Read Online Promised to the Crown by Aimie K. Runyan - Free Book Online Page B

laughter. He has a soft heart. That’s what I want, for myself and for my family. Children deserve kindness. They have time enough to learn the world’s rough nature when they’re older.”
    â€œTrue, but the truth may come as a ruder shock when learned too late. Don’t shelter them,” Rose advised.
    Elisabeth nodded. Rose’s years in the Salpêtrière doubtless provided a harsh education.
    â€œNo. You’re right,” Elisabeth said. “Kindness is one thing, but I’m not the sort for fairy stories either. I suppose I have that in common with my mother.”
    â€œThan I wager you have a better chance of happiness than most,” Rose said, ending the conversation.
    Â 
    Today I become Madame Beaumont. A luckier woman there never was. As a sign of appreciation for her teaching, the nuns gave Elisabeth a length of fine brown wool and white linen. The others helped her fashion a lovely jacket, skirt, and fichu for her to wear for her wedding, but Elisabeth insisted on embroidering the collar herself. Sheaves of wheat, once more, to honor her father and her new husband.
    How I wish you could see me, Papa, Elisabeth thought as Rose braided her hair. And you too, Maman, if you would hold your tongue. Elisabeth pushed Anne from her mind. She would not allow the thought of her mother to poison her wedding day.
    â€œI’m so glad you won’t be going far,” Nicole said. “Though it will be lonely here without you.”
    â€œI’ll visit as often as I can,” Elisabeth promised. She knew the visits would not be frequent, but the prospect of busy days ahead pleased her to no end. She despised being idle—yet another inheritance from her father.
    â€œSister Anne said she’d stay behind and make sure all the last-minute details for the supper are seen to,” Rose said. The girls had insisted that they host a small dinner for Elisabeth and Gilbert. When she heard of the plan, Elisabeth took over planning out the menu herself. She allowed the others to do much of the cooking, but prepared the cake and breads herself. She could not offer Gilbert a proper gift, but she could at least make this gesture.
    At last Elisabeth stood at the door of the church with Rose and Nicole. She took a deep breath as she entered, feeling keenly the absence of her father’s arm at her right side. At the altar, Gilbert took her hand, and a peace settled over her. He is why I came here. I have found my place.
    â€œDearly beloved . . .” the priest began, and continued on with the words that priests had spoken before such couples since time immemorial. Elisabeth looked into her soon-to-be husband’s eyes with no reservations. I hope I will make you as happy as you’ve made me. The thought of children running around the bakery on their sturdy little legs brought a smile to her face that she was sure the small congregation found ridiculous for a bride.
    With the union blessed and notarized, the couple returned to the convent for the meal.
    â€œYou must have worked for a week!” Gilbert said when he saw the feast before him. He was careful to sample every dish, paying special attention to those prepared by Elisabeth herself.
    â€œThe almond cake is amazing, sweetheart,” Gilbert praised his bride. “I imagine these would do very well in the shop near Easter time.”
    â€œMy thought as well,” Elisabeth said. “And the butter pastries at Christmas.”
    Gilbert nodded agreement. Elisabeth cast him an appreciative smile. He would take her advice to heart, at least in the matters of the bakery.
    â€œDiscussing business on your wedding day,” Rose said, clucking her tongue. “If it isn’t a sin, it ought to be.” She softened the rebuke with a wink, which caused Elisabeth to giggle as she hadn’t done in years.
    â€œI do believe the happy couple would like to find their way home,” Nicole said.
    Elisabeth