He made is way down to the chapel of repose to see if there was a priest there. He knocked at the door and found tears were flowing freely. He was losing her all over again. At least this second time had meant that many things had been said that he would have regretted had she died by that estuary. These last few days with her, kissing her, telling her of his love for her, putting plans in place for their future would always be precious and he tried to be glad to have at least been given the chance to have them.

The door opened.

'Father, please help me' were his opening words and seeing the distress Harry was in, the priest beckoned him in.

'My fiancé is upstairs and is unlikely to survive the night. Please could you come and marry us. She wants very much for us to be married and I do too. But I don't have ring or anything.' He added

'Of course, I'll come right away' and picking up a few things he and Harry walked back to Ruth's bedside. Harry held a vague hope that maybe her condition may have improved on his return but he was too disappointed. She was conscious but her breathing was shallow and laboured. They had put an oxygen mask on her to help her breathing but it seemed to be doing little to improve matters. Her eyes were full of discomfort and panic but were relieved somewhat when Harry returned and she saw the priest. He said kindly

'I hear you want to marry this man'

She nodded and mouthed the word 'yes'

'Well then' he said calmly, trying to give these two people a little less to worry about 'if there is no ring I don't see why the engagement ring can't be used'

'I am not sure I can say all the words' whispered Ruth and there delivery was evidence enough of the unlikelihood that she would. She held tight to Harry's hand who was overwhelmed that this woman who he loved so dearly was so desperate to be married to him but at the same time was facing death and he would lose her once and for all.

'Not to worry my dear' said the priest 'the sentiment is there and I am sure you can mouth some of the words.' He slipped Ruth's ring off her finger and handed it to Harry. 'Please can you tell me both your full names?' And he passed Harry a piece of paper and a pen.

He leant on his knee and wrote them down. Seeing the ring he remembered that only last night he had placed it on her finger and there had been so much happiness in the room. No one to disturb them, just the two of them discovering just how wonderful it was to finally be a couple having only dreamt of it up until then. Now he was re-placing the ring in marriage in order to give Ruth her last request.

The priest sensing that time might not be on their side coughed lightly to bring Harry back from this nightmare.

'Join your right hands, and make your consent before God. Henry James Pearce, do you take Ruth Evershed for your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?'

Harry's eyes never left hers as he said 'I do.'

And turning to Ruth the priest began 'and Ruth Evershed, do you take Henry James Pearce for your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?

'I do.' She whispered

The priest continued "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder'

And then giving the ring to Harry he said 'repeat after me I Henry James Pearce give you this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.' And with that Harry placed the ring on Ruth's finger.

Seeing the predicament they were in the priest quietly left. If he was able he knew Harry would kiss his bride without needing to be told to.

They remained as they were for a few minutes before Ruth slipped out of consciousness again. Harry clung to her hand still. 'Please don't leave me Ruth' he begged 'please just keep fighting. You can't leave me, not now darling. Please Ruth, for me.' And he began sobbing uncontrollably

The doctor came in a while later and checked on Ruth and listened to her chest. Harry held his breath for a sign of improvement but alas the doctor shook his head.

'No improvement Sir I am afraid.'

'Is she in any pain?' Harry asked

'No she won't be any pain. We have given her some painkillers anyway so that she doesn't suffer too much. I am so so sorry about all this Sir. I wish this hadn't happened. She was getting on so well. Another day or two and she would have had a fighting chance. But I think she is just too worn down to manage to hold her own' and he left the room.

Feeling suddenly rather selfish Harry said to her 'Darling, don't keep fighting on my account. You have had to put up with so much because of me. If you just want to slip away I'll understand. I don't want to see you suffering. Call it a day if you need to Ruth. I'll join you one day I promise. I can't wait for that day darling when there will be no more tears and nothing to keep us apart. I am going to be right here if you want to let go. You don't need to be afraid.' He stroked her hand gently and looked down at the ring he had chosen for her so long ago that was now symbolising their marriage. The tears were unstoppable until there were no more to shed and extreme tiredness followed. Feeling himself slipping further into sleep he whispered 'farewell darling, don't worry if you want to slip away while I am asleep. Maybe better all round that I can't keep my eyes open any longer.' He lent forward and kissed her cheek just like he had at the estuary not so long ago. And with that he rested his head on the bed, her hand still held tightly in his own.

Sorry! Don't quite know what has come over me! Hadn't initially planned this.