She was no longer Noelle Esmond, but Noelle Prescott, bound to the enormously successful and wealthy man standing beside her. Every one of the six bridesmaids who escorted her was envious of her good fortune, and threw wistful glances at Steven Prescott's handsome face.Satisfaction shone in the faces of Jack and Marjorie Esmond, the bride's father and mother, who had both used every argument and persuasion they could devise to bring about this union. Noelle had at last capitulated, and they felt all the relief of a sea captain who had brought his ship bearing valuable cargo safely to port after a hazardous voyage. Even now they could hardly believe that Noelle had at last seen reason and was securely tied to the distinguished man who had courted her assiduously for eighteen months.Of course it was terribly sad that Hugh Forbes had died in that accident, so young and full of promise, but he could never have provided for their daughter as lavishly as Steve was going to do, and Noelle could not be expected to mourn Hugh for ever.
