Sarah had expected a small turnout due to the last-minute nature of the wedding and the cold weather. But she was heartened to see many friends in attendance. So much to be thankful for.
When her extended family and friends had filled the foremost pews, the Reverend Mr. Jenkins stood ready to read the service, and in place of a father, dear Mr. Hornbeam gave her away.
Callum’s gaze remained fixed on her as Sarah joined him at the altar, admiration and profound joy evident in his expression.
The vicar began, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and His church.”
Sarah did her best to focus and hear each word over her rapidly beating heart. She wanted to commit every moment to memory.
The vicar continued, “First, it was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord.”
Would she and Callum have children? Perhaps the son that would ensure his entailed estate remained in the immediate family? Sarah sincerely hoped so.
“Callum Henshall, wilt thou have this woman to thy weddedwife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
Without hesitation Callum replied, “I will.”
The clergyman turned to her and asked her a variation of the same questions.
Blinking back tears, Sarah nodded. “I will.”
Then they repeated their vows, and Callum placed a simple gold ring on her finger.
“With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship....”
Sarah’s skin tingled to hear him say those words in his rich, accented voice. She looked forward to her wedding night with equal parts eagerness and trepidation.
The vicar prayed over them, blessed them, and pronounced them man and wife.
Sarah felt blessed indeed.
After the ceremony and the writing of the marriage lines into the parish register, the new Mr. and Mrs. Henshall departed the church hand in hand.
Georgiana looked at Effie, and the two shared satisfied smiles.
They returned to Sea View for an informal wedding breakfast, mostly consisting of the copious amounts of food left over from the previous night’s party.
The new-wed couple with their attendants, Effie and Georgiana, remained only long enough to eat a few bites and to accept the well-wishes of friends and the embraces of family. Mamma held Sarah tight before letting her go.
Then they gathered their baggage in the hall, which Mr. Gwilt carried out to the post chaise Mr. Henshall had hired to transport his bride to her new home.
Everyone bundled up and followed them outside to the chaise to see them off.
Claire said, “We will join you in the spring, remember. And we will bring you back with us then, Georgiana.”
A teary Mamma added, “Take care, my dears.”
Their other family members waved and shouted final farewells.
Georgie opened the chaise window, and Colin came to stand near it. He said, “I am glad you are getting to travel, but I will miss you.”
“Will you? Well, when I return, you shan’t recognize me. I shall be so much more mature and refined.”
“I hope not. Don’t ever change, Georgiana Summers. I like you just the way you are.”
Georgie swallowed and feigned more confidence than she felt. “I should hope so!”
Mr. Henshall shut the door. “Time to go.”
