Chapter Seventeen

Caroline looked nothing less than resplendent as she walked down the aisle, yet no eyes were on her, all eyes were fixed on; the clearly grudging groom. He dressed in all blck, as if he were going to a funeral, while Caroline dressed in blue in hopes that their love would be true; if there was to be any love that is.

Having no close friends in attendance Milly had the honor of being Caroline's bridesmaid. Caroline’s father walked her down the aisle. Well wobbled. He had a bit of an alcohol problem and had indulged himself in a few drinks before the ceremony. Caroline glanced at the crowd as she walked by, but recognized no one, as she approached the altar, her father unhooked his arm, and sat to her left in the front row. Caroline came to a stop, and stood to the left of the Count, and to his right stood Sir. Elton.

The Bishop stood at the front of the altar, and spoke; his voice brittle, and gravelly from age. "Ladies, and gentlemen we have congregated here today to unite the Boushley household, and the Van Allen County."

"If any can show a just cause why this couple shall not be joined together in holy matrimony, I implore you to speak now, or forever hold your peace." The Bishop waits a moment, the crowd holds their breath, but no one dares to utter a word. "Since there is no reason for this ceremony not to proceed, Lady Boushley will you repeat after me." The Bishop clears his throat. "I Caroline Lillian Le Boushley."

Caroline's eyes nervously look to the left at the Bishop, then to the right at the crowd before finally settling on the Count. "I Caroline Lillian Le Boushley."

"Take Cecile Silas Van Allen."

"Take Cecile Silas Van Allen." Caroline repeated.

"To be my lawful husband, to have and to hold from this day forward."

"To be my-" Caroline chokes up on her words. In the corner of her eye she spots Elton. He gives her a small smile, before mouthing "go on."Caroline looks back to the Count."To be my lawful husband, to have and to hold from this day forward."

"For better, or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part." His voice cracks.

"For better, or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

"I swear that I will love and honor you for the rest of my life."

Caroline hiccups on her words. "I swear that I will love and honor you for the rest of my days." A tear slides down her cheek.

The Bishop turns to the Count. "And you sir?"

"I do."

"Good. Then repeat after me-"The Count cuts him off. "No need. I know it." The Count turns back to Caroline. "I Cecile Van Allen, take Caroline Lillian Le Boushley-" A boom radiates throughout the hall as the door slams open. Caroline takes a quick glance at the door, to see a red haired woman walking in. "To be my lawfully wedded wife." She looks back to the Count. "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part." Despite the disturbance he retains eye contact with Caroline throughout the remainder of the ceremony. "I swear that I will love and honor you for the rest of your life." His lips purse into a small smile.

 The Count said "your life," not "my life." Caroline could sense no evil intent from such a small mix up, yet something about it sent shivers down her spine.

The Bishop holds out two silver rings on a small white pillow. Cecile grabs one of the rings, and slides it onto Caroline's ring finger."In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Take and wear this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness."

Caroline picks up the other ring. "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Take and wear this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness." She slides it onto the Counts cold hand, and with that they were husband and wife.

The couple turns to the crowd. "Presenting the Count and Countess of Brasite."