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and was on my way upstairs when Papa intercepted me in the hallway.
    “Mary Anna, you are pale as milk, my girl. Are you sorry now that you prevailed upon me to approve this match? If that be the case, it is not too late to change your mind.”
    “Don’t tease me, Papa. I am already a ball of nerves.”
    “I would be worried if you weren’t. Marriage is a serious business.”
    “Robert says the wedding service has all the charm of a death warrant.”
    He chuckled and tucked my arm through his. “Walk with me awhile.”
    We went out into a June morning heavy with clouds. In the garden, Ephraim and Selina were busy cutting roses for the vases in the parlor. Daniel was readying our carriage for the first trip of the day, ferrying family and guests from the river landing to the house for the ceremony.
    “I want to speak to you about the matter of your allowance,” Papa said. “I’m thinking that a sum of—”
    “You are quite generous, Papa, but no. Robert and I must live only on his military pay if we are to forge a true partnership.”
    His brows rose. “Do you know how little a lieutenant earns?”
    “It isn’t much, but we will be living at Fort Monroe, and our expenses will be few.” I watched the boats plying the glassy Potomac. “Besides, you have many other financial obligations to consider. Repairs to the house and this wedding have cost a—”
    “That’s my business, not yours.”
    “Anything that worries you worries me. And I know you’ve spent far more on this bridal than we can afford.”
    “My only child deserves the best.” He patted my hand. “At least you won’t be completely without comfort and assistance. Your mother insists upon your taking a servant with you.”
    “Yes. She’s sending Cassie, though I don’t know why. Robert says we will be living in officers’ quarters. In so small a space there won’t be much for Cassie to do.”
    The rattle of harness and the creak of carriage wheels announced the arrival of my bridesmaids. “I must go, Papa.”
    “I know.” He caught both my hands in his. “I have loved you desperately all my life, and that won’t change, Mary Anna, when I am compelled to share your affections with Lieutenant Lee. Wherever you must go, be assured of your father’s tender affections, and never forget that Arlington will always be your home.”
    He headed toward the garden, and I went back to the house in time to see my cousin Marietta and my friend Angela exiting the carriage.
    “Dear Mary!” Marietta dropped her hatbox to embrace me. “Are you not excited beyond words?”
    Excited? Yes. But lacking the inner peace I so desperately needed. Everything was moving too fast. Angela embraced me in turn and we went inside. Daniel followed with their trunks. There was scarcely time to get Marietta and Angela settled into their rooms before my other attendants arrived. Mother served a light luncheon, after which a small army of servants appeared to drape flower garlands in the doorways to the dining room and the parlor.
    Robert arrived, bearing six extravagant bouquets for my bridesmaids and looking so resplendent in his dress uniform that my heart seized. The bouquets were a gallant and charming gesture, so typical of him. But I couldn’t help thinking that surely those flowers had cost him a month’s pay.
    “Shall we help you with your dress?” Angela asked.
    “In a little while.” I felt dizzy, and my skin had gone hot. I retreated to my room and stood at the window, watching as the sky darkened and rain began to fall. Guests arrived, hurrying along beneath black umbrellas. Our old servant Peter manned the door. The sound of his greetings wafted up the stairs.
    I pressed my fingers to my temples. Papa was still worried about my transition from the ease of life at Arlington to the trials of a nomadic army existence, but I had complete faith and trust in Robert. Still, as the hour of our marriage drew near, my faith in my own adaptability faltered. I