Garrison Fields

Chapter 40 - The wedding tea

The wedding was a brief functional ceremony, as befits a service at the Town Hall. This better suited Derek as he appeared uncomfortable being the focus of attention. The high point of the wedding was when the rings were asked for, no one had thought about it so from a moment of tranquillity everyone erupted into laughter.

After the service had been performed the wedding party and their guests made their way outside onto the steps of the Town Hall, Fawcett Street was busy. Mrs Dunbar gave a small bag to Ted with a whispered instruction, within seconds he was showering the new couple with rice. There were several in the wedding party and under Mr Dunbar's instructions, they made their way down to the tram stop, to catch the tram back to the General. Several people in the queue congratulated them on their betrothal and the nature of all was high spirited and good humoured. Mr Gregson had not taken too much arm twisting to come to the General Wolf for the wedding tea, a wink to Mr Gregson let him know.

'Tea in the General, will help the ladies. I'm sure that a nice drop of rum can be found! '

'You didn't get a chance to throw your wedding bouquet.' stated Mrs Dunbar quite downcast, that something had not gone according to her well laid out plans.

'No, I didn't, but I'm glad. I thought I would keep it. I'm going to put it in water when we get back and press some of the flowers as a keepsake in the family bible. I want to be reminded of this day; it has been so special for me.'

They both smiled and Mrs Dunbar took her by the arm 'You know, we've come to think of you as a daughter, you don't know the joy it gives me to know, that you're happy.'

Before sentiment could overtake them any further the clanking of the tram alerted them to its proximity and as it drew up the tram conductor holding the rail at the back lent out and surveyed the queue and smiling at the party stated for all to hear.

'A rowdy bunch, if ever I saw it, and the navy as well, I hope I'll have a tram to take back to the depot tonight!' Derek stood to the side of the door, as Jane went to climb the couple of steps into the tram and put out his hand.

'Take my hand love.'

She obliged and with her gloved hand, lightly took his and boarded. The Dunbar's followed Mr Dunbar adopted the same pose offering his hand and repeated the same words. However, the response was less formal.

'Get away with you, you big soft lump, we're already married, and I hope you're not suggesting I need help to climb these two little steps.' She turned round as she boarded grasping his cheek between her fingers and giving it a shake.

'But thank you all the same my love.'

She disappeared into the tram to catch the newlyweds up. Mr Dunbar turning round to the boys, 'You see what happens after forty years of marriage, remember stay single for as long as you can!'

The wedding group were all in good spirits and several people on the tram moved seats to allow the wedding party to be together, the conductor refused to take any fairs when offered.

'I don't think that's needed today.'

They dismounted the tram and were wished all the best for the future, from all onboard. Walking the short distance back to the General Wolf, Sarah opened the door upon hearing them, greeting them enthusiastically. She was visibly excited and rushed to Jane and kissed her, wishing her all the best, then back to Mrs Dunbar, informing her of how all preparations were now completed and that all deliveries expected were in place.

There was even Mr Schwartz the photographer she explained, and well, he had given her so many problems. You would think that she had nothing to do today but run after him! First there was not enough light, then there was too much and then there were reflections, and nothing would do, and nothing was right for him. But now, finally, he was satisfied.