To Save a Love - Alexa Aston Page 0,72
hadn’t talked about a date but Anna hoped it would be soon after the third and final calling.
The clergyman then looked out over the church and said, “I am new to this parish but I am aware that this couple has known each other from childhood. I look forward to performing their ceremony.”
He then looked at her and smiled, bringing tears to her eyes.
Everyone rose and a final hymn concluded the ceremony. People started to file out but Dez took her arm.
“Reverend Hummert wishes to speak to us a moment,” he told her.
Tom nodded and escorted his wife and Jessa from the church.
Once everyone was gone, the clergyman came to them and said, “I am Reverend Hummert, Miss Browning. I wanted to personally welcome you back to Draymott.”
“Thank you, Reverend. And thank you for what you said after calling the banns.”
“I have only been here two years and have just gotten to know Lord Torrington.” The clergyman’s eyes twinkled. “He is an improvement upon the previous holder of the title, as is your cousin. I must say that Lord Torrington has convinced me not only how much he admires and respects you but that you are a love match.”
Anna glanced to Dez, who slipped his hand around hers.
“I am sorry you were parted so many years ago,” Hummert continued. “I look forward to getting to know you both better and hope you will be active participants in the parish.”
“Thank you for your support, Reverend,” Dez said.
“Do you have an idea when you wish to wed?” the clergyman asked.
“The day after the third calling,” Dez replied quickly, causing Hummert to chuckle heartily.
“I will place the event upon the church calendar. Any time in mind?
“I will leave that up to my bride-to-be.”
“How about ten o’clock?” she suggested.
“I suppose I can wait that long,” Dez said, squeezing her fingers.
“Thank you, Reverend Hummert,” she said. “I will see you next Sunday. Or perhaps at the altar guild meeting this week?”
Hummert shuddered. “I stay away from that. Too many bossy women. However, they are good parishioners. My vestments and the altar linens are always in impeccable shape. The guild members also prepare the church for services and straighten up afterward. They will be the ones who decorate the church for your wedding.”
She smiled. “Then I think it is high time I begin attending meetings with my sister.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I should go and speak to any members of the congregation who still linger. I always have one or two who compliment me on my sermon.” He grinned. “A few others who tell me I spoke too long or not long enough.”
They laughed and followed Hummert up the aisle, stepping out into the warm sunshine of the June day. Anna came to a halt as she looked out and saw the entire congregation still present, formed in two lines. The moment they saw her, hearty applause broke out, along with smiles on the faces of so many. Tears came to her eyes and she gripped Dez’s arm for support.
She recognized Mr. Harmon, a longtime tenant at Shelton Park, who stepped forward.
“Miss Browning, you always had a smile and a kind word for all of your father’s tenants. You visited the sick and brought baskets of goods to every family—and not just at Christmastime. You have been sorely missed during your time away and we, the people who are at Shelton Park, are grateful for your return. We are happy to share you with those who live and work on Torrington lands and tell them that they are getting a wonderful mistress.”
“Thank you, Mr. Harmon,” she managed to say loudly and clearly before emotion closed her throat.
Everyone applauded again and Dez led her down one of the lines and back up the other, allowing her to greet tenants and villagers alike. She saw so many familiar faces and felt their love and support as gratitude filled her. Polite Society might not welcome her back but she would always be at home in the country with these good people.
When they finished, Reverend Hummert stepped up and said, “I see you are much beloved, Miss Browning. I am grateful to number you among my flock.”
Anna thanked him and turned to Dez. “May I make an announcement?”
“Of course.”
She looked out at those gathered. “I am sincerely touched by your charity and generosity. Usually, a wedding breakfast is attended only by family and close friends. I would like my marriage to Lord Torrington to be more of a celebration, however.