October 24th of 1661
Redcroft Manor, Fenia
Redcroft Manor, Fenia
The manor was the busiest it had yet to be since the new Lady had moved in. Just as well because there was a lot to get done in very little time. Upon deciding to be wed, the young women went to work. Or well, Aileigh did. Thea was very easygoing when it came to the preparations. She was not the type of girl to fawn over her wedding details. This was fine because Aileigh had been dreaming about her wedding since she was a little girl. It was all very different to what she imagined: she did not fall in love with a prince charming. Still, life was short and on the chance that this would be her one and only wedding, she wanted a beautiful ceremony all the same, regardless the situation.
Extra servants were brought in the night before to start preparations. The wedding would take place behind the manor, in the garden. It was a beautiful, if small, space, perfect for a small wedding. The surrounding trees offered privacy, not that there was anyone nearby to lurk. In the morning light, about two dozen chairs were set up on the lawn. They created a makeshift aisle down the worn cobble path, leading to a glorious arch. It was made of pink flowers and the rich green of leaves. It was large, drawing the eye past all the other natural beauty of the garden to where the brides would be standing. A flower arch... It was something Aileigh always wanted at her wedding.
Three low tables had been set beneath the shade of trees. In the branches above, lanterns were strung up to be lit later. Cushions laid atop the grass for them to sit on later, bringing a touch of the Romany flare to the ceremony.
The cooks prepared a feast: roasted ducks and pheasants, cooked boar, fresh bread, platter of fruits, grilled vegetables, and of course, a wedding cake. Following the ceremony, things would be brought out, but for now, it remained stashed safely in the manor's kitchen.
A band was the last of non-family that would be present for the wedding. No wedding was proper without music, but especially not the wedding of a Roma woman.
The morning sun was shifting, giving way to a bright afternoon. The haze of a new day was gone and with it came butterflies in the pit of Aileigh's stomach. Inside Redcroft, she peered out of a window down to the garden below while servants moved behind her. Thea had let her stay the night prior so that the day would be easier. She would be able to get ready in the guest room she occupied and it saved her a carriage ride.
Upon waking, she was brought tea and fruit, which she nibbled on while a bath was prepared. She dismissed the servants so that she could bath alone. Her mind was racing, but in the silence of the bedroom, she found a bit of peace. Was this what they called cold feet? She absently wiggled her toes, watching the water's surface ripple. No, she believed in her choices. As strange as it all seemed, she believed she found the path she needed to be on.
Once the water started to grow cold, she got out of the tub and dried off. She pulled on a robe and sat on the bed, fingers drumming atop the quilt. Blue eyes drifted around the room that would be hers from this day out. She chose it for the view and it was not far from Zevander's nursery. The vows had yet to be said, but she already wished to nurture him. She thought about asking a servant for him, not wishing to wander Redcroft in her robe or bump into the other bride. However, the thought was disrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in!" She called out, shifting to make sure she was properly covered. The door opened and her mother entered. Aileigh brightened and jumped up, rushing over to hug her. "I'm glad you're here!"
"Nowhere else I should be. Now! There's a couple of others behind me. We have gifts for you."
It was then that Aileigh realized her mother had something rather large draped over her arm. Aileigh stepped back curiously, watching Aishe move over to the bed. She placed the item on the bed and uncovered it to reveal a dress. It was not just any dress, but the same dress her mother had worn a few years ago in her wedding to Zuan. She looked over the fine details in the same awe as when she saw it the first time. The lace overlay was breathtaking, with intricate stitching of wolves and unicorns around the bottom of the gown. It was a light blue, turquoise to be exact, in honour of their family, with black, gold, and a hint of white.
"Something borrowed... I thought, since we did not have enough time to make you something perfect, my dress may do. What do you think?"
Aileigh looked at her mother, tears stinging her eyes. For a moment, she was speechless. She reached out to the dress, touching it gingerly before beaming up to her mother. "I couldn't imagine anything more perfect. Thank you. Who would've thought I'd be marrying my own Winterbourne."