The Summerfield Bride

by C. G Oster

  “Congratulations, Mrs. Ridley,” Mr. Potts said and shook her hand furtively. It made her pause. She really was Mrs. Ridley now. It still seemed so surreal hearing it said by others.

  Both smiling, she and Ridley walked out of the church to a barrage of congratulations. Rice was thrown and they were surrounded for a moment, before all walked the short distance to the village square, where the celebrations were to be held.

  It all happened so fast, Dory felt as if she was in a dream. Ridley held her hand and they walked. Luckily the weather had held and it was a nice, sunny day. Food already sat on a table and the reception simply waited for the people to arrive. Mr. Thompson, the local fiddler had been roped in to provide the music and the guests all gathered as drinks were handed out. Mr. Jenkins from the pub was supplying the beverages for the party.

  Dory had no idea how much this was costing her mother, and she had no idea how her mother had saved the money, but it wasn’t perhaps the time to think about cost. It was time to celebrate. That was what her mother would want.

  For a moment, Dory found herself chatting to Mabel Norcross, who had been a few years older than her at school and stood with a toddler on her hip. Mabel was in awe of her dress and said repeatedly how stunning it was. Yes, it was, Dory admitted to herself, knowing that many of the ladies would comment on her dress probably for years to come, likely saying it was too grand for the likes of her. And it probably was.

  Ridley smiled when she looked over at him, having been drawn into conversation with Dr. Footer, the medical practitioner for the village, even as he mostly worked at the nearby hospital.

  These were all the people from her childhood, and they were here to send her off, because she wouldn’t be returning to the village. Unlike Mabel and many from her school, she hadn’t ended up marrying a local man and settling in the village. Although she had no regrets, she was aware that she was heading off to a future she couldn’t really foresee. Obviously, she knew Ridley’s flat and that was where she would be staying—after the honeymoon.

  “How are you feeling, dear?” Lady Pettifer asked. Mabel melted away. Dory suspected she was intimidated by the lady in their midst. Perhaps it was understandable. The people here in Swanley didn’t know or understand her sort. That was the term they would use too: her sort.

  A bit further away, Livinia was speaking to Mr. Gelling, an elderly man who typically sought out any pretty girl. She seemed amused by his compliments.

  “A little overwhelmed, but very happy.”

  “The dress is marvelous,” Lady Pettifer said, examining it. “I think your husband liked it.”

  “I think so too,” Dory agreed, again looking over at him, still in discussions with Dr. Footer.

  “You make a handsome couple. I have great hopes you will be very happy. Did I tell you Vivian sends his congratulations?”

  “Livinia told me. Very kind of him. Is there any news on when he will return?”

  “He says they are all convalescing en masse. Come sit down, my knee is aching slightly. Not too bad, but it was a long drive this morning.”

  “Of course,” Dory said and walked over to the nearby table. “I am so pleased you could come. And Gladys,” who was chatting with Dory’s mother as they hadn’t seen each other for a while. The cake stood on a small table not far away. White royal icing, decorated by pink icing roses. Gladys was a splendid baker as well as cook. “It is all still feeling a little surreal.”

  “I think it will for a few days. He is a good man, but he is a man and not perfect. Most find there is an adjusting period to married life, but I think you will do fine. You are one of the most sensible girls I know. Not one to be prone to unrealistic romantic ideals.”

  Rose Wentley crept into Dory’s mind. Had she had unrealistic romantic ideals, or was it more Fredrick Summerfield feeding her falsities? It had been an illusion she had believed.

  “What’s the matter?” Lady Pettifer asked.

  “I was just thinking about Rose Wentley and how deceived she was.”

  “Yes, it really is shocking how those two abused her. But in the end, she did murder Cornelia Vellsted, and that cannot entirely be blamed on other people’s prodding.”

  “It just seems so harsh to be betrayed by both one’s friend and the man one believes oneself in love with.”

  “There is a lot to be said for being a little choosy about the caliber of friends one surrounds oneself with, and the caliber of the man one chooses to invest in. It is perhaps the most important decision in one’s life, a determinant if one is to be happy or not. So many make silly choices. I did not.”

  It was apparent the respect Lady Pettifer still carried for her late husband. They seemed to have loved each other very much.

  “But don’t worry too much about people like Fredrick Summerfield and Prudence Marsh,” Lady Pettifer continued with distaste. “They will have to answer for their actions one way or another. What they have done will be known. Livinia certainly won’t be accepting any invitations from them, if they actually do continue as a couple.”

  “Do you think there is a chance they will not?”

  “I am not sure their affection for each other will survive the whispers about them. In many ways, I doubt it. Disapproval will come their way and it will stick. Such things are not overlooked. I do feel sorry for their parents, but then you have to wonder about people who raise such calculating and selfish children.”

  Although there had been times when Dory had wondered the same about both Lady Pettifer’s niece and nephews. Then again, their mother had been equally calculating and selfish. Perhaps it was unkind to look ill on them. They were all reflections of their birth and upbringing. In essence, Livinia was a decent girl, and Vivian… Well, it was still difficult for Dory to list his positive characteristics, but she did suppose he was brave when it came down to the wire—rushing to Switzerland when his mother had been in danger. Or maybe he was like his mother and took care of the family at whatever costs incurred.

  “But it is not the time to think of scheming people. You have a marriage to embark on. I understand you are going on a honeymoon.”

  “Yes, to Brighton.”

  “That’s nice, and convenient. Travel is so tiring and generally unnecessary for a honeymoon.”

  All around them, people were laughing. Lady Pettifer was looking around at the people from Dory’s life. Her brothers were there, Tom juggling some balls and playing with Mr. Thompson’s dog, and Bertie looking more like a proper grownup these days.

  “Now, you cannot become so engrossed in your new life that you forget us altogether,” Lady Pettifer stated.

  “No, of course not,” Dory said, taking her hand. “I will write. Although what about, I’m not exactly sure.”

  “I think, though, that our escapades together will be few and far between, but you must come visit every once in a while.”

  “Without a doubt.”

  “Children are very distracting,” Lady Pettifer said. “Once they grow up and leave, sometimes you wonder what happened to your life. It just flies, so don’t forget to nurture your friendships.”

  “Is it not remarkable that we have become such good friends?” Dory said. In many ways, it was. Other than their curiosity, they have absolutely nothing in common, but they had become fast friends.

  “I think we are friends based on character, and those are the best friends to have. They are the kind of friendships that nurture your intellect and curiosity. One learns to value those things once one becomes my age. And if you can find such friendship with your husband, then you are a very lucky girl indeed.”

  Dory certainly hoped so. “He is a good man,” she said, looking over at her husband again. It was still unbelievable that he was her husband, hers for the rest of her days. They would be happy—she was sure of it.

  “I think he deserves you. Because he knows what a jewel you are. Now, I think it is time for your husband to say a few words and then we might eat some of this lovely food. I’m afr
aid I won’t stay long after that. It is a long journey back, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the day.”

  “I have too,” Dory said and embraced Lady Pettifer as she stood up. Although she hated that this felt like a goodbye of sorts, but then perhaps it was. Her friendships would become secondary to her marriage. That was the way of things. “I will send you a postcard from Brighton.”

  “I look forward to receiving it.”

  “I suppose you will be off to St. Tropez come autumn,” Dory said.

  “Yes, I will have to see what those infernal Italians have done to the place.”

  “I wish I could come with you.”

  “You’ll have more important things to see to, I’m sure.” Lady Pettifer smiled and squeezed her hand, before walking away to refresh her drink.

  Dory turned to Ridley, who was waiting for her and he took her hand as she reached him. “Let me introduce you,” he said and led her to a group of people she had seen in the church. A string of names and faces followed, and Dory couldn’t keep track. These were his people, his friends, the ones he’d invited to the wedding. She particularly noted a cousin, who had a slight family resemblance to him. “This is my wife, Dorothy,” he said.

  Goosebumps rose up her arms being referred to as his wife. It sounded so natural in a way, and entirely foreign at the same time. They all seemed glad to see her.

  “Splendid gown,” one of the wives said. “Quite spectacular.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Something quite worthy to hand down to one’s daughters, isn’t it?”

  It was, but it also came with a sordid story. For a moment, Dory wondered if she would tell her children those stories one day. The unfortunate Nora Sands, Count Drecsay and that poor man on Pennyfield Street. And now there was Cornelia Vellsted, whose gorgeous gown would never be worn down an aisle.

  There was a quietening hush over the gathered party and Dory realized there were expectations of a speech. It was that time, it seemed, when the more formal part of the reception started. She felt Ridley take a deep breath beside her and someone clinked a spoon to their glass.

  He smiled and Dory seated herself at what was the head table.

  “Thank you all for coming to our wonderful day,” he said. There was a note of the policeman in his voice. It had been a while since she had heard it. The relationship she had was no longer with the policeman. “It is a day we will never forget, and we are delighted that you could all come join us. Sadly, neither Dorothy’s father, nor my own, are here to celebrate with us, but Mrs. Sparks is and we are appreciative of the reception she has planned for us. And, of course, Mrs. Moor for the splendid cake. Lady Pettifer for being my wife’s constant friend and supporter.” He lifted his glass in her direction. “It is the people around us that make for a wonderful life, and we must treasure the family around us, for we do lose them. So to Dorothy,” he said, turning to her, “your smile saw me through some dark times, and for that, I will be forever grateful. So much so that you were the first person I sought when I returned home. And shortly after, I asked her to marry me, and to my greatest honor, she said yes. So now we embark on our marriage—after some lovely food contributed by the whole of Swanley. I have to admit I didn’t expect to marry with the whole of a village behind us, but I am pleased to make your acquaintance today and hope you all enjoy this lovely day with us.”

  With that, they toasted and he sat down as the drone of murmuring reasserted as the guests returned to their conversations. “That was beautiful,” Dory said.

  “Thank you. It has been a beautiful day, and you look like an angel.”

  A blush crept up Dory’s cheeks. It was the first time they’d had a chance to talk that day. Around them, people were lining up for the makeshift buffet table, ladling food on their plates. Even her mother, who seemed to have recovered from her nerves to enjoy the afternoon.

  “I suppose we will leave after the meal, after the cake,” he said. “I have to say, I am not normally that keen on weddings, but this is by far the best one I have ever attended. Then again, I am perhaps biased.”

  “It’s been a lovely wedding,” Dory said. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more.” All the people she cared about were here.

  “Shall I bring you a plate?”

  “Yes, please. I was too nervous to eat anything this morning.”

  A quick kiss on her lips, he rose from his seat and walked over to the buffet table. One of his friends clapped him on the back and joined him. Dory rested her head on her hand and just watched the scene around them. Everyone was happy and delighted. Wasn’t this how life should be? Lady Pettifer was chatting with Reverend Potts, who seemed engrossed in the conversation. The poor man was probably a little too much of an intellectual for this village.

  Chapter 30

  THE CAKE HAD BEEN CUT and eaten, and Dory was back in her mother’s house, changing into more sensible clothes for their journey south. She felt giddy with excitement, champagne and happiness. And now it was time to go.

  Ridley was waiting outside, by the car into which her suitcase had already been packed away. Lady Pettifer and Livinia had left sometime earlier, although Gladys was staying for a day or two.

  “Here you are,” Dory’s mother said as she brought Dory’s hat. “I can’t believe my little girl is married. I am so happy for you.”

  Gladys was wrapping up her wedding gown for storage. “So much palaver for one day. I remember my wedding day. Do you remember? My husband’s best man was so hungover, I swore he looked green. But it was a lovely day. I remember every moment of it, as will you.”

  “I am so glad we were all here today,” Dory said.

  “Best not keep your husband waiting. I’m sure you’re going to have a lovely time down in Brighton.”

  “It’s all still a little overwhelming,” Dory confessed.

  “I can imagine. Now be on your way. Your mother and I have a bottle of champagne to finish off. I swear we’ll be drunk by bedtime.”

  “Well, in that case, I had better not keep you from it.”

  Taking a last look around the room, Dory hugged her mother and aunt and then left. And then her brothers downstairs. All these goodbyes were making her tearful. She was only going on her honeymoon, but it was much more than that. She was leaving the nest and starting her own family. Things would change irrevocably, but she didn’t want to dwell on it. Instead, she focused on the nice days they would have by the seaside, eating ice cream and maybe swim if the sea was warm enough.

  Ridley waited by the car and smiled when he saw her. People were gathered around, waiting to see them off.

  “Are you ready, my love?” he asked when she joined him. People were embracing her and kissing her on the cheek, wishing her all the best as he walked her around to the passenger side and opened the door for her. Dory waved to all and also to her mother and Gladys, who were standing on the stoop to the house.

  The car started and they drove off. And then it was the two of them, the first bit of silence she’d had all day. Was it strange that she was nervous again?

  “Did you enjoy the day?” Ridley asked, looking over at her and she nodded.

  “It was lovely. Perfect, actually.”

  “I didn’t realize so many from the village would come.”

  “It is a small community and a wedding is something celebrated communally.”

  Before long, they were on the road south to Sevenoaks.

  “Is this your car?” she asked. She didn’t actually know.

  “No, I borrowed it. The Met agreed to lend it to me.”

  “That is very kind of them. Are you enjoying being back at the Met?” It was nice that they valued him so much they would do that for him.

  “It is taking some getting used to. It has been a long time since I’ve sat behind a desk.”

  At no point had he told her anything about what he’d done during the war, but it had apparently not been a desk job, she concluded.

  “I heard they made an arr
est in the Vellsted case,” he said after a while.

  “Yes, but they didn’t arrest those who incited the girl,” Dory said. “She was deceived by both a friend and the man she was in love with.”

  “It could be next to impossible to prove culpability for such a thing. At the end of the day, a person is responsible for their actions, even if they are wrong in their assumptions and understandings.”

  “I know,” Dory said. “It still seems wrong they could do such a treacherous thing and not be held accountable. Although Livinia says they will be from a social perspective, and from her standpoint, that is just as bad as prison.”

  “Nothing is as bad as prison,” Ridley said. “Truthfully, I think many would prefer the noose rather than languishing in prison for years on end.”

  It was an uncomfortable thought—at least in relation to Rose, but as Ridley said, she was responsible for murdering her friend, irrespective of her friends’ actions.

  “It will take us a few hours to get to Brighton. Have a little nap if you can. I’m guessing you didn’t have much time to rest all day,” he said.

  “A truer word never spoken. And you are such a better driver than Livinia Fellingworth. I don’t fear for my life.”

  Ridley chuckled. “Rest and we’ll be there when you open your eyes again.”

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