Wedding

Wedding preparations began almost instantly.

Mother despite her displeasure with my engagement and me as a person was eager to be part of the planning.

Days after John (as he asked me to call him) proposed it made headlines.

Not all of them were favourable.

John had decided to stay in Philadelphia with me until our wedding which afterwards I would be going back to New York with him.

This news had made rose very upset, she was not happy I would be leaving her.

I myself was non too pleased, I had wanted to be with father as long as I could be while he was still on this Earth but John could not afford to spend any more time away from New York.

We planned to have the wedding in March so at least that gave me 4 months with my father and sister.

John would have to take several trips to New York in that time but they would be weekend trips only.

Fortunately With John by my side facing Philadelphia's high society wasn't so terrible.

We were still outcasts but it wasn't so terrible, it only meant that we were each other's companion at the social events and galas.

Helen wrote to me expressing her delight that I would be joining her in New York.

Nether the less 4 months wasn't a very long time to plan a wedding, especially when your Fiancé was the richest man in America.

With our wedding being in the set in spring John and I decided To utilise the good weather and have a beautiful garden wedding.

The house John's renting was set on 10 acres of land with a pond and beautiful gardens large enough to host the ceremony and reception.

John had put his foot down with my mother when it came to wedding colour she had wanted pink and white however I wanted peach and light blue.

Mother disapproved but as John told my mother, it was my wedding, not hers.

So to my delight and my mother's distaste peach and blue it was.

Invitations had already gone out to New York and Philadelphia's high society.

My mother had written a guest list of over 600, however, both John and I had cut it down to 300.

Christmas time had passed in good cheer and so had my birthday.

John had gifted me a beautiful necklace with gold beading and a beautiful amethyst in the centre as well as some lovely silk gloves.

Soon we were in the year 1911 and life only got busier.

Today I was especially nervous, with the wedding little over 2 weeks away John's son from his previous marriage William was coming to visit John thought it would be a good time to introduce me to them.

Ava had decided that she and johns daughter also named Ava would not attend until the wedding considering she was a child of 9.

Needless to say, I was very nervous.

I doubt I was what William expected from his father's second wife.

William was only 2 years older than me.

John had assured me William would like me once they got to know me, however, I was still unsure.

The entire car journey I was fidgeting, making sure my dress was straight or my hair was still in place.

John was waiting to greet me the moment I pulled up.

He placed a kiss on my hand once I was in distance.

"You look beautiful marigold."

Despite him telling me how beautiful I am it never fails to make me blush.

John leads me toward the parlour where I can hear an unfamiliar voice.

John squeezes my arm one last time before he opens the door.

Conversation stops and a pair of brown eyes stare at me.

John addresses his son.

"William, my I present to you Miss Marigold DeWitt Bukater my Fiancé."

I clear my throat.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

William remains expressionless.

John leads me towards the breakfast table and pushes me in.

Everyone resumes their breakfast, I pour MySelf some tea and take a few slices of fruit not that hungry.

Taking it upon myself to break the obvious tension.

I turn my attention toward William.

"William, your father tell me you have an affinity for the piano do you have a favourite composer."

"Beethoven," William speaks sharply.

Okay then.

"Your father tells me you have a love for trains."

"Yes," his response is still sharp.

"I have always found the mechanics of them so interesting and how you can convert coal into power."

"The machines very interesting, The expansion of the steam pushes the pistons that connect to the driving wheels that operate the locomotive. Coal or oils are the fuels used for heating the water Heat from burning coal turns water into steam, which rises to the top of the boiler. That's the black smoke that comes from trains." William explains.

His Tone possesses a coldness though unlike before it wasn't as crass.

"William has agreed to be my best man." John joined in the conversation.

The smile William gives John is night and day than the one he gave me.

The rest of breakfast Caries on with ease.

John and William discuss matters relating to Astoria.

Soon breakfast is finished and the three of us at the wish of John take a stroll through the blooming gardens.

Sometime during our stroll, John had engaged his valet Victor in conversation, the pair had walked on ahead leaving me and William to walk behind them.

We walk in silence, I want to speak but what can I say.

William dislikes me and I don't want to make things worse.

"Would you stop fretting it's distracting?"

I realise this am subconsciously rubbing one hand with another a nervous habit of mine.

"I'm sorry."

We walk a little further in silence until William breaks the silence.

"If you are going to be an Astor you need more confidences and to be stronger."

"Pardon."

William elaborates.

"You are going to face much distaste in New York many of the high society ladies are friends with my mother so that makes them dislike you on principle, the others will be bitter and jealous that father chose you and not them, you will need to grow a thicker skin if you are going to become an Astor." William clarified.

"Yet I have the feeling you don't want me to Become an Astor, I know you don't like me."

William Scoffs

"I don't know you, so I can't make a Conclusion on my opinion of you yet, one thing I do know is you make my father happy and I suppose you are far more appealing than that whore Madeline Talmage." William spits out that name.

"I would like to get to know you better, perhaps once I'm in New York we could get together for afternoon tea or perhaps visit the theatre."

William turned to me with a small smirk on his face.

"We'll see."

We were once again joined by John and the 3 of us continued with our stroll.

Since that day William had become nicer, it wasn't on the level of warmth he interacted with his father but it was a far better reception than when we were first introduced.

A few days before the wedding, gifts started arriving and as a tradition mother had hosted an afternoon tea.

Most of it mother took centre stage leaving me by myself on an empty table.

Before I could comprehend the 6th of March was upon us.

Trudy on the order of my mother had woken me up at the crack of dawn.

Trudy ran me a bath making sure to have it extra warm.

I would have liked to spend time soaking in the bath however that would not be possible.

I nearly have enough time to scrub my skin clean with the floral soap before Trudy is wrapping a gown around my shoulders and steering me to my vanity.

Knock knock.

"Come in"

mother strolls In still dressed in her nightgown.

"Marigold I have breakfast prepared for you, my dear. light fruits and ham, of course, we don't want you looking bloated now."

I bite the inside of my cheek, after today I will no longer have to live under the same roof as this woman.

I just have to suck it up for today.

Giving mother the most gracious smile I can muster.

"Thank you mother, I appreciate that."

Very soon my room is populated with servants and bridesmaids alike each given various tasks.

To my delight Helen had made the trip to be here for my wedding and was one of my bridesmaids, along with the countesses of Roth's two daughters, Rose was also a bridesmaid, unfortunately, Alice's delicate condition made it impossible for her to be a bridesmaid however she was still coming to the wedding and her place had been filled my lady Greta an old peer of mine from school.

Mother and I drink tea and eat fruit as ladies prepare around us.

"Marigold we shall be travelling by car no later than 2.30."

I sip my tea before nodding my head.

"Yes, mother."

After I had finished my food I made sure to brush my teeth until they were pearly white.

Trudy has quickly ushered me to my vanity where she began the painstaking task of removing the foam rolls from my hair that Trudy has placed in last night.

Trudy loosens the curls a bit to be able to work with them. She then collected the hair on the back of my head while leaving out the outer ring and made a simple bun.

Trudy began rolling the hair at the outer circle. Taking a stand and rolling it, beginning with the front end to the direction of my head, then with two pins secured it to my head.

Trudy then did the same for the side of my head and then the same at the lower back of my hair. Trudy pinned the rolls to my head in a way they blended into each other.

Trudy began softly pulling the pieces of hair out so it covered any gaps.

Trudy opened the bun and began taking single strands and rolling them, pinning them randomly, loosely onto my head.

Trudy then set to work on my complexion.

Trudy covered my face in a light foundation, then added some rouge to my cheeks as then some rose to my lips.

All morning everyone was gushing about how beautiful was.

Our next task was to slip me into my wedding gown.

Despite my mother's wish for an S shape corset to bring in my stomach and full skirt I instead opted for the growing popularity of the empire line.

With the waistline higher it meant my corset didn't have to be so tight.

Unlike mother insistence on wide, puffy sleeves that were tapered to the forearms, I choose instead Short lace sleeve that ended just below my shoulders.

Intricate lace-covered a majority of the dress enhancing the already tiered skirt, the Ivory wrapped around my waist added some colour to the simplistic white of the rest of the dress.

I had decided to forgo a guimpe much to mother's horror, the square neckline did little to calm my mother.

My mother had been kind enough to loan me the veil she had worn at her wedding it has been passed down, the lace while aged was still beautiful, it would be held on by a headpiece of peonies of orange and white.

For jewellery I had picked a beautiful pearl necklace that had a sapphire diamond clasp, it was a wedding gift from John.

Rudy helped me lace up my wedding boots.

1:30 came around quickly and I was sitting in the car with my father and rose, my other bridesmaids and mother were in the car behind us.

Rose helped me out of the car and handed me my bouquet of peonies, roses and Brunnera's.

Rose much like the other bridesmaids was clad in peach silk with hats decorated with white lace and peonies they each carried a wreath of flowers.

The sound of violins and chatter echoed through the house.

Mother soon departed to fin her seat where father and my other bridesmaids got into Position.

The familiar bridal March began to play and we set off.

As I walked down the aisle I was hardly able to see John amongst the crowd of guests.

Then I saw him, waiting at the end of the aisle, William by his side.

I when I reach the end of the aisle I stand in front of the priest, my father on my left and John on my right.

The priest moved his hands down.

"Please be seated."

"Dear family and friends, we have gathered here together to witness Marigold DeWitt Bukater and John Jacob Astor IV, as they exchange their vows of marriage. We rejoice with them in their delight of finding love with each other, and support their decision to commit themselves to a lifelong relationship.

Marriage is like an umbrella that covers and protects love. As 1 Corinthians 13 says, we learn that love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful; it is not irritable or resentful, nor arrogant or rude. Love does not seek self, nor does it rejoice in the wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears and believes in all things. Love hopes in all things endure all things and love has no end. Who gives the bride away?"

"I do." My father states.

Father placed my left hand on John right.

John and I were now starring at each other.

John's jubilant expression was infectious for I too smiled underneath my veil.

The priest then went on to the wedding readings.

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Amen"

"Amen," we recite.

"The sanctity of marriage is not one to go into lightly, the vows you are about to make to each other should be the foundation of your marriage do you agree to honour your vows to each other but to god as well."

"We do" John and I speak together.

I priest nods.

"May I have the rings?"

One of the Paige boys walks up to the priest with two almost identical wedding rings placed on a cushion one slightly larger than the other.

"John please place the ring on Marigolds left finger and repeat after me."

John slides the gold band on my finger with ease.

"I, John Jacob Astor"

"I, John Jacob Astor"

"Take you, Marigold DeWitt Bukater"

"Take you, Marigold DeWitt Bukater"

"To be my wife"

"To be my wife"

"to have and to hold from this day forward,"

"to have and to hold from this day forward"

"for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health"

"for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health,"

"to love and to cherish, till death we do part"

"to love and to cherish, till death us do par

"according to God's holy law,"

"according to God's holy law,"

"in the presence of God, I make this vow."

"in the presence of God, I make this vow," Johns repeats confidently.

The priest turns to me.

"Marigold please place the ring on johns finger."

I grab the bigger ring and slide it onto his finger.

"Repeat after me"

"I, Marigold DeWitt Bukater"

"I, Marigold DeWitt Bukater"

"Take you, John Jacob Astor"

"Take you, John Jacob Astor"

"To be my husband "

"To be my husband"

"to have and to hold from this day forward,"

"to have and to hold from this day forward"

"for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health"

"for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health,"

"to love and to cherish, till death we do part"

"to love and to cherish, till death us do par

"according to God's holy law,"

"according to God's holy law,"

"in the presence of God, I make this vow."

"in the presence of God, I make this vow."

"John do you take this woman to be your wife."

"I do"

Marigold do you taken this man to be your husband."

"I do"

"Then by the power vested in me I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride."

John lifts my veil and leans down to capture my lips.

Our first kiss is chaste barely a peck.

We break apart.

"Ladies and gentlemen, May I present to you, Mr and Mrs John Jacob Astor."

We are greeted with applause and hand in hand we walk back down the aisle together.

Next, we pose for the official wedding photo.

I was sat on a chair surrounded by vases of flowers of blue, white, pink, and orange, John was standing beside me hand placed on my shoulder, the bridesmaids were situated around us and the flower girls and Paige boys were seated in front of us.

Pictures were then taken with mother and father and then with William and little Ava.

Hand in hand john and I walked to our reception.

It's only now did I have a chance to observe.

High society gentlemen and ladies were intermingling most likely discussing the latest gossip.

Tables of 12 had been set and some had already begun to settle themselves down on their dedicated table.

John and I had our table and once everyone was seated waiters brought out the sweet treats and finger sandwiches.

"You a truly a vision of beauty Mrs Astor," John whispers to me.

Mrs Astor.

That will take some getting used to.

I'm no longer Miss Marigold DeWitt Bukater daughter of the businessman William DeWitt Bukater, I am now Mrs Marigold DeWitt Bukater Nee Astor wife to sir John Jacob Astor one of the richest men in the world.

The rest of the wedding reception would pass along smoothly.

Waiters wheeled out our wedding cake which both John and I cut, we had decided on fruit cake.

A favourite of both of us.

People applaud as johns and I make the first cut.

The rest of the afternoon was enjoyable John and I was greeted by many well-wishers, the food was delicious, the mother was surrounded by her lady friends gossiping.

When the sun had started to se John took my hand.

"Are you ready to depart?"

I know what happens next, mother had Trudy explain it to me not that it needed explaining.

"Yes"

We had decided that the wedding night shall be spent at my family home and we would rerun to New York the next morning.

everyone threw rice and cheered as we walked to the car, John helped me in before climbing in next to me.

My short journey back to my house was filled with a comfortable silence.

Neither of us needed to speak, we were happy to just be in the presence of each other.

When we returned to the house John helped me out of the car and indoors.

I had a chance to look at the clock, goodness it was almost 10'o'clock.

The moment we were inside the house John took my hand and placed a kiss there.

"Why don't you go and prepare yourself for bed and I shall join you in a little while."

My stomach twisted but not in an unappealing way, more of a nervous yet anticipation feeling.

Trudy was already waiting for me when I entered my bedroom.

Never had my bedroom looked so clean, all the boxes, bags and other items from this morning had been removed, every surface was shining, the floors had also been hoovered, my bed linens had been changed from its floral bedspread to a pure white one, Extra pillows had been added.

The lamp's brightness had been lowered to a warm glow.

"Shall I help you prepare for bed Mam?"

"Yes please Trudy"

I sat at my vanity and Trudy began pulling the pins out of my hair until my brown hair fell around me, she then grabbed my brush and got rid of the last few knots.

While she was doing that I grabbed a damp cloth and began wiping the excess make-up on my face.

"Trudy I'm nervous."

Trudy gently placed a supportive hand on my shoulder.

"Every woman is on their wedding night ma'am."

"I've never done anything like it before what if John is disappointed."

"Mister Astor will know you are inexperienced, I'm confident he will not hold that against you, more than likely he will take control."

"Everyone tells me it will hurt."

"I'm afraid it will ma'am but that is the same for every woman, trust Mister Astor to make it as pleasurable as possible for you."

Trudy had finished brushing my hair that now curled down my back.

"I will miss you, Trudy."

Trudy has been a confident and friend of mine for years, I can't imagine what life will be like without her silent support.

Trudy undoes my corset and tidies away my dress and other accessories while I dress in my nightgown.

Since I was to journey with John back to New York tomorrow most of my clothing and other items had been pack away for the travel, I only had my outfit for tomorrow and my nightgown.

The white Cotten chemise had Scoop neck trimmed in delicate lace and ivory ribbon and tiny delicate shell buttons went up the back.

Over the top I placed a silk robe around myself, the soft blue silk caressed my bare arms, Valenciennes lace and silk embroidery on the sleeves was stunning.

Only a few moments after I had finished getting ready did my door open I take a deep breath but get the shock of my life, instead of it being my husband, Rose to poke her head through.

"Miss DeWitt Bukater you can not be here!" Trudy scolded my younger sister.

"Rose what are you doing?!" I ask in alarm John will be here any moment.

"I just want to check that your still okay and are sure you want this?"

"Yes, I do Rose now please leave." I dismiss her.

Rose slightly smiles before she shuts the door behind her.

I exhale before collapsing on my bed.

Naturally, this would be the same time John walked through the door.

I sit up in alarm and attempt to gather myself.

My cheeks heating up at the clear unladylike behaviour.

John doesn't appear to care, he even has an amused grin on his face.

Trudy is quick to dismiss herself leaving John and me alone.

I rake my eyes over John.

He to had changed into his nightclothes, a pair of grey and brown striped pyjamas with a black jacquard cotton dressing gown.

Unsure of what to do I merely stay where I am.

It's John that takes the initiative to walk over to me.

"Don't be afraid."

With as much confidence as I can gather.

"I'm not afraid."

"I just have never..." I can't bring myself to Finnish the sentence.

John slides the hair that was resting on my shoulder to rest on my back.

He brings his head down and grazes his lips across mine, I'm quick to respond John kisses become harder and more passionate, his left-hand grips my hair while his right rest on my back.

Hesitantly I bring my arms to rest on his back.

John, once we part John fingers the ruffle of my dressing gown between his thumb and forefinger.

"May I remove your gown."

"Yes"

John slides the silk off my shoulders before it falls to the ground in a pile.

Following his lead I undo the belt of his gown, John shrugs his shoulders in assistance and like mine, his robe falls to the floor.

John connects our lips once more, his fingers move my hair out the way and gently undo the buttons of my chemise one by one, the fabric slides further and further down my shoulders until the top of my chest is visible.

John then uses his hand to pull the chemise down further exposing my bare body.

I should blush yet I am transfixed on his face as he takes me in.

I have nothing covering my modesty.

"Beautiful" John breaths out.

His admission helps my confidence, with shaky fingers I go to unbutton this top, once undone John Nightshirt joins my chemise on the floor.

John then gathers me into his arms and brings us to the bed, where we will spend the rest of the evening consummating our marriage.

Afterwards, I would fall asleep in the arms of my husband feeling secure and protected in his embrace.