Two weddings in Marple - 6 Martha's plans continue

January 15th

Poplar Square, off Church Lane

“Ma, I have wonderful news. We are being given a day off work on March 9th, to celebrate the wedding of Miss Carver and her intended. So I don't see why Joe and me can't be married that day too. What do you think?”

“Well, Martha, if it suits you two, it suits me, I suppose.”

“I thought that if I use the same church, maybe we could have our service after theirs, and then it would already be warm, and there would be flowers on the altar. It would save us quite a lot.”

“That's good thinking love. Do you know what church she plans to use?”

“It's bound to be the Congregational. They built that church.”

“Well, I  heard that Mr. Carver had words with the Reverend and that he no longer goes, although I also heard that the rest of the family still does.”

“I expect he goes to the Union Rooms for the service there on the Sunday, and then the band go off marching around town, stirring up all sorts of objections from people who like to have their Sundays quiet and peaceful.”

“Don't you want to be married at the Methodist? That's where we go when we do go.”

“If that were where she was going to be married, I would be very pleased. But I don't really mind either way. And neither does Joe.”

“Best you go over then, the two of you next Sunday, and have a word with the minister to make sure it's okay, with you not being members and all.”

“Where will we have the tea after, Ma?”

“Well, I don't suppose there will be many, so we best have it here. Who all do you want to invite?”

“Well, I'd like to invite the girls I work with most, Elizabeth and Mary Ingleson and Joe will want to invite some of his mates too. I suppose some of them will be tied up with the big wedding - those in the band - as we hear they're asked to play at the tea and afterwards.”

“Well get Joe to get his mother to make a list and get it to me. Is there anybody else you can think of - other than kin?”

“I'd quite like to invite my friend Mary Davenport but she's a schoolmistress now, so chances are she won't be able to come.” 

“Where does she live, love?”

“On Stone Row, so she knows Joe's family too. We needn't include her family. Maybe she can come after work and have a piece of cake at least. You will make a big cake, won't you Ma?”

“Yes, I won't let you down. We'll have tea and cake, and maybe some pies and all. Did you ask your sister to be bridesmaid?”

“Yes, and she and I are going to go shopping at the market in Stockport next Saturday after work, and see if we can get any fabric for our dresses.

“Oh, I shouldn't waste your money on that, love. You'll need every penny. There'll be a clothing party at All Saints in a few weeks. Maybe you can get something from there.”

“But Ma, I was so hoping to have something new and pretty.”

“Well, it's your money you're wasting, not mine. So do as you will, but remember that Joe's folks will expect rent from you once you're married, and they'll want some help with the food bill, too. And when the bairns come along, and you have to quit work, well, then your spare pennies that you've saved will come in very handy.”

“Oh, all right, Ma. We'll go to the clothing party and see what there is.”

“What are you and Joe going to do this week love?”

“There's a lecture on a the Mission Hall, at 6 p.m. on the 11th, so we might see if we can catch that. We'll go straight from work, so don't wait tea for me.”

“What's it on this time?”

“Somebody who's been to Norway is telling all about what life is like there.”

“As if anybody around here cares about what's going on in Norway. Who's idea was that anyway?”

“Don't be like that Ma. It is nice to hear about other places. And it's the YMCA who sponsor these lectures. The man from New York who is the contact for the them here is the one giving the talk. He's called Rev. C Shaw and he's staying with Mrs Bradshaw-Isherwood at Marple Hall.”

“Rather you than me, love, but have a good time.”