CHAPTER 10
PREPARING FOR THE FRAY
The next few days were indeed bussy for Ethel and Bernard. First of
all Ethel got some dainty pink note paper with silver crest on it and
sent out invitations in the following terms to all their frends.
Miss Ethel Monticue will be married to
Mr Bernard Clark at Westminster Abbey
on June 10th. Your company is requested
there at 2-30 sharp and afterwards
for refreshment at the Gaierty Hotel.
R.S.V.P.
Having posted heaps of these and got several replies Ethel began to
order her wedding dress which cost a good bit. She chose a rich satin
with a humped pattern of gold on the pure white and it had a long
train [Pg 96] edged with Airum lilies. Her veil was of pure lace with a
crown of orange blossum. Her bouquett she ordered to be of white dog
daisies St. Joseph lilies and orange blossums tied up with pale blue
satin ribbon.
You will indeed be a charming spectacle my darling gasped Bernard as
they left the shop. Then they drove to the tailor where Bernard
ordered an elligant black suit with coat tails lined with crimson
satin and a pale lavender tie and an opera hat of the same hue and he
intended to wear violets in his buttonholes also his best white spats
diamond studs and a few extras of costly air. They both ordered a lot
of new clothes besides and Bernard gave Ethel a very huge tara made of
rubies and diamonds also two rich bracelets and Ethel gave him a bran
new trunk of shiny green leather. The earl of Clincham sent a charming
gift of some hem stitched sheets edged with real lace and a photo of
himself in a striking attitude. [Pg 97] Mr Salteena sent Ethel a bible
with a few pious words of advice and regret and he sent Bernard a very
handy little camp stool. Ethels parents were too poor to come so far but
her Mother sent her a gold watch which did not go but had been some years
in the family and her father provided a cheque for £2 and promised to
send her a darling little baby calf when ready. Then they ordered the
most splendid refreshments they had tea and coffie and sparkling wines
to drink also a lovly wedding cake of great height with a sugar angel
at the top holding a sword made of almond paste. They had countless
cakes besides also ices jelly merangs jam tarts with plenty of jam on
each some cold tongue some ham with salid and a pig's head done up in
a wondrous manner. Ethel could hardly contain herself as she gazed at
the sumpshious repast and Bernard gave her a glass of rich wine while
he imbibed some whiskey before going to bed. Ethel got speedilly into
her [Pg 98] bed for the last time at the dear old Gaierty and shed a few
salt tears thinking of her past life but she quickly cheerd up and began
to plan about how many children she would have. I hope I shall have a
good lot she thourght to herself and so saying fell into repose.
[Pg 99]