To Honor and Trust (32 page)
Read To Honor and Trust Online
Authors: Tracie Peterson,Judith Miller
One of the Townsend maids, Ella, dressed Callie's hair, rearranging it in a full-bodied bun atop her head. Hot irons were applied to create delicate ringlets that fell in a fashionable style around her face. When the young woman finished her ministering, she applied dozens of seed pearls to Callie's coiffure and smiled approvingly.
“You look like a queen.” The maid stepped back and surveyed her handiwork.
Callie caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. “Thank you, Ella. You did a wonderful job.
“You're beautiful,” Mrs. Townsend declared as she and Helena entered the room. “Just look at her, Helena. Isn't she lovely?”
Callie looked at her new sister-in-law, expecting to see some remaining concerns or doubt in her expression. Instead, Helena stepped forward with tears in her eyes. “You are beautiful, and I know that you are exactly the right woman for my brother. I hope you'll forgive me for seeming . . . well, for not being very supportive in the beginning.”
“There was never anything to forgive.” Callie took Helena's hands. “But I have your blessing now?”
“I wish you nothing but God's blessings. I hope one day we might be the dearest of sisters.”
Callie smiled and kissed Helena's cheek. “We already are.”
Mrs. Townsend clapped her gloves hands. “Come, girls. Our reception guests await us.”
The party was already in full swing by the time Callie descended the grand staircase. With the exception of soft strains of music from the twelve-piece orchestra, the room went quiet at her approach. When Callie reached the bottom step, Wesley stepped forward, decked out in the same grand style he'd worn at the masked ball. Only this time, there were no masks or pretenses between them.
“Mrs. Townsend, I presume,” he said in a teasing tone. “Although I must admit, you look very little like the woman I married this morning.”
Callie giggled. “Well, you'd best remember that I'm a woman full of surprises.”
He chuckled and tucked her gloved arm against his waist. “I have a few surprises of my own, but I'm afraid you'll have to wait for those until we're alone. In the meantime, I'll have to endure sharing you with others.”
“Indeed.” Callie gave him a sly grin. “But I hope we shan't be all day at this party. I have it on the best authority there is a small hidden cottageâa cabin reallyâon the far north side of the island that is in want of residents.”
Wesley raised a questioning brow. “Sounds rather intriguing.”
She nodded quite innocently. “I thought so, too.”
He laughed. “Then let us be about our duties as the guests of honor quickly.” He pulled her forward into the gloriously decorated room before adding in a whisper, “So that we might be about our pleasures in a leisurely fashion.”
He swept her into his arms for a first waltz as man and wife. Swirling the dance floor in the arms of her husband, Callie's heart was so full, it felt as if it might burst.
“Do you realize how happy you've made me?” His warm breath against her ear sent shivers along her spine.
She lifted her gaze to meet his. “I have an idea.”
Once the waltz ended, they cut the tiered wedding cake and then began to accept congratulatory messages from the well-wishers. After a while, the two were whisked away from each other. Daniel, Charles, and Richard then playfully conspired to keep the couple separated as much as possible, pretending to have need of Wesley's help for a variety of reasons. From across the room, Callie would catch Wesley's eye, and she chuckled at the exasperated expression on his face. She knew better than to make a fuss about the matter, finding herself just as occupied with one Bridal Veil guest or another. Everyone wanted to admire her gown or offer their advice and suggestions on where
to take a proper wedding trip. A few women had heard of the couple's plans to head out to Africa and admonished Callie to take plenty of mosquito netting.
“We went on safari last year.” The woman gave a slight shudder. “I have never seen so many insects and snakes in all my life. I don't think the place very appealing at allâso much dirt and so many animals.”
Callie smiled and accepted the comments with few replies. It wasn't important that these people understood her heart. They were far too concerned with issues that had little value in Callie's life.
“I would think a young woman like you would prefer Paris,” another wealthy matron said. “It's lovely any time of the year. The fashions available there would delight you no end and would take you fashionably into any setting.”
Callie wondered if that included poor African villages and sickrooms, but she said nothing. She didn't really need to speak. The women around her were quite capable of carrying on the conversation without her comments.
To her surprise, Helena interrupted the onslaught. “Callie, I need to speak to you for a moment. Ladies, if you'll please excuse us.” She pulled Callie along, not even stopping when another cluster of elderly matrons called out.
“Whatever is the matter?” The brisk pace Helena set sent prickles of fear through her body. “Is something wrong?”
Just as they reached a long hallway, Helena pushed Callie to the right, a broad grin across her face. “There will be if I don't get you out of there.”
Callie looked at her sister-in-law and shook her head. “What do you mean?”
“My brother has lost all patience with this affair.” She smiled
and pointed to the end of the hall. Wesley stepped out from the shadows. “He felt it was time for you two to make an escape, and I wanted to help.”
Callie stopped and turned to the woman. “Thank you. You are already proving yourself to be a dear friend.”
“Be on your way. I'll deal with the others.” She winked at her brother. “I'm sure Mother and Mrs. Bridgeport will help, as well.”
Callie moved down the hall as quickly as she felt proper. Wesley wrapped his arm around her waist and headed down a side hall toward an exit.
“I thought I might never have you to myself.” His breath tickled her ear. She laughed, glancing over her shoulder to make certain they weren't being followed. Wes helped her into a carriage waiting by the side entrance and then signaled the driver to leave. “Exactly how did you manage this?”
“You're not the only one full of surprises.” Wesley winked and pulled Callie into his arms. “My dearest wife,” he murmured and settled his lips upon hers.
As the carriage transported them along the overgrown path toward the cottage, Callie lost herself in the wonder of his kiss and the warmth of his embrace.
“I love you,” Wesley whispered against her ear before placing light kisses along her neck and jaw. “And I promise to love and cherish you for all time.”
Callie wrapped her arms around his neck and sighed. “And I will honor and trust you . . . with my heart . . . my dreams . . . and my life.”
No book is written without the help and support of many people. The entire Bethany House staff constantly amazes me with their creative talents and ability to make each book shine. Special thanks to editors Sharon Asmus and Charlene Patterson for their encouragement and assistance. It is a genuine privilege to work with such talented editors as well as every member of the Bethany House family.
Thanks to Mary Greb-Hall, Lorna Seilstad, and Mary Kay Woodford for their prayers, critiques, expertise, and friendship.
Thanks to Gretchen Greminger, curator of the Jekyll Island Museum, for her speedy replies and helpful responses to my questions.
And special thanks to you, dear readers, for your e-mails and letters of encouragement, your expressions of kindness and love, your prayers, and your eagerness to read each book.
Above all, thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for the opportunity to live my dream and share the wonder of His love through story.
~Judy
Judith Miller
is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.
Tracie Peterson
is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 80 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.
For more information on Tracie and Judith's books, including behind-the-scenes details and photos from the B
RIDAL
V
EIL
I
SLAND
series, check out the Writes of Passage blog at
writespassage.blogspot.com
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B
ELLS
OF
L
OWELL
Daughter of the Loom
A Fragile Design
These Tangled Threads
L
IGHTS
OF
L
OWELL
A Tapestry of Hope
A Love Woven True
The Pattern of Her Heart
T
HE
B
ROADMOOR
L
EGACY
A Daughter's Inheritance
An Unexpected Love
A Surrendered Heart
B
RIDAL
V
EIL
I
SLAND
To Have and To Hold
To Love and Cherish
To Honor and Trust
