EC17 belles

Emily's Chronicles: Part 17: Wedding Belles
By Trish and Tammy

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction. Emily of New Moon was created by L.M. Montgomery and is the property of her, her estate, and her heirs, not me. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit was made.


The morning of the triple wedding broke warm and sunny with a light
breeze blowing in from the ocean. New Moon was a buzz with activity.
Elizabeth had awakened early to make sure that all the preparations were
running smoothly. The house would soon be filled to overflowing with
family, and friends. There was a feast to finish cooking, along with three
huge cakes to ice all of which had to be sent over to Jimmy and Eve's new house,
dresses to lay out, and the gentlemen to keep away from the second floor of
the house while the ladies got ready. The nuptials were to take place a few
yards from the house in a lovely old stand of trees in the garden that
overlooked the sea.

Elizabeth had set the men to work off their nervous energy with getting
the outside of the house ready. They were kept busy setting up chairs and
tables, tidying the yard, and placing the decorations just so. They were
even hanging ribbons from the trees, Emily's idea, and Joe had offered his
services in lifting and toting. Jimmy and Perry had driven the wagon all the
way to Charlottetown during the week prior to rent a large canopy. The big
white structure was set up in the garden and draped in garlands of roses. It
looked perfect silhouetted against the lazy waves breaking in the distance.

The ladies had been awake until the wee hours of the morning talking and
giggling like school girls. Even Elizabeth and Judith had found themselves
caught up in the merriment. Emily and Ilse were allowed stay up long past
their bedtime as they all crowded into Isabel's room enjoying tea and
candies, and laughing and talking nearly until sunrise. Early last evening
Elizabeth had noticed Malcolm carrying a playing card set and a big box of
cigars out to the barn. The men were all sleeping there for the night to
allow the women free run of the house and to avoid the superstition of bad
luck should any of the grooms see his bride before the final moment. They
occupied themselves quite well laughing and talking about such things that
men usually talk about on nights such as that. Perry felt truly like one of
the men as he was fully included in the conversation. Even Gussy Dan had
been part of it all until falling sound asleep on a hay bail in the corner.
The festivities there also lasted until very early the next day.

The ladies had spent most of the morning dressing and primping for the
day. Laura was finally going to have the proper ceremony that she had
been denied the pleasure of enjoying for what could only loosely be called
her first wedding. Laura had offered to return to Isabel the veil she had
given her several months ago. Isabel refused it, that had been given to her
many years before by another man, one she now knew she never truly loved,
one who never truly loved her. She would have none of that taint the
upcoming day. Emily remarked that Laura looked like a fairy princess in
the dress she had chosen.

Early in the week Eve and her mother had set to tailoring a truly beautiful
dress of white satin, taffeta, and lace for her, made into a lovely Gibson
Girl-Styled Wedding Gown adorning Eve's tiny petite 4 ft. 11 in. frame.
With a small white hat with a long white medium length taffeta train
covering her lovely dark-brown hair, complimenting her big brown-hazel eyes.
Pinned to the base of the neck of her bodice, is her mother's blue w/white
silhouetted cameo broach with a set of matching earrings on her ears. On
her legs, are a pair of white nylon stockings held up with white-lace and
blue satin ribbons and rosettes garters tucked underneath her white
bloomers, and on her feet, a pair of 2" heeled white satinished Mary Jane
shoes with a buttoned-on strap. With matching white gloves to adorn her
beautiful small dainty hands.

"Oh, Eve darling," remarked her proud mother, Judith. "If you aren't a
vision of pure loveliness!!! Jimmy, when he sees you approaching him, his
eyes should literally glow with his deep love for you, his gorgeous 'Queen
of Romania'!!!"

With tears of pure joy starting to form in Eve's eyes, she says--"Mother, do
you really think so?"

"Yes dear," Judith replies. "I really think so."

Isabel made it clear that she was not going to wear white. "I'll look
like a great snowball." She told Laura at the suggestion. "Besides." She had
said. "Who would believe that." She had given her cousin a knowing smile and
layed her hands on both sides of her growing abdomin as she voiced those
words. Laura understood. Instead Isabel had purchased a beautiful
champagne colored taffeta tea dress with light floral embroidery on the
lapels, styled for an expectant mother, on her recent trip to Charlottetown.
Sarah had noticed when Isabel had discreetly added the treasure to a pile of
other purchases. She was sure that her future sister-in-law must have had
just this alterior motive in mind when she bought it, such an extravagence
was not in Isabel Murray's nature. Sarah notices how well the color set off
her pale blue eyes, and made her hair look like spun gold. This day Elizabeth had helped Isabel weave several rose buds from Jimmy's prized bushes in front on the house, and sprigs of fresh baby's breath into her hair, which she wore loosely caught around her neck in the style that Francis liked. It seemed the latter flower was fitting. Even if the color, and the timing were not traditional Isabel made a beautiful bride.

Emily and Ilse were allowed to dress with the rest of the ladies that
morning. They felt extremely grown up as they tried to take part in the
laughing and converstations, although some of it they did not quite
understand. Elizabeth and the other ladies had made the girls matching
dresses appropriate for the two bridesmaids. Lavender taffetta had been
fitted perfectly to contrust each girls outfit for the wedding. Lace
collars and cuffs finished the little gowns in style and elegance. Their
summer-type dresses were to be long in the style that adult ladies wore, but gather at
the waist for young girls, with wide cream colored ribbon sashes around the
middle which trailed to the ground in the back. The girls were to be
escorted by the best men, John and Perry. Ilse's heart leapt when she learned that
Perry would be walking with her.

This morning Elizabeth rushed from the house, to the yard, to the barn
insuring that everything was running smoothly. She gave orders on where to
put the tables for refreshements that would be layed out for before the
ceremony, where to put chairs and other items, and even how brides and
grooms should dress. By the time the first guests, Great Aunts Nancy and
Caroline Priest, arrived Elizabeth was nearly exhausted and had just minutes
ago changed into her best dress for the event. She was to be maid of honor.

"Elizabeth dear, you've managed to make this little farm look
almost...civilized." Great Aunt Nancy laughed obnoxioulsy not trying too
hard to veil her put down. With Aunt Caroline meekly standing by her.

Elizabeth had several snarling replies saved up for this woman, but she
held her tongue. Nothing would ruin today, not after the amount of work she
had put into making it just right. Instead she rolled her eyes, gave a
half-hearted and contemptuous grin and searched widely for someone to foist
the old lady off on. Unfortunately for him, Malcolm, looking like a grand
lord of old in his finest kilt and regalia, chose that moment to try to
enter the house unseen by the three ladies on the porch to check on Isabel.

Elizabeth saw her opportunity and grabbed it. "Oh, Uncle Malcolm, you
remember Great Aunts Nancy and Caroline Priest don't you?" as she smiled
innocently at her uncle.

Malcolm grimaced and turned slowly as if he had been shot. "Why yes, of
course I do." He pasted on a phony smile, taking the bony hands that had
been thrust outward, and giving them a gentlemanly shake. He knew all about
her, and her meek little sister.

"I think it's been awhile, hey Mac." Nancy nearly yelled trying to be
ladylike, but not quite making it. Embarassing Caroline in the process.

Although he had only met them once before, Malcolm knew enough about
Nancy Priest to be wary. He had heard of her eccentric ways, and the way she
fawned all over people. "Uh, yes I believe it has." He agreed, looking
uncomforable trying to find his chance for escape.

However, Elizabeth, foiled his plan. "Uncle Malcolm, why don't you offer
Aunts Nancy and Caroline some lemonade, I just set some out." She
grinned politely trying to seem oblivious.

"Huh, um, alright." Malcolm realized what Elizabeth was trying to do and
gave her steeley look.

"Come on Mac, I'm parched." Nancy was the one who led the way, her mouth
not realizing that Malcolm really was not paying any attention to the stream
of silliness that flew from it. Not to mentioned the thirst of her sister.

Malcolm hung back and whispered to Elizabeth. "You owe me!" He mouthed at
her. Then hearing his name called by the old woman he grimmly walked over to
where the refreshments had been layed out, the uncomfortable smile still on
his face. Taking the supplied silver ladle into his hands, he poured each
lady a drink.

Elizabeth barely had time to congratulate herself on her escape. She
threw open the door and practically ran up the stairs to help the brides and
bridesmaids with their last minute preparations. She hoped that once the
wedding started, things would be less hectic, but she doubted it.

On the second floor, the ladies were cloistered in Elizabeth's room since
it was the largest bedroom. Elizabeth took a deep breath and opened the
door to join the commotion inside. Laura was sitting on the bed doing her
best not to bring up her breakfast with a bought of nerves. She hoped
everything would be perfect. She had not been nervous at her first wedding,
if it could actually be called a wedding. There had not been time, she had
barely had the time to realize what was happening during that confusing
blurr. But now, when she was marrying the man she truly loved, she felt as
if she would faint at any moment. Elizabeth walked over to her sister, and
put her arm around her.

"You look simply gorgeous!" Elizabeth smiled proudly.

Why thank you, sis!" replied Laura, completely unexpectantly surprised by
her sister's compliment. "Won't you please help me out here, by
fastening the back of my dress?" Looking a vision of loveliness in her
peach-coloured gown, made of matching satin, topped with taffeta and lace,
also styled in the Gibson Girl look. Most appropriate for a woman nolonger
virginal like the youngest member of her bridal party, complimenting her
beautiful reddish auburn hair and blue eyes. Adorning her head, would be a
wide-brimmed peached-coloured hat, with no vail. Underneath, she would be
wearing white bloomers, with beige nylon stockings held up with matching
peach-coloured lace with a beige ribbon and rosettes. On her feet, a pair
of 2" heeled satinish peached-coloured Mary Jane shoes that also have a
strap that buttons. And a pair of beige gloves to go on her lovely hands.

Elizabeth, not recalling when her sister looked so good, remarked--"Allan's
going to literally fall in love with you all over again, Laura dear!! I
repeat, you look absolutely stunning!!!"

Glimpsing at herself in the full length mirror in her room, Laura asks with
disbelief, "Do you really think so, Liz!?"

Elizabeth looked at her sister proudly, thinking of all that she had been
through in the past year, and how she had grown stronger and more assured.
She took Laura by the shoulders and turned her around to look at her. With
her face lovingly serious Elizabeth nearly overcome, whispered. "Yes, I do.
"
She hugged her sister tight and long.

Across the room Eve was trying to peek out the window looking for Jimmy
below in the yard while her mother made some adjustments to her dress.
"Mum, do you suppose that poor Jimmy needs some help dressing? Surely, he
must be nervous as all get out by now!"

"I'll tell you what I can do, dear," suggested Judith. "Since I'm all
finished here, I'll go down to the barn to help him out. Would you like
that?"

Grinning in a tickled way, Eve replied--"Yes, I would. And I
*know* Jimmy would be most grateful to you, for coming to his assistance."

Giving her daughter a hug, Judith turned and hurried downstairs and out to
the barn to find her future son-in-law...

Isabel was standing sideways studying her reflection in the full length
mirror. She was wearing the exquisite dress she had chosen for the wedding,
but was obviously not thrilled with the way she felt she looked in it.
"Haaa!" She gasped. "I'm huge. I don't look like a snowball, I look like a beach
ball!" She proclaimed as she ran her hand over her protruding belly.

Sarah, who was to be the Matron of Honor, was standing next to her,
trying to be comforting and supportive. She and John had just arrived at New
Moon this morning and were eager to help with the wedding. "You look
beautiful, dear." Sarah reassured Isabel sincerely. "I can't wait to see
Francis's face when he sees you walking down the aisle."

Isabel turned toward the mirror and placed her hands under her abdomin,
causing her image to become overly exaggerated. "Uh, me too." She said
sarcastically.

"Oh Isabel." Sarah put her hand on Isabel's shoulder. "He'll think your a
vision."

"A vision of what?" Isabel murmered continuing to look at herself from
different angles.

Sarah laughed, "Oh, Isabel." She could tell that her assurances were to
no avail. She knew it would take Francis's awed face looking at his
beautiful bride to set Isabel's mind at ease.

Emily and Ilse sat at the dressing table helping each other with their
hair. Elizabeth knew she would have to redo each of their styles into ones
more flattering to girls their age. As it was they looked the pictures of
the women on bags of flour.

"Emily Byrd Starr and Ilse Burnley!" Elizabeth took a moment from helping
Laura with her hair. "You're not twenty. Take your hair down."

"But Aunt Elizabeth, we want to look nice." Emily begged.

"Well, you look ridiculous! Those styles are far too old for you!"
Elizabeth informed them.

"I think we look glamerous!" Ilse said, spinning her head around to primp
in the mirror, patting her hair the way she had seen older ladies check
their appearance.

"You look like two girls playing dress up." Elizabeth said. "Now take
your hair down, I'll do it properly in just a moment."

She said, arranging Laura's wide-brimmed hat atop her head. She smiled at
her younger sister, thankful that she had finally found the happiness she
deserved. "There, perfect." Elizabeth announced.

The elder Murray walked over to the small jewel box on her dresser. She
openned it carefully, reached in and took something from inside. Returning
to where Laura still stood she held up a small cameo of carved coral. "This
was mother's, she would want you to wear it. Something old you know."
Elizabeth reflected as she pinned the tiny treasure to the base of the
collar of Laura's gown.

"Oh Liz! This cameo is absolutely beautiful!!!" exclaimed Laura. "And it
goes sooo perfectly with my gown!!! You're right, Mum would want me to
wear it. Thank you, sis." said she, as they hugged each other.

"May it bring you as much love as it brought mother." Elizabeth smiled.

The atmosphere was just as tense out in the barn where the gentlemen were
getting ready. Jimmy, Francis, and Allen were typical nervous grooms. Each
could barely manage to get himself ready and together they were making
absolutely no progress. Allen stood infront of Jimmy's small mirror looking
just as ill with nerves as Laura was in the house. He had to rebutton his
shirt three times and was now struggling with his tie. His hands were never
this shaky during surgery, why would they not hold still now. Francis was
searching around madly, swearing that he had lost the antique ring Malcolm
had given him for Isabel for the tenth time already this morning. He did not
even have his shirt on yet.

John was standing next to his brother trying his best to calm him.
"It's in your pocket." He informed him.

"I already checked my pocket." Francis snapped at him.

"Your other pocket." John rolled his eyes, trying not to let his
annoyance show. Francis checked his other pocket and sure enough found the
shiny gold band exactly where he put it. As he threw on the rest of his
suit, he shoved the ring in his vest pocket. John knew his brother would
once again be searching desperately for it in a little while.

Jimmy had given up trying to get dressed right away and had gone to the
little window by the door. He was looking up at the house trying to catch a
glimpse of Eve. Joe stood beside Jimmy uncomfortable in his suit. He was not
used to fancy dressing and was certain he would choke to death before the
day was over. But he was as always ready to offer any help needed. Joe too
was waiting by the window hoping to catch a glimpse of someone, but it
wasn't Eve. Instead, they saw Judith walking towards the barndoor. It seemed he
only had the courage to watch Elizabeth from distance, face-to-face he felt
he only made a fool of himself.

As Judith rapped on the door, Joe who was the closest, opened the door,
"Well, hello Mrs. Kinch!"

"Hello, to you too, Mr. Samuels. I'm here to help you men out...especially
my future son-in-law, Jimmy, there." she replied, looking in the direction
her discumbubbled son-in-law.

"I sure could use your help, Mrs. Kinch...I mean, Mum." answered a
discumbubbled Jimmy. "I'm sooo nervous, that I can't seem t' get my shirt
buttoned-up right, or my tie tied up in that perfect bow."

Strolling over to Jimmy, she smiled lovingly up at him, "Well now, Jimmy
dear, no problem. Please allow me." Wishing she could tell him about the
vision of loveliness that awaits him upstairs, who is straining to catch a
peak at her future groom.

After correctly buttoning up Jimmy's shirt, he gives her his tie to tie.
"Mum, how is Eve takin' all o' this? Is she alright?", he asks.

"She's doing fine. Infact, she looks simply beautiful, Jimmy dear!." Gushes
Judith, reassuring him, and as she stands back from him she exclaims, "My o'
my don't you look incredibly handsome now, Jimmy dear!!!"

As a sudden shy expression forms on his face, he looks down at his feet. No
one, except for Eve, has ever paid him many compliments before, he then
replies--"Do I really Mum?"

"Yes, you do!" replies a really proud Judith. "Infact, you're truly a
knockout!"

"Uh, ....thank you, Mum." answered Jimmy. That is something he really
needed to hear. Then with his beautiful sky-blue eyes sparkling with pure
joy, causing his whole entire face to light up, he asked his future
mother-in-law, "And she must look simply beautiful!? Eh!?" He adds,
dreamily, "My own 'Queen of Romania'....."

Judith getting tickled over his pet nickname, Jimmy gifted her daughter
with, asks, "Where...or how did you come up that complimentary nickname for
my daughter?"

Jimmy laughed remembering the day Eve had stood in the field with the
long grass caressing her skirts, and the wind playing with her hair. He
thought of how he felt that she was too precious for the world to taint, and
wanted to put her in his pocket and keep her safe. "Well," He finally said
to her mother. "When I look at her I see something better than this place,
something regal. So I gave her a name fit for a queen." He smiled, hoping
what he had just said would be accepted by her mother.

"Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy," Judith giggled. "You've nicknamed my daughter well,
and once more...you two will be living in a much better place than this
barn. You're lovely new home is, indeed, fit for a queen--you're soon-to-be
'Queen of Romania'....and my daughter. I love you sooo much, and
furthermore--I'm going to also love having you for a son-in-law too. I just
know that you're going to make my daughter's life with you, a very happy one
indeed." With that, she put her arms around him, giving him a loving
reassuring motherly hug.

"Mum, I would like you to see this ring, I'm going to put on Eve's finger
today. It was my mother's ring." said Jimmy, as he held it up for Judith
to see.

Looking at the beautiful heirloom ring, Jimmy was showing her, Judith
remarked, "It's such a beautiful beautiful ring, Jimmy! Oooh, Eve will be
very thrilled to wear it, that I'm sure!" As she looked up from it, and
into Jimmy's sparkling eyes.

As the sounds of more guest arriving filtered into the barn, Malcolm came
in half running, looking over his shoulder. He had just managed to slip away
from Great Aunt Nancy and hoped to stay well hidden until the time came to
give his daughter away. "Whatever ya do lads." He said practically out of
breath, "stay away from that Nancy Priest! I've heard quiter foghorns." He
thought for a moment about taking a wee nip from the flask he kept hidden in
his jacket pocket. Then he looked at his future son-in-law and decided
against it. He would not ruin his daughter's wedding day like that. Tonight,
however, was a different matter. He knew that if he had to listen to that
woman any more he would have to calm his splitting head with a good stiff
belt.

It was then that he noticed Judith standing in the corner, helping Jimmy
with his attire. "Oh, Good Morning, Mrs. Kinch." He smiled a little
embarassed. "Please excuse my coarseness." He asked, "How extra ordinarily
lovely ya' look t'day!?"

"Why, thank you, Mr. Murray." replied, a rather delighted, astonished
Judith.

"You must be excited about giving your daughter away to day, are you not!?"

"Indeed I am," he agreed. "You must be feelin' pretty sad about losen
yerself a daughter!?"

"True, I am, but I know she's, like your Isabel, have found happiness with
the men they truly love...and, that makes me happy." said she.

"Aye, that they have." Malcolm said slapping Francis on the shoulder, as the
younger man approached him. He was looking around the barn floor seemingly
searching for something.

It had been decided that Perry, along with John were to be a best men,
and Gussy Dan would give his sister to Jimmy. Both boys stood fully dressed
and ready for their responsibilities, although both tugged at their starched
collars unaccustomed to such finery. They were afraid to sit down for fear
of ruining the only good suit either had ever owned.

Malcolm stood looking at the confusion that reigned in the barn. The men
could hardly manage to walk from one place to another without running into
each other, and tempers were starting to flare. The old man started to
wonder if they would even be ready for the wedding, and was beginning to get
a bit disgusted with them. "You know." He announced. "Seeing you three young
lads like this today, it makes an old man wonder... what did those three
lasses ever see in ya?" He shook his head sarcastically, and then motioned to Perry
and Gussy Dan. "Come on lads, we could all be of more help with the guests."

Malcolm decided to take his chances with Nancy and Caroline, rather than
watch the comedy of errors now raking place in the barn. He led the boys
through the barn door, and followed them shaking his head.

Finally, as the early afternoon sun filtered dreamily through the leaves
everyone somehow found their places, and all was set to begin. The guests
sitting in the garden included just about every living Murray relative.
Aunt Ruth Dutton and her daugher Maud had made the trip from Shrewsbury. They
don't both looked as though they were about to turn green with envy. It was
common knowledge that they had been trying to get Maud married off for years
to no avail. Now they sat as three of their relatives were about to be
joined with the ones they loved; the slow but big hearted Jimmy, shy Laura marrying for
the second time, and even the strong willed and once stronger tempered
Isabel not only marrying but six months pregnant. It was nearly more than
Ruth and Maud could stand.

Also in attendance was nearly every citizen of Blair Water. It was not
everyday that the Murray's hosted a wedding, let alone a triple wedding. No
one wanted to miss the event. All of Isabel's and Francis's former students
had been invited along with their parents. The family showing great
foregiveness after the horrible way the adults of the town had treated
Isabel in the school yard upon learning that she was expecting a child. However,
that had been months ago and much had changed now that she was preparing
to wed the baby's father. All the children sat eagerly waiting for a
glimpse of their teachers. They found it wonderfully exciting to be included. Teddy
Kent sat anxiously awaiting a view of Emily. Jenny Strang sat fidgetting
beside her constant companion Rhoda Stuart. Rhoda had told everyone that
her parents were under that weather and therefore were not in attendance
although they had generously been invited. The truth was Mrs. Stuart had resolved not
to go near 'any Murray circus' as she put it. Rhoda had tried to ignore her
mother's ravings about half witts, and laudunum addicts, and wrong side of
the blanket. She was truly excited to join the festivies. Mr. Stuart had
also chosen not to attend. Although no one said so in front of the young
girl, everyone knew exactly why the two had not come. Attending would have
been too embarrassing for both of them. It was well known that it was during
the time of the Stuart's seperation, Mr. Stuart had tried to court the
lovely Miss Murray, he had been quite smitten. It was also during this time the
Isabel had conceived Francis Carpenter's child.

Finally the gentlemen, fully ready, took their places at the front along
with the minister. The Reverend Thomas Allan, a very respected clergyman on
the island was to perform the ceremony. The men all looked nervous and
excited at the same time standing under the large white canopy. They were
followed by John taking his place alongside his brother, Francis, and Perry
who stood between Jimmy and Allan trying to discreetly pull at his stiff
starched collar to allow for breathing room. They all waited for what seemed an
eternity, althought it was only a few minutes.

Inside the house the bridal party was readying in the front hall for the
walk down the aisle. Elizabeth and Sarah were busily rushing around helping Laura
and Isabel with last minute touches, and Judith was assisting Eve. It had
been decided that Laura and Elizabeth's brother Oliver Murray would give
Laura away. He had come all the way from Halifax for the
wedding and was standing off to the side with Malcolm who was not overly
eager for the time to pass too quickly, for he would be handing his
daughter, their relationship now healed and strong, over to someone else. The men were
watching the activity with great amazement, glad they were standing out of
harm's way.

Eve would be the first to walk down the aisle, followed by Isabel, and
then Laura. Gussy Dan stood beside his sister holding her hand tightly
afraid to let go for fear of missing his big reponsibility. Her mother was
stood arranging her daughter's gown for the final time.

"Oh Eve darling," remarked Judith who had returned to the house, "you
truly are Jimmy's 'Queen of Romania'!" said she, with tears starting to come
into her eyes, as she gives her daughter a loving hug.

"Oh Mum." replied an excited Eve, as she gave her mother a long loving hug.
"And I will be giving you another son to love in Jimmy. Just think, I will
be Mrs. James Murray."

Smiling proudly at her once meek daughter, Judith remarked "You've grown up
sooo much! I'm very proud of the way you've turned out, darling, and you're
going to make Jimmy a wonderful wife."

"I will, Mum! I will!!" agreed Eve.

As the time drew nearer Malcolm took his place in line beside Isabel.
She looked so beautiful that all he could for a moment was stare at his
daughter remembering every day of her life. He held his arm out for her,
which she took gladly. She was eager to wed the man who waited for her in
the garden, but she was frightened just the same. She had waited so long for
this day, and she wanted everything to be perfect. Most of all she she
wanted to be a good wife, and a good mother. She ran her free hand over her
abdomin. The baby was reacting to her case of the jitters, which made her even more
nervous. Malcolm could sense Isabel's nervousness and patted the hand she
had layed on his arm.

"Oh, my lovely lass," He whispered. "You have deserved this day for so
long. May it be the most special wedding day a bride ever had." He kissed
her softly on the cheek. "I will miss you."

"Oh Father." Isabel looked at him, tears forming in her eyes. "I'm not
going anywhere."

He touched her cheek. She may still only be just down the hall in the
same house, still and always his daughter, but in a matter of minutes she
would cease to be Isabel Murray and becoem Mrs. Francis Carpenter.
"Yes...you are." Malcolm looked at her lovingly and kissed her hand. She
understood, and kissed him on the cheek.

A few feet away Elizabeth finished
arranging Laura's dress. She took her sister's chin in her hand and the two looked at each other not needing words for a moment. Finally Elizabeth went to join Sarah
at the front of the line.

Outside Perry and John had left their spots near the alter. It was not
only their duty to see if the brides were ready, Perry was to escort Judith,
the only mother of the bride there, to her seat. He walked up the aisle
beside John counting each step afraid he would trip over his own clumsy
feet, and into the house. Elizabeth had just handed the ladies each a tiny bouquet
of summer flowers fresh from the garden and tied with a ribbon to carry, and
was taking her place alongside Sarah at the front of the line. When the men
entered there was a nervous rush of anticipation. It was almost time to
begin.

Perry walked up to Judith and held out his arm. "Ya ready Missus?" He
asked.

"I'm ready, Perry." answered an excited Judith. "Let's go to the wedding." As
she slipped her hand onto the young man's held out arm.

Perry was the very picture of chivalry as the helped Mrs. Kinch out the
door, and down the steps. He walked her slowly up the aisle and seated her
directly in front of the place Eve would stand with Jimmy. He then politely
returned to the house. He was going to be walking with Ilse, and for some
reason he was more nervous about that than any of his other duties.

Suddenly everything seemed to move slowly. The breeze drifted across the
yard, the birds and waves providing the music. Everyone turned as there was
movement on the porch. The first to exit the house were Elizabeth and
Sarah, the maid and matron of honor. As they walked calmly down the aisle and took
their places near the alter Elizabeth saw Joe sitting among the guest, or
had she been looking for him, she was not sure. Those eyes, the ones she could
never forget stared at her in a look she had never seen from anyone before.

They followed her, and on a day like today, a day for others, held only her.
She was not sure why but she found his gaze comforting and exhilerating. If
she could have read his mind, she would have known that she was not the only
who had spent last night sleepless.

The next to join the wedding party were the bridesmaids and best men.
John escorted Emily, and behind them walked Perry and Ilse. Emily looked
excitedly for Teddy who returned her happy smile with a wave. She waved as
best she could with her eyes. They were both picturing themselves on some
far off maybe future day. Ilse could hardly contain her nervousness as she
walked down the aisle on Perry's arm. She was pretending that they were the
ones getting married, and tried her best to contain a giddy bit of laughter.
However, when she reached the front she remembered what the day meant.
She ran up to her father who had stood motionless watching her and realizing
what a beautiful young woman she was becoming. Ilse threw her arms around
him for a big and welcomed hug and kiss. This day she was not only gaining
her besy friend as her cousin, she was also finally getting a mother, the
one she had prayed for.

After a moment the crowd stood and turned as the first of the brides
appeared through the front door of New Moon. It was Eve, looking radiant and excited
as she held tightly to her little brother, Gussy Dan's hand. Feeling
confidant with herself, as she searched up ahead for her beloved Jimmy.
Slowly, they marched up the aisle, she beamed with pure joy, as she spotted
his face and his unmistakable blue eyes. What an astoundingly handsome man
he is, she realized, I am such a lucky and blessed woman to finally be
marrying him. As Eve neared him, Jimmy thought to himself, what an
extraordinarily beautiful woman she is! My...my very own "Queen of Romania"
will finally be mine.

Then Gussy Dan, relinguished his lovely big sister into his future
brother-in-law, Jimmy's hands. As they gazed lovingly into each other's
eyes...

Isabel stepped out into the warm sunlight of her wedding day, on her
father's arm. The first thing that met her eyes was Francis standing in the
front of the crowd his gazed fixed upon her. Suddenly her nervousness
disappeared, and Malcolm began to slowly lead her down the aisle. The
journey was a blurr, Isabel barely saw any of the guests, the beautiful decorations,
or her family smiling lovingly at her. She knew that everyone would
understand. All she could see were the eyes she had fallen so deeply in love
with beholding her with awe. Her mind went for a moment to Sarah's comment
upstairs while she was getting dressed, and to her amazement she realized by
thee look in Francis's eyes, 'he does think I look beautiful.' She smiled
widely at him as they approached. She loved him with all her heart and soul,
and finally she was going to become his wife. Isabel never imagined she
could ever as happy as she was at that moment.

Francis Carpenter stood motionless, his arms and legs felt like lead
weights. Isabel looked so beautiful, ethereal. Everytime he saw her he
found somthing else that was beautiful about her, something else to love. It
had been nearly an entire day since he had seen her last, but it felt like a
century. Even throughout the festivities of last night, she was all he
could think about. Now she was coming to him, to marry him. They had waited so
long for this day. The honor he felt that she had chosen to love him was
overwhelming. He loved her so.

Malcolm wanted to make this time last forever. A part of him was so happy
and proud of her. Another part did not want to let her go. It had been
just the two of them for so long. Even the way it used to be when they had been
at each other's throats constantly he always knew she was there to take care
of him. What was he going to do without her. He also knew that he had been
selfish, and had kept her to himself for long enough. She had a family of
her now, and he was taking her to the man she loved. The man he was certain
truly loved her and would take care of her.

Malcolm stopped a few feet from Francis, he was still holding Isabel's
arm almost not wanting to let go. He stood for a moment staring at the man
he was giving her to in a silent plea that she always be taken care of and
happy. Francis understood and answered without words. It was the answer
Malcolm had wanted, the one he expected. The old Scotsman held his
daughter's hand for one moment more staring into her eyes. He cradled her
chin with his hand and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you." He whispered.

"I love you too, Father." She returned choking back tears.

Malcolm then took her hand and gave it to her fiance. As Francis took
Isabel's hand in his he ntoiced that she was trembling, then he realized his
hands were shaking too. Malcolm clasped their hands together and held
tightly for a moment. Then with a heartfelt smile to both, blessing their
union. He slipped quietly away from them. Leaving Isabel to the man she
loved, the man who loved her. The old man walked solemnly over to take his
seat beside Judith in the front row, vowing that he would not show tears in
public. Later would be something else.

Allen stood mezmerized as his true love appeared on the porch escorted by
her only surviving brother. Laura looked like an angel, he thought to himself
as he caught his breath. He could hardly believe this afternoon was actually
coming true. There had been a time when he was certain he would never
behold her like this, never make her his and only his. He had lost her once,
and finally had decided never to let that happen again. Allen couldn't believe
how much he loved this woman. She was everything to him. Somehow, God had
smiled on them, and they had been given another chance. He knew he would
remember this moment as long as he lived.

As Laura, held her brother, Oliver's arm, she beamed with utter happiness,
as she neared the man who she has loved most all of her life. Knowing that
at last she will be spending the rest of her life with the man she truly
loves, she will soon become Mrs. Allen Burnley. When she and Oliver finally
approached Allen, they gazed with pure joy at each other, as her brother
handed her over to his future brother-in-law. It was as if the couple were the only ones there. At least it seemed that way to Laura and Allen as they stared at each other, both afraid to move. Allen clasped Laura's hands afraid that if he let her go she would disappear. They had waited for this day forever.

As the Reverend Allan cleared his throat the crowd silently took their seats
again. His heavenly words swirled around the three couples in a blurr of
happiness, nerves, and love, as the pairs stared into each other's eyes.
The preacher's voice was quiet and soft, but still carried over the sounds of
the crashing waves on the shore below, the breeze rustling the leaves, and the
birds singing their afternoon songs. In this peaceful and beautiful moment
he began...

"Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to join these couples in the
bonds on holy matrimony." the reverend announced, he then added something deeply
meaningful to this particular wedding. " Each of these couples stands before
you as a testement to the power of love. Each man having been seperated from
each woman through circumstance, reunited in devotion and commitment, they
now pledge to each other to join their lives and become one together." He
smiled at the six people who stood before him.

He then turned his attention toward the crowd. "If anyone knows any reason
why any of these couples should not be joined let him speak now or forever
hold his peace." There was no answer.

With that he turned to Jimmy and Eve. The two stood holding each other by
the hand and barely taking their gaze from the other's eyes. Reverand
Allan began, "Do you James Murray, take this woman, Eve Kinch, to be your
lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, forsaking all others until death
you do part?"

"Oh yes, I do.", sighed Jimmy, as he gazed lovingly down at his beloved
beautiful bride.

Then Eve, Reverend Allan turned to Eve, "Do you, Eve Kinch, take this man,
James Murray, as your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, forsaking
all others until death you do part?"

Gazing adoringly up at Jimmy with tears of joy starting to brim in her eyes,
she replied, "I do. I do. I do." With that Jimmy slipped the tiny gold symbol of love that had belonged to his mother onto his beloveds finger.

Reverend Allan then turned toward Francis and Isabel. The look of utter joy
on each of their faces made him smile. He was happy to bring this family
together. Watching them for a moment with a look that matched their joy he
spoke.

"Do you Francis Carpenter take this woman, Isabel Murray, to be your wedded
wife, to have and to hold, and foresaking all others until death you do
part?" He asked.

Francis looked as Isabel with a look that surpassed love. He wanted to say
that not even death could part them. He would whisper that in her ear later.
"I do." He smiled at her.

The reverend looked at Isabel and asked her the same question. "Do you
Isabel Murray take this man Francis Carpenter to be your wedded husband, to have
and to hold, and foresaking all others until death you do part?" He asked.

Isabel looked into Francis's face, her smile mathcing his own. She wanted
to tell the preacher that death could never stop their love, but she restrained
herself, she would tell her husband later. "I do." She said happy tears
falling from her eyes. Francis lovingly brushed them away.

As if from a dream they heard the clergyman ask for the ring. John standing
near by tensed remembering the small drama that had surrounded the small
gold band that morning. However, this time Francis remembered exactly where it
was. He reached into his vest pocket and pulled out the precious antique
that would adorne Isabel's finger. Gently he slipped onto her hand. It fit
perfectly.

Finally, it was time for Laura and Allen to pledge their love to each other.
Reverend Thomas greeted them with the same happy smile that met the other
couples before them. It was obvious that these were two people very much in
love.

"Do you Dr. Allen Burnley take this woman Laura Murray to be your wedded
wife, to have and to hold, and foresaking all others until death you do
part?" He asked.

Allen could not take his eyes off Laura, even to look at the reverend as he
spoke. He had never been so happy, and felt like he wanted to burst from
it, it was a feeling quite often foreign to him. "I do." He smiled at the woman
he loved.

With Laura gazing up into Allan's eyes, Reverend Allan turned to her asking,
"Do you, Laura Murray, take this man, Allan burnley, to be your lawful
wedded husband to have and to hold, forsaking all others until death you do
part?"

She replied, "Oh yes, I do."

There was only one thing left to be done, and the Reverend Allan knew how
much the couples had longed for this moment. "With the power vested in me."
He announced. "I now pronouce you husbands and wives." He smiled.
"Gentlemen, you may kiss your brides."

With that, Jimmy took his new bride into his arms, and she in turn, embraced
him, giving each other a long most awaited for smoldering kiss. Then Jimmy
whispered, "I love you sooo much, my 'Queen of Romania'!"

And Eve whishpered back, "I love you too, James Murray!"

Francis took Isabel gently in his arms and kissed her as if he had never
kissed her before. The long moment they shared was passionate, sweet, and
tender. Isabel knew she had finally found true happiness. As they shared
their first kiss as husband and wife, the baby gave Isabel a hard kick.
Holding her close Francis felt it too. They both laughed. "Someone
approves." Isabel smiled laughingly leaning her forehead against her new
husband's.

Francis caresses Isabel's side. "I love you." He whispered.

"Oh, I love you." Isabel declared. They then shared another kiss.

Allen wrapped his strong arms around Laura's tiny waist, and drew her to him. She melted willingly. The kiss they shared was passionate, and pure, and they were lost in it together.

The newlyweds all stood at infront of the crowd lost in each other as
Reverend Allan announced to the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen it is my grand
pleasure to present to you...Mr. and Mrs. James Murray, Mr. and Mrs. Francis
Carpenter, and Dr. and Mrs. Allen Burnley. Emily and Ilse practically
squealed with delight. They had stood absolutely fixed by the events
unfolding around them, each dreaming of her own future wedding day. Emily
wanted hers to be just like this, Ilse was certain hers would include one
hundred doves released at the moment she kissed her groom, and a team of
fine white horses to take her on her honeymoon. They both smiled widely at each
other as they watched the happy couples depart one by one down the aisle
toward the porch. Each walked happily back to house with their arms around each other, beaming with pure joy.

When the newly married happy couples were all on the porch and being
congratulated by the guests Perry, John, and Joe made their way to the barn
where three buggies each decorated with flowers and ribbons awaited, hitched
to freshly washed horses also decorated with flowers. They climbed aboard,
each taking one, and brought them around near the porch. John, and Dr.
Burnley had donated the use of their buggies, and the Murray coach stood
ready to take the couples to the grand reception to be held at Jimmy and
Eve's new house. At this cue all the guest formed two lines leading to the
carriages leaving a wide aisle for the couples to walk down. As each couple
made their way to a buggy they were greated with a hail of rice, laughter,
and smiles.

Jimmy and Eve were the first to reach their transport. Their smiles
competing with the sun that glowed in the sky. Perry would drive them to
their new home. For the first time as man and wife. As Eve stood in the
buggy she tossed her bouguet into the crowd. Everyone laughe happily when they
realized who had caught it, Emily. Teddy Kent gave Emily a huge smile, and
she knew they were both thinking the same thing. Perhaps, one day. Isabel
and Francis slowly made their way to the buggy that awaited them driven by John.

The guest were took a bit more care with their enthusiasm considering
Isabel's condition but the scene was joyous none the less. Francis
carefully helped her into the carriage, and climbed in beside, giving her another long
kiss, after which she sent her bouquet sailing through the air. To
everyone's disbelief, especially it's recipient, it came down nearly
perfectly in the hands of Elizabeth Murray. Joe smiled widely at her. She
nearly froze. How could... she was too... who.... oh it was just a silly
superstition afterall, wasn't it. She looked up at Joe. Why did she enjoy
his smile so much.Finally Laura and Allen made their way to the buggy Joe
would drive. Laura turned, her face beaming, and she too threw her bouquet.
It was fitting that hers was caught by Ilse. The girl's face lit up, and
she noticed that Perry's turned beet red.

Allen called his daughter over to him. She thought for a moment he was going
to make her give the flowers back. She expected him to say that she was too
young. However, he threw his arms around her and hugged her close. "Why
don't you ride with...your mother and I." He smiled.

Ilse smiled so big her face hurt. She threw arms around Laura, who held
the dear child close, and kissed her. Together the new family stepped into
the buggy.

At once the couples were off, followed by the wedding party, driven by
Malcolm in another rather plainer looking buggy, and then by the guests.
The joyous laughter and talking could be heard all the way to the Murray Collie
Farm where the rest of the days festivities were to occur.

No one noticed the scruffy looking man who watched the celebration from the
woods, if they had they may not have even recognized him. He looked thinner,
more guant, and less dapper than the last time anyone had seen him. He had
seen that there was a wedding taking place as he approached New Moon, and
had secretted himself into the woods so as not to interrupt, or be seen
since most of the town and all of the Murray family were in attendance. He watched
as a pretty young girl was led down the aisle by a small boy to someone he
knew well, Jimmy Murray. 'That must be Eve' the watcher thought to himself.
Then another bride left the house and made her way down the aisle on the arm
of an old man he also knew, Malcolm. He was completely shocked and surprised
by a very pregnant Isabel walking down the aisle to the town's old school
teacher. He had never expected that. He spent a moment scanning the crowd
for something, and then he glimpsed that person he had come to see, Laura,
his wife. She was the final bride to leave the house. She looked so
beautiful, he thought to himself, like an angel. His gut burned as he saw
who she was heading toward. Allen Burnley stood at the front, an awed smile
painting his face. The man wanted to run from his hiding place and proclaim
his right to the tiny woman who was pledging herself to another man. He
wanted her back. His life had been ruined. He had lost his fortune, his
property, his marriage, even his son as the cruel beast he used to covort
with had returned to claim the child and then disappeared to parts unknown.
He was now glad she was gone but he missed the boy very much. He had the
lost another child also, the one Laura had carried. He hung his head at that
thought since he knew it was fault. He hated himself for the the way he had
treated her, the way he had been unfaithful and had lied to her. Now having
had time to realize how deeply and truly he loved the woman he watched from
a distance, he had returned to face whatever consequences waited, and to beg
her to take him back. He would have spent eternity groveling at her feet if
she would only hear how desperate he was.

He now saw her face as she looked at Allen. It was glowing, and radiant,
and truly happy. The kind of happiness he had never given her, never
allowed her. He remembered how cruel he had been to her on their wedding day, and
how she swore she hated him. As he watched her now the man realized that now
she had found the life she deserved, the one he never gave her. If he spoke up
now, he would crush her all over again. He was by all rights officially
dead. The papers had been issued, the inquest completed, even his estate
settled. Laura thought he was dead, she had the documents to prove it. No
court could her hold responsible for anything. He suddenly knew that he
would never let that happen. She had been in love with Allen Burnley all
along, and he should have let her go. Maybe now he could. He knew she would
be gloriuosly happy, and well taken care of. Burnley loved her too,
passionately and deeply, too deeply to have ever caused her distress before,
and too deeply to let her go now.

As the buggies carrying the couples passed his undetected hiding place he
watching Laura, laughing and beaming. She leaned over and kissed her new
husband. She had never kissed him with so much all consuming love. How could
he hurt again. When all the guests had gone. He krept from the woods and
quickly made his way out of Blair Water. He knew he would leave his heart
there forever, but Laura wasn't his, she never had been. Late in the evening
he finally reached the port, and using what little money he had managed to
hord he bought a ticket to Europe. In a short while he was on his way,
steaming across the Atlantic, never to return to Prince Edward Island. That
day Ian Bowles did the only unselfish thing he had ever done in his life. He
decided, for his beloved Laura to stay...dead.

The happy couples and their guests celebrated well into the evening. The feast was grand with the three huge wedding cakes Elizabeth had made taking center stage on the serving table. The decorations matched those which had bedecked New Moon. Flowers added a heavenly fragrance to the air, and the tall trees provided the perfect shady canopy.

Several citizens of the town who were talented at playing musical instruments had offered their services to provide a backdrop to the dancing. Jimmy and Eve enjoyed nearly every dance together, except for a few she saved for her brother. Laura and Allen, too, held each other close as the music played. Even Isabel shared a few slow dances with Francis and one with her father, before retiring upstairs to one of the guest rooms for a nap, accompanied by her new husband who held her close as she slept. Afterward they both sat on the porch together in the shade, and in a world of their own.

Emily could barely squeek out her answer when Teddy Kent asked her to dance. She nodded her head as to not be misunderstood. However, when the music started the tow fell into their easy familiar converstion. Ilse stood to the side watching the partners swirl past her with hopeful anticipation. Perry, his face even more red than she had seen him when she caught Laura's bouquet nervously scuffed over to her and asked her to dance. She excitedly accepted. Unbelievably and for once words did not come easily to these two as they moved around the dance floor trying not to step on each other's feet. Even Malcolm and Judith took several turns around the dance, his face grinning with young hearted laughter.

Joe stood under a tall old maple tree chewing on a large stalk of grass when Elizabeth came over to speak to him. They both watched the dancers as they spoke, barely looking at each other.

"Mr. Samuels. I wanted to ...thank you for your help with the wedding." Elizabeth said humbly.

"Aww, it weren't nothing, I's glad to do it." He smiled at her.

"Yes, well, the truth is that we are going to be a hand short at New Moon now. It won't be easy what with the harvest approaching." Elizabeth confessed.

"Looks like you got yourself a problem." He agreed, hoping she was leading to an offer, one that would give the opportunity to stay in Blair Water.

"Yes." She agreed. "Perry thinks he can run the whole place, and I know he would give it his all. But that isn't fair to him, he needs to go to school."

"Yep, sure does, 'specially with him gonna be Prime Minister and all." Joe smiled, Perry was always quick to assert his future plans.

"What I'm trying to say." Elizabeth sputtered, hoping for the answer she wanted to hear. The one that said he would stay in Blair Water. "We could use a good man of all work, and... if you would like the job, ... I think you would do just fine."

"Well, I don't know. I kinda had me some plans to go out to the Yukon Territory." Joe said trying to hold back a snicker. He was teasing her. "A fellow can git rich out thar."

Elizabeth felt her heart drop. He couldn't leave, but she couldn't let him know that. "I admit the pay will not be much, mostly just room and board. New Moon could certainly use you." That was as close to begging as she got.

Joe rubbed his chin, and squinted up at the sun. How he loved the way she talked. "Well..." He was streching this out. "I tell ya, from what I hear that Yukon is just too dern cold for me." Joe smiled. "I'd be glad to take the job."

Elizabeth's heart wanted to sing. "You will." She blurted out, smiling. Suddenly she caught herself. "I...I mean...that is fine if that is your decision. You can sleep in Jimmy's old place in the barn. Tomorrow we will go over your duties."

"Thank ya Missus." Joe said remembering his place. He hoped it would not be too long until she welcomed him calling her by her given name. Elizabeth nodded at him, and began to walk back to the porch.

"Uh, Missus." Joe stopped her. He hated calling her that, and his nerves were beginning to show. "I was wondering. It ain't fittin' for a fine lookin' woman like yourself not to have at least one dance." He barely got the words out for his heart pounding in his ear. He had realized earlier today as he watched her that he had fallen hopelessly in love with her.

"I beg your pardon." Elizabeth questioned.

Joe took a step toward her and looked deep into her eyes. "Please don't think me too forward, but may I have this dance?" He whispered.

Everything Elizabeth had ever known told her to slap his face, to resend her job offer, and storm away. She was a Murray after all, and he... well they really knew nothing about him. As she looked into his eyes, the ones that had burned themselves into her soul, she knew she could never refuse. "Yes...you may." She whispered, her stomach in knots.

Joe took her wrist gently and led her to the dance. He had never been much of a dancer, but as he folded his arm around her waist, and held her trembling hand he felt as though he were walking on air. There were no words between them, they moved around the other dancers lost in each other's eyes. Elizabeth was surprised that she liked his arm around her, she felt safe. She did not have to be the strong one with him. As she watched his face watching her she realized she did not want this dance to ever end. She also realized something much more surprising...she was falling in love with him.

The day had passed too quickly. What a wonderful and magical day it had been. Three couples had been joined together in love. One couple was just beginning to realize the depths of their feelings for each other, and two younger couples were wondering just what the future might bring. As the guests left the newlyweds departed for their respective homes. At the collie farm Jimmy carried a joyous Eve over the threshold of their new house in anticipation. Judith and Gussy Dan were already sound asleep in their rooms. At his house Dr. Burnley scooped Laura up into his arms and did the same. Ilse followed them and after saying goodnight left them to their wedding night as she went to her room dreaming about her dance with Perry. Back at New Moon Francis too carried Isabel through the door and up to their bedroom. This night he was finally leaving his temporary lodging in the barn and taking up residence with his wife. He promised Isabel as they walked up the stairs, she safely resting in his arms that someday soon he would bring her into their own home the very same way. After a few moments Emily went upstairs to bed, although she was nearly exhausted she wrote down everything about the day in her Jimmy Book before falling sound asleep. Outside Malcolm took his usual stroll on the beach before bed to contemplate the events of the day. Elizabeth stood on the porch watching as Joe followed Perry into the barn. She noticed how he stopped to look back at her. The look exhilerated her and made her feel much much younger. When he was gone she watched the stars move across the heavens for a moment, wondering what surprises the future would bring for the large Murray family.