Ismay shook out Helena’s champagne-colored skirts in the church foyer before handing her a bouquet of pale pink hothouse lilies. “You look lovely, milady.”
Gracie took up position beside Helena’s maid and tipped her head to the side. She ran a critical eye from Helena’s head to her toes and back again. A wide smile broke across her face and she nodded, bouncing the tiny curls Ismay had made with the iron before they left the town house.
Helena’s youngest sister had come to live with her three days earlier. She hadn’t seemed disturbed in the least by the move, but Helena was still a bit wary about taking her to live at Thorne Place after the wedding. Her little sister had undergone many changes in her young life already.
Olive poked her head through the double doors leading to the sanctuary. “It is time. Are you ready, my dear?”
“Fergus is retrieving something from the carriage, then we will be ready.”
Her loyal Scot and his sister were staying in London until the end of the Season. Then they all would travel to Aldmist Fell in the autumn.
Opening the door wider, Olive held out her hand. “Come along, Miss Gracie. I need someone to keep me company while your sister and Lord Thorne exchange vows.”
Gracie went to her readily and took her hand. “Shall I help you back to your seat?”
“Oh yes, dearest. I’ve quite forgotten my way.” Olive winked at Helena before allowing Gracie to pull her down the aisle. The door swung shut.
Tears threatened to make an appearance, but Helena blinked them back. Olive had become a most precious friend, accepting not only Gracie, but the truth about Helena’s past. Helena and Sebastian had agreed it was only right to be honest with Wickie’s cousin, so she could decide if she wanted to continue an association with Helena.
Olive had pursed her lips. I always knew Wickie was hiding something. I hate to admit the truth is less damning than my imagination.
Of course Olive refused to comment further on what sins she had imagined her cousin had been guilty of committing. But it must have been wicked indeed, for Helena had never seen the countess blush before.
Your past is neither here nor there, Helena. I shall think on it no more and neither should you.
Helena couldn’t afford to be as nonchalant as the countess. In fact, she thought Olive was being too naive about the entire affair. There is always a chance everyone will learn the truth. Perhaps it would be in your best interest to keep your distance.
Pish-posh. Everyone has skeletons in their closets, my dear. Now eat your biscuits. All this worry has made you too thin in the face.
Ismay pulled the door open a crack and peeked inside the sanctuary. “Ooh, Laird Thorne looks more bonny than usual.”
Helena hurried to peek through the crack too and melted on a sigh. Impeccable as always, Sebastian stood toward the front of the church engaged in conversation with Lord Ellis. Sebastian’s black breeches and coat fit to perfection, and his gold waistcoat—which might appear gaudy on anyone else—was a spectacular choice. He was the bridegroom every bride dreamed of marrying. “He cleans up rather well.”
“He isna a stray, lass.”
Helena and Ismay jumped. The door swung shut and she turned to face Fergus. He held up a small box tied with a green bow. “Now, I am ready to walk you down the aisle.”
Ismay gave her a quick hug and hurried inside the sanctuary to witness Helena’s wedding. “Do no’ let me forget to give this to you after the ceremony,” Fergus said and slipped the box into his coat pocket before offering Helena his arm. “I am mighty proud of you. I know it wasna easy to let yourself fall in love. You’re a brave lass.”
She squeezed his arm. “Thank you, but it wasna hard to love Laird Thorne.”
He chuckled. “That was better, but you still do no’ sound like me.”
The double doors swung open and they began the long walk down the aisle. The arched stained glass window glowed softly, creating a sense of intimacy and protection from the world outside. Helena smiled at the familiar faces as she passed. Ismay. Lady Thorne, Eve, and Sir Jonathan. Olive and Gracie. The Dowager Duchess of Foxhaven. Lord and Lady Ellis. Even Lady Norwick and her husband had come.