Love? Conquers All
I: Tuesday, March 15, 2005: Ancestral
Estate of the Lancastrians of Wessex, Wessex, England - the Ides of
March
On this joyous day I acknowledge he who rules my life still.
The last time I wore my full regalia - the full dress uniform with all the medals, badges, frills, my sword, all that symbolized my rank and stature as Duke of Wessex was at the Queen Mother's funeral. I am thankful that this time around I am donning it all under more auspicious circumstances.
I know I look good - damn good - but it's a pain in the ass having to haul all this shit around. I stand in front of the mirror as Jim, my head of household, double checks everything on me.
I breath heavily.
"Doing okay Robert?"
Finally a man who calls me by my first name.
"Yes...yes, thank you Jim. How do I look - everything in place?"
He pulls out a little vanity broom to sweep any dust or specs off the back of the uniform.
"Yes sir you look fine. I guess you're a bit nervous seeing as you've hardly said a word since getting this stuff on."
He walked to the front of me and straightened my shirt. I didn't respond. Jim chuckled.
"I'll take that as a 'yes.' Not to worry Rob, the ceremony will go off exceptionally well."
The ceremony is not what I'm concerned about. I've thought about all those horrid clichés, as true as they are, about marriage. This time it'll be different. This time it'll last. This woman is different.
I chuckle to myself this time. Jim smiles.
She's fucking different all right. As is marrying on a day marked by the murder of Julius Caesar those 2049 years ago. No matter though - from his death we mark a new beginning.
I love her. I've wanted her from the moment I lay eyes on her. Nobody stood in my way that night at that hotel bar. Even after I learned she was married, I still wanted her. I waited and waited. Finally she saw where her destiny lay. Her destiny lays with the House of Lancaster. And she whom I wished is now mine. Nothing else matters now. I am complete.
Now to seal in flesh that which was ordained by Fate.
II: Tuesday, March 15, 2005: outside the registry office, scene of the wedding
A slight rain falls from the heavens as if to weep this awful day. This day I have fretted over, and anticipated with such horror. I stand in a cumbersome overcoat with hood, so as to cover my appearance. I invited Stephanie to behold the monstrosity but she did not wish to. I cannot blame her. Not many ex-wives would wish to come see their ex-husbands wed a woman they loath.
My jaw still aches from that right hand he threw into my face. Had I been thirty years younger he would not have floored me so easily. But now I'm just an old man.
An old man who is seeing the destruction of a family and institution older than most countries on earth. If I could but cry. I have only prayers to offer though.
A small group of people, mostly elderly people such as myself from this small village bordering his estate have come out to see this abomination take place. If only they knew what I did. But nonetheless. There is patriotism here, there is pride for this family which has lived in this small town for the past ten centuries, and for that I am thankful. It is in the smiles of these people that I draw my hope and take my strength from also. I may need it.
Chatter stirs amongst the small assembled crowd and heads turn as a Rolls-Royce and a small police escort make their way down the road and pulls up in front of the registry office. At that moment I feel someone tugging on my jacket.
"Excuse me sir."
I turn my head. It is Stephanie, my employer, holding an umbrella. I smile gently.
"Your Ladyship."
We both turn and behold the doors opening of the Rolls-Royce. Out he steps in full regalia. He is a handsome man, doing his father honour if only in appearance. He stretches out his hand and out she comes. They turn to the crowd and wave politely, who wave back and cheer, waving their little Wessex flags and Union Jacks. Little does he know we are here.
I let out a deep sigh. I look over to her Ladyship. She sheds a tear.
I say nothing.
III: Tuesday, March 15, 2005: inside the registry office, scene of the wedding
So here I stand. Awaiting for my name to be called. I know Marissah stands in another room with her father, who has flown in from New York City with his wife to be with us on this day. I've only met him a few times, but I know he's a fine man. I'll have to get used to having in-laws again.
Inside I know await only a select few individuals who have come to bear witness to our wedding, including Thane. I do not know if he has told Seamus of his presence here today, nor do I really know on what terms they are on. I'm glad he's here though. I have chosen to have no best man however. There was nobody who seemed really suitable.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
Finally.
"I announce to you His Grace, by the Grace of God, Duke of Wessex, Robert Edward James Lancaster II."
The doors part and in I step, walking slowly, looking forward, as I walk the seeming mile to the front of the office, where the registrar stands. He's about 55 or so I'm guessing, and there he stands looking behind glasses, balding hair. I nod at him politely and smile as I await my fiancée, now to be my wife.
I turn to face the front door as once again the registrar speaks.
"I now announce to you, Miss Marissah Whitely."
I gulped heavily as the woman I have longed for enters, holding her father's arm. I had not seen the gown she had chosen prior to today, but it is exquisite. Whatever amount she - no, I - paid Ms. Vera Wang, it was worth every single pence. The diamonds she wears around her neck and ears sparkle like the constellations, some of which I provided from my family's jewellery collection. They pale however to her innate beauty. She is breathtaking, her smile beams and illuminates the room. I look over and see Thane who winks knowingly. He knows what I'm thinking. He knows there is nobody else for me. And I know he's happy for me that this day has finally come.
Marissah stands beside me and her maid-of-honour as we turn to the registrar, who begins. We wrote brief personal vows to each other, no more than a sentence or two. I suppose we're not much on words on this occasion.
"Beloved, we are gathered today to join this man and this woman together in the tradition of marriage. Marissah and Robert, this day begins a new life for you together. I know you have written your own vows."
He turns to her first. Marissah takes my hand and looks at me.
"On this day Robert my dreams are fulfilled. This day which celebrates the culmination of our love, and it is on this day that I pledge myself to you and our bond that we create this day, no matter what may come between us. Together we are stronger, and together our love will flourish."
I smile as I realize it is now my turn. I hope to hell my voice doesn't crack.
"Marissah. Ours is a story of the victory of love. I never thought I could have such love again, but I have found it in you. You are my all, my strength, my dedication. I pledge to you too myself, my body, my mind, my heart, my soul, and all that I have. We are but one now."
She blushes as we turn back to the registrar.
"At this time I ask you both now: do either of you know of any lawful impediment that may prevent your union in matrimony."
"I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, Marissah Whitely, may not be joined in matrimony to Robert Edward James Lancaster II."
"I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, Robert Edward James Lancaster II, may not be joined in matrimony to Marissah Whitely."
"And now I ask you: do you Robert, take Marissah to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
I fumble inside my pocket to pull out her wedding ring. I take her hand and slowly utter my confirmation.
"I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Robert Edward James Lancaster II, do take thee Marissah Whitely to be my lawful wedded wife."
I slip the ring upon her finger.
"And now I ask you: do you Marissah, take Robert to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Her maid-of-honour plays dual role of ring bearer and hands it to her as she takes my hand.
"I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Marissah Whitely, do take thee Robert Edward James Lancaster II to be my lawful wedded husband."
She pushes the ring towards my hand but drops it accidentally. She turns deep red as she picks it up and then slides it onto my finger. I grin as she smirks, as does the registrar.
"Then by the power invested in me I now pronounce you, husband and wife."
He holds his arms out and presents us to the assembled guests.
"I present to you, the Duke and Duchess of Wessex. And you may, of course, kiss the bride."
I smile and pull her close.
"You're mine. All of you...mine."
We kiss deeply.
On this joyous day I acknowledge he who rules my life still.
The last time I wore my full regalia - the full dress uniform with all the medals, badges, frills, my sword, all that symbolized my rank and stature as Duke of Wessex was at the Queen Mother's funeral. I am thankful that this time around I am donning it all under more auspicious circumstances.
I know I look good - damn good - but it's a pain in the ass having to haul all this shit around. I stand in front of the mirror as Jim, my head of household, double checks everything on me.
I breath heavily.
"Doing okay Robert?"
Finally a man who calls me by my first name.
"Yes...yes, thank you Jim. How do I look - everything in place?"
He pulls out a little vanity broom to sweep any dust or specs off the back of the uniform.
"Yes sir you look fine. I guess you're a bit nervous seeing as you've hardly said a word since getting this stuff on."
He walked to the front of me and straightened my shirt. I didn't respond. Jim chuckled.
"I'll take that as a 'yes.' Not to worry Rob, the ceremony will go off exceptionally well."
The ceremony is not what I'm concerned about. I've thought about all those horrid clichés, as true as they are, about marriage. This time it'll be different. This time it'll last. This woman is different.
I chuckle to myself this time. Jim smiles.
She's fucking different all right. As is marrying on a day marked by the murder of Julius Caesar those 2049 years ago. No matter though - from his death we mark a new beginning.
I love her. I've wanted her from the moment I lay eyes on her. Nobody stood in my way that night at that hotel bar. Even after I learned she was married, I still wanted her. I waited and waited. Finally she saw where her destiny lay. Her destiny lays with the House of Lancaster. And she whom I wished is now mine. Nothing else matters now. I am complete.
Now to seal in flesh that which was ordained by Fate.
II: Tuesday, March 15, 2005: outside the registry office, scene of the wedding
A slight rain falls from the heavens as if to weep this awful day. This day I have fretted over, and anticipated with such horror. I stand in a cumbersome overcoat with hood, so as to cover my appearance. I invited Stephanie to behold the monstrosity but she did not wish to. I cannot blame her. Not many ex-wives would wish to come see their ex-husbands wed a woman they loath.
My jaw still aches from that right hand he threw into my face. Had I been thirty years younger he would not have floored me so easily. But now I'm just an old man.
An old man who is seeing the destruction of a family and institution older than most countries on earth. If I could but cry. I have only prayers to offer though.
A small group of people, mostly elderly people such as myself from this small village bordering his estate have come out to see this abomination take place. If only they knew what I did. But nonetheless. There is patriotism here, there is pride for this family which has lived in this small town for the past ten centuries, and for that I am thankful. It is in the smiles of these people that I draw my hope and take my strength from also. I may need it.
Chatter stirs amongst the small assembled crowd and heads turn as a Rolls-Royce and a small police escort make their way down the road and pulls up in front of the registry office. At that moment I feel someone tugging on my jacket.
"Excuse me sir."
I turn my head. It is Stephanie, my employer, holding an umbrella. I smile gently.
"Your Ladyship."
We both turn and behold the doors opening of the Rolls-Royce. Out he steps in full regalia. He is a handsome man, doing his father honour if only in appearance. He stretches out his hand and out she comes. They turn to the crowd and wave politely, who wave back and cheer, waving their little Wessex flags and Union Jacks. Little does he know we are here.
I let out a deep sigh. I look over to her Ladyship. She sheds a tear.
I say nothing.
III: Tuesday, March 15, 2005: inside the registry office, scene of the wedding
So here I stand. Awaiting for my name to be called. I know Marissah stands in another room with her father, who has flown in from New York City with his wife to be with us on this day. I've only met him a few times, but I know he's a fine man. I'll have to get used to having in-laws again.
Inside I know await only a select few individuals who have come to bear witness to our wedding, including Thane. I do not know if he has told Seamus of his presence here today, nor do I really know on what terms they are on. I'm glad he's here though. I have chosen to have no best man however. There was nobody who seemed really suitable.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
Finally.
"I announce to you His Grace, by the Grace of God, Duke of Wessex, Robert Edward James Lancaster II."
The doors part and in I step, walking slowly, looking forward, as I walk the seeming mile to the front of the office, where the registrar stands. He's about 55 or so I'm guessing, and there he stands looking behind glasses, balding hair. I nod at him politely and smile as I await my fiancée, now to be my wife.
I turn to face the front door as once again the registrar speaks.
"I now announce to you, Miss Marissah Whitely."
I gulped heavily as the woman I have longed for enters, holding her father's arm. I had not seen the gown she had chosen prior to today, but it is exquisite. Whatever amount she - no, I - paid Ms. Vera Wang, it was worth every single pence. The diamonds she wears around her neck and ears sparkle like the constellations, some of which I provided from my family's jewellery collection. They pale however to her innate beauty. She is breathtaking, her smile beams and illuminates the room. I look over and see Thane who winks knowingly. He knows what I'm thinking. He knows there is nobody else for me. And I know he's happy for me that this day has finally come.
Marissah stands beside me and her maid-of-honour as we turn to the registrar, who begins. We wrote brief personal vows to each other, no more than a sentence or two. I suppose we're not much on words on this occasion.
"Beloved, we are gathered today to join this man and this woman together in the tradition of marriage. Marissah and Robert, this day begins a new life for you together. I know you have written your own vows."
He turns to her first. Marissah takes my hand and looks at me.
"On this day Robert my dreams are fulfilled. This day which celebrates the culmination of our love, and it is on this day that I pledge myself to you and our bond that we create this day, no matter what may come between us. Together we are stronger, and together our love will flourish."
I smile as I realize it is now my turn. I hope to hell my voice doesn't crack.
"Marissah. Ours is a story of the victory of love. I never thought I could have such love again, but I have found it in you. You are my all, my strength, my dedication. I pledge to you too myself, my body, my mind, my heart, my soul, and all that I have. We are but one now."
She blushes as we turn back to the registrar.
"At this time I ask you both now: do either of you know of any lawful impediment that may prevent your union in matrimony."
"I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, Marissah Whitely, may not be joined in matrimony to Robert Edward James Lancaster II."
"I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, Robert Edward James Lancaster II, may not be joined in matrimony to Marissah Whitely."
"And now I ask you: do you Robert, take Marissah to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
I fumble inside my pocket to pull out her wedding ring. I take her hand and slowly utter my confirmation.
"I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Robert Edward James Lancaster II, do take thee Marissah Whitely to be my lawful wedded wife."
I slip the ring upon her finger.
"And now I ask you: do you Marissah, take Robert to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Her maid-of-honour plays dual role of ring bearer and hands it to her as she takes my hand.
"I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Marissah Whitely, do take thee Robert Edward James Lancaster II to be my lawful wedded husband."
She pushes the ring towards my hand but drops it accidentally. She turns deep red as she picks it up and then slides it onto my finger. I grin as she smirks, as does the registrar.
"Then by the power invested in me I now pronounce you, husband and wife."
He holds his arms out and presents us to the assembled guests.
"I present to you, the Duke and Duchess of Wessex. And you may, of course, kiss the bride."
I smile and pull her close.
"You're mine. All of you...mine."
We kiss deeply.