11 - Holy Ground
The general murmur of 'Amen' makes a roll like distant thunder about the church. There's a mixed solemnity and joy among the people, and Janet is fairly radiant, even with this rushed ushering into the major phase of her life. The groom grits his teeth on nerves, standing tense and straight though glancing at the bride from time to time, clearly wishing no more than to hold her. Noting the pause occasioned by the lack of his chosen reader and aware of the deepening night, he dips his head to softly clear his throat and accepts Janet's hand as her father looses his hold.
"In the...name of God, I, Nathan Fox, take you, Janet Criddle, to be my wife," Master Fox manages, the words smoothing as he looks into Janet's eyes, forgetting, for a moment, that anyone else exists: "-to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness or in health...to love and to cherish until death should part us. This is my solemn vow."
He kisses her fingers and lets them go. Janet takes a deep breath, reaches out and re-takes his hand of her own will. Her promise is spoken more steadily and with more confidence, having the example to follow, though there's no less intensity of emotion in her voice:
"In the name of God, I, Janet Criddle, take you, Nathan Fox, for to be my husband: to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish until death should part us. This is my solemn vow."
The congregation keeps a rapt silence, and even those with a notion that the bride had been yet a child for her age and gentle upbringing can tell that she is as much a part of this joint will as the young man beside her. There is the determination to pledge herself throughout the long uncertainties of a life burning beneath her gentle blushes, and she keeps hold of Nathan's hand until the Vicar's glances motion to a blessing of the ring.