“Father Everett!” Will hurried to him. The older man narrowed his eyes and appeared suspicious. Will assumed he was estimating how much Will would pay for whatever bribes ensued. “I wish for you to perform a wedding this morning.”
“This morning? Impossible. And who would you marry? There are no Englishwomen here.”
“Sarla Singh.”
“Absolutely not. I will not marry a heretic in a Christian ceremony.”
Will gritted his teeth. “She’s willing to convert.”
“So you wish for a baptism and a marriage.”
Will watched the man reconsider. Two sacraments were better than one. He knew the man would come around, but he was unprepared for the price.
“Twenty pounds.”
Will nearly laughed. “Five pounds and half a bottle of Scottish whisky.”
The priest thrust out his hand, sealing their agreement before Will could think better. But the younger man would have paid the twenty pounds if forced. He would pay his last penny to marry Sarla.
“Meet me at the river in twenty minutes. We can conduct the baptism and the marriage there.”
“Baptism?”
Will turned at Rob’s voice. His friend looked between Will and the priest, understanding dawning. He shook his head. But Will’s expression told Rob he would not dissuade his friend. He turned as Suniti and Vinita joined them. Sarla was only a few steps behind.
“We came to help at the almshouse, but Sarla said we should find you.” Suniti leaned against Rob as he took her hand in his.
“Yes.” Will held out his hand to Sarla. “Father Everett, this is my bride. Sarla, Father Everett agreed to your baptism then our marriage. We can do it now.”
“Baptism?” Suniti's and Vinita’s voices blended as they asked the same thing Rob had only moments ago.
“I must convert to marry Will in an Anglican ceremony. If either of you ever travel to England, you will have to do the same thing. Will and I can have a Brahma later. But I’m scared Baba will send me in your place, Vinita.”
“So are we. We came to ask if you wished to join our wedding, but you insisted we find the men.”
“If we are to do this, don’t dillydally. I have other things to do today.”
Six sets of eyes narrowed at the priest, who took a step back. He nodded but led the way to the river. Will feared Father Everett would insist upon a full immersion baptism since they were beside the river. But fortunately, the older man dipped his hand into the water and poured it over Sarla’s forehead. Moments later, they stood, holding hands as they pledged their undying commitment and love to one another. The ceremony flew by, and neither was ready when Father Everett pronounced them man and wife. Their kiss made the priest look away and encouraged the other two couples to share their own.
“If you are quite finished making a meal of your wife, I would have you sign the decree and register.”
“Father Everett, wait.” Theo stepped forward. “Since we are here, would you marry Vinita and me?”
“Us too?” Rob looked at Suniti. “I never intend to return to England, but if anything should happen to me, our marriage entitles you to an inheritance. I don’t want anyone to contest it. Even if you never step foot on British soil, you will be my wife and a beneficiary. I want to provide for our children’s security, too.”
Father Everett appeared beleaguered, but he performed two more baptisms and two more marriages. The three couples entered the tent the priest used for Sunday services. It wasn’t large since his congregation was miniscule. They signed the paperwork before husbands and wives kissed each other. The men returned to their duties while the women returned to the palace.
“When should we tell them?” Sarla’s anxiousness mounted with each step that took them closer to their home.
“Do you wish to consummate your marriage tonight?” Suniti waggled her eyebrows.
“Yes.” Vinita and Sarla’s response was adamant.
“Then we should tell them before the evening meal.”
“But do we wait for our husbands?” Sarla grinned, loving saying that.
“I don’t know. Maybe Maan and Baba won’t murder them if they have time to adjust to the idea before they arrive.” Suniti shrugged.
