Chapter 10 Chapter Ten Odd Marriage

When Wei came back, he saw Kelly frantically filling three bags.Kelly could hear Beau pacing downstairs on the dusk patio.She felt comfortable listening to his footsteps, because it meant that he was not far from her.Even when Vee entered the room, she still felt the need for him to be around, which was strange because Kelly had never had the awareness to be on guard against Vee before. "Kelly! What's the matter?" "Damn it," Kelly said, "where did those new pajamas go?" "In the bottom drawer. What are you packing for? Where are you going?" "Get out of here," Kelly said, as if it didn't matter.She didn't even look at Vi. "I'm packing this damn dowry."

"Dowry? Kelly, are you out of your mind?" "I'm marrying Ellery Queen," Kelly whispered out of some irresistible urge. She heard Vee's gasps and the creak of the box spring as her friend slumped onto the bed. "Married? With him?" "What's the matter with him?" Kelly smiled. "He's the most attractive man I've ever met, and I'm going to grab him before he changes his mind." However, Vee didn't smile: "But, Kelly—when?" "Right now. Tonight." Despite Kelly's best efforts to hold back, she spoke with a certain contemptuous, defiant tone.

The most queer look came to Vie's face.But then she jumped up, walked over and hugged Kelly: "I wish you all the best, baby. You have more guts than me." Kelly also hugged her tightly: "Oh, V, I know what this means to you. Going back to suffering like the old days—" "Easy come, easy go," Wei said happily, "don't worry about me. It's like a story: At noon, the carriage turned into a pumpkin patch, and the best clothes turned into The worst... Well, anyway, I still live a few weeks like a fairy tale." Then, she suddenly hugged Kelly madly, "Kelly, it's true ?"

"What do you mean?" In fact, Kelly knew exactly what Wei was referring to.And she herself was not so sure about it, so she immediately felt an unbearable anxiety in her heart, and she quickly got out of Wei's arms and went to pack her clothes. "How is that slut?" Wei asked calmly after a while. "Who? Oh! Don't know. Besides, I don't care." Vee looked at Kelly and laughed, "So little Kelly got it from that kid who looked like Robert Taylor... what a win. In the movie business, they're all about stories like that." It's called a big narrative. Abandoning the vulgar money for love-love-feeling. The guy must be very proud of it!"

"Vi, don't be so annoying." Kelly said in a low voice. Vi sat down on the bed again. "I'm sorry, Kelly. I guess something so shocking...tell me how it happened. It's so shocking, it's beyond words." Kelly stared into her friend's eyes, but Vi turned away: "Just two days ago, Vi, you begged me to give up all this and get out of here. But now, I have made up my mind to listen to you Advice, you don't seem too... well, not very happy. Why?" "I'm not happy? Oh, Kelly, honey, are you a little confused? You must be happy, not me. Are you happy?"

"Very happy!" Kelly said with a nod of her head. "Then that's the most important thing," Vi laughed. "Don't be stupid and tell me everything, okay?" Yes, Wei's performance is a little weird.Of course, she'd be -- surprised...yes, depressed -- about Kelly's marriage.This means that Wei's short and good life is coming to an end, and she has to go back to the rough and embarrassing life in the past.Also, there was a moment when Kelly had a strange feeling that Vi had grown suspicious and didn't trust her so much anymore.Well, Vee actually liked her; as a woman, Kelly knew all too well about such a simple thing.And Kelly's marriage means the separation of two good friends.But this can be remedied!

"Of course, you can live with us," Kelly said briskly. "I can't hope that... we won't be very rich, because Ellery doesn't have much money, so maybe we'll rent a flat in the city." Big apartment. But we're going to furnish it nicely, V—" "Thanks, Kelly," Vi said, "but I've put you down for too long." Kelly threw down a pile of stockings in her hand, and hurried to the bed: "Wei! You are crying!" "I'm not going to do that," said Vee, standing up abruptly. "I'm going back to Hollywood. The men aren't good guys there, and the casting guys are the worst. With a little fame in the inner circle, I'll get a steady job—maybe. Yes, I will!"

"Oh, V!" cried Kelly again, this time. "Stop crying," Vi said.She helped Kelly up and let her sit on the bed, "Lie down for a while, I'll help you pack up. Anyway, I'm going to help you finish the wedding, and then—" They packed up in silence Okay luggage. Pink and blue - this is how Kelly has been imagining her wedding tones. She would wear a short gown of pale pink satin with a pink veil.The gown was princess-like, with mutton-like sleeves, a high neckline with narrow ruffles, and buttons in the back—a long row of tiny shiny buttons from the neck to the waist.Pink satin shoes, light pink lambskin long gloves, a bouquet of pink camellias against the starry sky...

She stood there, all in pink; and the maidens on both sides of her were wearing light blue clothes, doll hats, and muffs made of flowers on their arms. Of course, Vi is a lady, and she'll be wearing dark blue... It was a vision of the future that had always been imagined in the past.But what is the actual situation now?Kelly hastily donned a custom-made, very plain, navy blue mesh dress with just a touch of white at the front of the neck; a navy blue hat, white gloves, navy patent leather shoes, and a handbag.That's fine, but... and Vi, who too hastily donned a custom-made white suit over a pink sweater.

And aside from the costumes, let's talk about people, and there are only three of them.And one of them, a domineering fellow who alternately looks sad and smiles like a master, insists on keeping the secret. "Once the press finds out," he said, "they're going to come after you. It's a big deal." "But, dear," cried Kelly, "something--anything--some friends. A woman only marries once! I mean--" "That depends on what kind of marriage you're married," said Vee. "A woman only gets married once! Haven't you heard of the City of Reno?"

"Let my wife be quiet," Beau said, "'heiresses giving up their fortunes for love'! They'll make it more fun than a money-making party in Munich. If you want honeymoon bliss, You must keep it from the press, little fellow." "But how to hide it, my dear?" "Let your uncle answer that question for you." He had already called a Connecticut sheriff he knew and whose discretion he could trust.He also finds Margo, De Carlos and the servants and makes them swear twenty-four hours of silence on the matter.He didn't even tell Kelly where he was taking her on her honeymoon. And Margot—Margot was a little surprised. "You mean you're really going to give up the money your uncle gave you?" she asked when she heard the news. "yes." "But why?" "We're in love," Kelly said simply. "Oh, I see." Margot smiled lightly at the future groom with a serious face, "Well, I hope you are very happy." "Thank you." It's incomprehensible.Margo behaved almost as if she had just been relieved.Yes, Margo's weekly income doubled as soon as Kelly married.But Kelly was sure that Margo loved "Ellery"--as much as a woman of her kind could fall.Is there no conflict between the two?Or is Callie completely wrong about Margot - in all respects? "Are you going to get married soon?" Margot murmured. "We're leaving in ten minutes," said Beau abruptly. "We're getting married tonight." "How romantic!" Margo said, and then she asked politely, "Is there anything I can do, Kelly?" "No, thank you. Vi comes with me." "But the time is so short, you must have some things that you can't do in time—your property arrangements, your bank—" "Those are in no hurry. Goodbye, Margo." "goodbye." That's when De Carlos sauntered in, drunk as usual. "I heard something?" he cried cheerfully. "Marrying Quinn, or something absurd, didn't I, Kelly?" "But it's true, Mr. de Carlos." "Really!" He stared at her dumbfounded, "but that means—" "I know," Kelly interrupted him abruptly, "that means I'm giving up my twenty-five hundred dollars a week in living expenses and getting a big fool who's probably going to do it every Saturday night just to get some exercise." Beat me up. Well, now that it's all clear—good-bye, gentlemen." Their car moved, and De Carlos stared as they went; Margo stood in the driveway, her white dress gleaming in the fading sun, still smiling vaguely . As Beau's car sped toward Connecticut, Kelly studied her cousin's smile.It was a strange pitiful smile, delicate and subtle revealing a kind of inner joy.And when they said goodbye to the silent furniture of the big house just now, when they packed Kelly and Vee's bags into Beau's car, and when they explained something to De Carlos , During the whole process, that smile was always floating on her face. Margot's smile seemed to put a coffin over all three of them.Bo drove the car silently, and Wei also looked like a timid and dumb mouse in the back seat. What's wrong with us?Kelly thought desperately.It's not like elopement, it's like going to a funeral.Why is he so silent? So what happened to Vi? It was the woman who had remained behind them, who had commanded the highway, and was mistress of all that she overlooked—the same fashionable, vain woman earlier!She was salivating at the undulating green meadows, the big house, and the wonderful view over the Hudson—she was enjoying her victory openly and triumphantly. . Yes, that's exactly what it is--victory.But why is she so proud of this victory?Does owning the manor completely mean so much to her?Or was there something darker, deeper, and more loathsome in the secret pleasure of that smile? Kelly leaned on Beau's shoulder and touched his earlobe with her lips. Bo grumbled something. "Do the girl a favor, sir," said Vi in the back seat suddenly, "you just lost her twenty-five hundred dollars a week, and you owe her a debt." "Vi!" Kelly exclaimed angrily. Beau was still gazing intently at the road stretching ahead like an endless belt, and the two women fell silent again, not saying a word until they crossed Chester Harbor. , into the territory of Connecticut. At last Kelly couldn't hold back: "If you'd rather forget about it altogether, now is the time to just say it!" Hearing this, he was startled suddenly, and looked at her sideways from the corner of his eyes: "Kelly! How could you say such stupid things?" "You're going to marry me soon, and you don't look very happy," Kelly whispered back. "Oh." He looked straight ahead again. "Maybe because I know what it means to you, Kelly. What do I have to do for you to make up for all the money you've lost?" "If you think like that, then you still don't understand what being married means to me." "I am different from others in many ways." He said calmly. "You married me so I wouldn't get killed!" Kelly yelled. "Well, now I know all about it! You don't love me. You never loved me! That's what she's laughing at—" "she?" Kelly bit her lip: "Nothing." "Kelly—" "Oh, you've acted graciously and heroically!" Kelly said sarcastically. "Well, thanks then. But I want a husband, not a lifeguard. Please put Turn the car around and take me back to Tali City." After that, she shrank to the corner near the door and turned her face away. He stopped the car on the grass on the shoulder of the road, turned to Wei and said, "This woman needs something to convince her. Please forgive us." He said, putting his arms around Kelly's waist, and suddenly He hugged her over. She gasped.Immediately, he also stretched out his arms to hug him. He let her go and said, "do you still doubt it now?" Panting violently, her eyes sparkling, she writhed and said frantically, "Don't be dull, that's all right. I think I'm crazy. Oh, Vi, I'm so sorry. Can you forgive us?" But Vi—perhaps pretending—was asleep. They pulled up in the yard in front of a dilapidated board house near Greenwich.A crude sign in the rickety porch read: A wooden step on the second step of the wooden steps leading to the porch was missing; the ground in front of the house was a miniature wasteland of weeds and rubbish; the walls, once white, were now completely covered in the grime of years. "It's nice to get married in such a lovely little place," Vi commented. "How beautiful, how elegant! What is this place, Quinn—isn't the house haunted?" "Johnston's not very good with soap and water. Are you ready, Miss Sean?" "Y-yes," Kelly said. "She's a bit timid," said Vee. "Cheer up, dear. It's just a legal form, not immutable. You know there are impartial judges, and you can always do it if you want." rise from this grave." "Are you—are you sure you've got your marriage license, Ellery?" Kelly asked stammering, ignoring Vi's nagging. "It's in my pocket." "No problem? I mean, I always thought that when I got the certificate, the woman had to sign it. But—" "It depends on the relationship," Bo smiled. "After all, my father is still a figure in New York, isn't he?" "Oh, it's Officer Quinn. But I've never seen him!" Kelly seemed worried. "But this is Connecticut, honey, not New York!" "There will be more things to worry about." Beau mumbled something, then picked Kelly up in his arms and walked over the ruined steps.At this time, Kelly seemed to be aware of something around her, and giggled. Could it be that the plan was revealed early? Beau put Kelly down and went to ring the doorbell, which made a rusty sound. A tall, thin man in thick glasses and an old-fashioned morning coat stared out of the dirty pane on the side of the door.When he saw Bo, a smile spread across his face, and he hurriedly let them in. "Come in!" he greeted enthusiastically, "It's all ready for you, sir!" "This is Mr. Johnston—Miss Shawn—Miss Day." "Then this is the shy bride." The man looked down at Kelly with a smile on his face, "This way please!" Looking at the lanky, hunched figure, Kelly tried to laugh again, but held back.What a marriage it is, in such a place, and by such a state agent!The magistrate, with his gray hair bristling up on end, and a bushy, untrimmed beard, looked like a vaudevillian.And look at this house!The vestibule was empty, with only four walls.The living room he led them into was cold, dark, sparsely furnished, and so dusty that Kelly felt like sneezing. She glanced at Vi, saw her wrinkling her nose in disgust, and couldn't help laughing.Wei laughed too.Then the two of them got together and began to whisper. This is indeed an unusual wedding!Kelly thought so as Beau and the judge discussed the marriage certificate at a table in the corner.He just wanted to choose such a place and such an interesting person to officiate for them!Always do the unexpected. "Don't be boring," she had told Vi in the car.It doesn't seem to be, it will never be dull with him.Maybe that's why she loves him so deeply.She seems to be married to a ball of electric light that keeps flashing strange lights. Wei asked softly, "Are you scared?" "Oh Nope." "You lied. How do you feel now that you are about to take a fateful step?" "Jane--just so--excellent." "Nothing—regrets and regrets, Kelly?" Kelly squeezed her friend's hand: "Not at all, V." Then, the two men came, and the judge stood there in a very regular posture, and cleared his throat solemnly.Then Kelly said in surprise, "But shouldn't we have two witnesses, Mr. Johnston?" "Of course, my dear boy," said the judge hastily, "I was just about to explain. Mrs. Johnston is, unfortunately, at Greenwich at the moment, and if you worry about waiting—" "Miss Dai is one," said Beau. "I don't think we'd like to wait. What do you think, little one?" "Of course not," Kelly said firmly. "Naturally, naturally!" said Mr. Johnston. "Of course, it doesn't happen very often. If you don't object, Miss Shawne, we have only one other option—well—that is Come on, just go outside and find a witness." "Choose someone interesting." Kelly giggled. The tall, thin judge ran out immediately.They heard him yelling at passing cars.At last he triumphed like Pompey.The one who was pulled in by him was a passerby who was drunk.The man glanced at Kelly, then at Ve, and even at Beau.And Beau had to hold him up throughout the ceremony to keep his limp legs from collapsing. It was the last moment, and Kelly was so focused on maintaining a serious and dignified demeanor that she barely heard a word of all the words the judge was muttering.She was actually taken aback when Vicky giggled and spoke to her. Wei said: "Wake up! You are a married woman!" "I'm—oh, Vi!" she cried, throwing herself into Vi's arms.Now Beau helped the stranger into a rocking chair, and paid the magistrate again, before he came to claim his bride. He was really pale. "It's the most wonderful wedding," said Kelly, with a rippling laugh. "Honey—won't you come and kiss Mrs. Quinn?" He took her into his arms without saying a word.

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