True Nobility

by Lori Bates Wright

  The white satin dress was high-collared and fitted at her waist. The full, scalloped skirts swayed gracefully with each step. Pouf sleeves ended with a lace ruffle at her elbows. A small white hat came to a pearled V on her forehead, and a demure veil covered her face.

  “Don’t forget to pinch your cheeks and squeeze your lips shut every now and then for color.”

  “Aunt Charlotte, do you suppose I could forgo walking down the aisle … alone?” She took her aunt’s gloved hand in her own. “I’d rather stand with the others at the altar. It won’t be the same without father.”

  “Don’t you give it another thought.” Aunt Charlotte patted her niece. “Reverend Beauregard is very understanding about these things.”

  “Here, Tori, this just came for you. Nicholas had it sent over.” Aurora handed her a small white package wrapped with a big blue bow. “What do you suppose it is?”

  “I haven’t the faintest idea. He’s already given me a lovely piece of his grandmother’s jewelry. That reminds me, please hand me that velvet box on the dressing table. I mustn’t forget to put it on.”

  After untying the bow, Tori opened the box. The other two Haverwood women clamored to see what was inside.

  A sterling silver nameplate lay in all its polished splendor upon a bed of dark blue satin. The inscription read simply: Victoria – My princess always.

  A grin spread across her face as she lifted the shiny piece.

  “How pretty.” Aurora peered over her shoulder.

  “Yes, but whatever is it for?” Her aunt, as usual, was baffled.

  “My forehead.” Tori held it up above her eyes and burst out laughing.

  “You English girls have the strangest customs.” With that Aunt Charlotte helped herself to another strawberry tart.

  Before another hour passed, Tori was on her way to the church, seated in the Brougham alone with her anxious thoughts.

  “You all right, Miss Tori?” Jonas stopped whistling long enough to look down from his driver’s perch to check on her.

  Her teeth caught the edge of her lip. A nod was the only answer she could manage.

  Apparently, that was good enough for him and he resumed his merry tune.

  Surely this was the best thing for them all. With her father missing for three full days now, time was of the essence. Nicholas needed to be focused on the investigation rather than worrying about keeping an eye on her.

  The Brougham came to a stop at the front steps of the regal, white church on the south side of the square. Tori’s insides did a flip-flop.

  She chided herself to remain calm. What was there to be nervous about? Just because she was stranded in a foreign land, about to pledge love and life to a husband who felt nothing but a constant need to antagonize her. Not to mention, she’d now have to tolerate spearmint in every cup of good English tea ’til kingdom come.

  Waiting for Jonas to open the door, she admired the beautiful summer day. After a soaking rain the night before, the color of the trees and flowers were vivid against the cerulean sky.

  Savannah’s majestic First Christian Church faced Johnson Square. Four stately pillars lined the front. Even now, the carriages carrying Aunt Charlotte, Aurora, and various others pulled in behind Tori’s. A ripple of excitement filled the air.

  Curious onlookers gathered in the park across the street, trying to catch a glimpse of Lord Haverwood’s daughter as she arrived to wed the most notorious bachelor in the county. Between her father missing and Nicholas’s unconventional newspaper announcement, the city was abuzz.

  Lowering the veil to cover her face, Tori took Jonas’s hand as he helped her step down.

  Approaching the stately double doors, she had a moment of apprehension. What if Nicholas never grew to have feelings for her beyond the need to kiss her now and again? She reminded herself that some of the suitors who’d presented themselves to her father for her hand were far less appealing. It wasn’t unheard of to marry for convenience.

  The doors came open and Tori’s heart constricted at first sight of Nicholas standing down front with the minister. Seeing him in his formal Navy uniform, reminded her of the night of the ball. His powerful bearing spoke of the many years he’d spent as commander of his own ship.

  With one step inside, she squared her shoulders and never looked back.

  A man she didn’t recognize stood to Nicholas’s right. Same build and posture, but his hair was more the color of polished mahogany.

  Zach sprang forward as soon as he noticed her. Bounding up the center aisle, he offered her a small bouquet. “My lady, you are more breathtaking than a field full of buttercups.”

  “Poppycock!” She gave it her best shot at being glib despite an ache wrenching her heart. “I shall be glad for the chance to keep a closer eye on you, Zachery.”

  “I stand forewarned.” He laughed and led her to where Nicholas stood. “I think I’ll enjoy having a sister. Come on. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

  Almost head-to-head as tall as Nicholas, the other man wasn’t immediately familiar, although his lop-sided grin was classic Saberton.

  “Tori, may I introduce our brother, Ian. He’s the scholar of the family.”

  Nicholas took obvious offense at the remark, much to the delight of his youngest brother.

  “Ian, this is Lady Victoria Haverwood, soon to be our sister-in-law.”

  Ian took Tori’s hand and made an informal bow. “A pleasure to meet you, Lady Victoria.” At second glance, his steady regard was very much like his brother’s.

  Nicholas looked down at her briefly before a woman Tori recognized as Reverend Beauregard’s wife stepped up to pin a white boutonniere to his jacket.

  “Our mother is in Philadelphia until next Monday. She won’t be happy to have missed her eldest’s wedding.” Ian shot a look at his brother, then smiled down at Tori. “But, she will be delighted to finally have a daughter.”

  Smiling in return, she chanced another glance at her soon-to-be husband. For once, she didn’t have to avoid his midnight gaze. Checking his pocket watch, Nicholas seemed anxious for the ceremony to begin.

  “Although, if my brother isn’t more attentive, I may decide to marry you myself.”

  That got Nicholas’s attention and he snapped his watch shut with a look that left no doubt as to what he thought of the challenge.

  Zach gave a loud chuckle.

  Aunt Charlotte entered the sanctuary spouting orders right and left. All those following her instantly picked up their pace. Four impossibly long ostrich feathers sprang from the back of her teal blue hat, sweeping everything in their path, while two porcelain lovebirds nested on the top of her head.

  “Reverend, oh, Reverend. There you are.” She headed down the aisle to where the minister stood near the altar. “May I have a word with you? Nicholas, you, too, dear.” Tori watched as her aunt pulled the men aside and spoke with her usual animation.

  The gentle pastor nodded, then ducked as she turned to speak with Nicholas, but not before a barrage of feathers assaulted his nose and he erupted into a sneezing fit.

  As the grand pipe organ struck a chord, Tori’s breath caught in her throat.

  Everyone made their way to the front next to the communion table, resplendent with a large arrangement of summer blossoms. Only when Nicholas offered his arm did Tori remember to breathe.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God.” The minister’s opening words reflected the solemnness of the occasion.

  Nicholas dutifully repeated his part of the vows and, with polite urgings from the minister, Tori managed to reply at the appropriate times without embarrassing herself too terribly.

  A commotion erupted somewhere behind her, but Reverend Beauregard never stopped to acknowledge it, so Tori put it out of her mind.

  A promise to love, honor, and cherish sealed the covenant between them.

  Forever.

  The honor part was easy. Nicholas may be reckless at times, but he was truly an hon
orable man. The love and cherish part were yet to be seen.

  Looking up at Nicholas, she realized everything she’d ever wanted was standing right next to her. A safe place to call her home and someone respectable to share it with.

  When the time came to pray over the couple, they knelt with heads bowed before the minister. Nicholas gave a gentle squeeze to her hand upon the last “amen.”

  A chaste peck sealed their vows and it was thus that Lady Victoria Marie Haverwood became Mrs. Nicholas Saberton.

  He who finds a wife finds a good thing.

  ~ Proverbs 18:22

  Twenty

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention.” Ian tapped lightly against a crystal goblet with a silver sugar spoon. “A toast. To my brother, my friend, who demands the best of everything and never settles for less. And to his good fortune at finding so perfect a bride, the lovely Victoria.” Ian raised his glass, and the guests responded in kind.

  Tori returned their smiles, and gave a gracious nod to her new brother, though a dull ache in her heart dampened the moment. Her father should be here.

  “May the Lord bless their union today with lasting happiness and may they live in the abundance of His love.”

  “Hear, hear!”

  “Cheers!”

  She lifted the goblet to her lips, but barely took a sip. Good wishes flowed as extravagantly as the peach-flavored punch. Yet, she couldn’t escape the melancholy that enveloped her.

  Aunt Charlotte’s simple reception boasted over seventy guests and they all descended upon her the moment she walked through the doors. Nicholas accepted congratulations with his usual composure, looking her way every now and again with an unreadable expression.

  Aurora was banished to a corner playing soft music on her harp for her mother’s guests, looking utterly miserable. Considering the delicate music flowing from her fingertips, her pout looked out of place. Tori knew she’d much rather be celebrating with Zach.

  The gentlemen congregated in large groups near the serving tables, while the ladies exchanged tidbits of gossip around the seating area.

  Tori slipped unnoticed to admire a vast arrangement of white calla lilies set in front of the empty hearth. She couldn’t wait to get out of the confining, ill-fit bridal gown. A distinct stick in her ribs every time she moved was evidence the seamstress had left in a pin or two.

  For the second time that day, a commotion behind her caught everyone’s attention. Someone was making a fuss in the hallway. Before anyone could investigate, Felicity Jenkins Duff burst into the room like a tornado, shaking off everyone in her path.

  “You!” Felicity stormed in Tori’s direction, but came up short when Nicholas stepped in front of her, blocking the way.

  “And you, Nicholas Saberton!” Her desperate rant brought a bitter twist to her features. “You were supposed to marry me.”

  Ian came to his brother’s side, followed closely by Zach. Every eye was on the new groom. Whispers of astonishment circulated the room as Tori, too, moved forward to stand at her husband’s side.

  “That was an unfortunate assumption on your part.” Nicholas fought to keep his tone civil. “I never gave you any reason to believe your delusions had any substance whatsoever.” As he spoke, he took one more step toward the hysterical woman and she wisely took a stumbling step backward.

  With a hand upon his arm, Tori gained his attention. The furious flash in his dark eyes gentled noticeably as he looked down into her face.

  No words passed between them. None were needed.

  “Felicity Duff, you no-good hussy!” Charlotte Haverwood was as riled as a wet hen, waving her arms and shaking her feathered head. “How dare you barge in here, disrupting my wedding party. You leave this instant, before I have you arrested.”

  Felicity twisted away and backed into the wall. “Not until I’ve had my say.”

  “You have no say.” Aunt Charlotte shooed her toward the door like a pesky rodent. “Now, get!”

  “Why don’t you ask Nicholas the real reason he married your darling niece? And while you’re at it, ask the little tramp where she’s been spending her nights.”

  Gasps echoed through the room fueling her spiteful rage. “Why was she seen on his doorstep unchaperoned at three in the morning?” Felicity’s painted lips curved, watching Tori’s expression freeze in horror. “She’s nothin’ but an English fake.”

  Nicholas immediately tensed.

  Tori pushed aside her panic to move in front of him, steadying him where he was as she placed her hand on his chest. “Please, Nicholas. I’d like to take care of this, if you don’t mind.”

  With resolve, she walked over to where the waspish female watched with a smirk.

  “Mrs. Duff, you have insulted me and my family for the last time.” Tori refused to raise her voice. “We were tolerant with your attack in the park. However, this is inexcusable—bursting in uninvited, spewing shameful lies on our wedding day.” Tori clasped her hands in front of her, noting a purple hue spreading up Felicity’s neck. “I believe Aunt Charlotte kindly asked you to leave. Although, I believe you owe these good people an apology before you go.”

  An unpleasant squawk escaped Felicity as one by one, the distinguished ladies of Savannah came to stand behind Tori, presenting a united front.

  Zach appeared at Felicity’s right and Ian at her left. Each took an arm to escort her to the door.

  She yanked away from them. “I won’t apologize for anything. You people believe what you will. You’re fools, every last one of you. This is not over.” With a nasty gleam in her eye, she stormed through the entrance hall. Tori could see Amos open the front door to facilitate her exit.

  As soon as heavy door closed, the room came alive with twittering and fans waving everywhere. Three toasts went up to the lovely bride.

  Nicholas received several heavy pats on the back from the gentlemen, young and old, but his careful attention never left Tori. She offered a feeble smile to show she was fine, but kept hold of her hands to keep them from shaking.

  Aurora intercepted her thoughts. “The things that woman said! And the way Nicholas defended you.” Her cousin’s dreamy sigh made Tori laugh.

  “Aurora!” Aunt Charlotte’s shrill voice permeated their conversation from the other side of the room. “Mrs. Dalton’s grandson wants to meet you, darlin’.”

  “Yes, run along, now, Aurora, darlin’.” Tori mimicked. “Mustn’t keep dear Mrs. Dalton’s grandson waiting.”

  The younger girl giggled at Tori’s imitation of a southern drawl with a decidedly British clip. “I’ll be right back, Tori. Don’t leave yet.” Aurora went to join her mother, calling back over her shoulder, “Promise?”

  “Promise what?” Nicholas handed Tori a glass of punch before reaching to touch his grandmother’s brooch pinned on her dress. “You wore it.”

  “Yes, of course. It’s lovely.”

  Brushing her cheek with the back of his knuckles, he smiled. “You never cease to amaze me, princess. Here I thought I was supposed to be protecting you.”

  His hand was warm where it touched.

  “Go upstairs now and get your things. It’s time we left.”

  The couple drew interested stares from around the room. Low chuckles from the men, hastened Tori’s retreat to the stairway. The hulking Amos followed close behind at Nicholas’s nod.

  On her way, Tori caught Aurora’s attention and motioned for her to come along as well.

  Once in the quiet of her room, she lifted the veiled hat from her head and carefully discarded the pin-laden gown. A light gray travelling dress, with black chevron trim, was laid out on the bed ready for her.

  Her trunks had already been packed and transported to Nicholas’s home. She’d left her father’s things as they were in his room, except his Bible and a silk ascot that smelled of his shaving cologne. Those were packed neatly in Tori’s valise.

  “I’m going to miss you so.” Aurora sniffled and Tori gave her a little hug.
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br />   “I’ll just be a few blocks away. We can have tea every afternoon if you’d like.”

  A loud knock took them both by surprise.

  “Ma’am, the Captain says it’s time to get on back downstairs.” Amos announced through the door.

  Aurora eyed her with something akin to pity.

  “Smile now, Aurora. No looking so glum.” Opening the door, she handed her bag to Amos. “This is a happy day, remember?”

  The reminder was more for herself than for Aurora.

  Every eye followed her as she descended the stairs. Nicholas took her hand at the bottom step and placed it on the inside of his arm.

  Well-wishers surrounded them, all vying for her attention. One by one, she greeted the townspeople, thanking them for coming and sprinkling in reminders that they stay vigilant for news of her father’s whereabouts. Each promised they would.

  Zach and Ian each took a turn kissing the newest member of their family before Aunt Charlotte pushed them all aside, whimpering loudly into her hankie. Her ostrich feathers hit Nicholas in the chest as she hugged her niece at the front door. “Nicholas, your mama’s gonna skin you alive when she finds out you’ve gone and gotten married without her here to see it. Goodness knows they’ll hear it clear to Charleston.” She motioned for him to lean down closer. “But, for once in your life, you scoundrel, you did the right thing.”

  Trust me not at all, or all in all.

  ~ Alfred, Lord Tennyson

  Twenty-One

  A beautiful sunset, awash with color, welcomed them into the evening as they entered the waiting carriage. Glittering lamplights paved the way to fashionable Chippewa Square.

  Tori watched beautifully dressed patrons entering the Savannah Theatre on one end, while others scrambled to attend a lecture at Chatham Academy on the other side.

  Set in the middle, like a magnificent jewel, was the Pavilion House Hotel, lit up from the inside by a huge chandelier hanging in the lobby. A massive round table adorned with a beautiful array of fresh flowers sat directly beneath the fixture.