Leopold managed to get through the week without Kate having any idea of his intentions. His arm remained in a sling in her presence and he continued his routine, which included his afternoon naps. Kate didn't question it, she knew the doctor had been and the stitches removed, but Leopold had told her that it would be at least another few weeks till he would be able to have movement in his arm, the way he would like. All Kate could think was 'what was another week?' But on the sly, Leopold was planning and making arrangements. There were a few people in London he wanted to invite (or rather his aunt and uncle would be appalled if the wedding occurred without them) and he was apprehensive about sending Jack on his own. In the back of his mind was the Edgar fiasco, so he hired a local lad to go. The last thing he wanted was something to happen to anyone on his staff or family. A string quartet needed to be hired for the reception, because of Kate's love of dancing, and he couldn't pass up the McClaren Brothers who had played at Janet and Jack's party and caused such merriment to the event. This was to be a very odd wedding, indeed. The best of both worlds. Jack arranged for Reverend Allen to marry them, and Leopold knew exactly what flowers would be appropriate to decorate the chapel and the ballroom. The staff kept quiet and didn't let on to Kate. With Leopold's guidance Cook had planned a buffet, and everything seemed to being falling into place, except the approval of his uncle and aunt. Aunt Margaret had been upset when she heard of Leopold's plans. This was not a wedding fit for a duke, and Millard thought the whole idea ludicrous, but Leopold was not going to let it slide. This was his family and he wanted them to approve and understand his reasoning behind the whole affair.

Kate was riding with Jack in the paddock, so Leopold found the opportunity to discuss the wedding with them. They were in the sunroom, towards the back of the house. It was a beautiful day and his aunt was working on a needlepoint. Millard relaxing with the paper, when Leopold entered.

Before Leopold could speak Millard put his hand up, "If you have come in here to upset your aunt even more, you might as well turn around now and leave."

"I have no intentions to upset anyone. I want to discuss this matter with both of you. It is of great significance that you both understand my reasoning behind this decision. I am not deliberately trying to spite you, as I might have done in the past."

His aunt looked up at him and saw the sincerity in his eyes.

"Ha! You have always been difficult, Leopold. Never playing by the rules, never heeding my advice..you have spited me all your life. If your father was alive.."

"None of this would be happening. I most likely would never have been in New York and never met Kate and my life would not be like it is today. But that is beside the point. You and Aunt Margaret have raised me the best way you knew how, and there were times I believe I was in the right questioning your choices, but I also regret some of the cynical remarks I have made in the past. I think once you hear my reasoning for this wedding you will feel differently."

Millard gave him a glare over his paper and Margaret put her needlepoint down, "Do sit down, Leopold. Your uncle and I are prepared to listen." She gave Millard an evil look, as he was about to speak.

Leopold sat across from them. "First of all, I know you have always wanted the best for me, and this wedding was going to be the best as you planned it, Aunt, but neither Kate and I fit in with the social crowd in London, or the royals. Having these people at our wedding, that have no connection to us whatsoever except that we are in the same class is absolutely absurd. I find most of them arrogant, pompous, unintelligent, and basically people who waste my time with their gossip and snobbish attitudes. Kate feels very much the same way, but would never say that to either one of you out of respect. I have no problem stating my opinion."

Margaret smiled, "Oh, yes, we are very much aware of that, Leopold."

"I am giving Kate a day she will cherish, one with family and friends, people we both respect and love. Yes, it is unconventional. I want my staff there; Otis will be giving the bride away, Jack, my best man and Janet, Kate's matron of honor. This is how I want it. I don't care if it's not the way it should be. I want laughter and merriment, and I want both of you to be a part of it. You have always wanted my happiness. Well, this will make me happy."

"Of course we want you to be happy, Leopold."

"But at the expense of the family? We will be the laughing stock of all of England, allowing a wedding like this to take place."

"Uncle Millard, it is going to take place on Saturday. That is two days from now. Why do you care what the whole of England thinks of you? You should be thinking of your family, aunt Margaret, Aunt Agnes and myself. Isn't family what is important?" Leopold had raised his voice now. And Margaret reached over and placed her hand on his knee, patting it. She was accepting it, why couldn't his stubborn uncle?

"The last few weeks have been difficult for this family. I want for one day to feel joy and happiness, see Kate smile again. She thinks this wedding will never happen, she thinks I am going to be killed. Can't you allow me to do something for her that will give her some pleasure? Are you that uncaring, uncle, that you enjoy seeing her so miserable?"

Nonchalantly he said, "I hardly find her miserable. She has been taking charge of this household much like a future Duchess should, she is extremely occupied with various tasks. Too me that is not being miserable, that is her duty. And she seems to be taking pride in it. Very commendable indeed. Something I would not have expected from her."

"Yes, very commendable." Leopold said sarcastically, "she is keeping herself occupied so she can take her mind off Edgar and my injury and the fact she should have been married by now."

"As I recall, Leopold, she is the one that postponed the wedding."

"Because of me. I am making it up to her with this surprise. I am begging you uncle to reconsider your position, and be in attendance on Saturday."

"Begging, Leopold? This is not like you."

Leopold was angry, his uncle was being a stubborn bastard, "I am getting married on Saturday, and I would like you there, but whether you are there or not, the wedding is going to take place." Leopold turned to his aunt, "I do hope you will not side with him, aunt Margaret. I would be devastated if you were absent on such an important day in my life. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a lot of things to attend to."

He started to walk out feeling defeated. It had done no good and then his aunt spoke up, "Leopold, wait."

He turned around, and stood silently looking from his aunt to his uncle. Margaret was looking at Millard, and it was flustering him.

"For god's sake, woman, stop giving me that look."

"I think your Uncle might have something to say to you, Leopold."

"I can't think of anything. What are you talking about, Margaret."

Leopold sighed, "I really am quite busy and you are wasting my time."

Flustered Millard stood up, paced around the room a bit and looked down at the floor before he spoke, "I will be at this ridiculous spectacle, Leopold. Only because I would not be able to bear the punishment I will receive from your aunt if I don't attend. I still do not approve."

"Millard!" Margaret said sternly.

"Alright, alright, in the last week I have grown quite fond of Katherine."

Leopold was a bit surprised and smiled.

"She is coming on quite well in running this household and she possesses a talent for the piano, which I find promising. She still comes across a little too brash at times, but I have come to the conclusion that I like her honesty and she knows how to put you in your place, which is a feet in itself."

Leopold smiled.

"I think she will be delighted with this surprise. I am not saying that I approve of the unconventionality of the whole affair, because I do not. But it tends to fit with the unorthodox ways of the bride and groom. And I do believe that this family does deserve a little happiness at this time."

Leopold moved closer to them both, "I believe you are giving me your blessing, in your own way, uncle."

"I am doing no such thing. Do not twist my words, Leopold."

Leopold went to him giving him a hug, something Millard was not used to, "Thank-you, Uncle. This means the world to me."

"Somehow I doubt that."

Margaret sighed. It never changed between the two of them. Both as stubborn as the other. "Leopold, don't I deserve a hug."

He let go of Millard and hugged his aunt, kissing her cheek, "It's going to be a glorious day."

"I think you could be right. Now I insist on helping in anyway I can."

"Everything is under control for the time being, but I am sure the day of I will need all the help I can get."

"And Kate has no idea?" Millard asked.

Leopold smiled, "None. She believes I am out of commission for another 3 weeks, strict Doctors orders."

Margaret smiled, "You are quite clever, Leopold, to be able to pull this off."

"I am a man desperately in love, and I she has put up with a lot over the last few weeks, I am going to give her the day she has longed for, nothing less."

Margaret looked over at Millard. And even Millard saw the longing in Leopold's eyes. It had been a hard few weeks for all of them, but they both believed it was hardest on Leopold. Desperately trying to hold his family together. This wedding was what everyone in the household needed. There was a silence, and Margaret almost felt like crying. Millard broke the silence, "Just because the staff is going to be a part of this affair does not mean I will be acknowledging them in any other way than that as my servants."

"Of course, uncle. I wouldn't expect you to converse with them. Although, you might find them a rather interesting lot. You probably didn't know Lily is quite an artist when she has time, and I know how much you enjoy the arts. And Thomas knows how to play a wicked hand of cards."

"That man, never!"

Leopold smiled, there was hope for Millard. He was relieved that this had been sorted out. The wedding would be taking place with all the family in attendance, and Leopold was determined that nothing would disturb the festivities. Of course he was thinking of Edgar, he was always on the edge of his mind. He had been concerned that one of the staff would get word out of the wedding to the inhabitants of Westlake, but so far that had not occurred. And he had hoped to invite Millicent and Charlotte but wasn't sure how he could without having some backlash from Edgar. He would have to think of something.



Leopold headed out to the paddock and watched Kate practicing her trot around the ring, and smiled. For a city girl, she was fairing pretty well. She smiled as she saw him approach. "I wish you could join me."

"In due time." He looked over at Jack and winked and Kate noticed it.

She maneuvered Guinevere over to the fence where Leopold stood, "What was that wink?"

"I was winking at you, darling."

"I don't think so." She said suspiciously. "You were winking at Jack. What is going on?'

"As you can see nothing. I have been obeying your orders and getting my acquired rest and fresh air. Taking it very easy. In fact, my plans for the elevator are nearly complete. I will be going to London as soon as I am able to have them patented and soon I will be able to see my invention actually in use in the 19th century. Obviously, the thrill has been taken away slightly due to what I witnessed in New York."

"It doesn't make it any less important."

"I suppose not. And you…I hear you are keeping the staff in order."

"You are changing the subject."

Jack had dismounted Merlin and walked over to them helping Kate off. Leopold addressed Jack; "She is under the impression we are keeping something from her."

"Something, like what?"

"I have absolutely no idea."

"Okay, I know when you aren't going to tell me a thing. I will just have to speak to Janet." Kate was expecting them both to be a bit concerned but they weren't. "So you are okay with me talking to Janet."

"Talk all you like. Nothing is going on."

Margaret was heading towards them, "I am sorry to interrupt, but I am going to need Katherine's assistance Saturday morning, I promised dear sweet Mrs. Thompson I would bring her by. She loves Kate's stories. And she is a old woman."

This was part of Leopold's plan; get Kate away from the estate in the morning so the final preparations could occur.

"Not Saturday."

"What is wrong with Saturday?" Leopold asked. "You can't possibly be considering denying this poor old woman your company?"

"Actually I have plans."

"Plans? What kind of plans?" Leopold was a bit alarmed.

"I have invited Millicent and Charlotte over for lunch."

"How did you manage that? Kate, I told you to stay away from Westlake."

"And I have. I saw them in town when I was with cook at the market. She is looking very well, and Edgar is in Birmingham for a few days. I didn't think you would mind, in fact, I thought you would enjoy the diversion."

"Right, of course, and I normally would of course."

"But…"

"You should go with my aunt and I will send word to Millicent to join us for dinner instead."

"Dinner?"

"Yes, dinner. We have to eat dinner, correct?"

"Leopold, you are acting strange. I guess that will be fine." She gave him an odd look. And put her hand on his forehead.

"What are you doing?"

"I want to see if you have a temperature. Maybe you are coming down with the flu. You are behaving strangely."

"You would be behaving strangely as well, if you had as much time on your hands as I do. Bored, half out of my mind. The excitement of my day is walk around the garden, or possibly a rip roaring game of cards." He played it up, making his voice animated.

"Okay, sorry…I know, you are having a difficult time. I am sorry.'

"Apologies excepted. Now I must leave you, I intend on finishing up that project by this afternoon. I will see you at dinner." He leaned over the fence and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She couldn't remember the last time he had actually kissed her on the lips, possibly the last night in London. He was acting very peculiar indeed.



Saturday morning arrived. Kate and Margaret went into town so the house was a buzz with last minute preparations. The ballroom was ready for the party. It looked beautiful with the carefully selected bouquets that surrounded the room. The chapel too, looked beautiful. Leopold had given the core staff an extra 5 guineas so they were able to purchase new attire for the affair, once he saw everything was in order, he headed up to his rooms where Otis was preparing Leopold's wedding suit.

"Well, Master Leopold, this is to one glorious day. How are your nerves holding up?"

"I haven't had time to be nervous, I have been to busy making sure everything is in order."

"Kate will be pleased with all you have done. You have put so much effort into this affair."

"I want it to be perfect. I really don't know what Kate is used to, I could have it all wrong."

"Surely, weddings in America are very similar, sir."

Leopold thought of 21st century New York and had no idea what kind of weddings Kate's friends and colleagues had had. And he knew in the last few months she was slipping away from her 21st century self, and becoming a 19th century lady. He thought he knew what she would like; he hoped he had it right.

Otis noticed his faraway look, "I have drawn you a bath, sir. I thought it might help you to relax."

"She is the right one, isn't she, Otis?"

"Of course she is, sir. I knew the minute you looked at her across the ballroom floor. And I still see you look at her that way. You are feeling a bit of pre-wedding jitters, I am afraid."

With his mind elsewhere he made his way into the bathroom removing his clothes and slipping into the deep tub of warm water. Otis handed him a brandy.

"Ah, perfect, Otis."

"I will leave you alone with your thoughts, sir. If you need anything I will be in your room."

"Thank-you, Otis."

After he left, Leopold took a sip of the brandy and tilted his head back against the back of the tub and sighed. The day had finally arrived. In a few short hours he would be taking Kate as his wife. He felt a sense of satisfaction, mixed with a slight bit of apprehension. These two things didn't go together, but he felt them. He had never spoken about his feelings on the subject to anyone, except Kate. And now the day had arrived. He had to stop dwelling on it, or otherwise everything was bound to go all wrong. Jack and he had obviously joked about the subject, but Jack had no idea about Leopold's virtue. For the first time in his life, he wished he wasn't going into this evening totally lacking experience. Well, it was too late now. If Kate loved him, surely everything would be fine. God, he hoped so!



Kate arrived back to Balinor exhausted and was rushed upstairs by Janet who had drawn her a bath. She noticed Janet's nervousness.

"Janet what is it?"

"Oh, nothing. You must get in the bath."

Kate looked at her cautiously, "Okay."

Kate got in and felt she could fall asleep, except Janet insisted sitting by her side and never shut-up. Kate was not paying attention to a thing she was saying.

"You can't fall asleep, Kate."

"Why not? I am tired."

"Leopold… he's waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

"What I meant was, he wanted to see you when you returned."

"I am not going anywhere, he can wait till after I take a nap."

There were noises outside the house and Janet went to the window, Kate barely acknowledged them. Carriages were arriving and heading up the hill to the chapel. Janet looked back at Kate who had fallen asleep.

Janet went over to her and shook her, "You mustn't sleep. You will spoil everything."

"What are you talking about?"

"Get out of the tub and you'll see."

Janet handed her a towel and she wrapped it around herself and followed Janet into the bedroom where Leopold's mothers wedding dress was lying on the bed, a single white rose lying on top of it and a hand written note from Leopold, Kate gasped and covered her mouth, "Oh, my god, Janet. What has he done?"

Janet picked up the rose and note and handed them to her, she took a whiff of the rose. She knew what it meant, Leopold had told her all about the meaning of flowers. The white rose meant, "I am worthy of you". She read the note to herself.

Dearest Kate….I request your presence at Balinor chapel at 3pm on the afternoon of June 20th in the year 1876, where I would take great pleasure in becoming your husband. This day will be our day to cherish forever. I love you with all my heart….yours forever, Leopold.



She began to cry. Janet brought her a handkerchief, "Come on, now. It's nearly 2:30 now. We don't have any time to waste."

"I don't deserve him."

"Of course you do. He knew the minute he laid eyes on you he wanted you for his wife. He wanted so much to surprise you."

"How long have you known?"

"They didn't think they could tell me, but I swore I wouldn't say a word. He only started planning it last week. It is so romantic."

"This is just amazing. I can't believe this is happening."

She handed the dress to Kate, "Leopold had it fitted to one of your dresses, and it should be perfect."

Kate held the dress in her arms, holding it close to her chest. Trying to take this all in. She went behind the screen and put his mothers dress on. And it fit perfectly. She came out, and Janet smiled,

"Oh, Kate, you look beautiful, let me help with you the buttons in the back" Kate turned while Janet buttoned up the back and she faced the mirror. She couldn't believe how much it suited her. It was simple but elegant. Ivory in color, with a lace bodice and ¾ length sleeves. She twirled around and sighed, she felt like a princess.

"We have to do something with your hair."

"Do anything you want. Nothing can take away this feeling I have right now."



Leopold dressed in black tails looked elegant as ever as he stood in the chapel awaiting his bride. Jack stood by his side, noticed Leopold looking at this pocket watch. "She's not coming."

"Oh, for gods sake, Leopold, she will be here. Otis and Janet are with her. It is only 5 minutes after."

"She could've changed her mind."

"Not likely."

The string quartet was playing a Bach piece that Kate adored and then Leopold saw Janet. All smiles as she headed towards the quartet and whispered in the violinist's ear. The music changed tempo and the wedding processional began. Janet came down the aisle looking over at Jack and them smiling at Leopold, as she took her place, and then Leopold watched as Otis escorted Kate down the aisle, she looked amazing. The dress was perfect. Leopold thought he might cry. There was a portrait of his mother and father on their wedding day, and the sight of her in the dress took his breath away.

Leopold took her hand as she approached him and they both could not take their eyes off each other. The crowd was silent, and the reverend began the ceremony. But neither Kate or Leopold recalled much of what was going on. Leopold remembered saying he would take Kate to be his wife and putting the ring on her finger, but the rest of it was a blur. Kate wasn't even sure if she had responded. When the reverend pronounced them man and wife, he took her in his arms, the first time in weeks and kissed her. He got lost in the moment and then realized there was an audience. He could hear whispers and sighs and mumblings, and felt truly embarrassed, as he looked out at the guests, all smiling at them. Kate squeezed his hand, and he looked into her eyes, then the wedding march began and he escorted her out of the church.

Once outside, he took her in his arms again, and made sure there was some amount of privacy. Janet and Jack were there, but that didn't bother him, and he gave her another kiss this time with more conviction and incredibly passionate.

Kate responded accordingly and then slightly pulled away. There was a tear in her eyes and Leopold wiped it away with his finger, smiling at her tenderly, "Kate, what is it?"

"I am overwhelmed. This is incredible what you have done. .. I had no idea. And your arm is out of a sling." She rubbed her hand on his shoulder gently, "Are you sure you are alright?"

"I am fine. There is still some slight discomfort, but hardly any to grumble about. And in your presence, the pain is non existent."

"The wedding was beautiful, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day."

"It is not over yet." He squeezed her tightly, "So how does it feel to be the Duchess of Albany?"

"It feels mighty fine, my darling husband."

"Ah, I am a husband now, a roll I look forward to immensely I might add." He had a twinkle in his eye.

She managed to give his bottom a slap, "I know what you are thinking?"

"What was that for?"

"Your roll as husband.."

"What are you implying that I am only concerned with having you in my bed? Do you think that is why I have planned this whole affair?"

"I think it might have something to do with it. You are impatient."

"I can't deny that, but I assure you my roll as husband goes far beyond the bedroom."

"I am glad to hear it."

"And I am hoping you feel the same about the roll you have as my wife, the Duchess of Albany."

"I take this title very seriously." She teased.

"Really. Then you will have no problem with the required tasks a Duchess might provide."

"Like what?"

"Fetching my slippers, massaging my feet, always remaining a few steps behind me when we are out in public, never disturb my sleep, agreeing me with wholeheartedly…" Leopold was smiling.

"Okay, you can stop there."

"But that is only just a beginning." He teased.

She placed her hand on his cheek, "I think for the time being we will stick to the most important task a Duchess can provide."

"And what pray tell is that?" He smiled at her.

She passionately kissed him, his hands caressed her back. Guests were now coming out of the chapel and Jack had to slap Leopold on the back to get his attention.

"Hey, I think you need to save that for the bedroom this evening."

Leopold blushed a bit, and let go of Kate, taking hold of her hand as they greeted their guests before they headed down to the house for the reception. After awhile of small talk, guests began to head down to the main house and Jack had brought Mordred up to Leopold. Kate looked puzzled.

"What's this? You can't be back on a horse?"

"That was part of the agreement. I am definitely back on a horse." He mounted Mordred with no problem, and then reached his hand down for Kate to grab it, "Take my hand."

"Leopold, I don't think this is the wisest idea you have had."

"Just take my hand, trust me."

"Right, I remember the last time I was on horseback with you. You scared the shit out of me."

" I assure you I am riding you down to the house, and that is all. Take my hand." He now commanded and then added, "Please."

She did, and she wasn't sure how he managed it, but he pulled her up and had her sitting in front of him. He encircled his arms around her as he took the reins. He whispered in her ear, "This feels very satisfactory indeed."

"You be careful. It's downhill all the way, and If I fall…"

"Would I allow you to fall? You are the most precious thing in the world to me. You are in good hands, I assure you. Relax."

"Easy for you to say."

He smiled, and took one of his hands and rubbed it across her thigh, it made Kate tremble and he felt it, "Are you cold?"

"No," she said with a little hesitation in her voice, and he leaned into her neck kissing it, and when he had to take the hand off her leg to hold on to the rein, she wanted it back. Taking hold of his wrist and placing his hand back on her thigh. He smiled, "Ah, I see…this is all fine, but I can't ride with one hand, Kate."

"Try."

"I thought you wanted me to be careful."

"Careful is overrated, I am willing to take the risk." He smiled.

"Alright, the risk we will take, if it makes you happy." He once again kissed her neck. And took both reins in his right hand.

"That is nice too."

Leopold found himself a bit flushed as he headed the horse down the hill towards the house. Part of him wanted to continue down the road and take her away from the gathering of friends and relatives in the house. He wanted her all to himself. But he was also anxious to enjoy the party with the people he cared most about, and he knew Kate would want that too.



The celebration was a joyous one. More upscale then the party a few weeks ago for Janet and Jack. The mixed group of Lords and Ladies, Doctor Townsend, Millicent and Charlotte, aunt Agnes, Millard and Margaret and then the staff was interesting. A waltz would play by the string quartet and then the McClaren brothers would do a fast jig, and even Millard and Margaret and their friends, people Leopold had known since he was a child, were up and frolicking with the staff. Leopold was especially tickled to see Millard dance with young Molly, and he was actually enjoying himself. Of course, the amount of champagne he had drunk might have had something to do with it. Both Kate and Leopold worked the room, so they danced with everyone it seemed but each other, At one point Leopold was dancing with Charlotte, Millicent's 9 year old, and he was thoroughly enjoying himself. Thinking how unlike Edgar she was, which was a good thing. Kate danced passed him with Millard and smiled, "I am jealous. You are having way to much fun."

"I am afraid, Kate, that I have made a dreadful mistake and I do believe Miss Charlotte is the young lady I was intended to marry." He teased.

Charlotte giggled, "Don't be silly, your grace, you are way to old for me."

"Old? You think I am old."

"A bit."

"So I have no chance."

"You are married, sir."

"It is a shame, isn't it? I suppose I will have to die of a broken heart."

"I can be your friend, like mama is. But I plan on marrying Gareth Atkins."

"And who is this Gareth Atkins, is he worthy of you?"

"Papa would say no, but I say yes. He is a farmers son."

"A farmer is a fine profession."

"Papa says you followed your heart and that was stupid."

"And how do you feel about that Miss Charlotte?"

"I think following your heart is wonderful."

"You are very wise for one so young and I am sure Gareth Atkins is one lucky fellow to have the affection of such a bright beautiful young lady as yourself."

Kate who had been dancing next to them smiled. Leopold was good with children, and she thought of the day they would have one of their own. She also thought of Charlotte and the household she was being brought up in. It was sad, but somehow Charlotte seemed very well adjusted. The music ended and Charlotte saw Kate standing next to her. She toke hold of Kate's hand and placed it into Leopold's.

"I think you look beautiful when you dance together. Just like the prince and princess out of Cinderella when they danced at the ball." Kate and Leopold smiled down at her. A waltz started up and Leopold proceeded to waltz her around the room.

"I am yours the rest of the evening. So please, do not leave my side or I will be swept away by Dr. Townsend's wife or Lady Ratcliff. She kept pinching my cheek, and it was truly horrifying."

Kate laughed, "Try dancing with her husband, he has a twitch in his neck and I keep thinking he's going to lead me in the other direction."

"Are you enjoying yourself, otherwise?"

"It's wonderful. Everyone is having such a good time. Even your uncle. You were ever so sweet with Charlotte."

"She is a lovely little girl, surprising enough considering who her father is."

"You aren't going to mention him."

"No, I am not. And Millicent looks lovely this evening."

"I agree. It is hard to believe it's the same woman we encountered at her house only a month ago."

"I know your friendship has meant the world to her." She knew what he was thinking. Edgar was there in his mind, how could it not be talking about Charlotte and Millicent. She quickly changed the subject.

"What other surprises do you have in store for me this evening?"

"Ah, now that is something I will not divulge at this time. You must be patient, my darling wife."

"Not even a hint?"

"My lips are sealed."

"I am sure it will be ultimately romantic, and way beyond my highest expectations."

"So you do have expectations?"

"You will not disappoint me, Leopold. That I am sure of. Everything you do you do extremely well." Leopold started to feel a little hot and bothered as the music ended,

"I really could use a glass of champagne, join me."

She knew he was a bit apprehensive about their wedding night, but she found it sweet. She was enjoying the party, but she was anticipating their first night together more than she thought imaginable. She didn't realize she was staring blankly into space until Leopold waved his hand in front of her.

"Are you still with us?"

"Of course." She took his arm, "Champagne. Isn't that what you said?"

Leopold had a feeling he knew what she was thinking, much the same of what he was thinking, he pulled out his pocket watch and saw the time was around 9pm. The party was far from over. He wondered if they could sneak away, it was a thought. First the champagne.