Notes: I only had time to translate half a chapter today.
October – November 1814
The wedding was only two weeks away, and Colonel Barton noticed Elizabeth was growing more nervous and worried by the day. He didn't know what was wrong with her; He was afraid she would regret marrying him. With determination and fear of what she might answer, he decided to talk to her.
"Lizzy, I realize you are distracted, and every time I talk about our wedding and your future home in London you answer me with monosyllables. Please tell me the truth, have you changed your mind and don't want to marry me anymore?" Patrick concerned asked her.
"Forgive me, Patrick, I want to marry you." She sighed, "But lately I have been worried thinking about Jane."
He nodded and asked resignedly, "I understand your fears. Do you want to postpone the wedding until Jane's childbirth?"
Lizzy met his eyes, shook her head, and smiled slightly, "No; Jane doesn't want us to postpone our wedding." sighed, "but after our wedding trip to Dover I would like to stay at Redstone until Jane's child is born."
Because Elizabeth had heard Mrs. Maxwell rave about Dover, especially the cliffs and the castle, and wanted to see the place, Patrick had leased a small cottage there to spend their first weeks of marriage.
"I figured you would want to return to Redstone after our wedding trip to Dover." He kissed her gently, "Unfortunately I have to return to London two week after our wedding," he smiled weakly, "but you know I am used to riding 10 hours to see you, even for a few minutes." He gently caressed her cheek, "I love you, Elizabeth."
She kissed him, "Thank you, Patrick, for being so understanding with me. It is very important for me to be with Jane before her child is born." She leaned her head on his shoulder and said in a low voice, "I am so afraid something bad will happen to my sister."
"I hope not my love, but only God knows…"
Two days before the wedding the Gardiners arrived at Ramsgate. At Mr. Harrington's insistence, they stayed at Redstone. The marriage settlement stipulated that Elizabeth contributed £3,500 to the marriage, and Colonel Barton another £1,500 for Elizabeth. Furthermore, if Mrs. Barton died, her dowry (£5,000) would be inherited by Elizabeth.
The day before the wedding, despite Elizabeth's insistence that it was not necessary, Mrs. Gardiner and Jane had a long conversation with her and explained what to expect on her wedding night. The conversation was brief since unlike Jane, Elizabeth had read her father's anatomy book and was not nervous about her wedding night.
On the day of her wedding, Elizabeth dressed in a new light-yellow dress with golden embroidery that highlighted the color of her eyes and a matching bonnet.
About thirty people attended the church and agreed the couple looked stunning and seemed very happy. Even though Jane was seven and a half months pregnant and had a hard time walking, she attended the wedding.
The wedding breakfast was at Redstone and just after noon Elizabeth and the Colonel left for Dover. Mrs. Barton, at Mrs. Maxwell's insistence, stayed with her for a few days.
Elizabeth and Patrick's wedding night was very special for both of them. Patrick was deeply in love with her and tried very hard to make the experience pleasurable for her. Lizzy felt many emotions she had never experienced before, and after consummating the union twice that night they slept in each other's arms.
As usually happens when one is happy, both felt that days passed too quickly; they made love several times, but they also had time to visit famous tourist places and make plans for the future. With each passing day, the two were more and more convinced that they would be very happy together.
Two weeks after the wedding, Patrick returned with Elizabeth to Redstone, and sadly he had to return to London early the next morning with his mother.