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Conversations of the Heart
A Journey of Love

Chapter 4. ~ The Bride is Pampered ~

Fiona was waiting impatiently for the bride and her maid of honor to arrive. She had brought the dress, undergarments, veil, and shoes from the dress shop as they had decided to get Elizabeth ready at the shop. Fiona immediately got started on Elizabeth's hair as the updo she had planned would take some time. In the meantime, Rosie got dressed in her beautiful red velvet dress. She touched up her makeup and added antique combs to her hair. These were a gift from Elizabeth for the wedding. She checked the mirror to satisfy herself that they were placed just right.

Fiona finished with Elizabeth's hair and Rosie applied her makeup while Fiona got the garments ready. They dressed the bride which was quite a task as there were two dozen tiny cloth buttons to fasten. The dress was exquisite. It had been designed by Rosie and Elizabeth in late fall before the actual proposal but when Lucas and Elizabeth had decided on their path forward. Rosie had Lucas order the Belgian lace through an acquaintance in Brussels. It was the most beautiful lace Rosie had ever worked with. It was a truly special color, white but not pure white, just a touch of cream that gave it a luxurious touch. The dress was designed in a new more form-fitting style with a medium-length train. It had long sleeves that came to a point over the hands. The neckline was beautiful, high in the back and dropping to a point just at the bustline. Fiona and Rosie worked together to attach the veil. It was custom-made to match the lace of the dress and was truly exquisite. They attached it using a special comb that had been purchased with the veil. The comb was adorned with a low gold tiara with pearls and crystals that added to the overall royal effect of the outfit. Rosie fastened the necklace that Lucas had given to Elizabeth as a wedding gift. It was a delicate gold chain with pairs of pearls along its length dropping down to a cluster of diamonds and a pearl drop. It also had matching earrings.

Rosie's eyes were filled with tears as she led Elizabeth to the full-length mirror. "You look like a queen," she said.

Elizabeth looked at herself and couldn't believe it was her. She did look like a queen just as she felt as she anticipated her king waiting for her. The king and queen of hearts she thought to herself. "Oh, Rosie," she exclaimed. "I don't know what to say to thank you. I feel beautiful and I can't wait for Lucas to see me."

"Well, by my estimation that is going to happen in about a quarter of an hour. So, we better get going. Let's get your shoes on and head over to the library; your father will be waiting for you."