Chapter 2: September (Edith's Point of View)
September 20th
I visited Grandmama today and told her the news about me and Bertie. She seemed suitably impressed when she saw my ring. Thinking about her makes me remember when Bertie met her for the first time. She tried to barge past him to get in the house the day of the open house, and he tried to stop her. Her quick admonishment almost sent him hiding he told me later! Tom helped save the day by letting him know he wasn't the first or wouldn't be the last to cross her...
Anyways, Grandmama told me that Isobel is marrying Lord Merton soon- probably within the next two weeks. Immediately, my heart raced for it would be another chance to see Bertie again. Grandmama must have read my thoughts for she said that she would love to be properly reintroduced to my fiancee. I told her I would invite him down and he would be at the dinner the night before the wedding. She seemed quite satisfied with the plan.
Laura called me today and let me know the engagement announcement has been run in the local papers. She said that the American papers might be interested in picking it up since Bertie is a Marquess and a millionaire. It's quite strange, still, to think that the sweet agent I met less than a year ago is now one of the most important men in England. He hasn't let it go to his head, yet... for he remains one of the sweetest, most humble men I know.
I told Laura that I would be in London sometime in the next week or so. I have a wedding to plan, and the dress is one of the things I have to find and soon! The Hexhams have no proper tiara to wear at weddings, so I can pick among the headpieces. I have already told Mother I don't wish to wear the Crawley piece again... I wore it once and that was enough.
When I think now of wedding dresses, I know I want something that can easily be taken from glorious to simple for the reception. I want the full train and veil for the wedding, but I don't want to have to deal with it for the reception. The last wedding dress I wore would have been a bear to wear to the reception, I realize now.
Plans for my life in Brancaster are beginning to take shape. Aunt Rosamunde has found a home in London for Chloe to begin her in-depth training to be a ladies maid. She may have been new to the job, but her instincts and abilities have me believing I will have no reason not to offer it to her in January. Mother Pelham has asked if she can oversee the nursery at Brancaster as our wedding present, and I agreed. She did a wonderful job doing her apartment, and the nursery hasn't been needed for the last thirty years... I can only imagine how she and Marigold will be around each other.
September 25th
Mother, Mary, Rosamunde Laura and I have just returned from looking for wedding dresses. I invited Laura because I trust her fashion sense, and she is covering it for "The Sketch"... I only agreed because she said our readers would love the idea of following along as a modern woman gets ready to marry. The only stipulation that I made was no mention of Marigold in any shape or fashion- if only for her protection.
Wedding dress shopping in London was so different this time. Last time, I barely had time to have anything made. This time, the timeline is still close, but it is possible to have something made. When I walked into the shop, I was met by the designer Jeanne Levin... I could barely believe my luck. She is the epitomy of style, and she will do my wedding dress for me. She measured me and then listened as I explained my idea about simplfying the dress for the reception. I brought along the two headpieces I had chosen and she choose the one to use with the veil. Her idea was astoundingly simple- there would be a train attached at the back of my shoulders by small buttons. Once I arrived at the reception, all the ladies maid would have to do is remove it. The veil is to be cathedral length, complete with a piece to pull over my face. I chose the fabric for it- white satin and covered with lace. I can hardly wait to see it finished. She promised me it would be done with plenty of time for me to try it on and make adjustments.
Speaking of Mary, things between us have cooled. After she revealed the truth about Marigold to Bertie, we had that terrible row. And, looking back now, it was what we needed. For now, we can treat each other like sisters. I may have made the first initial step returning for her wedding, and she returned the favor by bringing Bertie back t me. Today, she let me be in the spotlight, and didn't try to take it away. With Henry, she is more content in life and she doesn't lash out as much... and for that, I'm grateful.
Should I continue in this fashion or not? The next one will probably be from Bertie's point of view...
Reviews, likes, comments and or suggestions are food for this author... Also, title for this one since "Beyond the Ashes" may not fit anymore!
