The Wedding of Mr. Stuart Redman and Miss Jane Bennet
When Jane had woken that morning, the sky had been so perfectly clear that it must have been a sign that everything was going to go well. She'd done several things in her old clothing (such as salting the aisle) before taking the items of her hope chest and bringing it to the Compound to properly prepare herself while making sure to avoid both the rec room and Stuart. The weather was still cool in a crisp and refreshing way and it would give people pink cheeks and just the appearance of wisps of their breath, seen in the air.
The trees had the tufts of snow still sticking to them and it was not quite warm enough to make everything melt and create a muddy winterland. The snow was still crisp on the ground and there was no great danger of ice causing injury.
It was a beautiful day for a wedding.
True to her word, Jane had been gone at sunrise. Stu stayed in bed until he heard the door close, then he was up like a shot. He dressed in his jeans and flannel shirt, gathered up his suit and headed to the Compound so he could shower, shave and dress. Anyone who thought the bride was the only one who might have nerves on the wedding day was sorely mistaken. Stu couldn't help but wonder if mybe he should have eaten breakfast...or if that would have just given him more to be sick on. He did fine all the way til he got to the cravat that Jane liked so much. It took him forever to get it just so, but once he finally got it, he nodded to his reflection and headed out to the stage to stand with the Father and do what grooms do best. He waited.
Jane had been so lucky to have people at her disposal to aid. Though most of the guests were joined at the stage, she was still at the compound, half-dressed in her corset, slip, and linens as she distractedly ate a piece of toast, and then another (when nervous, her appetite flared up). She had Miss Kate to help her with her hair and by the end, it looked remarkably beautiful. She had even pinched her cheeks, as if her Mama were there. It was something she normally hated so, but on a day like this, it would suffice.
She brushed the crumbs from her shoulders and chest as she began to slowly tug on the remaining pieces of clothing. She brought the garter up to her thigh, trying to quell her nerves every step of the way. Such horrid thoughts flitted through her mind. What if she tripped? What if the dress became dirty? What if no one arrived? What if Stuart did not arrive? She tried to banish them from her mind as Miss Sacharissa and Miss Eostre helped her into the dress.
And then she was ready.
There was a bouquet to be held and she slipped on her shoes as she picked up the flowers and clutched them with a death grip. She made it nearly halfway to the stage with the help of her bridesmaids when she realised that she had forgotten something. "The veil!" she gasped, and though she knew it would make her slightly late, she rushed back for the compound to fetch the wayward item. She simply hoped that Stuart would forgive her.
Late wasn't a problem because Stu had his own worries. He knew the Doctor would be there, and Chris as well, but two and three didn't make six and Stu had a last minute moment of panic. He nearly started to break a sweat when he saw that Guy fella. Janie liked him well enough and there was probably some Texas custom about having the man who slept off being drunk on your couch having to repay the favor by being a groomsman...and if there wasn't, there oughta be. It didn't take much wrangling and Stu had his third man. Now they just needed a bride.
Jane now had her veil properly in place over her hair, a bouquet of flowers in hand, a wedding dress, three bridesmaids and just outside of the Compound was the Doctor, who took her by the arm and led her to the stage. It was a quiet journey, for Jane could not contain the nerves and the tumbling of her stomach and felt that if she opened her mouth to speak, it may come out only as a peal of horrid giggles. So she was very solemn until they arrived closer to the stage.
Sunny went first with her flowers, laying a lovely path and behaving so perfectly. She wore a miniature version of the dresses that Jane had sewn and Jane simply watched so proudly as Klaus followed her with the rings. The bridesmaids were next and she watched them each go, her nerves worrying her. But the Doctor squeezed her hand tightly and that was enough for Jane. She turned to him, conveying her gratitude heavily through her eyes and mouthing, 'thank you' before it was then their turn. Moril was playing the tune of the wedding procession that Jane had taught him and it sounded absolutely beautiful to her ears as she took the first step down the aisle, eyes firmly set forward, looking at Stuart and how absolutely amazing he looked.
She was looking at the man who would be her husband in so little time. And she could not help it. Halfway down the procession, she simply began to grin quite widely, not taking her eyes off of Stuart.
He watched her coming toward him, the prettiest thing he'd ever seen in his life. Her dress and the snow and the sunshine all surrounded her in a halo and if he hadn't thought she was an angel before, he sure did now. He licked his lips and watched her while everything else faded away. That was his bride. He could feel himself grinning like an idiot...and he didn't even care.
Jane caught his gaze and could not even bear to care when she was at the front and the Doctor was to give her away. She turned to pay attention to him, taking the time to regard him and exchange soft words before the ceremony began. The music slowly died away as Jane leaned forward to kiss him on the forehead, beaming widely. "I could never have asked for a better Papa than you," she whispered to him, eyes raw with the emotion behind her words. It was true that he had always been there for her, from the first moment that she had set foot upon the strange island. And she would never forget the kindness. His reply moved her near to tears if her excitement had not captivated her. "And none ever had a better daughter."
He gave her away and then it was time for the ceremony as Father Callahan stepped forward and Jane turned to face Stuart. He took her hands and looked into her eyes and the rest of the world slipped away. Oh, he could sort of tell the Father was saying something and he heard voces from the crowd, but none of that mattered. He didn't even look away when the Father cleared his throat to begin the vows.
Jane stared right back, wishing she could tell if he was as nervous as she was (and her hands shook every so often). It was mildly cold outside, but Jane could barely tell, not for all the snow in the world. She listened to the speech of the priest and was grateful when no one objected to the marriage, which led them into the vows. Father Callahan spoke them aloud and she knew she was not to speak first, but she nearly did, for her heart was pounding so hard in her ears, and she was so nervous. This was finally it.
Father Callahan, receiving Jane from the Doctor's hands, had Stu take her by the right hand and told him to repeat; I Stuart Redman take thee Jane Bennet to my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth. He said it in a low, soft tone meant just for her, hardly drawling at all.
Jane stared at him lovingly, following the instructions and took Stuart's right hand with her own and softly repeated the words that Father Callahan instructed her to say, words of her own time's wedding. I Jane Bennet take thee Stuart Redman to my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, and thereto I give thee my troth, she had started the words strongly, but they trailed away as she finished, simply staring at him.
Stu smiled at her, sure that his heart my burst right here in front of God and everyone. When that didn't happen, he watched Klaus give the rings to the Father who blessed them and handed Stu Jane's. He had never meant anything quite as strongly as the words he repeated while he slipped the ring on her finger. "With this Ring I thee wed, with my Body I thee worship, and with all my worldly Goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
Jane took Stuart's band and held it in her palm, feeling the weight of it so precious and heavy in her palm and she took Stuart's hand, looking upon him and doting, repeating the very same words. "With this Ring I thee wed, with my Body I thee worship, and with all my worldly Goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." The last bit of her sentence sounded as giddy as she felt, for as she slid the ring onto Stuart's finger, she knew that there was merely the pronouncement to be had.
Father Callahan smiled along with the couple and laid a hand on each shoulder. "What has been witnessed before God, let no man take apart. Stuart, Jane, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride."
Stu lifted her veil slowly, reverently, and kissed his wife for the first time. He could have kissed her forever, but that would come later. The Father was behind them, speaking to the crowd. "It is an honor to present to you...Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Redman," he said, giving the couple a little nudge to turn and face their friends and walk down the aisle together as one.
Jane took Stuart's hand in her own, clutching it tightly as she leaned into him, laughing happily as she watched his face, walking down the aisle with great vigour and happiness. She could barely contain herself and her happiness. She was his wife and she was Mrs. Stuart Redman and her life would never be the same. She nearly raced back to the compound with his hand in hers and she knew that the night was only beginning.
[Top level comments for organization, see the post in slated here]
The trees had the tufts of snow still sticking to them and it was not quite warm enough to make everything melt and create a muddy winterland. The snow was still crisp on the ground and there was no great danger of ice causing injury.
It was a beautiful day for a wedding.
True to her word, Jane had been gone at sunrise. Stu stayed in bed until he heard the door close, then he was up like a shot. He dressed in his jeans and flannel shirt, gathered up his suit and headed to the Compound so he could shower, shave and dress. Anyone who thought the bride was the only one who might have nerves on the wedding day was sorely mistaken. Stu couldn't help but wonder if mybe he should have eaten breakfast...or if that would have just given him more to be sick on. He did fine all the way til he got to the cravat that Jane liked so much. It took him forever to get it just so, but once he finally got it, he nodded to his reflection and headed out to the stage to stand with the Father and do what grooms do best. He waited.
Jane had been so lucky to have people at her disposal to aid. Though most of the guests were joined at the stage, she was still at the compound, half-dressed in her corset, slip, and linens as she distractedly ate a piece of toast, and then another (when nervous, her appetite flared up). She had Miss Kate to help her with her hair and by the end, it looked remarkably beautiful. She had even pinched her cheeks, as if her Mama were there. It was something she normally hated so, but on a day like this, it would suffice.
She brushed the crumbs from her shoulders and chest as she began to slowly tug on the remaining pieces of clothing. She brought the garter up to her thigh, trying to quell her nerves every step of the way. Such horrid thoughts flitted through her mind. What if she tripped? What if the dress became dirty? What if no one arrived? What if Stuart did not arrive? She tried to banish them from her mind as Miss Sacharissa and Miss Eostre helped her into the dress.
And then she was ready.
There was a bouquet to be held and she slipped on her shoes as she picked up the flowers and clutched them with a death grip. She made it nearly halfway to the stage with the help of her bridesmaids when she realised that she had forgotten something. "The veil!" she gasped, and though she knew it would make her slightly late, she rushed back for the compound to fetch the wayward item. She simply hoped that Stuart would forgive her.
Late wasn't a problem because Stu had his own worries. He knew the Doctor would be there, and Chris as well, but two and three didn't make six and Stu had a last minute moment of panic. He nearly started to break a sweat when he saw that Guy fella. Janie liked him well enough and there was probably some Texas custom about having the man who slept off being drunk on your couch having to repay the favor by being a groomsman...and if there wasn't, there oughta be. It didn't take much wrangling and Stu had his third man. Now they just needed a bride.
Jane now had her veil properly in place over her hair, a bouquet of flowers in hand, a wedding dress, three bridesmaids and just outside of the Compound was the Doctor, who took her by the arm and led her to the stage. It was a quiet journey, for Jane could not contain the nerves and the tumbling of her stomach and felt that if she opened her mouth to speak, it may come out only as a peal of horrid giggles. So she was very solemn until they arrived closer to the stage.
Sunny went first with her flowers, laying a lovely path and behaving so perfectly. She wore a miniature version of the dresses that Jane had sewn and Jane simply watched so proudly as Klaus followed her with the rings. The bridesmaids were next and she watched them each go, her nerves worrying her. But the Doctor squeezed her hand tightly and that was enough for Jane. She turned to him, conveying her gratitude heavily through her eyes and mouthing, 'thank you' before it was then their turn. Moril was playing the tune of the wedding procession that Jane had taught him and it sounded absolutely beautiful to her ears as she took the first step down the aisle, eyes firmly set forward, looking at Stuart and how absolutely amazing he looked.
She was looking at the man who would be her husband in so little time. And she could not help it. Halfway down the procession, she simply began to grin quite widely, not taking her eyes off of Stuart.
He watched her coming toward him, the prettiest thing he'd ever seen in his life. Her dress and the snow and the sunshine all surrounded her in a halo and if he hadn't thought she was an angel before, he sure did now. He licked his lips and watched her while everything else faded away. That was his bride. He could feel himself grinning like an idiot...and he didn't even care.
Jane caught his gaze and could not even bear to care when she was at the front and the Doctor was to give her away. She turned to pay attention to him, taking the time to regard him and exchange soft words before the ceremony began. The music slowly died away as Jane leaned forward to kiss him on the forehead, beaming widely. "I could never have asked for a better Papa than you," she whispered to him, eyes raw with the emotion behind her words. It was true that he had always been there for her, from the first moment that she had set foot upon the strange island. And she would never forget the kindness. His reply moved her near to tears if her excitement had not captivated her. "And none ever had a better daughter."
He gave her away and then it was time for the ceremony as Father Callahan stepped forward and Jane turned to face Stuart. He took her hands and looked into her eyes and the rest of the world slipped away. Oh, he could sort of tell the Father was saying something and he heard voces from the crowd, but none of that mattered. He didn't even look away when the Father cleared his throat to begin the vows.
Jane stared right back, wishing she could tell if he was as nervous as she was (and her hands shook every so often). It was mildly cold outside, but Jane could barely tell, not for all the snow in the world. She listened to the speech of the priest and was grateful when no one objected to the marriage, which led them into the vows. Father Callahan spoke them aloud and she knew she was not to speak first, but she nearly did, for her heart was pounding so hard in her ears, and she was so nervous. This was finally it.
Father Callahan, receiving Jane from the Doctor's hands, had Stu take her by the right hand and told him to repeat; I Stuart Redman take thee Jane Bennet to my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth. He said it in a low, soft tone meant just for her, hardly drawling at all.
Jane stared at him lovingly, following the instructions and took Stuart's right hand with her own and softly repeated the words that Father Callahan instructed her to say, words of her own time's wedding. I Jane Bennet take thee Stuart Redman to my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, and thereto I give thee my troth, she had started the words strongly, but they trailed away as she finished, simply staring at him.
Stu smiled at her, sure that his heart my burst right here in front of God and everyone. When that didn't happen, he watched Klaus give the rings to the Father who blessed them and handed Stu Jane's. He had never meant anything quite as strongly as the words he repeated while he slipped the ring on her finger. "With this Ring I thee wed, with my Body I thee worship, and with all my worldly Goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
Jane took Stuart's band and held it in her palm, feeling the weight of it so precious and heavy in her palm and she took Stuart's hand, looking upon him and doting, repeating the very same words. "With this Ring I thee wed, with my Body I thee worship, and with all my worldly Goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." The last bit of her sentence sounded as giddy as she felt, for as she slid the ring onto Stuart's finger, she knew that there was merely the pronouncement to be had.
Father Callahan smiled along with the couple and laid a hand on each shoulder. "What has been witnessed before God, let no man take apart. Stuart, Jane, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride."
Stu lifted her veil slowly, reverently, and kissed his wife for the first time. He could have kissed her forever, but that would come later. The Father was behind them, speaking to the crowd. "It is an honor to present to you...Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Redman," he said, giving the couple a little nudge to turn and face their friends and walk down the aisle together as one.
Jane took Stuart's hand in her own, clutching it tightly as she leaned into him, laughing happily as she watched his face, walking down the aisle with great vigour and happiness. She could barely contain herself and her happiness. She was his wife and she was Mrs. Stuart Redman and her life would never be the same. She nearly raced back to the compound with his hand in hers and she knew that the night was only beginning.
[Top level comments for organization, see the post in slated here]