The morning of Frank Harrison's and Sophie Hutton's wedding was the sunniest Cranford had seen in a long time. Everyone was in good cheer and the whole village was in fields of excitement for this much-awaited event. Ever since the announcement of their engagement a month prior, the whole village was in raptures and wished them their congratulations and great hopes for the future, which were accepted with delight and gratitude. Jack was thrilled when Frank had first told him the wonderful news. He was now assured that he had been forgiven. Frank could finally be happy with his young lady and his reputation was restored. The good people of Cranford not only forgave Frank and understood the situation but they had just about forgiven Jack, knowing that no harm was meant, though many of the good citizens of the village had told him to think about consequences before he made another decision or attempted another practical joke. Jack felt that he was too enthusiastically forgiven, but these were good people and he wanted their good opinion. Even his relationship with Miss Smith had improved. They were once again on good terms and were having friendly conversations whenever they happened to meet. In fact they would see each other nearly every day thanks to their mutual friends and Jack could not be more thrilled. He thoroughly enjoyed being with her and conversing with her and was gratified that they were once again on speaking terms beyond what society expected. Perhaps not entirely as intimate as they had been at first, at the Christmas party, or whenever he and Frank called on the Jenkyns's household, or even when she came to him with her eye problems, where Jack felt she must have felt very vulnerable. But bore her no ill will for her subtle reserve, how could he when it was perfectly justified?

The wedding was beautiful; the Bride, breathtaking, the groom, ecstatic. And as they were all walking out of little church, Jack couldn't help but smile, at the joy on all faces and congratulations that greeted the happy couple. He was thrilled that Frank finally got his happy ending. No one deserved this more than him and Jack could not be more relieved that his stupid behaviour hadn't destroyed that. He was standing next to Mary, who looked absolutely lovely, as Frank helped the new Mrs. Harrison onto his little gig. She turned and threw the bouquet over her shoulder and Harry Gregson caught it.

'Good luck, Harry.' Sophie cried with a huge smile on her face and Jack could see that the roses in her cheeks confirmed that she was fully recovered.

He turned and muttered,

'Well, that is a shame.' And Mary turned and looked at him shocked but with a smile on her face, which tugged at his heart. He needed to speak to her and soon. She did look divine; the simple gown accented her elegant features and highlighted her captivating eyes. After they waved at the retreating carriage and they all were made their way to the Rectory for the wedding breakfast. Jack watched as Mary walked away from him, unable to stop himself as he admired her graceful form. He knew he had to tell her now, it was his only chance.

Mary was walking with Miss Matty, who was on her brothers arm, and as they walked they commented on the brides beautiful gown. Mr. Jenkyns had then started detailing a wedding he had witnessed in India, when Mary felt an arm pulling her away from the little group and into a little clearing behind the church. She turned and saw Jack Marshland looking very determined.

'Dr. Marshland!' she said surprised. She hadn't seen him like this; even when he was trying to make amends, even when they were all in the operating room with poor Mr. Carter.

'Miss Smith I'm sorry for being so indiscreet but I really need to speak to you.' He said. Mary looked at him with an odd expression on her face. 'I want to apologise for my abominable actions with the valentines.' She looked at him honestly confused by his words.

'You have been forgiven, Dr. Marshland. By me, by Dr. Harrison, by Cranford.'

'Miss Smith, I have more to say. I was hoping so honestly that you, particularly could forgive me.' He took a few deep breaths and continued. 'From the moment I met you, you fascinated me, and as our acquaintance progressed my love for you has grown into something I can no longer control.' Mary's eyes had the look of shock but not displeasure, he noted and that gave him hope. 'So Mary,' he bent down before her and took her hands in his, 'can you forgive me? Can you love me? Will you be my wife?' Mary had tears in her eyes, and as he stood he wiped them away, waiting for her response.

'You do not know my step-mother; but she is honestly the most infuriating person you will ever meet. If we do this she will make you miserable. She is overbearing and indiscreet, her nature was the very reason I returned to Cranford. I could no longer bear to be with her. And once she hears about this she will not leave you alone. I cannot in all consciousness let you go through all that.' Jack looked at Mary in shock. He took her face in his hands and looked straight into her eyes and said,

'I would be willing to endure any amount of discomfort and unpleasantness, if it meant having you by my side. Mary, I love you, and I will not let anything or anyone change that. I know you're afraid, but I am standing here, now, telling you, you don't have to be. I can no longer see myself going through life alone; without you.' Mary was looking at him, her eyes wide with disbelief. Will you marry me?' he said hopefully. She looked straight into his eyes and she could see that he was being absolutely serious. She smiled through her tears.

'Yes.' It was barely a whisper but he heard it. It was such a simple word, but to him at that very moment it was the most important and incredible word he had heard in a long time. He expressed his delight by picking Mary up and spinning her round before he set her down again and pressing his lips to hers. The kiss was soft at first then grew more passionate; it was perfect. Their lips parted and they joined foreheads, still smiling and looking into each other's eyes. Jack was euphoric; he finally had the girl of his dreams, the very girl he had said that he was not in love with the first month of their acquaintance. Oh how things change he thought. He had come to realise that Miss Mary Smith was not just any other young woman. She had a hold on him like no one had, and he had noticed that from the beginning of her acquaintance. First it was her eyes, then it was her character then it was just her, all of her.

They walked back to the Rectory, hoping that no one had noticed that they were not there and talked in low whispers. They joined in the celebrations and decided that it was not the right time to make their announcement, not wanting to usurp Frank and Sophie's day.

Jack returned to the George that night, after bidding Frank and Sophie good bye and final congratulations, and after having his private good-bye with Mary. He sat in his chair and looked out into the dark night, loosening his cravat as he did so. He was in heaven; Frank had gotten the woman of his dreams, and much to his surprise, Jack had stumbled upon his. Who would have thought?

'Those eyes' he said out loud. Yes, those invigorating, dazzling eyes had bewitched the Irish bachelor. The man who had never thought of marriage as something that would interest him, 'Oh, indeed, how things change.'

END