Lucky For Some

The Vignette Gazette Edition #203 | Clock

Image created in Dall-E

Today’s prompt, courtesy of Stephen Dalton, invited us to take inspiration from George Orwell’s famous opening line from 1984 — or simply to build a story around a clock. Naturally, Biffy Blenkinsop had other ideas.

No one could quite remember why Lady Honoria had agreed to marry Biffy Blenkinsop, but after seven postponed engagements, society had unanimously decided it was simpler just to finish the thing.

Lord Fortescue had spent enough on his daughter’s wedding breakfast to purchase a modest Scottish island, but it was the church clock that concerned him. Every thirty seconds he compared it with his gold pocket watch. The reception — and, more importantly, his first gin and tonic — was due at one.

Biffy noticed the ancient clock.

“Seventeenth century,” whispered the verger. “Perfectly reliable. Keeps excellent time… except on very unusual occasions.”

Before Biffy could enquire further, the organ thundered into life.

Lady Honoria appeared at the west door, serene as ever. Biffy smiled warmly, then counted the bridesmaid procession.

“…eleven… twelve… thirteen.”

“Odd,” he murmured.

“What is?” whispered his best man.

“Oh… probably nothing.”

The ceremony suffered minor catastrophes. A bridesmaid sneezed. The choir embarked upon the wrong hymn. Lord Fortescue looked increasingly as though the Scottish island might have been the better investment.

Finally the Bishop cleared his throat.

“If any person here present knows any lawful impediment why these two should not be joined together…”

The great west doors flew open.

A lone figure stood silhouetted against the bright April morning.

Every head turned.

Biffy blinked.

“Good Lord…”

Lady Honoria closed her eyes.

Lord Fortescue reached for his hip flask.

The figure stepped into the church.

It was Bambi Beaumont.

Biffy’s actress friend.

She looked around, smiled apologetically and said, rather breathlessly,

“Oh, goodness… wrong church.”

With that, she turned on her heel and disappeared as abruptly as she had arrived.

A bewildered silence settled over the congregation.

Then the ancient clock found its voice.

It was a bright cold day in April, and the clock struck thirteen.

Image created in Dall-E

©️ 2026 Miriam Connolly. All rights reserved.

A huge thanks to the wonderful team at Fiction Shorts for the daily challenge. 😊☘ More details below:

[embed]The Vignette Gazette Edition #203 Your writing prompt for Friday, July 10, 2026 — Clockmedium.com

One of the great pleasures of Fiction Shorts is discovering talented writers through their captivating vignettes. Here’s one that caught my eye:

You’ll love this wonderfully atmospheric tale from Nancy S Rust. Just when you think you’ve worked out the clock’s secret, Nancy changes the tune!

[embed]A Song for Tomorrow The Vignette Gazette Edition #203: Clockmedium.com

RMW