Chapter 202 – A Little Wedding Talk
Jack let out a harsh breath. Elizabeth took his hand and squeezed it. They looked at each other for strength and received it. It still wasn't easy for Jack to think about talking to the press, but for Elizabeth he was willing to do anything. She saw that he was still thinking, so decided to speak first.
"It is fine." Elizabeth said. "I know that you are trying to protect me, but it can't be worse if we admit our relationship. We don't have to say anything about getting married. We can say that we have agreed to a formal courtship and that is all we are willing to share at this point. We don't need to answer their questions nor do we have to give them any more. We don't owe them anything. Like it or not, the press aren't going away. You have more shows to do and we need to be able to move about. I get that security is going to be tight for a while, but still we can deal with it."
"So you are okay announcing our relationship?" Jack asked.
"Yes and no." Elizabeth said. "It will make it harder to have a small quiet wedding, but on the other hand, it might get the press to back off some. We can still have the wedding that we want, we just don't tell the press anything. We keep it quiet about when we are getting married. We only tell the people that we have to and we ask them to respect our privacy. If they are truly our friends, they will respect us enough to do that. I think that if we do that, we can do what we want without much fanfare."
"You really think so?" Jack asked.
By that time, Father Mark had sat down. He had heard what Elizabeth said.
"Jack." Father Mark said.
Jack looked over at his cousin.
"I think that Elizabeth is right." Father Mark said. "You announce that you have entered into a formal courtship and that is it. If people push for a timeline, tell them that you are young and still plan to attend school, so you don't have a set timeline in mind."
"Really that is what you are going with." Frank said.
Father Mark just looked at Frank and shrugged his shoulders. Frank understood that Father Mark was walking a fine line and was trying to do what was best for his cousin without crossing that line.
"Actually." Nathan said. "That is a good plan. Don't say anything and lock yourselves into a timeline. If word gets out, you can address that later. I would try to stay as vague as possible."
"I agree." John said. "Just announcing a formal courtship should be enough. Traditionally, that would give at least a year or two before people were expecting an engagement and another year to a wedding. So a formal courtship could buy you three years or so. Granted most of us know that is not the case. We don't need to announce that."
"I like that." Jack said.
"You don't need to tell anyone that you don't want to, that you are getting married." Father Mark said. "The only requirement that the Church has imposed is that we announce it in the bulletin so those that have objections can voice those to the Church. We don't have to put a date for the wedding. It only has to be in the bulletin for at least twenty-one days before the weekend of the wedding."
"So we can put that in anytime?" Jack asked.
"Yes." Father Mark said. "Before you ask, I have already added it for the bulletin this weekend. It will run each week until I say otherwise. There are several other weddings later this summer that have also been included. We typically run them for a couple of months, so it won't be a big deal to have your in there. Most people would assume that you will either have a fall wedding or a wedding sometime next year and are announcing it now since you don't live here full-time. Once the wedding weekend is upon us, the names are removed."
Jack and Elizabeth smiled at each other.
"Perfect." Jack said. "So we can fulfill the rules of the Church and still keep things quiet."
"Yes." Father Mark said. "After I talked to you earlier, I added it to the bulletin. I knew that I should have asked, but it goes to the printer in the morning. I figured that you would be fine with it and the sooner we get in the bulletin the better, especially after our earlier conversation."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said.
Rosemary couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"When are you getting married!" Rosemary demanded.
"If you can prove that you want to be a part of this group." Elizabeth said. "You will be told. As of right now, there are only three people at this table that know and we are going to keep it that way at this point."
"Your father will never allow it." Rosemary said.
"Her father has no leg to stand on in this conversation." Father Mark said. "Jack and Elizabeth are adults. It is ultimately my decision if they are to be married. As long as they have met the conditions that were set before them, then I have no reason to deny them the right to be married. They are legal, consenting adults and they only need to prove to me that the conditions have been met and that they are entering into this marriage of their own free will. I am already convinced that Elizabeth is here of her own free will. So once they have met the other conditions, I will marry them anytime that they ask."
"Thank you, Father Mark." Jack said. "We received the books that you recommended. They arrived while we were in Toronto. We were going to start working through them this weekend.."
"Very good." Father Mark said. "The other part of the conditions will happen late next week. I know that you have the show at Sugar Creek, but I figured that you both can take an afternoon to work on things. I think that it is Thursday afternoon. I will check and get back to you. I have it written down."
"That will be fine." Jack said. "We ride and workout in the mornings."
"That is what I figured." Father Mark said.
"Just out of curiosity, Father Mark." Peter said. "How would you handle it if an objection was filed against a couple getting married?"
"It would depend on why they are objecting." Father Mark said. "Say they had information that showed one of the people in the couple was lying. The diocesan lawyers would verify that it was true first of all. Then it would be my job to speak to the person and then the couple together.
Before you ask, there are only a couple valid reasons for the Bishop to step in and forbid a marriage. 1) one of the persons in the couple is already married. 2) It is proven that one person is underage and doesn't have consent. 3) It can be shown to the Bishop's satisfaction that one or both of the persons is being forced/coerced or otherwise not consenting of their own free will. 4) It can be shown that this marriage is somehow breaking the law. For example, the couple is related."
"Wow." Nathan said. "So it doesn't happen often then, I'll take it."
"No." Father Mark said. "Just because someone doesn't agree with the marriage is not a valid objection. However those are the most common we get. Say a parent objects to the marriage, yet the couple are both consenting adults. I would sit down with the couple and talk to them about the objection that was brought. I would explore with the couple why the parent was objecting, as long as I am satisfied that they are before me of their own free will, I wouldn't stop them."
"So even if my parents or Jack's parents file an objection they can't stop us?" Elizabeth asked.
"No." Father Mark said. "I am well aware of the issues with both of your parents. I have spoken to the Bishop and he agrees that just because they don't agree is not a valid reason. Jack has more than demonstrated that he is able to care for you and provide for a family. The Bishop was concerned that you are rushing things, but after speaking to me and a few other people, he is satisfied that you have plenty of support. That is why he gave permission to be married before the end of December if you so choose."
"Elizabeth Grace!" Rosemary said. "You can't seriously be thinking about getting married before you start or while you are in school."
"Why not?" Elizabeth asked.
"What about all the plans we had?" Rosemary said. "We were going to live together. What about joining a sorority? What about the travel we talked about? You said you wanted to study abroad. What about all those things? You are just going to dump all of our plans and dreams for some guy?"
Elizabeth closed her eyes and tried to calm herself. Jack rubbed her back, but was going to give her time to defend herself before he said anything. Doug, Lee and Nathan were all Watching Jack to see how he was going to respond. Father Mark was watching Elizabeth to see how she would handle this. Everyone else was looking between Rosemary, Elizabeth and Jack. Finally, Elizabeth opened her eyes and there was an icy glare to them. Elizabeth turned, so she was directly facing Rosemary.
"I AM NOT GIVING UP ANYTHING FOR SOME GUY." Elizabeth said, loud and forcefully.
Elizabeth turned to Jack. Her look softened. She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. Mouthed 'I love you and trust me.' Jack just nodded. He had asked Elizabeth to trust him plenty of times so he was going to return the favor. Elizabeth turned back to Rosemary. Once again, her glare icy cold.
"I was going to offer for you to live with me in the apartment that Jack set me up in." Elizabeth said. "But no more. I don't trust you have my best interest in mind. So you can stay in your tiny two bedroom apartment and I will keep the spacious two bedroom luxurious apartment in Jack's building that he set me up in. Jack, Doug and Lee were going to take the three bedroom apartment on the same floor.
However, IF Jack and I get married before school starts. He and I will take the two bedroom apartment. Doug and Lee will still have the three bedroom and I figured Nathan would be joining them since we will probably have security to some extent this fall. I don't see it as giving anything up. I look at all that I am gaining. I will do more with Jack and his friends then I ever would on my own or even with you. You were the one that wanted me to join a sorority. You were the one that thought I should study abroad. I have a feeling that I will end up doing more traveling with Jack then I would have ever with you. You are always too busy with some show to do what I want.
Even if Jack doesn't always remember to tell me what is going on, he has included me in his plans. I get that it is new for him to loop me in on everything, but he is getting better about talking to me about things and including me in decisions. You have never included me when making decisions. You do what you want and expect me to go along with it. When was the last time that we did what I wanted when I wanted to do it?"
Elizabeth just stared at Rosemary. Rosemary sat there with her arms crossed glaring back at Elizabeth.
"Well." Elizabeth said. "I am waiting. When was the last time that we did what I wanted when I wanted to do it?"
"I don't know." Rosemary said. "Maybe when we went horseback riding last year."
"Exactly." Elizabeth said. "When was the last time that we did what you wanted when you wanted to do it?"
"Probably when we went shopping at the beginning of June." Rosemary said.
"Exactly my point." Elizabeth said. "I hadn't wanted to go shopping, but you did, so I went with so we could spend time together. Did you listen to me? No. You are like my father and only hear what you want to hear."
Elizabeth turned away from Rosemary and looked at Jack.
"Are you alright?" Jack asked quietly.
Elizabeth just leaned her forehead against Jack's.
"I don't know." Elizabeth said. "I am so angry right now. I don't know if I can think straight. I need some air."
"Go get your journal." Jack said. "Then go upstairs. I will talk to Gran and she will hold supper for you. Work things out, then come back and we will talk."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said.
Jack leaned forward and gave Elizabeth a quick kiss. They both then stood up. Jack went to talk to his Grandmother and Elizabeth headed downstairs. When Rosemary got up to follow Elizabeth, Nathan was right there.
"No." Nathan said, with some force. "Leave her be for a bit. Either sit down or I will have you escorted off this property."
"I don't have to listen to you." Rosemary huffed.
"No, but you better listen to me." Gran said, coming over. "Elizabeth has asked for time alone and that is exactly what she is going to get. So sit down!"
Rosemary stomped over to the table and sat down in a huff. John, James and Bill had watched the whole exchange. They were glad that Elizabeth had stood up for herself, but all felt bad that she had needed to. John was going to give Elizabeth time to think and then ask her if she wanted Rosemary to remain on the farm. John could tell by the looks that the guys exchanged that they were fed up with the way that Rosemary was acting.
"I know I wanted to talk about the press conference." John said. "But I think we all need a break right now."
"I have been working on something." Peter said. "We can look at it after we eat."
"Thank you." John said. "I was more worried about what Jack was going to say. I had an idea what I was going to say."
"I figured." Peter said. "I have been working on both. But you are right, we all need a break."
Those that had computers out, started to put them away as the other started to get the table ready for supper. Gran had seen Elizabeth head upstairs and was just going to let her be for the time being. She understood why Elizabeth was upset and knew that if she wanted time, that was what she needed. Gran closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. It didn't take long and they had the table ready for supper, including the extra table set up. They didn't need it for place settings, but it would be nice to have to set food on. Jack made sure that everyone had a full glass of ice water. He checked with his grandparents about wine and they declined. Jack understood why, but he still had checked.
As people started to take a seat, Father Mark came over to Jack.
"Are you okay?" Father Mark asked.
"I am trying." Jack said. "Honestly, it has been another hard day and all I want is for certain people to leave so that I can process what happened."
"Okay." Father Mark said. "Are you talking more than a certain female?"
"Yes." Jack said. "As much as I love everyone here, there are too many people in the house right now. I know that Devin and Grandpa John need to sit down and talk, but I also need to talk, but I don't even know where to begin. It feels like my life has been flipped upside down today and it honestly has nothing to do with Elizabeth. I have told her a little, but we haven't really talked about it. There was something else that Devin told me that I haven't shared yet. I know that I need to talk to her, but I just can't right now. Why can't I just get a break?"
Father Mark put his hand on Jack's back and said a quick prayer.
"How about this?" Father Mark said. "We get through this meal. Then you and I can sit down alone or with Elizabeth or both if you need. Devin can talk to John. I am sure that once we eat, security as well as the Averys will leave. Will that help?"
"Yes." Jack said. "I was hoping to have a nice weekend. We had a really nice time in Toronto, minus one little thing. And I am not talking about the press, but that is another story. I was so excited to spend time with Elizabeth and take her on a proper date that I almost ruined it with my big mouth. Thankfully Frank and Nathan were there to help explain what I was trying to say."
"There will still be a lot of people in the house after supper." Father Mark said. "But I think that if we ask for time, we will be able to talk. We can use the library if that is what you want or we can go up to the music room. You just need to tell me. I am sure that Gran and Trish will understand if you ask for time to talk to me. So take a deep breath and we will get through it. Even if we have to take it one hour at a time for a little bit. I have to hear confessions and say Mass this weekend, but then I will be able to take leave after eleven am Mass on Sunday."
"Thank you for doing that." Jack said. "I know that we have the Fourth and the show next week, but do you think that you will be able to come out Sunday after Church and stay for a few days. I think that it would help. I know that it is going to take more than tonight to work through things. I know that you have a counselor set up, but what I need to talk about, I would prefer to keep in the family for the moment."
"I can do that." Father Mark said. "Just let me check with Gran. I am sure that it will be fine to stay in your room. But I still want to ask. How long is Frank staying?"
"I think he was going to talk to Devin and head back Sunday." Jack said. "Then he is going to pack up and head back here before the show."
"Very good." Father Mark said.
"JP, Father Mark." James said. "I don't want to interrupt, but are almost ready to eat."
"No problem." Jack said. "We were just talking about a plan for later."
"Right." Father Mark said.
Father Mark went to get up, but Doug motioned for him to stay. Doug just switched the glasses and took the spot where Father Mark was going to sit.
"No need to play musical chairs." Doug said.