“Yes.”
They rose to their feet as the chords swelled in invitation. They had to sing, but Paul’s mind was blank. His eyes roamed over the people in front of them. “I see them,” he leaned down to Harriet. “Tabby’s here, and I think James and Letitia as well.”
“Dear Heavens. All that way tonight? I don’t know what to say…” Harriet clung to his hand. He could feel her trembling.
“Well, love, at least we know we’ll get married tonight.” He threw her a lightning quick smile. “Simon will do the job, I’m sure.”
“Oh.” She blinked, seeming as thunderstruck as he was. “Oh, you’re right.” Her smile grew. “Paul, you’re right.”
He felt the weight lift from his shoulders and suddenly the words of the carol came back in full force, and he sang. As did Harriet.
“Hark the Herald Angels sing…”
From that moment on, Paul went through the motions, hoping Simon kept the lessons short and the service brief. There was a moment of amusement when he introduced himself as a “neighbor from Ridlington, who had found himself displaced by a Bishop for this particular night.” He apologized but asked for patience from the congregation. Their own dear Vicar, whose cold was much improved, would be there for services on the morrow.
Paul and Harriet glanced at each other, the sentiment shared but silent.So that’s how he did it.
Once again, Fate had smiled upon them.
And when the service ended and the congregation filed out, they stood back, waiting, eager to reach the little group that had remained in the front pew.
Tabby, James and Letitia.
“I can’t believe it.” Finally, as the last villager left the church, Harriet flew at Letitia, all but knocking her down. “What are you doing here? All of you?” She hugged them, then did it all over again.
Paul laughed as he watched her, and shook James’s hand, thumping him on the shoulder. “Good God, man. This is unbelievable.” Tabby and Letitia received hugs in their turn.
“It’s family, Paul.” Simon’s voice sounded behind them as he walked back up the nave. “We couldn’t let this special evening happen without family.”
“I…I don’t know what to say.”
And that was nothing but the truth. Paul found himself at a loss for words as he hung onto Harriet’s hand for dear life.
“Well, then, let’s get to it.” Simon turned to the altar. “You have the license?”
“I do,” said Harriet.
“Not yet, darling. That bit comes later.” Tabby snickered from the front pew. “Oh…here…” She reached over to one side and produced a little posy of white chrysanthemums. “For the bride from Rosaline and Edmund. They would have come if they could, but Hugh is teething.” She rolled her eyes. “Thus the world, as they know it, has come to a complete halt.”
Harriet fumbled the license over to Simon and then took the flowers from Tabby. “Thank you.” Her voice caught. “Thank all of you.”
“Very well.” Simon recalled their attention. “Harriet, Paul…if you would?”
Still clinging to each other, they walked to the altar, standing in front of Simon. Letitia walked to one side of Harriet, and James walked to stand near Paul.
“Best man?” Paul flashed a grin over his shoulder.
“Better believe it, old chap,” smirked James.
Harriet turned to Letitia and passed her the flowers. “Thank you…with all my heart.”
“Don’t make me cry,” sniffed Letitia. “I’m supposed to be your support here. Not your weeping maid.”
“Right.” Simon cleared his throat. “Are we ready?”
“Darling, if they were any readier, they’d explode. Do begin.”
Tabby’s amused tones made them all smile and Simon began the little service with the traditional words.
