Deep notes blasted from the long rams horns and light from what seemed like hundreds of flaming torches flickered around the cavern walls making Jenny's head spin. As the light danced off the myriad tiny drops of water on every surface she thought that Jake's idea of a wedding to remember was promising to be just a migraine to remember.
She had only just arrived. The wagon pulled by two bullocks (later found to be in lieu of oxen) had been the first shock but Sarah, her chief bridesmaid, had carefully covered the rough wooden seat in a large animal fur which had temporarily preserved the whiteness of her simple wedding gown and though the white silk now felt less crisp it glowed and shimmered in this strange light as if covered in jewels.
Apart from when she first ducked under the low outcrop of granite to enter this cave she had kept her eyes on where she was treading but now, after that spectacular blast of horn from five barely recognisable male friends, she raised her head to see Jake standing before her with a somewhat haughty look on his face. Looking at him she felt that she had walked into a badly acted school play but as his eyes met hers she realised that he was genuinely proud to be here with her.
Around them on both sides, dressed in rough cloth and animal skins were all their close friends and family and one stranger. She looked at him, then back at Jake
"Oh he's from the museum. I'll explain later," he whispered before taking her hand and leading her into a wide beam of natural sunlight that broke in through a gap in the rocks above. She smiled as Andrew, their friend, the vicar of the village and another keen but amateur archaeologist, moved to face them. He was also dressed in rough hooded raiments and was obviously struggling to find an appropriate expression for this unusual occasion; a broad grin was temporarily winning.
Jenny did not recognise the words that he spoke but Jake was looking straight at her and translating the ancient vows: with all the strength in my body… with the gods as witness. Then it was her turn with another archaeologist friend translating. Jake then removed the floral headband she had been wearing and turning to his best friend Steve, took something from a sturdy box he was carrying.
It caught the light on every part of its intricate design, reflecting back red fire from its bronze curves and white fire from rough stones. Jake held it before her for a moment while it seemed to Jenny that the whole room held its breath, then he rested it gently on her head whispering "my queen" as he did so.
When he bent to kiss her the whole chamber echoed with the cheers of the congregation but as they all burst out of the cave into the sunlight Jenny was still niggled by the invisible cord that kept the stranger tied to her side. " Jake, are you going to explain?" she asked, indicating the suited man. "Ah, well, the bridal tiara that you're now wearing was a part of a treasure trove the lads and I found in this cave last spring, 11th century probably. The city museum now owns it, so it's only on loan today as a big favour. But we couldn't have the wedding there without it; crowns, or in this case a bridal tiara is key to the whole ceremony, just as you are the key to my life, my sweet Jenny, my queen for the day
About the AuthorBridal tiaras from The Wedding Boutique.
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