The Lady of Blackwood Chpt 5

Chapter 5 – Stupid cabbage

"The chapel burnt down!?" Florence was busy preparing cabbage stew for lunch, when Nancy stormed into the tiny kitchen with the shocking news.
"Oh no, you misund–"
"Then explain, please." Florence felt like she was coming apart at the seams. The wedding was set for the next day, but there had been various snags, the latest of which included the fire at the church.
"It hasn't burnt down entirely", Nancy explained. "The fire only damaged the entrance. The rest of the church is quite intact."
"Was anyone hurt? Is the priest al right?"
"Not a soul was hurt, but what bothers me, is how'd the fire get started in the first place? Nobody knows. It was the middle of the night and everyone was asleep. And who notified the fire-fighters, I wonder? If it weren't for them, I suppose there wouldn't be a church any more. I bet Priest Patterson will mention them in his sermon on Sunday."
"So the wedding is still on for tomorrow?" A pang of regret poked at Florence's heart. She still could not believe that this was all real, that she was going to go through with the wedding.
"Heaven's no", Nancy chuckled as though Florence had missed the obvious. "A new venue will have to be secured."
"But I thought you said the church survived."
"'The church survived' – now that's a good choice of words. It did survive, but it's in no shape for a wedding! Who wants to traipse around in soot at their wedding? Instead of a white dress, you'll have a black one. And my goodness, what about the smell? Heavens, Flore, you have no head for these matters."
Maybe because they don't interest me, Florence thought, but instead asked, "So the wedding will be delayed for a while?" A comforting thought.
"Oh, don't worry, dear Flore. I'm sure it won't be for too long." Nancy put a hand on Florence's shoulder and smiled reassuringly. "I heard that your father is already working on another venue. "But I think it will only be ready on Saturday at the earliest, what with the decorations and extra planning that has to be done", she sighed. "But don't worry, Flore, I'll help you pass the time. There is so much to do. I bet you can't wait to be in Mr. Cartwell's arms. He has a rugged charm, don't you think? And to think he wants you! Out of all the girls..."
Nancy kept on babbling, but Florence did not hear her. All she could think of was how much she wanted to stab the stupid cabbage.