Man Of War

The Reverend Mr Hodgson read the words with compelling weight: they were come, he announced, ‘to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man’s innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church . . . and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly’ (Hervey was sure in his own advice) ‘lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men’s carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding’ (he was certain that, whatever instincts were awakened, he did not marry like a brute beast without understanding); ‘but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which Matrimony was ordained.’

Hervey looked again at his bride, but she maintained her strictly forward gaze.

The rector reminded his congregants of the purposes of the married state: ‘First, It was ordained for the procreation of children . . .’

Hervey had not considered this in any particular, but in the natural consequence of events he imagined there would be issue.

‘Secondly, It was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency . . .’

This he knew to be so, and was heartily resolved upon it.

‘Thirdly, It was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.’

This was indeed his design, the remedy he had resolved on in Badajoz, yet which he had never imagined was to be had so quickly or so favourably.

And so the ceremony proceeded. Hervey’s thoughts flitted from past to present in a dizzy tableau of his life – its joys, reverses and errors, the people who had been kind to him and those who had not, the people on whom he depended and who in their turn depended on him. What did the sacred poet say?

Freely we serve,

Because we freely love, as in our will

To love or not; in this we stand or fall.

Yes, he had lost a paradise in the white wastes of America; now he would in the largest measure possible regain it: ‘I, Matthew Paulinus, take thee . . .’

And with these words, Hervey plighted his troth.

‘I, Kezia Charlotte Marjoribanks, take thee . . .’

And thereto Lady Lankester gave him her troth.

At the wedding breakfast, at the house of Kezia’s aunt in Hanover Street, the families became acquainted in a more or less agreeable way, although Hervey’s mother – as she had feared – imagined herself addressed a deal too highly by the bride’s mother (and she some years Lady Rumsey’s senior, too), but the presence of so many of Hervey’s brother officers, and Lord Holderness, gave the happy event a more appropriate liveliness.

Hervey had eyes not only for his bride, however, but for Georgiana – somewhat anxious eyes to begin with, until by degrees he assured himself that she was as happy with the day as was he.

Even Kat appeared happy – and greatly to his joy (and no little relief). When he spoke to her in the garden she was all smiles and felicitations. ‘An adorable creature, Matthew. I perfectly see now your attachment. She will make you the finest colonel’s lady. I am certain of it!’

Hervey smiled by return (he hoped not awkwardly).

‘I have sent you both a little present. I hope it will please you.’

‘Kat, I—’

‘And I have news – received this very morning, else of course I would have told you of it before. It will delight you, I’m sure.’

Hervey looked suddenly doubtful.

‘After you told me of poor Captain Peto’s misfortune I wrote at once to my good friend George Cholmondeley at Houghton – do you know him?’

Hervey shook his head.

‘He is Marquess,’ she explained. ‘But he succeeded only last year,’ she added, as if this somehow excused her former beau his not knowing.

‘Kat, what can this possibly—’

‘He is the dearest boy – your age, I would think. He married very young, and lost his wife not long after.’

‘Kat, this is too—’

‘I told him of your old friend’s circumstances, and he replies that he will take it upon himself to receive Captain Peto at Houghton, to give him quarters there – I think it very near where you said he had taken the lease on a house, and near where he was born? – and indeed to attend to all his material and spiritual needs until such time as he is able to return to his own. Such is dear George’s patriotic admiration of his service. You need have no further anxiety on your friend’s behalf!’

Hervey was for the moment quite speechless. He recovered only with the most conscious effort. ‘Kat, the marquess does this on your recommendation alone? He does not know him?’

‘Ye-es, Matthew,’ she replied, sounding perhaps surprised at Hervey’s own surprise.