It took another nudge from Gardiner for Bennet to descend the two marble steps and wait for Lulu to reach him at the head of the aisle. He grinned from ear to ear as she came close to him and stopped. Bennet watched as Bingley lifted the veil, kissed each of his sister’s cheeks and then lowered it again. He placed Lulu’s hand on Bennet’s waiting forearm.
“Are you ready to become Mrs Bennet?” Bennet whispered in Lulu’s ear.
“More than ready, willing, and able,” Louisa replied with a wide smile on her face.
Together, they climbed the two marble steps and stood before Mr Pierce.
The vicar gave the sign for his congregants to be seated. Then he opened his well-wornBook of Common Prayerto page four hundred seven and twenty even though he could recite the liturgy without the book. He began with, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God…” Everything went as expected until Mr Pierce recited: “…holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.”
Collins had been waiting for just this very moment. Hestood as speedily as his girth would allow. “I do. I object! As an honoured clergyman, I do not give my sanction for this man to marry a woman with the mark of the evil one on her face,” he said loudly.
Mr Pierce looked at his patron. “Bennet, who is that?”
Even with the ridiculous wig, Collins was easily identifiable. Bennet shook his head, first at Lizzy who was about to go notify the men outside they were needed and next at Maddie’s cousin who was about to stand.
“No, I know no man who goes out in public with a dead cat on his head,” Bennet responded.
“It is me, William Collins, the rightful owner of the Longbourn estate,” he screeched, pulling the wig from his head. “You may not marry, I forbid it, and it is against the laws of man and God. That clergyman may not marry you when a fellow man of the cloth objects.”
“What laws of man is Bennet contravening in marrying?” Phillips demanded.
As he had not been ready to be challenged in this way, Collins was at a loss how to reply.
“You claim to be a clergyman,” Maddie’s cousin stated as he stood.
“I am! Who are you to question me? A clergyman is above all of you here,” Collins blustered.
“Are you telling me you are above me, the son of an earl?” Fitzwilliam queried.
Darcy stood. “And me, the grandson of an earl and the nephew of one. Since when has a lowly parson been above a landed gentleman?” he enquired.
By now, Collins was sweating, rivulets running down his face. He had not expected any opposition, and certainly notanticipated highborn men being present. How did his cousin have such connections?
“As to me and who I am to question you? I am Charles Manners-Sutton, The Most Reverend Willowmere, by Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. You may have heard of me. I was here visiting family, but it seems I am needed in my official capacity.”
Collins felt an urge to relieve himself then and there. He stared at the Archbishop of Canterbury with his mouth open, but no sound was made.
“You have demonstrated a complete lack of human compassion, never mind no knowledge of canon law, or the role and position of a clergyman, and if all of that were not bad enough, you attempted to interrupt a wedding for purely selfish reasons, none of which would cause the ceremony to stop. We are all God’s creatures, so how dare you call a birthmark that Lord God kissed Miss Bingley with, soon to be Mrs Bennet, the mark of the devil? That, Sir, borders on blasphemy!
“I will not have one such as you representing the Church of England in any capacity. I defrock you forthwith. Word will go out to every parish in the realm that you are no longer a clergyman.”
Bennet decided he needed to say something so he interjected. “Collins, you are on Longbourn land, but givenCousin Charles’spunishment, I will not have you arrested. Darken my land again, and I will not be so forgiving.” Bennet turned to the Archbishop. “Pardon me for interrupting you, Cousin.”
The Archbishop inclined his head to the groom. “No exception taken, Bennet.” Then he turned back to the sweating man. “Now leave this house of our Lord before I excommunicate you as well!” The archbishop commanded.
As Collins was on the end of the pew and still very much in shock, he lumbered out of the pew and went behind it, squeezing against the wall until he reached the doors leading to the vestibule and scurried out. What bad luck that Cousin Bennet was related to His Grace!
When he saw his cousin’s enormous men outside the church, he did relieve himself. He was certain his cousin would set them on him. Sniffling, and his pants soaked in his own urine, Collins reached the rented carriage and climbed in after telling the coachman to make for his parsonage with all speed. As the conveyance jerked into motion, Collins realised it was not his parsonage any longer. If he tried to remain there, he would be arrested. All he could do was go and pack his personal belongings. Then he would make for Faversham and go to visit his old mentor, Mr Fergus Davidson. He would know how to help.
As soon as the former parson had vacated the church, the Archbishop spoke, “My Mary and I were on a holiday, and I had no intention of revealing who I am. I am sorry it was needed, but I could not let that man spew such drivel without speaking. Mr Pierce, please continue and marry these good people.”
“It will be my great pleasure, thank you, Your Grace,” Pierce replied as he bowed to the Archbishop. “Now where were we…ah yes. Irequire and charge you both, as ye will answer at…”
From that point onwards, the ceremony proceeded without a single interruption. After the vows and Bennet slipping the wedding band onto Lulu’s finger, Mr Pierce concluded by reciting the ending prayers, “Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.
“Forasmuch asThomasandLouisahave consented together in Holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same beforeGod and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands, I pronounce that they be man and wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
“God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting.Amen.”
