Daisy in the Fringe

Dear Diary,

Geoffry and I were sitting in the lunch room when what do you think started playing?  It was Dusty singing her Johnnie song!  I was so surprised, I looked around to see if she was there singing somewheres.  But no, it was just music playing over the speakers.

It turns out that someone must have recorded Dusty singing at the wedding.  It sure did sound good.  And that’s not only me saying it – I heard another couple talking to each other wondering what the song was and saying how much they liked it.  And any time it started playing (and they seemed to play it a lot over the week), people all around me started getting all googly-eyed at each other.

I can’t wait to tell Dusty when we get back!

Dear Diary,

We’re here at the Evergreen Lodge on Mount Fournas.  It sure is a wonderful place, and our room’s just amazing.  We got what they call a suite, which means we got a big sitting room attached to an even bigger bedroom with a king size four-poster bed, a bathroom bigger than my bedroom at home, fireplaces in the parlor and bedroom both, and a huge glass window leading out to a balcony that looks out over the mountain.  And oh, there’s a hot tub out on the balcony that me and Geoffry’ll both fit in that’s placed so nobody can see us but we can watch the mountains while soaking.  I can hardly believe our luck in having such a nice place, and Geoffry says this is nicer than he ordered.  But there’s a strange story in that.

We got here a little after noon today after a long ride.  I liked the place right from the first – the lobby was big with a wood fire in the fireplace and a little tea bar and a row of shops to one side.  We went up to the front desk and Geoffry said, “I have a reservation for Bentry.”

Well you’d think he just dropped a bomb from all the excitement.  Suddenly a man in a fine suit and a nametag saying “Mr Andropopolous” was standing at Geoffry’s elbow saying, “Ah, Dr Bentry.  We’ve been waiting for you.  Come right in – let me have someone get those bags.

“I noticed that you reserved one of our standard rooms, but the Evergreen Lodge would like to upgrade you at no extra cost to our Imperial Suite.  Come with me and I’ll show you the way.”  Two big fellers came at his snap and took our bags, then he led the way up a large red-carpeted flight of steps and brought us to a big red door flanked by two columns, all the while telling us about all the nice things there was to do at the hotel.  Pulling out a key, he opened the door and led us in.  The room had flowers all around, and “Complements of the house” he said as he opened a bottle of champain that sat there in a little silver tub of ice.

“Um, very nice,” said Geoffry.  ”Do you treat all your guests this well?”

Mr Andropopolous just laughed and said, “Only our most special guests, sir.”  Then he turned to me and said, “And are you pleased with the room, Mrs Bentry?”  I turned away from the view and eagerly nodded.  ”I do hope that you enjoy your stay, madame.  And that you see fit to mention our hospitality to your father, when next you see him.”

I stiffened, and Geoffry said in a cool voice, “I’m afraid my wife’s father is deceased, sir.”

Mr Andropopolous gave a sly smile and touched the side of his nose.  ”Ah yes, of course, Dr Bentry, sir.  I never should have mentioned it.  Please forgive me.  I will leave you now to explore your room, and be assured that if you need anything, anything at all, you need only mention it.”  And he left.

“That was strange,” I signed to Geoffry.

He nodded, deep in thought.  Then he added, “I wonder how he knew I’m a doctor.”

Dear Diary,

Not much time to write now, cause I got to get packed for the honeymoon which starts tomorrow.  But today was another grand day.  I got my pilot’s license!

See, Captain Olo and his crew gave me a piloting lesson with the Icarus Flying School (yeah, I don’t think that’s a good name either), and if I did well they said they’d give me my pilot’s test too.  I went there today seeing as we got a day before we’re leaving on the honeymoon and they seemed surprised at how well I did.  They kept asking how many times I flown and hardly believed it when I said only a couple.  So so they gave me my license.  I can now legally fly any contra-gravity plane here on Arcadia.  Ain’t that grand!

Geoffry was so proud of me.  He said he’d be happy to fly with me anytime I wanted.

I wonder if they’re gonna have any planes at our honeymoon place.  Cause I can’t hardly wait to fly again!

Dear Diary,

I was sitting with Geoffry and his mom thanking her for doing such a nice job with the wedding dinner and how beautiful everything was and all, and she got talking on how amazing it was to have an Imperial Senator at her son’s wedding.  Well, I signed (and Geoffry said for me), that was nice, but what was even nicer was that we had gods there.  That sure got her attention, so I told her how Will and Dusty had seen Artemis and Apollo, and how nice it was to have a divine presence at our wedding.

Well Mrs Bentry looked fairly shocked at that, though I couldn’t tell if she was more shocked at the idea that gods might have been at her son’s wedding, or shocked that her new daughter-in-law might believe such a thing.  But for myself I reckon it weren’t too surprising, seeing as I’d invited Artemis and all.  I guess she decided to bring her brother as her Plus One, seeing as how she’s not much of a one for dating.  But I was awfully glad that the Goddess and her kin had graced us, even though I felt a mite put out that she hadn’t seen fit to say hey to me.  I mean, why’d she go and talk to Dusty and even Will and not even show her self to me?

But when I thought about it later, it made sense.  I mean, I ain’t one of hers no more, not like Dusty and Will is.  She probably didn’t show herself to Hank or Dorothy or Aphrodite (girl not goddess) neither.  I suppose that’s one of the things I got to get used to, now that I’m a woman and not a girl.  There’s metaphysical aspects to it, and part of that is that certain gods may well snub me even at my own wedding.

But when I got to talking with Geoffry about it, it occurred to me that a goddess probably don’t get many invitations to parties.  I mean, it must be like being the most popular person in town.  Everybody figures you got better things to do than go to their parties, and so nobody ends up inviting you anywhere.  But you got a certain standard to uphold and you ain’t gonna just go crashing someone’s big event.  So you end up staying home all alone and wishing you had people around.

I guess it must be awful lonely being a god.  So from now on I resolve that I’m gonna invite at least one god to every party that I hold.  After all, them gods work so hard for the rest of us, the least we can do is to include them.

Dear Diary,

Now that was a party!

Once we was ready for the celebration, a shuttle showed up at the front door to take us there.  That was awfully exciting, buzzing low over the streets of the city while people looked up and pointed, even though they wouldn’t let me fly the ship myself.  (I don’t know why they wouldn’t.  I mean, I am the bride, so you think they’d be a mite accommodating.  It ain’t like I’d crash or anything.)

There was a good sized crowd when we got to the hall.  The hall itself was beautiful, with big columns all draped with holly and flowers.  Inside there was a great big dancing floor with tables all around and a special big table on a platform where Geoffry and me and our wedding party sat along with Lord Crispin.

The Bentries surely went all out for food.  There was turkey and pork and a great big roasted ox stuffed with special breads and other treats.  All the plates was perfectly set out, the food looking so delicate and lovely that you almost didn’t want to eat it.  And the cake was light and delicate, a real melt-in-your-mouth experience.

After dinner the dancing started.  Geoffry and me had the first dance, and we was out there waltzing along for a bit before the rest of the bridal party joined in.  (I noticed Dusty and Hank dance by.  She was holding him at arms length, and I thought I saw Dorothy, who was dancing with one of Geoffry’s cousins, staring daggers at Dusty as she passed by.)  I surely enjoyed the dancing, though as a dancer Geoffry makes a fine doctor.

After that it seemed like I was on the floor with one person or another for hours.  First Uncle Bill, then Hank, then Dr Bentry, and then just about all of the groomsmen.  It was an awful pleasant way to pass the time, and Dr Bentry was a mighty fine dancer, something that gave me some hope for Geoffry.

I took one last turn with Geoffry, then we took a break and started working the room.  He introduced me to distant family, his parents’ friends, and local big shots that was standing in line to pay respects to Lord Crispin.  I was nodding and smiling when I noticed Augustina Hawkins standing against the wall looking at the dancers with a tear in her eye.  The Hawkinses had come after all, her and Miz Hawkins at least.  I guess they weren’t about to turn down a chance to visit the big city.  But I had to admit, she did look awfully out of place.  She was dressed well enough for home, but here in the big city her dress wasn’t quite the thing: she looked a fringe-flower for sure.

At first I though it served her right for all the times she snubbed me back at home.  But then I got a closer look at her face and how sad she was and I thought back on my sacrifices to Artemis two nights ago, how I’d put aside the things of my childhood.  And maybe one thing I should put aside is bad feelings left over from them days.

I excused myself from Geoffry and went up to her.  She seemed happy that anyone was paying her attention, even if it was me.  I took her back to the Ladies Lounge (which was about the nicest WC I’ve ever seen, with marble sinks and a lady who stood there giving out hand towels).  I retied the sash of her dress and ripped off a big silk sunflower that was sewed to the shoulder, and I added a carnation that I’d grabbed off a table behind her ear and flattened her sleeves a bit.  That and a few adjustments to the way her dress hung made it look entirely different.  Now she looked like a city girl for sure, especially when I touched up her face a bit with some lipstick and stuff I had in my clutch bag.

She looked at herself in the mirror and seemed happier, but I wasn’t done.  I took her arm in mine as we walked out and I took her up to the front of the line of folks waiting to talk to Lord Crispin.  He smiled at me, and with hand-talk gestures I introduced her to him.  (Lord C don’t speak my hand-talk, at least not that I know – I ain’t never ruling out the possibility that he knows something and just ain’t telling.  But he’s got a feller who does protocol for him who’s the only person I ain’t related to who can read my signs, at least as far as I can tell.  I heard that feller, who’s kinda skinny and awfully fussy, bragging about the millions of dialects that he understands.  I don’t know about that, but he sure knows mine.)

Lord Crispin was awfully charming of course, and he soon had Augustina giggling at some little comment before we let someone else take their turn.  As we walked away, I smiled as I overheard someone asking a companion who that girl was, and what was it about her that caught the Imperial Senator’s attention.  And last time I saw Augustina, she was smiling and surrounded by young men competing to see who could make her laugh the hardest and begging her to dance.

I’d finished up with her and was spending a little time enjoying hearing Captain Olo chatting up Laurie and Annie when I saw Dusty on the other side of the room.  She seemed to be in a three-way conversation with Will and a big white curtain.  That seemed awfully strange so I went on over.

Will was looking awfully twitchy like he gets sometimes, but Dusty had a huge smile on her face.  She grabbed my arm and said, “Daisy, you’ll never guess who I just saw here!”  I looked a question at her, and she said, “I just had a talk with Artemis, and Apollo’s here too.  The gods have come to your wedding, what do you think of that?”  And I had to admit, it was awfully exciting.

But right about then, I noticed that Will seemed to be getting himself into trouble.  Dorothy and a couple fellers who was trailing her around was pestering him about sticking in the corner, and Hank was teasing him about the poor showing he’d given the night of the zombies.  That didn’t seem too nice to me, to pick on a feller as troubled as Will.  So I went right up and asked him to dance with me.

He seemed awfully relieved.  He weren’t too bad at it neither, only stepping on my toes a couple of times.  And that didn’t hurt much at all: I don’t know how that army-boot maker up on the Minerva did it, but even the open-toe high-heel sandals I was wearing today seemed to protect my feet against any clumsy dance partners.  I’m gonna have that feller make all my dancing shoes from now on.

After we was done dancing, Lord Crispin’s protocol feller came up to us and said that Lord C wanted me.  I walked over there withWill tagging along.  There was something going on in that side of the room, but until we got close I didn’t notice that Jugotaisama was there talking with Lord C.  He looked at me as I came close, and it weren’t a happy look on his face.

Lord Crispin said he hoped I didn’t mind, but he had extended an invitation to Jugotaisama.  I said I was glad to have him there, and even gave him a hug that seemed to surprise him.  About then Geoffry came up, and Jugotaisama gave him the evil eye.  He asked Geoffry if he’d be willing to fight for me, and Geoffry said he would, which Jugotaisama seemed to find funny.

Then Jugotaisama looked at Will and asked who this was.  Will answered in perfect Nihonese that he was my cousin Will.  It sure surprised me to hear Nihonese coming out of Will’s mouth, but not as much as it seemed to surprise him.  Anyway, once all was said and done, Jugotaisama gave a sword to Geoffry and a kimono to Will and a little puzzle box to me.  And everything was all right between everyone.

By then it was starting to get late and people was beginning to drift away.  Lord Crispin left first, taking Tacita and Flanna and Aphrodite (girl not goddess) with him.  They blasted off in one of them shuttles, but not before saying what a nice time they’d had.  Some other folks was starting to head towards the doors, and Geoffry came up and said it was time for us to leave.  I went and said goodbye to all my family and special friends, then we went back to Geoffry’s house.  (Well, I suppose it’s my house too now, but that’s gonna take some getting used to.)

We’re back there now.  I’m writing this while Geoffry is looking through one of his father’s books.  He said there was something he been meaning to look up, and now’s as good a time as any.  I reckon we’ll be heading to bed soon, though: it’s starting to get late, and I’m a mite tired.

And oh – I forgot to mention all the presents that everyone gave us.  There was boots and new guns and all kinds of glasses and plates and other pretty things.  Or Dusty’s set that she played with the band, including Johnny’s Song – her best playing ever.  Or all the nice things everybody said to me.  There really was just too much going on for me to remember it all.  But it sure was a nice wedding – the whole thing from start to finish.  And I reckon it’s all over now.  I only wonder what’s gonna be next.

Dear Diary,

Once I finally fell asleep I musta been awful tired cause I didn’t even wake when Geoffry did.  Because of that, when I opened my eyes it was to see him leaning on his arm just watching me.  I blinked the sleep out of my eyes, then sniffed at the smell of bacon in the air.

Sure enough, Geoffry had gotten up and fetched us food.  Waffles and bacon and fresh fruit with a tall glass of the sweetest orange juice I ever tasted (and we never did get much orange juice back home, so it was a real treat).  And then he just lay down beside me, there on the bed in his robe, watching and waiting for me to wake up.

I yawned and sat up and smoothed down my nightie.  (I’d slipped it back on before falling asleep cause things was already strange enough without also sleeping naked.)  Then I enjoyed the experience of having my husband serve me breakfast in bed.  I reckon I can get used to marriage if every day’s gonna start like that!

Afterwards I washed up a bit and brushed out my hair, and then Geoffry patted the bed next to him with his hand.  I learned then how nice it is to have a husband with a healing touch, cause he put a hand in my lap and the soreness just pulled away.  That felt even better than healing my sunburn and I was mighty grateful. Course, the healing weren’t only for my benefit, which I found out when Geoffry tossed off his robe and pulled me down onto the bed.

I don’t know if it was his healing me or what, but it felt better this time.  A whole lot better.  Fact is, before he was done I felt good in ways I never felt before.  He seemed pleased himself, even though he weren’t gasping for dear life this time.  Just as well as we got a lot to do today.

We got up after and I had the curious experience of sharing a shower for the first time.  It was a bit cramped and awful tricky to figure out how to share the spray.  But it was nice to have someone wash my back, and he seemed to like having me clean his parts.

What with one thing and another the morning was almost over by then, so I put on one of my new dresses, a sunshine yellow one meant for day wear, and we held hands as we left our little nest.

We ran into Geoffry’s cousin Thomas on the way to the parlor.  He asked with a sideways grin, “So Geoff, did you have a good night?”

I blushed scarlet as Geoffry said, “I had a very good night.  Did the party run late?”

“Yes, rather.  I should think that you weren’t the only one having a very good night last night.”  Then he continued up the stair, whistling as he went.

When we got to the courtyard we found Mrs Bentry directing servants.  (Well, we found one Mrs Bentry directing servants.  I’m a Mrs Bentry too now.)  She beckoned to Geoffry when she saw us, then hugged him when we came close.  ”Look at my big married son,” she said.  ”And you, Daisy.  I suppose I’m going to have to get used to being a mother-in-law.”  She looked me up and down, then said, “Tell me, are you feeling at all nauseous this morning?  Any chance that we might expect a grandson in the not-too-distant future?”  And with that she gave my tummy a little pat as I reddened.

Geoffry smiled and said, “I suppose it’s possible,” though he didn’t mention how unlikely it was, seeing as I’d started taking them pills of his.  Then taking my hand, he led me off to a parlor where we found family members sitting around gabbing.

Geoffry’s family all seem nice.  And there sure are a lot of them, many of them staying here at the house for the wedding.  I had a long talk with his Uncle William.  (Well, he did all of the talking, but you know what I mean.)  He called me “Geoffry’s little fringe-flower” and talked about how pretty country girls are.  But it did get me wondering what Geoffry told his family about me when he said, “So little girl, Geoffry says you’re quite the scrapper.  Do you think you could take me?”  Well, I just smiled, but really, I reckon he wouldn’t be that difficult.

Anyway, it’s getting near time to get ready.  The girls from Thetis just got here – I’m gonna have them do me up one last time, and Mrs Bentry sounded interested in getting herself and Geoffry’s sister done up too.  I got a deep blue floor length gown with a sash that goes over one shoulder.  It makes me look sophisticated and adult, and I reckon it’s just the thing for a married woman to wear.  But it’s time to get in it now, so I’ll see you later, dear diary.

Dear Diary,

Well, I’m a woman now.

It don’t feel much different, not really, just a little sore.  But it’s done, and now I suppose I’m safe from hungry dragons and weird cultists looking for someone to sacrifice.

Over all, it weren’t as bad as I feared.  Geoffry was real nice, taking his time untying my knot, then keeping things slow and asking if I was ready any time he was gonna do something new.  So when it happened it didn’t hurt much, only a little.  It sure was a lot better than getting a spear stuck in my belly, and Geoffry was a whole lot gentler than a walking statue.  Before he was done it even started to feel kinda pleasant, though what he was doing never did stop being strange.  But it ain’t the worst thing that ever happened to me, not by a long shot, and given enough time I might even learn to like it.

Course, Geoffry seemed to like it already, especially at the end when I started getting a feel for what I was doing.  Afterwards I was afraid I’d done him some harm from the way he was gasping.  But he caught his breath and said no, it was all perfect, he never knew it could be so good, and that I made a dandy wife.

We cuddled for a while then, him telling me how happy he was that we’re married and how beautiful I looked wearing only candlelight.  He even took it well when I said I’d rather wait til later before doing it again and seemed content to make do with plenty of kissing and caressing.  Finally he fell asleep with his one arm around me, and I lay there for a while just looking on his face and listening to his soft snore.

And now here I am.  I ain’t a girl no more, for I’ve played Aphrodite’s part for my Geoffry.  And next time Geoffry invites me for a walk in the woods, there ain’t no need to hold him back.  So that’s one less worry.

But other than that and the fact that my head’s full of new memories and knowledge that I’ll never forget, nothing’s changed much.  It’s funny, but I expected that everything would be different after my wedding.  But I’m still the same Daisy: I’m just a married Daisy is all.

Dear Diary,

I’m sitting here in bed next to a sleeping Geoffry, writing by the light of one last candle stub.  I should probably be asleep, but whether it’s the excitement of the day or the strangeness of sharing a bed with a man, I don’t feel at all tired.  So I’ll take this chance to write of everything that happened after leaving that lovely rented house.

The procession was pretty near the way Domina Moratus described.  It started with me clinging onto Grandmother since momma never did make it down.  Geoffry was real careful in prying me away from her.  And I didn’t hold on too tight anyways cause even though Grandmother’s spine is strong, her arms are a mite brittle.

After pulling me loose Geoffry dragged me out to the street.  A crowd of groomsmen was waiting and plenty of wedding guests was out watching the show.  There was a chariot there, a great golden thing drawn by two large white horses, big enough for Geoffry and me with room to spare for the boys who’d be holding me in place.  (Will Dunn was one.  The other was one of Geoffry’s kin who I had never met before today.)  And at the front of the chariot stood the driver, dressed in a white loincloth and helmet like something out of a temple book and handsome enough to set my bridesmaids to sighing.

A third boy led the way carrying a torch that shone bright in the twilight.  Geoffry was up front in the chariot pretending to boss the driver around while my guards and me stood behind them trying to keep our balance as the chariot rattled along.  Behind us came Dusty carrying a spindle and distaff, and she was followed by the guests who was starting to get rowdy.  Many had little bags of walnuts (shelled, thankfully) that they was flinging in our direction, and there were plenty of shouts of “Talassio Talassio” and “Hymen Hymenae.”

Some of the more creative was making up their own sayings.  Hank spotted the flying walnuts and called, “Hey Daisy, tonight it’s gonna be Doc who’s throwing his nuts your way!”  Someone told a friend in a loud voice that, “Daisy just traded her maidenhead for a band of gold, and Doc’s coming to collect,” while one of Geoffry’s school friends said, “Daisy’s had her day, but tonight belongs to Geoff,” which set a bunch to chanting, “Daisy’s got hers, now Geoff gets his!”   A trio of soldiers apparently just noticed that I’ve got the name of a flower, cause they took turns shouting “Doc’s gonna plant some seed in a garden of Daisy’s,” and “Doc’s gonna deflower a Daisy,” and “A Daisy is a flower that’s gonna get plucked.”

Even my girlfriends got into it, with Dorothy saying something confusing about copulating and Annie yelling that “Doc looks like he’s carrying a load now, but he’ll be lighter on his feet come morning” to which a feller in a toga responded “But by then Daisy’ll be walking funny!”

I was surprised at how lively they was, making a night of it like that.  Even Geoffry was getting in the spirit of it: when a passerby yelled that he looked awfully eager, he shouted back, “I sure am!”  That made the crowd cheer and led to a big hail of walnuts.

There didn’t seem like no malice in any of it, but that didn’t keep me from blushing through pretty much the whole trip.  And even worse, I’d forgotten to cover up with my veil so the walnuts was a mite vexing, especially the one that went down my bodice.  (I could swear Will tossed that one, though I’m not sure how he managed it, what with using one hand to keep me in place while the other held tight to the chariot.)

After a few blocks we got to Geoffry’s house.  He got down first, then he welcomed me to my new home.  There was wool, oil, and fat waiting there, and I applied it to the lintel, being careful not to get any on me.  Then Dr Bentry threw open the door, Hank yanked me off my feet, and Geoffry led us over the threshold.

Inside everything was all lit up with candles.  There was a little toy bed sitting in the middle of the room with dolls in it that someone said was supposed to be Geoffry’s and my spirits.  (On hearing that, Will got a funny look on his face like he was listening real close, then he gave a shrug.)  Grandmother was there, and Uncle Bill and Aunt Millie, but they left after hugging me and wishing me a good night.  Then Geoffry took my arm and led me into the courtyard where a bunch of folks was waiting.  There sat a little brazier with a small fire next to a shallow bowl of water.  I dipped a hand in each, real quick, then took the torch from the boy who had led the procession and used it to light the hearth.  I doused the torch in a bucket of water set there for the purpose and threw it to the crowd.  (Last I saw, Annie and Dorothy was wrestling for it with a bunch of Geoffry’s fraternity brothers cheering them on.)  Then I said a quick prayer to Aphrodite to make me pleasing and to Isis to help me be strong.

The party was really starting to get going then, with the drink flowing and dancing starting off in one corner.  But Geoffry was shooting long glances at me and I could feel the hunger in his eyes.  I knew then that I’d done everything I needed to do, everything but one thing.  So I took up an apple sitting in a nearby bowl and, catching Dusty’s eye, I signed “It’s time,” and she came and led me to his room.

The room looked prettier than the last time I was here, sparkling clean with flowers everywhere and lit with small candles standing in cups placed around the room.  There was a bottle of wine and two glasses on the night stand and a plate of pastries and fruit on the dresser, but I wasn’t really hungry.  And sitting on the foot of his bed was the small suitcase that I had packed the night before.

Dusty had me sit while she removed my veil and brushed the walnuts out of my hair.  There was a water-closet right off his room, so I cleaned my teeth and freshened my makeup.  Dusty then had me stand while she unhooked my gown.  I opened the suitcase and took out the nightgown I had gotten at Cleopatra’s Closet, a bit of white gossamer that the light shone right through with a pleated skirt that went down halfway to my knees.  I slipped the nightie over my head, having decided after much thought to wear nothing underneath.  Dusty helped replace my Knot of Hercules (since there was some give to the wool I’d been able to slide it down over the wedding gown without untying it) and I turned it so the knot would be in front.  A couple sprays of perfume while Dusty pulled down the covers and then I climbed into the bed, pulling the sheet up to my neck and holding it in place.

Dusty looked at me lying there and asked, “Are you ready?”  I took a deep breath and nodded, then she gave me a little hug and said, “I’ll go get him then.”  Geoffry must have been waiting right outside, because she was only gone an instant before leading him in, Hank bringing up the rear.  There was a bunch of people in the hallway, and several slapped Geoffry’s back as he strode through the door, one saying “Go get her, Tiger.”  Dusty looked at me to ask if I was okay, and I inclined my head a whisker to say yes.  Then she turned to Hank and shooed him out, but not before he pointed a finger like a pistol and, with a wink and two clicks of his tongue, made like he was shooting me right between the eyes.

Geoffry closed the door after them and turned the key in the lock.  There was a burst of laughter from outside the room, then he turned and walked towards the bed.

Dear Diary,

This is it.  This is the day.  Today I’m getting married and I ain’t never been so nervous and excited, so unsure and so ready.  I ain’t been able to take a full breath all day and things are just so exciting.

But this entry may be pretty broken up.  I’m jotting out parts as I got time, and this day is pretty broken up.  So dear diary, forgive me if this don’t flow like normal.  It ain’t cause I don’t care, it’s just that I’m so busy!

I woke up at dawn wondering how the auspices were.  Tacita said she’d read them, cause who could do it better?  So as soon as I got up I ran over to her room to see how things looked.  She was staring out the window with that distant look she sometimes gets, then she turned towards me and smiled.  She said that everything was fine, better than that even, that everything looked about as good as it could and today’s a good day to get married.

Once that was out of the way, a whirl of preparations started.  Geoffry’s mom and sister and one of his aunts showed up early and we had a quick breakfast, then Dusty and the girls set out to the temple to pick up water, Eyes of Horus troopers marching along beside them.  It was strange, letting them do all the work while I just sat here, but that’s what Domina Moratus said should happen so that’s what had to be.  They was back soon anyway, and they filled the biggest tub in the house with the blessed water.  All the ladies was gathering in there when I came in and looked at Mrs Bentry: what if she saw something she didn’t like?  But I slipped out of my robe and climbed in the tub, the water chill against my skin.  I sat there soaking my girlhood away with everyone’s eyes on me, Mrs Bentry looking calculating, Grandmother stern, and Dusty like she was trying not to laugh.

After that I rose from the tub and toweled off, put on a robe, and went out to the courtyard.  Aunt Millie was there and she had a cage with a white rabbit inside.  It was a cute little thing and I felt bad about what was gonna happen to it, but I had to show respect to Aphrodite.  I mean, what if she took against me and made Geoffry not want me anymore?  So I took the silver knife that was laid out there and I cut the bunny’s throat, watching the blood pour into the small basin.  Aunt Millie then dipped her finger in the blood and touched it to my forehead, my lips, and my heart, and then we poured the blood into the hearth, following it with the rabbit.  And I added a special heart that I had made for Aphrodite, just like I promised I’d do, with a note inside asking that she guide me as I carry out my duties as a wife and that she see that Geoffry be pleased with me tonight.

Then Aunt Millie and me returned to my room where we found Grandmother and Dusty waiting.  After washing off the blood they started getting me ready.  (Momma’s still sick up on the Minerva, so I’m gonna have to get married without her.  That makes me awfully sad, but I know she wouldn’t want me to hold up the wedding for nothing, not even for her.)

We had a crew from Thetis there to get me all primped.  The hairdresser had a real spearhead that she used to part my hair just like Domina Moratus described.  My head felt real tight when she was done, the locks coiled up and held together with a little wire and some flowers.  Then the nails and makeup girls got to work, touching up the paint on my fingers and toes and using the makeup spray to smooth my skin.  Finally Aunt Millie helped me on with my dress, being careful that I didn’t get makeup on anything, and I stood tall in it while Grandmother wrapped my woolen sash around my waist and tied the knot, not too easy and not too hard, and the hairdresser added a few last touches, putting a strand in place here, sticking in a flower there, and finally placing the red lace veil over it all.

Grandmother took a long look at me, her eyes traveling up and down.  Then she nodded and said, “You’ll do.  He’s a lucky man, this Geoffry.  I only hope he realizes it.”  I breathed a sigh of relief, then she added, “Don’t just stand there like a stork, girl.  Go find your sister and bridesmaids.  You’ll no doubt all want to be silly together.”

I gave her a little hug, being careful not to crush my veil.  But Aunt Millie adjusted it anyways, then Grandmother adjusted it again, and then I was off to the front parlor with the girls to keep an eye on the street.

I’m there now, adding this.  Everyone’s so excited – we’ve already shared about a thousand giggles – and Flanna and Tacita keep looking out the window for Geoffry.  (I’m peeking too, between paragraphs.)  And… wait, gotta go now… I think I hear something…

Sure enough, that was it!  It started out as a rumbling in the sky, kind of like distant thunder, only the day was clear.  Before long folks on the street was pausing in their walks and looking all around.  Within seconds one of the Minerva’s shuttles appeared in the sky coming down to the street right outside our house.  Folks was scrambling and one man dropped his hat in his hurry to get away.  He looked like he was gonna retrieve it, but when he looked back the shuttle was coming down at full speed.  The last I saw of him he was sadly contemplating the spot where his hat used to be, a spot that now contained several tons of drop shuttle.

There was a pause while everyone looked at each other, and I could hear them wondering if the city was being invaded.  Then the ramp reached out from the shuttle, right down to the front stoop.  The doors slid slowly open and there was Geoffry standing framed in the shuttle’s hatch with Hank at one shoulder and a line of troopers in dress uniforms backing him up.

Geoffry looked awfully good in a deep red toga, the folds of cloth wrapped around him and making him tower over the street.  He looked around like he dared anyone to get in his way, then he strode manfully down the ramp.  Flanna giggled and Laurie said it looked like I was in for it now but I shushed them as we heard the deep boom as Geoffry pounded on the door.  Hank yelled out, “You better open the door or we’re blasting our way in,” and the cannon from the shuttle pivoted to take aim at the portico.

The neighbors were looking awfully spooked now, and I saw a mother drag her son indoors.  Then I heard Uncle Bill’s voice from below.  ”Who’s that, disturbing the peace of this neighborhood.  Begone ruffians, before I call the authorities.”

“We got the authorities here with us, old man,” Hank yelled, and then I heard the door below creaking open.

“You knocked,” said Uncle Bill.

I heard a strong voice say, “I am Doctor Geoffry Bentry, and I’m here to claim my bride.”

There was a long pause as Uncle Bill looked at Geoffry, the soldiers, and the cannon, then he said, “You leave me little choice.  Please follow me.”  And Geoffry came inside followed by a long stream of people from the shuttle.

I slammed the blinds closed and looked nervously at Dusty.  ”You look fine,” she said.  ”Geoffry’s gonna be so happy,” and she made a quick adjustment to my veil.

I took a deep breath and nodded, and then there was a knock at the parlor door.  Uncle Bill came in and said, “It’s time,” and music wafted into the room as he took my arm and led me to the stairs.

The courtyard was full of people standing by their chairs craning their necks for a look at me.  All my attendants was ahead of me, all except Dusty who was following and making sure my dress didn’t catch on anything and hopefully not putting a “kick me” sign on my back.  As I came into the room, my eyes met Geoffry’s where he stood on a platform at the other end.  I was feeling awfully nervous with everyone looking at me, but I gave him a shy smile and hoped he liked what he saw.

I ain’t the twin that can read minds, but judging from his bear-sized grin, Geoffry seemed pleased.  His eyes never left mine and it was like he was willing me the strength to keep walking to him.  We got to the foot of the platform and Uncle Bill said in a clear voice, “I give you this girl, that she may bring your children into the world within the bonds of wedlock.”

Geoffry responded, “I accept her.”

“And I agree to provide her with a dowry of eleven hundred sesterci, to be held as an investment until you two should settle into your permanent home.”

“I accept that as well.”  Then Uncle Bill patted my hand and passed it over to Geoffry.

Lord Crispin was standing on the platform, which was a bit of a surprise, but it seemed that he’d be presiding over the ceremony.  He said a few nice words about how happy he was to be here at our wedding and he talked of the institution of marriage and how important it is to the empire.  He sure did know how to make a ceremony sound right, and even Flanna was paying close attention to his every word.

After he was done Dusty walked over to a stand where her guitar was sitting.  Then she picked it up and played and sang a soft love ballad that made me think of kisses in the springtime and summer love, and my heart was filled with deep content as her pretty voice filled the room.  A sigh washed around the crowd as she finished, and here and there I saw married folk (Geoffry’s parents, Uncle Bill and Aunt Millie) squeezing tight on each others’ hands.

Lord Crispin nodded to Geoffry and me and my chest suddenly got tight.  But Geoffry stepped forward and took my hands, and he said in an eager voice, “I Geoffry take you Daisy as my wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer.  I promise to protect and support you and all the children that you shall bear me.  For all of the days of our lives, I take you as bride.”

It was my turn now, and for the first time in my life I was glad that I couldn’t speak because my throat was so tight that I couldn’t have said a word.  But I let go of Geoffry’s hands and signed as he spoke aloud my words so that all could hear.  ”I Daisy take you Geoffry as my husband,  to love, honor and obey, through all the days of my life, in sickness or in health, for richer or poorer, promising to forsake all others and be true to you and you alone, to bear your children to carry your name.  As you are Gaius, I am Gaia.”

There was a long silence as we looked in each others’ eyes, then somewhere in a vast distance I heard Lord Crispin clear his throat.  Hank stepped forward and said in a scratchy voice, “Um, I got the wedding contract here to be signed.  Doc, Mr Dunn?”  Geoffry and Uncle Bill signed, then Lord Crispin, Dr Bentry, and Hank witnessed it.  And sudden as that, we was married.

Lord Crispin watched Hank add his signature, then turned to us and said, “You are now married.  Dr Bentry, do you care to do the honors?”  Geoffry glowed as he lifted my veil and gazed lovingly on my uncovered face, then he took me in his arms and, holding on tight, kissed me so intensely that I would have fallen over in a faint if he hadn’t been holding me up.

The crowd gave a big cheer, and I could see tears in many an eye.  Even Grandmother’s eyes was shining, which surprised me.  And then Dusty’s voice soared above the crowd and she said, “It’s time to eat!”  The cheer turned to laughter, and Geoffry and me led the crowd to the big dining room, stopping first in a makeshift chapel that had been set up in the yellow parlor.  There we found a pig for Serapis and Isis and a matched pair of white goats for Artemis and Apollo (who we included, them being in the way of patrons for Geoffry and me, and twins besides).  I held Geoffry’s hand as he showed what a good surgeon he was by cutting the beasts without splattering hardly any blood, something that I appreciated seeing as he was in red but I was wearing white.

Then it was to dinner.  I imagine the food was delicious, and I know many folks came up to congratulate us.  But honestly, I can’t hardly remember any of it.  I just know that I sat there next to Geoffry, a smile on my face, chewing down the sesame cakes that’re supposed to make us fertile and feeling so very very happy.  Everyone looked so pleased to be there with us and there was a round of toasts, first by Hank who somehow managed to keep it short and sweet without saying anything inappropriate at all, and then by Dusty who worked a song into her toast.  And every now and then people would start in a-tapping on their glasses, making a pretty little pinging sound that continued until I started to blush and Geoffry kissed me.

After a while the sun’s rays started coming through the western windows, and Geoffry rose to his feet.  ”My friends,” he said, “This has been a wonderful day, and I am happy that you chose to share it with us.  But now my wife and I have other matters to attend to.”  The crowd gave a round of whoops led by Hank, and Geoffry continued.  ”But you are all invited to join us in the procession, and to come to my parents’ house where we will continue the ceremonies.”  Another round of cheers and Geoffry smiled and led me by the arm to the sitting room off the atrium.

I’m here now, waiting for Geoffry.  He’s got a bit of arranging to do for the procession.  I’m just as glad cause it gives me a chance to finish off this entry.

Anyway, it sure was a beautiful wedding.  There’s only a couple more things to do, and then we’ll be completely married.  The procession, of course, and then the stuff at Geoffry’s house, touching the water and fire and all.  And then the rest of it.  I reckon I can get through all that, and then I’ll be Mrs Bentry for sure.  Just a little longer now.

So wish me luck, dear diary.  It sounds like the chariot’s ready, which means it’s procession time.  Time to finish up everything, so now I got to go.

Dear Diary,

The car got us back to the house just in time.  Lord Crispin’s chefs had everything cooking nice, and the smells that filled the house made my mouth water.  The dining room was filled with tiny yellow and white flowers with great red roses in big vases all along the table.  The servants was just lighting the candles and putting pillows on the couches and everything looked dandy as Geoffry and his folks showed up.

Uncle Bill welcomed them in and led them to the courtyard.  He got drinks for everyone, then I came in with the rest of the girls.  Geoffry’s eyes leapt right at me the moment I walked in and he got a silly soft little smile on his face as he gazed on me.  He was looking awful fine himself, wearing a blue suit with a bright red tie, and he had never looked so tall and strong as he did then.

We stood around for a bit making smalltalk with everyone, though I don’t recollect anything in particular that was said.  I just stood there bathing in the warmth of Geoffry’s eyes, softer and warmer than the warmest pool in the spa, letting the chitchat flow over me.

At one point there was a burst of laughter from everyone.  I looked up and there was Dusty with a frown on her face.  ”Just look at the two of you, off in your own private dream.  I don’t reckon either of you has heard a word anyone’s said for the past fifteen minutes!”  I looked at Geoffry and mirrored his sheepish shrug.

After that dinner was served.  The food tasted even better than it smelled, light delicate little breads, thinly sliced ham with a honey and cinnamon glaze, fresh fruits of some kind that I never seen before, and the most savory greens I ever did taste.  And after it all, pastries so light that they melted in the mouth leaving behind a soft echo of chocolate and cream.

Through it all the talk was of Geoffry and me and what we was like when we was younger.  Grandmother told what a hard worker I was, how the house sparkled when she came to visit, and how she knew that wasn’t momma’s doing.  Laurie joked about how mad the boys used to be when I’d outrun them when we played tag, and Dusty talked about how she could never talk me into bad behavior no matter how hard she tried, and boy did she try hard.

Geoffry’s mother told what a serious boy he was, watching ants by the hour when he was no more than four, and how hard he worked at his studies.  One of his classmates, another doctor, joked of how he was always telling Geoffry that he could make a fortune as a god-touched healer, all he had to do was find some rich hypochondriac Senator or Proconsul and his fortune would be made.  Instead Geoffry insisted on wandering around and doing good.  But seeing as that led Geoffry to me, maybe he was right all along and there was other places to find a treasure than on Earth.

I felt so warm inside, surrounded by people who cared for us and wished us well.  And I cherished the chance to spend time with everybody, to talk with Aunt Millie, and to get to know Geoffry’s sister.  (She’s a sweet girl, a little older than me, and she’s got some job in the city and a feller of her own.  It must be strange to live all by yourself.  But that’s the way the cityfolk do it, so it must work for them.)

A few times during dinner Geoffry rubbed his hand across my back, resting it there as he made a point to his friend Archie.  It was warm, and I felt the callouses on his fingers, the love pouring from his heart down his arm and into my skin.  He pressed against me again a little later, his foot twisting around mine, while Dusty sang the song she’d been writing all week, a nice little love ballad about a feller named Johnny.  Just listening to her like that made me feel all gooey inside, and I rested my head on Geoffry’s shoulder and wished we was alone, but then I remembered that would come soon enough and tonight I should just enjoy being around so many of my nearest and dearest.

It was getting kinda late and Grandmother kept looking meaningfully at the clock that sat across from the dining table when Uncle Bill rose and led everyone in one last toast.  Then the Bentries and all their people got up and hugged us goodbye, Geoffry taking my hand and raising it to his lips, his eyes locked on mine as he murmured, “Until tomorrow.”  Then he was gone.

I had one last chore to do for the evening, and I fetched out Bubbles.  It was awfully sad, casting him into the fire in the small hearth in the courtyard, but I was ready to put aside my childhood now.  I’ve enjoyed being a girl, and all the memories I’d shared with my friends this day reminded me just how much.  But Artemis had been so good to me, both by protecting me right from the cradle and by giving me such fine gifts of late, and she deserved the finest sacrifice I could offer her.  I only wished I had more of my childhood to give than an old stuffed fish and a couple handmade dresses.  But there just weren’t much left after momma sold my stuff to support her habit.  So I offered what I had and thought on how nice being a girl had been and how I was ready to become a married woman.

Dusty’s asleep in the bed as I write this.  The house is full, what with Tacita and Flanna and Aphrodite added to the mix, so I’m sharing a room with Dusty.  Somehow that’s how it should be.  I’ve shared a room with Dusty most of the nights of my life, and I reckon it’s only right that tonight we share for one last time.

So goodnight, dear diary.  Tomorrow is going to be a full day, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.