“Shall we?” Lord Devon asked.
Kathryn nodded and walked down the aisle with her father. She couldn’t stop smiling as she stood by Sam’s side, listening to Peter perform the ceremony.
“Lady Kathryn Julia Wilson, 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?” Peter asked.
“I will,” Kathryn said in a clear, strong voice.
She hardly heard the rest of the ceremony until the vicar said, “For as muchasSamuel Joseph CliffordandKathryn Julia Wilsonhave 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.”
The congregation broke into applause as the happy couple and their witnesses signed the church registry. Many of the parishioners stood outside to wish them happy.
Kathryn held onto Sam’s arm tightly, afraid this was all a dream that could disappear in a puff of smoke. She’d thought that she’d live out her life as the ugly spinster sister, but today, she was a happy and cherished wife.
When they were in the carriage on the way to Dandridge Manor for the wedding breakfast, Sam caressed her cheek. “Are you happy, my darling?”
“Oh, Sam. I’ve never been happier. I was so afraid something would happen that would prevent us from marrying.”
“Nothing happened, my love,” he said, pulling her into his arms for a number of scorching kisses. “We’re married and never have to be parted again.”
“I love you, my darling.”
“And I love you, my dear sweet Kathryn.”