Wedding Part 1: Preparations
Chapter 18 Things of the Past…
To a couple entering the period between declaring their love and being able to get married, no matter the length of time they must wait, can seem abysmally long to the couple themselves. So Belle thought as she and Rowland spent the evening being chaperoned by the insistent Mrs. Lucas. Rowland looked tense and was quieter than he ever was-now knowing that instead of the slight possibility of servants coming in or out at any given moment, there was a very vocal woman who was indeed listening, and very keenly, even while looking down through her clear eyeglasses, a bead of brass beads dangling from the side as she peered through them at a bit of sewing she had. It was obvious she was listening to them with the frustrated pulling down of her spectacles whenever she thought they said something truly outlandish, or the very obvious rolling of her eyes when she thought Rowland was holding back too much.
'You're allowed to look at her every once in a while, you know, sir.'
Rowland's mouth formed a thin line as he glanced over at his chaperone.
'Thank you, Mrs. Lucas, your input is unnecessary.' He huffed and Belle hid her mouth with her hand. Rowland did at long last look at Belle and cleared his throat, reaching to his jacket pocket and pulling out a small box.
'I did want to get your opinion on something, Belle.' His voice was low, though he knew it wouldn't matter-there were still too many ears in the room for his taste.
Belle lifted her eyes, knowing what the box most likely meant, and tried to gather herself so she wouldn't squeal in front of Mrs. Lucas.
He opened the small box that held a rose gold ring, with tiny indentations around it, and was topped with a circular diamond. On one side, two tinier diamonds jutted out like tiny leaves beside a flower. It was a dainty ring, yet so perfect that Belle could not stifle a gasp at its splendor.
'It's beautiful!'
'I'm sorry you didn't get it when I first asked you. I didn't actually think you would say yes, I suppose.'
Neither looked at Mrs. Lucas to see whether or not she was rolling her eyes this time.
'You've made me very happy, and I would be glad if you wore it.'
'Yes, of course! How did you…'
'I commissioned Jeffrey to get it. I described what I wanted, and since he knows you even better than I, I thought he would be the person to do it. Do you like it? I know it's not very large, but your hands are so tiny, I-I, um didn't want to overwhelm your finger.'
'It's perfect, Rowland, truly perfect. I wouldn't have wanted anything too large.'
He smiled. 'I thought as much.'
'And you said Mr. Jeffrey brought it? Does that mean?'
'Mmm, he's in a guest room, told me he would rather you get that tonight and he will see you tomorrow. He thought as your godfather he might need to assist his goddaughter in preparing for her wedding.'
She didn't think her smile could get bigger. Everything had been a bit bittersweet thinking of her upcoming nuptials. How she had wished her father and mother were there, that they could have met Rowland, that her mother could have given her some advice as she entered on the road to her new journey. Then again, if they were here right now, would she have ever met the recluse of Dark Manor? She would be content in knowing that her life had meaning and purpose and it had led her to Rowland, and now she would have Mr. Jeffrey to share in her joy.
That night, she spent trying to go to sleep, but kept being distracted by trying to catch the sparkle of the diamonds in the light of the moonbeams that would float through the gauze covered windows. It was as if the ring signified the reality of what was to come. She would become Mrs. Gold of Dark Manor, and she hadn't yet come to terms with what all that would entail. She was glad, at least, that hers would not be the normal domain of a wealthy household, where she would be expected to hold social events and appear before influential people. She would be a simple wife for a quiet man, and that was plenty enough to overwhelm her.
The morning found her rushing down to breakfast, eager to see her dear friend. Of course, she wasn't the only one excited for the guest who had come. Bae and Mr. Jeffrey were already in conversation, and Bae's high tones of excitement could be heard before she had ever entered the room. She did the standard curtsy as she was noticed, and Mr. Jeffrey exaggeratedly bowed in response before sitting back down again.
'It's good to see you, Little Rabbit.' His grin ate into his rosy cheeks.
'I am glad to see you, as well, sir!'
'Alright now, hold out your hand and let me see it.' He used his hand to beckon her own.
Belle reddened and did as he bid, the diamond caught the light and sparkled nicely, causing Bae to gape.
'Mmmm perfect, I knew it would be. Your future husband has good taste-then again, that is one thing the old brute has always had.'
'I suppose that's a sort of a compliment?' Rowland appeared and they all acknowledged his presence-Mr. Jeffrey with a smirk, Belle with a blush, and Bae with a wrinkled nose that showed he didn't quite know what to make with all the teasing.
'There you are Rowland-we were just admiring Belle's ring-and your taste, naturally.'
'Mmm' Rowland was pulling his napkin on his lap, his cane already set aside. His lips were in a thin line, obviously agitated about something. Belle wondered at his and Mr. Jeffrey's friendship. It always seemed to set Rowland on edge, and yet-they seemed to trust and understand each other in a sense.
'I've yet to receive my thanks, you know.' Mr. Jeffrey said quite smugly.
Rowland's eyebrows went up.
'For introducing you to your bride, of course! I knew she would do you good-you both good.' He smiled good naturedly at Bae. 'And I have been proven very much correct.'
Belle could see that Rowland did not want to give his friend the satisfaction of being correct, and a few seconds of silence, and sensing, while not hearing, Rowland's inward groan passed before Bae ventured,
'Thank you, Mr. Jeffrey. I know I'm glad.' And the smile he gave Belle could melt a heart made of solid stone, and even made his father's face soften.
'At least one Gold can admit his feelings.'
There was a very obvious eye roll and Belle had a strong desire to laugh.
'Anyway.' Mr. Jeffrey decided to steer things in a different direction. 'Have you got clothes that you don't mind traveling in?'
This was said to Belle and she looked at him curiously.
'Don't tell me you aim to get married in your day dress!'
'No, though I suppose I haven't thought of it much, I didn't know exactly…'
'Pish posh, none of that. I know you and how you are-you are probably worried about the money. Your fiance is loaded, didn't you know?' Both started and reddened at the declaration. 'And if you must know, so am , off you go' Her breakfast obviously finished. 'And put on your bonnet and let's be off to the shops. Get Mary to come with you, for a woman's opinion on these things-I don't suppose Bae would like to join us?'
His eyes brightened. 'Oh may I?'
The three looked at Rowland, to whom the question was given.
'It will be rather dull, Bae-It'll be clothing shops, not toy ones.'
Mr. Jeffrey tapped on the table absentmindedly. 'I imagine a chocolate shop might be visited, as a prize to us all. Much I'll not be able to stick around for-I'll just be the purse strings for the venture. There may be other things we can find to entertain ourselves.'
'Very well-mind Mr. Jeffrey-on second thought, mind Miss French, she has a much better head on her shoulders.'
Mr. Jeffrey feigned hurt, and Rowland smirked. Belle reached over and squeezed her fiance's hand before she went upstairs to fetch her bonnet, causing him to stiffen at the public touch.
'Any requests on the dress, Rowland?' Belle's voice was a bit small, the public displays of their affection for each other still seemed so foreign.
'Little Rabbit, you could wear a flour sack and Rowland would think you were gorgeous, am I not right?' He pulled his eyebrows up in a challenge to be argued with.
Rowland cleared his throat. 'He is right, you'll be beautiful in anything. Get whatever you want-spare no expense-He's got the money.'
Belle did not know if she could get any redder. 'I don't know which of you is worse!' She declared in exasperation and looked down in smiling embarrassment. She finally went to go fetch her bonnet.
The town was visited, shops were perused. Belle was fitted for a dress and all the accessories that went with them were purchased. Mr. Jeffrey insisted that she order some dresses for her trousseau despite her insistence she had plenty already. She disliked giving him too much expense, but she wondered if she would feel just as bad spending her husband's money once she and Rowland were married. Mr. Jeffrey would brook no refusal and she left town that day with more worldly belongings than she felt she had a right to own.
'Bae and I were at the Jewelers while you were being fitted.' Mr. Jeffrey announced to the party gathered in the carriage. 'And we had the bright idea, you might need a little something to go with your wedding ensemble.'
'Look, Miss French, look!' Bae was practically bouncing in his seat as he presented Belle with the treasure they had acquired.
Belle did not need to pretend to be shocked, for she was very much surprised at the beautiful and tasteful necklace that was placed in her hand. An oval shaped locket done in rose gold, the same color as her ring, with rose details, making it look like they were climbing up the chain itself was sitting beautifully in her hand. The locket opened and here she let out a true gasp and then a stifled sob when she saw her parents' faces looking up at her.
Mr. Jeffrey, who was hardly ever serious for more than five minutes at a time, was being so now.
'I know you miss them, little Rabbit, and wish they were here for you. I thought this way, they would have some part in the wedding too.'
'I don't know what to say.' She said through tears. Mary had very graciously looked out the window at this point, allowing the private moment to rest between the serious parties.
'Do you like it?' Bae's voice hinted at some worry-for if Miss French was crying, it might have been a disastrous purchase.
'Oh yes, Bae, very much, thank you-thank you both.'
'Bae chose that particular locket-he seems to have inherited his father's good eye.'
'It is very beautiful.'
'And those are your parents, Miss French?'
She lowered the locket to allow him to get a better view of their faces.
'She looks like you.' He pointed at Belle's mother.
'So I've been told.' Belle smiled shyly.
'You would have liked her, Bae.' Mr Jeffrey said. 'She was as kind as she was beautiful-sort of took me under her wing after my own mother died, though she was only a decade or so older than me.'
Belle smiled. It was good to have someone who knew her parents speak so warmly about them. A year and a half might have come and gone and over two years since her mother had passed, but the grief was still an ever present friend. She put the locket on and touched as if she was trying to evoke some of the warmth her parents brought in life through the pictures that were now hanging on her neck.
The weeks now seemed to pass too quickly for Belle, once her dear friend began helping her and Rowland prepare Dark Manor for a wedding. Mrs. Lucas was beside herself to get things ready, even when Belle told her that she need not exert herself too much when the wedding party would be so small.
Mrs. Lucas brushed her off with a wave of the towel that had been draped over her shoulders.
'A cake you will have, and flowers too if I have any say. I suppose you'll not be having a marriage breakfast?'
'Nothing out of the ordinary, to be sure. Mr. Gold and I have decided not to even honeymoon until after Bae leaves for school. We don't want to miss any time with him. So we will not be a very traditional couple. I'm sure whatever you do will be fine, Mrs. Lucas.'
'I'm surprised you have him going off on any honeymoon at all. What are your plans, if you don't mind me asking?'
'Not at all. He has promised to take me to the seaside. I've never gone and there are quiet ones without many people to worry about.'
Mrs. Lucas was not a smiling woman-no one could ever accuse her of that-yet her look was pleasant and warm, and maternal affections were in every feature when she said.
'You've done this house good, Miss French, and will do it good. How often I've prayed to the Good Lord to do something to get Mr. Gold out of the misery he has been in for so long. You are an answer to prayer, is what you are.'
Belle looked down in smiling gratitude before looking back up at the gray eyes before her.
'Thank you, Mrs. Lucas. That means so much to me.'
Author's note:
Turns out, I have a lot I want to say about this season of their lives. What I thought was going to be a few paragraphs turned out to be my normal length for a chapter, lol
I still have the wedding, plus at least 2-3 chapters (if not more...these things seem to get the better of me) before ending the story.
I hope you enjoy the chapter!
I've researched Victorian weddings, dresses, etc, but not much on the actual process of getting one made. I may make some mistakes, so apologies in advance.
Also, I normally write and edit at two different times (which helps me notice errors) but I had the time to do both, so there may be typos, sorry!
