Twenty Three Part One

Elizabeth had never had so much of a fuss made over her in her entire life. She had been treated such as a true Lady might be since the moment she opened her eyes this morn. Lady Eleanor's maid, Tess, a sweet, pretty, young girl with bright, brown eyes and even brighter, red hair, had first brought a breakfast tray with tea and toast. Betsy sipped her tea and nibbled the toast while her bath was being prepared.

She soaked in a warm, jasmine scented tub, then she was seated upon a stool and wrapped in a linen to dry her hair before the dancing flames in the hearth. Tess brushed her long tresses until they were completely dry, before Betsy sat through half an hour of having her hair wound in long strands with a hot iron, creating many loose curls that fell to her waist.

Once her chemise and dress were donned, Eleanor and Katherine joined her, bringing her bouquet and the wreath for her hair that had just been delivered to the house. Stockings and slippers were next, and when the fragile, violet wreath had been placed upon her crown, the ladies sighed their delight with her appearance.

"Ye look just like a lovely forest sprite." Katherine breathed. She was imagining Violet's face when he saw the sweet creation that was his bride.

Ellie was taken back in time, to the simple, reverent ceremony that had joined Bernard and Penelope. Elizabeth resembled her grandmother on the day she was wed. Especially Elizabeth's eyes. They were filled with love, hope and happiness, just as her grandmother's had been on that lovely, spring day, all those many years ago. Lady Ellie dashed a tear away, wishing Penny could be here for this, her granddaughter's special day. Yet Ellie, knowing that Penny would be here in spirit, whispered to her friend, "Is she not just lovely?" Ellie then patted Elizabeth's cheek softly as she kissed the other, before putting her sentimental thoughts aside to usher them out of the room and down the staircase to the foyer.

Keeting waited beside the opulent coach on the drive, to assist them up and inside the conveyance.

"Oh my, I almost forgot!" Ellie turned and reentered the estate, she was gone a few moments, while Katherine and Elizabeth settled next to one another, facing backward in the carriage. Betsy set the bouquet on the seat next to her, resting her hands on her lap.

Katherine put her hand atop Betsy's and smiled indulgently at her, "'Tis my greatest joy to be with you and Violet today. I have waited a long time for this, you know." Katherine then smiled proudly at her new daughter, "You are so lovely and just perfect for him. You two have made me very, very happy."

Elizabeth smiled back at her and put her other hand atop Katherine's, "I too, am glad we are able to do this again with you here. Our vows on the beach were just that. Just enough was said that my lady allowed Violet take me with him." Elizabeth giggled, as she was still a tiny titch nervous, even though 'twas her second time at this. "I was extremely nervous that day, it all happened so quickly, I shook as a leaf the entire time."

"Do you think you are better used to the idea now?" Katherine teased, as she knew how the two felt about one another. One could not be around Elizabeth and Violet when they were together for more than two minutes, without coming to the conclusion they were deeply in love.

"I do not think I shall have to clamp my jaw closed to keep my teeth from chattering this time," Elizabeth was not joking, she wrinkled her nose, "At least I hope not, as 'twas most disconcerting, it took all my will to keep them quiet while the vows were being spoken." Elizabeth chuckled, "I am lucky I got the necessary words out, to be perfectly honest."

Katherine chuckled also, at Elizabeth's honesty about the malady she had suffered that day. "I cannot blame you in the least, sweetheart. After all, you did say you had only met him three days hence."

Elizabeth sighed, "I think 'twas his face and form that had me all a shiver. It even took a few days to sigh as a simpleton every time he smiled at me." Betsy thought upon how she would feel when she saw him in a few moments from now. She felt quite giddy and expectant as it was. It had only been one night, yet she had missed Violet more than she could say. She just wanted to see his face, to hold his hand, to lean into him and be wrapped in his safe, warm embrace.

"Believe me, I saw it all before with the girls in the village, one or another following him around like doting puppies, but never did I see Violet respond to any of them seriously, as he does with you, my dear." Katherine patted Betsy's hand again. "No, not ever."

This made Elizabeth glad in her heart, that it seemed he had waited for her, and mayhap, he had not ever truly loved another before.

"Whatever is Ellie up to?" Katherine leaned forward, to peek out the window of the coach, just as the door opened from outside.

Keeting handed Ellie up, waiting for her to settle herself comfortably, before latching the door tightly, then climbing atop. He set the team in motion and they were on their way.

"Now Elizabeth, I have the gifts your Papa wanted you to have upon your wedding day." Eleanor leaned forward with outstretched hand. She took Betsy's hand and placed a golden ring in her palm. She then held Betsy's hand in both of her own. Her eyes twinkled as she passed on it's value, "This was your Papa's when he married your grandmother. He wanted you to have it, to give to your husband if you wished."

Betsy's eyes were rounded with surprise, as Ellie took her hands away and Betsy inspected the band of gold. It was thick, made for a man, and she knew she would put it upon Violet's hand in a short time. She noticed an inscription, written in tiny, fine lettering that wound around on the inner side of the ring.

As one for eternity, it read.

And it had been.

Her Papa had loved none other, after her grandmother had left him so unexpectedly. He had been content with his flock of believers, his acquaintances with the townsfolk, and his warm friendship with Eleanor. Betsy's wistful smile was for her Papa, Thank You Papa, for he is worthy, she thought to herself. She slipped the ring onto her thumb and could not wait to place it on Violet's hand. It gladdened Elizabeth to have something to give Violet in return when they wed this time in the church.

As one, aye, 'twas indeed fitting, as that was exactly how she felt about him now. She had not known these same feelings that day on the beach, as all that had passed since was what she now felt bound them together.

For Betsy to share what Violet felt was his life's calling, to have been witness to his deepest heart's emotions, to be able to see beyond his perfection, and beauty, to see into his beautiful soul. It was these things that had grown Betsy's feelings for him a hundredfold. She looked up from the ring on her thumb, then, using her other hand, she peeked out the curtain to see that they were almost there. Her face lit up expectantly and she let the curtain drop back into place.

Ellie saw the joy that lit up Elizabeth's face. She decided Bernard's other gift could wait until the reception, as they were quickly approaching the little chapel on the rise.

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Violet gazed out through the sparkling, stained glass in a mesmerised state. He was inside the church, looking out a tall, narrow window that stood next to the entry door. The yellow glass, surrounding the likeness of Christ in an ethereal glow, was the clearest view that Vi could find of the road winding up from town. Violet stood alone, waiting expectantly, resplendent in his Captain's attire.

His russet jacket was snug and overlong, it came down past his waist, to cover the top half of his muscular thighs. Those of which were encased in the same soft suede, his corseted breeches hugging his legs to right below the knee, where they then tucked into his cuffed, leather boots. His jacket veed in the front to mid torso, emphasizing his broad, shoulders and lean body. It fastened closed with two silver buttons right above his waist. His crisp, white shirt was buttoned up, a white, lace cravat lending him a very polished appearance, while frilled, lace cuffs flowed over the back of his hands past his knuckles. He wore his silver and amethyst ring on this special occasion, and it could be seen on his right hand peeking through the lace. He wore Elizabeth's mother's wedding ring next to his heart, he had not removed it since Elizabeth had placed it there. He intended never to take it off, unless of course, there was the chance it could become damaged or lost. He had Elizabeth's original wedding ring on his pinkie finger, it was slid onto the tip, held in place with his thumb.

Eliazabeth had ceremoniously given her ring back to him last night, along with sweet, lingering kisses and precious, meaningful words of love. Those kisses and words had been intended to keep them both sated till they saw one another again today. They had decided to keep with tradition, he had slept by himself in their cabin last night, while she had slept in her bedroom at Eleanor's.

Violet had not seen his intended since the eve before.

The ladies had readied Elizabeth at Eleanor's estate this morn, so he was more than a little eager to at least get a glimpse of her. This was the longest amount of time Violet had gone without seeing Elizabeth since that morn on the beach when he had married her. The first time he married her, that was. Violet smiled ruefully in spite of his nerves, as he could finally appreciate that the time had come, that this was their honest to goodness, real wedding. After all of his waiting, Elizabeth would finally be completely and truly his. Then, as he felt he had waited forever for this moment, the carriage was now being driven into view.

The smile was gone from his face immediately, he sobered quickly and gulped once, and he suddenly felt a little lightheaded. He stared, unblinking, as the conveyance that carried Elizabeth approached. He should not have gone without breakfast this morn, he realized. Yet his only thoughts had been to ready himself and then hurry to the church to await her. He had already been here for a couple of hours, keeping himself busy or pacing. He had helped Miles place the flowers on the ends of the pews, then he had stood back, while directing Miles in centering the flowers that graced the front of the church. He had stood still while Miles pinned a small, white flower and violet spray upon his lapel. He had greeted every guest as they arrived, and after being formally introduced by the good reverend, some of the guests then took a moment to share their most fond remembrances of his bride as a young girl. All who knew Elizabeth agreed, she was a lovely, young woman, who possessed a giving, caring heart made from pure gold.

Violet was straining at the bit to get a look at her, just the smallest glimpse from the carriage window would be fine yet, it was not to be.

"'Tis finally time to come along w'me, son." Reverend Mahoney appeared at Violet's side, placing a hand upon Vi's shoulder, he smiled at the anxious, young man.

Violet's spell was broken, he was no longer in a state of waiting, but of movement. His heart began beating faster, he could feel the blood coursing through his body, warming him of a sudden. His head swam, as he turned it too quickly in order to acknowledge the pastor with a quick, simple nod.

Vi followed the Reverend up the aisle, Brutus falling in behind them, to then stand a step behind Vi once they were positioned in front of the altar. The reverend took his place on Violet's left side, one step back.

Violet heard the carriage approach and come to a halt in front of the little chapel.

A long moment passed before Eleanor and Katherine slipped in through the door quickly and quietly. Eleanor came in smiling, nodding at her friends who were present, while she towed Katherine by the arm to the front of the church. An open end seat on each side of the front pews was reserved for them.

Katherine seated herself on the right side, next to Marcus. She smiled at him before looking up to her beautiful son. Who happened to be pulling at his cravat at the moment. "Vi! Violet!" Katherine whispered to him.

He looked at her, as she lifted her hand to her neck, then she shook her head at him. He immediately dropped his hand from his cravat, rubbing it against his thigh instead.

Katherine chuckled a little as she shook her head. It was incredibly endearing to see Violet a little nervous and obviously anxious.

Violet heeded his mother's admonition, dropping his hand immediately, he then realized his palms were sweating, so he rubbed them on his jacket sides absentmindedly.

"Relax mate, ye've already done this once before." Brutus patted Violet's shoulder.

Violet looked back at Brutus, and Brutus noticed the thin film of perspiration that had broken out on Violet's brow.

Brutus leaned forward to whisper beside Violet's ear, hoping to distract Vi from his nerves, "At least this time, 'tis not as if you will be weddin' an innocent virgin you just met."

Violet turned his head to shoot Brutus a glare, meant to shut him up, but the stricken look in his eyes hit Brutus with the truth.

Violet had waited.

Brutus had wrongly assumed that the final lesson had been taught by now. Brutus blinked a few times in astonishment before grinning widely. He became highly amused at Violet's plight. Yet, the respect he found growing in his chest made him proud of his best friend. "Well, good for you, Vi. I cannot say I could have done the same." Brutus again whispered.

Violet then had a minor crisis. He knew Elizabeth was meant to be his bride, he did not doubt that for an instant. Yet, she really was only a bit more than a month older now than when he had wondered at his wisdom in wedding one so young and innocent. Was she really ready for all of the love he had to show her? She seemed to believe so. His unsureness was overridden by a stronger, single thought, which he could not help himself from thinking.

She would finally be completely his tonight, by law, by rights, and by God!

Here he was, waiting for his sweet, pure, innocent bride to walk through the door, and all he could think about was being alone with her later after the ceremony and the planned celebration. When they would finally be truly wed. He wondered, when that moment came, would she be the shy, sweet kitten that he adored, or would she be the precocious, sultry vixen that he played cards with. The vixen that warmed his heart, even as her playful, sultry nature warmed his body?

He already felt his body quickening as he had a sudden vision of her as a winsome, welcoming siren. This did not help his patience whatsoever, but it did help his nerves to focus on something else, while he waited for the blasted door to open so he could finally catch sight of her.

For some reason Vi's mind flew to the past. To Cairo, to an elaborate feast he had been invited to attend years ago. There had been several ladies dancing throughout the room throughout the meal. Violet pictured Elizabeth in his mind, her face half shrouded, as she, instead of those other golden, skinned women, performed the dance of the seven veils. Smoothly swaying, his love would lose one veil, and then another, then another... her eyes shining lovingly at him the entire time...

Violet shook his head a mite, bringing himself back to the present, where he continued to drill the chapel door with his stare.

Then another vision entered his mind, of Elizabeth in a bright, stunning gown that showed off the divine, curvaceous figure that she had been blessed with. His vision became limited to returning home, after she had worn the gown, he being the lucky man to loosen her laces. His mind revealed his wife in a corset, gartered stockings and lacy underthings, walking towards him seductively. Elizabeth most definitely had the required assets to bring him to his knees, which just happened to be feeling weak at the moment, what with all his vivid imaginings, along with not eating his breakfast this morning.

Violet had found an entertaining distraction for his nerves in these images his mind was producing. He now stood in front of a church full of people, trying not to grin, a spurt of subdued hilarity growing at the mental pictures his mind conjured up. If the guests only knew what he was imagining, they would not all be sitting front of him smiling at him indulgently, such as they were. Enough of that, he thought, while chuckling softly.

He kept his face as stoic as he could, barely retaining his sobriety, he tapped his fingers on the side of his thigh to relieve his pent up emotions. He raised his hands, rubbing his now, dry palms together, until the small organ in the corner began playing her song.

All his thoughts were banished, his hands froze, his mind was once again focused, and buzzing loudly, as he stared at the chapel door waiting for it to open.

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Paulie was waiting at the bottom of the steps for her. He had donned his brown suit, and combed his greying hair that was smoothed back neatly, then curled haphazardly around his neck. His blue eyes sparkled as he looked to Betsy proudly, and then a bit nervously, as he prepared to give her away to Violet in front of a church full of people.

Keeting helped Betsy down from the carriage and escorted her to Paulie, handing her off with flair and well wishes, he then returned to the carriage to move it away from the landing a short space.

"Ye look lovely, Miss Lisbeth. I be right proud ta be giving ye away today." Paulie patted her small hand after she took his arm, as a poignant tear stood in his eye.

"Do not cry, Paulie! You will have me weeping up the aisle, and how will that look to poor Violet? He will think I have changed my mind." She smiled at the old man, as he dashed the moisture from his eyes.

"I am sorry, Miss Lisbeth, 'tis just the sight of ye, all done up real pretty and ready ta wed, well, that touched me heart." Paulie leaned down a bit, as Betsy coaxed him with a hand on his shoulder while she raised up on her toes to kiss his sun weathered cheek. "Thank you, Paulie," Her eyes were filled with purpose. "Will you walk with me for a moment?" She asked, nodding to the right, before making her way around the church, Paulie at her side.

She led him to the cemetery gate, where he waited, as she went forward to stand before her Papa's marker. "Papa, I have your ring and Lady Eleanor's blessings." Betsy lovingly read his name at the top of the stone. "I wish it were that you could marry Violet and me this fine day, 'tis the only thing that would have made it more perfect, but Reverend Mahoney is a good man that we shall thankfully take in your stead." Betsy looked upon the pot of violets she had placed there the day before. "I know you would have been proud to wed us, and I would have been most proud, could you have done so." Betsy then lifted her eyes and smiled at the simple words on her Papa's stone.

She bowed her head and asked God to bless her marriage, and her loved ones, to forgive her of her sins and keep her on the narrow path. She then asked Him to help her to be the person that He created her to be. She tilted her head upwards and smiled at the clear blue sky, there was barely a wisp of white to dot the vast expanse as she closed her eyes and soaked in the sun's rays, letting them warm her for a moment. Turning, ready to wed the man she loved, she found Paulie waiting patiently for her. Gracing him with her joyful countenance, she returned to take his arm and allow him to escort her to the door of the church.

Paulie rapped twice lightly, as per his given instructions, and they both heard the organ begin playing. Paulie reached for the door handle as Betsy took in a deep breath, she then let it out slowly, as she prepared to feast her eyes upon her beloved pirate captain.

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:)