Chapter 8

Another thing that is even better at distracting people from gnawing worries than parties and surprising news is a wedding. In fact, at the wedding of my sister, I was so distracted by the hustle and bustle of the happy occasion that I forgot to warn the happy couple about something. Because of the distracting nature of weddings, my sister and my brother-in-law were swept away by a sea of screeching bagpipes and I haven't seen them since.

In all of the history of V.F.D., as Lemony soon found out, the union of his four friends would be the first double wedding. So, naturally, the Snicket siblings were pleased to hear that they, along with Beatrice, were chosen to be the best men and the maids of honor. However, even with their similar positions, Lemony couldn't find a chance to get alone with Beatrice. Every time they got near each other, they were called to do some errand, so they never got to talk to each other.

During the ceremony, Lemony couldn't pay attention to what was going on. Across the room and next to Kit was Beatrice, holding a bouquet of fragrant lilies, lilacs, and orchids. In her flowing lavender dress with tiny purple flowers in her golden hair, she looked as beautiful as she did on that night on the balcony. He watched her, barely hearing what was going on in the service. He watched her, admiring her beauty and wishing that he could've talked to her. Beatrice was looking shyly at the floor and occasionally looking at the ceremony.

"I pronounce you geologist and botanist, journalist and poet, husband and wife," were the words that brought both of them suddenly to reality. Amid the hand shaking and congratulations, Lemony convinced himself that he would find a way to be near Beatrice as soon as possible. He found that chance at the reception dinner.

At the dinner he was supposed to sit at the right side of the table next to Dorian, but he snuck to the dining hall before anyone else came in and switched his name place with his sister's so he could sit with Beatrice throughout the dinner.

The feast was enjoyable and festive. It was full of happiness and laughter, all except for two friends who maintained an awkward silence.

There is a tradition that often takes place after a wedding. The guests will clink their glasses with their silverware, making a racket until the bride and groom kisses. That tradition was soon used at the wedding of the Mrs. and Mr. Baudelaire and Quagmire, and as they kissed, the guests clapped and the two silent friends stopped picking at their delicious tofu dish and turned to each other.

"Hi," said Lemony amid all the noise and chatter.

"Hi," replied Beatrice. There was a small pause, and then, "How was your assignment?"

"Fine," said Lemony. "It was rather dull, but Olaf is really good at investigating fires." He paused again. "By the way, I saw what you put in my notebook. Thank you. It really meant a lot."

"It was true, you know," said Beatrice softly. "I missed you so much, I couldn't even concentrate on my librarian work."

"I missed you, too," said Lemony. I don't want to leave you again, but I have to in a few days. I can't bear the thought of leaving you like that day after the masque."

"Then let's make the most of the time we have," said Beatrice.

They leaned towards each other. They closed their eyes. They kissed. The rest of the guests clapped.