John held me even tighter against him, his look amused; he was laughing because I was drunk. 

"Get me out of here," I mumbled, holding on to him. 

He walked with me through the hall, and at every table we passed, all the guests stood up, and the men began to celebrate, many of them shouting that it was time for the consummation of the marriage and laughing with satisfaction. Even though I was beside myself, I found it embarrassing. At the end of the hall, John turned and waved ...