“Where is my bow bouquet from the bridal shower? I can’t find it anywhere! It is traditional that the bride-to-be carries her bow bouquet for the wedding rehearsal. Does anyone know where it was put? I really need it” asks April a little frazzled and touching a chord of everyone’s nerves at this point in the wedding planning.
“I found it! It was under the pew still in the box so the bows won’t get crushed. I forgot that I had put it there so it wouldn’t get stepped on” replies Alice Hammer a little winded from all the rushing around that day for last minute items that April suddenly wanted for her wedding.
“Thank you so much! Now my wedding is complete. That reminds me, did you find the rainbow sherbet for the punch?” asks April going through a checklist in her mind.
Emma and Harriet share a quick glance of panic. It didn’t make it to the priority list after going to two grocery stores that happen to have been sold out earlier that afternoon. Jane catches their expression, “Don’t worry, it will be there floating nicely in the punch just as you want it to.”
“Oh thank you! Rainbow sherbet is so much prettier than a solid green or orange. It has such a good flavor to add to the punch too” replies April with her friends analyzing that her hair appears to stand on its end as she begins to panic over every little detail.
Standing on the platform speaking to Captain Wentworth, Elton remarks to his mentor “Thanks so much for being able to come. I know that you leave with the service corps team on Monday but I really appreciate taking the time to come and do our wedding for us.”
“I wanted to be here. Orientation ended this morning and it is a quick flight here and back. The team has a couple of days to get last minute items and prepare before leaving so it came at a good time anyway” Wentworth continues “The week-end gives them time to bond as a group doing some fun things together after a hectic week which is good for them in the long run because the summer will be tough but a very rewarding experience for them”.
“Do you like the group you are working with this year?” Asks Elton who then adds as many challenging memories flash in his mind “I was on a service corps team during my sophmore summer at college. It was one of the best experiences in my life. I would do it again if I had the chance.”
“Ben Wick from your corps is going again. He has become very good friends with one of the daughters of a missionary in Peru. He’s fluent in Spanish and communicates very well. He’s a great asset to the team and has also become a good friend of mine”.
“So, are you ready?” asks Knightly as he finds his place on the platform next to Elton “How does it feel to be committing yourself for a lifetime?”
“The best decision I’ve ever made in my life” immediately responds Elton “My only regret is that I wish that I hadn’t wasted so much time looking in other directions. April is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
Knightly is pleased with Elton’s sincerity even if slightly shocked by it as well. Personally April would not be on his list of best experiences, but each-to-their-own. He is happy that Elton and April seem so content and in love with each other. “Well at least Bath is not that far away. You and April will definitely have to visit. I’ll be down to see you on business from DHQ of course, but I might come down for a week-end some time and you can show me all of the wonderful things to do around Bath. I hear it is a great place to visit and full of tourists.”
“From what I understand the quarters is rather large and will have some extra guest rooms until we fill them with children of our own. Bring Emma with you when you come. We can go out to dinner and a play if you would like” sincerely replies Elton and thoughtfully continues “Knightly, can I be frank for a moment?”
Knightly not knowing what Elton is talking about responds “Yes, what is it you want to tell me?”
“I think you need to take another look at Emma. You have been friends with her for a long time. She is not a young girl any more. You seem to get on quite well with her too” replies Elton “I’m not setting you up, but just making you aware of a few things.”
“Just so you know, I’ve noticed. But Emma seems busy concentrating on everyone else at the moment. It’s probably her that you need to have this discussion with” replies Knightly a little disappointed that Emma hasn’t talked to him since their conversation at the park nearly a month ago. He has missed her company and many late nights talking together over mostly unimportant information, news or events. He misses her.
“Hey guys! Is this where the party is meeting?” asks Grant coming in about twenty minutes late for the rehearsal and not seeming to notice.
“I’m glad that you could finally make it” replies Wentworth who after spending many years stationed at the training school prefers for people and events to be on time.
“Sorry, I’m late. I had to pick up something very special that I had on order” mischievously replies Grant that makes it obvious to everyone that he has been up to something.
Elton looks directly at him. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with Jane, would it?”
“Yes, how did you know?” asks Grant shocked that Elton would be able to see through him so easily.
“I’ve been there already” remarks Elton “Did you ask her what she wanted?”
“Yes, in a round about way. I think she will like this” replies Grant.
Wentworth and Knightly suspect what the conversation is about but don’t bother to interfere to ask any details.
They can hear April’s voice shouting from the chapel into the songster room where they are all waiting to start. “Hurry up! It’s getting late! I just saw Grant come in. I think it is time to start the rehearsal now! Captain Wentworth, where are you? You need to be out front. It’s time to start!”
Grant rolls his eyes and Knightly chuckles, “I guess that is my cue” states Wentworth heading towards the door “Are you ready, Elton?”
“Ready, as ever . . .” replies Elton ready to begin the steps towards a new life.
Jennings sorts through her music arranging it neatly in one long line of sheets on the piano and begins to play “When You say Nothing at All” by Allison Krauss at the piano as Ann Weston plays the cello next to her.
As the chords from the introduction resound through the chapel, Robert arrives at the last moment from the side door which bangs rather loudly. Startled, he jumps a little forward as a few others do as well. He runs to his place next to Ann Weston on the platform with his guitar in hand tipping his cowboy hat to everyone. “I picked up a bite to eat before coming over. I know we are going to a restaurant later but I wasn’t sure how long this rehearsal would take and I was getting hungry”.
April’s voice interrupts the rehearsal from the hallway, “Robert! That is a nice hat but you CANNOT wear it during the wedding even if it is white. Is that understood?”
Robert replies “Yes ma’am” as everyone else in the wedding party giggles. It will be a new thing to see Robert without his Stetson.
As the introduction starts over, Harriet is cued by Mrs. Dashing standing beside her at the entrance to the chapel and slowly walks down the aisle to the music. Wanting to practice walking down the aisle in her stilettos that Emma talked her into buying at the last minute, Harriet slightly teeters in her heels and jeans. She meets Grant and clings to his arm in order to catch her balance as he walks Harriet to her place on the platform. Emma grins noticing Harriet’s “move”. She thinks that it is wonderful planning by April to have them matched as a couple for the wedding.
An obnoxious voice is heard again from the foyer “I want them to meet at the top of the aisle in front of the altar and pause for a moment before separating and then moving to the platform” shouts April who has spent many hours changing her mind about what exactly she wants to happen “I think we need to do that again!”
As the wedding coordinator, Mrs. Dashing motions for Harriet to come back to the doors of the chapel. Jennings and Ann take in a deep breath and begin to play again with Robert intently focusing on his playing and lost in the music. For a second, Robert looks up and thinks Harriet is the loveliest he has ever seen her. It’s been a long few weeks. He misses a couple of notes, but soon catches up with the others.
As they have been instructed, Harriet and Grant meet and separate. Grant smiles at Harriet grateful that the rehearsal is finally started and will soon be over.
Next Emma walks in and meets Lieutenant Fitzwilliam who has flown in for the day and tomorrow before his welcoming the next day on Sunday at his new corps. He was Elton’s best friend during his second year of training and a friend of April’s as well. In her mind Emma thinks that Lt. Fitzwilliam seems like a very kind man but not exactly her type.
As Lt. Fitzwilliam takes her to the assigned location on the platform, Emma glances over to Knightly who is standing with his hands clasped in front of him staring out in space lost in his own thoughts. She wonders if he is still mad and disappointed over her behavior at the picnic. Emma misses being around him and the comfortableness they have with each other. She wonders if their relationship will ever be the same again.
Interrupting Emma’s thoughts, April yells “Stop! Stop! Stop! I forgot to tell the groomsmen how to find their places again!”
“I think they are doing all right, April” replies Elton “We’re all where we are suppose to be”.
“If you think so, just remember everyone how you got to where you are” replies April wishing that there were not so many details to remember for just one hour.
Pausing and trying to find some comfort, Jennings stretches her legs and arms above her head at the piano while waiting for April to finish yet another instruction. On Mrs. Dashing’s cue and another shrug of her shoulders, Jennings starts the music again with Robert and Jane to accompany her.
Having been a bridesmaid many times, Jane slowly enters meeting Knightly at the altar. As Jane takes her place on the platform April’s voice echoes through the chapel. “Jane, remember to straighten out my dress once I get to the front where Elton is waiting for me. I want the train to look good in the pictures!” Jane nods and gives a ‘thumbs up’ from the front of the chapel as Grant checks his watch and wonders how long this rehearsal is going to take.
This time a lively Maggie comes down the aisle imagining that she is a beautiful princess pretending to throw petals of pink roses along the aisle. She waves like a queen to her subjects waiting in the pews whispering under her breath “elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist . . . “
Again April’s nagging voice is heard from the hallway, “I think Maggie you need to slow down. You don’t need to wave, just throw your petals gracefully to the floor. Honey, take your time walking down the aisle. This is a special day and you can take your time!”
Obediently, Maggie walks backwards to the place she began with basket in hand and after a few mouth exercises and neck stretches Jennings compliantly starts the music again.
As everyone finally reaches their places in the front, Jennings arrives at the conclusion of the song with Robert and Ann in time next to her. Jennings makes a dramatic musical cue for the entrance of the bride for the audience to stand. Mr. Weston along with Mr. Woodhouse and Alice Hammer stand in the pews to represent the guests tomorrow.
Valiantly April triumphantly walks in with her bouquet of silk and ribbon bows from the packages at her bridal shower. April glows as she walks down the aisle smiling at Elton. In response, Elton looks so sincere and full of love for her that the others finally understand why they are together.
After the longer-than-expected rehearsal everyone meets together again at the Little Italy restaurant for a family style Italian dinner. Knightly pulls out Emma’s chair so she can sit down next to him. Emma feeling much better things between them might possibly be looking up takes a seat. He then also pulls out a chair for Harriet to sit at his other side who is thrilled by his attention. Robert walks up and finds the empty chair beside Harriet settling in.
Grant takes a seat across from Emma with Jane at his side. Elton and April are next with Lt. Fitzwilliam and Captain Wentworth across from each other. At the next table but nearby sits Jennings, Alice Hammer, Mrs. Dashing, Maggie, Mr. Woodhouse, Ann, and Mr. Weston.
The waitress takes their soda requests to coincide with the dinner has been previously ordered. April seems finally relaxed and chatty next to Elton whom she frequently touches on the hand as she shares humorous stories of their former days and session mates at the training school with the Lt. Fitzwilliam and Captain Wentworth.
Cautiously Knightly asks Emma not knowing how she is currently feeling towards him but taking a chance “How are you doing? Did you enjoy your time at congress?”
“Actually, I’m doing pretty good. Things have been picking up this past month due to promoting our summer camping and day camp programs. Harriet has put together some fantastic posters that we’ve been able to use for direct mail as well” replies Emma not wanting to be too personal yet until she can figure out if he is still mad at her.
“I made quite a few posters from pictures that Emma took and used some new designs that I’ve been thinking of lately” replies Harriet pleased that Knightly would know of her creative projects.
“They were fantastic!” exclaims Robert “I saw the proofs the other day while I was at area command dropping off a few things for Mr. Weston. Harriet is a true artist!”
“Thank you!” giggles Harriet feeling very complimented at the moment “That’s really sweet of you to say so!”
“Where were the photographs taken?” asks Knightly curious to know what Emma has been doing lately.
“I took quite a few at camp a few week-ends ago and then some are from stock files of photos from previous years” replies Emma “but I do think some of the compositions were quite good with the reflections, shadows and lighting that Harriet chose”.
“Harriet, do you still have your sketch book? Did you bring it with you?” asks Robert.
“Yeah, you remembered! I have it at home. I can show it to you later after the wedding tomorrow” pleased remarks Harriet.
“What sort of things do you draw Harriet?” asks Knightly “I don’t think that I’ve ever seen any of your sketches.”
“I like to draw people – especially eyes, but really just about anything. I like landscapes and flowers as well” replies Harriet excited to talk about her artwork with her friends “Would you like to see it too?”
“After you show Robert your sketchbook, I can take a look” states Knightly smiling and glad that Robert has joined them tonight.
Robert leans around Harriet and asks Emma “Do you sketch or draw, Emma?”
“Unfortunately, no . . . I like to take photographs. People I draw tend to look like stick figures” honestly replies Emma.
“But she is a very good photographer” replies Knightly “I’ve seen tons of her albums.”
Smiling at Knightly, Emma is pleasantly surprised by his compliments tonight. After finishing his meal, Knightly leans back and crosses his leg at the knee. Knightly rests his hand on the back of Emma’s chair and appears to be quite comfortable and relaxed as his normal self again with her. He looks at her often and catches her eye when she happens to glance over during their discussions throughout the evening.
A little further down the table, Robert and Harriet chat away about the latest movie blockbuster they have seen earlier that week. Robert and Harriet quote dialogue from the movie back and forth to each other in between fits of laughter.
As the conversation continues, Knightly leans towards Emma listening more closely to what she is telling him. He tells her about the news at divisional headquarters and some of his plans for the future. Emma feels that there is no place that she feels happier than when she is with him.
Throughout the evening, Harriet shares some funny jokes and other stories that keep the entire table entertained. Jane and Grant are smiling and appear to be content. But in Emma’s opinion, Grant seems much quieter than usual. Jane is always quiet so she can’t tell for sure if tonight is any different. Harriet talks to Grant quite a bit and he seems to be responding by laughing to whatever she is saying which pleases Emma. But something is different about tonight and Emma can’t quite figure out what it is.
As dessert is finished, Grant asks Jane “Do you need a ride home?”
“I was going to take Jane home” replies Emma wishing that Harriet would have more time with Grant.
“Since Grant is ready to go now and it looks like you are having a good time, I think that I will go ahead and leave with Grant” replies Jane “I’ll see you early tomorrow”.
Emma notices that Harriet doesn’t seem to care “Alright, I hope you have a restful night. It is going to be a big day tomorrow!”
They say good-bye to everyone before leaving. Grant places his hand in the middle of Jane’s back to guide her out the door. Emma is a bit perplexed because she hasn’t seen Grant act even remotely tender with anyone.
“Well, I’ve got to work tomorrow before the wedding in the afternoon. I’ll see y’all later” replies Robert winking at Harriet who giggles next to him.
Harriet takes another bite of her chocolate cake as the group dismantles. Emma asks Harriet “Do you need a ride home?”
For a second Harriet looks somewhat disappointed which Emma catches but doesn’t understand. “Thanks. Yes, I do” replies Harriet rather monotone in Emma’s opinion.
As they get into the car, Harriet sulks into the passenger seat which Emma notices but can’t understand.
“Is everything all right, Harriet?” Asks Emma clearly missing something that evening.
“I really appreciate you giving me a ride but I was hoping for a ride with someone else” replies Harriet.
“I know, but he already left with Jane and I thought that you would still need a ride because he was gone” sincerely replies Emma “I was just thinking of you.”
“What do you mean gone? He didn’t leave with Jane” responds Harried not understanding what Emma is implying.
“Yes, didn’t you see him walk out the door with Jane? He sat next to her too. I’m sorry that didn’t work out either” empathetically remarks Emma.
“Ohhh . . . I’m not interested in Grant. He likes Jane!” laughs Harriet that Emma could be so mistaken.
“What do you mean you’re not interested in Grant? You’ve liked him this entire time! He “rescued” you – remember!” emphatically states Emma raising her voice.
“I don’t like him! I was “rescued”, you remember? He saved me when Elton was snubbing me at the concert” replies Harriet.
“What concert? Christmas or Easter?” asks Emma totally confused and not remembering anything in particular happening at either one.
“You know! - Easter. April was being a total twit to me at that time because of Elton. He stopped talking and walked away from me in the middle of a sentence because April gave him a look. Then of course, Mrs. Bennett was hanging around the biggest gossip in the entire division – possibly the territory!” retorts Harriet shocked that Emma cannot remember this entirely painful experience for her.
“Who saved you? I don’t even remember anybody talking to you!” replies Emma.
“He sat with his arm around me the whole second half of the concert. He made a space for me to sit next to him!” shouts Harriet not understanding how Emma did not notice and after so many conversations with her.
“Who are you talking about? Knightly was sitting between us . . .” replies Emma not connecting Knightly at all to anything that has to do with Harriet.
“Yes . . . “ replies Harriet rolling her eyes at Emma.
“You can’t be serious! Knightly doesn’t like you. Harriet, he’s not even your type!” snaps Emma with a sudden burst of jealousy “He would never be interested in you!’
“How would you know? How do you know who he would like or not like? You haven’t even talked to him in over a month. You just started talking to him again tonight!” rebukes Harriet very mad at Emma at this moment.
“Knightly is . . . well . . . a lot older than you. He’s a businessman kind-of guy” replies Emma disappointed that Harriet would like Knightly as well.
“Well, who am I suppose to like? Elton thinks he’s too good for me. Robert isn’t good enough in your opinion and Grant obviously likes someone else. Who do I have your ‘permission’ to like Emma? And by the way, just in case you haven’t notice that’s not your choice to make!” shouts Harriet angry that even now after all this time Emma could be such a snob.
“It’s not like that. It’s just that . . . it is a surprise that’s all. I didn’t expect the guy that you liked to be Knightly. I really thought that you liked Grant instead” sadly replies Emma “If you like Knightly and you think he likes you too, I don’t really have a say in it one way or another. You’re a great person, Harriet. Any guy would be lucky to have you” states Emma feeling an overwhelming emotion of sadness and loss.
“Next time, maybe I need to keep my feelings to myself since I’m not good enough to like who I want to. Maybe, you’re not good enough to be my friend!” yells Harriet slamming the car door behind her with tears streaming down her eyes running into Alice Hammer’s home.
Emma sits there stunned for a moment as questions ramble one after the other in her thoughts, “How could she be so mistaken? When did Grant start liking Jane? Why does Harriet like Knightly? Knightly is so wonderful, but he should be wonderful just for her not everyone else. Does he like Harriet? He talked with her most of the evening. He told her how much he likes Harriet now that he’s gotten to know her better at the picnic. He always talks to her too. Harriet is so funny and has a terrific personality. Why wouldn’t he like Harriet? Who wouldn’t like Harriet?”
Emma pulls away from the curb and heads towards her home. It has been a very long, confusing and frustrating day. Tomorrow will come soon and perhaps will be better.
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