her blessing.
“Oh, Amy, don’t be like that. I would take you with me, but I believe it is time to let you live your own life. You shall find someone soon enough, you will see. I will miss you so very much.”
She turned to would wrap her arms around her dear friend, and they remained in the embrace, savoring the special moment.
“Thank you, Judith. I will never forget you. You must write often.”
Judith laughed as they finally pulled apart. “I will. You’re my only friend. Who else will I tell my tales to?” she asked.
Before Amy would answer, the doors to her chambers opened, and her mother entered with Aunt Tia.
“All is set,” Aunt Tia announced. “Everyone is ready and waiting for the bride.”
Her mother came to stand in front of her. Tears formed in her eyes as she took her in.
“I have never seen you look so beautiful. I cannot believe I am about to let you go forever.”
Judith began to struggle with tears of her own.
“I shall always be your daughter, mother.”
“That you will. Come here and embrace me. I love you.”
“I love you too,” she replied softly as they hugged.
Aunt Tia came next. “You have made me so proud, so proud. Thank you for being brave. I wish you every happiness and so much love.”
They too embraced.
By the time they were done, the lot of them were drying tears from their eyes.
“Look at us. Like little children,” Aunt Tia jested. They all ended up laughing.
Soon after, Judith was standing between her father and brother, at the edge of the aisle.
Edward had insisted he would walk her down the aisle too.
“This will always be your home, Judith. Feel free to return at any time, for whatever reason,” her father said.
“There is still time to run away. I have a carriage waiting,” Edward jested.
Her father gave him a sharp look, and he simply shrugged, his cheeks big from grinning.
Judith shook her head at him, even as the love she bore for him swelled.
“I appreciate the offer, brother. Keep the carriage. It just might come in handy,” she said, jesting as well.
Just then, the procession began, and the congregation rose to watch her walk down the aisle.
Her father’s voice was solemn when he spoke again. “It is time.”
Judith nodded.
“Ready?” Edward asked.
She nodded again. “I am.”
They began to move then. As they drew closer, her eyes found Stephen.
There he was, in his formal wedding attire, looking more handsome than ever.
He stared at her as though she was the only person he could see. As though she was his world.
It became clear then that she had been worried for nothing. She would never regret her decision.
Never.
Every day of her life from there on, she would look back at that moment and be filled with gladness and gratitude that she had continued to take steps, towards him, towards the rest of her life.
As they reached him, her father and brother whispered in her ears,
“I love you.”
They both pressed kisses to the sides of her temple. Ever so tenderly, they handed her to Stephen, and went to take their seats.
When she stood facing him, all the love in her heart soared, overflowing.
There was calm. There was assurance. There was peace.
“Dearly beloved,” the priest began.
Everything happened in a wonderful dream. They said their vows, swore solemn promises, and were finally pronounced man and wife.
“You may kiss the bride.”
He did. He kissed her like he never had before, and she kissed him just as passionately in return.
Drinking, dining, and dancing followed.
So many people had come on behalf of her family. Some of Stephen’s past acquaintances were present, as well, and of course, some staff from Dunham.
They went around, saying hello to everyone who had chosen to honor their special day, but there was a particular family on Judith’s mind and eventually, they found them.
The Girauds.
As Judith had promised, she had visited them a few times since her return to London. She had given her sincere apology and had been offered their forgiveness.
She had been pleased to see they were living well and lacked nothing. Inviting them to her wedding had not only seemed like the right thing to do, but she also wanted to have them present.
“Mrs. Giraud. You came!’’ she chimed.
Mrs. Giraud nodded, smiling. “You asked me to, came to deliver the invitation yourself, for that matter. How could I not?”
“Thank you. You have no inkling how much it gladdens me to have you here on our special day.”
“I feel honored that you thought of