A Happy Occasion

Jenny's Wedding Day

Signing the Registry by Edmund Blair Leighton

When Mr. Thomas announced that all should remain after the service this morning as he would be performing a marriage ceremony for Jenny and Major Venning, there was a gasp, all turning to look at the couple. Elizabeth went with Jenny back to Carlyle House so she may dress for her wedding, the two finding it diverting that their places had been switched as Elizabeth helped Jenny to dress and arranged her hair.

Jenny made a beautiful bride in her ivory gown with sheer linen overskirt. Her chestnut coloured hair was arranged prettily under a veil of the finest lace. As her brother, Jonathan, escorted her down the aisle, her beloved, Major Alexander Venning, stood transfixed watching his intended move towards him. Smiling, he took her hand as she reached the altar and together they stood before Mr. Thomas who performed the wedding.

The ceremony progressed much the same as any other wedding, but oh, the preparations were all done in the space of a very short time. Jenny and Major Venning had gotten engaged at the beginning of February and had fully intended to have their wedding in the spring when the weather had warmed and he had resigned his commission from the army, but fate, that fickle interloper, had other ideas. Major Venning was ordered back to his regiment and would thence travel to Corsica where trouble was already brewing. The young lovers decided to wed before he left for duty rather than wait until an undetermined date in the future to marry. A special license was obtained and just a day later the wedding was to take place, the banns having only been read once.

Sir Charles Marlowe, stood as groomsman with Major Venning who looked very dapper in his dress uniform complete with sword. Lady Elizabeth Marlowe stood beside Jenny, her dearest friend. It was a bittersweet day for Elizabeth for although she wished nothing but happiness for Jenny, she also knew Jenny would be leaving her to make her own home soon.

The kindness of her friends made the day especially nice for Jenny, with their gifts she was able to dress herself for her wedding. There was no time sew a gown or to leisurely shop for just the right embellishments and these gifts from her cherished friends were very much appreciated. Elizabeth had gifted a gown she had had made as a surprise for Jenny. The robe was made in a lovely style but devoid of the usual trimmings so that Jenny may embellish it as she wished.

Old Mary having gone through her trunk recently and upon hearing of Jenny’s coming nuptials, gifted her a gorgeous piece of lace for a veil that had belonged to her mother. It was as fine as gossamer with a scalloped edge and little pearls sewn into the embellishments along the edges. This made such a beautiful addition to her attire for the day. With the lace veil and a gift of lace Alice Powell had made for her, Jenny’s gown looked very becoming indeed once she had made the necessary additions.

After the ceremony, when the young couple turned to face their friends and neighbours in the congregation as man and wife, Sir Charles made the announcement that all were welcome at Carlyle House for a luncheon to honour the newlyweds.

It was a memorable day for Jenny and Major Venning, who left their family and friends to spend a short honeymoon of three days in Cheltenham before Major Venning must report for duty.