Chapter 83 - Harriet's Big Day

Harriet looked out the window at the thick snow falling outside, at last her big day was here.

Here she was at nineteen preparing to marry a a man of sixty three and yet she knew she was happy. 

Harriet had always known that Naomi was the pretty one of the family. The two Proms she had been to at school had been disasters.

To both she had gone without a date and the boys she had asked to dance had mocked her. The only boy who had ever shown any interest had been Arturo Kent.

She had gone on several dates with him and it had all seemed promising until one day he had flipped out at her in the street and stormed off leaving her mortified.

She still saw him from time to time and he seemed friendly enough but he hadn't rung her or shown any sign that he still fancied her.

In comparison, Jeremy had always treated her with respect since she had known him. 

He had made her feel that her opinion was important and it was obvious that he enjoyed seeing her and missed her when she was not there. It seemed odd to some people, but he had won her with kindness and attention and now she loved him dearly.

Owen too now treated her with more respect. It had been him that had wanted the match due to Jeremy's wealth and influence. She would be settled with the man she loved and be able to be of use to her brother in promoting the good of the family. 

The only downside was Jeremy's age. She hoped that as he was fit and well they might have many years together and children of their own before they had to part.

The wedding was held in the ballroom, whilst snow continued to fall.

Friends and family were all there to wish them well.

and Harriet became Mrs Wesley.

Changes were happening all across the River family. Nichole and Einstein had had a second child, a little boy called Harry. Whilst Marie Curie's boys were all growing up. The two eldest looked very much like their father Jordan. Nichole, Einstein and Marie Curie were starting to show their age now as they all neared forty.

Poldark was now a teenager and still looked very much like his father. Evelyn now had only Cynthia living at home, Benjamin had also decided to leave citing his sister as the reason. 

Benjamin had only gone as far as next door and now lived his Aunt; Gwen Nagi. Owen had spoken to Cynthia on many occasions and could not understand what she had done to make both her brothers want to move out.

Owen had been watching Martha during the wedding and although she did her best to smile and look happy for the couple he wasn't deceived. 

He had realised that recently she had been different, more withdrawn and quiet. On reflection Owen felt that he knew the cause. He loved Martha and she had waited whilst he had got stuck into leadership, but now he needed to focus on her. He took her out into the white snowy world.

and got down on one knee and asked her the question she had been waiting for, for months.

The next wedding in the house would be Owen's and a new chapter of his life would begin.