~Present~
{Rosalina}
"So, what time is Lord Gray getting her?" Graclynn asks, frantically fanning her herself as we wait on a street with many shops.
It's a scoldering hot Thursday for it to be April. The wedding is in three days' time and the rehearsal dinner is the day before, of course.
I've come to find I'm not as worried as I was about my ball. Although I really thought it would be much worse. The invitations were sent out about two weeks ago. I'm still very reluctant and unhappy about this.... but it all seems easier to swallow. Much easier.
"I'm not sure," I respond, glancing up and down the dirt street. I'm tempted to begin today's adventure without him.
Penny and Lilith stand near us, talking quietly about something. Servants gossip, I'm sure.
Just when I start to find myself drifting towards a shop, I see a carriage pull up in front of me and I see the crest on it that resembles the Gray family. The coachman opens the door, and I see my... beloved betrothed. However, what I do not expect to see is another man following him out.
"Is this her?" The man asks Julien. He's got a head full of thick brown hair and bright green eyes. He looks very preppy, especially since his tone holds deep excitement.
When Julien nods, the man is practically shaking with joy. He moves swiftly towards me and grips me by the shoulders, looking me up and down. I go rigid, completely unaware of who this man is and what he's doing.
Julien scoffs, pulling the man back by the collar of his shirt. "There's no need to inspect my fiance, Rowan."
I just smile awkwardly and sneak a glance at Graclynn who seems just as confused.
Rowan chuckles. "My apologies, Julien, I just wanted to make sure she's a good fit for you." He sucks in a deep breath. "I have to say, I'm surprised. She not like... well, the usuals."
My eyebrows furrow at this. I do not like the sound of that. Not one bit.
I think I notice Julien's right eye twitch, but he says nothing. He simply walks over to me, offering me his arm, and says, "Where to, my dear?"
I take his arm, giving him the faux-loving smile I've learned to perfect in the last month of my life. "Let's start with the cake, darling. We can go and get fitted for everything later. You and..."
"Rowan Daverns, my lady," He says, offering me his hand, but Julien hastily knocks it out of the way.
I'm tempted to tease Julien for it... maybe later.
"Well, then, Lord Danvers. I am Rosalina Hastings, soon-to-be Gray." I then look back at Julien. "You and Lord Danvers can go get fitted for a tuxedo later. I think we should start together and split up later."
Julien nods. "Then that is what we shall do."
We end up going into a little cake shop that looks just perfect for when you're planning a wedding.
"Good afternoon," the young boy, who couldn't be any older than sixteen, behind the counter says. He has bits of flour smudged on his face and seems exhausted, but gives us a big toothless smile nonetheless.
"Good afternoon," I reply politely.
"What can I do for you all fine folks?"
Graclynn grins. "We were hoping to try some cake flavors for a wedding."
The boy nods. "Alright. We have about twenty flavors, do you want to try all twenty or only a few?"
I look up at Julien. But before either of us can reply, Graclynn says, "All twenty, please!"
"Coming right up!"
I look at Graclynn like she's insane. "What?"
"All twenty?" I ask with my eyebrows raised.
"Twenty cakes? Now, that's what I'm talking about!" Rowan shouts almost childishly. I find myself wondering how he is a gentleman.
"Of course!" Graclynn responds as if it was obvious. "How are we going to know we've chosen the best flavor if we don't try all twenty?"
I look at Julien and he seems to be trying to hide an amused smile. I just shake my head with a soft laugh.
The boy brings out a trolley full of twenty plates, each with a single slice of cake, each with a little tab for the flavor sticking out of it on a toothpick. "Here you, ladies and gentlemen. Let me know if I can do anything else."
"Thank you," I say politely.
We all sit down at a nearby table. The shop is a bit cramped, but we make do. Graclynn picks up the first cake and we all pass each other forks. Each of us take a piece out of the cake and the second the soft substance hits my tongue, my face contorts. I swallow it regardless.
I shake my head a little, trying to get the taste of my mouth. "Too sweet. Way to sweet."
"Can we get some water?" Julien ask, sounding slightly annoyed. But not at me, almost like her just expected the boy to read his mind.
"Of course, sir."
"I think this is pretty good!" Rowan says, forking another chunk of the cake into his mouth.
Julien rolls his eyes. "It's not your wedding, you fool."
Graclynn giggles at this, moving the plate aside and pulling forth the next one as the boy brings me a glass of water. I drink it generously.
The next cake we try is much too dry and basically tasteless. Even Rowan was disappointed in that one. One was too savory, one just fell apart and was nearly impossible to eat. And some were good but... they just didn't scream wedding at you.
It not until we reach the fifteenth cake do I finally find the one.
"Oh my gosh!" I say after I swallow. "That was amazing. What do you think, my dear?"
He nods slowly. He has been taking small bites, so I assume he's not much of a sweets person. My theory is confirmed when he finally speaks. "Yes, not too sweet, not too dry, that's perfect, and I'm not one to be a fan of cake."
I lean close to his ear and lower my voice so that only he can hear me. "Can't say I'm not surprised."
He sneers at me. "Watch yourself, dear."
I ignore him and instead look at Lilith and Penny who stand behind us. "Here! Try this, girls!"
"You're too kind, Lady Rosalina," Penny says. "But I couldn't possibly—"
"No, it's fine! Just try it!" I tell them both, handing them their own forks, allowing them to take a bite as Graclynn flags the boy down. "We'll take this one!"
Penny's eyes widen. "That... very good."
Lilith nods along. "Delicious. Best cake I've had... ever."
I grin as the boy comes over to us. "Alright, now just choose how you want it to look, and I will get right on it."
He hands us a book full of wedding cake decorations before loading the plates of half-eaten cake onto the trolley and rolling it away.
I take a sip of my water and flip through the book. "Ooo, that one is pretty," I say, pointing to one.
Graclynn just shakes her head. "No, we need something big! Something that's so amazing it looks too good to eat!"
I can't help but giggle.
"Oh! Like this!" she plants her finger on a large, three tiered cake that looks like it would be the size of a human if it were life size.
I look to Juline for advice, but he just gives me a look that says, "She's your friend..."
I give Graclynn an awkward smile. "Doesn't that seem..." I pause. "Like a bit much?"
Graclynn gives me a crazed look. "Of course it's not! It's just right for you and Lord Gray's wedding!"
"Yes! Fit for a king and queen, I'd say," Rowan chimes in.
"Precisely," Graclynn agrees. "So, it's settled." She waves to the boy. "We'll have this one."
"Prefect," He replies. "I'll start on it and it should be ready by... Sunday morning, I'd say."
"Excellent," I say with a grin.
"Congrats, by the way!" the boy says as we stand to leave.
"Thank you," I respond.
And with that, we leave to continue our mission.
"Oh! We forgot about decorations!" Graclynn exclaims.
I cock my head to the side, linking arms with Julien. "Whatever do you mean?"
"I mean we need to go buy some!"
"I was just going to use my mother's—"
Graclynn waves a finger in my face. "No way! We are going to buy fresh ones. And I'll get my little brothers and sisters to make some too!"
I sigh but nod, feeling like I have no say so. When Giovanni and Graclynn got married... well, let's just say it wasn't much of a wedding. Graclynn likes to go all out, and who am I to say no to her?
Buying the decor was surprisingly the easiest part. Graclynn pretty much just ran around and... well... she basically bought everything they had. The store clerk was very happy to see the amount of money being paid.
We leave the shop with our pockets feeling lighter than before, and Lilith and Penny gone to take the various bags to the carriages.
"I'll say," Rowan starts, "did you see that turkey wreath in there? Blimey, it's not even Easter yet!"
"Maybe someone wanted a turkey wreath," I say, suppressing a laugh.
"In the middle of spring?! I find that very difficult to believe, Lady Rosalina."
"Who knows?" I continue. "Maybe they just really like the fall and Thanksgiving."
Julien snorts at this, causing me to finally let out my laughter.
"You laugh, but I'm telling you, those people are mad!"
Soon, we're all laughing at Rowan Danvers as we walk down the street.
"So, this is where we part," I say, almost dramatically as I stare at the bridal shop across the street.
"It appears as much," Julien replies. He takes my hand in his and presses his lips to my knuckles. I try my best not to grimace. "See you soon."
Rowan then grabs him by the shoulders, pulling him away from me. "Okay, lovebirds, let's get this show on the road!"
My eyebrows furrow. "What on earth just came out of your mouth?" I know I've never heard that phrase before.
Rowan shrugs. "It sounded pretty nice, so I thought I'd say it aloud."
Julien, who wears an expression of pure annoyance, says, "You sound like an imbecile."
Rowan only laughs as he drags Julien into the men's formal wear store. Graclynn and I, accompanied by Lilith and Penny who have just returned, cross the street and enter the bridal shop.
The second we walk in, I'm amazed by the dresses I see. My eyes fall upon other dresses that aren't just for brides. I haven't told Graclynn yet, but she is going to be my Maid of Honor, so we won't just need a dress for me.
"Come on!" Graclynn shouts excitedly. A nice, young woman walks up to us and she looks thrilled to see us... to the point she almost seems fake.
"Hi there!" Her southern accent seeps through thickly. I find myself very curious about her origins. "My name is Jilly. How can I help you fine women today?"
"Well, you see, Jilly" Graclynn says. "My best friend here, Lady Rosalina, is getting married soon. Very soon. And we still haven't picked out a wedding dress for her. You think you can help?"
Jilly's face lights up. "Oh, my goodness! You're Lady Rosalina Hastings!"
My eyebrows shoot up. "Um... I am, yes."
"Your wedding with Lord Julien Gray is all of the town gossip!" I find my face falling a bit. For some reason, this makes me sad. "You're in luck! This dress just came in from China. It's just the most gorgeous dress you'll ever lay eyes on!" She continues to speak quickly as she leads us to the back of the shop. "When I saw it, I immediately thought of you and so I decided to keep it in the back in case you came to my bridal shop!"
She suddenly stops and squeals loudly. "I'll be right back!"
She disappears through a door and I turn to look at the girls, a very concerned look on my face. Lilith smiles light-heartedly and Penny stares at the floor, seeming to find it very interesting.
"I like her," Graclynn finally says.
I'm quiet for a moment. "You do...?"
"She's so peppy! I like peppy."
I'm very concerned about how this dress looks... This Jilly girl seems to be the time to hand you a bright yellow dress to wear to a funeral.
Before the conversation can continue anymore, Jilly reappears and is just as excited to see us as before. "Okay, okay, okay!" she says repeatedly, the dress covered in plastic as it lays in her arms.
She walks over to an empty rack, hanging the dress there, and removing the plastic. My eyes grow wide.
"Oh my..." I say slowly.
I look it up and down. It's a lace dress, very wide, the skirt poofs out quite a lot. There's ruffles leading down to the train of the dress which appears to be a good length. It has lace sleeves and more ruffles around the bust. I'm happy to say that this is not what I expected at all.
"Well?" Jilly asks hopefully.
"Try it on!" Graclynn commands me. I chuckle as Lilith, Graclynn, Penny, and I all fit into a dressing room.
They work together and carefully get the dress on me before allowing me to step out and see myself in the mirror. I twist left and right, not sure what to say.
"Oh, Rosalina!" I hear Graclynn's voice crack and I quickly turn to her to see her crying.
"My lady!"
Graclynn shakes her head and sniffles before giving me a big grin. "You look stunning. You look absolutely beautiful!"
I look back to the mirror, mesmerized by my appearance as I try to imagine how I would look in the actual moment.
"Yeah... I guess I do." I look over my shoulder at Graclynn, Penny, and Lilith. Now we need three more dresses." Their eyebrows furrow, so I continue. "Because I need bridesmaids..." I look at Graclynn. "...and a Maid of Honor."
Her tears start to fall faster as she throws herself at me and wraps her arms around my neck. "Yes! Yes, of course I will be your Maid of Honor!"
{}{}{}{}{}
{Julien}
"I still cannot believe you're getting married, Julien."
"Well, it's happening," I respond drily.
"Wait!" He suddenly shouts as we walk in.
I find myself with the deep urge to throw him through the shop window. "What?" I snap.
"You never gave me answer when I asked you a few weeks back!"
"Answered what? That you're ridiculous? Rowan, we've known—"
He scoffs at this, not amused by my teasing. "No, you numbskull. I want to be your best man!" Rowan says excitedly.
I look at him with distaste. "No."
His face falls. "Aw, why not? Who else could you possibly have in mind other than your best friend?"
I glance around. "I don't have any friends."
Rowan groans dramatically. "Come on, Julien. ME. Who else?"
"Giovanni Howard?" I say more like it's a question than an answer.
He scoffs. "That coward. No way. Maybe a groomsman but not your Best Man. Just pick me!"
"I'll think about it," I murmur, knowing full well it would be him who I grant the title of Best Man to. Maybe later after we've picked out tuxedos...
"Hello, and welcome to my— Ah, Lord Julien. It's good to see here, old friend. How's your father?" The shop owner, George, greets me. He's an old family friend who's been around for a long time.
"He's fine," I reply stiffly.
"That's good to hear. So what can I do for you today?"
"You see, old Georgie," Rowan says, swinging an arm around my shoulders. "Jully here is getting married."
His eyes grow wide. "Goodness, I heard about that! Congratulations! Of course you're here for a tux! Come, come! Let's get you ready."
{}{}{}{}{}
{Rosalina}
"Ooo, and we can make you a flower crown with the viel woven in!" Graclynn exclaims as we all wait for the carriages to come pick us up.
"That's a great idea!" I respond. "I really like the sound of that."
"Hello, ladies," Rowan says, coming up behind us. Julien slips in next me.
"Did it go well?" He whispers.
I nod. "It's like you said. Even those we've told have to believe it eventually."
"Good girl," he praises. I roll my eyes subtly. "After all," he continues, "we are getting married in three days. So, we might as well lay it on thick, hm?"
"Yeah," I huff quietly. "I suppose we should."
{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}
So, we've had a little bit of POV change, I really needed to include that scene with Julien and Rowan, I thought it was very important.
This was just a fun little filler. Next chapter will be the rehearsal dinner and then... they will finally get married.
Who else is pumped for Graclynn to have her baby? I know I am!
I am loving this story more and more with each chapter I write and post.
But I cannot wait to edit this thing😬It needs some work in several places.
Thoughts?
Questions?
Suggestions?
Thanks for reading!😘❤