As you imagine, the next few weeks were very busy for mary and her parents, although Arthur didn't have much to do. As is the custom, Mary's parents sent invitations to everybody they wanted to come to the wedding.
Mr and Mrs G. Stephens request the pleasure of Mr Reginald Smithers company at the Marriage of their only daughter Mary to Mr Arthur Newton, at 10 a.m. on saturday August 20th, at St. Mark's Church, Middleford and afterwards at the talbot Hotel, Middleford.
R.S.V.P. 7 Laburnium Close, Middleford.
Mary had to have her wedding dress made and the bridesmaids also had to have dresses. Mary wanted Sheila an Jennifer to be her bridesmaids; Sheila accepted her invitation immediately, although Jennifer wasn't very keen on the idea at first. Mary and Arthur received many presents just before the wedding. Many people sent towels; in fact they found they had enough towels to last them the rest of their lives.
Arthur and Mary went to see the vicar of St Mark's Church to make arrangements for the ceremony and Mrs Stephens had to do the same for the reception. Of course, Mr Stephens had to pay, which made him think how lucky he was to have only one daughter.
Finally the great day arrived. At about 9.45 the guests started to arrive at the church. The men wer all dressed in morning suits and grey top hats and they wore white carnations in their button-holes. the ladies all wore very large amusing hats and gaily-coloured dresse. Arthur's old school friend, Peter, was the best man and he and Arthur arrived at the church just beofre 10 o'clock and waited Mary and her father to arrive. He asked Peter nervously whether he had the ring and Peter pretended the he had lost it. At last the church organ began to play and in came Mary on her father's arm followed by jennifer and Sheila.
The followed by the ceremony, after which photographs of the bride and bridgegroom with the bridesmaids and families were taken outside the church. Cars then took everybody to the Talbot Hotel for the reception.
***
- Well, though I say it myself, I think that went off fairly well.
- Yes, it went off splendidly. I bet it cost you a fair bit, though.
- You can say that again. I'll be coming round to your bank tomorrow, Mr Smithers. I hope your manager's in a good mood. ha-ha.
- Well, I don't know, I'm sure, Mr Stephens.
- I suppose it could be my turn next. Jennifer's growing up. Where's your wife, Mr Stephens?
- Oh, she's gone off to help Mary get ready. Arthur and mary'll be off in a minute. They've got to be at the airport by three.
- Oh, have they? I'd better go and say goodbye to Arthur, hadn't I?
- I say, you two! Look at that extraordinary woman over there. Have you ever seen such a ridiculous hat?
- Which one do you mean?
- That one over there by the door.
- That's my mother, actually.
- Do have a sandwich, girls.
***
- Arthur's going to miss my cooking. I wonder if that Mary can cook.
- Yes, I don't know how he'll manage.
- Ah, there you are, Arthur. You'll be off in a minite, I suppose.
- Yes, that's right. We're just waiting for the taxi to get here.
- Well, we'll miss you two at the library. the mornings won't be the same, ha-ha.
- I suppose not, Mr Steele. Ah, here's Mary.
- We'll send you a postcard from Spain. Come on, Arthur, we'd better go. The taxi's here. Goodbye, everybody. Goodbye.
- Bye! Cheerio! Best of luck!
