Page 215 of Storm of Bells
For the first time in all the time that I hadstood there, I could completely and wholeheartedly agree with thesentiments expressed by the vicar’s words. Iwouldstand byhim, for richer or for poorer. Although…
I couldn’t suppress a smile. Knowing MrRikkard Ambrose, it was going to be for richer. Alotricher.
‘Into which holy estate these two personspresent come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can show anyjust cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let himnow speak, or else hereafter forever remain silent.’
Silence.
The most fabulous, fierce, wonderful silencespread through the church. Closing my eyes, I listened to it. If, afew years ago, someone would have told me that an absence of soundcould give me the greatest feeling of joy I had ever felt in mylife, I would have burst out laughing and sent them to the doctorto have their head examined. But now…
Gazing up at Mr Ambrose, I let the silenceseep into my heart, where it would stay, forever after.
Raising his eyes from his book, the vicarfixed his gaze on us.
‘I require and charge you both, as ye willanswer at the dreadful day of judgement when the secrets of allhearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know anyimpediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together inmatrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that somany as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth alloware not joined together by God; neither is their matrimonylawful.’
Both of us stood there without making asingle sound, our hands intertwining even more closely, determinednever to let go.
The vicar’s gaze swept to Mr Ambrose. Heopened his mouth for the last, all-important words.
Finally.
Finally, it was time.
‘Wilt thou have this woman as thy weddedwife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate ofmatrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her insickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee onlyunto her, so long as ye both shall live?’
BecomingOne
‘Wilt thou have thiswoman as thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance inthe holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her,honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking allothers, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shalllive?’
The words echoed in the church, feelinglouder in my ears than the ringing of the bell. Mr Ambrose’s headturned towards me, his fierce eyes searing into me. I stared backjust as fiercely, my hand almost squashing his.
Was he going to break the silence?
You’d better!
Turning back to the vicar, Mr Ambroseinclined his head once, fast and hard. ‘Yes.’
The vicar turned towards me, a broad smile onhis face.
‘And wilt thou have this man as thy weddedhusband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estateof matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, andkeep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keepthee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?’
Once more, I looked up at Mr Ambrose, unableto keep a smile off my face. In my mind, words from long agoreplayed. Words that could be said to be my true wedding vows.
I’ll swear to always obey your orders if youswear never to give me any.
Mr Ambrose met my gaze, and in hiswonderfully icy eyes, I could see the answer:You’remad!
My smile widened.I know.
His eyes softened just the tiniest littlebit.I love you.
Squeezing his hand, I took a deep breath andturned back towards the vicar. ‘Yes.’
Whispers and snivels from rose from the crowdall around. The vicar spread his arms, raising his voice.
‘Who giveth this woman to be married to thisman?’
Uncle Bufford stepped forward, a torturedexpression on his face.
