Hope Between the Pages, Pepper Basham [best ebook reader android .txt] 📗

family’s acceptance, especially after hearing of his mother’s disdain, I was completely ill-prepared for the reception by Oliver’s grandmother.

She whisked me away from Oliver almost as soon as we arrived at her house and told him to “begone,” as the bridegroom shouldn’t see his bride on the eve before they wed. “It creates wonderful expectation,” she added with a twinkle in her pale blue eyes.

Clearly, Oliver had gotten his looks and his personality from the Camden side of the family.

After a delicious feast in the small dining room of Helen’s cottage, we sat by the fire for dessert, where she pelted me with questions, and I asked a few of my own. It was after that evening that I understood with more clarity the power Oliver’s mother, Caroline Camden, wielded among her family. So strong was her condescension, that poor Helen had chosen to move to this cottage on the far reaches of the Camden property instead of staying in the estate house.

The fact that Oliver had chosen to keep our temporary home at a distance from the estate house inspired more relief as the evening progressed. I’d lived a quiet life as long as I could remember, so solitude didn’t frighten me. In fact, I slipped it on like a pair of well-loved shoes. To dwell within a battlefield at home, on constant watch for veiled threats and criticism? What had Oliver endured during his life to use whatever wealth he could manage to ensure my safety from his own mother?

As morning dawned, I glanced out the window to view the majestic English countryside. I’d never seen a world so green and lush, even if it was early February. The mountains comforted me with their presence, so much the same as those back home, yet different. If my new world included people like Helen Camden, little Victoria, and Oliver, then I could make Fenwick my home forever.

I’d barely finished breakfast in my room when a knock at the door welcomed Helen, along with one of her housemaids and…Victoria, all smiles. The housemaid held an armful of gowns and Helen carried a basket of ribbons and other paraphernalia.

“Sadie!” Victoria ran full force at me and wrapped her arms about my waist. “We’re going to be sisters.”

“Indeed we are.” I laughed and lowered myself to hug her properly. “I believe you’ve grown since last I saw you.”

Her smile bloomed into double dimples.

I looked from Victoria to Helen. “What are you all doing here?”

“Every bride deserves some bridesmaids to help her prepare for her wedding day.” Helen chuckled and spilled the basket onto the bed.

I looked from one face to the other, her declaration taking much too long to comprehend. I’d anticipated a solitary endeavor, much like Jane Eyre on her ill-fated wedding day, but here I was, surrounded by laughter and more excitement than I’d ever garnered in my life.

“And, I brought a few gowns from which you may choose.” Helen gestured for the maid, Aggie, to place the gowns across the bed. “I saw your travel clothes, and none of those will do for a wedding day, my dear. Your wedding day should be magical.”

“Oh Mrs. Camden, I couldn’t.”

“No.” She wagged a finger at me. “None of this ‘Mrs. Camden’ business. You are to be my family, dear girl, which means you shall call me Helen. We don’t put on airs here, Sadie.” She waved about the room. “One of the benefits of living away from the estate house.”

The gowns, three in various shades and styles of white, drew me as if they held some sort of enchantment. Each with their own delicate and unique designs looked like something any woman at Biltmore would wear. Much too nice for me. I shook my head again.

“Appease an old woman. I’ve longed to pour my feminine delights on another female, but my daughter-in-law is not of a mind to take my hospitality unless it is in the form of money.” She took one of my hands into hers. “Allow me this indulgence, to give you and my dear grandson a wedding day you will not quickly forget.”

“You barely know me. Why are you so kind to me?”

“Dear girl, I can already tell from our conversation last night that you are the perfect match for our Oliver.” Helen examined me, her smile softening. “He’s always carried a gentle heart, and to know he broke with his mother and forfeited his inheritance to wed you, deserves a great deal of celebration. If you are special to him, you are special to me.”

“And me,” Victoria added, sitting down on the nearest chair with a bounce. “But I already liked you long before Ollie ever did.”

I hoped I smiled at Victoria, but my mind was still processing what Helen said. “Oliver gave up his inheritance for me?”

“Ah, I see he hasn’t told you. His brother, Robert, inherits most of the estate as firstborn, but Oliver’s mother had some family money of her own she used as leverage against our dear boy. He would not be controlled.”

Something akin to a whimper gurgled up from my throat, but Helen shook her head.

“Never you mind. He has an allowance from me, which remains until my death. He’s never tended toward extravagance, so the amount should keep you humble, but comfortable.” She patted my cheek, her face wreathed in smiles. “Now, let’s choose that gown, shall we?”

I couldn’t move. My eyes burned and my breath shivered out in an attempt to control my waiting tears. “He’s the very best of men, I think.”

“Yes, yes he is.” She searched my face, her expression softening to a wobbly bottom lip. “And you will do quite well for him. I am sure.”

My eyes filled so fast with tears I turned away to keep her from seeing them, but she seemed to understand. After collecting myself, I asked Victoria to help me choose a gown. We settled on a lovely Irish lace bodice overlaying a white silk underdress. The scalloped neckline highlighted more of