Page 32 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Georgiana listened until he finished. “It sounds exactly the thing, Mr. Wickham. You were very thoughtful to find such a place for us to marry.”

She settled against the squabs and looked out the window.

Wickham cast a look of concern toward Mrs. Younge.

“Georgiana, you look very solemn, dear. Are you quite well?”

The girl looked to her companion and forced a smile. “I am quite well, Mrs. Younge. I only miss my brother. Having him here with me would have made everything perfect.”

“We shall remain here in Ramsgate a little longer while Mr. Wickham arranges our travel plans. Then we shall join your brother in London. You will tell him all about your lovely wedding gown, the medieval church where you were married, and the charming husband you have been so fortunate to wed. You will have so much to tell him.”

Georgiana brightened. “Yes, I shall tell him everything, and about the wonderful weeks we have spent together in Ramsgate.”

She looked to her bridegroom. “Thank you for taking the time to find such a special church for our wedding ceremony.”

When they arrived, Wickham handed both ladies down from the carriage and escorted them into the chapel. The clergyman, dressed in his robes, awaited them at the far end of the nave. They approached him, and the marriage service was read from the Book of Common Prayer.

When the time came, Mr. Wickham withdrew the ring from his inner coat pocket, placed it upon her finger, and recited his vows.

Afterward, Wickham escorted her from the church into the bright sunshine. Mrs. Younge embraced her and kissed her cheek.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Wickham.”

She looked to her friend. “I congratulate you, Mr. Wickham. I have arranged for Cook to prepare a wedding breakfast for you. Let us return and celebrate.”

When they had finished eating, George Wickham asked, “Ladies, would you care to take a walk? It is a fine day. Shall we stroll to the seaside and bury our toes in the sand?”

Mrs. Younge added, “We can take a basket with us. I imagine we shall find seashells along the shore.”

They changed their gowns and then walked down to the seaside.

Georgiana wandered near the lapping water, pausing whenever a pale shell caught the sunlight. Before long, she had gathered several cockles, a whelk, and a mussel shell whose dark surface gleamed with shades of blue and violet.

The three walked in unusual silence, but the outing proved pleasant. After an hour, George said, “Perhaps we should return. I believe we have walked a mile, and if we go much farther, we may become too tired for the walk back.”

Both ladies agreed, and they set off toward the town.

“May I carry your basket for you, Mrs. Wickham?”

Georgiana flushed and held it out to him. “Thank you, sir.”

“My dear, you look grieved. Do you miss your brother so very much?”

She lifted her eyes to his. “I do. I am very sorry he could not be here with me today. But do not concern yourself, sir. I shall recover my spirits once we return to London and I am with him again.”

Mr. Wickham said, “What you need is a diversion.”

“There is a comedy playing at the Theatre Royal in Margate this evening. It is called She Stoops to Conquer and has enjoyed great success. I am told it is lighthearted and romantic, perfect for our first evening as husband and wife.”

Georgiana's face brightened. “I should like that above all things.” She looked to Mrs. Younge. “Which gown shall I wear? I have never attended a play.”

Mrs. Younge glanced toward Wickham. He lifted his brows in approval.

“I shall have Cook serve dinner at five o'clock so we may dine and still have ample time to travel to Margate before the performance begins.”

Then she looked to Georgiana. “Have Jenny prepare your bath as soon as we reach the house, so you shall have sufficient time to dress for the evening.”

Georgiana's eyes shone with anticipation of the play.