| The boys are named Harry, Thomas and Richard; the girls are called
Elizabeth, Theresa, Elinor and Melisande. (The parents reluctantly decide
that it would not be safe to name two of their children Synizn and Malachi
after their benefactors.) Nurses and wet- nurses are hurriedly engaged,
and the babies thrive. Despite their somewhat unconventional courtship
to this point, Fred and Astra soon find themselves deeply in love and blissfully
happy.
Preparations for the wedding are rapidly put in train, and soon the great day dawns. The castle stands on a hill overlooking the capital city, and the ceremony is to take place in the city's cathedral.
|
When the priest says: "Does anyone know of any
just cause or impediment...?" someone stands up and says: "Yes. I do!"