Lucy Wickshire 87 Chapter Eleven 8

The next day was one of thrill. Sure enough, the entire capital had heard the rumour of Lady Steinhouse's impending marriage; but midday came and went, leaving the entire capital in shock. Only the highest people were invited for the wedding; two ministers, the king, the future queen, the Krains who were the in-laws, even the Steinhouse ladies attended to show their support. It was a thrilling thing; there was a new Lord Steinhouse. Lady Steinhouse was wearing the best of Madame D'huile for her wedding dress. Rumour has it that she was the most beautiful bride and it was a high cla.s.sed event. The groom had arrived on time and Lord Morge and Lord of Merve stood as best men. It was the talk of the capital till the sun left the sky. It was said that there was a small party in the palace after the ceremony. Many said the groom only stayed for a moment before leaving with the bride.

But rumour was always a basket of unknown fruits. Some looked good but never sweet, some looked bad yet tasted best, while some held worms in it's rotten core.

For the interested parties, it was a weird ceremony. Walter had returned back home the night after meeting with the king in the Holy Tower, to a curious family. Dinner had been silent at first, till his mother could hold it in no more.

"Are you really marrying the princess? Is the king aware?" his mother had questioned.

"Yes, I have met him. Mother tomorrow morning, go to Madame D'huile and collect our outfits that was prepared. I'm getting married by midday." Walter had said.

"Really?" Amie had asked excitedly. She had never been to Madame D'huile, she was excited beyond belief.

"You don't even tell your father 'bout your marriage and are doing all by yourself?" his father had frowned.

"Father, traditionally, this would be something for you to handle, but this wedding is not just some love match; it's a merging of interest. My employer has need for this and that's all to say about it. You must understand, I didn't plan this wedding." Walter had said.

"So yer don't even get a choice? Is this the kind of life yer want to live?" his father had asked.

"Don't get me wrong, Helen is wonderful and if she were any other person, I would have handled it myself. I don't oppose this because I very much like her or can't get rid of her. Either way, this was the best outcome for her. This wedding is possible because of the life I live." Walter had said. After he had given instructions that night, his mother had been up and doing the next morning. The morning had come but, he still slept his fill. It had seemed as though it was not he getting married. But in truth, he had been nervous, so he just slept.

On the other side of the capital, Lady Steinhouse had felt more nervous than all. She had arrived home the day before, just after Walter's meeting with the king and had basically run into the house. Her uncle had already told her of his intentions, but she had still to tell any, because Walter had not asked her. Now that as far as she was concerned, he had asked her in his own way, the wedding was set for the next day. She had already received her dress and had not opened it; so, she had rushed up her chambers to the curiosity of the entire staff. And opened the package. Beautiful; was all she could think when she saw it. Her maid arrived and almost chocked on her own spit.

"My lady, that's a white dress. Forgive me for saying but, why white? White is ...is....is this a wedding dress? My lady what is going on?" Lizzy had asked.

"I'm getting married midday tomorrow." she had said and Lizzy had dropped her basket of cloths in fright.

"To whom?" she had asked, approaching her lady slowly.

"Walter, of course." she had said and Lizzy had rushed forward and taken her hand.

"My lady, I know how much you and Sir Walter are in love, but you must think of your reputation. Running away to get married; my lady, you must not do this." Lizzy had said in panic, but she had lost Lady Steinhouse at 'in love'. She saw her lady twirl and giggle.

"Yes, we are in love, aren't we?" she had said as though talking to herself and not Lizzy.

"My lady! My lady!" she had called, but Lady Steinhouse had had other things on her mind. Still, her happiness had been short lived when a maid arrived informing her that the Steinhouse ladies were waiting for her.

Lady Steinhouse had went down stairs to the sitting room to meet Grand Lady Steinhouse and Old Lady Steinhouse seated and waiting for her. The Steinhouse spinster was pacing the room, and when she had seen Lady Steinhouse arrive, she almost pounced on her.