Thursday 2nd October 1808

Dear Diary,
All efforts had been taken to keep todays ceremony hushed but quite a number of villagers were skulking in the Chapel's vicinity. Some pretended to be 'brambling', others just happened to be out walking and quite a few had come to pay their respects to their dead relatives in the graveyard.
I sat upon the first pew and while I waited, gazed up at the colourful painted window behind the altar. It depicted the Creation from the first day until the last. My eyes drifted through the scenes until they arrived at Adam and Eve standing beneath a tree. Sat in the tree just above their heads was a single magpie.
At that moment the organ swelled and I rose and turned to face down the aisle. Mother and Father were seated behind me with Mrs Norris, Fanny, Jane and a smirking Willy. On the other side of the aisle sat the lonely figure of Mrs Clamp holding Annie and behind her Ned. All now rose too and faced towards the back of the church.
Reverend Peacock slowly began to process down the aisle followed by Titty and her Father. As they passed, the assembled guests turned to follow them and I noted there were few smiles upon this 'happy' occasion. At last Mr Clamp placed Titty's hand upon mine and went and stood by his wife. We turned and faced Reverend Parsons standing before the altar.
"Let us sing The Lord is my Shepherd," he pronounced.
Titty leapt slightly when Mrs Norris screeched the first note. Fortunately, we only sang one verse on the pretext of quickening the proceedings but in truth it was to save our ears.
The Reverend began;
"We have come together in the presence of God, to witness the marriage of Wayne and Titty, to ask his blessing on them, and to share in their joy."
Willy sniggered.
"Our Lord Jesus Christ was himself a guest at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and through his Spirit he is with us now."
I heard Ned yawn.
"Marriage is given, that husband and wife may comfort and help each other, living faithfully together in need and in plenty, in sorrow and in joy. It is given, that with delight and tenderness they may know each other in love, and, through the joy of their bodily union, may strengthen the union of their hearts and lives."
Willy sniggered again and I heard the dull thud of Jane's hand upon his head.
"It is given as the foundation of family life in which children may be born and oh, let's......er...miss that bit out," said the Reverand blushing slightly.
"In marriage husband and wife belong to one another, and they begin a new life together. It is a way of life that all should honour; and it must not be undertaken carelessly, lightly, or selfishly, but reverently, responsibly, and after serious thought."
I felt quite ill as the tension mounted and the moment approached.
"First, I am required to ask anyone present who knows a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, to declare it now."
I held my breath and Titty gasped as I squeezed her fingers a little too tightly. The silence seemed never ending as I willed it to be broken.......and then.....
"I know of a reason!" A voice called out.
Something was wrong.
I turned and looked at Ned, but he just shrugged at me and turned to face the real objector.
Everyone had turned towards the back and then out of the shadows stepped Willow, his head held high with pride.
"And your r..r..reason?" stuttered the Reverend weakly.
"Mr Austen loves me." He said.