Thursday, June 30, 2011

Oh, Hear the Wedding Bells Ring!

"Mama, hurry up! We will be late!" Maria's voice was anxious as she rushed down the hall and into our mother's bedroom, where I was helping Mama dress for the wedding.
"Child, 'tis only eight o' clock! The wedding does not begin until ten! Why are you so anxious?" Mama turned from her dressing table to look at her daughter's face, her countenance puzzled.
Maria did not answer, for was standing before the mirror fixing her curls for the tenth time.
"She is eager to be on time because a certain someone may be at the wedding..." I said teasingly, my voice low. 
Maria's cheeks heightened in color, but she tossed her head as if she did not know of what I was talking and retied one of her pink ribbons. 
"Such nonsense," she said lightly. "I am to be an old maid, remember?"
I didn't reply, but I doubted very much that she would remain alone all of her days. 
"Besides," Maria continued, still preening in front of the glass, "it is our own Aunt Georgie's wedding--why, we should be there at least an hour early! We are family, after all. Do I have to have an ulterior motive just to see my own aunt?"
"Maria, she is the Darcys' aunt, not ours'. We have met her but two or three times... we certainly are not as close as Liza and Lizzy are," I admonished practically. "We shall arrive with the rest of the wedding guests--no one will need us before then."
My sister turned back to her hair with a petulant frown. "Mama?" 
"Evelyn is correct, Maria," Mama said sternly. "Now go and see if breakfast is ready, dear."
Maria flounced out of the room, a bit of her former prissiness returned.
"Do you know why Maria is so adamant about arriving early?" my mother questioned me when we were alone. I was surprised that she had even taken notice of Maria's strange behavior. Mama normally concerned herself only with our gowns, ribbons and prospective beaus; anything beyond that was of little matter to her.
"Oh Mama," I said kindly. "You know as well as I that Maria loves to prepare for a formal event. It is in her nature. Naturally, she does not want to be late. That is all."
Mama satisfied herself with that as she finished her dressing. I put on the charming lavender silk I had been saving for this occasion, and sighed as I withdrew my new bonnet from its wrappings. I wondered if Edmond would like it on me, then blushed to be thinking of such things. Silly girl, I scolded myself. This is to be Aunt Georgie's day, and all eyes are to be focused on her--not you. Now fix that ribbon and go downstairs like a good girl... and not one more thought about Mr. Kingsley, mind you! I smiled at myself in the mirror, knowing full well that not thinking about Edmond was easier said than done. 

~ ~ ~

Pulling my bonnet from my head, I stepped into the pretty country church where the wedding was to take place. It fit Aunt Georgie just perfectly. I began searching among the crowd for a familiar face, but my searching seemed to be in vain.
"Hello, Miss Evelyn."
I jumped as someone behind me spoke, then relaxed when I realized it was Edmond Kingsley. I extended my hand and he bent to kiss my gloved fingers lightly. 
"It's good to see you," I said, smiling up at him. "But why are you here? I did not know you knew Aunt Georgie." 
"Oh no, I have not had the pleasure of meeting your aunt yet--"
"My cousins' aunt," I corrected.
"My apologies," Edmond said. "You refer to her so often as "Aunt Georgie," so I assumed you were related. But, enough about that. I have been a good friend of Matthew Clock's for some time, and I came here today because he would not allow otherwise." He grinned. "How could I refuse?"
"Well, I am glad you did," I said softly, blushing slightly. But Edmond noticed my somewhat-anxious eyes, and he questioned me about them.
"Is something wrong, Eva?"
"I'm looking for Pierre DeJohns," I replied. "My sister Maria will be heartbroken if he is not here."
"Isn't she the sister who--"
"Fainted at the Darcys' ball? Yes," I finished for him. "But she is much changed now. She no longer harbors any affection for Mr. Smith, other than that of a friend. Her heart lies elsewhere."
"She is not acting too quickly again, I hope?"
"Not at all. Pierre and she are good friends."
"Very good friends," Edmond said, nudging me. I turned and spotted Maria already sitting in one of the pews, speaking with Mr. DeJohns. Her face was alight with happiness, and they seemed to be having a most interesting conversation."
"If you will excuse me, Edmond, I think I'd best go get my sister so that we may sit down. Mama and Papa will be wondering where we are."
"Of course, Eva." He tipped his hat, then went to sit down himself. I managed to get Maria to come sit down with the rest of us, although not without some difficulty. 
A hush came over the church as Aunt Georgie made her way down the aisle on the arm of her brother, since their father had passed away many years before. Her dress was absolutely breathtaking, and her happiness made her radiant beyond comparison. Mr. Clock had eyes for no one but his beautiful bride as he watched her walking slowly toward him. 
The wedding ceremony was beautiful. I noticed not just one sniff coming from the audience as both Aunt Georgie and Mr. Clock said their vows. How beautiful, I thought as Mr. Clock kissed Aunt Georgie sweetly on the cheek. The way they looked at each other was just precious--I could see so much love shining through the two pairs of eyes.
After the ceremony, and many hugs and kisses to family and friends alike, the newlyweds climbed into their carriage. Big white satin bows, flowers, and many ribbon streamers hung from the vehicle, and all of this festive decoration fluttered in the wind as the carriage made its way down the country road, 'round the bend, and were gone.

13 comments:

Alyianna said...

Wow! I just started reading this story today and I'm already caught up! :)

Hannah said...

Very well written! I am eager to read more!

~Miss Grace~

Blaire said...

I like reading stories from different perspectives. I always try to do it on my own stories but some how it is hard. Its gool you have mutliple people writing this.

Alyianna said...

To Nora: What?!?

Unknown said...

Thanks to all of you who have commented.
Lizzy :)

maddsolutiononline said...

If you choose to get caravan insurance you should come to Aussie Leisure Loans . The caravan insurance was conceived thinking about you. Caravan insurance option will make you and your family feel safe. Even if you are careful on the roads, the accidents happen and the caravan insurance that we offer comes with protection and reliability.
caravan insurance
Caravan lease
caravan finance
caravan loans
caravan leasing
caravan loan calculator
caravan loans australia
http://www.aussieleisureloans.com.au




Ekilibrium ofera: Tratamente detoxifiere, Tratamente naturiste, remedii naturiste, Produse naturiste doar pe http://www.ekiibrium.ro. Va asteptam!
tratament
tratamente
produse naturiste
tratamente naturiste
remedii naturiste
detoxifiere
http://www.ekilibrium.ro

maddsolutiononline said...

Aussie Car Loans are the experts in getting you the best deal in car finance when it comes to the purchase of a new or a used vehicle. To help the customers, Aussie Car Loans has offered for more than ten years the finance options that match to the wishes of the clients including personal car finance and business finance. Car finance option provides you a deal which will fit better to you situation
car insurance
car finance
car loans for self employed
aussie car loans
bad credit car loan
cheap car loans
bad credit car finance
second chance car loans
car loan protection
car loan online application
http://www.aussiecarloans.com.au


Expert Training va ofera o gama variata de cursuri acreditate si cursuri calificare. Va asteptam.
curs calificare
inspector resurse umane
cursuri acreditate
Curs calificare inspector resurse umane
http://www.experttraining.ro

maddsolutiononline said...

Considering that clients are our most valuable assets, we are putting our best effort in offering them the services of our specialized franchise lawyers. The Franchise lawyers that Redchip has are experienced and well trained to take good care of your business. The franchise lawyer will act in your best interest even if it is just an advice or an entire process.
brisbane lawyers
lawyers brisbane
commercial disputes
commercial litigation
franchise lawyer
property lawyer brisbane
commercial lawyer Brisbane
dispute resolution brisbane
estate planning brisbane
asset protection brisbane
tax lawyer brisbane
business structuring brisbane
commercial disputes brisbane
franchise solicitor brisbane
commercial litigation brisbane
http://www.redchip.com.au

maddsolutiononline said...

Lifequotes: If what you need is a change in your life to feel confident, prettier and healthy, our cosmetic clinic will provide you high quality services to make you feel all that. In order to achieve that our qualified team from cosmetic clinic will take care of you and indirectly rebuilding the self - confidence. Our cosmetic clinic stuff will handle it with maximum discretion.
Income protection Insurance
Trauma Insurance
TPD insurance
Life Insurance Brisbane
http://www.lifequotes.com.au



Olemus: Working with skilled house builders from Brisbane we took our projects to a high level of performance. Our clients have the benefit of enjoying their new home with doing anything. The house builders in Brisbane are ecognized by excellent work that they have done creating exclusive and unique places to live in. You have to tell us your dreams, and with the help of our house builders from Brisbane will make it become true.
house builders brisbane
home builder brisbane
home renovations Brisbane
http://www.olemus.com.au




Rothbury Hotel: Thinking about your needs and desires we developed special services when it comes to accommodation Brisbane CBD. We offer you accommodation Brisbane CBD special packages that conceived just for you, our customers in order to choose the best. The accommodation Brisbane CBD has trained stuff that will make you journey easier and relaxing.
brisbane hotels
hotel accommodation brisbane
accommodation brisbane cbd
hotel brisbane cbd
http://www.rothburyhotel.com.au

maddsolutiononline said...

Shineclinic: Aging is a problem for all of us, and when the lotions do not accomplish their goals we go further. This means using a dermal filler treatment. There is nothing shameless in doing it. Everyone does the dermal filler no matter if they are men or women. We all want to feel go
Microdermabrasion
Dermal fillers
Skin Clinic Brisbane
Botox Brisbane
cosmetic clinic Brisbane
clinic Brisbane
http://www.shineclinic.com

Our Endodontic Group formed by specialists offers you quality services. With help of last minute equipment and dental materials you will enjoy a less painful procedure. Applying a root canal treatment or providing a root canal therapy your health condition will improve. In case of a root canal treatment the process will be done with the help of the microscope that will locate the problem that bothers you.
root canal
root canal treatment
root canal therapy
dental trauma
dental injuries
endodontist brisbane
endodontic group brisbane
endodontics brisbane
http://www.endodonticgroup.com.au

maddsolutiononline said...

KND Digital: Our high qualified personnel take care about you and your business when it comes to web development for Brisbane market. We are providing to our clients web development services in order to attract viewers, to help them promoting their products or services. To succeed in offering web development to the customers in Brisbane, we use all our resources and all our skills.
web design Brisbane
Brisbane web design
seo brisbane
ecommerce Brisbane
social marketing Brisbane
web development Brisbane
Magento developer brisbane
content marketing Brisbane
http://www.knd.com.au

David James said...

Look up our Best Protein Powder for Women countless home market flooded with many health protein drinks. And it's also our best protein powder for women. Best protein powder for women helps to be outstanding looks.

David James said...

Health and Fitness kart is an excellent store where you familiarize yourself with that is related to conduct condition, Sports supplements, Meditation Health and Fitness, The powerful meditation,, Biggest with powdered for young or old furthermore Meditation proposals. A whole health and fitness medical care.


Get a playlist! Standalone player Get Ringtones