Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Chapter 6: The Wedding
The day had finally arrived. After weeks of planning and preparing, the wedding of Baroness Jacqueline de Ghant and Captain of the Royal Guard Marc Laurent was going to take place today. The day was warm and the sun was shining with not a cloud in the sky. Everything was ready, and most of the people in the land were going to be in the area to see the wedding.
Danielle had awoken early, as was her habit. She had prepared a special breakfast for herself and Jacqueline. She was just setting the table when her sister came into the kitchen.
"Good morning dear sister. I hope you slept well on your final evening as a single woman?"
"Actually I slept quite well considering how nervous I am. I had the most awful dream that woke me up but after that I slept peacefully."
"Well sit down and tell me about this dream?"
The two sisters sat down began eating breakfast. Jackie told of her nightmare that involved Marguerite getting involved by bringing her mother back from the Americas. Her mother then proceeded to embarrass her in front of the entire court, calling her fat and ugly. The King and Queen then told her that her mother was right and wanted nothing to do with her. She then woke up at this point.
Danielle didn't know what to say. She too had a similar dream last night. It also involved Marguerite and Rodmilla. But she had woken before it could proceed any further. She didn't think she should say anything to her sister. She gave her a quick hug and they quickly finished their breakfast. Before they knew it the carriage had arrived to take them to the church.
Over at the castle, Henry was pacing the halls. He was patiently waiting for his friend and confidant, Marc. Marc, who was especially nervous about the wedding, was in his quarters, in his dressing chambers. He had vomited his breakfast and refused to come out. He had locked himself in his chambers and was sobbing. He felt he was a failure to his soon to be bride and the entire kingdom. He heard Henry outside calling his name and knew he would have to come out sooner or later or Henry would have the Royal Guard barge in the door. He wiped his face dry and took a drink of water to wash out the awful taste in his mouth and put on a brave smile and opened the door. Henry turned and looked at his friend and did the only thing he knew to do, he gave him a hug.
"Marc, I thought you would never come out. Are you OK? You ran from the breakfast table so fast."
"I am ok. Just wedding day jitters. Unfortunately, breakfast didn't hang around too long. I feel I will not be able to eat until after the ceremony."
"Well not to worry. If it makes a difference, I didn't eat breakfast on my wedding day and I turned out fine. I promise you will do fine. Now we must be off. Our ladies are waiting for us at the church."
The two men gathered the rest of the guard and headed to the stables. Henry had decided to ride Danielle's horse, Utopia, as the horse had a regal look to him and when dressed in his finest, the horse looked amazing. They headed toward the church in pairs, Henry and Laurent leading. Many people were lined in the streets, yelling and waving. The entire village was out and happy to see the procession in the streets.
When the arrived at the church, they were greeted by the King and Queen and Leonardo. Leonardo gave Marc a firm handshake and wished him luck. He then went and took his seat at the front of the church with Gustave. The bishop who was doing the service went up to the men and said it was time. Henry thanked him and turned to Marc.
"Ready?"
"I will never be readier. Lets do this."
Henry escorted the Queen to her seat and returned to the back of the church. The bishop took his place at the front of the church. The Royal Guard stood along the aisle of the church at attention. Henry was first to walk down the center, closely followed by Marc. They reached the front and bowed to the bishop and took their places. Soon the church quieted and everyone turned as the music suddenly changed. The doors opened and Marguerite stepped out. She slowly walked up the aisle. She looked beautiful in her gown and Henry felt that maybe she really was making a change for the better. She reached the front and curtsied lightly to the bishop and took her place. Next to reach the door was Danielle. Henry's heart skipped a beat when he saw her. He couldn't wait to get her home. He quickly dropped those thoughts as Marc turned to him.
"Henry, Danielle looks lovely. She looks as much as a princess today as she did when she was living as a servant. You are very lucky."
Henry could only nod. He felt the same way. When Danielle reached the front, she gave Henry a sly smile and curtsied the bishop and took her place next to Marguerite. The music changed again and when the people turned to look, they found the bride standing at the door with the King himself. Francis had a huge smile on his face as he took great pride in giving away this lovely woman who he considered a daughter already. Jacqueline too had a smile on her face, but hers was a nervous smile. She wasn't used to this many people looking at her and didn't expect to have this many people come to the wedding. She looked straight ahead until her eyes locked with Marc Laurent's. She suddenly was overcome with love and gained all the confidence she would need. She began her walk to the front of the church. As they passed the members of the guard, they each saluted their King and the bride. Francis nodded to each as he walked by, and they returned to their original stance. They reached the front and stood in front of the bishop.
"Who gives this woman?"
"As King of France, I do." He turned to Jacqueline, raised the veil slightly, and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. "You look lovely. I am proud to give you away."
He then turned to Marc and put Jacqueline's hand into Marc's. He then turned and sat next to his wife.
The bishop then began the ceremony. The ceremony was beautiful and was going perfect. Finally they were coming to the final part of the ceremony.
"Is there anyone in attendance, who feels this man and woman should not be joined in holy matrimony, please speak now or forever hold your peace."
The entire church quieted down and looked around. Suddenly there was a load banging sound as a door in the back of the church flew open.
"I DO." The voice belonged to a man. Everyone turned to look to see who it was. When Danielle saw whom it was she suddenly fainted. Luckily Marguerite was there to catch her. Henry went to the main aisle and was quickly joined by his father. Henry immediately recognized the figure at the door but Francis did not.
"I command you tell me who you are and why you barged into this ceremony interrupting it!!" Francis's voice could be heard booming throughout the church.
The man in the door smiled an evil smile and was only happy to oblige. " I am Le Pieu. This woman is no longer pure as she has been with another."
"Nonsense. What proof do you have?" Francis was livid. He could not believe the boldness of this man.
"I have brought her mother. She will tell you everything" Rodmilla then appeared at the side of Le Pieu.
At that very moment, Jacqueline fainted at the alter into her stunned husbands arms.
To Be Continued…
Look for Chapter 7: The Past Returns
