Shadows

VI

Charlotte Plumb continued to monopolize Mama's time. No matter when I stopped by her suite, I discovered Joel's fiancée within the invalid chamber. Mama accepted her presence meekly and silently gave in to her demands. They set the wedding date for early June.

Maggie Wills, the local seamstress, appeared frequently. Yards of Chantilly lace and white organdy appeared in Mama's rooms. Miss Plumb stood on a small dais with fabrics draped about her body.

"I cannot abide high necklines," Lottie croaked, ripping away the high collar Maggie fashioned for the dress. Balling it in her fist, she threw it into the seamstress's face. "How many times do I have to tell you."

"Everstow brides are always covered completely by their gowns and veils," Mama quietly interrupted. "It's quite traditional."

"Traditions change," Lottie sneered, shrugging aside my mother's suggestion. "And it's about time. This entire place is suffocating with traditions."

Mama blanched and shrunk into her divan's cushions. A weak hand fluttered to her throat, and she gasped for air. Jane Grant appeared instantly with a bottle of smelling salt. She waved it beneath Mama's upturned nose, reviving her instantly.

"Miss Priscilla is here," Jane stated softly.

"Do come in, Priscilla," Mama invited warmly. "Maggie wishes to fit you for your bridesmaid attire."

"Yes, Mama," I replied, stepping fully into her sitting room.

After much pressure from Mama and Miss Plumb, I reluctantly agreed to act as a bridesmaid. I did not wish to become a part of the ceremony. I debated with myself about attending. Nevertheless, my parents thought I should represent the family and Grayson also, who would act as an usher.

I gasped audibly when Maggie Wills approached me holding a chartreuse satin fabric. The color appalled me and certainly didn't suit my fair complexion.

"Ugh! I can't wear that color," I exclaimed haughtily.

"Certainly you can, Missy Prissy," Lottie remarked, approaching me. She pressed her scornful face close to mine. "It is my wedding, my decision. You'll wear my chosen color, or you won't participate in my wedding."

"Fine," I countered swiftly. "I won't participate."

"Really, Priscilla," Mama moaned, her face growing pale. "Mind your temper. Let's try to get along."

"Must I, Mama?" I wailed, sinking to my knees before the divan. I buried my head in her lap, and she ran her fingers through my long brown hair.

"I don't know why you are so against me, Miss Prissy," Charlotte exclaimed briskly. "Once I'm married to your darling brother, I will become your sister. We should act sisterly toward each other, shouldn't we?"

I shrank back, repulsed by the thought of her becoming my sibling by marriage. How could Joel bring this uncouth person into our lives? How could he become close enough to her to impregnate her?

What happened to my usually calm older brother? I wondered as I cringed away from Miss Charlotte. What occurred at Oxford to bring about the sudden change?

"Chartreuse is my favorite color," Lottie continued. She loomed above me with her hands planted firmly on her wide hips. "Moreover, my three sisters have not complained about the color. Nor my brother or father. They will arrive shortly before the ceremony. You have made the arrangements, dear mother, have you not?"

"Yes, certainly," Mama responded dully. At the tone of her voice, I knew she was not particularly thrilled about the Plumb clan's arrival. "We have set aside rooms on the second floor of the west wing."