Having spent their first night together, Julia and William begin the new life they have committed to and that means dealing with those little bumps in the road that all couples must face along the way.
Slowly wakefulness crept into his dreams clearing away the fog that he had come floating in. He became aware that he was holding her hand and that her hand was lying on his chest. In order to be absolutely certain he wasn't dreaming he decided it might be a good idea to open his eyes if just for an instant. No, it wasn't a dream-he was in Julia's bed with Julia beside him and with that realization the events of the previous night washed over him in warm, comforting waves. Serene and at peace he savored each memory as they echoed softly through his body. Never in his life had he felt so peaceful or so content. The rustling of sheets and the sound of footsteps fading down the hall, reminding him of the reality behind his dreams and that it was well worth leaving this pleasant, blissful place half way between sleep and wakefulness. As he began to emerge in the here and now knowledge of her absence quietly demanded his attention. "Julia?" No answer. "Julia?" Still no answer.
Concern wrinkled his brow as he reached for her finding only her perfume that sparked vivid and passionate memories. Quickly slipping into his trousers and shirt he went in search of his love but when he found her, she was sitting on the sofa, tears streaming down her face.
"Julia, what is the matter?"
"William it is that time of the month for me, and I won't be able to … I can't have sex with you for several days! I don't want to disappoint you, this is so inconvenient, and I'm so sorry."
He drew her into his arms thinking that this was one of those aspects of womanhood that was always shrouded in mystery and spoken of only in hushed tones, and while he understood it was intensely personal, it was inescapable when a man and a woman lived together. Concern that she was both embarrassed and disappointed prompted him to lighten her mood. "My understanding is that this happens at regular intervals, and I am not surprised, shocked or cross with you. You have nothing to apologize for and to be quite honest, I am a little relieved."
"Relieved?"
"Last night was like a miracle for me, Julia, but we have to realize that I am not a young man and I do have to learn to husband my resources."
A smile touched her lips. "I understand, William, and as a physician, I should have been more aware of your impending decrepitude. Perhaps we should limit our encounters to once a week."
"Now let's not be hasty, Julia, there's no reason to go to those extremes. I propose we that we precede on a case by case basis."
"I see. So you believe we should treat the symptoms rather than the disease?"
"Precisely what I had in mind."
"You know there are those who believe that approach is controversial."
"They are definitely misguided." He nuzzled her hair, smiling.
Seeing her return his smile lightened his heart and their kiss was soft and gentle, conveying all the love they felt for each other but not the passion. For now they just wanted to enjoy being with each other which was more than enough. Well it was more than enough for a few moments until the distant rumble of yearnings and stirrings caused them to seek a diversion. "I think it might be time for breakfast."
Since William had perfected his morning routine to an art and could wash up, shave and dress in less than half an hour, Julia let him precede her to the bathroom. When she came downstairs a short while later she found he had set the table, put the kettle on, and was busy cooking omelets.
"Mmm. That smells delicious. Shall I make toast?"
"Yes, I put the bread by the stove." As she passed him he wrapped his arm around her waist kissing her with rather more enthusiasm than she expected.
"None of that now, I must make the toast."
"Rejected for a piece of toast, I suppose that means the honeymoon is over."
"May I remind you this isn't our honeymoon, strictly speaking, so you just wait until then and we'll see who rejects whom for a piece of toast." She was enjoying the relaxed banter between the two of them realizing how easy it was to be with him. Removing the first two slices of toast from the toasting forks she quickly buttered them, then skewering two more slices of bread and just as she finished the last two slices the omelets were steaming on their plates.
"Toast is such a treat. I never make it when I'm alone because it takes too much time and I end up with either cold toast or cold eggs. Neither of which I enjoy."
"You won't have to worry about that much longer." His eyes were simply beautiful and the happiness she saw in them gladdened her heart. "William, we don't have to wait at all. Why don't you move in here with me now, before we are married?"
Catching him off guard he took a moment to respond. "Julia, please don't misunderstand, I have no objection to moving in with you, but what about your neighbors? Wouldn't they gossip?"
"Men! Sometimes I wonder how any of you get through the day! By now every one of my neighbors is fully aware you spent the night with me, so whatever part of my reputation you are trying to protect is already destroyed. Like I say, in for a penny in for a pound."
"If you are certain, Julia, I would like that very much; I don't ever want to spend another night away from you."
Smiling happily she turned her attention to breakfast. "You know, this omelet is really quite delicious. Had I known you were so handy in the kitchen, I would have married you years ago."
"Is that what you have been waiting for, to test my skills in the kitchen?"
"That's right. Never mind that you are without doubt the most intelligent person I know; and setting aside the fact that you are unfailingly kind and considerate; discounting the notion that your are one of the most handsome men I have ever seen; and even overlooking the fact that your body reminds me of a Greek god; your ability to cook is without doubt your most attractive quality."
"Well that is good to know."
"And we must take into consideration your hat."
"My hat?"
"Yes, your hat. I have seen many a top hat and a bowler, but your homburg was the only one that left me breathless."
"I knew the homburg was the right choice."
"A wise choice indeed. If I were attracted to a bowler hat, I would have thrown myself at the Inspector!" It only took a second for the laughter to begin Julia just managing to say, "I can see it now …" and when he nodded his head amid what can only be described as guffaws she laughed all the more. With some effort they managed to get themselves under control with phantom laughter gripping them only occasionally.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to consider their immediate future they settled down with a fresh pot of tea to review their options for the day ahead and after much discussion, they had prioritized three objectives for the day. First, begin planning their wedding. Second, inform Mrs. Kitchen of his intention to move. Third, tell their friends about their wedding. After an hour of telephoning, checking and rechecking details, plans were set in motion and soon they found themselves walking through the park entrance.
Walking was one of their favorite activities, having spent most of their time together hiking, picnicking and exploring the park's extensive grounds. Budding trees and shrubs spoke the arrival of spring as well as the verdant hues spreading over the lawns. Tens of thousands of bulbs stretching their leaves toward the sun promised vast swaths of yellow, red, and purple blossoms in the weeks to come. Over the course of many years of exploration they had discovered the most isolated and secluded spots in the park, and the bench they currently occupied was one of their finds.
A particular favorite of theirs, it was well off the beaten path yet it provided one of the loveliest views in the city with wide lawns spreading before them dotted by majestic specimen trees and large plantings of flowering shrubs. Having spent many hours here in all seasons they easily imagined how the view would look in just a few weeks making a mental note to return when everything was in bloom. But for now the isolated bench was the perfect place to sit, enjoy the sun, and quietly discuss their plans.
"You know that I want to get married as soon as possible, but planning a wedding seems to be an undertaking fraught with peril. When Mrs. Kitchen's niece got married a few years ago two of the bridesmaids from out of town were staying in one of the apartments. One night after dinner I was reading the newspaper in the parlor where the niece and the two young women were engaged in an animated discussion about a seating chart for the wedding dinner. I remember them arguing about the most inconsequential things like seating one party near another party were major points of contention including forecasts as of dire consequences should the mothers of the bride and groom be displeased with the final arrangement. I found this all very unpleasant and confusing since priority seemed to have been placed on the desires of others and not the wishes of the bride and groom."
"What's more it wasn't fifteen minutes until the bride-to-be had broken down weeping and one of the bridesmaids stormed out of the room. I'm afraid it was not my finest hour, Julia; I tiptoed out of the parlor, went in search of Mrs. Kitchen, told her what transpired, and beat a hasty retreat up to my room. They must have sorted it out, though, because Mrs. Kitchen's description of the wedding sounded like something out of a fairy tale. I must admit I was surprised to hear it, because from the way those young women were arguing I half expected we would be called to quell a riot."
Laughing she responded, "Oh William, you don't know the half of it, but all weddings are fraught with emotion, and the bigger the wedding the more emotion."
"Do you want a big wedding?"
"I had a big wedding and it didn't turn out well."
"Alright, what kind of wedding do you think we should have?"
"It depends on who we invite. For my part I want Ruby and Emily to attend."
"Of course, and George, Mrs. Kitchen and the Brackenreids."
"I think we should invite all the men at the station house."
"I agree. We have a good group of men and when I look back over the past few years I realize that they all have been involved in our courtship to one degree or another."
"They certainly have. How many people men are there at the station?"
"There are twenty-two men, so if they all attend with their wives and sweethearts that would be forty-four plus six, plus three that's fifty-three in total. But what about your colleagues, Julia, shouldn't you invite them?"
"Most of them attended my first wedding, William, and many have not really gotten over the divorce fiasco and murder trial."
"Do they still think you killed Darcy?"
"No, they know I didn't or at least I hope they know. From the day I married Darcy I never really fit in with that group. The wives never felt comfortable around me because I was a doctor, even though I did my best enduring hours of conversation about fashion, the trouble with servants, and all of the latest gossip. The men didn't accept me as a colleague because I was a woman so I really had no place with them. Besides I don't care for them all that much and I think that all in all it is best to let sleeping dogs lie."
"If you're sure. Now that we have a tentative guest list, what is our next step?"
"We must find someone to officiate. I know we cannot be married in the Church, but do you want a church wedding or would you prefer something like a garden wedding? Keep in mind that we will still have to find a minister to conduct the service."
"Would a Protestant minister be willing to perform a wedding for a Roman Catholic?"
Julia's smile was a little cynical. "It usually depends of how much they need for their building fund."
"Oh Julia, you can' mean that."
"Well, I do in a way, but I think we can find a man of the cloth who will take pity on us."
"That brings up another subject Julia. I appreciate fully that we are not married yet, and we won't be ready for a while, but when we do adopt children, I want to raise them in the Church. Would you be offended?"
"No William, not if you let them explore other beliefs and when they are old enough, make their own decisions on matters of faith. For my part I will support you as far as I can, although I will be unable to answer some of their questions about the Church simply because I don't know. I promise I will not undermine their religious training, but I will answer their questions as honestly as I can."
"I can't ask more than that, and it is what I was hoping for. Thank you."
"William, I know we have argued about religion, but your faith is part of you and it has shaped the kind of man you are. Since I am completely and madly in love with you, I have to concede that it must not be entirely a bad thing." He smiled at her concession to his faith, a first in their relationship.
"Are there any more details we have to discuss at this point?"
"Do you mind if I enlist Ruby's help. She enjoys planning events and she is really quite good at it."
"I don't mind as long as she doesn't go overboard. Her enthusiasm sometimes gets the better of her."
"Yes it can, but I think I can keep her imagination in check. Besides, she will be so thrilled we are actually getting married she won't dare do anything to upset us. But I will certainly need her to help find the right venue. We have two things in our favor, it will be a relatively small wedding and we are open to many possible locations, so that should make it easier. Once we decide on the location, we can sort out the rest. If we get married in the afternoon, I would like to have a supper either in a restaurant that can accommodate fifty people, or find a nice place to rent where we can have the meal catered."
"Then I think that is all we can do about the wedding for now, and it is time we went to see Mrs. Kitchen"