It was only a week until Peter and Chummy took their vows, and although the couple couldn't be happier and were both very excited about their future together, Chummy found herself still slightly stunned by the whole situation and Peter still felt in desperate need of acceptance from his bride-to-be's stiff upper-lipped mother. Neither could believe how quickly the days were passing, each day would disappear in a blink of an eye, catapulting the couple closer and closer to their celebrations.
Peter's house had become a maze of decorations and flower arrangements. With the amount of flowers Chummy bought its a wonder the florist had any left. Mrs Morris, the florist (Chummy cannot say this without giggling.) Gave Chummy a whole box of oasis, with only one instruction; Place in a bucket of water and soak over night. This then kept the flowers well hydrated meaning they were less likely to wilt before the big day.
'Camilla, dear, do you not think we have enough?' Would be Peter's starting line, each night when his fiancee turned up on his doorstep with even more fabric and her trusty sewing machine.
She would just smile and reply; 'You can never have too many decorations my dear Peter! The parish hall is a rather large space, we wouldn't want it to look bare and bland now would we?'
Peter always left it at that, he could battle with his wife-to-be but he knew he wouldn't win so he just welcome her into his house, with a kiss ushering her into the living room. Tonight the coffee table was awash with his best China and Plates full of nibbles and sandwiches. Chummy was extremely shocked, what was he up to?
'What's all this?' Chummy quizzed as she parked her bottom on to the soft springy armchair.
'We are due another visitor tonight!' With that the doorbell rung its sweet ding, Peter rose from the sofa and shuffled towards the front door.
Chummy sat in anticipation of the reveal, who on earth could it be? It must just be a Nonnaton, Peter must have invited Cynthia over, he knew how useless his sewing skills were so thought a helping hand would be much appreciated. Chummy realigned her skirt and blouse then placed her sewing machine on the floor next to her, she prepared to welcome the guest.
'Good Evening!' Came Peter's welcome. 'Good Evening' Came the reply.
It wasn't Cynthia, it was Chummy's mother. Chummy shot to her feet, as Mater glided into the living room. Why Peter had invited the one person who disapproves of their love to his home eluded her, but he obviously had a plan up his sleeve.
'What'o Mater! Now this is a pleasant surprise!' Beamed Chummy falsely, hoping her mother wouldn't realise the sarcastic tone of which that sentence was said.
Lady Browne inspected each seat to see which one was the best option, eventually choosing the rather elegant leather armchair tucked in the corner, in front of Peter's Record Player.
Chummy walked over to Peter and took his hand. 'Tea mother?' She asked as she pulled him into the kitchen. 'Peter? I am struggling to come to terms with why you have invited Mother here, you know she has strong opinions of our marriage, she is sure to do something to destroy our enthusiasm.'
Peter who was now filling the kettle, chuckled. 'Nothing could destroy my enthusiasm dear. I only invited her here to show her I am not phased by her lack of support. I love you and cannot wait for you to become my wife, if she disagrees.' He paused. 'If she disagrees then' Again he pauses. 'Oh Camilla, who cares if she disagrees, I have gone a step higher in the search for acceptance!'
Chummy looked utterly confused.
'Your father dear! I have wrote to your father. I want to have his blessing, I'm sure he is more in tuned to his daughters feelings, you are of course his only daughter. Every father wants their daughter to be happy!' Winked Peter as he placed the heavy iron kettle onto the arga.
'You, Mr Noakes are a very sneaky man!' Giggled Chummy as she rested in the arms of her love.
The embrace was scuppered as the sound of footsteps edged towards the kitchen. Chummy knew the fact of her being in Peter's home unchaperoned was already a massive mark against them in her mothers eyes so she didn't want to give her anymore reason to hate Peter. Chummy ran to the other side of the room and sat at the table. Lady Browne appeared in the doorway.
'I'm sure Mr Noakes you did not invite me over to just leave me in the living room alone! Do join me Camilla.' She ordered as she turned back towards the living room.
Chummy winked at Peter then followed her mother. 'Shall I show you the decorations Mater?' Asked Chummy as they set foot in the living room once again.
Lady Browne turned sharply, 'Camilla dear, is this really the life you want for yourself? The wife of a police constable. Look around, how can you make this house a home?'
Camilla ignored her mother's questions and delved into the pile of decorations that were tucked away in between the sofa and wall. She presented her mother with a range of different decorations. Reems and reems of bunting. A banner depicting the words 'Just Married' hand painted by the Cubs and finally the centrepieces for the tables.
'Did you hear what I said? Camilla? Answer me!'
Her mother became very angry at Chummy ignorance, she stood up planning to leave but stopped as Peter returned with a pot of tea.
'How do you take your tea Lady Browne?' He asked as he placed the tray on the table next to the sandwiches.
'Just milk.' Said Chummy, as her mother decided to revert to silence. 'She has it with a splash of milk. Nothing else. No sugar.'
'Sweet enough, ay, Lady Browne?' Joshed Peter, Chummy cringed, her mother wasn't prone to jokes, they are normally met with a disapproving frown. This moment was no exception. 'Sorry! Do help yourself to the food, the sandwiches are smoked salmon, I'm told that they're a favourite of yours!'
Lady Browne's frown softened, you could even say she smiled, if only slightly as she leant over and picked up a sandwich. Peter winked at Chummy. Maybe her mother was warming to her future son-in-law?