Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
The priest smiled, before holding out his hands. “Brothers and sisters, we are gathered here today to join His Grace, the duke of Hampton, Arthur Weasley, and Lady Janice Raven in holy matrimony…”
* * *
Arthur tuned out the priest after that, too busy watching Janice. She looked radiant and glowing, and he prayed with all his might that whatever might come, that light in her eyes would never be dimmed - at least not by him.
* * *
“I now declare you, man and wife.”
* * *
Arthur jumped, startled at how quickly the service had come to an end. The church erupted in loud cheers, too loud for just the Ravens. He turned to see that various members of his staff had made it to the church, and were sitting in the back row, clapping and cheering along with random members of the village population.
* * *
Forgetting protocol, he grinned at them, inordinately pleased to see them all. He turned back to Janice, grabbing her arms and pulling her flush against him, his lips mashing into hers in a messy, passionate kiss. The cheering grew louder, and he could feel her smile against his lips. He pulled back, unable to stop grinning as well.
* * *
They stared at each other, just beaming helplessly.
* * *
“This way to sign the marriage certificates.”
* * *
He led them to the vestibule behind the altar where their certificates were waiting. They both signed their names and then waited for their designated witnesses – Lady Emily for Janice, and the Marquis of Sarandon for Arthur – to do the same.
* * *
As he straightened up, his name still gleaming darkly on the page, he felt a weight slip off his shoulder. For good or ill, he was married. He did not have to agonize about it anymore.
* * *
“Ladies and Gentlemen, you are invited for a wedding breakfast at Somerton Manor,” Lord Benjamin announced to the entire church, “All are welcome.”
* * *
There was another cheer and people began filing out of the church. Arthur offered Janice his arm with a smile. “Your Grace,” he said with an elegant bow.
* * *
Her face lit up. “Your Grace,” she replied, taking his hand and letting him lead her from the church. He could hardly keep his eyes off her the entire way to Somerton Manor. He was of the opinion that she was a beautiful woman but today she simply glowed with ethereal light. He could not explain it, but it was hypnotizing.
* * *
The only cloud on his horizon was the fact that he could not share this day with his mother. That she could not understand what a momentous thing it was to take this leap.
* * *
She squeezed his hand and he realized he’d closed his eyes when he opened them. He smiled at her as she asked with her eyes if all was well. He shook his head dismissively. “I’m fine,” he said.
* * *
She squeezed his hand again, keeping her hand entwined with his as they rode in the carriage with her sisters and aunt.
* * *
As they passed the village, they found that various people had lined the path, waiting to give their felicitations. Arthur was strangely moved by it even though he assumed that they’d come out on Janice’s behalf rather than his.
* * *
Janice was waving enthusiastically out of the window of the carriage, even calling out people by name. Arthur smiled along, a little more reticent in his demonstration but no less appreciative.
* * *
A few people threw posies at them. Arthur was quite overwhelmed by it all. He did not think he’d ever been thrust so much into the center of things as he was today. He saw the gates of Somerton looming ahead with relief. At least amongst the Ravens, he knew how to act.
* * *
Lord Benjamin had laid out a feast. Two long tables set diagonally to each other were groaning with trays of all kinds of food in the garden, while servers were on hand to fill the guests’ plates. There was no formal sit-down. Guests were free to take advantage of strategically placed benches or stand chatting. On a raised dais, a young man played the piano, and was accompanied by a flutist while a young lady sang ditties that sounded familiar to Arthur’s unpracticed ear.
* * *
It was exactly what he needed to relax. Taking Janice’s hand, he seated her on a bench before bending over to whisper in her ear. “Allow me to get you some food.”
* * *
She nodded, pulling him close to whisper in his ear. “No fish please.”
* * *
He smiled and nodded his understanding before walking away.
Janice’s cheeks were hot from all the dancing. The wedding breakfast had gone on for a lot longer than anticipated because everyone was enjoying themselves way too much. Even Arthur had abandoned his coat in order to swing her around in a loose imitation of a waltz, almost sweeping her off her feet, his hand tight at her waist and a huge smile permanently branded on his face.