Astra (30 page)

But the wedding was going on, and nobody of the family so far realized anything about him.

The guardian had come home by plane to be present at the coming of age of Astra, and his presence filled her with great delight.

The stepmother was there and beamed upon Cameron and pressed the bride’s hand tenderly, saying, “I hope you’ll have a happy life. Charles always was a good boy.”

The lawyer, Mr. Lauderdale, and his wife were there, smiling happily over it all. Lewis Sargent and Will were both there, apologizing because they hadn’t been on hand to greet her when she first arrived, and even old Tilly was there, peering out from the pantry door where she had so many times been queen of that kitchen. Even the office boy at the Association was there, because he had brought her the flowers and messages on Christmas. And Rosamond’s three children were present with glee. They had to be restrained forcibly from bringing what was left of Bethlehem to be used as table decorations.

They had a charming wedding supper served by a caterer. Astra had gotten out her mother’s treasured dishes and silver to add to the occasion. It didn’t seem that there was anything more that could have been done, even if they had six months in which to prepare.

Astra had no ancient dress of family lore to wear, but she found in the shops a little simple white satin, quite plain and sweet, its only decoration a wide collar of lovely old Honiton lace that had been her mother’s. Even Rosamond said how wonderful she looked.

Afterward, when it was all over and they were alone at last on the train that was bearing them to Washington, Astra said with a sweet, thoughtful look, “Wasn’t it wonderful that God showed me that verse yesterday just when all that was coming to frighten me? ‘No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.’ ”

“Yes,” said Cameron. “We have a wonderful God and a wonderful heritage, and it’s going to be grand to live our lives together, for His glory!”

GRACE LIVINGSTON HILL (1865–1947) is known as the pioneer of Christian romance. Grace wrote over one hundred faith-inspired books during her lifetime. When her first husband died, leaving her with two daughters to raise, writing became a way to make a living, but she always recognized storytelling as a way to share her faith in God. She has touched countless lives through the years and continues to touch lives today. Her books feature moving stories, delightful characters, and love in its purest form.