---> (cont.)
It's finally the day he will be married and there's nothing particularly unnerving about that: his entire upbringing was a series of matrimonial preparations, from his proper schooling to his proper manners. He's been destined to marry from the day he was born, and destined again to marry rich when the family fell upon harder times; nothing to ever leave them in poverty, but enough to get people talking and that's the last thing they needed. So, for a rich man or woman, he offers class, sophistication, and enough formal knowledge to impress--that is, he offers someone who will look good on one's shoulder. That seemed a fair trade for some wealth.
'Jay Gatsby' is his fiancé, so his mother tells him, a man of considerate wealth who enjoyed his time out on the lake, and that's all he gets. The name sounds vaguely familiar, though he knows of quite a few single tycoons, each stowed away as a potential spouse. For the start of their marriage, and, if he's unlucky, possibly for the rest, Nick only hopes he finds the man attractive. He will, of course, be the picture of grace regardless, but it's a small, selfish wish he's allowed to have. When he finds himself at the end of the fateful aisle, he's glad to see his hopes aren't in vain.
A rather unenthused looking pianist plays him down. Nick walks smoothly and with purpose, not a hair out of place as he joins the man at the altar. There's a light summer breeze; it's a lovely day for a wedding. He turns to face him and offers a small smile. He's hoping the stunned look he's getting isn't out of disappointment.
@manor-god
