The Wedding Day

"Mrs. Field! Mrs. Field!"

The elderly cook looked up as Lord Merton's valet and now the butler of Crawley House entered the kitchen.

"Yes, Mr. Andrews? What is it?" she asked kindly.

"They're just coming now," he said with a smile. "Has Emma returned?"

"Yes, she just went up to lay out Mrs. Crawley…rather…Lady Merton's things for tonight," Mrs. Field replied with a small chuckle. "I suppose it will take some getting used to…calling her Lady Merton."

"I'm sure she will forgive any missteps," he answered, straightening his tie. "Now, I am up to let them in. I'm sure His Lordship will be tired so make sure Emma is ready to bring the tea tray up to his room."

"Of course."

"Right…here we go!"

"Welcome home, milord," Andrews said proudly, opening the car door as Lord Merton stepped out with a smile.

"Thank you, Andrews," Dickie replied. Though he had been living in Crawley House for the past four weeks, this was the first time he truly felt as though he was "home."

"And welcome home, milady," Andrews said.

Dickie stepped forward and offered his hand to Isobel who took it willingly. She stepped out of the car and held tight to her new husband's fingers, nodding her appreciation to Mr. Andrews.

"You have all been such a large help in planning today, Andrews. We cannot thank you enough," Isobel said.

"Not at all, milady. It has been a pleasure," he responded.

He followed the couple in to the front entrance, taking their coats and gloves, as Isobel turned to Dickie.

"I'm sure you're tired," she said quietly, placing a hand on his forearm. "Would you like to lie down for a bit?"

"Actually, I feel quite well. It must be all the excitement from today," he replied, his smile widening.

Her cheeks reddened slightly as she looked down. "Yes…well…I just don't want you to overtire yourself. Perhaps we can change and then we'll come down for tea…will that suit, Andrews?"

"Perfectly, milady," Andrews replied with a slight bow. "I will go inform Mrs. Field and then be up, milord."

"Very good. Thank you, Andrews."

The Butler took his leave, as Dickie took Isobel's elbow to lead her towards the stairs. "I know you're worried…but I truly do feel much better than I did before coming here. Dr. Clarkson's diet and your care have done wonders."

Isobel stopped midway up the stairs to turn and look at him. His color had improved dramatically and he had gained back the weight he had lost under Larry and Amelia's horrid regime of soup and toast at all meals. She cautiously ran her fingers down his cheek and allowed her hand to rest on his shoulder.

"And I am so glad of it…but you cannot help my worrying a bit over you," she answered.

He reached up to take her hand, kissing the back of her fingers. "Of course not. As long as you allow me to take care of you as I'm able…"

She laughed softly and nodded. "All right. I suppose I can agree to that."

They continued up the stairs, hand in hand, until they came to the doorway of her bedroom.

"I'll meet you downstairs soon, hm?" Standing on her toes, she kissed his cheek and squeezed his fingers gently. But before she could open her bedroom door, he pulled her back.

She looked up at him, a bit confused. "Dickie…are you all right?"

"Not quite." His grin confused her even more until he leaned down and stole a sweet kiss. "Ah…now that is much better."

"Cheeky devil," she whispered before pushing him towards his room and entering hers.

He shook his head and with a sigh entered his room at Crawley House…now his home…no, their home.

"And you're sure everything is settled?"

"Yes, milord. Emma and Mrs. Field finished placing the flowers when you were down to tea this evening."

"Very good," Dickie said, his nerves increasing a bit. "I do hope she likes them."

Andrews helped Dickie on with his dressing gown, replying, "I am sure she will, milord. Mrs. Field said that they are beautiful flowers and in her ladyship's favorite colors."

"Splendid. I appreciate your helping to arrange this."

"Of course, milord. Will there be anything else I can get you tonight?"

Andrews stepped back and clasped his hands in front as Dickie stole a glimpse at his turned down bed.

"No…no, that will be all for tonight," Dickie replied. "Thank you again, Andrews."

"Good night, milord."

"Good night."

Dickie sat slowly on the end of the bed, not sure whether or not he should get in as he usually did or if he should chance going to see Isobel. She usually came by before she retired each night, bringing him a fresh glass of water and some pills Dr. Clarkson has prescribed to take in the evening.

He chuckled at how she would always fuss over the blankets and pillows, making sure he was warm and comfortable. And before he could drift off to sleep, she would kiss him on the cheek and remind him where the bell was to ring for her if he needed her during the night.

But now, as he looked towards the top of the bed, with covers turned down and pillows lined up and ready for the Baron to climb in, he couldn't bring himself to do so. For the past four weeks, their routine had become so normal, so comfortable. While some may have gossiped as to his staying at Crawley House before they married, they both knew nothing immoral had transpired. He was glad of it really…not wanting to ever compromise Isobel's good reputation or character.

But tonight…tonight was different. Tonight…she was his wife. And tonight, he longed to simply hold his wife in his arms when he fell asleep. He just prayed that Isobel would agree to it…for the former Lady Merton had not.

"But Isobel has shown and spoken her love in so many ways," he thought. "Surely that means she will agree that we should stay in the same room from now on…."

"Won't she?"

"Ah Andrews, is His Lordship ready to retire?" Isobel asked, meeting the Butler as she climbed the last of the stairs to the second floor landing of Crawley House.

"Yes, milady, though he does not seem quite so tired this evening. I must agree that the days' events have invigorated him quite a bit," Andrews replied.

Isobel nodded and smiled tiredly. "I am so glad. It seems a few activities throughout the day helps to bolster his energy level…though it does seem rather contradictory."

However, Andrews knew it was not just a few events each day that had helped the Baron take a turn for the better. Rather, it was the care, concern and love of the woman standing in front of him that gave the ill Baron motivation to thrive. Though, having come to know Lady Merton quite well in the past month, the Butler knew she would never admit she was the reason her husband was looking so well these days.

"I've sent Emma and Mrs. Field to bed…would you mind locking up?" she asked, turning towards her room.

"Not at all…and may I again offer my most heartfelt congratulations, milady. It was a wonderful day," Andrews said with a slight bow.

Isobel agreed, the twinkle in her eyes evident. "Yes, I do believe it was, wasn't it? Thank you so much, Andrews."

The Butler waited until she had turned the corner before he descended the stairs…though he almost wished he stayed to listen to her reaction upon opening her bedroom door. Lord Merton's surprise was sure to please her….Andrews was sure of it.