The Wedding of the Century & Other Stories by Mary Jo Putney, Kristin James, Charlotte Featherstone Page A

waist. “It’s a little early to think about that since we’ve been married less than a month, Mother,” he said calmly. “Sunny, I believe you already know my older sisters, Blanche and Charlotte, and their husbands, Lord Alton and Lord Urford.”
    Sunny had met all four in London during the season. The sisters were in the same mold as Gavin: tall, blond, handsome Aubreys whose self-absorption was temperedby underlying good nature. They examined Sunny’s furs with frank envy, but their greetings were friendly. After all, it was her money that would keep up the family home.
    Next in line was Lady Alexandra, the Gargoylette. She hung back until Justin pulled her into a hug. It was the most affectionate Sunny had ever seen him. “I don’t believe you’ve met my little sister, Alexandra.”
    He accompanied his introduction with a speaking look at his wife. Sunny guessed that if she was dismissive or abrupt, he would not easily forgive her.
    Alexandra stammered a greeting, too bashful to meet her new sister-in-law’s eyes. Dark and inches shorter than the older girls, she looked very like Justin. There was nothing wrong with her appearance except that her mother dressed her very badly.
    Following her instinct, Sunny also hugged her smallest sister-in-law. “Thank you so much for your letter,” she said warmly. “It was good to know that I would have a friend here.”
    Alexandra looked up shyly. Her gray eyes were also like Justin’s, but where he was reserved, she was vulnerable. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said simply. “I saw you when you came to the garden fete last spring, and thought you were the loveliest creature in the world.”
    A little embarrassed at such frank adoration, Sunny said lightly, “It’s amazing what a good dressmaker can do.”
    Then it was onward to sundry Aubrey cousins and shirttail relations. After that, the butler and housekeeper—two very superior persons—welcomed her as their new mistress and presented her with a silver bowl as a wedding gift from the household. While Sunny wondered how much the poor servants had been forced to contribute,she was paraded past ranks of maids and footmen as if she were a general reviewing troops.
    Finally it was time to go upstairs to prepare for dinner. Justin escorted her to her new rooms.
    The duchess’s private suite was rather appallingly magnificent. Eyeing the massive, velvet-hung four-poster bed, Sunny asked, “Did Queen Elizabeth sleep there?”
    â€œNo, but Queen Anne did.” The corner of Justin’s mouth quirked up. “I know it’s overpowering, but I didn’t order any changes because I thought you’d prefer to make them yourself.”
    Sunny thoughtfully regarded a tapestry of a stag being torn apart by a pack of dogs. “I don’t care if it is price-less—that tapestry will have to go. But I can bear it for now. How long do I have until dinner?”
    â€œOnly half an hour, I’m afraid. There’s more to be seen, but it can wait.” He gestured to a door in the middle of one wall. “That goes directly to my bedchamber. Don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything you need.”
    â€œI’m too confused to know what I need, but thank you.” Sunny took off her hat and massaged her throbbing temples. “Should you and I go down together for dinner?”
    â€œDefinitely,” he replied. “Without a guide to the dining room, you’d probably get lost for a week.”
    After Justin left, Antoinette emerged from the dressing room. “While everyone was welcoming you, madame, I had time to unpack your clothing. What do you wish to wear tonight? Surely something grand to impress the relations.”
    â€œThe butter-cream duchesse satin, I think.” Sunny considered. “I suppose I should also wear the pearl and diamond dog collar, even though it