| Before Time Page 18 |
| Music : Starry Night |
| And then the day was upon them. Bow had arranged for the wagon to be settled near the dining tables. It would be from there that he and Maire would begin their adventure. |
| He waited, not so patiently for the coach bringing Maire and Fionna. When it turned the curve at the end of the coachway, there was an audible escape of breath from his lips, much to the amusement of those standing near. |
| When they exited the coach his mouth was agape. He heard Carter laugh and say ' Close yer mouth lad, she'll think she's chosen an eegit ' Bow snapped his jaw shut, but laughed a nervous laugh. |
| . Maire saw him immediately, for did she nae think him to be the most handsome man in the world ? Her legs began to shake against her will and Fionna took her arm to steady her. True to her nature she whispered to Maire ' Have ye changed yer mind, we can still escape ' Maire, for once missed the jest. 'Nae, nae Mummy I've made me mind sure and true . ' |
| There they stood next to each other. The younger bringing rememberance of what the older had been at that age. Maire was dressed in a long flowing frock, a cross between yellow and white. Her shoulders were covered in a cape of Emerald green. Fionna wore a light red, mayhaps rose .. and a cloak of lighter red. Maire had Daisies and lillies of the valley twined as a crown on her head. Fionna wore a hat of her own weaving. It was simple, plain, with a rose band about the brim. |
| Bow wanted to rush to them, but propriety took hold and he waited on the Magistrate's porch as the groomsmen led them up the stairs to him. |
| The softest of music along with the scent of flowers permeated the air |
| Young children scampered about the common and young lovers held hands and dreamed. |
| After what seemed eons, they reached his side before the Magistrate and his official book. Fionna stepped to the side. It was her children's day. |
| They spoke their fealty to one another in voices strong and sure, though Maire did quaver a bit. |
| There was nothing in their pledge about 'obey '. Bow had been adamant on that. ' Obey is for servants or horses Maire, nae one ye choose ta spend a life with ' Maire agreed at last, and was fair pleased at his thoughts, but wondered if the whole shire maight be scandaiized if she didnae promise to ' obey ' her man. |
| The words were spoken with nary a gasp. There was a stir when Bow, and then Maire wrote their names in the Magistrate's book. It was a pleasant stir, an admiring sound. Fionna couldnae hide her pride ! These were good people, clever, sturdy, but few knew how to write. |
| That being done. Bow took Maire on one arm and Fionna on the other and led them to the table set up for the Bride and Groom. He sat Fionna on the end, a chair twixt her and Maire, and himself at the other end. Fionna glanced left in a bit of wonderment. Her eyes settled on the chair beside her. Upon the chair was a mariner's sweater, folded neatly. Resting atop it a mariner's cap. Instead of a plate, there lay a scrimshaw ship. Her eyes flew to Bow as did Maire's. They both bent their heads to hide the mist in their eyes. Bow said simply. He's here Darlins ... where he belongs ' |
| Before each of their plates, Maire's and Fionna's was a small package, wrapped in a ribbon. Still misty eyed, they asked Bow if they maight open the ' gifties ' ? ' Ye may do anything ye want. Yer new life is starting me Ladies, Ye may do as ye wish .' |
| They were gentle yet anxious with the wrappings. There was a green ribbon tied round each. An audible intake of breath was heard from each as the prize inside was exposed. |
| Each parcel held an exquisite piece of scrimshaw. Unmistakeable as done by Bow's hands. He would trust none other for this task. |
| Fionna's was etched simply : Fionna and Dairmod ' beneath that, the date they knew, of Maire's Birth . |
| Maire's said : ' Daughter of Dairmod and Fionna ' and beneath that : Gift to Bowman ' with the date. |