Affairs of State(63)
A knock on the door made them jump. “Sorry to disturb you,” called a tentative voice. “But the dressmaker requires your presence for an urgent fitting.”
“Oh, dear,” she whispered. “I think we’d better get up.”
“If we must.” He nuzzled her face. “The best part is that tonight we’ll be right back here together.”
* * *
The ceremony took place in the estate’s thirteenth-century chapel. Since the chapel was only large enough to seat immediate family, Simon and Ariella’s vows were simultaneously broadcast to the gathered crowd of guests on the estate lawns and an eager viewing audience on both sides of the Atlantic. When they were declared man and wife, the newest royal couple joined the guests outside on a glorious summer’s day.
Scarlet had planned and executed the wedding with skill and courage worthy of a major battle. Tables and chairs were arrayed across the rolling lawns, each decorated with fresh flowers, and, in a green touch that Ariella especially loved, an assortment of beautiful tableware and linens borrowed and bought from collections, antique stores and markets, for a spontaneous yet luxurious, country garden picnic feel.
Given the estate’s large size and the volume of the crowd, they decided that one band wasn’t enough, so in addition to the traditional orchestra, they had an African ensemble, a bluegrass band and a group of singers from the Westminster Abbey boys’ choir, who wandered the grounds serenading guests as they mingled on the lawns and nibbled delicacies at their tables.
Ariella saw Scarlet rearranging a Meissen jug full of roses, and hurried over to her. “Hey, lady, you’re not supposed to be working today. You’re here as a guest, remember?”
Scarlet spun around, red curls flying. “Old habits die hard, though the team we hired is doing a great job. I’m surprised you’re not rearranging the glasses yourself.”
“It’s taking a lot of discipline.” She grinned. “But I’m working hard to retrain myself.”
“I’m still ticked off that you’re leaving DC Affairs. You could have been our British office.”
“I’ll have my hands full arranging events for the palace.”
“Lucky you.” Scarlet sighed. “The most magnificent venues in England at your fingertips. And the most sought-after guests as your family. How did the queen feel about Simon choosing you as his bride?”
“I was very nervous about it but weirdly enough she was lovely to me from the first moment Simon told her he’d proposed to me. She said she could see how perfect I was for him and she welcomed me into the family. Probably the biggest surprise of my life. And with her on my side everyone else welcomed me, too. Simon’s brothers are so sweet—it’s like having brothers of my own.”
“How did you talk them into letting you plan their parties?”
“I could see they needed someone with an imagination to take over. They were still throwing the same parties that seemed fun during post-war rationing. I told them I can provide ten times the flair for half the money, so they’re letting me go wild. British people really know how to party when they get a chance.”
“So I’ve noticed.” Scarlet glanced around with a grin.
“And some of the Americans are getting crazy, too. I saw you and Daniel dancing like demons to the bluegrass a while ago.”
“Daniel’s definitely mined my fun-loving streak. Before, I always enjoyed watching other people have fun at events. Now I’m realizing how great it is to be one of them.” She glanced up. “Cara’s just as bad as me. She’s only supposed to be managing PR for the event, but look, she’s trying to retie the bow on that table skirt even though she’s so pregnant she can barely bend.” They hurried over to her. “Drop that bow or we’ll send you on enforced maternity leave.”
Cara had recently left the White House press office after she fell in love with a network news reporter, and now worked with DC Affairs. She had that famous maternal glow already, her eyes shining and her chestnut hair glowing. “I have more than a month left before I’m due. You should indulge me now as I may not be capable of anything once I’m only getting two hours of sleep a night.”
Cara’s husband, Max, appeared, glass of champagne in hand. “Max, darling.” Ariella kissed his cheek. “You need to rein your wife in. She’s trying to do everything again.”
“I’ve talked to her about that and she’s still unstoppable. She should never have agreed to work with DC Affairs. You and Scarlet are a bad influence.”