Page 48 of The Irish Gypsy

It was only when the minister was intoningthe words to the marriage service that Kitty came to her senses. Helooked more like an undertaker than a man of God. The flowersdidn't even look real. The sing-song voice was asking her to pledgeaway the rest of her life to this young man she hardly knew. Shethought wildly:What am I doing here?

The day had blank spaces in it for her. Nowthey were back in Cadogen Square and she didn't remember one momentof the carriage ride. Simon was speaking. She must make an effortto hear what he was telling her.

"Pack your bags. I'll pick you up in anhour."

The next thing she knew, she was beingscolded and congratulated by Julia. "Oh dear, you don't haveanything that vaguely resembles a trousseau. But never mind; whenyou're Lady Crowther you'll even take precedence over me."

Kitty ignored this patronizing remark andfolded her old flannelette nightgown.

"Oh, you must have something a little morealluring than that thing," Julia said. "I'll get one of my silkembroidered ones for you. Now don't protest, for I insist."

Kitty packed her toilet articles and Juliacame back with the nightgown.

"You have no riding habit," Barbara said.

"Oh dear, I'm a positive ragbag; I nevershould have consented to this marriage in the first place. I don'tknow whatever I was thinking of."

"Nonsense, every single girl in the world whomarries believes she's just made a dreadful mistake, but bytomorrow you'll feel differently, believe me."

As the tears threatened, Kitty said quickly,"Thank you very much for everything; you've both been very kind tome."

Terrance was waiting below with a small bagthat contained his few belongings. He hesitated. "I've written anote for Patrick."

"Oh!" Kitty said, startled.

"I just thanked him for everything and said Ididn't want to leave him, but I was going with you to take care ofyou."

"Don't you think Simon will take care of me?"she asked uncertainly.

"I don't know," he answered truthfully.

Simon arrived and good-byes were said. Kittywas relieved to get away, but when she got into the hired carriageshe was surprised to find two young men occupying it.

Simon laughed and said, "Isn't it the mostmarvelous thing? I ran into my two very best friends in the world,Brockington and Madge, and they insist on coming with us so wewon't be moped, stuck in the country."

Kitty murmured, "Hello," then added, "Did yousay Madge?"

"His name's Talmadge, but you can call himMadge; we all do," said Simon.

"Indeed I won't. Madge is a girl's name!What's your first name?" Kitty smiled.

"Vivian," drawled the tall, thin youth, andthe other two became engulfed with laughter, as if this was a mostparticular piece of wit.

Kitty smiled too. "I see. I suppose I'dbetter stick to Madge then, like everyone else does."

"Oh, by the way, Mother wishes you luck andsends you her keys," said Simon.

"So she's finally cut the leading strings,eh, old boy?" grinned Brockington.

"Completely washed her hands of me. You'llhave to play dragon now, Kit." Once again the young men went offinto gales of laughter.

"I have a splendidly romantic idea," Madesuggested. "Why don't we go to The Elms by water?"

"Could we?" demanded Kitty excitedly. "Is TheElms on the river?"

"Of course it is," said Simon. "Tell thedriver to take us to the river."

Brockington opened the little connecting doorand told the driver, "Westminster Bridge."