Chapter 7: Forever is Along Time
Meryl looked at Vash as he came up to the front. Meryl ran out and wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.
" What took you so long?" she asked
" I had a few stops," Vash replied
They walked up to the porch and Millie waves.
" Good day Ms. Millie," Vash said
" Good day Mr. Vash," she replied
Meryl walked with Vash inside the house and Vash met with Meryl's father. Meryl sat outside and waited to hear what her father had told Vash.
" So the wedding is in is in two days?" her mother said
" Yes," Meryl said, " We're getting married outside of church."
" Outside of church?" her mother quested
Meryl nodded and said, " Yes, he doesn't attend church."
Meryl's mother looked at her daughter and suddenly felt light headed.
" But his brother does, why doesn't he?" her mother asked
" He hasn't set foot in a church since he mother's passing," Meryl said, " He finds spiritual meaning in nature and everyday life."
Her mother sighed and two maids brought out sugar, cream and the cups while the other brought the tea.
Vash looked at the paper work that would be given to Vash to sign. Meryl's father sat down and handed Vash a pen.
" Vash, I am to understand by your brother that, you don't attend church," Mr. Strife said
" That's right, is there a problem?" Vash asked
" A little one, but nothing we can't fix," Mr. Strife said with a chuckle
Vash suddenly felt nervous about the whole son-in-law and father-in-law meeting. Mr. Strife sat down and looked at Vash.
" I'm going to tell you this Vash, religion is apart of this family and it's what binds this family together. I ask that you and Meryl attend church a least once a week," Mr. Strife stated
" I do respect your beliefs sir, but I do live on my own. My spiritual life is based on everyday living, as well as nature," Vash said
Mr. Strife nodded rubbed his chin.
" For Meryl's sake Vash do it for hers," Mr. Strife said
" I will sir, but I ask that you respect the way we are getting married sir, we are getting married outside my estate, no church in site, just Mr. Wolfwood to wed us," Vash said
" I will be there and respect that," Mr. Strife said, " Now, down to business."
Mr. Strife explained the document that he presented to Vash, all that it was saying is that once he pasted away Meryl and Vash would receive half amount of what the estate is worth and his wife would receive the other half once he had died. Vash agreed and Mr. Strife signed his name beside Vash's to show he did approve as well.
By early after noon Vash took off to meet Lina at her estate. He wasn't sure how to word everything, but it would go smoothly.
" Why Vash how good to see you," Lina said, " Come your just in time for tea."
Vash sighed and followed Lina into the garden. She had two places set and then he cleared his throat.
" Ms. Lina," Vash said
" Vash, I won't be Miss for very long to you," Lina said
" I must speak of something important," Vash said
" Lemon?" she asked
" No, thank you," Vash replied
" It's about the wedding," Vash said
" Oh, don't tell me that Mr. Wolfwood can't marry us," Lina said
Lina poured cream in hers and then offered it to Vash. He shook his head and tried to continue to talk.
" Sugar?" she asked
" Ms. Lina," Vash said sternly
Lina sat the sugar down and looked at him. His tone was different, it had an edge to it. Aggravation, fear that rolled over his tongue.
" Oh, dear it must be important," Lina said
Vash stood up and looked at her. He sighed and took a deep breath before letting it out.
" I'm sorry," Vash said, " I'm sorry I have to do this before we even rehearse, but I can't marry you Lina."
Lina stood up and looked at Vash, she stared at him for a minuet as tears started to fall down.
" I'm sorry," Vash said, " I was going to tell you two days ago."
" Is it that woman?" Lina asked
" Lina, I don't wish to discuss my current affairs," Vash said
" Tell me Vash, why? Is it because your not interested in me? Or maybe because your scared of commitment," Lina questioned
" Lina, please understand that it is just me," Vash said, " I can not allow myself to hurt another woman. You especially, such a young woman that has a long life. I would be holding you back."
Vash lifted her hand and kissed it then walked off. Vash breathed easier and rode to his estate. The tailor came to mend a few of his suites and measure him for his new suite.
" So, Mr. Vash, I heard your engagement to Ms. Lina was broken, but yet you found another woman to marry," the tailor said
" Who'd you hear that from?" Vash asked
" My brother," the tailor said
" Where'd he hear it from?" Vash asked
" My sister, who then heard it from Mr. Knives," the tailor said
" Gee word travel's fast around here, wonder who could have told him," Vash sighed
The next day Vash rode back home and knocked on the door. The governess answered it and let Vash in. Knives walked down with his ridding boots and gloves on. He grabbed the horse whip from the new butler and walked over.
" Well, hello brother," Knives said, " Always good to see old faces."
Knives slapped his right leg with the new horse whip and nodded at the snap.
" Knives, I don't believe I asked you to spread the word about my new engagement," Vash said
" Oh, you worry to much, it's just a wedding," Knives said, " Not like she's expecting a child."
Vash sighed and followed his brother as he saddled his horse. He whistled for his horse and the black stallion came trotting over. Vash saddled the black stallion and rode next to Knives.
" I usually take a nice country ride, but since you're here let's race like we use to as kids," Knives said
" Your on," Vash said
Vash and Knives steadied their horses at a point and Knives explained where they would stop. Vash nodded and drew his horse whip, and Knives gave the ready mark then they took off. Vash and Knives rode down the dusty path and leaped over hazards in the road. Knives cut off in another path, which happened to be shorter and cut back in front of Vash.
" You can't be serious!" Vash shouted
" Watch out for that low branch brother," Knives said
" What low branch?" Vash questioned
Knives lower his head and Vash didn't quiet. The horse pulled to the side and Vash ducked quickly. He picked up speed and caught up then pulled ahead in front of Knives. Knives shook his head as he used the horse whip.
" Your good," Knives said, " But not good enough."
Vash looked and saw Knives catching up and Vash used his horse whip. The horses became neck and neck, Vash smiled and continued in taking the lead.
" To the bridge brother," Vash shouted
" Just past," Knives said
Vash nodded Knives caught up and pulled in front. Knives waved as he pulled up a couple of feet in front.
" Your going to lose brother," Knives said
" I can pull in at the last second," Vash said
Both raced to the bridge getting closer, Knives continued to take the lead. Vash continued found an opening and cut in front of Knives.
" See you at the end," Vash chanted
Vash picked up speed and started on the bridge, he briefly slowed down knowing his horse was not use to the speed on a bridge. Knives came trampling through and Vash picked up the speed and came to dead stop. Knives stopped and gave a light chuckle and put out his hand
" Just like the old days," Knives said
Vash shook Knives' hand and got off his horse. He looked around and listened to the peace that surround them.
" It's wonderful out here," Vash said
Vash looked at the pond that by the bridge and sighed.
" Yes, the love of nature, where no one can interfere," Knives said
Knives walked along the peaceful shore of the pond and knelt down. He placed his hand on the frozen pond.
" Knives," Vash said
Knives looked up at Vash as he walked over towards him.
" Did you really hate mother?" Vash said crouching down beside Knives
" Why do you ask this now you should know that," Knives said
" I just want a truthful answer," Vash said, " Cause from what our father wrote about her she seemed to be more special than anything."
Knives a gave a quick chuckle and he stared at the ice.
" She tried to hard, to make me see what she wanted me to be, I don't follow in people's footsteps," Knives said, " I live my own life."
" What about our father?" Vash asked, " Why did you hate him?"
" He was drunk why else, don't you remember how he drank and then hit us for no reason," Knives said, " I have a scar on my right leg from the horse whip, when he went mad. You have scars all over your body too."
Vash lowered his head and Knives stood up and Knives stretched his right leg. Vash shook his head and stood up.
" It just doesn't seem that way, he never mentioned ever hitting us or even hating us. His words on each page was filled with hope, dreams for our family's happiness," Vash said
Knives placed his hand on Vash's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
" Remember Vash, we all have a dark side, it's apart of our nature," Knives said, " Women I would have to admit have the worse."
Vash smiled and then rose and looked at Knives.
" Yeah, women do," Vash said
Knives saddled his horse and Vash got up on his and sighed
" Tomorrow my dear brother," Knives said, " Is when you learn that you only marry one woman, but have all the mistresses you want."
" I don't believe that's loyalty," Vash said as Knives took off
" It is when your head of the house," Knives said, " Admit it brother there some that serve you, that wish to only please you in the most pleasurable ways."
" You're a sick man Knives," Vash said
" Get with the times brother," Knives said
Vash shook his head and rode off with Knives back to the house. Zazie came and took the horses and Knives and Vash walked in.
" Oh, Knives' your back," Dominique's voice came from the back
She came up and Knives took her hands into his own and kissed both.
" Mother said lunch will be ready soon, Vash are you staying?" Dominique asked
" No, I have to return home, Meryl and I are preparing for the wedding tomorrow," Vash replied
Dominique smiled and then looked at Knives, whom had a very pleasant look on his face.
" Dear, let me show you what I've gotten in town today," Dominique said
Vash took his leave, but went into the kitchen.
" Smells good in here," Vash said
Mother looked up and smiled and put down what she was doing. She walked up and hugged him.
" Master Vash, I heard the news, your marrying that woman," Mother said, " I'm so glad."
" Would you expect me to marry anyone else," Vash replied
Mother smiled and kissed his cheek.
" So, did you talk to your brother, I guess your on good terms right now with him," Mother said
" Yeah, we just went for a nice ride. Is everything alright?" Vash asked
" Yes, he seems rather calm," Mother said, " Different."
" That's strange for even him, calm his never a word I would use to describe my brother," Vash said, " Deranged would."
Mother smiled and Vash took his leave and rode off back home where Meryl waited for him. She greeted him and he kissed her hands.
Meryl and Vash together told the servants what to do and how they wanted the decorations. Jessica and Legato served them lunch and Meryl looked at Vash.
" Vash, tomorrow," Meryl said
" Yes, tomorrow," Vash said
Jessica smiled and looked at Legato that stood there and waited for orders. She nudged him and he looked at her.
" Aren't you excited?" she said, " Love is all around us."
Legato just nodded and Jessica smiled at the wordless butler. Meryl and Vash walked around the plantation and went into the gardens and Vash once more pointed out the geraniums. Meryl stopped and grabbed Vash's hands into her own.
" Vash, I want to make another garden," Meryl said, " One that represents us, a flower that will resemble forever."
" What flower?" Vash asked
" A violet, it means forever," Meryl replied, " And forever is along time."
Vash nodded and kissed her cheek.
" I believe you are right," Vash said
He looked at Meryl as she walked ahead staring at the flowers that continued to bloom during the winter months. He smiled and put his hands behind his back as he walked. The sounds of the birds calling to the after noon made the winter seem less cold, it brought a warm feeling. Vash took in a deep breath and Meryl stopped and stared at him.
" Vash," she said
" Coming, my dear," Vash said
Meryl watched him walk to her with such grace and such proud ness. She smiled and walked the rest of the way to him. She embraced him and Vash looked at her and wrapped his arms around her.
" Are you well?" he asked
" I'm happy," Meryl said, " I'm happy that you and I will be husband and wife and that we will live our lives together."
Vash kissed her head as she just closed her eyes.
" I don't care if the world ends here and now, as long as I'm with you. I will go happy," Meryl whispered
" As I would too," Vash said
Vash had been thinking what Knives had told him, he shook his head and embraced Meryl tighter.
" I would never let another woman enter my life," Vash thought, " I could not love another woman."
Later Vash and Meryl went over with Wolfwood what they wanted. They rehearsed together just the two of them.
" There's still time my friend to back out," Wolfwood said
" I don't believe backing out would be wise," Vash said
" He won't back out, he's a real gentleman," Meryl said
Legato walked out and then Jessica followed behind.
" Sir dinner is ready," Jessica said before Legato
" Thank you Jessica, thank you Legato," Vash said with a slight chuckle
Meryl kind of chuckled and Vash looked over to her.
" Why Ms. Meryl, I don't believe I've heard you laugh for some time," Vash said
" You can drop the act dear we're getting married," Meryl said, " I do believe there are other's amongst us that are proud that we are…right Mr. Wolfwood?"
" I guess I can be a little happy," Wolfwood said
" Shall we?" Vash asked
Meryl smiled and wrapped her arm around Vash's
" You know Vash, I see that your governess and butler are quite a pair," Meryl said
" Yes, you've noticed that," Vash said, " I think sooner or later things will come out."
" It's so romantic, two head servants in love," Meryl said
Vash smiled and they sat down to dinner and Meryl kept a smile on her face as she thought about her future with Vash. Wolfwood sighed as he ate and didn't feel this marriage was suppose to be, but of course that was not up to him to decide. Dinner past and Wolfwood departed and Meryl and Vash sat outside. He put his arm around her as they watched Wolfwood leave.
" I guess I should head on," Meryl said, " I will see you tomorrow."
" Of course my dear, I shall be there on time," Vash said
Meryl kissed him and he walked her to the carriage that then took off back to her home. Vash sighed and walked down the hall and prepared for bed. The maids had already laid out his suit for the next day. He smiled and looked at the nice crisp fire that lit his room. Vash walked out and Jessica walked out of her room.
" Sir, if you don't need anything, If it's alright I would like to retire," Jessica said
" No, I have nothing," he said
Jessica started down the hall and then Vash called her back.
" Sir," she said
" I wish to discuss with something," Vash said
" Yes, sir," Jessica replied
He walked to her to the sitting room and she sat down and Vash sat across from her.
" You've been serving my uncle for how long?" Vash asked
" Since I was 10 sir," Jessica replied
" 10 years that's a very long time and you've earned every bit of this higher position," Vash said, " But…"
Jessica kind of lowered her head and Vash smiled.
" I believe I've never seen you so happy since I've moved in here," Vash replied
Jessica smiled and said, " You're a wonderful master just like master Millions."
" There something else, I believe it has to do with a certain butler," Vash said
A blush kissed her cheeks and she smiled trying to cover her blush with her hands. Vash chuckled and Jessica looked at him.
" It's quite alright, Ms. Meryl and I know," Vash said, " I don't believe you have to be embarrassed."
" But sir," Jessica said
" I encourage you to be honest," Vash said
Vash gave her a wink and Jessica smiled and then stood up.
" Thank you sir," Jessica said
She walked out and ran down the hall. Vash shook his head and sighed.
" And for a little peace," Vash thought, " And the sounds of love."
The next morning Vash was dressed in his new black suit. He looked in the mirror as he straightened out his vest over his white shirt.
" Today," he whispered, " I no longer wish to be who I was in my youth."
Vash slipped on his coat and then turned around. A couple of maids dusted off lent off his coat and then nodded. Vash walked out and looked around seeing the soon to be filled chairs outside.
" Nervous," Jessica said
Vash turned around and shook his head. She pinned a rose to his lapel, then nodded.
" Thank you Jessica," Vash said
Jessica nodded and stood to the side.
" Jessica, shouldn't you be getting dressed for this," Vash said looking out the window
" Sir, I don't attend to dress to be on the side," Jessica said
Vash smiled and turned around and snapped, two maid walked over and Jessica looked at them.
" You have been invited Jessica," Vash said, " You are a governess, but you are also my friend."
Jessica smiled and thanked him then walked off. Vash sighed and smiled then sat down in his uncle's study and read a little bit of his journals.
Meryl was helped dress, her hair was done very nicely and her dress was much more different than her usual dress. This dress tailed behind her, white roses lined the waist and the lowered straps of her dress. A white bow tied and draped down the train of her dress. She slipped white shoes on and her mother placed pearls around her neck.
" These were mine when I got married," her mother said, " And I want you to pass them on when you have a daughter of your own."
" Thank your mother," she said
The maids slipped her white satin gloves on, then painted her lips with a soft pink color, and eyes were shadowed with a soft pink. Meryl looked in the mirror as the maids finished dressing her.
" Today is the happiest day of your life," her mother said, " Don't think about anything, but you and your new husband today."
" Ms. Meryl, it's time," the maid said
Meryl smiled and she walked down, her father and mother got in one carriage and then Meryl got in the other carriage with Millie.
" Oh, Millie, I'm so nervous," Meryl said, " What if I'm making the wrong decision?"
" Your not, Mr. Vash is the best man that you could pick," Millie said
Meryl smiled and gave Millie's hand a squeeze. They came to the plantation and her father helped her down.
" Remember to take care of your husband," her father said, " Treat him right, everything he says goes."
" I will father, I promise," Meryl said
Her father kissed Meryl's cheek then they walked to where the wedding was being held. Music played and Meryl and her father walked down the isle. Meryl felt her heart racing as she approached the end. Vash stood there so handsome and so caringly. Her father kissed her cheek and Vash walked her the rest of the way.
The ceremony began and Meryl and Vash stood there together holding her hands in his own as Wolfwood conducted the ceremony. Meryl just stared at Vash as he stared at her. When it came time to say their vows, Millie handed Meryl her ring and Vash turned to Knives, who held his ring. Vash recited his vows to her and slid the ring on her finger. She then recited her vows and slid the ring on his finger.
" By the power invested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife," Wolfwood said, " You may kiss your wife Vash."
Vash looked at Meryl and smiled, then kissed her.
" I've waited my whole life for this moment," Meryl whispered
" As have I," Vash whispered and kissed her again
Wolfwood sighed feeling the pressure relieved off him. Vash and Meryl walked down the isle and all joined them inside. There was good food and celebration inside as they were congratulated them on their marriage.
" I've got to say dear brother, I didn't think you could just pick one," Knives said
" I've pick the best one," Vash said looking at Meryl
" Yes, I see," Knives said
" I guess we can expect a long and happy relationship from you two," Dominique said
" Would you expect anything less, but happiness," Meryl said
Knives looked at the married couple and smiled then walked off. Meryl's mother and father came up and welcomed Vash to their family.
" Now, I expect a least three grandchildren," Meryl's father, " Three beautiful children."
" It's a little early to be thinking about children sir, we need to settle in first," Vash said
" Nonsense Vash, there's plenty of time for settling in later, children are the heirs to the plantations," Meryl's father said
" Father," Meryl growled
Her father laughed and said, " You are very sensitive towards my jokes my little Meryl."
" Now dear your embarrassing her on her wedding day," her mother said
Vash slightly chuckled and put his arm around Meryl. They walked around and then Vash looked at the orchestra.
" Mr. Midvalley, how about a waltz for my bride and me," Vash said
" Very well sir," Midvalley said
Vash put out his hand and Meryl smiled and took it. The guest joined in after a little while. Vash and Meryl stared at each other and Meryl smiled.
" Is your name as sweet as a rose," Vash whispered
" Possibly," Meryl said
" Perhaps angels do not have names, because they are to beautiful, that one name could not describe them," Vash said
Meryl kissed Vash and said, " Call me any name you please, I am yours."
Meryl and Vash walked off the dance floor and slipped away to be alone with one another and returned minuets later. The dinner was announced and they sat down together at the end of the table. There were speeches made about the couple and the delight that brought them together. Afterwards there was only socializing.
" Vash, look," Meryl said
Vash looked over and saw Jessica approaching Legato. He smiled and looked at Meryl and she smiled.
" I did insist she be honest," Vash said
" Oh, Vash you're a good man," Meryl said hugging him
Vash smiled as the two watched Jessica take the first step.
" Legato," Jessica said
Legato turned and looked at Jessica. Jessica gave a small curtsy and looked at him.
" I believe your not enjoying yourself," Jessica said, " You must in interact with others."
" I only work," Legato said
" Aw come now Legato," Jessica said grabbing his hands
Legato hesitated and she led him to the dance floor and grabbed his hands to dance with him. Legato only stared in a confused matter, Meryl and Vash joined them on the dance floor.
" With style," Vash said, " Another waltz, a softer one Midvalley."
" Yes, sir," Midvalley replied
Vash and Meryl took it one step at a time and soon Legato and Jessica had picked it up.
" It's nothing to it," Meryl said
Later as the guest took their leave Meryl and Vash breathed a little easier. Vash looked at her and kissed her cheek.
" My beautiful, rose," Vash whispered
" Oh, Vash," Meryl said wrapping her arms around him
" Master Vash, the room is prepared," Jessica said
" Thank you Jessica, that will be all for tonight, why don't you and the others take the day off tomorrow," Vash said
" Thank you sir," Jessica said
Meryl looked at Vash as he stood up and put his hand out.
" The night is young my beautiful bride," Vash said, " Shall we?"
Meryl smiled and took his hand and they walked inside and then walked down to Vash's room. They shut the door and the servants smiled and blew out the candles, then went to bed.
The End