Chapter 43
Will's point of view
Louisa and I found ourselves walking towards a cream colored tent around which an array of lanterns was in full glow. There was a fairy-tale feel to it with the golden light surrounding the canopy. There were many kinds of flowers like daisies and lilacs arranged in the centers of tables set on either side of us. The dark green color of the field upon which this lay-out stood was clearly visible. The atmosphere did manage to engulf us in serene tranquility.
I was carrying the silvery gift box in my right hand while Louisa was walking right alongside me on my left side. I sneaked a brief glance her way while walking. Even though she didn't adorn any flashy make-up or ornaments, she was simplicity personified which endeared me to her even more.
When we reached the entrance of the cream tent, we were greeted by a smiling Alicia. She was wearing the traditional V-shaped white gown with sleeves barely covering her shoulders.
"Hello, Will."
"Hi, " I replied back; handing the gift box to her.
"I am really glad that you came, " she said; taking it from me.
"I really couldn't miss it, could I, " I said; smiling at her.
"This is my friend, Louisa Clarke, " I introduced; wrapping my left arm around her.
"Oh!" was all she said. She did not seem to notice Louisa's presence till I introduced her to Alicia.
"She is also the housekeeper of the castle at Pembroke, " I added; dropping my arm to my left side.
"It is nice to meet you, Alicia, " Louisa acknowledged Alicia with that warm contagious smile of hers.
"You look beautiful, " she complimented her.
"Thanks, Louisa, " Alicia responded.
"I have to go now and attend to the other guests, " Alicia told me.
"I hope you two enjoy, " she said before swirling around and walking towards the other guests with the gift box.
"Your ex-girlfriend seemed rather nice to me, " she remarked while we were walking towards the second row of seats.
"She did not even notice you till I introduced you to her, " I said; looking at her.
"How do you know that?" she questioned; raising an eyebrow at me.
"Let's just say that I did not intend to buy her mirrors simply for no reason, " I answered while we sat on the first two seats in the second row.
Louisa burst into a fit of laughter upon hearing my response. She understood that me intending to buy Alicia looking glasses was trying to show her how vain she was about herself. She always did try to hold an an aura of conceit when we were in a relationship. She was obsessed with going to parlors every week to maintain her beauty.
Louisa tried to speak between peals of laughter but could not. I allowed her while ending up laughing myself with her. We stopped when the official ceremony and wedding vows began.