Eleanor stood still as her dresser lifted a cream-colored gown with red, gold, and green embroidery over her head. A wide red sash tied just under her bosom. Her bonnet was made of silk the same color as her gown, decorated with flowers and a red ribbon.

A knock came on the door and Jobert opened it. “My lady, a box for you from Lord Montagu.”

She wondered what it could be. He had already given her a ring. Of course that would be handed to Alice to give to Turley for the wedding ring. Eleanor opened the square box. “Oh my. Look at these.” A large ruby set in gold hung from a gold chain. Earrings made to match the necklace were nestled in the middle. “Put the pearls away. I’ll wear the rubies and switch to the pearls for our journey.”

A few seconds later another knock sounded. “Come.”

Mary, Theo, Alice, Madeline, Elizabeth, Constance, and Vivienne piled into the room.

“I am to give you this bracelet.” Alice handed Eleanor a slim bracelet of rubies set in gold. “It is quite old and belonged to our mother, and her mother before her. We thought it would go well with your ring.”

“Thank you.” She hugged her sister. “It is just the right choice.”

“This is something blue,” Elizabeth gave her embroidered handkerchiefs with three blue flowers embroidered on them.

They were a little lopsided and lumpy, but they were the most beautiful handkerchiefs Eleanor had ever seen. “These are lovely, thank you.”

The girls filed past, giving Eleanor hugs.

Mary and Theo were next. “This is new.” Theo handed Eleanor a cream silk reticule with red drawstrings. “We designed it ourselves.”

“And made it,” Mary added.

“Thank you both so much.” Eleanor embraced them.

“And last but not least.” Madeline held out the garnet combs she had bought. “Something borrowed. I want them back when you change after the wedding.”

Eleanor grinned. “These are one of your most treasured possessions. Thank you.”

“Girls, it’s time to go,” Grace said. “You will see Eleanor at the church.”

“Mama, Aunt Grace.” Gideon and Hugh dashed into the bedchamber. “The coach is ready.”

They were both dressed in their best skeleton suits, with wide white colors trimmed with a thin band of lace. The boys also had top hats made especially for them and carried short canes. “You are both very dapper.”

Hugh gave Eleanor a suspicious look. “What does that mean?”

“Well dressed and handsome.”

“Oh.” He stood up straighter. “Thank you, Aunt Eleanor.”

“Mama.” Gideon took Grace’s hand.

“We are going.” With her other hand she waved the girls forward. “Matt and Charlie will be waiting.”

Eleanor and her sisters waited until the children left. “It’s time.”

“No crying.” Alice took out one of the handkerchiefs Eleanor had put in her new reticule. “You will set us all off, and you do not want puffy eyes for your wedding.”

“I am just so happy.”