And now only a few guests remained listening to the Bach. Clara said quietly, “As a wedding, I think this can be counted a success. One tends to think of our clever Emma rising above common female conventions. It’s reassuring to find that she shares the apparent ambition of all brides on their wedding day, to make the congregation catch its breath.”

“I don’t think she was bothering about the congregation.”

Clara said, “Jane Austen would seem appropriate. Do you remember Mrs. Elton’s comments in the last chapter of Emma? Very little white satin, very few lace veils; a most pitiful business! ”

“But remember how the novel ends. But, in spite of these deficiencies, the wishes, the hopes, the confidence, the predictions of the small band of true friends who witnessed the ceremony, were fully answered in the perfect happiness of the union.”

Clara said, “Perfect happiness is asking for a lot. But they will be happy. And at least, unlike poor Mr. Knightley, Adam won’t have to live with his father-in-law. Darling, your hand feels cold. Let’s join the others in the sunlight. I need a drink and some food. Why does emotion make one hungry? Knowing the bride and groom and the quality of the food from the college kitchen, we shan’t be disappointed. No limp canapés and warm white wine.”

But Annie wasn’t yet ready to cope with fresh introductions, the meeting of new people, the babble of congratulations and the laughter of a congregation released from the solemnity of a church wedding. She whispered, “Let’s stay until the music ends.”