Chapter Thirty-Four

After weeks of renting a room in Bayou Sara, Stephen stood before Henri to ask for Millicent's hand. Soon, he needed to return home. He worried about his father and how their plantation had fared in his absence.

He waited nervously in Henri's study. When Mr. Beaumont stepped into the room, Stephen cleared his throat to speak, but Henri interrupted.

"I know you want to marry Millie. She's furious with me for making you wait these few weeks to get to know each other. If I have to hear the pen pal story one more time, I might lose my mind."

Stephen fought his laughter.

"So, yes, you have my permission but only if you promise me one thing."

"What?" Stephen would promise the moon if it meant he could marry Millicent.

"You must promise to bring Millie for a visit at least once a year."

Stephen breathed a sigh of relief. "Of course. I would be happy to bring her every year."

****

Three weeks after Millie's father gave his blessing for her and Stephen to marry, she peeked around a hedge. Stephen waited beside the minister. He shifted from side-to-side and she smiled at his nervousness. Cool evening air rushed around her ankles, but it was refreshing.

The wedding should have occurred inside but Millie refused. This might be her last time to enjoy the garden of her youth.

Mother and Amelia had decorated the garden. Rows of chairs faced Stephen and the minister. Green ivy covered an arbor beneath which the minister clothed in his black robe, stood beside Stephen. Torchlight reflected off the strands of her soon-to-be husband's coal black hair and she marveled at how handsome he looked in a suit of the finest quality. To the left of Stephen the church choir sang beautiful hymns. The music swelled in Millie's breast and gave her confidence.

Hanging lanterns swayed in the breeze, their light glowing and highlighting the flagstone path. Red roses trimmed the edges. Millie clasped her father's elbow and together they stepped to the pathway. The choir silenced.

With each step the ivory colored silk of her gown reflected lamplight. She watched Stephen's jaw drop and couldn't remove her gaze from his, such was the love emanating from his eyes.

The sound of the wedding march filtered from the open windows of the house. She'd taught the song to Mary for just this occasion. Her first pupil made her proud.

As Millie walked, she rehashed all she'd learned about Stephen as well as herself. While you may believe you are in control of your destiny, sometimes events happen contrary to your carefully laid plans. And when you least expect it, there may be someone special waiting for you.

The corners of her lips lifted when Stephen took both her hands in his. Forever, Millie would be grateful that her letter went missing and was delivered to Stephen in error.

 

 

The End