They were very busy with their preparations, yet had time enough to take matters easily and not be so overworked as to mar their good looks or exhaust their strength. They were almost at leisure and looking rosy and happy, when their intended partners for life walked in upon them some days before the one appointed for the important ceremony.
The arrival was not unexpected, for it had been agreed upon that they should come in good season to allow time for each young couple to make their purchases of household goods and have them shipped for Pleasant Plains before the wedding.
Some two or three days were spent most enjoyably in this fascinating work of choosing the adornments of their future homes, Dorothy sometimes accompanying them, by invitation, that they might have the benefit of her excellent taste and judgment.
In the meantime letters of acceptance or declination, accompanied by gifts—principally of handsome jewelry or silver ware—came pouring in from the invited relatives, causing the most pleasurable excitement Ethel and Blanche had ever known.
Dorothy heartily rejoiced with and for them, fairly going into ecstasies over a diamond pin for each, from Mr. Horace Dinsmore and his father, and lovely bracelets from Mr. Travilla and his wife, the dear Cousin Elsie of whom they had often heard Mrs. Landreth speak.
These handsome gifts were accompanied by letters expressing kindly interest and the hope of making the acquaintance of the young brides at some future day, but declining to attend the wedding, as it was not convenient for any of them to leave home just at that time.
Aunt Wealthy, too, declined for the same reason, and because of her advanced years, but sent a piece of silver ware to each of the brides and a warm, even urgent invitation for a visit to her on their homeward way.
“Dear old auntie!” exclaimed Percy on reading the letter, which Ethel had handed to him, “I think, Stuart, we should try to manage it; if our brides are willing,” he added with a smiling glance at the two girls sitting near. “It will not take us very much out of our way, and would be such a gratification to her.”
“With all my heart, if the ladies do not object,” returned Stuart with an enquiring look at them. “I do not believe either of them would regret it, for she is, as you say, ‘a dear old lady.’ A very amusing one, also, at times,” he added with a mirthful look.
“Oh, yes; I have heard your mother and sisters speak of her, Percy, and I should like nothing better than to pay her a little visit in her own house, and engage her to make a return, if possible,” Ethel said, her eyes sparkling with pleasure at the very idea.