William’s Wedding Page #4

"William's Wedding" by Sarah Orne Jewett is a charming novella that captures the essence of small-town life and the intricacies of relationships. Set in a quaint New England village, the story revolves around the preparations for a wedding, highlighting the joys and challenges faced by those involved. Through rich character portrayals and a vivid sense of place, Jewett explores themes of love, community, and the passage of time, ultimately celebrating the bonds that unite people in both joyous and trying times. The narrative is infused with local color and keen observations, making it a delightful read for fans of lyrical, character-driven storytelling.

• Short story

								

never saw a young bride half so touching in her happiness as Esther was
that day of her wedding. We took the cake and wine of the marriage feast
together, always in silence, like a true sacrament, and then to my
astonishment I found that sympathy and public interest in so great an
occasion were going to have their way. I shrank from the thought of
William’s possible sufferings, but he welcomed both the first group of
neighbors and the last with heartiness; and when at last they had gone,
for there were thoughtless loiterers in Dunnet Landing, I made ready
with eager zeal and walked with William and Esther to the waterside. It
was only a little way, and kind faces nodded reassuringly from the
windows, while kind voices spoke from the doors. Esther carried the lamb
on one arm; she had found time to tell me that its mother had died that
morning and she could not bring herself to the thought of leaving it
behind. She kept the other hand on William’s arm until we reached the
landing. Then he shook hands with me, and looked me full in the face to
be sure I understood how happy he was, and stepping into the boat held
out his arms to Esther—at last she was his own.

I watched him make a nest for the lamb out of an old sea-cloak at
Esther’s feet, and then he wrapped her own shawl round her shoulders,
and finding a pin in the lapel of his Sunday coat he pinned it for her.
She looked at him fondly while he did this, and then glanced up at us, a
pretty, girlish color brightening her cheeks.

We stood there together and watched them go far out into the bay. The
sunshine of the May day was low now, but there was a steady breeze, and
the boat moved well.

“Mother’ll be watching for them,” said Mrs. Todd. “Yes, mother’ll be
watching all day, and waiting. She’ll be so happy to have Esther come.”

We went home together up the hill, and Mrs. Todd said nothing more; but
we held each other’s hands all the way.
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