Now or never!

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

From an 1810 account of a wedding in Virginia:

 

"One Christianos Walker lived with his father on New River opposite the mouth of Wolf Creek, and had fallen in love with a young lady, a Miss Peters, whose parents lived nearly two miles above Walkers on the river. They were engaged to be married but the match was vigorously opposed by the girl's parents and Walker was forbidden the house and the girl was put under watch, but Mr. Walker succeeded through someone in informing his betrothed that at a given time he would be at his father's house, have the necessary papers on hand and for her to attempt to make her escape at the time indicated. So early one morning, the young lady suddenly disappeared from her home, her absence soon being detected she was pursued by two of her brothers, but outran them, reaching Mr. Walker's house, and springing in at the door almost breathless she cried out to her lover "now or never".   Her intended husband was still in bed when she reached the door, but he immediately sprang out, having on but one garment, and the preacher then and there said the ceremony, at the conclusion of which the brothers appeared but were too late."

 

 

I've always wondered which "one garment" it was that Christianos was wearing when he sprang out of bed....  A nightshirt?  His skivvies?  Or a pair of socks? 

 

Christianos went on to become a prominent citizen and justice of the peace in Mercer County, Virginia, and the marriage between Christianos Walker and Frances Peters lasted nearly 70 years.  

[LynnDel]

Spontaneity sometimes lasts and lasts.