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Thus it was determined that Carl would have to marry Theresa. Carl continued to resist. 'It
will just give her reason to hope that one day I will return. And from what I understand
there is no reason for that hope.' 'Nonsense!' said the Shopkeeper, looking at his son scathingly. 'Where there's hope there's life. Others have come back. Old Thomas came back, didn't he? Besides, I want her as part of my family and to help with Ruth's children. I know all about you, Carl. Don't think I'm too old to know what's going on. I'm not saying that I blame you but this is something that you're going to do for me!' As a result of this conversation Carl found himself in the Pastor's office with Theresa. This Pastor was an older, gaunter man; his face was ashen and he seemed very weary, having been worn down by the endless petitions of the last few days. 'Well, Corporal Relyt, what is it that you want? I hardly think that you can find an excuse not to go.' 'No Pastor, but Theresa and I wish to marry before I go.' As always in the Pastor's office Carl felt overawed by the surroundings. 'And Theresa, you wish to marry Carl knowing that he soon will be gone from here, if not forever, at least for a very long time?' 'Oh, yes, Pastor, I do!' 'You realize there's no question of your going with him? I don't know if that's on your mind but you can put it out again. You're too young.' 'Yes, Pastor, the Shopkeeper and my father have explained to me how much there will be to do when they are gone.' 'I suppose there will be', said the Pastor abstractly. 'Well, I don't see why not. As soon as possible, don't you think?' It was a sad procession that made its way towards the Church on the 20th of April 2476, more like a funeral than a wedding. There was a group of tired old men leaning on each other for support and younger folk of the middle class mourning for the absence of their future. Theresa was on her brother's arm and she wore Ruth's wedding dress. However, the people that lined the route that day were quite boisterous. Over their Captains objections, everyone had been given the day off from marching. 'It's important at this stage to consider morale,' the Pastor had said. 'Life still goes on. There are some thing that never change and marriage is one of them. Soon the time will come for all to leave and they will need some memories to sustain them as they march away.' Ringing out across the town the church bells were loud and glorious and made Carl feel sad. The music and Theresa's bridal dress brought back acutely memories of his mother. Life had suddenly become too complicated for him and he would not be sorry to be soon leaving both Theresa, and Vereen - who had scratched his neck three days back and thrown him out. In the Church Carl and Theresa exchanged their simple vows and ring of wood. No ceremonies followed; no dancing in the Mission Square, no new house either. They took up residence in the Shopkeeper's house where, although the Shopkeeper offered them the big double bed he occupied alone they would not take it because the man was too old. Instead they slept together on Carl's cot, making love in the most constricted of surroundings. |
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