Twenty Three Part Two

Paulie opened the chapel door slowly before he peeked bashfully into the church full of people. He saw every pair of eyes directed at him...and he froze.

Betsy stepped forward impatiently, coming into the doorway from the side bringing all eyes directly to her. While this was to be expected, t'was also a great relief to Paulie, who smiled sheepishly while trying to gather his wits again.

The church sighed as a group, women's voices could then be heard murmuring, Is she not the sweetest thing? Have you ever seen a bride more lovely?

Violet... could...not...breathe....

Not in, nor out. Even if it be to save his life, he could not take a breath.

He felt just as though he had been sucker punched right in the gut by the very sight he had been praying for.

A more perfect bride he could never have imagined. The fleeting sight he took in of her overall was so very precious, it nearly brought Vi to his knees.

Violet tried focusing on one thing at a time, hoping to find his bearings again, after feeling he had been run aground.

It had happened before once, when Chauncey had not see the reef, they had run upon it and Violet's stomach had dropped faster than it ever had before in his life.

That was how he felt now.

So he focused on the fact that he was still alive, and even though he could not breathe, his eyes could still see.

His love was dressed in an intricately wrought, lace peasant gown that was so incredibly simple, it was simply elegant. He had never seen her dressed thusly before. The gown she wore suited her character to perfection, the simple wreath upon her crown and she was again his woodland fairy.

Until his eyes fell upon the small lace choker around her neck. The scrap of material drew his gaze to her nape, where he imagined placing his lips and lingering. He lifted ravaged, tortured, violet eyes to look upon her face. His eyes started burning as they reflected the love that shone in the molasses depths of hers.

Violet could not help the tears that burned in his eyes with just how innocently lovely she was.

Violet stared intently at her face as she smiled confidently at him. He could tell she was trying to do that thing she did, she was trying to anchor him as she could see he was suddenly adrift.

He craved the feel of her perfectly bowed lips, he wanted them clinging to his own right this instant, more than he wanted anything else in the world.

Why could they not do the kissing part first at weddings? Violet wondered, as he focused on her sweet, beautiful smile.

Just one kiss would surely help him make his way through the rest of this quite a bit better than he would do without one. If he could just have the one kiss, he may be able to stop the buzzing that filled his head, and to quell the tears that threatened to spill from his burning eyes. If he could but kiss her once... Mayhap, he could breathe.

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Elizabeth had stood aside as Paulie swung the door open. When he froze in place, from what seemed to be shyness, Betsy stepped forward to place her hand on Paulie's arm, even as her eyes flew to find Violet.

Good Lord above, she thought, he was even more stunningly beautiful than the day she met him. He was so perfectly gorgeous that the sight of him made her stomach flip over and drew her to him as a magnet.

Betsy stepped forward, dragging Paulie along with her as she made her way to Violet.

Betsy was utterly and completely filled to the brim with love for him. Her insides melted at his sultry gaze. She watched as his eyes took her in, the stunning, violet depths raked up her gown to then linger on her neck. She felt her skin warm in every place where his eyes touched her.

When his eyes finally met her own, the love and hunger she saw in them made her quicken her stride to close the distance posthaste.

She could see the tears that threatened to fall from his thick lashes and she could not stand to see him in what she perceived to be a bit of pain.

"Are you alright, my love?" She whispered, as she came to a stop in front of him, laying her free hand upon his chest.

He closed his eyes for a second, and then he opened them to slowly nod at her, before his eyes took on that pained look again.

"Hold these, Paulie." Betsy handed her bouquet to Paulie, she smiled at Reverend Mahoney, before asking him to excuse her for a moment.

She turned to Violet, who stood in front of her, desperately needing her.

She lifted both her hands and set them upon Violet's cheeks, "I love you, Violet." She whispered, then she softly kissed him.

The church gasped as a group in surprise, Violet also, as she had broken the spell and he could now draw breath, the ladies could be heard sighing at the romantic vein it brought to the ceremony.

Violet's hands found their way to either side of her hips as he soaked in what he felt was an answered prayer, he had needed this moment, and he took it.

Violet then lifted his face from hers, smiling at her, as the tears he had been fighting not to shed made two slow tracks down his cheeks.

She smiled back at him, wiping the moisture away with her thumbs, before pressing another quick kiss to his cheek.

This woman knew what he needed at any given time, she always read him so very well.

So sweet, are they not a lovely couple, have you ever seen the like? This came from the hushed voices of the ladies there to witness the vows.

"Are ye ready now, lass?" The reverend smiled at the couple, as they both nodded towards one another, neither of them even sparing him a glance.

Paulie looked at the bouquet in his hands, then looked to Elizabeth's back. He shrugged, then took the bouquet and sat beside Lady Eleanor, the flowers resting in his lap.

Betsy and Violet had eyes only for one another.

That is how it began, endured, and ended. Every word, every vow, every following movement was made while they gazed into one another's eyes.

They were incredibly blessed, they had found their one true soulmate, out of all the other people that inhabited this earth, they had been blessed to be led to their one, true love for a lifetime.

And they both knew how very blessed they were.

They promised to do all the things they had already been doing. Loving, honoring, cherishing and obeying. They vowed anew to cling only unto each other for the rest of their days on earth.

The rings were exchanged, and reverently placed upon one another's hands as the pastor blessed their union and then pronounced them truly wed.

The kiss that followed was earth shattering for Betsy.

This time, Violet's eyes shining with still unshed tears, he held her small, pointed chin gently with his fingertips, holding her there in place, while he claimed her as his own.

The tenderness Violet displayed in his possession of her lips, wrung her heart painfully, even as part of her soul seemed to fly up and out of her chest.

Violet raised his head the tiniest bit, "You are mine, Elizabeth." He whispered, as he gazed into her eyes.

Her own eyes crinkled back at him in joy, "And you are mine, Violet." She answered, her hand coming up to cup his jaw, as a piece of him seemed to enter her heart, filling the space that had been left after giving a part of herself to him.

She now felt more as one with him than she had before.

She remembered when he had said that very same phrase the first day they had been married. You are mine. He had been absolutely right then, just as he was now.

She was his, body, heart, and soul. He could have it all, as she had given him every bit of her trust, and love, when she married him and took his name.

Violet and Elizabeth Petals.

If it were possible, her eyes shined even brighter as she then thought, they could now create a family together and make many babes, just as he had wished.

Reverend Mahoney ceremoniously announced them as husband and wife, while Vi's crew began hooting and clapping. Brutus slapped Violet on the back, before grabbing and kissing Betsy, congratulating them both.

It took a good long time to make it through all the well wishes and helpful advice.

The crew each took their turns at patting Violet's back and stealing bride kisses, the congregation standing back, awaiting their turn to wish them both the very best.

Never go to bed angry, just know the wife is always right, do whatever she says and ye will have a happy life.

This was the advice Violet received from the men of the church, said in a joking manner, yet he could tell they were dead serious also.

The ladies hurried through their congratulations and then made their way outside, buzzing with talk of how sweet the ceremony was as they gathered up food.

A banquet began appearing from various wagons and carriages.

Two tables had been set up outside, they sat up against the outside wall on the parsonage side of the church. Beyond the cheery pastor's cottage, one could see the ocean shining brilliantly, sunlight sparkling on the surface of the waters.

The setting was lovely, but Violet had eyes only for his wife as his sweet bride was much lovelier.

Violet's stomach growled at the aroma's wafting on the breeze. 'Twas the one thing that could draw his attention from his love, as he saw how lovely the food looked also.

The ladies had made pies, many, many pies. The individual pasties filled up both tables, one table was filled with hand sized, meat and vegetable pies, the other table was laden with small fruit and custard filled tarts.

Violet smelled the food and started heading that way, pulling Betsy along with him. The happily joined couple made their way to the tables, smiles wreathing their faces.

Violet was weak with hunger and pounced on the meat pies, tossing back three of them before Betsy could even advise him to slow down a mite.

He grinned at her and kept chewing, once again reminding her of their encounter that first day in his cabin.

Betsy looked down at her wedding ring, she was very glad to have it back where it belonged as she reached with the adorned hand for a small pie of her own.

All were in a festive mood as lunch was partaken of and conversations were shared. The crew mingled with the townsfolk, Katherine and Marcus looked proudly upon their son and his new wife. Lady Ellie made the rounds, sharing the story of how the two met.

After a while, Eleanor approached Betsy with a worn leather journal in her hand. "This was Bernard's," She told Betsy and Violet, "he kept it faithfully all the years he pastored, I think you both may find it interesting reading." She handed it to Violet, which surprised both he and Betsy, yet Betsy accepted Eleanor's wisdom, as it seemed Ellie already knew what Papa's words were.

"Thank you, I shall treasure it always." Violet assured the elder woman.

"Good, he would have liked you to know the things he prayed for." Ellie patted Violet's arm, "You are just one of the prayers he has had answered."

Elizabeth stood next to Violet as he tucked the journal under his arm, "I look forward to reading this with Elizabeth." Violet nodded at Lady Ellie, as his free arm came around his wife. He looked down at his kitten and smiled at her, as her eyes shone up into his, revealing her joy and happiness on this fine day.

Violet could not help but to lean down and kiss her freckled nose, she was just so sweet that he could not keep his hands, nor his lips, from her for very long.

The boys had brought their slingshots, and after grabbing a sweet pie, or two, they were heading a short ways away to the edge of the clearing, to find a tree to target. Most of the men followed behind to watch the boys, to throw knives, and to harass each other boisterously.

Violet was lead away from Betsy to join the men, as the ladies wrapped the pies that were left to keep safe for the time being.

When the pies had been secured against insects and dust, a few of the men wandered back to their conveyances and then brought out instruments. They began taking seats in the back of a wagon, tuning up, to play for the small crowd.

The ladies were setting out pitchers of cider and wooden cups as the dancing was about ready to begin.

Violet returned thankfully to Betsy, he had graciously excused himself from the men and their bawdy comments pertaining to his wedding night.

Vi walked up behind Betsy, where she stood talking to his mother, and he pressed full up against her back, wrapping his arms around her. He then kissed her crown from above.

Betsy closed her eyes, as Katherine adverted her own to find Marcus. Violet bent and kissed her nape directly under the scrap of lace that adorned it.

"I have wanted to do this since I first laid eyes on you today." He breathed under her ear.

Betsy shivered as his warm breath passed over her neck. Wishing for a bit more privacy, yet knowing it would still be a while before they could be alone, she turned in his arms, snaking her own around his neck and holding the back of his head, she pulled him down to her for a kiss. He growled into her mouth subtly, as the musicians got their act together and began to play.

"May I present the newly rewed, Violet and Elizabeth Petals." Brutus announced with much flair and pomp, before sweeping an arm gallantly their way.

Katherine stood by to take the journal from Violet, as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Mama."

Violet turned to Elizabeth, and made a gallant bow, before holding out his hand to her. She took his hand and dipped down in a small curtsy. Vi drew her in close, his other hand slowly sliding in around her waist.

Violet swept Betsy into the dance, their steps sure and light on the shortened grass. They flowed together, around and around, in perfect time to the music.

The top of her head just cleared his shoulder, he kissed her forehead then looked down upon his treasure, as she gazed up at the one true love of her life.

Their expressions were solemn, the warmth from their embrace, along with the kisses exchanged just before, making them both wish to be alone together in very private settings.

"Quit looking at me like that." Violet growled quietly at her.

"Like what?" She breathed back at him.

"Like there is a bed in the next room, Vixen, you shall drive me mad." He continued growling at her.

"I do wish there were a bed in the next room, Violet, how would you have me look?" She batted her lashes at him, as she gave him a saucy smirk.

"Ye be askin' fer trouble, wench!" He growled again.

"Oh, I sure do hope so, as I believe you would definitely go to the trouble to show me just how much trouble I can ask for."

He blinked at her, had that even made sense? Was it his brain, or was she indeed babbling nonsense?

Did it matter?

"I have no idea what you are speaking of, Vixen, but I am definitely going to go to the trouble of showing you exactly what your bawdy comments will reap."

"Bawdy? I?" Betsy shook her head at him, her eyes never leaving his. "I only say the truth, if you find it troubling, then tell me how I should look at you.

"I do not think it would matter, honestly." He sighed. "It only takes the mere sight of you, and I want to steal you away from here and ravish you senseless." His breathy voice trailed along her spine, making her shiver again.

"Are you cold?" He asked of her.

"Mayhap, a little," Betsy looked up. Where a half hour before had been clear, blue skies and warm sunshine, billowy clouds now blocked the sun's rays, and it had cooled down rather quickly.

This dancing, however, with his strong arms around her, warmed her, as she knew the shivers had mostly come from his words.

The musicians finished the waltz and Violet turned with his bride to the assembled group that had been watching them dance. Violet bowed to his bride, then to the guests, as Betsy curtsied to him and then to their guests also.

A pattering of applause and more sighing from the women occurred, before Violet led his wife away into the church.

The guests took advantage of the musicians and danced, while Violet and Betsy approached the reverend.

Donald turned from the small table where the marriage papers were waiting to be signed, and held out a pen to Violet. "'Tis glad I am ye no' be a fainter, Violet, ye had me worryin' fer a mite there." He chuckled softly, as Violet nodded his thanks.

Vi smiled ruefully, taking the pen to sign the papers with a flourish, before handing the pen to his wife. Vi noticed that Marcus and the Lady Eleanor had already signed as witnesses.

He watched as Betsy first smiled at the reverend, then turned her joyous face to his own, before signing with her own bit of a flourish, equal to his.

He grinned at her as she set the pen down, then she brushed her hands one against the other, as if she had just completed something that had needed done.

Betsy picked up the official papers and approached Violet, waving the paper dry, as she stood before him and held it in front of her. "Are you satisfied now?" She quirked a brow at him as she smirked suggestively.

He returned the quirked brow and said quite seriously, "Not by a long shot." Betsy blinked at him for a moment, then she turned a lovely shade of pink when she caught his meaning.

"Well, yes, now that all that be done." Donald cleared his throat, then quickly cleared the building, leaving the two quite alone.

"I am curious how long we must stay here before we can make our escape." Violet slipped an arm around her waist and took advantage of the small space of privacy they had been given.

The kissing, and gazing into one another's eyes, lasted through at least one dance being carried out in the churchyard.

"I think there is cake," Betsy breathed between kisses.

"Cake?" Violet asked of her, in between his own kisses he was placing upon her.

"Mmmmmmm, cake." Betsy replied as her hands came up over his chest to cling to his shoulders.

Why was she talking about cake? Violet wondered.

"What about cake?" He asked her as his lips found her neck once again.

"I believe we must eat cake before we can make our escape." Betsy drawled, as she absorbed the sweet feelings his lips created on her neck. Her stomach fluttered in anticipation of when they could be truly alone.

"In that case, my love, let us eat cake!" Violet stated, as he turned and dragged her down the aisle, again to eat. This time, to eventually sate a different hunger, however.

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"I said how truly sorry I am That I must leave early, Gwen, but I cannot miss this meeting. T'was planned weeks ago and I dare not cancel after waiting this long to see the man." Jude was packing his bags, as Gwendolyn pouted from the bed.

Jude had sparked upon an idea to get away from Gwendolyn's clutches at the first opportunity.

"Juuuude....." Gwendolyn whined, "Why can you not come back after the meeting? We still have a few days until Marcus should return." She let the sheet slip down, exposing herself to him. "Please say you will try, my darling."

Jude walked over and placed a hand upon her shoulder, rubbing her skin with his thumb. "I will try." He leaned down and kissed her upon her brow, before turning to pick up his bag and exit the room.

His face, as soon as he got away from her, went from displeasure straight to relief. He walked quickly, lest she call him back making his way straight for the stables.

Jude felt a sudden need to get back home and assure himself all was well with his courtship of Terese. It had not been a good time to leave when he had, not having yet secured Terese's hand, he felt the sudden need to try to do so.

He also had to figure out how to have Gwendolyn exposed for the vicious, scheming bitch she that she was.

Good Lord, it could be him she tried to have killed next if she found out about his wanting to marry Terese. He had better move on to the part of his plans that exposed Gwendolyn more quickly.

But how? At this point it would be his word against hers. He had no proof of anything. He needed to find solid proof somehow.

These were the thoughts that occupied him for the next hour, until he reached home to bathe, to wash off Gwendolyn, and to prepare for a visit to the lovely Terese.

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Gwendolyn lay in the bed at the hunting lodge that was still warm from she and Jude's lovemaking.

She stretched out in the bed and smiled a wicked smile. Nothing was keeping her here.

She could go to the city and stay at Jude's a day or so, with absolutely none the wiser.

Why, she would hardly have to miss him at all. She rose and dressed to return to the manse. To bathe, pack an overnight bag, and then chase down her lover.

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