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“Tis unusual. The banns are required.”
“Aye, I ken, but we hae a long journey ahead tae get home, and ye can see that twould be difficult tae make the journey if we arna sworn tae each other afore God.”
Father Eòin nodded.
I was winnin’ him over, I could see it. “Twas a near mortal wound that decided I must, coming that near death made us swear an oath tae each other.”
“Ye were with the king — he dinna hae a priest with him? He might hae married ye.”
“Nae, we dinna… I dinna ask. It has happened this way, with the king’s blessing we are on a journey tae Lady Alexandria’s home. Then we passed by this kirk, a fine kirk with a good altar. I am certain God dwells here and will hear our vows if ye will allow us tae make them.”
I watched him slowly deliberate and urged, “I would also generously give tae the kirk’s good works.”
We stood in the middle of the kirk, Father Eòin nodded. “Are ye free tae marry, son, ye arna promised tae another?”
“Nae, Father, I hae made an oath, many months ago tae Lady Alexandria. I haena broken it, I meant it true.”
“There inna any impediment, ye may keep her in health, ye will guard her?”
“Aye.”
“And her father daena object?”
“She is orphaned, but her brother has consented, he admires me and approves the match.”
Father Eòin peered at Alexandria, “Dost ye consent, my daughter, ye are here on yer own, hae ye chosen freely?”
Alexandria nodded. “Aye, Father, I consent.”
Father Eòin smiled, warmly. “Good, I will perform the ceremony.”
I dug the small bag of coins from m’coat pocket, and fished out a fine gold one, more than most grooms would pay for a local parish wedding. I passed it tae the priest.
“Thank ye, son.” His expression was pleased.
He turned and led us tae the altar.
Alexandria and I stood in front of him, our hands together and our heads bowed. Twas then that I remembered, and muttered, “Och nae, I hae yet again forgotten the ring.”
Alexandria said sweetly, “It’s fine, I don’t need one.”
Father Eòin said, “I hae one in our sacristy, my son, tis gold — ye would be able tae afford it for yer bride?”
“Aye, thank ye, Father.”
Alexandria and I waited while Father Eòin left the nave for a back room.
She smiled, “Next time we marry, you’ll need to remember the ring.”
I chuckled. “We are only supposed tae do this once. Twill teach me tae not do it right the first time.”
We were both facing the altar when Dude jumped down from his perch and came and sat down near my feet. His tail wrapped around, also facing the altar. “He is goin’ tae be our witness.”
She laughed.
When Father Eòin returned, he had a few rings in his palm, so we chose two that fit. He handed me her choice, a small gold band with an ornate filigree and a green stone fitted in it. I chose a larger ring for my finger, a simple silver band, with worn down edges from use.
I said, “Thank ye, father, they are verra fine.” I passed him another gold coin.
