Author's Note: The chapter some of you have been waiting for...drum roll please Here it is, the wedding chapter...if ya'll are good...I may post the last chapter before the epilogue...humor and fluff mostly. Thanks to Heather who is glad to be rid of my horrible coma errors and repeated nodds, smiles, and enters... and Nicole... They worked hard on this story for a long time. Emjoy...oh, Jedi... your characters are back...Meg
Jacqueline stood in front of her mirror. She examined herself closely. A knock sounded. "Come in," Jacqueline said.
Helena walked in. "You look fine my dear." Helena and Joseph had gotten there the day before. Helena opened a box. "King Charles wanted me to give this to you. A wedding gift." Jacqueline turned and took the earrings. They were the blue diamond earrings he had given her before. She had left them, saying she did not need them. "His majesty sent this note."
Jacqueline took it and read it. She smiled softly as she put on the earrings. She had on the pearl necklace that once belonged to d'Artagnan's mother as well. She also wore his mother's wedding dress. That item she had found hidden in d'Artagnan's trunk. It was white silk with white lace over it. On the lace were small diamonds and gold trimming. The veil had seed pearls and even smaller diamonds woven into it. Jacqueline sparkled all over.
A knock interrupted them. "Little sister, you are beautiful." Gerard admired his sister. "Are you ready?" Jacqueline nodded and took his arm. Helena walked out in front of them leading the way.
The garrison had been decorated with bright colorful flowers. The courtyard had seats covering it. At the front sat King Louis, Queen Helen, and Queen Anne. Everyone turned as Jacqueline started down. Siroc and Ramon smiled at her from beside d'Artagnan and Charles d'Artagnan nodded toward her also from beside his son.
As they reached them, Gerard let go of her and handed her over to d'Artagnan. "You take care of my sister."
D'Artagnan nodded at him. "I swear it."
Jacqueline took his arm and they turned to the priest as the ceremony began. Jacqueline shifted trying to get comfortable. The dress was a bit snug, as she had put on a little weight in the past fortnight. D'Artagnan took her hand and looked into her eyes, as he was lead through his vows. He then slipped a simple gold band onto her finger next to his mother's ring. Jacqueline felt tears come as he was lead through her vows and she slipped a simple gold band onto his finger. Ramon and Siroc hugged them both as the ceremony finished.
The priest cleared his throat. "The Viscompte and Viscomptess d'Artagnan," he announced.
Everyone cheered and clapped and the king stood. "We celebrate at the palace now." More cheering could be heard as the carriages were ordered.
Charles d'Artagnan helped his new daughter into the carriage. "I always wanted a daughter," he told her. Jacqueline hugged him. "Edmund is thrilled you are moving back to France. It means a lot," she paused. "To us both," She then turned and sat down. D'Artagnan climbed in beside her and they were off to the palace.
The palace buzzed with servants. Trays of food were brought in and out. Wine was poured and given to everyone. Louis had ordered the musicians to play. Jacqueline looked around her. Ramon had mutton in one hand and in the other a glass of wine as he munched contently while talking to a girl who looked a little familiar. Siroc was studying a shadow made by the sun onto the wall of the palace. Joseph and Helena were talking to the King and Queen. Captain Duval was off to the side alone eating. Gerard was off walking with d'Artagnan, her husband. Husband…she thought about it. It made her warm all over to think of him as that. She suddenly frowned. Her new father had disappeared. She looked around some more; the queen mother was also missing…Well that is interesting.
She was about to go speak to d'Artagnan about it when the king stood and the room fell silent. "I think it is time to toast to the Viscompte and Viscomptess d'Artagnan." Louis stopped as he thought. "May they live long and bless France with musketeers from their family." Clapping followed as Louis sat down.
Ramon stood next. "To two my wonderful amigos," he paused. "I knew they would not keep out of trouble." He winked at them. "Even on such a mission. Mi amigos, be happy and live long." He raised his cup and drank. Laughter followed his speech.
Siroc stood up. "I never thought that I would be here, especially at d'Artagnan's wedding," he paused as everyone laughed again. "But here we are, and I must say, they were destined for each other." He too raised his cup and drank.
More clapping followed and Gerard stood. "To my lovely sister. I wish you all happiness. You are braver than I am. Mother and father would be proud of you." He paused as Jacqueline's eyes misted. "To my new brother, if you hurt her, I will find you." He threw Jacqueline a look. "Unless she beats me to it." He raised his cup and drank as everyone laughed.
D'Artagnan stood now. "To my friends, I thank you for sharing this wonderful day with me." He turned to Jacqueline. "To my beautiful wife, I love you with all my heart." The room was filled with cheering again. D'Artagnan turned to Gerard. "My brother, we are both glad you are here in France to stay." He hugged him.
Jacqueline smiled. She was glad they were getting along. She turned as Charles d'Artagnan quietly entered the room. Jacqueline stood up. "Your majesties, thank you. To our friends and family, we love you all, but it is time for us to go." She reached for d'Artagnan and they turned to leave as everyone stood up to honor them.
Once in the carriage, d'Artagnan leaned over to Jacqueline. "My love, that dress makes you look like an angel."
Jacqueline rolled her eyes. "Edmund, dear, did you forget already that I am your wife? You need not use your flowery talk anymore." He laughed and leaned down to kiss her. The rest of the journey was spent in discussion of Italy and what to do while they were there.