Silence.
The vicar cleared his throat. 'Do you Isabella Riley take....'
'I heard you.' she said, suddenly reappearing from the dream world which had captivated. 'I er... I don't.'
Suddenly aware of a hundred pairs of eyes, she took a deep breath. Ben's mouth fell open. Shock visibly clear on his face.
'Iz?'
'don't Ben.' she murmured. She had to get out of this church. She couldn't possibly marry him. Be commited to one man for the rest of her life. She just couldn't do it.
'But Iz. What? I mean, why?'
'I'm sorry Ben. I really am so, so sorry.' with those final words she ran down the aisle. Several people stood to follow her, but apparently having second thoughts, stopped and reseated themselves. Outside, she carried on running across the churchyard and towards the stream. Without thinking, she kicked off her satin shoes and jumped. Feeling the water around her body felt freeing. She hadn't felt this way since way before Ben. She was finally free from his bullying and controlling ways. As she sunk further down, under the water; as she took her final breath, she thought 'I am finally free.'