One hour later, Brandon took Clara into the garden, leading her to the archway of roses where they shared their first kiss. He stopped, turning to face her. "I have a confession to make."
Clara gazed at him curiously. "What confession is that?"
Brandon took her hands into his, his eyes fixed with hers. "I love you. I loved you from the moment we met the night of your debut on the terrace at Saint James Palace. I have loved you at every ball, at every dinner, during every moment we have spent together. I love you with every ounce of my heart, every fiber of my body. I will love you until my dying breath."
Clara was awestruck, her heart feeling as if it was going to explode. Brandon loved her, her! He didn't love anyone else, only her. She smiled, tears glistening in her eyes. " I love you too. I love you with every ounce of my heart, every fiber of my soul. I have loved you every moment we have shared together. I will continue to love you and only you for the remainder of my days."
Brandon smiled, kissing her sweetly. He went down on one knee before her, producing the black velvet box from the pocket of his trousers. "Then my dear, I do believe there is one final question I must ask you."
Clara gasped, covering her mouth as she saw the majestic ring. The band was gold, the gemstones consisting of a large round diamond in the center with two small square blue diamonds on either side. The gemstones sparkled brilliantly beneath the sunlight.
Brandon smiled, taking her left hand. "My darling Clara, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Clara smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. "Yes!"
Beaming like a schoolboy, Brandon slipped the ring onto her left ring finger. He stood up, pulling her against him for a passionate kiss. "I love you."
Clara returned his kiss. "I love you too."
They held each other tightly, feeling the warmth of the afternoon sunlight spreading over them. Their love was an ever burning flame, a blazing flame that would never be extinguished.
***
On a clear and beautiful morning toward the beginning of August, Clara stood before her mirror, smiling at her reflection. Her wedding gown was exquisite. It was composed of cream silk with off the shoulder sleeves a sweetheart neckline and diamonds Chris crossing along the bodice. The back of the gown was composed of a corset, and the train stretched out 7 feet behind her. Her hair was fixed into an elaborate bun with braids cascading across the crown of her head, complete with a rose shaped diamond hair comb.
Clara pulled on her cream silk gloves just as the door to her bedroom opened. Turning her head, she smiled as she saw her mother and brothers standing in the doorway. "How do I look?"
Elizabeth smiled softly, wiping a tear from her eye. "You look ravishing my love."
Arthur. "You look magnificent my dear sister. Like a true Duchess."
Bronson. "You look very lovely."
Clara smiled. "Thank you. I will miss all of you dearly."
Arthur stepped forward, hugging her tightly. "We will miss you too, but we will come and visit. And we expect you to come visit as well."
Clara. "You know I will come visit whenever I can. Hopefully you and Bronson will find yourselves a pair of lovely ladies to call your own."
Elizabeth. "I am hoping for that as well."
Clara turned toward her mother, tears welling up in her eyes. Stepping forward, she intertwined her arms around Elizabeth's neck and hugged her. "I will miss you mama."
Elizabeth hugged her tightly. "You know I am always a carriage ride away my dear."
Clara. "I know."
Arthur. "Come, our carriage is waiting. We don't want to be late."
They smiled at each other before making their way downstairs and out of the house. Climbing into the carriage, they settled back against the tufted seat, feeling relaxed and at ease. Moments later, they felt the carriage begin the journey to Westminster Abbey.
Clara felt as if her heart was going to fly right out of her chest. Within a few short moments, she was going to become the Duchess of Manchester. She would become Brandon's wife.
When the carriage drove up to Westminster Abbey several minutes later, the family stepped out and walked up the curving pathway toward the front of the majestic Church. They exchanged one last tight squeeze before Bronson and Elizabeth walked inside.
Arthur squeezed Clara's hand. "Ready?"
Clara nodded, the fingers of her right hand tightening around her bouquet of cream and pink roses. "Yes, I certainly am."
The doors to the church opened, and they walked inside. On either side of the aisle, the pews were filled with spectators. It seemed the entire London ton had arrived to witness the marriage of the Duke of Manchester and Miss Harrington.
As Clara walked down the aisle, she saw Brandon waiting for her at the altar. Wearing a three-piece black silk suit with a cream button up shirt matching cravat and black boots, he looked quite dashing. His eyes danced with happiness as she approached.
Brandon took her hands, his eyes fixed with hers. He smiled softly. "You look beautiful my love."
Clara smiled back. "Thank you."
The minister began to speak. He blessed the union between Brandon and Clara, praying for a long and happy marriage. Once his speech was finished, he asked each of them the binding question.
Brandon. "I do."
Clara. "I do."
The minister turned his attention to the group of guests. "Is there anyone here who objects to this union? If so, speak now or forever hold your peace."
The doors to Westminster Abbey burst open, causing Clara to turn and See who had intruded on her wedding. Her eyes widened, her face draining of all color as she saw who was standing in the doorway. No, it couldn't be.
Calvin's voice echoed through the high ceiling of the church. "I object!"