Page 84 of The Runner
‘We are gathered here today…’The vicar recited the familiar marriage ceremony words.
George looked at Caroline and squeezed her hand, and she leant against his shoulder slightly to bolster her courage—she was weak with nervous anticipation and, as ever, he sensed her tumultuous emotions.
‘Wilt thou have this woman to thy wife and love her and keep her in sickness and in health, and in all other degrees be to her as a husband should be to his wife, and all others forsake for her, and hold only her to thy life's end?’ said the vicar, looking at George.
George nodded and said in a resolute voice, ‘Yes, yes I do.’
‘Wilt thou have this man to thy husband, and be buxom to him, serve him and keep him in sickness and in health?’ The vicar turned to Caroline and asked her to pledge herself to George.
Then it was time for the ring. George’s best friend, Anthony, withdrew a large shimmering diamond set in an elegant gold band from the pocket of his coat and passed it to George, who turned to Caroline and slipped it onto her wedding finger, saying, ‘With this ring I thee wed.’
‘I now pronounce you man and wife,’ said the good-natured vicar, with a sparkle in his eye.
‘You may kiss the bride.’
The newly weds turned to each other and kissed to the cheers of the small crowd.
The countess’s sister had arrived in time for the wedding, for she had recently been widowed and would stay at Willow Manor for the duration and keep her sister company while George and Caroline took their extended honeymoon on the continent.
At that intimate moment, the countess’s eyes briefly met Caroline’s father’s, and they smiled at the irony of the situation, both at peace with how life had kept them apart but allowed their children to traverse the class barrier in this bold new century.
The newly weds prepared to leave the church and approached the vicar.
‘Thank you for officiating over such a beautiful ceremony, Father Edward,’ said George. ‘And once again, welcome to Willow Wick. May you have many happy years, blessed with many more auspicious occasions such as this.’
Caroline thanked Father Edward, and then George helped her into the Cavendish carriage, which was gaily adorned with flowers from the manor gardens. They settled into their seats, waving at a few smiling villagers who had gathered to wish them well. She turned to her husband and said, ‘When we went to see Father Edward before the wedding, I had such a strong feeling that I already knew him. I meant to tell you, but it slipped my mind. Has he perhaps lived in these parts before, do you know?’
‘I don’t believe so. Mother said he travelled extensively and served in the holy land for years prior to accepting this post,’ said George. ‘I understand he is now ready to settle down after somewhat of an adventurous time of it.’
‘Goodness, that sounds fascinating,’ said Caroline. She had a feeling that she would remember how she knew the vicar. There was something strangely familiar about him, but the more she tried to pin it down, the more elusive it became. She resolved to stop trying to clutch at the whisper of a memory and trust it would come back to her when it was ready.
All in good time, whispered a voice in her mind.
Father Edward promised he would follow on and attend the reception at Willow Manor.
The guests stoodafter the meal and toasted the couple, and George’s best man said a few words and wished them many years of wedded bliss. The afternoon whirled by, and it was soon time for them to change and collect their luggage, ready to depart for their long journey.
Olivia hugged them both and her eyes shone with unshed tears.
‘We’ll be home before you know it, dear Livvy—there’s no need for tears,’ said George.
‘If I weren’t going to court next week, I would be completely bereft and sobbing,’ she said.
George had finally relented and given permission for Olivia to attend court after a touch of persuasion from Caroline. He realised he couldn’t live his sister’s life for her and must let her fly the nest.
‘I shall miss you both so much,’ Olivia said. ‘Whatever will I do without you?’ she added, shaking her head.
‘We shall write to you at Kensington Palace, and you shall be occupied with your wonderful new life at court. I imagine you will barely find time to reply!’ Caroline said.
As they were about to leave, Caroline threw her wedding bouquet in the air and Olivia smoothly caught it without missing a step.
‘I don’t intend to marry within the year but thank you, my beloved sister,’ she beamed at Caroline, and they embraced and kissed each other’s cheeks once more.
The horses neighed and swished their tails as the couple settled into their seats, and Caroline and George turned to wave as the carriage lurched away from the house and headed down the long willow tree-lined drive, ready to carry them to new adventures.
The countess dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief and prayed the swirl of rumours would settle down by the time the happy couple returned.
Willow Manor,York - Present day
