All decorations around the town were hung in time for the wedding. Nancy was thoroughly excited and Travis was a nervous wreck. Family and friends all turned out for the wedding wearing their Sunday best. Some thought the church never looked more beautiful.

After the wedding ceremony Travis and Nancy ran out hand and hand ahead of everyone else. They paraded through the town admiring all the decorations their friends had hung in their part. They went as far as the bridge over the creek where they kissed as man and wife.

Back in town folks gathered around the cake and the gift table to admire the beginnings of a new household. Mrs. Goode, who everyone kept teasing now had a Young Mrs. Goode, was in a sour mood for up until now she had been under the impression that Travis was going to build a house for himself there in Old Town but now as she understood it the young folks were moving up north.

"I am glad," Miriam said as she placed another gift on the table. "Travis will have more opportunities up there.

"I will miss him," Astrid said.

"I'm sure they'll come visit when the weather gets cold," Taitiann said.

"The cake is so beautiful!" Ottaline said. "I could never dream of baking something so fine. And look at this cutlery set. I've never seen such shiny knives and forks all in a row."

Travis and Nancy came forth and cut the cake and applause sounded from the crowd. Soon everyone was in line to taste the white beauty after the bride and groom had their slices and were seated.

When the cake and food was exhausted people got up to dance. Wysteria joined the little band with her violin and ladies and gentlemen twirled in their colorful spring clothes. Even Nancy's family who were thought to be cold were having a good time. Olive Johnsons and Amy Birch made more than two trips to the cake table. Mr. and Mrs. Siegfried clapped from their seats when one of their favorite songs was played and the Calicos watched from the church fence enjoying baked macaroni.

Mrs. Fairchild looked over at her eldest daughter who was adjusting her appearance in the reflection of a vase on the gift table.

"Mr. Woodrow looks handsome."

Miriam looked to her other side and saw Drusilla Dupree and her married sister standing together by the Goodes' porch. She followed the young woman's gaze to where Sumner was standing watching people dance.

"Oh, he's coming this way," Drusilla's sister said in giggles.

Miriam couldn't understand how Drusilla's sister could still behave in such a way for she was married. Sumner passed up the Dupree sisters and going over to the gift table he looked at the comely gifts before him then looked up at Miriam with a reserved smile.

"Travis is off to a good start with all these fine things," he said.

Miriam toyed with a ribbon that decorated a basket of painted glasses. "Indeed," she said.

"Miss Fairchild I..." he looked down at the vase. "I wanted to apologize for the way I have treated you. It was wrong. I ask that you forgive my arrogance and I hope we can get off to a new start. But if you feel any hatred towards me I can understand."

Miriam looked at the ribbon between her gloved fingers then she looked at her mother who widened her eyes and raised her brows.

Miriam angled her head so her face could be seen under her hat. "I feel..." she took a breath. "I feel I owe you an apology as well Mr. Woodrow," she said. "I have acted wickedly toward you when you deserved it the least. I too hope we might have a new start."

Sumner's smile spread slowly across his face until possessed him entirely making Miriam smile too.

Mrs. Fairchild smiled herself, happy to see her daughter in a sunnier desposition. She turned attention to a commotion coming from the party and saw a horse and wagon drawing up carrying something large in the bed with a spotted horse tied to the back.

The driver stopped the wagon and the young passenger climbed down fixing his hat. "Pardon me," he said. "But could anyone one of you tell me where I can find Idris St. Cloud?"

Beatrice had pushed her way through the crowd and put her hands on her hips. "Tennessee Wellbeloved, I don't believe it!" she rushed to him and they embraced. "What are you doing here?"

Idris made his way over to them. "Is that what I think it is?" he asked as he shook Tennessee's hand. "I was expecting Granville to bring it."

"He couldn't make it," Tennessee said. "He just didn't want to make you have to wait."

"I'll get Mr. Fairchild and we'll get that over to the house."

Everyone was a little confused as to the sudden arrival of the young man and his cargo and watched him as he left. The celebration was soon underway again and when it came time for the bride and groom to depart everyone surrounded their carriage with final well wishes before seeing them off. After they had departed the little band played on into the evening as the last guests danced.

Mr. Fairchild led his family home whistling a tune as his wife walked on his arm and the twelve grandsisters walked behind them.

"Dearest Travis gone off to be a married man," Taitiann said. "I suddenly feel we are getting older."

As they approached the house they noticed the appaloosa tied outside and the young man standing nearby with the St. Cloud brothers. Tennessee Wellbeloved introduced himself to the family who were all pleased to meet him. They invited him inside and served him some refreshments.

"I owe my friends Tennessee Wellbeloved and Granville Heritage for this favor," Idris said. "When I heard that Twelve Briars wouldn't have a proper piano my mind recalled seeing one that was in need of playing. And I hear that one of you plays quite well." All eyes turned to Astrid who blushed. "Will you play us something, Astrid?"

Astrid looked up at him timidly. "Beg your pardon sir," she said. "But I haven't got a piano. Not even one that plays poorly."

"Really?" Idris said. "Then what's this?" he stepped out of her way and he family let her through so she could see into the parlor. Standing happily in the small space was Granville's piano.

Astrid approached it slowly as though it were a stray animal and touched the wood. "It is beautiful," she sighed. She turned to Idris, "I feel unfit for certainly angels played here first."

"Come, sit down," Jessop said pulling out the bench. "Play something for us."

Astrid took a seat and minding her posture began to play Sur le Pont d'Avignon. Jessop took the first verse singing the song traditionally in French.

Astrid paused then played again with everyone else joining in with English

Tennessee was excited to tell of the battle with the Windstalkers and how they went out in a white defeat. Julian had captured the Sphinx and they had caught the man who killed Napoleon good friend Andre. By the time he had finished, everyone had fallen in love with his character.

"Will you stay with us long, Mr. Wellbeloved?" Hannah, who was particularly fond of him now asked.

"Unfortunately I must be gone first thing in the morning," Tennessee said. "We End After Knights have an oath to uphold and well, I'm no longer a mere messenger boy."

"What is there to do now?" Beatrice who also wished he would stay, but dare not say so asked.

"In the name of justice there is always something to do," Tennessee said. "I've learned much over the past year. You could say I've grown up. Evil never sleeps and if goodness wants to keep proper watch then it must be restless as well."

"Speaking of sleep, I think it time we all went to bed," Mrs. Fairchild said. "Let us not forget that tomorrow is Sunday."

The girls all got up from the floor and returned the chairs to the dining room table.

"Can you at least stay for Sunday Service, Tennessee?" Beatrice asked.

"I suppose..."

"Good," Beatrice said. "Then I'll see you tomorrow morning then. Goodnight." She hurried and caught up to her sisters.

"I'm exhausted," Selene said after changing into her night gown. She sank into her bed and relished the comfort of the soft blankets.

"It was such a beautiful wedding," Ottaline said. "Nancy looked beautiful too."

"Our Miriam will be a finer bride," Hannah said.

"Why me?" Miriam asked wryly as she pulled back her blankets.

"Because you are the eldest and that's how it goes," Hannah said making them all laugh.

"Hannah, dear it could be you who is married first," Selene said.

"Impossible," Ottaline said. "If I have to wait after Hannah I'll be gray!"

Providence removed her brace and got into her bed. "I know you wish Mr. Heritage had come in Mr. Wellbeloved's stead," she said.

"Poor little, Ottaline your heart must be breaking!" Heloise teased.

Ottaline gave a displeased gasp and pulled the blankets over her head making all of them laugh. Pulling the blankets back down she sat up. "But do you see how kind he is?" she said. "He so freely gave Astrid that piano. He was very fond of that piano it meant very much to him. I still remember the nights he'd play for Rovy and me."

"Your Mr. Heritage sounds lovely, Ottaline," Wysteria said from her pillow.

"Oh, you'd love him surely, Wysteria," Ottaline swore. "He loves music the same as you and he's brave and compassionate."

"I'd like to meet him," Astrid said.

"But you shall," Ottaline said. "He's promised to take me to the World's Fair." The room went silent as everyone dreamed of the fair and its wonderful lights.

"I should like to go," Selene said. "I'd love to see the Ferris Wheel...I'd love to see everything."

"I want to see the animals," Alifair said.

"I'd enjoy the journey alone," Taitiann said.

"I hear the music and shows are wonderful," Ladybird said. "It truly sounds like a fairytale doesn't it?"

"We shall all go," Ottaline said. "Mr. Heritage shall take us and it shall be the best thing of the year, Second maybe to Twelve Briars. We shall go, I know we shall. Mr. Heritage won't forget us."