Wedding Day
Rush, Pennsylvania
February 11, 1868
Taking stock of his appearance in the hallway mirror Asa reflected on the events of the years since he’d left the army and smiled. “I can’t believe this day has finally come,” he said softly to the image that was looking back at him, the dark eyes serious but shimmering with anticipation for what lie ahead. He could hear Aunt Mary bustling about in the kitchen all the while giving orders to the boys to fetch this or carry that. “Women,” he murmured with amusement, “always on about something. One would think she’d be glad to be rid of me but I know that’s not really so. I’ve done my best to be of use to Justus and to her and they’ve been all the family I’ve had since Granny and the others left. Fortunately Orin is old enough now to be of some help to them both.
At the Kunkle house all was as ready as Sarah and her other daughters still at home could make it. Rebecca’s married sisters and their husbands were bustling around as well…everyone trying to help. Vestiges of mourning still were apparent here and there and likely always would be Rebecca thought as she gazed around the parlor but her heart was overflowing with happiness. Today was not only her wedding day which she had too often wondered whether it would ever arrive, but it was also her twenty-first birthday. How fitting she told herself that I will become not only an adult but a married woman on the same day.
Her mother called up the stairs to her. “Do you need help, dear? The pastor will be arriving soon and I’m beginning to worry that your father will forget to make sure the cider has been brought from the mill.”
Rebecca chuckled. “Poor Ma, as if the cider from the mill is the most important part of the day. I’m quite sure the pastor will be satisfied with whatever Pa has on hand to offer him.” She fussed about, rearranging her hair and the lacy collar on her dress. She had finally forgone the pale lavender she’d still been wearing since her brothers had died and chosen a soft rose for the bodice of the dress she had sewn for the occasion. Asa has always said he likes this color and urges me to wear it more often. It matches my cheeks, he says. She dimpled and blushed looking at herself in the mirror that hung over the dresser. She would be taking these pieces of furniture to their new home. The tinkling of the bell at the front door alerted her to the arrival of the traveling minister causing her to gasp and sink down onto the bed for a long moment. Little Sarah appeared in the doorway dressed in white with a huge rose-colored bow in her hair. “Ma says to come now, Becky. Everyone is here. Mr. Hickok looks ever so handsome in his dark suit and white collar. Is everyone getting all dressed up like this because of the wedding? Is that what people do when they get married? I think I would like a white dress to the floor when I get married. Didn’t you want a white dress, Becky? That’s my favorite you know, but I guess your pink is all right. You do look very nice. Getting married sure seems to be a lot of fuss though. I’m not sure why. I know you are going away to live with Mr. Hickok in that house on Silver Lake but I don’t understand why we are having all this to-do about it.”
“People are happy for us to be starting a life together, Sissy. By the time you get married I’m sure you will understand why it’s a good reason to have a party. For now, you just remember to hold my bouquet for me when Asa needs to put the ring on my finger. I will let you know. Weddings are very special days and when you are a little older I will explain why to you. For today it is enough for you to know that we are very happy.”
It’s time this house had some happiness in it, she added to herself. We have been too sad for too long. She gave her hair one last pat and proceeded down the stairs to Asa’s waiting arms.
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