It was an autumn wedding in the late afternoon, but Serena observed that the color theme was varying shades of pink. At the end of each seated aisle, there were faux Sakura trees, below were tall standing vases filled with flowers and in the middle of each were scented candles.
It was a traditional wedding and Felix informed them that after their performance they were to seat at the left side where the guests of the bride were.
Geoffrey and Emily started playing Pachelbel's Canon D. Signaling the beginning of the wedding procession. The groom escorted by his parents were the first to enter. As the groom reached the front of the aisle, the wedding entourage were next. The wedding sponsors came first in pairs, then the bearers and the flowers girls who strewn white petals on the red wedding aisle runner, followed by each bridesmaid escorted by a groomsman.
While all of these were happening, Serena's eyes moved to Charlton's and saw that he was staring at her all that time. She gave him a smile and he smiled back.
The song ended just when the entire bridal party was positioned at the front and the parents of the bride at the middle of the aisle. Then, there was a moment of silence as Serena and Charlton took over.
As Serena played the first note of the song, the huge arched double doors of the church slowly opened revealing the bride. The guests noticed that the song was something they never heard before. However, it was suitable for the event, so much so, that it even invoked a sentimental emotion from almost everyone present, causing some of them to even shed some tears as they trailed their eyes on the bride.
As the bride walked down the aisle, the guests sitting beside the tall flower vases started lighting the candles. It was like a scene out of a fairy tale.
When they finished playing the song, it was just in time for the priest to start his invocation. Charlton escorted Serena to the seat where Geoffrey and Emily were.
"Dearly beloved, family, friends, ladies, and gentlemen. We are gathered here today as Robert Addington and Ofelia Lobart pledge to spend their lives together……" they heard the priest said as he began the wedding ceremony.
Serena listened to the mass solemnly. She recalled her own wedding which happened almost 5 decades ago. Her marriage was a happy one, and until their last breath, she and her husband remained true to one another. Although that was a lifetime ago, she still held fond memories and silently prayed for her deceased husband.
At the same time, she also asked for his blessings. She knew that he would forgive her for loving Charlton because he did tell her during his last moments that if she were to meet a man after he was gone, she should just go for it, he knew of her secret fantasies. She remembered scolding him, saying, I'm this old, and you think I can still have some hot young man lusting after me?
Serena turned her head to look at Charlton as she held back her laughter thinking 'Well, will you look at that…'
Charlton feeling her eyes on him looked back and winked.
"… I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now share your first kiss as newlyweds." The priest announced.
The groom, now husband, lifted his wife's veil. They smiled at each other and shared a kiss. Then everyone applauded.
At the middle of the applause, Charlton whispered in her ear "When we get married, I will kiss you more dramatically than that."
Serena wanted to smack him, but given the situation, she just rolled her eyes.
—
After the ceremony, everyone was ushered outside to welcome the newlyweds as they exit the church. Outside, Geoffrey, with Emily standing beside him, started a conversation with Charlton, who had Serena at his side.
"Charlton, I have to go. Please do look after Miss Maxwell as I am unable to do so." He said. Acknowledging for the first time that he had some responsibility towards Serena's well-being.
Charlton can only nod while saying, "of course. Do take care on your way back."
"Alright, you too. I will go ahead. Goodbye, Charlton," then he faced Serena saying "Ms. Maxwell" nodding his head in her direction.
Serena politely nodded her head back.
Emily also said her goodbyes before riding in a separate carriage from Geoffrey.
"I thought that they should be sharing the same carriage by now." Serena commented.
"Well, they are trying to be discreet especially in front of you. Now, how about we share one?" Charlton suggested.
Serena laughed not answering his question they both know the answer to. "Your coachman told me about your shared ride with your cousin, care to tell me what you two talked about?"
"Alright, I'll tell you all about it later at the Ritz. I booked us a room; in case you're wondering."
Feigning shock, she said, "Lord Daniel, what made you think that I'll just go meet with you on a sudden rendezvous?"
Charlton smirked as he said, "Why? Are you not satisfied with what you see?"
Serena felt her throat dry up as she saw his expression. He looked devilishly handsome, and delicious. However, she pretended not to be affected as she eyed him up and down. "Tolerable at best." She replied, voicing her inner Jane Austen.
Charlton felt himself blush. He shook his head feeling a blow on his ego. He thought he looked quite dashing himself.
Serena taking pity started giggling. "I'm just kidding. I must say that you exceeded my expectations. So, what is the room number?"
"Room 328. It's already quarter to five. From here to there, it will take approximately 15 minutes. So, I guess I'll just manage to go through the procedure of checking-in when we get there. Sadly, we can only use the room after our number."
"Don't worry, parties like these usually start late. If we join them at six, I estimate that we have 45 minutes in our hands. You think that's enough time?" Serena asked suggestively.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go. I don't want to miss another second." He replied as he quickly escorted Serena to her carriage and made a dash towards his own.
—
TBC
