Part 8 (1/2)
”Our pleasure,” the two said together.
Soon, Lydia rushed out to meet Caroline. She and William stood at the railing. Slowing her steps, Lydia viewed the calm sea and thought how smooth the surface looked, reminding her of how things were working out for her and John-so much better than they could have imagined.
She became aware of William's resonant voice. ”Perhaps we should renew our vows on this s.h.i.+p. Astor might throw in a substantial gift.”
He laughed, as though it was a joke.
Caroline did not laugh. ”We have more than we need, William.”
”But you've never minded the extras, I daresay.”
Lydia wondered if she should continue her approach. She sensed contention, not jesting, in his tone.
”Did you see how they looked at each other?” Caroline's words barely reached Lydia. ”Have we ever had that kind of expression in our eyes, William?”
He turned to Caroline, but she turned her face away. Was she afraid of what she might see in his eyes? Surely they had been in love.
”Have I not been a good husband to you, Caroline?”
Caroline's focus fell on Lydia, who hoped it might appear she had just walked up.
Caroline's gaze moved to her husband, and she smiled. ”Of course, William. You are the perfect husband. Oh, here's Lydia.” She reached out her hand. ”We were just talking about you. So impressed with young love.” She glanced at William as she moved away from him. ”Lydia and I are off to plan the most exciting event this s.h.i.+p could offer. And you might be thinking about a wedding gift, William.”
As they walked away, Lydia insisted, ”No gifts for us, Caroline.”
”I was just ribbing William about something.”
Lydia smiled. Yes, ribbing him about wanting to receive a gift instead of give. Caroline was a woman after her own heart.
”Brrrr.” Caroline s.h.i.+vered. ”It's much cooler tonight than last.”
”Decidedly,” Lydia agreed. ”I'll turn on the heater in my sitting room.”
Caroline paused at the door of her stateroom. ”Let me get out of this corset so I can breathe.” She shook her head. ”Men want their women to look as trim as the day they married them. But do they give a thought to their own-” She made a curved motion at her stomach. They both laughed.
”Some men do wear corsets, Caroline.”
”Yes, you're right. William doesn't.” She opened her door. ”I'll be right over.”
”I'll get more comfortable too. A change of shoes wouldn't hurt, either.”
”Exactly!” Caroline's finger gestured to her pointed-toe shoes.
Soon they were in comfortable dresses, and designing invitations. Along with them were a couple of notes formally inviting Phoebe and Henry to be attendants.
”I think Phoebe would like such a note as a memento,” Lydia said.
”What about me? Don't you think I want a keepsake?”
”Of course,” Lydia said playfully. ”You took the words right out of my mouth.”
”Mmmhmm,” Caroline murmured as Lydia wrote the note. Soon Marcella had all the notes, which she would give to a steward, who would deliver them to the printing office.
”I'll also need thank-you notes for after the wedding.”
Caroline thought a moment. ”Let me do that. It could be to all who attended, just as the invitation is to everyone. After you arrive in New York, you could send notes to those who were a part of this in a special way, such as the Astors.”
”Yes,” Lydia said. ”I would like to give a token of my appreciation. Not even free pa.s.sage on a Beaumont train would be impressive after having sailed on this s.h.i.+p.”
Caroline lifted a dainty finger. ”What about a toy train?”
”Perfect!”
They laughed together at the irony of how such a gift would be something most wouldn't have and that it might serve as an intriguing conversation piece. And it would represent John's expertise, not her father's money.
Marcella returned and poured tea for them.
”You do know,” Caroline said, stirring sugar into her tea, ”you and John are going to be the toast of New York.” Her eyes widened. ”All of America, in fact.”
”Oh, you're being fanciful.”
Caroline shook her head. ”Not at all. This will be greater news than John Astor stepping off the s.h.i.+p in New York. Or even Ismay and Andrews.”
Lydia couldn't hold back her giggle.
”A bride. What sparks the imagination like a wedding?” She answered her own question, ”Nothing. The whole world loves romance.”
Lydia heaved a sigh as her eyes roamed the sitting room, admiring its elegant furnis.h.i.+ngs, fireplace, and original paintings. ”This is like a fairy tale.”
”Better,” Caroline said. ”Better even than royalty.”
”Oh, I think not. Your wedding must have been grand.”
It was common knowledge the Chadwicks were royalty and their fortunes had been handed down over many generations. Lydia heard that King Edward had attended their wedding.
”Yes, the wedding was grand,” Caroline said softly. She toyed with the huge diamond on her finger. ”I never had to make a choice. We've always accepted that we are well-matched. And of course, I love him. He's my husband. William was simply the one for me.”
Lydia nodded. ”My father and family acquaintances, with the exception of a couple of young friends, feel Craven is the one for me.” She described him, as if Caroline didn't know: ”A great catch. The right background. Compatible with me in every way. And I like Craven's looks.”
Caroline's nod and grin seemed to say she did too.
Lydia added, ”His ability to run the company, the way he impresses my father, his impeccable manners, his gentlemanly attributes, his intelligence.”
”Oh, my,” Caroline said. ”Perhaps we should cancel the wedding or change the groom.”
”Not a chance.”