Wonderful Gifting

The birds were chirping loudly outside her white curtain-drawn windows signaling the sunny morning that was to come. Gwen tossed around in her pink sheets and tossed over again, snuggling deeper into her blankets not wanting to wake up and ruin her perfect and tranquil sleep. She couldn't get back into her dream, so she moved flat on her back to stare up at the posts of her bed.

Her hand shot out above her, and she stretched her arms above her to loosen her tight muscles from running around yesterday getting the last prep done before heading to bed late. The sheets dropped around her, and Gwen groggily sat up and covered her mouth as she yawned.

Her blonde hair dropped around her like a blanket, and she was about to get out of her bed when her doors slammed open. The walls rattled in response to the aggressive motion.

Her eyes which were still in slits to adjust to the light flew open when Avery ran into her room frantically. Her long brown hair in a braid that was tossed over her shoulder swayed with every fast movement, and Avery pulled open the curtains making Gwen groan. Her sleep was slipping away from her.

"My lady, would you like me to get a warm bath started for you?"

Gwen groggily shook her head. "I'm okay."

"The count has informed us that Lauren and I can accompany you, my lady."

Gwen screamed in joy, and Avery walked over to the bed so that Gwen could hug her and celebrate. She was so grateful that there was going to be a little sense of stability and familiarity when they travel to the Latimer estate.

She pulled back the blankets and padded to her ensuite bathroom. Avery helped her get washed up quickly since noon was approaching. Gwen was zoning out when Lauren was brushing her hair while Avery was laying out her clothing for the day. The carriage ride to the Latimer estate would take days, so comfortable clothing would be ideal.

Her pale blue long-sleeve cotton dress was plain, but it fit her lithe figure well with the soft edges of her shoulders and delicate collarbones peeking out of the frilled collar. Her hair was braided in a crown around her head with floral accents woven in.

Grabbing two of the suitcases, Gwen went down the hallway lugging the massive boxes. Avery walked out of the guest room in horror to see Gwen carrying the suitcases. Gwen waved her away, as she went back up to her bedroom to see her mother sitting on her bed.

Her mother was a testament to how beauty can carry weight in the world with her mother's long flowing golden hair and dark eyes that contrasted with the sharp contours of her face. Gwen stopped by the door, but Theresa motioned for her daughter to come in a little closer. Gwen closed the door behind her and nervously stood before her mother.

Theresa reached out to pat her daughter's cheek. "Don't be afraid, darling. I want to speak a little knowledge that I wished I knew when I first got married."

Gwen quickly sat down next to her mother intrigued. "I would love to hear about it."

"Marriage is such a wonderful gift," her mother began. "I didn't know much about your father when I married him, but every single day was a gift. Don't be afraid to give your heart, but also, don't be afraid to lock it away if you know he is not the one for you."

Gwen quirked an eyebrow. "You want me to find a lover if I don't love him?"

"Of course not. If there is no love, there is always going to be friendship. Your friendship is what determines the life that you two will live together. That will be your foundation."

Gwen squeezed her mother's hand. "I will try my best. I also wish to have a marriage like you and Father."

"Don't be stubborn. Understand that he is there to be your ear as well as your advice. It will be up to you to take it, Gwen."

Gwen did tend to be stubborn, and she scratched her cheek guilty. "Ah, I understand."

Theresa pressed a kiss to her daughter's forehead. "The letters have arrived to the high priest just now. You, my dear, are now the Duchess of Latimer."

The mixed feelings settled in her stomach because it was such an honor. However, she didn't know if she would be able to do well. She would now have to be the head of the household since Maximillian was gone for the time being. For how long? No one knew.

"I… don't know if I will be able to do well, Mother."

"Don't be afraid. You have a strength that is both delicate and admirable. Your words are so powerful when chosen and used well. Be patient with every arduous endeavor and never turn your back on the commoners. They are your people.

Lead how you feel led to lead, Gwendolyn. I know my words are quite ambiguous, but I want to put you in a direction where you will cherish the people surrounding you and those that you look over. You have a good heart, and people will see that."

"Thank you, Mother. I hope to be able to live up to your and Father's expectations."

"You have already far beyond met our expectations, Gwen. You are my dearest daughter. We can't ask for anything more. It is now time for you to live your own life."

Gwen leaned her head over on her mother's shoulder in silence. She still had too many questions on the tip of her tongue that she couldn't bring herself to ask despite being close to her mother. Gwen had always wondered what it was like to be with a man, but it wasn't like that time will come.

She was also too embarrassed to ask her mother. It would make it look like she was hoping for such. Gwen had the little knowledge that was lightly touched upon during her teachings and the random gossip she heard from other ladies that she would rather make do without.

"Your father and I will both be here to aid you whenever. Remember to get permission from your husband first before you make any critical decisions."

"I will," Gwen promised.

It was odd to hear that she now had a husband. She was now a married woman. A wife. There were many rules and etiquette that Gwen had learned when she was younger about being a dignified noblewoman, but all of those lessons didn't seem to prepare her for anything. She might know how to host a party and such, but she was never taught to become a leader.