Story 2

Brussel 1900

Spring 1900, the 20th century has begun, a century that will take the world by storm.

But in bustling Brussels, the pace is still set by the slow pace of the horse-drawn tram. Among the passengers a young couple Gertrude and Theophile. They stare ahead, neither saying a word. A dark shadow now hangs over their carefree, passionate relationship: Theophile has to go to the army. Paying off his army service, a privilege for wealthy families, is not an option for a folksy boy like him. To make matters worse, Gertrude turns out to be pregnant, a taboo subject in the prudish 1900s. Getting married quickly with discretion seems like a good decision to them.

It will be a marriage before the law, in the town hall of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, where both live. Gabriela, Gertrude’s best friend, will be her best man. Gertrude was allowed to borrow Gabriela’s wedding dress for the occasion, a fashionable creation in ivory ribbed silk, with a high collar and a narrow waist. This gave the austere ceremony some sparkle after all.

When the mayor declares the young couple man and wife, they realise once again that they were made for each other, for better or for worse.