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that pretty is as pretty does, Miss Calandra. I’ll want to hear good things of you when we arrive.”

      Oralia came into the bedroom and stopped, her hand going to her heart as she viewed her daughter. “Oh, my, my, darling! It is perfect. You look regal.” She handed Cally a small spray of star-shaped white orchids. Then she asked, “Where is Aurora?”

      “Here, Mama.” Aurora entered by the door that connected her room and Cally’s. Her gown was almost identical to her sister’s except that it was pale rose-colored silk. The visible underskirt was of cream brocade, hand painted with tiny blue forget-me-nots. Her matching shoes had pink rosettes, and her brown-gold hair was fashioned with twin ringlets on either side of her head. Her only jewelry was a gold cross that matched her sister’s.

      “Oh, how lovely you look!” Oralia said, pleased. She presented her stepdaughter with a bouquet of pink hibiscus and green ferns.

      George popped his head in the door. “Captain Conway and the Reverend Mr. Edwardes have arrived. The bridegroom is waiting eagerly. Are you ladies ready?”

      “Escort me down, George, and then you may come and get your sister,” Oralia said, gesturing to the two servants to accompany her.

      The two sisters were alone for a brief moment.

      “You’re certain you’re not sorry?” Cally said. “This is a wonderful and generous thing you have done, Aurora, but even I know Papa would not approve.”

      “I am not sorry,” Aurora assured her, “and Papa would want me happy first and foremost. You know that. Now, you be happy, Cally.”

      “Ohhh, I just know I will! I am going to be a duchess, and live in England. I cannot wait to get there and become a part of society!”

      “And Valerian? Do you give no thought to him?” Aurora was just slightly troubled by Cally’s childish attitude.

      “Valerian? Well, he will be my husband. What else is there?” Cally replied. “I’m certain we shall get on quite well.”

      George returned. “Come, my little sisters. ’Tis time.”

      They left the bedchamber, and Aurora descended the staircase first, moving slowly so that everyone would have a chance to see and admire Calandra. Of course only the servants were there to see, besides the ship’s captain and the Anglican minister who stood with his back before the open door of the house. To his left stood the duke, dressed simply but elegantly in pale fawn-colored breeches, full at the top and fitted above the knee, below which he wore white stockings. His coat was of black velvet, and his waistcoat a white brocade embroidered with black thread garlands. He had silver buckles on his shoes, and lace at his throat and cuffs. Reaching the minister, Aurora stepped to the left and turned to see her stepsister.

      Cally moved gracefully, her little hand upon George’s arm. When they arrived before the Reverend Mr. Edwardes, Valerian stepped forward, and George gave his sister’s hand into that of the duke and stepped into Valerian’s former place as George had two roles to fulfill in this wedding. He was to give the bride away, and he was also the best man.

      “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here together today in the sight of God and this company to join together this man and this woman,” intoned the Anglican minister.

      How long had it been since she had been to church? Aurora wondered. The minister had come from Barbados for her father’s funeral, and before that? She could not remember. Her father would have liked to have had a clergyman on St. Timothy, but without a congregation it would have been good money wasted, he always said. The slaves had their own religion, and a family of five plus their servants was hardly worth the bother. So the minister was sent for only when he was needed. Hardly an ideal arrangement, Aurora thought. When I go to England I shall go to church every Sunday, she decided. England. What fate was awaiting her there? Only time would tell. Her mind wandered here and there for the next few minutes, and then she heard the minister say, “I now pronounce you man and wife.” He joined their hands. “Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Amen.” Then the Reverend Mr. Edwardes smiled at the couple. “You may kiss the bride, your grace.”

      Knowing her shyness, Valerian quickly and lightly brushed Calandra’s lips with his own. She looked very surprised.

      Oralia kissed her daughter and then the duke. “I am so very happy for you both!” she said, her eyes filled with tears.

      The newlyweds were then congratulated by their relations, Captain Conway, and the servants before they adjourned to the dining room for a wedding breakfast. While they ate, the trunks were being carried from the house, put into a cart, and taken down to the harbor to the ship. When the last toast was drunk, Captain Conway arose from his place.

      “I do not wish to rush your grace, but the sooner I can weigh anchor today, the sooner we will reach England.”

      “Of course,” the duke agreed, standing and drawing Cally up with him. “You will want to change, my dear. Sally, take your mistress upstairs, and do not dawdle.”

      “Yes, yer grace,” Sally said smartly. She and Martha had been invited to the table, being old and treasured retainers.

      In a surprisingly short time the new Duchess of Farminster returned, dressed fashionably in a gaily flowered Pompadour taffeta travel dress, a broad-brimmed straw hat with blue ribbons, and lace mitts upon her pretty hands. “I am ready,” she said in a breathless voice.

      Oralia began to cry. Both her daughter and stepdaughter rushed to comfort her. “I am being foolish, I know,” she sniffed.

      “Now, Mama, you must reconsider your decision and come to England with Aurora and George in late autumn,” Cally said.

      Oralia shook her head. “I do not like to travel,” she replied. “When you have had a baby or two, or three, bring them home one winter to St. Timothy for their grandmama to see before she dies.”

      “Now, Mama,” Aurora said, struggling not to laugh. “You are not going to die for many years to come. You are far too young. Give Cally your blessing, and a kiss so they may be under way.”

      Oralia sighed, but did as her stepdaughter suggested, kissing first Calandra, and then Valerian Hawkesworth. “Take care of my darling child,” she instructed the duke.

      “I will, ma’am,” he promised her.

      Cally then hugged her stepsister, her brother, and finally Martha. “I shall look forward to seeing you in a few months.”

      George grinned. “Together,” he said.

      “Forever!” Cally responded.

      “As one!” Aurora finished their pledge.

      Valerian Hawkesworth looked puzzled, and the trio laughed.

      “Your wife will explain to you,” Oralia said. “Now, go, before I cannot let you go!” She put her handkerchief to her mouth.

      The duke helped his bride into the open carriage, and with a wave they were off down to the harbor, Captain Conway, Browne, and Sally following in their own conveyance.

      “I do not know if I can bear it,” Oralia said softly.

      “Be of good cheer, ma’am,” the Reverend Mr. Edwardes said. “It is God’s will that a daughter leave her mother’s house for a husband. Your daughter has married incredibly well. Be thankful!”

      “George,” Aurora said quickly, “would you be so good as to take our kindly minister down to the boat and have Franklin sail him back over to Barbados. The winds are brisk today, and I believe he can be home in time for lunch. It was so good of you to come to St. Timothy to marry Cally and Valerian, but we cannot keep you further from your parish duties, Reverend Edwardes.” She smiled sweetly.

      “Happy to come, Miss Aurora,” he replied. “I hope I shall next see you wed to some fine young man. We have several suitable gentlemen in my parish, among whom might be one who would suit you.”

      “Perhaps

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