"I love you," he murmured as he pressed another kiss to Aurora's forehead. "I can't wait for our lives together."
Aurora felt the tickle at the back of her throat; but not one that created the urge to cough. No, this tickle came from the force of trying not to laugh, even as her smile widened to impossible measures.
"I love you too," she said, "more than anything. I never thought... I never thought that I'd be lucky enough to find somebody like you."
They walked through the garden hand in hand, past the greenhouse and the lavender, past the crowds of loved ones. Inside, the quiet house waited for them. Soon, people would follow for the reception; drinks and a delicious meal, followed by talk long into the night. But for now, they had a rare moment alone.
Aurora took the chance to kiss him again, lips lingering on his for a moment longer than before. She smiled against his lips, unable to stop herself, and giggled when he smiled too.
"I can't believe we're really married," she whispered, "I know doing it here was unconventional, but this garden has been here for every step of our relationship. It only felt right to include it."
Elmore hummed in agreement. "I know. This is where we met, where I realized that I loved you...and it's the one place that will always connect us."
Aurora sighed pleasantly. Of course, Elmore understood, he was always so in tune to her feelings. Sometimes it was almost as if he could read her mind, but it was only because he knew her so well.
They shared another kiss before the first guests started arriving inside. Then they regretfully parted, offering smiles and greetings to everybody who came in.
And if anybody thought their choice of wedding venue — her old home — was strange, nobody uttered a word about it. Instead, friends and family alike were eager to offer thanks and words of love, simply delighted to see the happy couple together.
There were many guests, too. Surely not enough to have filled Elmore's London home, but more than enough for Father's modest home. People spilled into the living room and the kitchen while others lingered outside to soak up the sunshine. Everywhere they looked, there was somebody new to greet or thank.
A buffet-style meal for the wedding was traditional, and perhaps one of the few traditions they had kept. The kitchen was filled with the rich scent of a delicious lunch; roasted vegetables and tender meat, soft fresh bread, and of course a selection of tiny desserts so that people could try a little of each.
Aurora hardly had the chance to eat, however, as she kept getting pulled aside to say hello to guests. At some point she was separated from Elmore after he was pulled away by a tall woman in red — a great aunt of Elmore's — and Aurora herself found herself faced by a gaggle of identical women.
Until the wedding, Aurora didn't realize how much family they had, combined. Father had no siblings, but Mama had three of each and they all had children; some even had grandchildren. Then there were distant cousins and family friends, and people that she grew up with even though there was no relation. It was the same for Elmore, and although he wasn't close to his family, they had all turned up for the eventful day.
"You're so beautiful," one of Elmore's aunts said brightly, "I'm not surprised that Elmore fell for you. Iamsurprised that he managed to woo you, however; he's never had much luck in love."
"But I know that you two will live long and happy lives," another aunt interrupted. It was amazing how they all looked and sounded so similar, although Aurora was certain that they weren't triplets. At least, she didn't think so.
The third piped up, "he deserves love, our Elmore. He's had such a tough few years."
Before Aurora could hope to reply, Father slid between her and the aunts to save the day. "Excuse me, Ladies, but could I speak with my daughter please?"
The three women huffed as they eased off, and unwillingly vanished through the kitchen door.
Father smiled as he handed Aurora a plate; it was filled with roasted vegetables and lamb, with a little bit of mint sauce on the side.
It smelled heavenly, and it was far more adventurous than anything she usually ate. Of course, this was food fitting somebody of Elmore's status, made by his own personal cooks and brought here from his London home for the ceremony. Even so, when Aurora took a bite and found it bursting with flavor, she was surprised to note howdeliciousit was.
"I've never had anything like it either," Father noted with a smile, "it's quite lovely, though. I would thank Elmore, but I seem to have lost him."
Aurora peeked into the hall, but all she saw were the ladies from earlier, and one of her uncles.
"I've lost him too," she admitted with a laugh, "nobody warned me that my own wedding would be so mucheffort.I've barely sat down!"
Father beamed. "What if I said that my study was closed, and it's welcome if you need to take a moment? If I see Elmore, I'll send him up too."
The thought was enticing indeed. A moment of peace to eat, and to actually see Elmore properly without interruption? It soundedperfect.
It wasn't very proper to leave her guests, but Aurora had faith in Father to keep them entertained. With a thankful nod, she slipped into the hall — and then upstairs, where she was alone.
The upstairs study was messy as always, with books piled high enough to partially block the windows. Yet it was soothing up here, oddly comforting, to hear the noise below and yet not be a part of it.
Aurora settled behind the desk. She had to sweep the long skirt of her wedding dress aside to sit, piling it beside her in the armchair. Idly, she ran a hand through the fabric and let it sweep through her fingers.
It was a soft, velvety texture; dense but pillowy, and not so heavy that it impeded her walking. Per her request, it was the same pale pink of the angel's trumpet, reminiscent of the dress Elmore had bought her a year ago. Except her wedding dress was also adorned with delicate lace and tiny pearls along the neckline, travelling down her middle to taper at the waist. It was a simple yet elegant design, made with free movement and an outdoor wedding in mind.