Finale...Wedding Bells
It was now early October and so much had transpired at
Rowland's Park since the party in June.
Doris's feet had hardly touched the ground since she
had become engaged to Henry and today was the long waited for wedding.
It was to be a relatively small affair. Doris had no
family...none close anyway and Henry had a son, daughter-in-law and two small
grandchildren.
Doris had worried that his family may not be able to
accept her readily, but they welcomed her with open arms.
With her easy going nature and the fact they she
obviously adored his father, Henry's son Lionel was entirely happy.
Doug and Jessica had taken things slowly...for about a
week, then quite swiftly...it had intensified!
Jessica had come to realize that Doug, despite his
seemingly cool and outward going disposition, was in fact quite shy and
vulnerable.
Doug, in turn, had just fallen head over heels in love
with her. As he explained to Doris one day, it was not unlike being hit over the
head with a sledgehammer...
After the registry office wedding, there was to be a
reception at a favourite French restaurant of Henrys...the residents of
Rowland's Park were all invited.
Doris stood in front of her bedroom mirror adjusting
her small hat.
How long she had been waiting for this...someone to
love her and make her life complete. She adored Henry and had started to grow
close to his son's family too.
The eldest girl, Amy, already called her Nanny D.
A knock at the door brought her back down to earth. It
was Jan...resplendent with bump.
"Hi Doris" she greeted the older woman
"How are you, any nerves?"
"A few, yes "replied Doris smiling at Jan
who was now almost eight months pregnant.
Jan told her that everyone was on his or her way to
the registry office now and that Doris's car was waiting outside.
"Brides prerogative to be late" teased Jan.
Doris smiled, she knew that she didn't want to wait a
minute longer than she had to. She was so excited...Doris Penney, spinster of
this parish...getting married!
Jan gave Doris a peck on her velvety cheek and
disappeared out of sight. Doris stood still for a moment and drunk in the
absolute silence.
The early autumn sunshine was now apparent and it was
as if God was already blessing their impending union.
The ride in the Daimler was an experience that Doris
would always remember. The sheer luxury was overwhelming, as was the surprise
parcel, handed to her by the driver as she got in to the vehicle.
It was a small shape wrapped in simple gold paper.
Doris carefully unwrapped it and opened the box.
Inside was a charm bracelet with one single charm
hanging from it. It was a little gold book and Doris immediately knew the
significance of it. After all, she had first met Henry in the local
library...thank goodness for their love of books.
The wedding service was beautiful and Tansy amused
everyone by singing 'The Wheels On The Bus' at top volume whilst the vows were
being exchanged.
Kay tried to reprimand her small daughter but Doris
held up her hand as if to say today...nothing can spoil my happiness
In twos and threes, the guests made their way to the
nearby French restaurant. As they entered, they were each given a flute of
champagne and mellow music was played all around them.
The meal was exquisite and Henry's son Lionel gave a
moving speech, which reduced most to tears when he told of how his beloved
mother would have chosen Doris for his father it she could have. He said that
his mother had said to him days before she died that she didn't want Henry to be
alone. She had told Lionel that if Henry did meet someone, he was not to make
things difficult for his father.
Lionel said that the situation had never arisen as
they had all grown to love Doris anyway.
Julie stifled a sob and blew her nose into Mike's
handkerchief, sparking off much laughter amongst those gathered. Immediately, a
joyous air seemed to descend on everyone and a spot of dancing ensued.
Nick, who had been elected spokesman cleared his
throat and banged on the table with his dessertspoon.
He asked for silence and told of the affection that
everyone held in his or her hearts for Doris.
He explained that the residents of Rowland's Park had
all clubbed together and paid for a honeymoon for the newlyweds. They were to go
tomorrow to Southern Ireland and were staying in an old hotel...originally a
castle.
The duration of eight nights meant that Doris and
Henry could explore the area to their hearts content.
"Not to mention the Guinness," shouted
Tom...receiving a playful slap from Kay.
Much later, back in their individual flats, the
residents settled back to their own lives.
Doris and Henry were staying tonight at Henry's house
before leaving for Ireland. When they got back, Doris's flat would be put in the
hands of an estate agent. It would be a sad day for everyone when this fine lady
left Rowland's Park. But Henry's house was so comfortable and had three bedrooms
meaning that her newly acquired family could come to stay.
Jan and Nick were already in bed. Baby was moving
around as if he...or she were running a marathon.
Kay had just seen Tom out. She had invited him in for
a coffee and they had both put a very tired Tansy to bed.
Soon, she hoped that after a coffee, he wouldn't have
to leave...it felt right.
Julie had left Mike as soon as they had taken their
leave from the restaurant. He would phone her the next day he promised. Julie
believed Mike...he was a bit of a joker, but he treated her well and she hoped
that things would work out as far as their new relationship was concerned.
Jessica was making a hot drink, ready to take to bed.
Her red hair was loose around her shoulders and she stifled a yawn.
Doug...where was Doug. Had he been left at the
restaurant?
No, if we zoom back to Jessica's flat, we notice that
she has actually made two cups of coffee.
Smiling to herself, she carries them both in to her
bedroom!
©2002 StoriesByEmail.com
|
