A Christmas Wedding

A CHRISTMAS WEDDING

CHAPTER 1

Aurora turned from one side of her bed to the other; she could barely catch a wink of sleep. Her thoughts would not let her even if she wanted to, something about her had changed. A spark had been ignited. She would not understand how she had been so affected by a stranger she met in the woods.

Everything about this stranger sparked curiosity and a deep longing. He was her idea of perfection even though she had not known if he would be so when she knew him properly. That sheer appearance of him. She smiled to herself.

His broad shoulders, rough stubble that sat on his chiseled jaw and his jet black hair that fell slight in his face. His eyes were blue like the ocean, and his face was graced with a glint of childish delight. That starred right into her soul.

He had the physique of a man who had braced the storms of life, conquering victoriously. His well-shaped torso was tucked nicely into his clothes. His voice carried authority, yet mingled with compassion. And when he smiled, it was a beautiful captivating smile that could lure anyone to do his bidding.

She felt her face flush in the dark of the night. Who was this beautiful stranger and what was his purpose in London at a time when Christmas bells heralded?

***

The Duke of Bremond was a fine man, excellent, and very amiable. He was gallant and handsome in his strides, victorious and worthy of his honor. With the passing away of his Father - the Duke George Braine II, Alexander knew he had to step into the shoes of late duke. He loved his father dearly because of how poised, committed and honest he was in the way he handled the affairs of Bremond, the way he placed the interest of the people at heart. Alexander had initial doubts concerning running the affairs of the kingdom and the responsibilities it came with, though he knew it would come some time in his life. Half of his life he lived outside his kingdom - the North of Brimingham where he lived and schooled with his cousins, their lives were less of the affairs of court and more of adventure. He had sometimes forgotten he was of a mighty social standing although he never behaved inappropriately.

He enjoyed watching the vast acres of land that stretched through the countryside, and the mountains round about it. The North was filled with cottages and farms, stables, ranches and the smell of cheese, freshly baked bread and dry grass. Alexander loved horses and he took special likeness toward the stallion gifted him by his uncle - Sir Torres. He named the stallion Power. Power was a very fine breed. It was snow-white and trusty and Alexander always cared for it.

He sighed as the thoughts came back to him; thoughts about the reality of the matters of the court and the secret consideration within him to find a bride before Christmas. The adventurous lifestyle now sounded like luxury to him though he sometimes made excuses to take Power for his rides around Bremond to enjoy the view of his kingdom. He had been away for quite a while and he needed to acquaint himself around his kingdom once again.

***

Aurora Phillip was beloved by her father. She was an only child, the efforts made by the Phillips to produce another child were abortive and this earned the girl the endless love of her parents. Although tragedy struck during her childhood days and her mother Lilian died of a strange sickness which the physicians could not decipher.

This left Sir Lukas Phillip in despair; he promised never to marry again and he took full responsibility of his precious daughter Aurora. She was dotted and spoilt in every way.

She grew into free-spirited lass like her mother, gleaning the older woman’s beautiful cascading chestnut hair and emerald eyes. She had soft lips, and an hour glass figure. She was a beauty to behold. Aurora was not the usual lass one would expect. She put anything at risk simply for the taste of adventure.

Unlike other ladies of her age, she enjoyed horse riding, seeking out new blooms in the garden, climbing the apple tree and spending time in the wood admiring nature. She hated balls, and social gatherings it always made her uneasy. Men especially made the balls unendurable; they were always swooning over her beautiful figure. And while the other ladies who would do everything in their power to become wife of wealthy suitors, she kept to herself and hardly ever paid attention to the men.

Despite her love for the nature and adventures, Aurora enjoyed cooking and taking care of the home, allowing the chef and house keeper Mrs. Grace do only so little. She enjoyed helping whenever she was at home and she considered Mrs. Grace like a mother to her. On some days when papa acted tough, it was Mrs. Grace who guided Aurora explore the adventures she desired by chaperoning her.

CHAPTER 2

As Christmas drew near, Alexander’s fear heightened, his thoughts of an easy choice to select a worthy bride before Christmas who will stand by him in overseeing the affairs of Bremond seemed more difficult than he had perceived.

To him, marriage was very delicate, he wanted someone who could understand and love him as Alexander not as the Duke, someone who was not after his game and family name. He wanted adventure and love all together and time was running out.

“Dearest Alex” Lady Magurita – the duke’s mother, said to him after she had invited him to her chamber, “you know too well that this Christmas signifies another year and it has not occurred to me that you have considered how lovely it would be if you were with your own woman.”

Alex sighed before he delivered his prepared response; “Mother, I have not found a worthy bride just yet. The Winston’s, daughter you tried to set me up with is too clumsy for me”.

“But son you should be conscious and act it. You are no longer a child. Do you need me to throw a ball for young ladies of reputable families from Bremout to gather?”

“Mother.” He smiled, “I am no longer a child, as I have said. I understand that I need a wife, but you must agree with me that she must also be worthy of the role.” Alexander declared frantically. “I know the manner of a lass who sets my heart on fire and until I find her I shall naught be married to anyone else.”

The duchess firmly replied; “Then go find her! You know what to do to meet with more lasses.”

Alex marched calmly to the castle stables, he wore a frown and the servants who came across him averted their gazes at merely seeing the look he had. Alexander knew his mother’s persistence was justifiable; he had to act fast before he was stuck without a choice.

He mounted his favorite horse - Power and rode out into the village. There, he hoped he could calm his steaming anger. As he rode past the villages, he wondered if he would not be set upon by some gypsies. Whenever he had any cause to visit the village in the past, he was officially announced.

He rode through the evening into the woods. The sight of nature and the canopies of the trees that seemed to touch the sky set him mind at ease. He rode in silence enjoying his own company.

His happiness would be short lived when finally he found himself in a quiet portion of what now seemed to him like a forest. He got off his Power and began to walk the terrain with his foot while the stallion stood in the distance watching.

Suddenly, he heard a soft thud and his instincts alerted him that he had been here just in time to witness something unusual. He looked around furtively but nothing was in sight. He drew out his sword and began to move toward the direction where the sound came from.

“Who is there?” he called out. “Show yourself!”

***

Aurora tried to gather herself up from the forest soil. She had no intention to look so clumsy but her shoe was seized between two stubborn roots of a tree and as she now frantically tried, she fell on her face again.

She made a whim, filled with embarrassment, and accepted her fate as the intruder emerged from the trees a few steps away.

The man could not hold back his laughter, he held out his hand to help “Here, hold my hand.”

That was when Aurora looked up to see the handsome looking man; tall and well-built with eyes glinting and smiling mischievously. She frisked his hand away after she had finally gained balance. She stood up ruffling down the Hem of her gown, her face flushed with shame. What is he doing here? She thought to herself.

He looked different from the men around her town. He wore expensive boots, those were her first view of him and then his leather coat, he scented like sandal wood and lavender. It was love at first sight but she hid it well.

“What are you doing here all alone in the woods Miss…” he asked.

She replied sharply; “And aren’t you the stranger here?”

He thought to himself this one here must be very stubborn, she walked to her horse and he walked after her. He had not seen the horse earlier; it had been hiding by a heap of clustered shrubs.

The lass was apparent fun to be around, although she was clearly unwilling to continue a conversation, his curiosity would not dissipate until he knew more about her would not leave. He hurried to his horse and rode after her.

She rode slowly, giving him time to catch up with her. If that act was deliberate he could not tell.

“I am Alexander” he said when he was within range. He had always found it easy to start a conversation. “I’m sorry about your fall earlier.”

She looked back at him briefly, “I am Aurora.” She began.

They strode side by side talking about how she had left her home and decided to explore the woods and he chastised her mildly for doing this alone. She accused him of the same and they laughed.

The discussion went further, they talked about the weather, the woods, his favorite games and the places he had been. She was intrigued when he told her about the adventures he had at North Birmingham. Although, all through his conversation, he was careful enough not to mention the fact that he was a duke.

“Aurora!” Mrs. Grace exclaimed when she finally saw the lass who she knew she had to protect like an eye. “You slipped from me and wandered into the woods. You know that is an unideal thing to do.” When she saw the man riding behind her, she was in fact more shocked. “I might never let you leave the castle without your father’s express consent again.”

Aurora smiled mischievously.

***

It was getting dark, Alex was out for hours than he had planned, and now he knew he needed to return so he wouldn’t arouse a panic at the town house.

“Where do you live?” He inquired from Aurora and Mrs. Grace. The chaperone had earlier seemed like a disagreeable lady but after they had spoken, she was a wonderful soul.

With the presence of Aurora, Alex was caught spell bound. Her beauty was the truest he had seen; the manner in which her chest firmed up and her hair fell in beautiful waves almost reaching her waist kept him smiling. Her emerald green eyes searched his soul for answers he didn’t know of.

“I live on the West street. My father is Sir. Lukas Phillip.” She felt so comfortable around him as if he had been part of her life. Her heart lightened with much delight but it was short lived.

She recollected the reality around her. It was such a sad reality, her recent past. Her father was insisting that under the circumstances, he was ready to hand her over to the reckless Festus Brooke, just to save his declining health. The thoughts were her very reason for wandering into the forest today, all thanks to Mrs. Grace’s consent. Aurora hurriedly brought the thrills to an end quickly.

The new friends said farewell to each other and Aurora, with her chaperone rode off as fast as possible to her home.

CHAPTER 3

This Christmas was particularly dreaded at the Phillips’ home due to the tragedy that struck - Sir Lukas Phillip took ill. What had started out as a mild decline in his heath quickly required selling off some of his fortunes, in a bid to recover. Despite this, nothing had worked.

The situation got worse, and he soon began borrowing from friends. With time he was offered loans from people who were not so friendly. One of these was the notorious Merchant Sir Brooke. Conditioned for his payment back was for Aurora to marry his reckless son Festus.

Like his father, Festus was well known for his rakish lifestyle; frolicking with ladies and incessantly getting drunk. His father made a fortune out of silk and velvet but the son never behaved well.

Upon being informed of this agreement, Aurora loathed Festus but could not bear to see her beloved father die. She was ready to do anything to save him but embarrassed by the development herself.

This was the state of her heart when she met such a charming man in the woods. It was ironical, how it had to be when she was in her pathetic state that her leg was seized between the roots and he would come to her rescue.

The gentleman she met in the woods seemed interested in her, but who could tell what he was worth? And who could tell if his desire of her could be hurried to save her father from the looming disgrace.

She was so sad and the only thought that made her smile was of the place where she had met the gentleman who made her heart flutter within her. Papa’s illness was grave and they were desperately seeking money to settle his physicians.

***

The first sight of snow came quite early.

It arrived with gusting winds and tiny droplets, turning the ground into a carpet of white. Aurora was told just that morning, that Festus was coming to the West Street to visit the family.

“Papa” she called from the entrance of his large chamber. He had covered himself up with quilt blanket to bask out the cold, she carried the tray of cookies to him. Papa always loved her cookies. She dropped it on the table by the corner.

“How are you doing today, my dear child?” he asked.

“I am delighted at the sight of you being able to sit up to speak. Mr. Hilary, the physician, said your body is responding excellently to his treatment.” She hugged her father - a warm and comfortable hug, how she missed his bustling self.

The old man sighed when he remembered the situation at hand. Festus was coming. That was a reality they could not take away now. It was apparent that he really wished a miracle could happen - perhaps a Christmas miracle to save his daughter from marrying such a scoundrel.

She saw his worried face and squeezed his hand. “Papa not to worry, I will make a fine bride” she promised.

At noon the doors of the Phillips house was opened to welcome Festus. He sauntered in rather too confidently; the manner of a man who already owned everything that belonged to the Phillips. The house keeper served him cookies while he waited for Aurora to be with him at the drawing room.

She had clothed herself in a cream silk gown with green leather gloves to protect her hands from the blast of snow. She sighted her eyes shining in the mirror in her room, and her hair was well tucked in with few loose curls sticking out over her face, just enough to distract her when she was not comfortable with what was going on around her.

As the lass descended the stairs into the drawing room, Festus’ breath cut in his throat, he knew that had his father not intervened to secure such a priceless bride for him, he could never deserve this beauty and finesse lass. But like his father, he was greedy and had eyes for everything good.

“Aurora mi’lady, you make an impeccable entrance!” he ogled at her greedily “I can’t wait to have you in my home.”

The manner in which he spoke irritated her, but his entire essence played the same role and she could not be surprised.

“How was your trip back? The winters are here and the roads will be quite dreaded.” She knew their conversation would always be in this manner, brief and unconnected.

“Ay we’ll do good to avoid the roads until after the first weeks; we don’t want our carriage to be at the mercy of bandits when stuck on the road.” Festus replied.

That confirmed her suspicion. She would be his Christmas gift and there would be no follow up preparations for her going to his home. How awful!

He talked about the marriage preparations and how he was eager to make her his bride before Christmas Eve. He asked about her father’s health and stood up to leave without showing any real interest in seeing him.

Aurora heaved a sigh and prayed silently for a Christmas miracle, a savior perhaps and she remembered Alexander.

CHAPTER 4

The first rays of the morning sun cast filtered through the drapes, heralding the dawn of a new day. The Duke peered at the ledgers exhausted and tired, he had been working on the financial books all nights. He had not a brink of sleep.

He called his chamberlain to get him strong tea, he needed something to keep him awake and aloft. His thoughts had drifted to Aurora, why was he so interested in her? He didn’t have any answers to his questions. He longed to make her his bride. The thoughts gave him greater hope than he had ever had. He looked back to his tables there was still some unfinished business that needed his attention before the coronation.

Lady Magurita; the Duchess of Bremond strode into the vast library, she moved gracefully with a charm that never seemed to age, her beauty was ageless.

He bowed to her “Good morning, your grace, what brings you here so early”? His mother smiled “Oh dear you look weary and spent, the winter ball is in a week and preparations are in full swing, Lord Egerton sent his greetings, his son Festus would be wedded to a fair maiden from Bremond before Christmas.” News of wedding brought thrills to her face, she had a confidence that such talks motivated her son too.

“Good for him.” He shrugged. The duchess sighed, “He will be holding his grandchildren soon. Oh, how I want grandchildren running around and lighting, up this fortress too.”

Alex disliked the direction the conversation was taking but his mother knew how to make things worse. It was best to truncate the conversation from the start of it.

“Mother I need rest.” he retorted, his brows furrowed with stress.

She chuckled with a knowing look, “Fine. ‘Tis not as if you listen to me anyway.”

The chamberlain opened the door and she walked out clumsily, almost pushing the tea tray. Alexander had lost his appetite he politely declined the tea and slumped unto the seats. He needed some rest to clear his head.

CHAPTER 5

Aurora woke up with excitement; the snow had not fallen today and her father’s health was better, her mood was heightened as she raced down to the kitchen to help Mrs. Grace bake some cookies.

Mrs. Grace was there to receive Aurora’s hug. It was this woman who taught her everything she knew. And about the proper ways to care for the home and how to behave comely like a proper lady.

“You are so happy today, get me some of the eggs from the rack. Shall I make a fresh batch of cookies for your little trip to the woods?”

“And how do you know I have any desire to visit the woods today?” the lass inquired.

“Is there ever a time when you do not?”

Aurora chuckled, “Let’s keep it a secret.” She said in hushed whispers. The last thing she wanted was to upset Papa with her adventures, he sometimes didn’t approve of her going off to the woods.

After lunch, she packed her picnic basket climbed her horse and rode gladly with Mrs. Grace.

She felt giddy, the frost was very mild, her horse skidded along the woods and they dismounted their horses at her favorite spot, near the oak tree. Beside it was a dead log of wood she used as a seat.

Aurora pulled out her book and began to delve into a world of fantasy where her imaginations lived.

***

The Duke was out with a notice to meet his father’s old friend - an Inn keeper Sir Frederick, he owned an inn near the woods which served as a shelter for cold on the winter. Sir Fredrick sold freshly baked bread, soups, cookies and cheese.

He had always ridden there with his father to take cheese with cookies. The place brought back beautiful memories of his father. As he neared the inn the scent of hot cookies reminded him of the delights.

He walked in and rang the bell signaling his presence, only few people were seated there.

“Aye Mr. Frederick, I came for a taste of your infamous cookies”. Mr. Frederick beamed with joy. He was delighted to see how well he had grown, he would make a noble Duke.

“Tis been so long I saw you, little tweed,” a name he fondly called Alex, “Oh rather, your Grace.”

Alex hushed him and said he didn’t want to be noticed so as not to cause a stir, most villagers didn’t know him but he would be well known after the coronation. He sat at the far end by the window facing the woods and sipped the delicious drink. He was at peace here.

Alex was thinking about Aurora, and he knew that if he wanted to really know her, he needed to visit her home.

A secret reason why he had come to this inn was because of its proximity to where he had last seen Aurora. He sat there a long time, knowing that his hope to encounter Aurora by chance was impossible.

Something stirred outside and he raised his gaze. Afar off, Alex saw a horse riding slowly towards the inn. It was the flowing Chestnut hair that first caught his eyes.

His heart thumped in his chest, he was excited to see her again. She had emerged miraculously, like a dream.

***

Miss Aurora was feeling cold after long hours of reading out, the furr skin coat she wore tried to keep her warm but the cold was beginning to get to her and her chaperone agreed that she should visit the nearby inn for hot cookies before going home.

She pulled her horse to a stop, tied him to a spot and moved inside. Her nose and face had flushed pink from cold.

Inside the inn was warm and comfortable, she greeted Sir. Frederick and ordered for cookies and tea. She sipped her tea, savoring the rich smooth flavors of chocolate and she let out a light moan of delight.

She lifted her face and saw him standing above her. Aurora could not believe it, she almost spilled her drink.

“Fancy meeting you here he said, she stuttered.

“Good day Sir, are you…you stalking me?” she asked.

He let out a warm hearty laughter. “Stalk you, humor me” he sat across her and their started conversing and laughing like old lovers.

Mr. Frederick gave them both a wink and continued his business, he loved what he saw and thought they would make a fine pair.

The Duke found himself telling her about his secret search for a bride before Christmas Eve and she felt comfortable speaking about her plight with Festus and her father.

“I really do not want to marry him” she confessed. He felt hurt and angry about her situation.

“Why would he be so greedy to want you as a payback for a debt?” his voice came out a little harsher than expected, “There had to be a way out of such mess” he spoke, she looked into his blue eyes a mixture of compassion and warmth, her heart beat faster when he put his hands on hers and told her “ I really like you, and I would love to marry you rather than have you marry that greedy fellow” his voice was sincere, “I promise to pay off your fathers debts and make you my bride before he does, this is my first promise to you, if you let me.” She quickly snatched her hands from his. There was an ambience of emotional surge in that moment; it was too much for her to comprehend.

Is this my dream really coming to fruition? She could not believe it.

She had told him where she stayed and he had not come to visit her. If he truly wanted her, he should come to her home. She hurried out of the inn and began to run. As she ran to her horse, she convinced herself that he had only made the confession because of the issues she had told him about.

Even if he wanted to do this for her sake, she didn’t want to be a burden on him because he could solve her problems. She wanted a man who loved her, not one she would be indebted too.

But could he really be sincere about loving her? She wondered as her horse galloped furiously.

CHAPTER 6

The courtier had sent Royal invites to all the nobles and families to the royal ball. All ladies of marriage able ages were asked to come for the ball. Before then he had sent letters to Sir Phillip telling him his debts to Sir Edgerton had been cleared and his daughter was no longer indebted to marry to marry Festus. Festus was angry about the news but it was a decree from the Duke and he dared not disobey he felt like a looser. But like a loser does, he went out to the pub to drink his sorrows away.

Sir Phillip had recovered from his ailments with the news of his debt being paid by a generous man too. He sat by the fire place to read, he heard a knock on his door he opened to the Duke’s messengers at his door he received two letter, one an invite to the royal ball and the other the letter of cleared debts.

He was overjoyed he face beamed with joy, he was glad his only daughter had been free from the mercy of the merchant’s greedy son.

Aurora was immediately summoned by her father, and he relay the good news from the Duke. What he could not understand was how he and his family got favored so well by the Duke. She screamed with delight, she was free at last. She was puzzled that the Duke cared so much about the little needs of the people. How had he known about her and who was this new Duke even?

***

The night of the ball came sooner than anyone anticipated, the halls were well decorated with Christmas lightening and garlands and flowers. The castle was filled with men and women of all classes.

The duke had sent a carriage to the Phillips’ home to pick them. Aroura never honored invitation to balls but her father had and the fact that this had been different in that they have benefitted from the duke’s generosity, she felt the need to attend.

She wore her mother’s ball gown and it suited her perfectly; accentuating her figure. Her father and Mrs. Grace admired her, noting that she reminded them of what her mother looked like.

The diamonds on her ears glittered as she stepped into the snowy night. She never like balls but something about this particular ball intrigued her.

As the carriage came to a halt, the page man stepped out ad pulled the doors open. He helped the lady down. Ladies and gentlemen, nobles from all around Bremond were there in their alluring outfits.

Aurora saw the Duchess’ dressed in her elegant Grace and a beaming smile of accomplishment. The nobles had put on their very best and everyone was ushered into the great Hall. Not too long after, the Duke’s arrival was announced, everyone rose to welcome him.

Aurora was utmost surprised when the Duke walked and it was her perfect stranger - Alexander!

She could not fathom words, the Duke had asked for her hand in marriage and she ran away.

The event continued with her attention drifting consistently toward the duke. She was pleased to see him unsettled too, turning around until he could spot her position. His gaze was fixed on her throughout the ball. At least, until it was time to dance, and he came to her directly to invite her for a dance.

“Have you considered my proposal just yet?” he queried. Her breath caught in her throat as he whispered in her ears, “I still want you to be mine forever.”

She couldn’t believe her ears. She had never dreamed to be a Duchess but this chance was widely presented only a few days after her dream of not getting married to a nefarious crook was fulfilled.

This apparently was the man destined to solve all her life’s challenges. She smiled intensely. Her voice found her finally and she replied “Thank you for keeping your promise, you cleared my family’s debt and freed me. Yes I love to be with you forever.” She confessed softly.

He held her close to his chest and gave her a subtle kiss, a seal of his promise of forever. Everyone around them could instantly see that the duke had made his choice.

Later that evening, there was an official announcement that the Duke had finally found his bride and was set to marry her soon. Aurora was his choice. Sir Phillip and Mrs. Grace were so excited too.

EPILOGUE

Preparations were made for the wedding. It took place on a beautiful day.

Aurora woke with happiness, her mother in-law; the Duchess had given her the wedding gown she wore when she got married her husband The Duke of Bremond George Brains II.

She was overwhelmed by the gifts she received from the Duchess. It included a trunk of pearls to match with her dress. Aurora could not believe how her family’s situation changed within few weeks, she was going to get married to the man she truly loves after all and this man loved her dearly too.

The orchestra played melodious hymns. When the bride and Sir Lukas Phillip walked into the church, everyone arose. It was a very passionate moment for the Phillips and Sir Phillip could not hold back tears that streamed freely from his eye.

Relatives from both families and quite a number of guests had been invited to grace the occasion. The pearls on Aurora’s frock shined brightly on her, blending perfectly with her emerald green eyes. It made her wish her mother was here to see her walk down the aisle. She was grateful her papa was Hale and hearty to carry out the duty.

The Duke’s family treated her with so much love and attention. The Duchess loved her like her own child. She made her feel at home because she believed her son’s choice was the best and she was here to make him achieve his dreams. Asides this, Aurora reminded her of herself when she was much younger.

The groom was dressed as handsomely as ever with his suit which hug closely to his broad chest. He looked adorable. Aurora’s heart melted with joy when he smiled at her, she considered herself lucky to be married to him.

St Peters Catholic was filled with Princes, Nobles men and women of all classes; the priest asked the couple’s to declare their vows of undying love for themselves and they swore to abide by the rules of their marital vows.

Mrs. Grace felt so proud and happy that her little girl was finally a woman and a bride to the most priced man in Bremond. She was going to be the Duchess in no time and would try her best to carry her position with grace and honor while loving and respecting her husband every day of her life. She had watched her blossom as a little girl with her insane ways and today she was given off as a bride, the home keeper wiped her eyes with her handkerchief.

***

Alexander could not take his eyes off his bride while in the carriage, he was charmed by her beauty, a rush of emotions swept past his whole body he held her hands and he knew their marriage would be filled with lots of love and adventures together.

“How many children would you like to have?” he asked smiling at his bride.

“Your Grace I would like three adorable girls and two strong and handsome men like their father.” She responded, as though he had the power to make that happen by magic.

He laughed heartily as the carriage drove down the paths to the castle. He wished they could move faster so he could get to his chamber and spend the rest of his day with his beloved bride, but he had to a patient man willing to take his time to be with his woman. They had forever to spend together.

Aurora was so happy her prayer for a Christmas miracle had been answered in form of a Christmas marriage, especially with her partner sitting next to her.

The End