Rebecca could only smile like a schoolgirl. When she had done what Elizabeth suggested, she opened her eyes and looked to her friend. "Now is he not just the most handsome thing?"
Samantha and Grace started laughing, as Elizabeth commented wryly, "Well, dear, I suspect that depends on your taste in gentlemen. I do have to admit, Charlie is a handsome man."
"Yes, he is." She scratched her forehead as she tried to ease a headache coming on. "Why am I so blasted nervous? It is not like I have not done this before."
Grace leaned forward and patted her hand. "Perhaps, dear, that is exactly why you are so nervous. But you have to keep remembering the General is not Mr. Gaines, and that you chose the General."
"True. I suppose this is what a bride is supposed to feel on her wedding day."
Samantha looked askance. "I am not sure what a bride is supposed to feel. I was fortunate enough to have a husband I knew and loved before we married, so I remember feeling excited and joyous. But your first marriage was to a man you not only did not know well, but one you did not even like. I certainly understand why you may be feeling nervous. Just keep thinking about your Charlie. Put those old memories aside and know that you will look back on this day as one of the best in your life."
"I remember on the day I married the first time, I spent most of the morning in tears. I was frightened and I wished for a way out. But today I am just wishing for the day to go quickly so I can be with Charlie." She looked to Elizabeth. "Have you seen him the morning? How is he?"
Elizabeth smiled. "I have not seen either him or Richard. Perhaps Mrs. Cooper could enlighten us. I understand Mr. Cooper was in attendance last night."
Mrs. Cooper grinned evilly. "I do not know the details. All I know is, I came downstairs this morning to find Mr. Cooper sound asleep in the pantry where we store the dry goods. I am not sure how he got there, I am not even sure I want to know how he got there. From the mumbling he was doing on his way upstairs, there was some mention of hot rum punch, a new saddle, and General Redmond's men dancing with a horse. I am still not sure I understand that."
Rebecca could not help but chuckle. "Dancing with a horse?"
"Well," drawled Elizabeth, "you know how cavalry men are about their horses."
Samantha chimed in. "I heard the servants saying something about Grant and brooms."
Rebecca just looked to Samantha and then to Elizabeth. "Grant? Brooms? What in the name of God did they do last night?"
Lizbet walked in at that moment. "Miss Rebecca? Time to do your hair. And I believe the menfolk had some kind of party last night. Gen’l Charlie needed Sarah’s cure this morning."
"Oh Lord," Rebecca rolled her eyes. "I will be lucky if Charlie makes it to the church."
"Oh, I think that Charlie would make it to the church if he were on his deathbed, dear. I have never seen that man so determined." Elizabeth smiled. The changes Charlie had undergone in the past months were astounding. They were all for the better and all because of this diminutive blonde.
"I suppose it was Richard's idea to get my husband-to-be drunk? Richard is a bad influence on Charlie." Rebecca teased, realizing she was starting to feel much better.
"Well, as I heard it, it was everybody’s idea to get your husband-to-be drunk." Grace Cooper grinned. "I sent him off to play yesterday, and I understand that both General Sheridan and General Grant came down on the supply train last night to assist in the festivities."
The ladies watched as all the blood drained from Rebecca's face. "General Grant?" That was all she managed to get out before she promptly fainted.
A few burnt feathers, a sniff of salts and Rebecca rejoined the ladies. Lizbet took charge in her quiet way. "Miss Rebecca, I really need to start on your hair now."
--*--
Charlie finished dressing. His uniform was immaculate; the buckskin britches were spotless, his boots gleamed, the cutaway tails of his dress coat were so thoroughly brushed that they looked more like beaver than wool. The brass on his jacket sparkled. He walked out of the house to mount Jack, who had also been brushed until he glowed. Somehow, the big horse knew this was an important event, a time to be sedate and showy. He flicked his feet out with every step, prancing as if he were one of the dancing Lipizzaner horses from Europe.
Richard was waiting with the rest of Charlie’s staff, dressed in their best uniforms, all spit and polish, to escort their commander to the church. Duncan, Raiford, and Jocko rode attendance, as well as Tarent and MacFarlane, who would tend the horses.
They stuck to the grass, to keep their immaculate clothing dust free, and proceeded to the church in good order.
They arrived at the church about forty-five minutes before three; plenty of time for Jocko to brush any last minute specks of dust from the uniforms and make sure each man’s appearance was perfect. As the guests began arriving, the officers adjourned to serve as ushers. Charlie paced…… non-stop…… back and forth. Richard watched him with a bemused smile. Every five minutes, Charlie stopped to ask Richard if he had the rings. Richard fished in his vest pocket, pulled them out, showed Charlie, and put them back. Charlie went back to pacing.
They heard a small commotion and Sheridan came in to tell Charlie it was time to get ready, since Rebecca had arrived.
Charlie turned to Richard. "Am I ready for……"
Richard grinned. "Breathe, Charlie. You have been sleeping with her for months. She is not going to turn into a gorgon just because you say ‘‘I do’. You love her; she loves you; the rest is just not important."
Sheridan looked at his very nervous officer. "Charlie?" Charlie looked wide-eyed and ready to either faint or bolt. "Remember, never lock your knees." Sheridan’s practical advice brought a grin. Locked knees were an invitation to keeling over when you had to stand for too long.
Charlie nodded, squared his shoulders, and walked to the back of the church. He strode confidently to the altar and took his position, with Richard at his shoulder. Both turned to look back toward the door. Mrs. Williams, her face drawn in a perfectly neutral mask after spending the morning helping to decorate the church, started the first chords of the bride’s processional.
Rebecca tried not to look as nervous as she felt. She looked to Elizabeth. "Tell me again how everything is going to be fine."
Elizabeth stood so that only Rebecca could hear her, whispering in her ear. "You love her. She completes you. She will stand by you through anything. What could be bad about this?"
Rebecca nearly choked as she tried not to laugh. She looked to her friend with wide, amused eyes. "That was not nice."
"No, but it did get you out of your panic. Now, are you ready to go and marry your dashing General Redmond?"
Rebecca took a deep, calming breath and nodded as Mr. Cooper moved next to her and offered his arm. "You are beautiful, my dear."
Grace and Samantha slipped out and took their seats in the bride’s family pew. Their entry was Mrs. William’s cue. The first strains of the processional rang out as Rebecca and Mr. Cooper walked to the door, with Elizabeth following behind. They stepped slowly up the aisle, the very image of dignity.
Richard whispered to Charlie, "close your mouth. You are gaping."
Rebecca could feel the tears welling in her eyes as she saw Charlie for the first time in his dress uniform. He had never looked more dignified and perfect than he did at that moment.
As she approached the altar, his eyes locked with hers. For Charlie, in that moment, there was no one else in the world but Rebecca.
Reverend Williams cleared his throat to get Rebecca and Charlie’s attention. They may have been besotted with one another, but this was a wedding, and he needed them to say the vows.