Courtland Priory was a Georgian house, pure Palladian in style. It stood on a rise above velvet-smooth lawns which fell away to a large artificial pond, where its mirror image was perfectly reflected in the water.
Sebastian had explained that this was a Georgian invention, a vanity really, but a skillful and clever way to display another view of the house … showing off, in a sense, he had added.
Ever since Alexis had first visited the house, she had discovered many things which both amazed and intrigued her. She had grown to admire Sebastian more than she already did in the way he cared for and looked after his homes. They were perfect.
She was well aware that it was he who had taken this grand stately house and made it comfortable to live in without destroying its overall grandeur and importance.
“Papa got rid of some of the clutter,” Claudia had explained to her on her first visit, some months ago now.
“Once Grandmama and Grandpapa had died, and it was his, out went the potted palms in brass pots, the unimportant bric-a-brac, and the endless cushions. Papa had the staff store a great deal of furniture in the attics. You know he likes a spacious feeling.”
Alexis had completely understood, since she had Goldenhurst Farm in Kent as a reference, regarding his taste. She knew Sebastian wanted space, light, lovely paintings on the walls, plus total comfort with overstuffed chairs and sofas.
Sebastian Trevalian’s family estate in Gloucestershire was vast, composed of arable land for farming, land for grazing, forests, smaller woods, and meadows. It was an agricultural estate.
Not far from the Palladian house were the ruins of an ancient priory, where monks had lived and worked centuries ago and from which Courtland Priory took its name.
A river ran through that part of the estate and the story was that the monks had fished in that river for their meals and had tended garden plots, growing vegetables for themselves.
The Palladian-style house, built by one of Sebastian’s ancestors in the 1700s, stood in the center of the Great Park, which flowed down to the small village of Courtland. This was as old as the house itself, built for the people who had worked for the Trevalians in some capacity, then and now.
The village was charming. Apart from the cottages, it had a church, a church hall, a school, and a post office. Every cottage had a front and back garden, and a cellar. The villagers kept the entire village pristine at all times. They were proud of Courtland Priory and their own little enclaves.
It was seven o’clock in the morning when Alexis slipped out of the house and wandered along the path to the ruined priory. She wanted a little exercise and fresh air before the day began.
The house was already full of bustle, hustle, and huge activity. Extra staff had already arrived and were preparing for this very special day. Claudia’s wedding day. Sebastian had many guests staying at Courtland, as well as Cornelius Glendenning’s parents and siblings.
There was going to be a luncheon after the wedding ceremony, and then a small supper for the two families that evening. Quite a long day, Alexis now thought as she sat down on a large, flat stone and leaned against a partially ruined wall. Her thoughts were entirely focused on the wedding, hoping nothing would go wrong.
It would actually take place at noon. That was when Claudia would walk down the aisle on Sebastian’s arm as he escorted her to the altar where Connie would be waiting with his brother Oswald, who was his best man. His other brothers were among the ushers.
Alexis could only imagine the expression on Connie’s face when he would first catch sight of his bride in her exquisite white gown, long lace train, and diamond tiara. She was quite certain he would be stunned, perhaps even speechless.
In September, it would be her turn to walk down that same aisle in the Trevalian family church, which she could see in the distance.
It was rather beautiful, larger than she had expected. She had been impressed by the soaring ceiling and the interior, especially the many stained-glass windows which filled the church with brilliant light. Ancient family banners hung from the walls, dated back centuries, and were a potent reminder of the family history. Many Trevalians had been soldiers, doing their duty to king and country, patriots all, as well as bankers.
Yesterday she and Claudia had watched from the back of the church as gardeners had carried in masses of blue and white flowers arranged in urns and vases. The gardeners had placed them all over the church, in windows, niches, and on the altar, which created an amazing effect. Interspersed amongst the urns were tall white candles, taper-like in style, and held in heavy silver candlesticks.
When she had glanced at Claudia, she had immediately noticed the look of awe on her friend’s face. She herself had been filled with amazement at the finished effect. It was quite unique; the interior of the church had become an indoor garden. The mingled scents of roses and other flowers had floated on the air, obliterating the mustiness of the ancient church.
Now, sitting on the stone slab, she glanced around, looked up at the clear blue sky, and took in the natural beauty of her surroundings. She realized, with a small shock, that Courtland Priory, this grand stately mansion, would soon be her home for the rest of her life.
Today was Saturday, June 9. Sebastian and she would become husband and wife on Saturday, September 29. Not too far away …
An unexpected rush of laughter filled her throat. She, who had proclaimed she would never marry, could hardly wait for the day when she would become Mrs. Sebastian Trevalian.
Neither could her father, Henry Malvern, to whom she had confided her secret. Several months ago he had met Sebastian formally and had given them his blessing. Her father had been invited to attend Claudia’s wedding and was staying here at Courtland. She had noticed last night how well he had hit it off with Lord Reggie and Lady Jane. This had pleased her.
Rising, walking back to the house, she couldn’t help thinking that it was quite a crowd staying over. No wonder Sebastian had hired so many outside staff from the village. They were really needed. With a little jolt she realized, once she was his wife, running Courtland would become her duty. But he would guide her.
As soon as she was back in her bedroom, Alexis began the process of getting dressed for the wedding. Her gown was hanging in the cupboard, and she took it out, looked it over, and intently so. It had been newly pressed by Ellen, her maid here, and was ready for her to step into after she had done her hair and used some cosmetics on her face.
Her silk gown was by Madame Valance. It was beautifully cut and tailored, with a straight skirt at the front, a flare at the back from the hips down that became a small train. A square neckline and long sleeves added to its overall elegance. It was the color that she loved the most, a soft lavender-lilac with just the faintest hint of pink. Pleased with it, she put the gown back in the closet and went into the bathroom.
As she stood in front of the mirror, brushing her luxuriant auburn hair, it suddenly struck Alexis that today was a dress rehearsal for her … for her marriage with Sebastian in just a few months. This brought a smile of happiness to her face. Soon she would start a whole new life with him.
* * *
Alexis, her father, and Sebastian’s sister, Aunt Thea, were the last to enter the church before the bride. As they came in Aunt Thea exclaimed, “Oh my word! What a sight! The church looks marvelous, and it smells divine. Where’s the mustiness gone?”
Walking down to the front row of pews on the right side, where the Trevalians always sat, Alexis explained, “It’s been obliterated by the fragrance from all of the roses and other flowers. They create quite a spectacle, don’t they?”
Aunt Thea nodded. Henry Malvern said, “The light is extraordinary in here. From all of the stained-glass windows, of course. What a lovely aura they impart.”
“Rainbow hues,” Alexis murmured as she followed her father and Aunt Thea into the first pew, sat down, and glanced around. Lord Reggie and Aunt Jane were right behind her in the second row. She noticed other friends of Sebastian’s, smiled and nodded.
Several minutes later Miss Allerton, the church’s pianist, started to play. Everyone stood up as Sebastian and Claudia arrived at the top of the knave.
Behind them were Lavinia and Marietta in pink silk bridesmaid’s dresses, each sister holding the bottom of Claudia’s train.
Alexis reminded herself that this eight-foot-long train had to be detached from the hem of the gown, once the family photographs had been taken. A clever device had been invented by Madame Valance. Hooks and eyes held the train in place and later were unfastened so that the bride could enjoy her reception without getting her feet entangled in the lace train. It was removed, folded, and taken away.
The moment Sebastian began to lead Claudia down the aisle, Alexis fixed her eyes on him and never left his face. As they drew closer her heart missed a beat. She felt a rush of intense love for this man. Tall, slender, elegant in every way, he looked very much the proud father. He also looked unusually handsome this morning in a dove-gray morning suit, worn with a white shirt, gray silk cravat, and a white silk waistcoat.
And of course, he stood out since every other man present wore the traditional morning suit composed of a black frock coat with gray pinstriped trousers, white shirt, and gray waistcoat. All the men had a white rose on their lapels.
There was total silence in the church except for the music, as father and daughter proceeded to the altar. Alexis turned slightly in order to look at Cornelius. She smiled inwardly. He was staring at his bride in amazement, obviously mesmerized by her stunning beauty, she had no doubt.
The diamond tiara holding the long veil in place glittered brilliantly in the bright sunlight coming in through the windows. The diamonds on her ears sparkled. Alexis knew they were a wedding gift from Connie. The single strand of diamonds around her neck was from Sebastian. It had once belonged to Claudia’s mother.
Once they reached the altar, Sebastian took Claudia’s hand and put it in Connie’s, then stepped back. Everyone sat down. Sebastian joined Alexis in the front pew. He glanced at her, reached for her hand, and held it tightly.
Leaning closer to her, he whispered against her hair, “I can’t wait to be standing where Connie is right now.”
Because the vicar had started speaking, she could not answer him, so she simply squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. A faint smile played around his mouth. He too sat back and listened as his daughter and her fiancé took their vows and within minutes became man and wife. His daughter was a married woman now and he was pleased with her choice for a husband. She was starting a whole new life and he wished her nothing but happiness.
* * *
The reception was in full swing when the bridal couple and their families finally arrived in the pale green dining room after being photographed in the blue drawing room.
Because there were a hundred guests altogether, the furniture had been removed except for chairs placed against the walls. Waiters walked around with silver trays, offering canapés, champagne, water, and white wine.
A quartet at one end of the room was softly playing popular songs of the day intermingled with classical pieces. The chatter was high, old friends mingling, other people introducing themselves to those they didn’t know, being cordial and friendly on this special day.
Although the long train had been taken off her wedding gown and her veil removed, Claudia still wore her tiara. She looked starry-eyed with happiness.
Leading Connie by the hand, she brought him over to Alexis, who stood with Lord Reggie and Lady Jane near the French doors which opened onto the terrace. Sebastian was nearby, speaking with the famous trial lawyer, Laurence Tomlin, who was his cousin from his mother’s side of the family.
Cornelius gravitated immediately to Alexis, and started speaking to her about their honeymoon. They were going to Paris and then on to Monte Carlo on the Riviera.
“I’m afraid I haven’t been to Monte Carlo,” Alexis said. “But my father has taken me to Paris several times. I’ve given Claudia the names of some of the nicest bistros I know. You’ll enjoy them, and you should visit some of the museums, particularly the Louvre.”
Connie began to speak about his love of art, especially the Impressionist school, and as she listened to him, Alexis warmed even more to this fine, upstanding young man. She had always liked him from the moment she had met him. He was first rate. Honorable, kind, rather charming in a quiet, understated way, and totally sane with his feet planted on the ground. Claudia called him the no-nonsense chap, and Alexis understood perfectly what her friend meant.
Now she changed the subject. “Sebastian told me that you’ve really settled in well at the bank. I sincerely hope this move to work with your father-in-law is going to be successful.”
“Oh, no problems at all, Alexis,” Cornelius said confidently. “Good position. Learning a lot. He’s a great boss. An outstanding mentor. I’m a lucky man.” He leaned into her. “To be truthful, I’m very glad to be a part of Trevalians.” He gave her a sly grin, whispered, “Happy and relieved to be away from my very competitive brothers.”
Alexis couldn’t help laughing, and she nodded. “I fully understand. You like your independence, just as I do. Incidentally, speak to the concierge at your hotel, ask about Impressionist exhibitions. I think there is one on Monet coming up, also another on Renoir—” She broke off as Sebastian strolled over and took hold of her arm somewhat possessively.
Smiling at his son-in-law, he said, “Sorry to interrupt, old chap, but I need to speak to Alexis. Alone.”
“No problem, sir,” Cornelius replied, and turned to Lady Jane and Reggie, joining in their ongoing conversation with Claudia.
“Is there something the matter?” Alexis asked worriedly, observing the serious expression on Sebastian’s face.
“No, but I do need to speak to you about a certain matter. Alone.” He led her through the crush of family and guests, out into the main entrance hall, and into the library. Once inside he closed the door and locked it.
She frowned and asked, “Why are you locking the door?”
“I have something important to say and I don’t want anybody barging in here. Come and sit down on the sofa with me.”
She did as he asked.
After a moment of silence, Sebastian took hold of her right hand and looked at the emerald ring. “Why is this on the wrong finger?”
Surprised and somewhat taken aback, she said, “Because we are secretly engaged. It can’t be on the left hand.”
He sighed deeply and shook his head. “You’re living in a dream world. Everyone knows we’re together, so don’t be so silly. There’s no secret about this situation.”
She did not know how to answer him, but she understood him fully. She knew he was annoyed even though he wasn’t allowing that to show.
When she did not respond, he continued, “Some time ago, when you had been at Haven House, Claudia asked you in the carriage to tell me to announce our engagement at her wedding. You answered you couldn’t do that, and she let the matter drop. Why did you respond so negatively to her?”
Alexis bit her lip, and a sudden flush rose from her neck to flood her face. She wondered why she had. She didn’t know. And that’s what she told him.
“I see. So there’s really no reason, isn’t that correct?”
“Yes,” she whispered, now noticing the stern look in his translucent gray eyes. It occurred to her he might even be hurt. She couldn’t bear that, and silently chastised herself for being so stupid.
Glancing at her swiftly, half smiling, he removed the emerald ring from her right hand and put it on the third finger of her left. “There it stays,” he said. “I insist.”
She did not answer him, looked down at the ring and said softly, in a loving voice, “It is magnificent, Sebastian … thank you.”
After a moment of silence, he said, “I am going to announce our engagement at the end of the luncheon today. Do not say a word to me about stealing Claudia’s thunder … she’s got thunder surrounding her at this very moment, and is enjoying it thoroughly.”
Alexis gave him a long, loving look, and reached out to stroke his cheek. “I suppose I have been a bit silly.”
“You have. But I will correct that later when I tell the world that we are engaged and getting married in September. Here at Courtland.”
And that is what he did. During the luncheon, there were speeches and toasts, and more speeches, teasing, and jokes. At the very end Sebastian stood up, looked down at Alexis sitting next to him, and brought her to her feet.
“I want everyone to raise their glass to toast my future bride, Alexis. We are engaged to be married in September. Here’s to Alexis.”
“To Alexis!” the guests repeated, and raised their glasses. A moment later clapping broke out when Sebastian brought her into his arms and kissed her.