A Wedding In Springtime(111)
“Nonsense, child. Stay and refresh yourself. But what is this creature you have with you?” asked the dowager.
“May I present Miss Jemima Price,” said Grant. “She is responsible for saving all of our lives.”
“It needs a bath.” The dowager called for her personal abigail and a flock of ladies’ maids to attend to the needs of the weary ladies.
When Genie had withdrawn, Jemima in hand, Grant also confessed a great need for a bath. “Sorry to leave you in such a tangle with a missing bride,” said Grant.
“If only Napoleon would invade or some such,” said the dowager. “The best way to avoid scandal is to give the gossips something else to chew on.”
“It is a shame Napoleon cannot be more obliging,” said Marchford.
Grant bowed and turned to leave but stopped and searched his coat pocket. With a smile, he strode back, waving the special marriage license in his hand. “Got a plan to save all our reputations.” He gave a foolish grin. “Except mine. I’m ruining myself!”
***
Marchford stood in front of the curtain concealing the garden, ready for the boldest performance of his life. If he failed tonight, the reputations of many would be in tatters. “Ladies and gentleman, distinguished guests.”
The noise and bustle of the ball subsided and several hundred of the most notable people in the land turned their attention to the duke. This was the moment for which they had been waiting. A salacious rumor being whispered was that Lady Louisa had run away, but most in the ballroom were waiting to hear the official news from Marchford himself.
Marchford resisted the urge to adjust his cravat. He prided himself in maintaining his composure no matter what the circumstances, yet this many eyes gave him pause—especially when he was not quite sure how to express himself without inviting scandal. He decided to start with the mundane. “I have behind me a project into which I have put a great deal of personal effort and from which I have derived a great deal of personal satisfaction.
“This new garden boasts several new species that have traveled here from such remote places as Spain, Italy, and even the Far East. I am particularly pleased with the flowers which have flooded the gardens with a heavenly aroma. I do hope all of you will have an opportunity to stroll the gardens to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.”
Marchford took a deep breath. It was time. “But first, I would like to say a few words to some important guests. It is my pleasure that the Earl of Bremerton could be here with his wife and their daughter, Lady Louisa.”
On cue, Penelope opened a side door and out walked Lord Bremerton and his family with expressions more appropriate for a public hanging than a society ball. Marchford had convinced them to pretend approval for their daughter to avoid scandal, but they were none too happy about it.
“As many of you are aware, our families have long been close. We have supported each other through times of great joy and great loss, and our two houses have always maintained close ties. Over the years, I have come to feel for Louisa as a brother would feel for his sister. Therefore, it gives me great joy to announce the marriage of Lady Louisa and Dr. Roberts.”
A collective gasp filled the room.
Marchford smiled as if he had not just heard the stunned shock of his friends and relations. Penelope ushered Dr. Roberts out the side door and he walked to stand beside Louisa.
“I am greatly pleased with this union,” said the dowager, joining the nervous couple before the crowd. “I wish them great joy.”
Marchford motioned for the servers to come forward with the champagne. “If you will all charge your glasses, I would like to propose a toast to the happy couple.” The guests were silent as they accepted flutes of champagne, as if waiting to see the crowd’s reaction to such startling news.
“To my dear friends, Lady Louisa and Dr. Roberts. May your union be long and prosperous. I truly wish you every happiness.” Marchford saluted the tense couple with his glass and took a small sip as the crowd began to stir.
“And now, my friends,” Marchford regained their focus. It would not do to let the gossips begin their commentary now. “Let me present to you the main attraction and the primary reason why I have invited you all to this ball.” Marchford glanced at Pen, who gave him a small nod. Everything was ready. Marchford pasted on a smile and raised his voice. “And now for the unveiling of what I believe to be my finest work.”
Marchford gave the signal and the curtain fell.