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

[Hannelorian]

Alice descended the grand staircase that would deliver her to the entrance foyer. At the bottom Thomas would be awaiting her arrival, and while he. made it clear there was no rush, it still seemed to be in their best interest if Alice hurried just a bit. When her pale eyes caught sight of him, she couldn't help but feel the muscles of her mouth upturn into a small smile. There was seemingly no joy that Thomas could not deliver. He was always there to brighten her mood, her day, no matter what he was present in her thoughts.

"Good morning." Alice called softly as she approached the man, garbed in his travelling attire. "I think we're breaking tradition, I do not believe we're supposed to see each other this day." Alice of course, was joking, she knew the traditional routines of wedding day ceremonies were not an option for them, at least not at this time. "Are we ready?" Alice was referring mostly to the preparation for departure, though she was as ready as she could be for the rites of marriage.

"I would like to request to bring Marianne with me." Alice turned to glance at her maid who stood behind and at the ready. "If you don't mind. It would be a comfort." Even though she did not know Marianne very well, or Helen or Siobhan, it occurred to her that now was a good time to start forging friendships, just as the Princess had done with her. "I would hate to delay us. The Wales' must be out of their minds with preparation."

--

At Marlborough House, Arthur and Alexandra hadn't slept at all. Even though Arthur had begged his beloved to get some rest, as always she steadfastly refused, wanting nothing more than to help her husband and the servants prepare for the festivities of the day. For the life of him Arthur didn't know where Alice and Thomas would prefer to wed, something inside, perhaps in the chapel which was now feverishly being scrubbed from top to bottom. Or something a little more subdued, perhaps a ceremony in the gardens.

Arthur had spent a good part of his evening helping the gardeners erect a wood trellis type structure for the couple to stand before if that was their choice. Flowers were not for want, and Arthur entrusted his better half on the decorating front. She had an eye for detail that he had not. Of course, Arthur had thought of many other things. For example, if they chose the gardens, Arthur made sure to set chairs not just for the Wales' but for the majority of the servants. He would be damned if these two would marry without a proper audience of those who adored Alice, and by extension must certainly appreciate Thomas.

Of course Arthur would be wearing his military uniform and all of his medals, his trusted saber by his side. It was rather easy for him to decide what action would be most appropriate on that front. Everything, as far as he was aware was being made perfect. His staff had never once let him down. When he was finally at peace and had a few moments with Alex, he embraced her tenderly. "I don't know if Thomas will come with a sufficient outfit for Alice or not, would you mind terribly having your girls pull a few options? Just in case." Arthur's head was spinning, at least he had some time to plan for his own wedding, though he too had to admit that even then he was under the gun for time.

--

All the while at Buckingham, Arabella slept, not particularly soundly, but she slept. Her dreams were plagued with visions of Queen Elizabeth, and what had been done to her. At one point the Queen had woken up screaming and in a cold sweat. Her maids called at once by the guard would be sent to stay with her, and ensure she slept. When the morning finally broke, Arabella wondered what had become of their dinner guests, and at once sent for Doctor Thomas.

[DuchessLivilla]

Thomas smiled broadly when Alice descended and he came eagerly to embrace her. "Yes, yes, you are right," he nodded. "Did you sleep?" He added, with a sigh. "I failed to. I gave up some hours before dawn...Though it did give me time to search a little. I...I pulled a gown for you to pull at. If you do not like it, you must tell me, I shall take no offence. I cannot say, really, why I bought it at the time. It is not antique, in fact, it is quite in fashion in Europe I am told. I saw it and..."

He blushed. "I do not know. I saw it and liked it and so I bought it, sending it home. Though...Not for my mother, and I have no sister. I cannot say. Maybe I hoped, without knowing it, that I'd have the chance to gift it to a Lady I cared for. Or perhaps bribe whoever was Queen if needed. One never knows when you might need such bribes. Anyway," he flushed again, "I am babbling. Here," he gently took her arm and led her to the box on the side.

The Duke removed the lid and revealed the gown, neatly folded so the bodice and a little of the white skirt was shown in all it's detail. "It has a train also," he added, smiling. "From my brief memories of weddings I have attended...Brides have trains, apparently, as do those presented at court. The rules seem endless!" He laughed.

"If you like it, I have matching emeralds for jewellery...But please, do not say you like it on my account. I shall take no offense. If you do not like it, perhaps we could gift if to the Princess for all her help. Or keep it, or sell it, I am at your command."

The Duke was too sweet by half. Like a little boy coming to a girl he liked with a flower he had picked, eager to give it to her but also not wishing to offend. Men of his rank, and hell, men of any rank -high or low- would have scoffed and laughed at him, been appalled by this behaviour. Yes, a man courting was expected to be gentlemanly and polite and so on, and gift his intended presents, but really...He did not concern himself with whether she liked them! It was no matter! She would smile and say she did and wear it for his sake. Even if she hated it!

The fact Thomas was genuinely concerned if she liked it, and if she didn't, wouldn't mind, would have been anathema to the rest of his class -aside from Prince Arthur, who was of the view a man should at least find out what his Lady liked as a basic rule!- and not to mention...He was marrying the girl today! He need not bother with all this sweetness now. The deal was done.

It was just as well that Thomas rather detested society and had no desire to move within it, if he could help it. He never, for instance, went to the club he had been apart of since he came of age. His father had insisted. He went once, on that day, with the old Duke, and then avoided it thereafter. The atmosphere of brandy and cigars and talk of business was tedious. And he could not bear how natives of India, the poor, and women, were spoken of.

He would, perhaps, find a better place in the Prince of Wales club, which was populated with men who held similar 'enlightened' views to the Prince, though most concealed them out with said hallowed walls.

-

Alexandra smiled when he found her. She had already done so but nodded, "Of course, a fine idea," she said, not wishing to second-guess him nor make him feel bad for already having done so. "I'll set the girls to it at once. I am sure I have several in white..." It was, after all, the rule of court for Royal Ladies to wear white on certain special days and one could not be seen in the same dress twice. All very silly but rules were rules!

She cupped his cheek and let her thumb stroke his beard gently. "Do not worry, my love. All will be well. The King was shaken last night, once again, and will be sulking. He shall not, I promise, think of acting upon this matter until later, if not some days hence...By then, they shall be married, bound in law and by God, and he can do nothing about it. Thomas can and will attest he knew of Alice's passed before they wed, it will be no barrier to it. A man can, after all, wed whom he pleases on that regard. A Prince may need permission...which I am sure your father deeply regrets giving," at that she gave a coy smile, "But a Duke needs no permission; Alice is not a ward of the King, and the Duke has no blood ties to him. He can do nothing."

She took Arthur's hand and held it tight. "In my watching of him...I think that is exactly what he shall do. Nothing. He's mad, but he's not that mad. Thomas has no military experience, no men to call upon, he is no threat in being an ally to us. He has wealth, yes, but who does not in this sordid little game we must play in. As for Alice, he knows...she is a maid, with no connections bar you, myself and the Queen -who will not help, I can see that clearly- so moving against them would be a waste of energy. He may, if he is bored, but..."

She looked out the window, her face pensive. "Something has happened with himself and Bella...I think that will hold him for a time. And," she turned back, placing his hand on her stomach and smiling sadly, "He has more important things to dwell on, with his 'spiteful witch of a daughter-in-law trying to trick him into accepting a baseborn bastard as his grandchild'. Or something equally as cruel."

Alex kissed him, to stop any thoughts along that line, "But never mind it. Today is a happy day. Our friends are marrying, each to a person they love and care for. Few in our circle have that, we must celebrate it, as we did our own union."

[Hannelorian]

"Thomas, I could be married in rags and still be the happiest woman you'd ever see." Alice was, for lack of a better phrase, over the moon about the idea of her marriage. The finery that came with it mattered not. "I was not born into great wealth or power, I could care less for any of it. You, the person, not the title nor the riches are who I'm marrying. Thomas the world traveller, Thomas the adventurer, Thomas who blushes at the drop of a hat." Alice was finally truly smiling.

To look at the man she would spend the rest of her life with, whether it be short or long, she was contented. "And if we happen to bring down the aristocracy, so be it."

"Your carriage is prepared your Grace." A smiling butler had spoken, clearly he himself was overwhelmed with emotion. No one had any doubts that Thomas would marry, surely he would. Or if not, perhaps he would have fled England and simply never returned, allowing his title to die with him and return to the Crown. But no, this butler always knew he would return home and marry, and in all his days he only hoped that Thomas would find love, unlike his Mother and Father who at best tolerated one another.

"Let us be married." Alice concluded as she took her husband to be by the arm and moved out of the front doors and to the carriage which would bring them post haste to Marlborough House where the rest of their lives was about to begin in earnest.

---

"Today is a happy day." Arthur repeated, looking down at his wife. It was hard to leave the world of concern. Everything around them seemed to be some threat orchestrated by his father. "Indeed a Duke needs no permission. So that will have to carry us through." Arthur was, for his part, attempting to smile and remain positive. He was truly elated for his friends. If one had asked him a year ago if he would be best friends with a maid and her fiance, the Duke of Kent, Arthur might have laughed, no one had seen the young man since he assumed the title. But here they both were, and he was privileged to be able to celebrate that with them.

"Perhaps if they choose to leave the country, we should accompany them. Settle down somewhere else, far from the madness that is our life here. Away from all of the threats and the games. We can have our children and raise them in peace, they could grow up without knowing the horrors of their own grandfather. Or the cruelties of your sister. Beatrix would never need to know a thing."

Arthur of course, had no intention of leaving, that would be abandoning his duty and his people. But for a while it was a clever and delightful thought. Something just loud enough for him to want to embrace, a dream of a time and peace that wouldn't seem to exist here. What a world he could live in with his darling, his Alexandra, a world where none were the wiser. The secrets of England could be kept at bay, and they could just be Arthur and Alex. A loving couple.

"Right, you best get ready. I'll see that the Priest has everything he needs. It won't be long now, they are surely on their way."

[DuchessLivilla]

Thomas grinned shyly, "Yes, lets," he said, then gestured for the butler to take the dress with them. If Alice did not want it, he would gladly give it to the Princess. After all, for all she had done for them, he'd happily give her anything she demanded, not, of course, that Alexandra was the type to demand. He took Alice's arm and walked out to the carriage before opening the door.

At that he suddenly burst out laughing and had to lean on the coach to stop himself from falling over. The butler, the footmen and the driver, not to mention Alice, all paused and looked at the Duke, mildly bemused at this sudden display. What on earth was funny?

"Oh, forgive me," he said, wiping a tear from his eye and trying to calm down. "I am just reminded...I was thinking of the Princess and what I owe her, and what I would give her if she demanded it..." he laughed again. "I have no idea if it is true...but I was just recalling a tale my nanny told me, about the King's late mother, the Queen Mother. She, apparently, had a great knack for acquiring things from the homes she visited, in a remarkable way. She would admire some little thing, an ornament, or some such, and, naturally, the hostess would be obliged to say 'we would love to send it to your Majesty!' whether they wanted to or not. And the Queen would reply, with a smile, picking it up as she did, 'Oh, do not worry, I shall take it with me!' and off she would go with it!"

He shook his head and laughed for some seconds before managing to compose himself. "I am sorry. Truly. I think it must just be..." he gestured, "The tension of all this, the darkness, the danger...I fear I am a little out of sorts."

To be fair, the entire situation was farcical. That a nobleman, a Duke, must creep away from his own house at dawn, to wed his beloved in secret, under the roof of the Prince of Wales...It was most amusing really.

He held out his hand and helped Alice into the carriage, followed by her maid, and then climbed in after them, still, chuckling a little as he did so.

--

Alexandra smiled gently and leant against him, indulging, briefly, in the dream. "Yes...Italy maybe, or France. To be alone with you, and our child, in peace, I would go anywhere. India, deepest Africa, anywhere..." She sighed and pulled back. They both knew it couldn't be. If their child was a boy, to leave the country would ruin his future. Not to mention, with the King's implications, if Alex gave birth anywhere but Windsor or Buckingham Palace, the baby was to be a bastard and be worth, to society, nothing.

No.

They had to remain, whatever the danger.

A rock and a hard place about summed it up.

"Oh!" Alexandra had a sudden thought. "Rings...I doubt Thomas will have any prepared, and dear Alice certainly doesn't. I will go through my collection and find one for her. I am sure they will chose their own when they have time. Their honeymoon, perhaps."

She fingered her own wedding ring and smiled happily. She never took hers off. Never. She knew it was just a band of metal really, but it was so much more in reality. It signalled all her hopes and dreams, bound to the man she loved, forever.

"Right," Alex kissed Arthur's cheek. "Go see to the priest, and I'll short out Alice's gown and a ring for her. As you say, they will likely be on their way." She glanced out the window. It was still very dark, given it was before dawn. "A shame the garden might be out...Though we could have lanterns and candles brought if they wanted. It might have to be the chapel."

She smiled at her husband then hurried off to see to her own tasks.

--

An hour or so later, the Duke's carriage trundled up the tree-lined avenue towards Marlborough house, to the house, all ablaze with lights and the Prince and Princess, with some of their staff. Thomas opened the door and stepped out, then helped Alice out.

Alexandra came forward and hugged her, smiling like a child on Christmas morning, "Oh! I am so glad you're here," she took her hand. "Did you bring a dress? Do not worry if not, I've got it all in hand." She nodded to Thomas, "I've a ring too, for Alice to have. I am sure though, when you have the freedom, you'll chose one for her properly."

Thomas, who had clean forgotten about rings in his excitement gasped. "I cannot believe I forgot rings...Thank you so much, your Highness."

"Thomas, please," Alex grinned, "How many times must I tell you? Call me Alex. We are all friends here."

The Duke flushed and smiled, "Of course, my apologies...Alex. And we did not bring a dress for Alice...Though I did bring one for you."

"For me?" Alex smiled. "Whatever for? You do not have to give me anything."

"No," Thomas chuckled. "I do. I owe you a great deal. But that can wait," he smiled at Alice. "I think we are both eager to get to the altar..."

The Princess glanced at Arthur and smiled coyly. "I can sympathise. Come on Alice, let us go and chose a gown for you. Arthur can amuse Thomas with the horrors of marriage!" She winked and drew Alice into the house.

[Hannelorian]

When Alex embraced Alice, Alice felt like her heart was melting. In a way, it felt like an overdue homecoming, even though she stilled lived at Marlborough. After all that had transpired, just to be held and welcomed by her dearest of friends was so incredibly special and meaningful. In that moment she was not worried about a dress, or a ring. She was simply glad to be amongst her dearest and truest friends. "Yes, yes. Let us hurry inside for all the preparations." As Alice entered the estate, it was almost a shock.

Staff were smiling at her as they ran past, all moving to complete assorted tasks. Due to the controversial nature of the Wales' and their current position at court, it was rare, if not unheard of for Marlborough House to play host a major event, though Alice would hardly call her wedding a major event. But still, they were pulling out all the stops, and they were doing it for her. Alice, the maid, one of them in spirit and indeed in duty. She had served faithfully alongside them, she had slept in the small cramped quarters, she had eaten with them. Even a few of them had been sent over from Sussex, now that, that residence was officially out of commission.

"Thank you, Alexandra... for everything." Alice said softly as the two women walked toward Alex's quarters, which was more or less a set of unused rooms, save for the dressing rooms which house additional wardrobes. Alice had a feeling this was how she would prefer to live. To sleep in the same bed alongside her husband each and every night. So perhaps in that regard, the quarters of her predecessor, Thomas' mother wouldn't need to change at all if she simply used the space as... well... anything but her own.

Arthur all the while, stood by Thomas. "What about me Arthur?" He asked, looking rather puzzled and but inquisitive. He knew men of the aristocracy did not wear wedding wears, the men of the Royal family certainly did not. But Arthur was no ordinary man, and indeed did wear a wedding ring on the daily. Arthur actually rather enjoyed fidgeting it with it when he grew nervous, or his mind was working too fast. But in actuality, he wore it as a symbol of his love, and saw no need to eschew the practice.

Arthur smiled at the question and nodded his head. "I should have a spare or so in my collection you can use until you have a fitting replacement. It gladens me to think you'd like to do such a thing as I have." Arthur began to slowly walk toward the entrance, almost pulling Thomas along by the speed, which slowly for Arthur was rather quick for most. It was like he always had somewhere to be, something to do, a mission to accomplish. That was just Arthur. "Besides, you must get ready as well! It won't be much longer now. The Priest is already here. He's a friend, you needn't worry about a thing."

[DuchessLivilla]

Alexandra smiled and put her arm around her shoulders and squeezed. Both were clearly excited by it all! And the Princess loved an event; perhaps because she had been denied much fun when she lived with Bella.

Though she and Arthur lived simply -in terms of their status anyway, it was as grand as grand could be compared to say...a maid or labourer- they still made sure each day was as full of amusements as they could. They danced each evening, even if it was just themselves there, in the ballroom sometimes too, for fun, with the servants -many of whom were skilled- playing for them.

It was quite common -and would have shocked those of their own class- that Arthur partnered a maid or the cook, and Alex a footman or groom so that all could join in. There was a reason, and not just pay, that their staff were as loyal to the Wales's as they could be. Each treated their 'inferiors' as equals...Something that was rare in the circles they moved in.

A fact that greatly annoyed the King's spymaster when he had, on several occasions, tried to 'buy' a maid or footman at the estate. None would take the bribes and none would speak a word to him. Even threats did nothing; empty ones, as it happens, the man had no power to do anything.

"Everyone is so excited," Alex said, smiling at the maids who hurried after them to help. "It's a shame it's not during the day, we could make a proper show of it, but still, everyone has outdone themselves. Wait until you see the cake Mrs Patmore has made!" She giggled. "I do fear she, on two occasions, was ready to hit me with a ladle when I tried to help and spoilt the look! After that I conceded defeat and left her to it."

"Oh," Alex carried on, smiling. "Really, it's no trouble. I am happy to do this. You would do it for me if the roles were reversed." She took Alice to her dressing room where several white gowns and accessories were laid out or hanging from doors.

Alexandra strolled into the room and looked around, smiling still. "Luckily I have several you can pick from. Those silly court days," she rolled her eyes, "And the coming out balls. Apparently we must all have options for said days, and then never wear them at court again. It's the waste that annoys me. The people go without and starve, and I am told I cannot wear a dress twice."

She gestured around, "So you can pick any you like and keep it, or give it away or some such," Alex chuckled, "It's yours." She also picked up a flat box, clearly containing a necklace, "Here...This is from Arthur and myself."

Inside was pearl and silver necklace with several small diamonds set into a flower design within the loops of pearls.

"It's tradition," Alex added, with a grin. "Pearls, as they say, being for wives."

-

Thomas followed Arthur, grinning happily. He couldn't quite believe it. This was his wedding day! His servant hurried behind him, carrying his change of clothes. "Yes, I see no reason to not wear a ring, and besides...I am as a proud as any groom could be. I want to show it."

He put a hand on the Prince's shoulder and said, "I am truly grateful...Arthur. From the bottom of my heart. I cannot thank you enough for all this."

[Hannelorian]

Alice took a look around the room filled with dresses. Alice had been in this room a thousand times or more, she knew every last detail of every piece. Alice knew exactly when and where Alexandra had worn each, who had given it to her or made it for her. A sparse few of the dresses were those that Arabella had commissioned for her sister at one point or another. Only one of them was ever truly to Alex's taste. But that did not stop Alice was very slowly walking through the room, her fingers trailing on the assorted edges of gowns and other assorted dress wear. Everything was just as she had remembered it, but it all hit remarkably different when it was for her to select.

There was an understandable lack of white, as that had only recently come in to fashion for weddings, but white wasn't exactly Alice's colour. Or at least she didn't think so. But that hardly seemed to matter, Alice herself was rather in awe and honestly grateful for such generosity. The kind that was so rarely given to women of her position in the world. A position she would leave behind shortly, it didn't seem real. Yet, it was real.

It wasn't until Alex saw the exact dress she wanted that she stopped. There it was, tucked away, just like she remembered it being. Almost in a place of shame, but Alice felt it beautiful, and appropriate. Pulling the gown with all of the delicacy she could muster, Alice carried out and softly placed it on the bed. It was a brilliant ruby red dress. It was of silk, lace and chiffon. The train was magnificent, resplendent. The lining of the bodice was stitched in with diamonds and pearls. The sleeves of the dress were well fitted and came to a stop just above the elbow. The dress had a low collar and surprisingly plunging neckline. With a few petticoats underneath it would be perfect.

"This one." Alice smirked and turned to Alexandra, wondering if her choice was suitable. The dress, was in fact never worn and given to Alexandra by none other than Arabella many years ago. She had heard stories of it from the other servants. It was given as a joke, a cruel and harsh joke. It was a dress that would bring nothing but embarrassment. Red the color of a whore, the neckline to match, the jewels to exemplify material wealth, something ironic had it not been on such a garment. It was a dress made to humiliate and embarrass Alexandra. But Alice wanted to own it, to show her loyalty to the Prince and Princess of Wales. To wear a beautiful dress and damn the standards all to hell. Alice was a new woman, a free woman.

And then of course there was the matter of the gift of the necklace, beautiful as always, Alexandra had exquisite taste. "Thank you, your Highness." Alice bowed her head and took the gift into her hands examining it for it's splendor. It was perfect, and something she surely could never had picked out for herself. Alice loved it, and what's more she loved the person who had given it to her. "It is perfect. You'll have to thank His Highness for me." In these moments as a servant, it seemed appropriate to use the royal stylings for Alex and Arthur. A token of her respect, an homage to her past and her upbringing and the world she was leaving behind, and those would leave behind with it.

"No silly veils." Alice shook her head, she wanted to be seen, to hold her head up high as she made her way down the aisle to stand beside the man she was about to marry. She wanted those assembled to see her, to see the look on her face for all it was worth. To see how far she come and how hard she worked, and that she had never given up. She fought for those she loved and she had done so brilliantly. Alice was owning her sense of self.

---

"No thanks are necessary. Your friendship alone is enough. It's hard to find genuine friends in his world, at that blasted court. So one must value those they have, and relish their honesty and their bravery to stand beside the man most would rather see dead." Arthur brightly, waiting for the word from the ladies' maids that Alice was ready to go so the ceremony might begin in earnest.

[DuchessLivilla]

Alexandra watched then, as she picked, slowly smirked then started to laugh. "It's perfect," she replied, guessing at once what Alice was about. "It is only a shame Her Majesty shall not see it...Still, a wedding portrait perhaps, could be sent," she grinned then waved a hand. "No, I am being petty. A fault of mine that will no doubt get me in trouble before long."

She came over and touched the dress, something she had never wished to do before. She wasn't even sure why she had kept it. She could have left it at Suffolk...Then again, she had not, of course, done her own packing and likely it had been packed without a glance from a maid. "It's perfect, Alice," she said again, smiling. "It was meant as a humiliation. From now on it will be anything but."

Alexandra laughed again and said, "You know, it always baffled me why society, and the King, decided a Lady wearing too much red was a sin, and sign of loose morals...If a man wears it, he is likely wealthy, well thought of, or a cardinal! And it is the colour of martyrs...Ah, maybe that is why. He wants none of us to have a chance to die as such, merely to die as 'harlots' and 'witches'. I must remember that if my time comes."

Alex kissed her cheek when she thanked her for the necklace and smiled. "A proud Duchess indeed. That would be my advice. When you enter a room, do not seek to hide and bow your head, enter confident and proud. Power and respect are tricks, mere shadows on the wall. They belong to those who people think they do. Act like you are untouchable, and you will be. From the courtier and rabble anyway, which is about all we can hope for."

She clapped her hands, "Now! Let's hasten on. Mary, Sarah, help Alice undress. Edith and I shall start unlacing this gown. Oh, Jane, good you have your combs. You can style Alice's hair when she's dressed."

Like a well-ordered regiment, the women set to work making 'Lady Alice' into every inch the ducal bride.

-

An hour later -quick in reality for the dressing of a Lady!- Alexandra sent word downstairs with a maid that all was ready and that the menfolk should adjourn to the garden, along with the staff, who would be acting as guests...

Cook and the kitchen staff had been up for hours making a fine display for the wedding breakfast, along with the cake. Alice would not be left without at least some of the finer memories she should have on such a day, Alexandra had made damn sure of it.

When the maids had gone downstairs to take their seats in the garden with the others, the Princess took Alice's hand and smiled gently. "Are you ready, Alice? You look beautiful. Thomas won't know what has hit him when you walk towards him. And do not worry, it's perfectly normal to be nervous, even if its a love match. After all..." she laughed softly, "It's a wonderous and scary thing to link your soul to another person's."

[Hannelorian]

It was a rather odd feeling now, being waited on not only by ladies but by the Princess of Wales herself. The very woman she had dressed and prepared not so long ago was now ensuring that she, Alice, looked presentable for her own wedding day. A day she could not have fathomed being so soon at hand, just as she could have hardly imagined the idea of a proposal coming so swiftly after being swept off her feet. Looking at herself in the mirror she could not recognize herself, not really. Between the hair, an ornate updo, but none too gaudy, the dress and her makeup, she was looking at a different person.

So true was this, that Alice found herself prying her own eyes away from her reflection. It was much too tempting to look at, and a part of her was truly thrilled by it. And to be honest, quite a bit overwhelmed. Sure, Alice had worn a dress made by the Queen's best dressmaker, and sure she had worn jewelry from the Queen's collection, but this was something else, something truly special. A thing that connected Alice to Alex and Arthur, and of course her soon to be husband. It was a kind of invisible thread that had managed to tie their destinies together, no matter how colourful or grim they might be. It was a chance at freedom, it was chance at true happiness.

At the appointed time, as the sun was rising, the staff as guests flooded into the garden and occupied all of the seats, those who did not get seats lined themselves along the back, filing in rather neatly and orderly. There were small whispers and giggles, nothing at all scandalous just a group of people overjoyed to be celebrating the achievements and dreams of one of their own. It wouldn't be too much longer before Arthur in his military uniform and Thomas himself would make their way to the head of the aisle, where Thomas would await his bride.

Arthur of course, acting as something of best man, an honor it was thrilled to receive. Arthur, coming to think of it had never participated in a wedding before, that was save for his own. He was barely even invited to his father's second marriage. There was something nice about just being there for moral and emotional support, to perform a ceremonial role where he needn't do anything but there, and perhaps to lend a handkerchief of course to any a wet eye in need of one.

The Priest Arthur had found was a trusted friend from his earlier days in the armed forces, then nothing but a field chaplain, and now almost ready to be elevated to Bishop, though it seemed unlikely now given his remote association with Arthur himself. Father Harrington, as he was called was a man of about Arthur's age, and was known for his ability to honor discretion. He wouldn't say why he was summoned so early in the morning until the deed had been done and everything was indeed legal under the eyes of God as it were. He was simply a man glad to be of use to the Prince, who had been a steadfast ally and supporter, no matter what had happened or where their lives had taken them.

"Speaking of wonderous and scary." Alice said as she stood with Alex now, just before the entrance to the garden and in effect the aisle itself. "If I'm going to marry in red, and break tradition. I suppose I must ask you to walk me down the aisle... I do not have my father to do. You are and Arthur are the closest thing to a family I have here." Really, Alex and Arthur were her family, the ones she had chosen, the ones she loved so deeply, in many ways more than she did her biological family. This life had taken a wild toll and everything that she once held as sacred.

This would be the moment she would united in love, for now and for ever, eternity bound to Thomas.

[DuchessLivilla]

As Thomas and Arthur walked down the aisle to their place, before the trellis that had been erected -threaded with flowers- several of the maids let out an audible sigh then blushed and giggled. It was hard not to. The Duke was very handsome in his suit, but well...Didn't every girl like a man in uniform? And the Prince of Wales was the most dashing man in his red tunic and sword.

Arthur smiled good-naturedly and winked as he passed. Both he and the maids were well aware that he loved his wife and would never betray her so it was all in good fun.

They reached the trellis and both shook Father Harrington's hand and then took their places. Thomas looked out at the crowd, all smiling and a few older women were already dabbing their eyes with handkerchiefs before it had even started. The out-pouring of love and genuine well-wishing was rather overwhelming . He had never known it before.

He said softly to the Prince, "I cannot help but think...in front of the court or society, I should not feel so much love and affection from the crowd."

-

Out of sight, further off in the garden, Alexandra smiled, delighted at the idea. "Oh yes. Perfect. I am honoured." She laughed. "And you did me the courtesy of allowing me to choose my own gown! I was a bridesmaid for Bella when she wed the Duke...She was not as cruel then to me but it was started. She put us all in this disgusting gown of orange that looked as if it had been blown together in during a storm at the modiste. I, and the other ladies, looked perfect frights. I think it rather backfired though. Bella, of course, looked beautiful as you can imagine, but I am sure I saw many staring at myself and the other ladies...."

She laughed. "I would have to. We looked truly ghastly. Not that Bella noticed, of course." She waved her hand. "Anyway, today is as far removed from that as can be and I won't trouble my mind with comparisons. Oh!"

A nursemaid was hurrying towards them, holding a well-wrapped bundle. She curtsied and beamed, "Sorry, your Highness, I mistook the time! Here we are...one flower girl...who is asleep but I have the petals!"

Alex smiled and kissed Beatrix's head. "Silly I know, but I couldn't resist. Right, I think all is ready...Off you go Kate. We shall follow in a moment..." She peaked around the hedge and grinned, "Yes...Everyone is seated."

Kate giggled softly and hurried off across the path and took her place by the path. As she appeared, the little gaggle of musicians started to play just a flowery tune. The nursemaid smiled, glanced down at the baby, who was still asleep -and in any case was too young to throw flowers- then started to walk, deftly managing to scatter petals from her half-free hand as she did so.

Everyone 'awed' at the sight and smiled. The whole household had rather fallen in love with the baby, she had really become part of the family and household, in so much as a baby, less than 6 months old, could have a personality.

As she reached the end, she smiled at the Prince and Thomas and curtsied. ""She's well wrapped up, your Highness, but I'll take her back to her room when the ceremony is over. Her Highness didn't want her to have a chance of getting a chill."

Thomas smiled at the baby, nestled as she was in her swaddling. He glanced at Arthur and grinned. Soon enough, well, next year, but soon enough, his friends would have their own child. He knew, without asking, that Arthur would be an involved father. Both himself, and the Prince, had experienced 'traditional' fathers...The type who hardly noticed their offspring until they were perhaps seven or so, at which point the boys were sent off to Eton or some such, or given over to governors for their lessons, mostly in the country...

It was not unheard of for a nobleman to forget his children's names in some cases, seeing them perhaps once a year when they came off the Grouse Moor at hunting season.

Thomas didn't want that if he had children. Not that, he blushed, he had given that much thought. Perhaps he should have! Did Alice want children? He chewed his lip and looked a little worried. Surely that was something he should have asked? He did not mind and would do whatever made her happy but...

No time for that now.

The music changed, announcing the arrival of Alice and Alexandra who had appeared at the entrance to the garden and were coming towards them.

-

Alexandra, who had been watching from the outskirts, grinned at Alice when Kate reached the end and stood up, trying not to giggle. She held out her arm, like a gentleman, and smiled, "Would you care to accompany me, my Lady? I think it's passed time you were wedded."