From the Ashes

Chapter Forty-Three

The last of the twenty or so guests had been seated and it was time for the ceremony to begin. All eyes including Richard's turned to the vision walking down the aisle. Juliana was a dream, who would now and forever be a part of his reality. In her gown, of liquid sunshine, she positively glowed. Her hair covered by a silken bonnet. She was the picture of propriety.

When their eyes met, she beamed at him, and he knew she had bewitched him body and soul.

Richard looked so incredibly dapper in his formal attire. She did not think it possible that he could somehow manage to become more handsome, but she found she was wrong.

The garden had been transformed into a magical fairy tale land. The beauty of the decor was not lost on her, even though it was difficult to pull her eyes from Richard's. The closer she came the more her vision tunneled, to where it was just she and he and the rest of the world had melted away.

The Vicar opened 'The Book of Common Prayers' before addressing all who were present.

"Dearly beloved, 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 honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, 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 honourable 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.

First, it was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of his holy Name.

Secondly, it was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ's body.

Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

Therefore, if any man can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace."

Silence from one and all.

"No one? Well then let's continue," the Vicar said.

He turned to Richard and Juliana.

"I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their Matrimony lawful.

At which day of Marriage, if any man do allege and declare any impediment, why they may not be coupled together in Matrimony, by God's Law, or the Laws of this Realm; and will be bound, and sufficient sureties with him, to the parties; or else put in a caution (to the full value of such charges as the persons to be married do thereby sustain) to prove his allegation: then the solemnization must be deferred, until such time as the truth be tried."

Juliana and Richard just look at one another and smiled. Having nothing to confess, the Vicar continued.

"Lord Richard Charles Bentley, wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded Wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony?"