Mud and Gold by Shayne Parkinson Page A

even heard of penance, but she would
have recognised the concept had it been explained to her.
    ‘It was ordained for the mutual society,
help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other…’
    Lizzie and Frank will be like that.
They’ll be happy together. She cast a sidelong glance at
Charlie’s stern face. I must try to make Charlie happy. It’s my
duty to .
    Arthur passed Lizzie’s hand to Reverend
Hill, and Amy watched Frank take the hand in his. He stared
intently at Lizzie as he repeated his vows, so quietly that Amy
could only just hear him.
    ‘I Frank take thee Elizabeth to my wedded
wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for
worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love
and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy
ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.’
    Lizzie took Frank’s hand in a firm grip and
spoke in a ringing voice.
    ‘I Elizabeth take thee Frank to my wedded
husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for
worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love,
cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God’s
holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth.’
    I’m glad I didn’t have a church
wedding . I couldn’t promise to love Charlie. I have to obey
him, of course, and show him proper respect, too. That’s only
right, he’s my husband. But I can’t love him. I can’t .
    ‘I pronounce that they be man and wife
together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. Amen.’
    They’re married . Amy saw a radiant
smile of triumph spread across Lizzie’s face. She slipped away to
go inside and help her aunt.
    After the service the guests invaded
Arthur’s house and filled it to overflowing; they spilled out to
the broad verandah and even onto the lawn. The mountain of food
slowly disappeared, and Edie looked anxious for a while; but it
soon became clear that there was plenty for even the greediest of
guests and the family would be eating leftovers for days
afterwards.
    Amy had snatched the chance of spending a
few moments talking with her father and giving Thomas and George a
cuddle, when Harry led Jane over to the family.
    ‘Pa, this is Jane,’ Harry said, shuffling
his feet and looking awkward.
    ‘Jane? You’re young Bob Forster’s
sister-in-law, aren’t you?’ Jack smiled at Jane but looked
puzzled.
    ‘That’s right, Mr Leith.’ Jane flashed a
smile. ‘I’ve been staying with Marion all summer, but I have to go
home soon.’ She glanced at Harry then looked meaningfully at
Susannah. When Harry failed to respond, Jane nudged him with her
elbow. ‘You haven’t introduced me to Mrs Leith, Harry.’
    ‘That’s all right, dear,’ Susannah said
sweetly. ‘Harry’s just forgotten his manners.’ She smiled at Harry;
he scowled back. ‘I’m so pleased to meet you.’ She extended her
hand, and Jane shook it.
    ‘Well, anyway, Pa, I wondered if Jane could
come around for lunch one day.’
    ‘Lunch? I suppose so—Susannah, do you mind
if the girl comes for lunch?’
    ‘Not by herself, Jack.’ Susannah looked a
little shocked. ‘You meant with Mr and Mrs Forster, didn’t you,
Harry? They’d be most welcome, of course. Perhaps next Sunday?’
    Harry said nothing, but Jane came in
quickly. ‘That’s very kind of you, Mrs Leith. I’ll tell my sister
you invited us. I’m sure we’ll be able to come.’
    Jack watched as Harry and Jane walked away.
‘Is something going on with those two? Do you know anything about
it, Amy?’
    ‘Well, I think they are a bit keen on each
other, Pa.’ Harry was obviously no longer trying to keep it a
secret. ‘They got to know each other last summer when Jane came to
stay.’ When I was falling in love with Jimmy. When I was
sinning .
    Jack glanced at John. ‘What are you smirking
about?’
    ‘You’ve never noticed, Pa.’ John grinned.
‘All summer Harry’s been taking the milk to