"Will You Come To The Bower" (circa 1804-1820) [c1818]
[Words and Music by Thomas Moore, 1779-1852;
from "Irish Melodies" (published in ten installments
from 1808-1834), or "Popular National Airs" (1818-28)]
Baltimore: Carr's Music Store [circa 1804-1820]
[Benjamin Carr, 1768-1831]
[Source: 036/129 Levy]
Chapter Nine
Joe stood next to Adam, both were in their Sunday best and at the front of the chapel; every pew was filled to capacity. Adam couldn't help but grin; his baby brother looked more than a bit nervous. For Joe's part his mind was on the social he'd taken Eliza to, his proposal and her acceptance.
Joe and Eliza sat on a bench that sat up against the social hall. Eliza was looking up at the stars and describing to Joe. When she realized he wasn't joining in the conversation, she stop and looked at him with concern. "The last thing she wanted was to hear Joe did not feel well or something. What is it, Joe? What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Joe answered as he felt his stomach start to do somersaults, "I was just thinking," he said as he slipped his hand into his pocket, "how I'd love to sit outside every night with you." He then pulled out a small box and, taking a hold of her hand, laid the small item in her palm. "Will you marry me?"
Eliza had to hold in a laugh simply because she wondered how right it would be to point out there had to be a better way for him to propose. As it was she opened the small box and gasped. "Oh Joe! It's beautiful!" She exclaimed as she saw a nice sized diamond ring; the diamond was surrounded by small diamonds.
Joe chuckled as he lifted his hand, found the side of her face and, taking his finger, traced the outline of her jaw. "So, will you marry me?"
Remembering what he'd said about his father, and the fact that Joe had told no one but her why he'd come home, she asked, "Will your father mind us living there?"
Joe couldn't help but laugh as he told her Ben had been worried about what she'd think. "He's fine with it if you are."
Eliza didn't have to think twice about it. Quickly she put the ring on her finger as she cried out 'yes!' and then hugged Joe.
"Breath little brother," Adam whispered and then chuckled again as Joe exhaled the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Just then the music started playing, and the balding Mr. Matthews appeared with Eliza in the doorway that led into the chapel.
As the music played, Joe imagined what Eliza looked liked. It was easy to do as Adam was whispering the description of the silky white gown with flowers strewn all over it to him, along with the description of the veil which was attached to a tiara that sat on top of her head. Only when Mr. Matthews handed off his daughter to Joe did the music stop.
"We are gathered together in the eyes of God to witness the marriage between Joseph Francis Cartwright and Eliza Ann Matthews…" the preacher smiled upon the couple as he began the ceremony.
~oOo~
Will you come to the Bow'r I've shaded for you?.
Your bed shall he flow'rs all spangled with dew.
Will you come to the Bow'r I've shaded for you?
Your bed shall be flow'rs all spangled with dew.
Will you, wil you, will you, will you come to the Bow'r?
Will you, will you, will you, will you come to the Bow'r?
There under the Bow'r on roses you lie
With a blush in your cheek and a smile in your eye.
There under the Bow'r on roses you lie
With a blush in your cheek and a smile in your eye.
Adam's voice rang through the living room as more and more guests arrived at the reception Ben gracious enough to allow the Matthews to hold at his home. Blue and white ribbons had been hung from the ceiling and wrapped around the stair banisters. All furniture had been removed to make room for the guests. Hoss and his wife were dancing, as were some of the people who were attending the celebration. When it came to Ben he was standing against the stair railing and holding Adam and Mary's infant son; he'd been born three months before Joe's wedding. And, to everyone's relief, Mary was acting more like herself.
"She's the best thing to happen to him" "They make such a cute couple" And "It's so nice that they've decided to live here with Ben. I'd hate to think of the old man wandering around in the grand home all by himself" were just some of the comments being made while people talked, drank from the punch bowl and ate some of the refreshments. They were sure this was the best reception they'd been to in a long time. As for Joe and Eliza they were dancing right in the middle of the living room.
"I don't know about you, but I'm tempted to take you and slip out of the house using the kitchen door. There's plenty of sightseeing for us to do." He whispered to Eliza in a tone that told her he was sending her a coded message, and it wasn't a split second before she caught onto that message.
"Joe!" She blushed as she lovingly chastised him. "It's not every day one has a reception! We're not running out on the guests…no matter how tempting that is." She was chuckling by the time she was finished speaking. Naturally, Joe started chuckling which, in turned, earned him and Eliza a few knowing smiles.
"Well, as soon as everyone's gone, we're disappearing for the night." Joe whispered again as he turned Eliza in a circle. Just as he finished turning her, Joe turned his face towards the window and got the shock of his life. For a split second, Joe was sure he saw the light shining in though the living room window.
THE END…for now.
P.S. I plan to write a sequel to this someday, but other things are taking my time right now.
