“Bite your tongue,” Claire replied in a harsh, angry whisper before they kneeled so no one would hear. Their exchange was fast, and now he would have no chance to reply. Well that was just [i]fine[/i] by her, he could stew in guilt and wonder what consequences her wrath would bring. The man in front asked them to rise and immediately went into the ceremony, the music stopping in the background.

“Dearly beloved friends, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honorable state, instituted of God…” The clergyman read from the Common Book of Prayer, something Claire had heard time and time again from the weddings she had attended in the past. It was a long read, but she did her best to keep a smile on her face as was expected by all around them.

“I require and charge you (as you will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secretes of all hearts shall be disclosed) that if either of you do know any impediment, why you may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, that you confess it...” He went on, and when the command was finished Claire’s gaze fell. No matter what she wanted, this was her fate. She could list a dozen reasons why this was not a good idea, but her father and her employer could think of a dozen more for why she should. The room was silent… no one was coming to her rescue.

Next were the actual vows, Nick first and then herself. “Will you have this woman as your wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness, and in health? And forsaking all other, keep only to her, so long as you both shall have?”

What a long, detailed way to ask if he would stay faithful. Claire stole a glance at him, hating how…how final it all sounded. This was her life. Would he keep them…would she? Because as soon as he answered they were asked of her as well. Of course most of it, the most important part, could not be kept. She did not love him, and had no idea how to [i]comfort[/i] him. Honor? Honor was earned, in her opinion, and he had done nothing to earn it. But the words still came out of her mouth, and behind her father breathed a sigh of relief. “I will.”

Her anger had changed to grief, and keeping a smile that did not reach her eyes Claire turned to take his hands as a few more words were spoken. [i]Finally[/i] it was time for the ring. Then a long prayer, and they could ‘celebrate’ the wonderful union between two people who were supposed to be in love. At least, there would be less gossip if they acted in love. Of course there would be a breakfast afterward for the closer friends and family…and by closer, there were still probably a hundred guests attending the reception. It would normally be held at her father’s house, but why waste such a wonderful venue?

Claire hated the idea of small talk, but knew she was getting ahead of herself. Why dread the future when there was enough to dread happening right now? The woman closed her eyes, the weight of the necklace he’d given her becoming a burden. It was not given out of love, but obligation, just like the entire ceremony.