Chapter 4
The wedding was a grand affair. The chapel of the Viceroy's Palace was full of students, clerics, and friends of the Viceroy, as well as Wilfred's family from Cork. The aisles were filled with people wishing the young cleric well as he embarked on the journey of his love life. The groom himself was dressed in a white tuxedo. The officiating minister for the wedding was the chief cleric, who was dressed in his finest robes.
The various students who were serving the bride and groom as the ring boy and the flower girl came in, dressed very well. Henry and Cherie were the two lucky young people to serve in that capacity. Also, various luminaries of politics and religion helped out as maids of honor and the groomsman. Natonito served as the best man himself. Daniel was quite busy playing a melodious viola-violin duet with Delia.
Everyone looked as the bride came in. It is true that a bride is most beautiful at her own wedding. Even under the veil of white silk a radiant glow was visible. Her whole dress and train was fine white satin. She walked lightly and gently up the aisle until she reached her spot beside Wilfred.
"We are gathered here today in a most sacred of ceremonies," the cleric began. "Wilfred Smith has decided to take Beth Houser for his wife. Marriage is not something to be taken lightly. It is a decision of great seriousness, especially for a cleric. Are you aware of this?"
"Yes, I am," Wilfred answered matter of factly.
"Marriage is a divine institution ordained by God. It is not good that man should be alone, so God made a helpmate for man comparable to him, so that in our own lives we can experience the type of love that God has for us, and so we rise above the animals, who merely join together for breeding. God has called mankind to be a family, with a loving relationship between the husband and wife to set a positive example to those around. We are witnesses here today as this man and this woman are joined together for the rest of their natural lives. Do you, Wilfred Smith, take this woman, Beth Houser, to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?" the cleric continued.
"I do," Wilfred replied, smiling.
"And do you, Beth Houser, take this man, Wilfred Smith, to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?" the cleric went on.
"I do," Beth said, glowing.
"By the powers vested in me by God and by the Empire, I now pronounce you husband and wife. I doubt you need any encouragement to kiss the bride," the cleric finished.
Indeed, Wilfred and Beth needed to encouragement to kiss, as they gave each other a long, passionate kiss. The crowd cheered as everyone went over to the receiving line. For a long while, everyone gave their thanks, and some gave gifts, to the bride and groom, who were very polite and friendly to everyone. After that was done, the bride and groom went into the courtyard outside where the reception had been set up. Wilfred and Beth cut the cake, and then everyone enjoyed the conversations that followed.
"This is a wonderful moment, my love," Wilfred said as he took Beth's hands in his.
"Yes, I hope that we will always look back and smile on this day," Beth replied.
"I am glad that you could love a poor cleric," Wilfred said with a wink.
"And I am glad that you could love a poor waitress," Beth replied, also with a wink.
Meanwhile, a bit further away in the courtyard, Daniel, Henry, Delia, and Cherie were sitting together and talking.
"That was a good wedding," Cherie said. "I hope mine is like that someday."
"Already thinking of marriage?" Delia said to Cherie.
"Well, yes. It is quite normal for Bravian nobility to marry young, especially girls," Cherie replied.
"You are talking about Henry as your husband, right?" Delia replied.
"Of course," Cherie answered.
"You know you are my sweetheart," Henry said to Cherie as she buried her head on his shoulder.
"I know that," Cherie said. "I've just been feeling sick lately."
"I hope you get better soon," Daniel said.
"Me too," Cherie replied.
"Well, what do you all want to do now?" Henry asked the group.
"I think talking is fine," Daniel replied. "What about you two?"
"I like talking with you," Delia said with a smile.
"Yeah, talking is fine with me. We've had a busy day already. Good thing we already finished with our homework," Cherie responded.
"Yes, that is a good thing," Henry replied.
"Yeah, the homework wasn't that difficult," Daniel said.
"Speak for yourself," Delia said with a chuckle.
At this point Natonito came up to the group and told them all to go to the group that was around the newlyweds. The four got up and went over to the group.
"May your marriage be happy and productive," Natonito told the newlyweds.
"I hope so too," Wilfred and Beth replied together.
"Now it is time for everyone to go back to their bed. It is late already, and some of you have homework to do," Natonito said to the students.
"Alright," the students glumly replied.
"I think it is time for us to go to our room as well," Wilfred said to Beth.
"I like that idea," Beth said in response, happily.
"It is time to consummate our vows," Wilfred said with a smile.
"I wish the two of you the best of luck," Natonito said to the couple. "Now we have another Elizabeth Smith. May you be nicer than the other one."
"I am sure I will," Beth laughed.
"I am sure she will too," Wilfred said.
[ Chapter 3 ]
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