From the Ashes

Chapter Forty-one

The moment a slice of light drifted through the curtains Juliana leaped from her bed, too excited to sleep a moment longer. She threw the curtains open and noticed the fates must be smiling on them today, as there was not a cloud in the sky.

She rang the servant's bell eager to wash and dress. Once again, she looked over at the glorious gown Richard had made for her today. Soon they will be forevermore man and wife.

There was a knock on the door and Juliana bid them enter. Lily came in with a small tray containing tea and a light fare of biscuits and jams. She set them down and awaited her mistress' orders.

Completely forgetting her place, Juliana rushed over and hugged the young girl.

"It is a glorious day is it not? Oh, Lily I never believed I would ever be this happy. It all seems so impossible."

Lily smiled at Juliana but was obviously taken aback by her actions standing stiffly in her arms.

Juliana released her hold and stood back to look at her. "My apologies Lily, this is all still so strange to me. Thank you, for coming so quickly. I would like a bath... please and I will need someone to help me dress and take care of my hair today. I am good with simple dresses and styles but this occasion requires a level of mastery I have not achieved."

"It is my pleasure, Miss," Lily said, giving a quick curtsy. "I will get the footmen to bring up the bath, and then return to help you dress."

"Thank you, Lily."

Lily left and Clara appeared in her doorway.

"How are you feeling today?" Clara asked slipping into her room.

"Like if I jumped off that balcony I could fly," Juliana said with a giggle.

"I would not advise it," Clara said smiling but "I can understand the sentiment."

"Oh, Clara," Juliana took her hands in hers. "Was it like this for your wedding day?"

"Not exactly," Clara said mysteriously, "But the feelings were the same. I could not wait for Benjamin and me to be man and wife. There was no one in the world I could imagine myself bound to. He had stolen my heart although a rather clumsy thief, I knew it was him and no other."

Juliana sighed. It was precisely how she felt. Since a young girl, she imagined being wed to Richard. She could not imagine herself with any other man. He was her heart and soul, and a piece of her seemed forever lost when he went away. Now, they are to be wed, and she knew once again she would be whole.

Richard stared at the ceiling while lying in bed, wondering how Juliana was fairing. He did not believe he slept a wink last night. He felt this way partly because of what the morning would bring and partly because she was so close to him, sleeping in the adjoined room, yet he could not go to her, and be with her in the way he would have wished.

Richard wanted to keep this day sacred and pure. Well as close as it could be. It felt like torment to deny such feelings but thankfully that torment will be over soon, and she will be in his arms every night and be the first thing his eyes feast upon each morning.

He rang the bell and a few minutes later Albert arrived.

"Good morning, Albert."

"Good morning, Sir."

"I believe I will be needing some strong tea, and a bath."

"Yes, Sir."

"Oh," Richard said, "If you please, take this box to Juliana."

Albert took the box Richard handed to him. "Will there be anything else, sir?"

"Is all we spoke of last night in place?" Richard asked although part of him did not want the reminder.