Rebecca was actually a very young widow.
Page 141
Marriages solemnized in the Parish of St. Philip Sydney in the County of Cumberland in the Year 1848
No. 567
Robert Pate of this Parish Bachelor
Rebecca Freeman of this Parish Spinster
married in this Church by Banns with the consent of the mother of Rebecca Freeman
Third day of January 1848 By me William Cowper
Parties signed: Robert Pate (his x mark), Rebecca Freeman
Witnesses: James Pate of Sydney, Ann Freeman of Tumut River
James Pate is a younger brother.