16 Chapter Fifteen

May 22, 1835

The last few days were busy to say the least. Dressmakers, shoemakers, planners, bakers, relatives, and friends flocked from all over to prepare for the big, yet rushed event, even Caroline's father was set to be in attendance. Those immersive few days quickly passed, and the wedding soon came.

At the crack of dawn, Caroline was awoken in order to start preparing. She's thrown in the tub, scrubbed clean, before scrubbing her teeth as well. After Winnie does her make up, and Eleshiva puts up her hair, still barely awake Caroline doesn't make much conversation.

A carriage then escorts Caroline to the chapel a few miles down the road, to finish getting ready. She's taken up stairs, where an elderly woman, who Caroline recognizes to be the dressmaker from before, her assistant, and the shoemaker are already waiting for her inside.

"Ah it's the bride! Come here, come here, try on your dress." The woman waves her over. She aboliges. The dressmaker's assistant helps Caroline into her dress, before the dressmaker sinches her in.

"Are you nervous?" She asks, noticing Carolines shaking form.

"Yes, a little-"

"You should've gotten married in a few weeks, even in July if need be." The man remarks.

"Why then?"

"Have you never heard the phrase; "Married when the year is new, he’ll be loving, kind and true. When February birds do mate, you wed not dread your fate. If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you’ll know. Marry in April when you can, joy for Maiden and for Man. Marry in the month of May, and you’ll surely rue the day. Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you’ll go. Those who in July do wed, must labor for their daily bread. Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see. Marry in September’s shrine, your living will be rich and fine. If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry. If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember. When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last."

"My that is nerve wracking, I've never heard the saying."

"Daniel, stop messing with the poor girl." The woman glares at him, before looking back to Caroline, "Ignore him child, it's just an old wise tale. If you're marrying this fast it must be for love, or good reason. And your dress is a beautiful baby blue meaning your love will be true."

The elderly woman steps back, "You're all set my dear. How does it feel?"

"A little snug."

"Not too suffocating I hope."

"Actually-" The shoemaker cuts Caroline off, "The boots are laced, and ready!"

"Hurry dear, you don't have much time left!" The woman waves Caroline away, and the shoemaker helps her into her boots.

"My lady, we must make haste!" Milly screams as she enters the room.

"Is it time already?"

"Yes, we must go down stairs immediately." Milly grabs Caroline's hand, and leads her down the hall.

"Ah don't forget your vail!" The dressmaker's assistant yells. The two stop in their tracks, and she runs after them. She carefully places it on Caroline's head. "You look vibrant." She smiles, "Good luck!"