From the Ashes

Chapter Forty-two

The Manor was all abuzz with the preparations for the wedding and reception that was to be held in the ballroom following the ceremony. Richard looked briefly at his pocket watch. Soon, the guests would be arriving.

Finally, pleased with her appearance, Clara set off to seek out her brother.

Clara was not the least bit surprised to find him, washed, dressed and already overseeing the details for today. She walked down the main staircase. He stopped a moment when he caught sight of her and smiled.

Richard looked simply dashing in his formal attire, and he took her hand as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

"You look lovely, Clara."

"Thank you, Richard. I was hoping this dress would do." It was one she loved but had not worn in years, having not the occasion. She had hoped it would not appear too outdated.

"So, how are you fairing this beautiful day?" Clara asked, wanting to keep her promise to Juliana.

"Anxious, I guess you could say," Richard admitted.

"It is a rather important occasion. I believe it is to be expected," Clara teased.

"I have no reservations about marriage, sister dear. I just want everything to be perfect for Juliana and then there are... other matters weighing on my mind."

Clara frowned. "This day should not be tainted by such thoughts. Put them from your mind, Richard. All will resolve itself in due time, I am certain. Keep your focus on you both and you cannot go wrong."

Richard hugged his little sister, always wiser than her years. "You are correct, of course."

"The guests will be arriving soon. I wish to check the garden and chapel one last time to be certain it is ready for Juliana's entrance. I cannot wait to see her. It is an agony I must endure but thankfully not for too much longer."

"It will make the moment that much sweeter," Clara said, "I will let you to your business and see to your anxious bride. She bid me discover how you are fairing so is eagerly awaiting the news."

This made Richard laugh. Juliana was as impatient as he.

"Go, tell her I am in the best of spirits and desperately wish to see her smiling face."

"Consider it done," Clara said and headed back to Juliana's room to deliver the news.

Richard took note of all the men that Albert had stationed. He informed each one of his directive, "Report but do not intervene." They all acknowledged they understood and wished him well on his wedding day.

Richard found Albert near the chapel. He was overseeing the final touches on the wedding arch, a beautiful creation of red roses and white satin bows. Before the chapel were rows of seats for the guests separated by an aisle that leads to the chapel's entrance.

Richard felt pleased, knowing Juliana would love the way the garden and chapel had been converted into a fairy tale setting for their wedding day.

"Everything is complete," Albert said, seeing Richard approach.

"You have outdone yourself, Albert. Juliana will be so pleased."

"The Vicar has arrived and is in the chapel," Albert informed him.

"Thank you, Albert."

Richard entered the small cylinder shaped building, dressed up with Roman columns and a domed roof, its appearance, more that of a temple, than a chapel. Contained within was a marble altar covered with a cloth, embroidered with the Bentley family crest. Placed in front of the altar a cherry wood kneeling bench. Above the altar was a clear multipaned window in the shape of a cross allowing the only natural light in the building. The rest will be provided by the large standing candelabras that were placed on either side.