Hidden Treasures by Jeri Odell

Author:Jeri Odell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2013-03-06T00:00:00+00:00

Nine

Magdalene’s wedding day arrived and resembled nothing she dreamed of as a little girl. No joy filled her heart, no anticipation—only a deep sense of obligation and a profound sadness that she’d soon be joined to a man who didn’t love her.

She stared at her pale, unsmiling face in the mirror. A weeping heart pounded within her chest, and tears pooled in her eyes, threatening to spill over onto her cheeks. She didn’t want to cry. Wearing a blue cotton dress as a bride was bad enough, but having a red nose and blotchy skin would only increase her humiliation. No, she would not give in to tears or self-pity.

A knock on the door startled her. Chandler had promised no one would bother her until the wedding. “Who’s there?”

“Us,” her mother’s and Gabrielle’s voices answered in unison.

Gabrielle opened the door and carried in a wedding gown. “Chandler asked us to bring this up.”

Magdalene swallowed, fighting more tears. “For me?”

They both smiled and nodded.

Running her fingertips over the soft, ivory satin, she admired the simple, yet elegant, gown. “Where? How?”

“Chandler borrowed it from one of his sisters.” Gabrielle glowed with her excitement.

Probably from Nadine—the large-boned, sturdy one.

“Your father explained the situation to me, Dear, and I want you to realize Chandler will be a good husband. Not many men would understand the importance of a gown to a bride.” Her mother took the dress from Gabrielle and laid it across Magdalene’s feather bed.

“I’m sure he was just embarrassed by the thought of marrying a girl in ordinary, blue cotton.”

“Magdalene, what a terrible thing to say.” Her mother looked aghast. “He’s trying. The least you can do is appreciate his efforts.”

“You’re right, Mother. I’m sorry. It’s a beautiful dress and a kind gesture.”

“Let’s get you into it and be certain it fits. Then Mother and I will fix your hair. I even brought fresh flowers and silk ribbons to weave through it.”

The gown fit like someone made it just for her. She could hardly believe she was the woman in the mirror.

“Oh, Magdalene, you are a beautiful bride.” Her mother’s eyes got misty.

“Truly, you are,” Gabrielle agreed. “The ivory is a much better color with your complexion than stark white would have been. Now come sit over here, and we’ll start on your hair.” She turned the chair just so.

Magdalene did as instructed.

“Chandler has his mother and sisters downstairs getting the children ready. You should see them!” He’d obviously won her mother’s heart.

“Apparently he borrowed clothes for them, too,” Gabrielle said. “And Mother’s right—they are all adorable.”

“I know these aren’t the circumstances a girl plans to get married under, but he’s attempting to make today special for you.” Her mother desperately tried to convince her of his gallant efforts.

“You’re correct, Mother. He’s a good man, but I don’t wish to love him anymore than I already do. Don’t you understand how painful living with him will be, knowing he feels nothing for me except duty because of some vows he felt forced

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