Chapter 7

A Wedding at Blandings

Galahad poked his head out into the corridor, tugging at his dressing gown and yawning. A few days had gone by, and Freddie was in absolute ecstasy in anticipation for the day of his wedding.

Galahad smiled at Niagara, who was rushing to and fro, collecting the bits and pieces of her outfit. A veil and wedding band from Aunt Connie, etc.

But Galahad didn't have time to give her a proper good morning greeting. His reporter friend, Sebastien Faraday was already standing at the top of the stairs and greeting him warmly. "Why Gally, you old fool!" He shouted, galloping over and crashing into Freddie, who had just barely been brave enough to sally forth into the hallways, in case he bumped into Niagara, and broke an important tradition.

Galahad rushed to his nephew's assistance, dragging him out from beneath Sebastien's lanky form, and leaning him against the wall. He gave Freddie's cheek a quick tweak. "Everything oojah-come-spiff?" He asked nervously. He wasn't going to make the mistake of letting Freddie injure himself again.

Freddie opened his eyes, and gave Galahad a reassuring smile. "Yes I'm fine. Just a few bumps and bruises" He said, rubbing at the spot on his head where he had bumped it.

Sebastien raced over, her eyes the size of saucers. "Wha-what happened? I'm sorry I'm so clumsy, Gally, but who is this young fellow?" He eyed Freddie curiously, patting him on the shoulder.

Freddie took hold of the hand Mr. Faraday held out to him, and pulled himself up. "Who's your friend?" He asked Galahad, showing genuine interest.

"This is Sebastien Faraday. He's a reporter for the London Herald. He's going to photograph and write about the wedding ceremony this afternoon." Galahad squeezed Freddie's arm. Freddie had asked Oofy Prosser to be his best man, but the rat had extricated himself out of the honor, and so Freddie had turned to his uncle. The honor seemed to bring Galahad to a level of soberness he had never been in. No one had ever asked him to be best man, ever.

"Ah." Freddie coughed, and stroked the lapels of his new togs, eyeing the rose that the maid had pushed into his button hole. Then he glanced up at Niagara, who was beaming at him, dressed in a gorgeous white dress and veil. His eyes popped out of his head. "Niagara what are you doing here?! You know I'm not supposed to see you!" He gave her a confused look.

She nodded. "My father said it was alright to break with tradition, if I was to ever hear you suffering. My father thinks you're wonderful you know." She said, kissing Freddie on the cheek and drawing herself up. "Don't forget that the ceremony is in an hour!" She called as she trotted off, happily.

XXXX

An hour later, everyone was at the chapel in Market Blandings. Niagara stood under the beautiful stone arches on her father's arm, waiting to be allowed to go inside.

Galahad slumped in a corner slightly on one side of Freddie beside Pongo Twiselton, twiddling with his tie. He couldn't help noticing that Freddie looked happier than he had ever had

And then the music began to play. The lovely melody of Here Comes the Bride, played on the organ, rang in his ears, as Galahad watched Niagara advanced up the aisle, beautiful and radiant from what he could see under the veil.

The preacher gave the two a benevolent, kindly smile and began the ceremony. "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Frederick Threepwood and Niagara Donaldson in matrimony commended to be honorable among all; and therefore is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, passionately, lovingly and solemnly. Into this - these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

The whole room fell into a hush. No one dared to speak against this marriage and risk Aunt Constance's wrath.

"Who is it that brings this woman to this man?" The preacher asked, turning to Mr. Donaldson.

"I do." Mr. Donaldson tenderly reached for his daughter's hand, placed it in Freddie's own and stepped back.

"Frederick and Niagara, life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is give to us by our family and friends. We learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of life's greatest challenges and is the shared goal of a married life.

But a husband and wife should not confuse love of worldly measures for even if worldly success is found, only love will maintain a marriage. Mankind did not create love; love is created by God. The measure of true love is a love both freely given and freely accepted, just as God's love of us is unconditional and free.

Today truly is a glorious day the Lord hath made – as today both of you are blessed with God's greatest of all gifts – the gift of abiding love and devotion between a man and a woman. All present here today – and those here in heart – wish both of you all the joy, happiness and success and the world has to offer.

As you travel through life together, I caution you to remember that the true measure of success, the true avenue to joy and peace, is to be found within the love you hold in your hearts. I would ask that you hold the key to your heart very tightly.

Within the Bible, nothing is of more importance that love. We are told the crystalline and beautiful truth: "God is Love". We are assured that "Love covers sins". It is love, which brings you here today, the union of two hearts and two spirits. As your lives continue to interweave as one pattern, remember that it was love that brought you here today, it is love that will make this a glorious union, and it is love which will cause this union to endure. Would you please face each other and hold hands?"

Freddie turned towards Niagara stiffly, and gave her a weak smile. He wiped away the sweat that was beginning to form on his forehead and reached for her hands.

"Frederick, do you take Niagara to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only to her forevermore?" The preacher asked, eyeing Freddie with a critical look.

"I do." Freddie mumbled in reply.

"Niagara, do you take Frederick to be your Husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only to him forevermore?" The preacher asked again, turning to the bride.

Niagara gave a small smile underneath her veil, letting a few tears trickle down her cheeks. "I do." She choked out.

" Frederick and Niagara, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, the giving of these rings and the joining of your hands, I now declare you to be husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Freddie's hands shook as he raised the veil from off of Niagara's face and kissed her tenderly. The sound of applause rang in his ears. Suddenly, everyone was around him, congratulating him and his wife. His uncle winked at him. For the first time in his life, Freddie found that he was truly happy. He gripped Niagara's hand hard as he raced out the chapel doors (not caring about the twinges of his ribs) with her to the steps, where people began to pelt them both with rice and flower petals.

Galahad watched the couple leave, and gave a curious smile. He chuckled. Those two should have a very interesting life together. A very interesting life.

Finis