The Appalling Strangeness of the Mercy of God [M - Hannelorian x DuchessLivilla]

[Hannelorian]

The appearance of Beatrix, the girl whose true identity remained a closely guarded secret was at once the belle of the ball. It was a touching moment that did not detract from the bride or the occasion, it only enhanced it. The babe was a symbol of the future, of hope springing eternal. It was a picture of perfection, but even more it spoke of a family portrait. Beatrix was an integral part of that family. Everyone assembled here was not doing so out of obligation or a sense of duty, but because they genuinely wanted to. The Prince and Princess of Wales fostered an environment of peace, of love and respect, of mutual admiration. Yes, the sense of class remained, and it always would, but the divide between them all was not so significant, not so large as it had once been.

Alice had been prepared a brilliant bouquet of some of the most precious flowers of in the garden. There were reds, whites, and purples. It was held together within the palms of her hands, and taking in a deep breath with Alexandra by her side, she moved to set forth walking down the aisle. As Alice set forth, everyone in the seats stood and turned their attention to Alice. Never in her life had she felt so many eyes upon her, but here it was. Everyone was here for her. There was nothing like it.

For her own part, Alice walked in time with the music, but her head was kept down to a small degree, her eyes were welling up with tears and nothing had even begun. She couldn't even look toward the end of the aisle at her husband to be. Or to Arthur, she knew the second she connected eyes with him, she would immediately burst into tears, because for the first time she felt truly happy, and as though everything that was happening was meant to be.

Arthur watched as Alice appeared, and he was taken aback, here was Alice dressed in the color of the harlot, but the colour of the martyr. Moreover he hadn't even known that Alex had such a dress, but right here and now, he thought it was absolutely perfect. It was a bit of a Fuck You to the system, to the things which had them marry so quickly and almost in secret. To the system that was leading them straight down the path of all out civil war. The system that longed to keep him and his own beloved wife apart from one another. That said Alex wasn't worthy, that said Arthur was pushing down a dark path. It didn't matter now, this was a phenomenal day for one of his and his wife's dearest friends.

Of course he was delighted to see Alex by Alice's side. Arthur elbowed Thomas gently, a broad smile on his face. Alex and Alice were bucking every tradition, a woman walking another woman down the aisle, giving her away. It was positively spectacular, and something that brought him so much joy. Even Arthur felt himself shedding a tear or two.

Alice finally had reached the end of the aisle, and stood across from her fiance, and for the first time she looked up and made eye contact with him. A soft smile on her face, her gloved hand raising itself to wipe the tear away from her eyes. She breathed in deeply and her hands then immediately outstretched and grabbed his hands. "Hi." She whispered softly, and then looked toward Father Harrington who himself was full of smiles, and ready to begin.

And so he did, going through the beginnings of the rites of marriage. "We are gathered her today to celebrate the love and joyous union of Thomas, the Duke of Kent, and Miss Alice Sutton." Alice had quietly requested she not be referred to as a Lady, but rather as simply herself and where she came from. She was just quietly Alice. And now she was about to become the next Duchess of Kent.

[DuchessLivilla]

Alexandra walked beside Alice, as proud as if she had been her father. She smiled and nodded at the servants as she passed; she was aware of how hard they had all worked in this! And how they were Alice's biggest champions. Many servants held the view, even more harshly than their Masters, of one's place and keeping it...It would not be out of the ordinary for many a servant to be appalled by Alice, daring to marry a Duke! She was 'no better than she ought to be' and so on.

Not so for the servants in the Wales's household. Influenced by their more liberal Master and Mistress, they were rather proud of Alice for her rise. It was clear that the Duke loved the former-maid, never mind her background, which helped.

As they reached the archway and stood before Thomas and Arthur, Alexandra smiled and gently took Alice's flowers from her, handing it to one of the maids who was seated there, and then, with a grin, took her friend's hand and passed it, as was custom, into Thomas's.

She then took her place behind and to the side of Alice as the priest smiled.

As the priest started, Thomas mouthed, "You look beautiful..." across at his bride-to-be. He could hardly how beautiful she was, standing here now, ready to marry him. It was a revelation. If he had not loved her before, he certainly did now.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here, on this fine morning, to join together this man and this woman, in holy matrimony. Before we begin," he smiled, "I am duty bound to ask both parties, if they come here of their own free will." He first turned to Thomas.

"Your Grace, do you wish to marry this woman of your own volition? You have no been forced, nor bribed, nor blackmailed into this action? Do you so swear by almighty God on this?"

Thomas smiled at Alice then looked at the priest and nodded. "I so swear, Father. I wish to marry Alice with all my heart."

"Good..." he then turned to Alice and smiled kindly. "Lady Alice, do you wish to marry this man of your own volition? You have no been forced, nor bribed, nor blackmailed into this action? Do you so swear by almighty God on this? If you have been, you must say and no harm will come to you," he added. He, like most priests, were aware that many a woman said 'no' she had not been forced, when in reality her father had given her no or little choice.

'Marry this man or be confined for life' etc...a choice, yes, but not much of one.

[Hannelorian]

Alice watched as Thomas' mouth moved to form words, words so kind and flattering. She mouthed a simple word of thanks back, realizing that her cheeks were likely flushing red and warm with her own feelings. This was a remarkable moment, one she was could hardly believe was happening. It would be a miracle if she remembered any of this, that is how nervous she grown to be.

And then Thomas, out loud for all to hear said those sacred words. His eternal promise to marry her, to love her, to stand by her side. He said those words not out of duty or obligation, but simply because he longed to say them, he meant them in all of their splendor and glory. He breathed them out from the core of his soul and it was such a sensation to have those words hit her ears and force the muscles of her mouth to upturn as far as they would go, into such a smile. There was no force upon this earth that could or would keep them apart now. They were about to become one.

"I swear by almighty God, that I have not been forced, nor bribed, nor blackmailed into this action. I have known no greater joy or love, and swear my soul be bound to his for as long as I shall live. I wish to marry this man. The words flowed from Alice easily and peacefully, she stepped forward just a smidge, and felt reassured that she was not being forced and in fact she could hardly wait to have said those words, they felt like a confession and now she was finally free, free to pursue her love and desires.

"By the power vested in me by God and the Church of Rome, I now pronounce you man and wife." The Priest concluded and closed the bible, he smiled brightly and looked upon the happy couple. "It is by the Grace of God that you found one another, that you found a love to nurture, to tend and care for, now just in this life, but in the life eternal. You may now kiss the bride."

Father Harrington stepped back and nodded, Alice looked at Thomas lean in and stepped close to him, craning her head up ever so slightly to make contact with his lips. She kissed him with a polite passion, and wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as the crowd assembled began to stand and clap merrily.

[DuchessLivilla]

Thomas couldn't believe his luck nor how full his heart was as Alice spoke her words, affirming she was willing to marry him and never mind that, was keen and eager to wed him! He blushed though when Alice kissed him deeply, he returned the kiss just as keenly before he pulled back, laughing softly as the crowd stood and clapped and cheered.

"Hello wife," he said, grinning shyly. "Or should I say 'Your Grace, the Duchess of Kent."

Behind Alice, Alexandra was smiling widely, her hands clasped together under her chin. She was so happy for them. Love, true love that is, was rare, and to have found it and brought it to this conclusion was something to celebrate. It seemed the baby agreed too as when the cheering started, she felt a strong kick that made her laugh. She said nothing though. Today was nothing to do with her nor the child. She would take Arthur aside later and let him feel, or see if he could feel.

She knew full well that he was beyond eager for the time to come when he would be able to feel their child move. Up until now it had been something only she could experience.

The Princess came forward when Thomas released Alice and embraced her herself, kissing her cheek before stepping back again and smiling. "Congratulations, Alice!"

[Hannelorian]

"Hello, husband." Alice replied promptly, and kindly. The word rolled off her tongue too easily, as though it were something that was always just on the tip there, waiting to come to existence. It felt so natural, it seemed so natural to say. The two were now wed as one, and under God they would find themselves thriving, protected from here and into eternity. "We could get used to this, I think." Alice said, she only had an eye for her husband in this moment. Her. Husband. Her husband. It hardly seemed real even though it was. This was what was right, and what would always be right. Even if the King disapproved, even if the Queen could only support them silently. Support by strongly saying nothing at all.

Alice embraced Alexandra warmly. "Thank you, it is after all, because of you and Arthur that this is all possible." It was true and it seemed perfect, that only a pair who were truly in love could recognize love within one another. And only when such love was allowed to bloom freely and in the sun, could it blossom and grow, ever stronger today than it had been yesterday, and still stronger tomorrow, for all of the tomorrows to come. Alice could feel that her face was still quite red with blush, and she breathed deeply, it was over, it was done. There was no going back now, the marriage was legal, and nothing the King said or did could stop it. Or so Alice had told herself.

Arthur had approached Thomas and offered his hand in a firm shake, eventually pulling the man into a gentle embrace. "Congratulations good sir, you've done it." Arthur was full up on smiles, for just a bit they could escape the harsher realities around them and truly take time to celebrate, to enjoy. The wedding aside, there were precious few happy occasions, and this was surely one of the best in recent memory, hopefully to be followed by a healthy and successful birth by Alexandra, god willing. But even he could not think too much on that issue, as now Alexandra would be in the clutches of the King and Arabella while she did so. It seemed... in poor taste, a bad omen as it were. But that was business for another day.

"And now we must all feast and celebrate in the state dining room. To us, this is as good as any state dinner." Arthur smiled, and waved his hands forward as champagne bottles were uncorked and glasses were passed around quickly once filled so that all may join in a hearty toast, and wish the newlyweds well, and themselves nothing but good fortune as they move into the future.

[DuchessLivilla]

"Hardly," Alexandra said, smiling without any trace of arrogance. "We may have helped with the practicalities, but I am convinced your new husband would have wed you whatever the conditions or issues. Your love has nothing to do with me or Arthur, and all to do with you and Thomas. You are clearly made for one another! It's a rare thing and I know myself, something to be cherished."

Thomas grinned at the Prince and embraced him. "Thank you, Your- I mean, Arthur. I..." he looked down at the ring on his finger and flushed. "I can hardly believe it but, and it may sound foolish, but I feel...complete, finally. I did not even know I was missing something but now I realise I was. All these years. Now, finally, I feel as I am complete."

He chuckled softly. "It's funny, I spent all those years travelling, never settling in one place..." he looked over at Alice and reached out, taking her hand, "And what I wanted was right here."

Alexandra smiled at it. It might have been pithy but she knew he wasn't the type to have read such silly novels and taken it. He said it because it was how he felt. She linked arms with Arthur and nodded, "Yes, let's adjourn there. My mother would be shocked at champagne this early but I think she can forgive me on this occasion."

She glanced to the servants, milling about before them and toasting the happy couple, and smiled again, "Leave the chairs and tidying everyone. Let's all go inside and enjoy ourselves. Speaking of forgiveness, I do think cook would never forgive me if I let her creations go to waste!"

Mrs Patmore, the plump cook, smiled jovially and set her hands on her hips. "Indeed! Right, you heard Her Highness, everyone get a move on. The newly-weds don't want to be gawked at!" The staff, laughing and in good humour, did as they were bid and started to move up the garden in a great throng, sipping from their glasses, Mrs Patmore charging ahead to make sure nothing had gone wrong in the state-ballroom!

Alexandra and Arthur set off too, smiling knowingly to one another as they let the happy couple drop behind, much as Alex had done when she was meant to be chaperoning Alice in the park. "I'm so pleased for them," she said, resting her head briefly on Arthur's shoulder as they walked. "I do not think I have seen a couple so well matched," she laughed softly with a mischievous grin, "Aside from ourselves perhaps. I often think back to that first meeting when you asked me to dance. Something so simple...and it has given us so much."

Behind them, Thomas took Alice's hand and kissed his like a gentleman, though with far more love than any passing courtly kiss. He straightened and took her arm, unable to stop smiling. "I fear my jaw shall hurt," he admitted, then blushed when he realised that might be taken as something sordid, "I mean from smiling!" He hastily admitted, running his free hand through his hair. "N-not that I am not eager to kiss you...I..." he fell silent and blushed nervously.

[Hannelorian]

The slow walk to the house was a gift for Arthur. Here he could simply wrap arms with his wife, his beloved and keep a pace of their own definition. They were of course, not in a particular rush, especially given they were giving ample space to the newlyweds to appreciate this moment for themselves. "Love, like God, works in mysterious ways." Arthur mused happily, a smile on his face as the two strode forward through the gardens. "They will be happy, as are we. They are two halves of one whole." It was easy to see the comparison for Arthur, he knew right away that Alexandra was the love of his life, she was... different. Smart, openly smart. She survived hell to get to him, and now because of him, they were in a new hell together. "Candidly, I love believe true love has a way of finding others in need of genuine love. God's way of propelling us to spread the joy that we feel."

There was no pleasure greater than the simple act of spending time together, intimate or otherwise. "Love is rare, too rare. Even Arabella once had love, Richard for all of his faults, he never loved anyone the way he loved her." Arthur was in a particularly happy mood, a forgiving sort of mood, so much so he could speak some kind word about Arabella, even now that the battle lines had been drawn. "I do hope you're prepared for a new experience. This will not be a wedding banquet like any other." Arthur turned and looked down at Alexandra, and a tear fell down his cheek, he was truly happy and appreciative. This was the way the world was supposed to be, and supposed to look.

Alice, all the while walked with Thomas, and exchanged a bit of laughter. "Well then, I shall endeavor to ensure your jaw is often sore. No matter the cause." Alice herself capable of a witty, somewhat racy joke. She clung to Thomas' arm firmly, like she would never again let him go. "We only get one wedding day, so we best make the most of it. The others be damned, sore, stiff or uncomfortable we shall face it bravely." Alice teased and looked up at Thomas. She loved this man, and he loved her. And together that made her feel... unstoppable. It might her feel better than the Queen because she was happy. A servant girl come Duchess. "Though I do insist that we find ourselves in want of good dogs. If we are to stay for a bit." Alice had always dreamed of having a dog, or several.

She had rather enjoyed the Duke's dogs, Richard's at least, all they ever really wanted was attention and affection, of which they got plenty from the staff and in a private moment, from Richard and Arabella. Dogs that were meant for the house and garden rather than those of the hunting variety anyway. "I do hope they haven't gone to too much trouble for us."

When Arthur and Alex finally arrived at the house, he moved swiftly with his wife to the state dinning room which was configured in a most unusual way. Rather than one enormous table, there were many smaller tables, rounded ones. Each covered in beautiful cloth, with all of the best china set down, everything to spec. And along one wall there were rows of smaller tables, on which the cook was ensuring food was delivered. "We're going to take a page from the Americans, not for state occasions of course, but they call it a kind of Family style I think. We will all be serving ourselves this morning. We dine as equals." Arthur was rather chuffed with this idea, a bit of a playful experiment, but he never did like to be expected or predicted.

[DuchessLivilla]

Thomas beamed. "I'll buy you 500 dogs if you wish, sweetheart. No house is complete without them, you are quite right." He strolled up the garden with her, as proud as a man could be. As happy as a man could be. He was, the Prince aside, quite convinced that no man had ever been so happy. He chuckled and glanced down at her. "Duchess Alice, indeed. I was just thinking...It suits you very well. Her Grace, Alice, the Duchess of Kent..."

He laughed again, going a little pink, "I fear I shall spend the rest of my life finding ways to say 'my wife' and 'the Duchess' in order to work you into every conversation." Thomas paused and drew her to face him then, silently with a gesture asking for permission before he did so, he bent his head and kissed her, this time without witnesses or any nerves.

Alexandra, as they entered the ballroom and Arthur explained, with boyish delight, his arrangements, smiled and kissed his cheek. "It's perfect. Much more to Alice's tastes I am sure!" She looked about and couldn't help but smirk. "I find myself wondering what Arabella would make of it. She'd be appalled, no doubt! Much as my mother would have been. All the more reason to do it often, I think!"

She glanced at one of the larger tables at the side and smiled. "Oh, look at the cake...It's beautiful. Mrs Patmore," Alex nodded to the cook as she bustled around, "You've outdone yourself, truly."

The cook grinned. "Thank you, Ma'am. I fear two of the apprentices will never recover and my fingers are worked to the bone but it was all worth it! I cannot wait to see what the newly-weds think of it."

"They'll love it, I'm sure," Alex assured her. She glanced at the top tier and smiled. "I wonder too, how long we shall keep the top tier."

Mrs Patmore chuckled, "Only nine months I hope! That reminds me, I've got yours stored away, awaiting the little one's arrival and baptism."

"Thank you, Mrs Patmore, you think of everything. Now please, go and enjoy yourself. Promise me you will not spend the entire time fussing. You deserve this as much as anyone here. We owe this splendid display to your good ordinances after all."

As the cook bustled off, Alex took Arthur's hand again and smiled. "I love you Arthur Stuart. Just in case you were in any doubt."

[Hannelorian]

"Everything about this would send your sister on a downward spiral the likes of which the world has never seen. I'd dare say she'd set fire to dining room to cleanse it, naturally, and then rebuild, and leave explicit instructions that no side board would ever be permitted to enter the room again." Arthur laughed, of course he was joking, poking fun, taking it to a bit of an extreme. But then again, it was a moment of joy and laughter, there weren't enough of those for Arthur's liking. Arthur wanted every moment to be one of joy. He wanted to spend every moment making sure that Alexandra was happy and similarly full of laughter and warmth to perfectly accompany the love that was already overflowing. The love that the two of them knew was just for them. God had blessed everything their love had touched.

Arthur cast his eyes on the cake and smiled gently, thinking back to his and Alexandra's. He listened intently about how the top tier of their cake had gently been stored away for safe keeping until it was time. It all seemed so normal for once, so devoid of conflict or pain. It was just the little things, their sweet traditions, their memories and their future children. Arthur could for a moment just think about a future where there was only happiness and love. It was a warming thought, even if in the short term seemed to be unrealistic, unobtainable. '

"Well, one would hope you love me. Otherwise all of this trouble hasn't been for much." Arthur laughed and looked down at his wife, shifting to a more serious tone and facial expression. "I love you too, Alexandra, Princess of Wales. Alex, Queen of Hearts." Arthur repeated softly, before leaning down to kiss his wife atop the head and moving behind her to wrap his arms around her.

Alice all the while had relished in the small private kiss shared between her and her husband. Her entire world had changed in a matter of moments but the material things did not matter. "No need for such formality, your wife, will simply do. Yes, husband, I think that shall work nicely." Alice of course had matched Thomas' enthusiasm by working the same sentiment into her own speech. And now they were at the doors to the state dining room, and when they opened, the newly minted Duchess, alongside her beloved Duke entered the room and Alice clasped her hands together and began to laugh. There was never more a scene in existence that screamed Arthur.

There were tables to one side with all of the beautiful foods lined neatly, tables throughout the room and of course a table just for a tremendous cake. It was something one could describe as down to earth, downright normal. Not normal for high society, but it reminded her of her youth, her family and neighborhood parties where everyone would bring some kind of dish and slap it down on a table for all to sample. "It's wonderful. Arthur, you have certainly outdone yourself with this one." Alice called out, and for the first time, it just felt like family. Like the thing she had missed, and with that people began to flood into the room and greet the newly weds.

[DuchessLivilla]

Alexandra grinned at him, her dimples appearing in her cheeks and making her look the picture of naughty sweetness before she leant back against him and sighed happily. She rested her hands on her stomach and smiled down at herself. She was bursting to tell him but also knew that if she did, her darling husband would not be able to contain himself and today was not about them. Luckily, she was sure corset would hide most of the kicks and he'd not notice accidentally.

Tonight, abed, he'd feel them though. Their little one. She wondered again whether it was a boy or a girl. Doctor Thomas said she was larger than normal for her time, so he suspected a boy. She honestly didn't mind which, though part of her would love to see Arthur with a daughter of his own. He doted so on Beatrix.

She smiled to herself. She was quite sure, if God permitted, this would not be their only child. She loved babies and children and had always wished to be a mother, Arthur was the same. She knew, for him, a lot of it was wanting to 'do better' than his father. Be a proper, good father, not...whatever Christian had been to him. And both of them loved the idea of a lively, full house.

Alexandra looked up at him and smirked, "I was thinking...in our happy future when all has gone well, we should have...Oh...sixteen or so children I think. Enough to fill up all the rooms in the house."


Thomas entered the ballroom with Alice and grinned. He, like his new-wife, was of the same liberal view. This was perfect. He hated those formal dinners he had had to endure growing up; his parents being very much of the old school, formal way of thinking. Hardly a word being said, eyes cast down...It was all very grim.

Here, there was bustle and life, servants mingling with their 'supposed' betters easily. Food arranged freely, so that anyone could have anything, not regulated and strictly served according to rank. He kissed Alice's cheek and smiled then nodded and called to Arthur, "Thank you, Arthur, truly. It's perfect. American influence, yes?"

His gaze then caught the cake and he laughed. "My word. The Princess was not joking! Her cook certainly has outdone herself! It's massive...I think, even if everyone has two slices, we shall be eating cake for days!"