In want of a wife (A Dr. Who fanfiction)

Chapter 15

He was there.

He stood beneath the steps that led up the church.

He looked gorgeous.

His attire was similar to the suit that he wore, the day he proposed; his own garments. However this outfit was wholly suitable for this day and age and Rose felt her heart swell in pride.

The pants and tailcoat were dark brown and there was a very delicate blue pinstripe visible up close. A dark blue vest, made of silk and patterned with something undefinable, having the appearance of circles within circles, he wore beneath the coat. The shirt she gave him was just visible under the dark red silk puff tie.

He wore a hat. The first time ever she saw him wearing one, it made her smile involuntarily. It matched the suit of course. He took it off when she came near. His hair was done, perfectly up and tidy. Then, in one fitful, yet unconscious stroke, he undid all the hard work and Mr. Smith beside him, shook his head in resignation.

They entered the church. All the guests were seated and the Doctor took his place in front next to the vicar. Mr. Smith stood behind him, ready to take over the hat, which the Doctor held quite convulsive.

Rose awaited the formation of the church procession: a little girl with flowers, the three young women, her little brother bearing the ring and at last herself. She was being led by her father, whose reassuring smile was but a little comfort.

The music started and the procession began. Rose hardly felt her feet touch the ground. She was flying, soaring on a mist of tumbling thoughts. Everything except the Doctor had become a blur. His brown eyes were her anchor and his smile her haven. She did not notice her friends taking their places, she did not see her mother crying in the front row. She barely felt her father lifting up the veil and giving her a kiss. All she perceived was the hand in which hers was placed and then the vicar spoke the age-old words.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of his congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is an honourable state, instituted of God in Paradise, in the time of man's innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church. Therefore is not to be enterprised, nor taken in hand inadvisedly, lightly or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites; but reverently, discretely, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God, duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained. One was the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and praise of God."

Rose felt her heart skip a beat when her mind suddenly leapt to the expectation of her wedding night. Would he, being an alien, even be able to father children? She pushed the troubled thought aside and focused on the speech. Already having forgotten all the words that were spoken between the 'dearly beloved' and the part about children.

"Secondly, it was ordained for a remedy against sin and to avoid fornication. Thirdly, for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity, into which holy state these two persons present, come now to be joined."

Next the question was put forth should there be an objection, but the dread was short and none spoke up, so the priest continued with pleasure and the Doctor squeezed her hand.

"Sir Doctor John Lungbarrow of Tardis, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her, in sickness, and in health? And forsaking al other, keep the only to her, so long as you both shall live?"

The Doctor turned to face Rose, he smiled and gently took her right hand in his. Before answering however, he placed the fingers of his left hand lightly on her left temple.