Something new

Marriage preparations for Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes.

o-o-o-o

'Don't be silly! I am hardly a blushing bride,' Mrs Hughes protested.

'Aren't you?' Mrs Patmore remarked with a raised eyebrow and a knowing smile, causing the housekeeper to blush furiously.

'I rest my case,' the cook chuckled.

'Anna you agree with me don't you? She can't get married in that old dark blue suit.'

'You're right Mrs Patmore,' the head housemaid replied.

'It's my best suit!' Mrs Hughes sputtered.

'It's outdated!' Anna said firmly. 'And it's your wedding day Mrs Hughes, you have to look your best and you deserve something new for a change!'

'That's right,' Mrs Patmore added. 'I know your fiancé adores you even if you're wearing a burlap sack but Elsie, you deserve it. Now don't be so stubborn and go to Ripon with us. We'll choose the fabric and Anna will make you a wedding suit. Nothing outrageous, don't worry, but something nice and new and especially for you.'

'Oh alright, I see I have no choice,' the housekeeper muttered. 'It's just that I think it too much, it's only a small service after all and we have so many things to arrange for, furniture and…'

'Stop that now Elsie! Small service or not, it's your wedding day! Get your hat and coat, we're going to Ripon right now, the three of us. Mr Havers is driving us there, Lady Mary's orders!'

o-o-o-o

In the shop she and Beryl were escorted to a pair of comfortable chairs and offered tea as if they were ladies, while Anna and Mrs Holt, the shop manager began to make selections from the stock of fabric.

'The lady has a fair complexion and auburn hair, many colours suit her but I'd advice against beige or brownish tones,' Mrs Holt said, 'that does nothing for her. What do you think about this blue tones Mrs Bates?'

Anna frowned. 'I don't know…it's nice but not stunning, I'd like to see some more samples if you don't mind?'

'Of course not. As a matter of fact we have just received a…'

Mrs Hughes put down her teacup and glared at Mrs Patmore. 'Do I have anything to say in the matter?' she hissed.

The cook chuckled. 'In the end you will, but Anna and Mrs Holt make a first selection.'

'Who has been planning this Beryl?' Mrs Hughes insisted.

'Calm down Elsie, please. A dear friend, that's all I have to say. Wait now, look at what Anna's bringing, I think it's the perfect choice!'

It was, she had to admit.

'Would you take off your hat please, ma'am?' Mrs Holt asked. She did and a piece of dove grey thin wool was laid over her shoulder… then she stared wide eyed in the mirror held up for her. The fabric made her skin glow, her eyes stand out and her hair shine.

'It's beautiful!' both Anna and Mrs Holt cried.

'It's perfect,' Mrs Patmore added.

'It's beautiful but I'm a housekeeper Anna, not a lady,' Mrs Hughes whispered as soon as she got the chance to pull the young woman aside.

'No Mrs Hughes, you're a bride,' Anna whispered back with a smile.

o-o-o-o

'Anna, do you have the time to make me that suit at all? I don't want you to get overworked,' Mrs Hughes told the younger woman on their way home.

'Oh, but Miss Baxter will help me Mrs Hughes. She has been teaching me how to use her sewing machine and she is an excellent dress maker. I am looking forward to learn from her to be honest.'

'Oh, if you say so,' the housekeeper said, admitting defeat.

o-o-o-o

'Have you had a nice day?' her fiancé asked her that evening. They were in his office, having shared a glass of wine and currently sharing a chair. He had pulled her in his lap when he noticed her distraction.

'Elsie?'

She sighed and cuddled closer to his chest.

'I don't know, Charles. Beryl and Anna dragged me over to a posh shop to buy fabric for a wedding suit, I thought we were having just the ceremony and tea afterwards, I don't need anything fancy for that.'

He chuckled and pulled her close.

'They are happy for you, Elsie, just indulge them. And don't you like to have something nice and new?'

'Yes of course, but it's not necessary. We could use the money for…'

He put a finger on her mouth.

'Oh, we could use the money for a lot of things…kitchen towels or a colander, or even shoe polish. But it's your wedding day Elsie. Didn't you like the fabric they chose for you?'

'Oh yes, it's lovely, I was stunned when I looked into the mirror. But...'

He smiled and kissed her fondly.

'Elsie, you're not used to receive gifts and appreciation from the people who love you. I say it's time you learn.

o-o-o