At the rear of the building, Gus retrieved a key from a hiding spot next to the door. “Number 12 Rue Martin is still used by a number of my friends when they come to France. While the landlady doesn’t know its wartime history, she is smart enough not to ask questions. In return for a generous annual stipend, she keeps it clean and ready for sudden arrivals.”
With the rest of the RR Coaching Company currently based in England, they were guaranteed to have the house to themselves. It was the perfect place for Gus and his new bride to hide out for several hours until the boat sailed. Time which he intended to put to good use.
Chapter Thirty-Five
While Gus went to church in the hope of finding a priest to marry them, Evangeline took the opportunity to spend some time alone in the master bedroom of number 12 Rue Martin.
The pitcher of warm water and assortment of clean cloths the landlady had left felt heaven sent. She scrubbed the dust and sweat of the past days from her body before changing into her only remaining clean gown. After brushing her hair, she worked it into a braid.
“Not exactly how I expected to be wed, but it will have to do.”
God willing, she would shortly be Gus’s wife, and that was all that mattered. Once they were on board theNight Windand on their way to England, then she could start to concern herself with planning her new life. One with the Jones family.
“I just hope his mother likes me.”
After her clothes and hair were set to right, Evangeline spent a few minutes in silent prayer for Armand. Her uncle had wanted her to go with Gus to England, and she was happy that his wish was soon to be fulfilled.
Evangeline was seated on the bed, hands gently clasped together, ready to take the next step in her life, when a knock came at the door a short time later. She rose and, after confirming it was Gus, turned the key in the lock.
He rushed into the room, bringing an air of haste and excitement with him. “Monseigneur Baudet says he can’t marry us. Under the Napoleonic code, we need a civil marriage license first. And since you don’t live in Binic, it’s impossible at such short notice.”
His words spilled out at a rapid rate before he caught himself and slowed down.
“Sorry. I ran all the way here, and I . . . well, to be honest, I’m just a bit flustered. It’s not every day that you attempt to get married—while at the same time trying to avoid getting murdered by a madman—only to be told no.”
“Of course, we can’t marry in Binic. It’s outside my district. It hadn’t crossed my mind,” she replied. Her hopes for a wedding in France were suddenly dashed.
Gus took her face in his hands. “I promise once we are in London, we shall have a proper service and a celebration. You will get to meet all my friends and family. We will be married.”
“If we cannot have a wedding, then what about the vigil for Armand? Could we do that?” she asked.
“The Monseigneur has agreed to hold a candle service for him later tonight, but unfortunately, we won’t be here. Once the tide has turned and theNight Windis ready to sail, we must leave.”
Risking their lives in order to hold a vigil would be reckless and selfish. Armand’s sacrifice did not deserve to be diminished by them dying. She placed a hand over her heart.
“I am disappointed with not being able to go to the church, but I understand. And besides, Armand, along with my parents, is here inside of me, and that’s what counts.”
It wasn’t the time to worry about when or where they would marry. But, with a civil wedding and a religious one now out of the question, they still had several hours to fill before theNight Windput to sea.
It gave her an idea. “We might not be able to legally marry this afternoon, but we could still speak our vows. And for that, we only need us.”
His gaze shifted to the bed and back to Evangeline “And then what?”
She licked her lips and smiled at him. “I’m sure we could think of something.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Evangeline untied the fine ribbon which held her braid together, slipping it from her hair. While Gus watched, a perplexed look on his face, she wound the ribbon around her ring finger, then tied it.
Holding it out for his inspection, she announced, “There. That should do.”
“Is that what I think it is?”
Evangeline nodded at the emerald-and-gold striped ribbon. “Yes. It’s my wedding ring. It is the symbol of our bond.”
A grinning Gus wrapped his arms around her waist and drew Evangeline into his embrace. “I am going to have a long list of things to do once we get to England. Selecting a gold wedding ring will be at the very top.”
She glanced at the simple band. “I don’t need gold. Most women around here only have a plain copper ring. I expect it is the same for many brides in England. When the time comes, that will also be enough for me. Being your wife is more important.”
