Page 212 of Storm of Bells
‘Gee-up!’
Out on the box, the driver snapped the whipand the coach began rolling down the driveway. Laughing andcheering villagers ran alongside, and Amy, Cora, Jenny and Adairaleaned out of the windows, waving to the crowd like maniacs.
A thunderous noise rolled over the landscape.At first, I thought the assembled villagers had fallen into a madfit of clapping, but…no. That wasn’t it.
Leaning out of the window, I saw cloudsgathering in the sky. Wind was blowing across the countryside,sending the flowers on the ground whirling up, dancing in theair.
A storm was rising.
‘Oh no!’ Ella’s face fell. ‘Not now of alltimes! Should we postpone the ceremony?’
Staring at the gathering storm clouds, I felta grin spread over my face. ‘Not on your life!’
Ella blinked. ‘Pardon?’
Throwing open the window, I took a deepbreath of the fresh air racing into the coach. It tugged at my veiland nearly tore the thing away before I snatched hold of it. Mygrin widened as silk fluttered around me wildly.
‘Who can say no to a nice little breeze?’
Ella looked at me as if I had a screw loose.A cute and lovable screw, but still a screw. The villagers,however, seemed to share my feelings and didn’t mind the weather inthe least. Unperturbed, they continued cheering and clapping as thecarriage rolled along and the first drops of rain started patteringon the roof of the coach.
‘Come on!’ Adaira jabbed an elbow into myribs. ‘They want to see you! They want to cheer you on!’
My heart pounding, I leaned out of the windowand waved—but I didn’t really see the villagers. All I saw were thedoors of the church.
He’s waiting in there. He’swaitingfor me. As in, he’s actually wasting time doing nothing, justfor me!
My heart pounded even faster, just aboutready to jump out of my chest. This had to be true love! High aboveme, in the tower, the bells matched my heartbeat, getting louderand louder the closer we came. Finally, the coach rolled to a stopin front of the church.
Crap, crap, crap! This is happening. This isreally happening!
‘Well then…’ Grinning evilly, Amy pushed thecoach door open. ‘Your big moment is ‘ere. We’ll leave ye too itthen, shall we? Let’s go, girls!’ And with that, she slipped out ofthe coach. Giggling and grinning, the rest of the girls followed,leaving me alone with my aunt and uncle, and myever-more-loudly-pounding heart. Traitors!
‘Hm.’ Aunt Brank gave me a look. ‘I supposeI’d better go as well.’
She marched down the stairs, leaving me andUncle Bufford alone.
Crap, crap, crap…
‘Come.’ Rising to his feet, Uncle Buffordheld his arm out to me. ‘I rather look forward to this. It’ll bethe longest walk I’ve taken in the last six months.’
Unable to keep from laughing, I took the oldman’s arm, and together we stepped out of the coach. Outside, wewere greeted by a thunderous cheer.
‘Now, now, ladies and gentlemen!’ The waitingLady Samantha clapped her hands to gain all the guests’ attention.‘Everyone, form up. Bridesmaids and best man first!’
‘Really?’ Evil delight sparkling in her eyes,Amy’s gaze focused on Karim, who was standing next to the churchdoor. He tried to leap back, but she grabbed hold of his left arm,and Patsy seized the other. Desperately, he looked over at me, hiseyes begging for help, or mercy, or anything.
I just grinned.
‘Go ahead, you three. Have fun.’
The other bridesmaids surrounded the threelike a swarm of marriageable mosquitos, giggling and cheering.Soon, they had disappeared into the church.
What next?
I felt panic rising inside me as I suddenlyrealized I had no idea what the steps of a wedding were. I had onlyever attended one single wedding before—but seeing as it was thewedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, it wasn’t really anexample of an average ceremony! What was I supposed to do now? Goin? Wait? Do cartwheels?
‘It’s not your turn yet, dear.’ LadySamantha’s lifesaving whisper reached my ear. Leaning close to me,she rested a supportive hand on my shoulder. I gave a sigh ofrelief and sent her a grateful look as a sense of calm spreadthrough me.
