Annabella Bonus Scene

“Are you sure it will be alright?” Patience asked, fretting and adjusting the veil again.

“Trust your sister,” Annabella said, rising to her feet from where she kneeled on the ground with a groan.

“Mother was worried about the propriety of all of this, but I am so glad that you agreed,” Patience said, smiling at Annabella in the reflection of the large mirror.

Annabella could not help but smile back. “Well, truthfully, it was nice to take up my needles again. I have missed it.” Gently, she smoothed the sacque train that fell from Patience’s shoulders. “Mother is so proud I’m not sure it really matters anyway.”

Patience giggled a little. From a side table, Annabella retrieved the bouquet of lilies of the valley, violets, and baby’s breath and passed it to Patience. The two sisters stood next to each other for a moment, enjoying this quiet moment with just the two of them.

“You are the most beautiful bride,” Annabella said to Patience. Unbidden, tears pricked at her eyes. “I just hope that he deserves you.”

“Oh, he does,” Patience said emphatically. “You knew that a duke was not for me.”

“No, we can’t all marry dukes,” Annabella agreed. She looked down at the white gold wedding band on her finger, turning it about. Engraved all about the band were little butterflies.