AUTHOR'S NOTES: So, I really hope you all enjoyed the first chapter, as I said, these really are just two silly little ideas that I came up with and just had to write down. Anyway, here's there concluding chapter, so I hope you all enjoy it!

Neckwear
Chapter Two - The Scarf

Mary Poppins had often wondered what exactly was the function of a crochet scarf? Okay, she knew it served the exact same purpose as any other scarf in theory, but in practice, she couldn't help but feel a little suspicious in regards to the garment…okay, that sounds a bit ridiculous, but in essence it was true; whilst Mary had no complaints against the art of crocheting (something that she was quite skilled at) she thought that a scarf was perhaps a step too far. For starters, the technique of assembling the item meant that it was rather thin, so certainly not something one could wear during winter's harshest chills, not something that could keep one warm…and it had holes in it, would it really provide efficient protection against England's wind chill? She thought not. And yet she always wore one when she was travelling, and outside of the more serious winters, her pale pink crocheted scarf was her accessory of choice. But, as always seemed to be the case with Mary Poppins, everything had a story behind it, and even though she'd never admit it, this one was far more sentimental than one would ever expect.

You see, there was once a time when Mary Poppins didn't own a scarf (shocking as that may seem since she always seemed to be prepared for anything), but one could never be found in her carpet bag; and although she never said it out loud, it could get devilishly cold when flying across the country…a scarf would've helped, yet she never found the time to make or acquire one. This meant that there were many occasions – particularly in London – where Mary had to spend the winters without said garment, and although she would always do her best to cover it up, she would often shiver quite profusely. Of course, no one ever noticed this…except for one person. Bert. They were strolling through the park one December morning on one of her days off when the winds (luckily, not the winds Mary needed to worry about) began to pick up rather fiercely; Bert had been quite content, with the hand that wasn't entwined with Mary's, he clutched at his hat and was thankful for the presence of his woolly scarf around his neck. When the gust had died down, he turned to his companion (although, she was far more than that) with the intention of making some joke about it all; but the unspoken words melted away from his lips when he saw a single fierce shiver spasm through her frame.

Of course, as she was wont to do, Mary Poppins had insisted that she was fine, that it was just a single shiver – one of the ones that come across you on occasions for no apparent reason – but Bert didn't believe any of it and his suspicions were only confirmed when he saw he shiver several more times that day. He told her that she needed to buy a scarf, but Mary was far too modest and said that she needn't bother with such a thing, besides; within a few months it would be far too hot to wear a scarf…in spite of England's frustrating tendency to rain abundantly. They ended up having quite an in-depth discussion about the whole thing, but it dissolved after a while and they had both decided that they didn't want to have their precious time together interrupted by some ridiculous debate about a scarf. Although, in his mind, Bert was still adamantly insisting that she needed one and if he'd had the money, he would've waltzed right into the nearest shop and bought her one, but he couldn't afford that…luckily, he had a plan – one that he made sure to keep to himself.

So, time rolled on and Mary Poppins still remained thoroughly scarf-less (if such a term exists), but, on Christmas day, that very same month, Mary had quite the surprise. Since they were courting, she and Bert had decided that they would spend the day together; the whole thing was a marvellous and humble affair – very simple, just the way they both liked it – but, when it was time for them to exchange presents, Bert had insisted on him going first. Sheepishly, he had pulled out a small package from under the tree and offered up to Mary – who was blushing slightly at the whole thing, but it was nothing compared to the blush she wore when she opened it. Inside she found a scarf. Crocheted. It was made of some very fine material – the loveliest dusky pink and peach colours all lying together harmoniously within the garment. And whilst she was taken aback with awe and gratitude, Mary did manage to raise a questioning eyebrow at her suitor and he bashfully explained that he had made it himself. And whilst he thought that a crocheted scarf may not be the warmest, it would at least satisfy Mary's distaste of having a heavy scarf around her neck whilst also providing her with some degree of warmth; also, the pale shades seemed to perfectly compliment her rosy cheeks – although, he added that lasts part rather quietly.

Mary Poppins really was overcome with elation, it was one of the sweetest and most thoughtful things anyone had ever done for her, she could tell that he had spent so much time making the scarf and every single second had been spent with her in mind; it really was a wonderful present…and Bert was correct in his analysis of the scarf, it wasn't too heavy, but would certainly be an asset to her wardrobe…and she had to admit that it was quite a pretty garment – it would certainly contrast well with her sensible black coat. But, all of a sudden, the scarf meant so much to her, and suddenly, the effectiveness of it was irrelevant, but she knew that was because not only had it been made for her, but it had been made by the man she loved.

She thanked him with a tender kiss and Mary Poppins was no longer found without a scarf.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I really hope you all enjoyed that!

Feel free to check out some of my other Mary Poppins stories and hopefully I'll see you all soon! xxx