In approximately one hour she would be his, to have and to hold until death did them part. Nothing in the world pleased him more. So he really didn’t care if his toes were growing numb with cold or if some of the pews that should have been filled stood empty. All that mattered was Lilly’s imminent arrival.
Back straight, he watched for her, his excitement swiftly snuffed out the moment a footman arrived in her stead.
Concern gripped his spine as he strode to meet the man. “It’s Miss Stevens, I’m afraid. She’s taken a fall and–”
Glen pushed past him and ran outside into the frigid air, not caring if guests were left without explanation. If Lilly was hurt…
Upon reaching her he instantly knew the situation was worse than he’d feared. His gut clenched in response to her crumpled appearance – the dirt streaking one side of her gown and the wet hem dripping around her feet. The twisted expression on her face and the tears he could see clinging to her lashes caused his heart to lurch. “What happened?”
“She slipped,” her father said, holding her upright and lending support. “I believe her wrist to be broken.”
“Good lord.” Glen took a brief moment to stroke his fingers gently across Lilly’s cheek in a loving caress before taking charge of the situation. “Right. Back in the carriage. We’ll head to Doctor Ferguson’s home immediately.”
“No,” Lilly whimpered. “I want to get married.”
“And so you shall, my dearest, as soon as the doctor has seen to your wrist.” Glen addressed the footman who’d followed him out of the church. “Please see to it that everyone is informed of the situation and that they are warned of the ice. Have the vicar brought to Westmount Abby. We’ll conduct the ceremony there instead.”
“There’s really no need to postpone the ceremony,” Lilly protested. “It’s only an hour.”
“Lilly, my love.” Glen drew her away from her father and into his comforting arms. “I’m as eager as you to get on with our future, but a broken limb is not slight matter. Besides, a visit with Doctor Ferguson won’t take long. We’ll be married as soon as it’s over and without you having to wince your way through your vows.”
Lilly knit her brow, her expression one of adorable disgruntlement.
“Let’s do as Mr. Reynolds suggests,” Mr. Stevens said.
She huffed as though with the burden of having the whole world against her, but her small nod of agreement filled Glen with relief.
Everything was turning into one massive disaster.
The winter wedding she’d hoped for, with sunshine bouncing off ice–laced branches and gleaming white snow, had been replaced by grey country roads lined with slush. On top of this, she’d fallen, hurt herself terribly, and ruined her gown. She’d spied the large smudge of dirt on it as she’d climbed back into the carriage.
Her heart hurt and her spirits were no longer anywhere near as optimistic as they’d been when she’d risen a few hours earlier.
With a weary sigh she repositioned herself, angling her body while cradling her wounded wrist with her other hand. Doctor Ferguson’s home wasn’t far. But it seemed as though it were ten thousand miles away on account of the constant pain she was in.
Finally they arrived. Glen alit first and made sure the path leading to the front door was ice–free and that the doctor was home before helping her down. They entered the house together, he with his arm around her. Papa followed close behind. The situation was explained, first to Doctor Ferguson’s wife, then to the doctor himself. To Lilly’s mind it took an age before the good doctor was ready to treat her. If he decided to make one more note on that pad of his she’d snatch it away and toss it across the room.
“It looks like a clean break with no displacement,” he said after taking his time to inspect her, poking and prodding until she was ready to scream. “You were lucky, Miss Stevens.”
Lilly disagreed. She felt the furthest thing from lucky at the moment. Still, she managed a tremulous smile.
“I’ll add a splint and bind it for you. You’ll want to avoid all use of that arm and hand for the next four weeks.”
“Bloody hell.” She’d need help with the slightest of things, from writing, to turning the pages in a book while reading, to eating, dressing, bathing, and… Lilly cast a quick glance at her father and Glen. “Forgive me. I just…”
“It’s all right,” Papa said, his expression serious. “I think you’re entitled to curse, considering how this day is going.”
“I heartily agree,” Glen said and leaned in to place a tender kiss on her brow.
The endearment prompted a flood of emotion which led to fresh tears. Lilly swiped at them and accepted the handkerchief Glen offered.
Doctor Ferguson placed the splint and wrapped her wrist snuggly, then opened a cabinet filled with medical supplies. He collected a bottle. “I’ll give you some laudanum to ease the pain.”
Lilly was grateful. Especially since she still hoped to enjoy some semblance of a wedding night later.
Heavy raindrops turning to ice when they hit the ground had started to fall when they returned to the carriage. By the time they reached Westmount Abby, more than two hours had passed since her fall. The lack of conveyances in the drive were a clear indication that most of the guests they’d expected to celebrate with were absent.
Lilly’s already dismal spirits worsened when she alit from the carriage. While stepping down, the lace on the skirt of her gown caught on the step. It tore with the ease of a cobweb giving way to the touch of a hand.
Tamping down the sob that was working its way up her throat, she clutched Glen’s arm as though it were a lifeline. Damp and cold, she huddled under the oiled umbrella he held for her as they entered the house.
“Where is everyone?” she asked Mama when she came to greet them in the foyer. Like much of the abbey, it had been decorated with pine and red hothouse roses for the occasion.
“I’m sorry, but they did wait as long as they could. Eventually those who would not spend the night thought it best to return to their homes on account of the weather.” Mama gave Lilly a careful hug. “The vicar is here though and since all the guestrooms are occupied, Hendrickson offered his quarters so he’ll not risk his health on the road.”
Lilly smiled at the butler. “That’s awfully kind of you, Hendrickson.”
He dipped his head though not before Lilly caught the vaguest hint of a smile. “I know how much marrying Mr. Reynolds means to you, miss. I’m happy to do my part in seeing it through.”
Heartened by his generosity, Lilly thanked him once more.
“Everyone’s waiting in the parlor,” Mama said, “but perhaps you and I should take a moment to adjust your hair and gown before we join them, Lilly.”
The comment brought Lilly’s attention back to her appearance. When she’d left for the church, her gown had been pristine, perfectly pressed, her hair arranged with exceptional skill. Now, the stunning silk creation she’d ordered hung limply from her shoulders. Dirt smeared the hem as well as other parts of the skirt. The lace was torn.
And she could now feel her coiffure tilting precariously to the left as if several locks were beginning to come undone.