Nicola Harrington
Véronique invited me to join her and her mother for coffee this morning.
Véronique has been with her partner for ten years, they have two children together but they have never married.
It is clear to one and all that Véronique and Lionel have an extremely strong relationship. It is not long before Veronique’s mother gets round to the subject of marriage.
“You are married, aren’t you Nicole? I just don’t understand Véronique. Will you be watching Prince William and Kate’s wedding? When I was young we had the most fabulous weddings, traditionally held on a Tuesday: midweek weddings”.
“Mother, they went on for a week!” Véronique retorted.
“A week!” I said.
“Why, of course, Véronique’s mother replied, “weddings were always held on a Tuesday. There was so much to arrange” she said wistfully. “Of course, the whole village attended a wedding and all surrounding villages too. There were 800 people at my wedding. On the Saturday, the men collected all the tables and benches from neighbours, friends and family. The women started to cook the Pot au feu. Sunday, there was a small meal so that the close family could try the Pot au feu.
All the vegetables and salads were prepared on the Sunday. Meanwhile, the men prepared two huge fires to roast the cows: we had two whole cows at my wedding. Monday, we laid the tables and did the final preparations. Tuesday the Wedding. Everyone brought their own knife, fork, spoon, plate and glass. Wednesday, the celebrations continued for close friends and family. Thursday and Friday were spent clearing up and returning all the tables and benches.”
“And you wonder why I don’t want to get married!” Véronique said, smiling.
“It would be rather fun”, I say, as Veronique throws a tea towel at me.
“I bet Prince William and Kate’s guests won’t need to bring their own cutlery!” Véronique’s mother chuckled.
