Kathryn waited for her at the back of the church, and her eyes widened when Jacob and Grace walked in. “Oh, Grace, you’re stunning. I knew you would be. I’ve never seen a more beautiful bride.”
“Thank you. Have you seen him?”
Kathryn knew, of course, who she was talking about. “Yes, he’s standing with Mr. Randolph, along with my brother.”
“Are you ready, my dear?” Jacob asked, holding out his arm.
Grace tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow, and they started walking down the aisle with Kathryn following them. Grace was amazed at the number of people who had come to witness her marriage. As she got closer to the altar, she only had eyes for her handsome bridegroom, smiling from ear to ear.
Mr. Randolph opened the Book of Common Prayer and began the ceremony. “Dearlybeloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate instituted of God in the time of man’s innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church, which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of Saint Paul to be honorable among all men, and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly to satisfy men’s carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly,and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained.”
He looked at Peter and said, “Peter Richard Wallings, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, 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 other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”
Peter said in a strong, clear voice, “I will.”
Mr. Randolph turned to Grace. “Grace Mary Parker, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him and serve him, love, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?”
Grace looked at Peter with love in her eyes. “I will.”
“Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?”
“I do,” Jacob said before taking a seat next to Audrey.
Mr. Randolph looked at Peter. “Repeat after me.With this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
Peter repeated the words and placed the gold band on Grace’s left hand, and they both knelt.
Mr. Randolph continued.“Let us pray. O eternal God, creator and preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life, send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name, that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this ring given and received is a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together and live according to thy laws, through Jesus Christour Lord. Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder.
“For as much as Peter Richard Wallings and Grace Mary Parker have consented together in holy wedlock and have witnessed the same before God 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.”
Neither Peter nor Grace could stop smiling as they stood.
Mr. Randolph directed them to the side, where the parish registry book lay open on the table.
Peter signed the registry first, followed by Grace. She was thrilled to finally sign her new name—Grace Wallings. Next were their witnesses, Lord Easton and Lady Kathryn Wilson.
The church erupted in applause as Peter and Grace walked down the aisle, many of the parishioners following them outside and wished the couple happy.
“Thank you all for coming today,” Peter said. “My lovely bride and I are eternally grateful for all your support.”
More applause as Peter and Grace made their way to the carriage.
“Are you happy, my darling?” Peter asked as he handed her up before joining her inside.
“More than I ever thought possible. I love you with all my heart.”
“And I love you to the depths of the ocean and as far as the stars twinkling in the night sky.”
“My, my. After that, I think you should kiss me properly, Mr. Wallings.”
“It will be my pleasure, Mrs. Wallings.”