Wentworth's Baron - Chapter Twenty - The Day Arrives

CHAPTER TWENTY

The Day Arrives

Henrietta could not believe the day of her wedding has finally arrived.  She woke up to the morning sun as it filled her room.  She had hoped it would be a beautiful day.  She could hardly believe she actually felt happy although the thought of her dear Victoria continued to haunt her.  After everything that has happened to her in such a short time it seems ages ago when she felt she would never marry.  Now, it seems as though it was always meant to be.  As it turns out, arranged or not, she was marrying a man she loved.  However, this pleasant mood she enjoyed when she awoke did not last long.

By the time Becky came in to help Henrietta into her gown and to attend to her hair, she had talked herself into quite the state.  As she stood there looking at herself in the mirror she could not help but see the strong resemblance to her mother and she suddenly felt something missing.  She never really wanted to be married but now that the day has come she felt as though she wanted to share it with her mother.  Her thoughts then turned to her Baron.  Did he really love her?  During all of their encounters it felt as though he did but he never really said to her ‘I love you.’  Was he only marrying her out of duty?  Did he really love Victoria and was making do with her?  So many thoughts began to plague her mind.  Her thoughts of Vicky and what would become of their friendship.  She began to feel overwhelmed and sat on her bed and sobbed.  Becky, tried to console her but was unsuccessful and so left for reinforcements.

A knock on the door revealed her dear friend Vicky. “Oh, Vicky!” she wailed.  “Can you ever forgive me?”  Victoria sat down next to her friend and held her tight until the sobbing subsided.  “Henny, there is nothing to forgive.  Look at you!  You are absolutely beautiful as I knew you would be.  This is a most joyous occasion!  You should not be crying on your wedding day unless they are tears of joy” as she wiped the tears from her eyes and fixed a rogue ringlet that had fallen out of place.

“You are marrying a man who is clearly in love with you and whom you most definitely are in love with.  Be happy my dear!”  she continued.

Henrietta embraced her friend for her kind words and the tears began all over again.  “But, Henny, I am marrying the man you were to marry.  How can you be so?”

Victoria took her dear friend’s hand and said, “My dear, you are my closest friend.  You are like a sister to me.  I could never bear you ill will.  All will be fine.  I assure you.  You will see.  I wish you both great joy and happiness.  Now, let’s get you tidied up shall we?  Your future awaits!”

Henrietta rose and followed her friend down the stairs and into the carriage that was arranged for her where her father anxiously awaited.  Victoria and Lord Wentworth exchanged knowing glances as they proceeded on to help her in.

Arriving at Hanover Square, Henrietta could not help but notice the beautiful floral arrangements and great attention to detail.  She recognized the carriages of a few of her friends but other than that it was as if she was in a dream where she was only an observer.  Victoria kissed her friend on the cheek and proceeded inside to her seat to await the bride and her father.

Before entering, Lord Wentworth turns to his daughter, “my dear, I cannot bear it if you are unhappy.  In light of recent events, I must tell you that if you choose to walk away now, I will support your decision.  I cannot bear it if you will be forever joined to a man you cannot stand to be with.”  Henrietta smiles at her father.  “Oh, Papa, that is not the least of my pain.  I realized this morning how much I truly love him but then realized I have never spoken those words nor has he.  I know he has affection for me but I do not know if he truly loves me and that is what pains me now.”

“Henrietta, my dear, let me assure you, of that I can tell you for sure.  This man loves you very much.  However, do not be shocked at what awaits you.  Hold your temper should it threaten to erupt and I know you will be greatly diverted and pleased.”  He said with a smile.  Henrietta was not sure how to take that last part of her father’s words but thought it to be some attempt at fatherly wisdom for a daughter about to be married.  Lord Wentworth took hold of his only daughter’s hand “shall we?” and they entered the church.

The floral arrangements were most exquisite as were the smiles on the faces of her friends and family as they stood when she entered as the bridal march began.  She noticed a new face next to Victoria and wondered who that might be.  Was he the reason she was not mad at her for taking her Baron from her?  Wendell was there also in the front row with his brilliant Wentworth smile and those exceptional green eyes.

Alexander stood at the end of the isle anxiously awaiting his beautiful bride.  She was magnificent in her gown of white silk net, embroidered in gold strip, trimmed with gold lace.  The cut and color was most becoming to her form.  The thought of her becoming his wife took his breath away as she slowly walked toward him.  He thought she looked a bit sad but thought it most likely to be nerves.  He would take care to calm those nerves at his earliest opportunity after the ceremony.

Here she was standing right beside him now as her father kissed his only daughter and handed her hand to him.  Alexander was overwhelmed at her beauty and through the entire ceremony completely forgot that she did not yet know him as Alexander until the Vicar declared the words:

“Do you Alexander Durham Barrington take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?”

“I do,” he replied.

“Do you Henrietta Maria Wentworth take this man to be your wedded husband?”

Henrietta stood silent as if not having heard the question.  The Vicar repeated to her, “Henrietta Maria Wentworth, do you take this man to be your wedded husband?”

The silence began to be broken by the whispers from those in attendance.  Henrietta called to mind the words her father spoke to her before entering the church and suddenly as if startled back from an episode of woolgathering, Henrietta looked at the man standing beside her with an anxious smile whose warm blue eyes were waiting for her answer as he mouthed the words “do you?”  Her mind was awhirl with everything that has happened this season she could not comprehend what this was that was happening now -- only the words of her father ‘this man loves you very much -- do not be shocked at what awaits you.’

“I do.”  She uttered as Alexander sighed a cry of relief along with all those in attendance he kissed her sweetly in that way that only he could as she surrendered her heart to him completely.