lexa spun around, her eyes widen, in horror, as her mother took them by her hands and broke them.
Noticing her daughter's shock, Lady Pembroke, exclaimed, "What? Surely you don't think you'll continue wearing these. They are unladylike."
"Mother," said Lexa, as her voice wavered in anger, "I don't understand why you needed to do that. Those spectacles were written for me by Dr. Jenkins. He advised I use them when reading. You know that I can't see when reading!"
"Surely your vision has improved since then," said Lady Pembroke, "You needed them not when we were at church on Sunday."
"I forgot them," said Lexa, "and I was depending on Amara for instruction."
Lady Pembroke waved away unconcerned and said, "There is no need to fret over spectacles, Alexandra. As the future Marchioness of Douro you can't afford imperfections."
Then all at once, Lexa realized, that her mother's constant chastisement about being the prefect wife, the perfect mother was getting to her. And in truth, with a few day left to the wedding, she didn't need it. She didn't need the doubts to be seeded into her to become unconditional fears. Lexa exhaled and said, turning to her mother, "The last thing I need, dearest Mama, is perfection. Let me worry about the duties of a wife once I get married. I will not stress myself over the matter when all I can think about is the wedding. "
"Well you need to be told," said Lady Pembroke, "how else are you to learn? You rarely do embroidery, hardly play your violin, can't sing--,"
Lexa frowned, "I can too sing."
"All you think about is your scientific writings," Lady Pembroke said.
"I quite like writing about my observations," Lexa said, "and studying batony is quite fashionable for ladies these days. Even considered educational."
"I blame your father," muttered her mother. Sighing, Lady Pembroke asked her daughter, "Are you still coming to see the play?"
Lexa nodded and watched as her mother made her way out. Lexa then exited her own room and decided that she might as well invite Anna to see the play.
Anna Keane knew that once Lexa married off to Lord Douro she would miss her terribly. How else was she to tell someone about her complicated emotions regarding a certain gentleman named Lucian Herbert?
Anna's heart squeezed. After that brief liaison --flare of passion-- in the earl's study, Anna knew that she was acting oddly whenever he was in her presence. And Mrs. Lloyd was suspiciously watching her. Ever since the Study Incident.
But there were times where she dreamt that he continue to kiss her. In all the places considered inappropriate. She would discover her burning pleasures, her yearnings.
Anna sighed. Tis was not possible. She looked not but a fool. But then she paused and thought about what Lexa told her about Lucian being in love with her. She wished it were true. But her heart was withholding the feeling of euphoria that came with it.
She simply couldn't trust what Lexa had told her. Lucian didn't love her. He desired her, yes. The burning passion in his blue eyes were desire not love.
She couldn't bear it without love.
For she had lived to see it.
So as Anna continued her way towards the servants' quarter, she saw him enter the manor from the window. She went to the nearest window and watched him walk towards the entrance. Her heart was beating. He then looked up, as if sensing her, and their eyes met for a moment, and then he smiled.
Of course now, how could she deny it? And she could deny it until the end of her days, but the fact was still known. She was unconditionally, catastrophically, foolishly in love with Lucian Herbert, Viscount Herbert.
Lexa made her way towards the east wing of Montgomery House, towards the servants' quarters, when she bumped into Anna. "Oof!" she said, as she caught Anna by the shoulders to stable her and said, "Oh, there you are, Anna. I was just about to look for you."
Anna looked up at her, and frowned, her brows crinkling together, "You were?"
Lexa nodded, "Mama was desired to go to the theatre. She asked if I could go with her. And I wish to know if you would like to company me?"
"I'm not on break, Lexa," Anna reminded her, "And what would Lord Pembroke say?"
"My father will not worry. And you haven't had a break in two months," Lexa pointed out, "You need some fresh air, dear. Also, I need you help me find Dr. Jenkins."
"Why?" Anna asked.
"My glasses are broken," said Lexa, "And I'm sightless while reading without them."
Anna gasped, "But they were in good condition only a few days ago."
Lexa grimaced at the reminder, "My mother broke them. Her ideals of the perfect wife got to her head and she says that as the future Marchioness of Douro I need not to have them."
"But you can't read without them," protested Anna, loyally.
"She sees no sense any longer," said Lexa, "And you wish to make a formal complaint on my behalf, you may so."
"Dr. Jenkins will not be pleased," said Anna, "He told you to be cautious with your glasses."
"And you know that I was," said Lexa.
"He's going to scold you," said Anna sighing.
***
Dr. Bernhard Jenkins, professional eye examiner, indeed did scold Lexa when she went to visit him after she, her mother and Anna attended Theatre Royal for My Fair Lady. But he was kind to take her broken glasses and promise to have them ready for the coming week. As he set the broken glasses in a new case, Dr. Jenkins took them from Lexa and said, "Just be careful next time, my lady. The glasses are very delicate."
Understanding, Lexa nodded. As she exited the doctor's office, Anna who waited for her, stood up and asked, "Well?"
Lexa looked at her and said, "It will be ready in a week. then I won't have worry about Mama, for I'll be married."
"Did he scold you?" Anna asked.
"Of course he did," said Lexa, "You knew he would."
Anna was pleased that she was correct.
The two girls started walking side by side in silence when Anna remarked, "We've been in London longer than before."
"That's because Edward and I are getting married here."
Anna's blue-green eyes widened, "But what of Wilton?"
Lexa shrugged, "It's quite simpler here. And I won't feel ill for home if I wed in London."
Anna nodded, "Are you still avoiding him?"
Lexa paused, but Anna, who has known Lexa all her life, cried, "Lexa! You can't hold it off forever. You are getting married to him. It will only get bloody more awkward if you two don't speak about it."
"My," said Lexa, "I didn't think you had in you to swear, Anna."
Anna gave Lexa an exasperated look, but Lexa sighed and said, "I understand, you know. And I am well aware of the fact that I'm to be joined in holy matrimony to Edward for the rest of my life."
Anna smirked, "You make it sound as if you're headed to a scuffle."
"Oh no," assured Lexa, "It's a wonderful thing. And I am fond of him."
"Merely just fond?" asked Anna, "the way I'm fond of Sir Walter Scott or chocolate?"
"Perhaps I didn't put it in a good word," said Lexa, "but I do like him and I do want this marriage."
"Well," said Anna, pleased that her words were getting to Lexa, "You need to talk to him before the wedding. And that it only two days away."
And it did dawn on Lexa. Two days. Two days.
"Bloody hell," was all she could say.
It was a warm day, the twentieth of June. Protecting herself under a white parasol, Lexa had accompanied Caroline to Hyde Park while Dora trailed behind them. Caroline wore a deep blue dress that made her vibrant red hair stand and she too was carrying a parasol. Dora on the other hand was wearing a light pink-layered walking dress, but wore a hat with feathers on it. Dora inhaled and said, "I'm very glad that you convinced me to go Hyde Park for a while, Caro."
"With two children in need of you," said Caroline, "You need a break."
"Oh Tessa and Gilbert are darlings," said Dora, "and Nelly has been excellent as their nanny."
"Children," said Caroline, "You must be fortune that you have given birth to a male heir to the Duke of Montrose."
"Oh but Gilbert isn't treated as if he's the awaited heir. Arthur won't allow it. And Mason is being pressed into marriage..." Dora trailed, "though he shows not interest in wellbred ladies. And as he is nearing his fourth decade--"
Caroline gasped, "You can't mean that he prefers gentlemen!"
Aware that her friend said that out loud, Dora frowned and places her index laced finger on her lips and shhed.
Caroline understood and went on as the trio neared a bench. "He could be hanged. It is a capital offense."
"He can't be hanged," said Lexa, after being silent for a long time, "He's a peer." She closed her parasol.
"You're right," said Caroline as she too closed her parasol, "but think on it, Dora, dear. If Lord Graham fails to produce an heir. You'll become the next Marchioness of Graham!"
"God forbid," said Dora, being the last to close her parasol. "I wouldn't want to wish ill on dear Mason, nor do I wish to burden myself the responsibility of becoming a marchioness. Being Lady Arthur Graham will suffice."
"Brava," said Lexa cheering.
"Tonight," sighed Caroline, "Rick and I will be celebrating our third wedding anniversary."
"Three years," said Lexa, "has it really been three years?"
Caroline nodded
Dora smiled and teased, "And still no heir?"
Caroline rolled her eyes and subconsciously touched her abdomen, "About that..."
Both Lexa and Dora gasped, "Caro...are you...?" both asked, trailing.
Caroline's green eyes glistening and choked with emotion, she nodded.
"Caroline, that's wonderful!" both her friends said.
"I found out two weeks ago. Dr. Aylmer declared that I was with child and the heartbeat was steady."
"Does Hereford know?" Dora asked
Caroline shook her head, "I have been meaning to tell him."
"You should tell him," said Lexa, "It could be your heir."
"It could be a girl," said Dora.
"Oh I adore girls," said Caroline, "I was thinking of the name Adelina."
"Adelina's a lovely name," said Lexa.
"Indeed," said Dora.
Lexa leaned back on the bench and looked at the fountain a few blocks away from them. There was a slight wind, and she could the trees rustling in the wind.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow, she was getting married. Tomorrow, she would no longer be Lady Alexandra Herbert, but rather Alexandra Wellesley, Marchioness of Douro. She was to be a wife. And as much as it did excite her, she was nervous, extremely nervous.
But then she found herself to be bored. What she really wanted to do was go the Natural History Museum.
"Lexa! Lexa!"
"Hmm?" Lexa said, realizing that Dora was talking. "Sorry dear what where you saying?"
Dora rolled her brown eyes and said, "Caroline and I were just talking about your wedding."
Lexa sighed, "The last thing I want to talk about is the wedding."
"Have you spoken to Lord Douro?" Caroline asked.
Lexa's heart flustered and pounded. It had been nearly a week since she spoken to him. Not since the grand opening of the Abernathy Hotel. And to think she ran off like a coward when he mentioned what Lady Hestia told him. For she was a coward and Anna had been right. She needed to talk to him. Before the wedding
"Oh," said Caroline, "There he is."
Lexa looked up to see Edward talking to a gentleman across from them. Laura was sitting across from them, with a nose struck in a book. Laura looked up and saw Lexa staring at her. Immediately, she quickly closed the book, rose and exclaimed, "Lexa!"
Both Edward and the gentleman stopped talking and looked in the direction where Laura was heading towards them. Edward's hazel eyes bore into hers and she gave him a weak smile, but he did not smile back. He gave her an annoyed look.
Lexa knew it was because of her.
Laura came to sit beside her and said, "It's been awhile, Alex."
Both Caroline and Dora looked confused and in union asked, "Alex?"
"My nickname while I was in America," Lexa quickly explained.
Both understood and nodded, and Laura turned on her, "I'm to leave for America soon and you haven't showed me anywhere. Poor Edward has been chauffeuring me."
"I'm sorry," apologized Lexa. "Is there any place you wish to go?"
"To the Natural History Museum," said Laura.
Lexa brightened, "Perfect. I was thinking of visiting the museum, myself."
"I'll come too," said Dora.
Caroline groaned in horror, "I think I'll leave."
She stood up and waved to them. Then Dora stood up and said, "We might as well go. Caro has fled us and I haven't much time left."
Laura bounced and said to Lexa, "I'll tell Edward.
Lexa watched her walk back to her cousin, and then turned when she felt a nudge to her side. Dora looked at her with worried brown eyes. "What's wrong, Lexa? You seem pale."
"Do I?" Lexa asked.
"If it's because of the wedding I completely understand, dear," said Dora, reassuringly, "I was one that way as well."
Lexa did not say anything in response to her friend's comforting words because Laura joined them and said cheerfully, "He said yes."
Both Lexa and Dora got off the bench and as they followed Laura to where the gentlemen where, Dora frowned and said, "You never did introduce us, Lexa."
"Ah," said Lexa as they approached Edward, "This," she gestured to Laura, "is Miss Laura Young. She is Lord Douro's cousin from America. Laura, this is Lady Arthur Graham."
Laura dropped a curtsy and said, "My lady."
"You may call me Dorothea," said Dora, "You're American?"
Laura flushed, "Yes, my lady."
Dora smiled and then said, turning to Edward, "Lord Douro, what a pleasant surprise."
Edward being courteous; bowed and said, "Lady Arthur, a pleasure."
"Are you willing to accompany us to the Natural History Museum?" Dora asked sweetly.
Edward nodded. He then turned to the gentleman, and said, "Lord Gabriel?"
Lexa eyes widened. This was Lord Gabriel Archibald? He was quite handsome. He was tall, lean, and lanky. His hair was that of ebony, curly and loose. His skin wad that of an olive complexion, and his eyes, oh yes, his eyes, were a moss green. She never knew that Edward was such good friend of his.
Lord Gabriel then looked at her and said, in a faint Scottish accent, in acknowledgement, "Lady Alexandra. I congratulate you on your incoming nuptials."
Lexa smiled, "Thank you."
Lord Gabriel nodded and once again turned to Edward, "Douro, I'll see you."
Edward nodded, and Lord Gabriel turned and walked away.
"My," said Laura, "He is so handsome. Do he have a lady?"
"He's engaged, Laura," said Lexa, "To Lady Elizabeth Marsden. You are far too late."
Laura pouted.
"But don't worry, Lala. There are lots of eligible bachelors."
"I always did hate it when you call me Lala," said Laura darkly.
Lexa patted her friend on the shoulder. Laura walked away, and Dora followed, inquiring what the matter was. Lexa began to follow them, but Edward quickly halted her, by grabbing her hand. Lexa looked at him, his eyes serious, and asked, "What?"
"We need to talk."
Her heart froze over. This was it. No longer would she cower away like a coward. "We do," she said.
They walked silently down Exbition Road, which seem to Edward, a vey awkward encounter. Lexa looked relaxed nowadays, she was smiling and laughing with her two friends, when Laura spotted her and ran towards her. But now, it was bloody awkward. It was never this awkward before. And in truth, he didn't like it. And it was his entire fault. If he hadn't said the things he said at the Abernathy Opening, it wouldn't haven't been like this.
"Lexa," he said, "I have been meaning to..."
She turned to face him, "Apologize? Goodness, whyever for?"
He opened his mouth to reply, but she cut him off, "I mean, what wrong did you do? Other than speak the truth?"
What I said hurt you."
Lexa looked at him, agape as what he said made no sense. "Hurt me? I wasn't hurt because of you. I was in a mood because of my mother."
Edward blinked, "Your mother? What did she ever do? Are you two hostile?"
"No," said Lexa, "Of course not. I love my mother. But ever sine the engagement, she's been getting on my nervous. 'Lexa, you are to be Duchess of Wellington. Lord Douro will not tolerate wife would will not do her duty.' She has been chastising me since. Now, I do know that I am the eldest daughter, but the last I needed was nerves. The day you came to ask if I was avoiding you, in truth, I was, but merely because I needed to think. And I think. I thought, why must I worry about this now, the duties of a wife when I'm not even married yet? I told her that. And now that we are both here and that the wedding is only tomorrow. Let me say to you, that it is not you that need to apologize, but I. I am very sorry for been foolishly coward."
Edward looked at her, "that was quite a speech. You are to be a politician."
"At least say you're not angry," said Lexa.
"No. No." said Edward, "I'm not angry. I'm sorry you were getting nervous before the wedding. And I don't expect you to be the perfect wide, if that is you are afraid of."
Lexa blew and was relieved, "I'm glad."
Edward lend his arm and as they approached the museum, asked, "Shall we head in?"
Lexa merely nodded.