Wedding Bell Blues
Chapter 1
It seemed like the closer the wedding got the more little things seemed to go wrong. William thought, for what seemed like such a simple ceremony and party, the complications were getting out of hand. The only things that were right were that Julia had been successful renting the theatre and the caterer was hired...so far.
It was now less than two weeks until the big event.
First, William had gone to the jeweler's to select a wedding ring. George had wanted to accompany him, though Murdoch didn't know why, but he agreed.
After looking at dozens of choices his eyes began to blur.
"Sir, I think the first one you saw was the best."
"Alright, George." To the jeweler he said, "May we see the first one again?"
It was simple but elegant, a gold band engraved all around with roses.
"I just don't know, George. What would she like?"
"Well, sir. That one is certainly different from her...other one."
"Indeed, that it is." William sat there looking at the ring for the longest time. "Alright. This one it is. Size 6 please."
"And sir, would you like to have something engraved on the inside of the band?" asked the jeweler.
William scratched his head. One more decision he had to make. Again he thought for a moment.
Then he leaned over and whispered in the jeweler's ear, "J. Forever. Wm."
"Yes sir. Very nice."
George looked at him and smiled. He didn't know what William had said but he was sure it was very romantic. The doctor brought that side of him out.
William paid then man who said, "You may pick it up next week, sir."
"Fine. George, that was harder than picking out the engagement ring. Which, by the way she says she loves." And he smiled, self-satisfied.
"You were in a hurry then. This time you could take longer to choose."
"I suppose. At least it's done."
"Uh, sir...you're still wearing a sling. When will your shoulder be better?"
"Yes. That is a problem. Julia has been reading about dislocated shoulders, and now she says I need to keep it in the sling for weeks. George! She won't let me take it off for weeks!"
"Does that mean you'll be wearing it at your wedding?"
"I don't know, George. I hope not. But trying to argue with Julia about it isn't getting me anywhere." Then under his breath he said, "She reads too much."
George almost laughed out loud. Detective Murdoch complaining about someone reading TOO much.
"Well, sir. How does your shoulder feel?"
William looked down, then very softly said, "It hurts a bit, still...I guess."
"A bit, sir?"
"Alright, George. It hurts a lot."
George got a somber look and said, "I'm sorry, sir. You hurt it helping me."
"Not the first time. And apparently once you've dislocated a shoulder it's common to do it over and over. Nothing we can do about it now but wait. But it's certainly not your fault." William smiled at him.
They had talked as they walked and now had arrived back at the station.
Julia and Emily went dress shopping the same day.
"I want something special, that William will like, but I don't think a traditional wedding dress is appropriate. What do you think, Emily?"
"Perhaps so. What has William liked of yours before?"
"He really likes my red dress, but I can't very well get married in red, can I?" They both chuckled.
"Does he have a favorite color?"
"Who knows with William. Blue maybe?"
"Well, you do look nice in blue, Julia. What is he going to wear?"
"I suppose white tie and tails. So I should definitely wear something elegant."
They entered the boutique and were met by the owner, a older women with a pile of gray hair mounted on her head. She wore glasses low on her nose and had a tape measure hanging around her neck.
"My dears, welcome to my salon. I'm Madame Marie. May I help you?"
"Yes, I'm looking for a dress to wear to my wedding."
"A wedding dress. How lovely, my dear."
"No, not a wedding dress, exactly. A dress to wear to my wedding."
"Oh! I see. Did you have something particular in mind, my dear?"
"Well...maybe something in light blue, but very dramatic...no,no,no...dramatic isn't the right word. I want something that will knock his socks off! But be tasteful." She and Emily laughed.
"Yes. And by 'his socks' I assume you're referring to the groom?"
"I am indeed."
"Let's see what we have. Of course we can custom make you anything you would like."
"I don't really have time for that."
"Oh...you must marry in a hurry," said Madame Marie with a lift of her brows.
Julia laughed. "Hardly. It's taken seven years." Emily joined her laughing as well.
"Whatever, my dear, come this way."
Emily and Julia followed her into the rear of salon where dozens of gowns hung. After pawing through them all Julia had selected three to try on. The first was ivory. The cut was quite flattering but she felt the color was too wedding dress-like. The second was a rose color and she liked this one a lot. But the third one was a pale blue. It was similar in style to her red dress but had a slight flared train in the back and was embroidered all over with flowers and tiny pearls. It was exquisite.
"He'll love this one, don't you think, Emily?"
"It is beautiful, Julia. But it looks a little too big in places."
"Oh my dear. We can alter that easily enough. A little tuck here, a little tuck there. It will fit perfectly. And I even have gloves to match."
"What do think, Emily? This one?"
"Yes, Julia, yes. It is the one."
"When can I have it?"
"We can have the alterations finished by next week. Will that suit?"
"Yes, but no later. Then, I will take it!"
Julia and Emily looked at each other grinning.