"I hope there are no cases of cold feet..." Robert joked as he looked at Bertie and Edith while Cora gave him an admonishing glance across the table

"I don't think so, not from me anyway" Bertie smiled as he looked around the table

Edith gave a light laugh and reached for Bertie's hand underneath the table

"Me neither, I think we're both…ready."

"I do admire your determination Edith, three months seems like a very short time to plan a wedding." Violet pointedly said as Bertie and Edith shared a quick glance between them

"I think it was just the right amount of time for us, and of course it wouldn't have been possible without the help from Mama, Rosamund, and Mrs. Pelham…and you of course Granny."

"Oh Edith, I do wish you would start calling me 'Harriet' it's only a matter of hours until you're my daughter in law." Mrs. Pelham interjected and earned a proud smile to Edith from both Robert and Cora

"Not to mention the Marchioness of Hexam." Rosamund lightly teased as she took a sip of her wine

"Yes, well to be honest I'm looking forward to being Mrs. Pelham a bit more." Edith sweetly said which earned a blush from Bertie, a contented smile from Cora, and a rather shocked look from Violet

"Either way I'm glad that I'm able to be dining with just Lady Edith Crawley before she becomes Lady Hexam. I hope you won't forget us when you're in Brancaster. " Tom added

"Of course not Tom, you're welcome anytime. Everyone is, in fact we expect it." Bertie replied with one of his trademark easy smiles

Robert was quick to add "I wouldn't mind getting another crack at that shooting if you have room."

"Don't worry Papa, Bertie knew what he was taking on. You're room is already made up." Edith said as a wide smile came across Robert's face

Andy entered with a tray full of champagne glasses and Cora caught Robert's eye to let him know it was time

"If you'll all indulge me I'd like to give, possibly the first toast to Edith and Bertie in the festivities." Robert said as he rose from his seat while Bertie and Edith had their hands firmly intertwined beneath the table

Robert cleared his throat and straightened his coat and looked to the engaged couple

"Anyone who has spent any amount of time around the two of you can plainly see how much you both care for each other and I pray that you never loose that and I hope you both realize how truly blessed you both are. Bertie, my dear boy I couldn't imagine anyone else I would rather entrust with the care of my daughter than you and I'm so pleased you and your mother are joining our family. My darling Edith…"

Robert switched his gaze to Edith and everyone at the table could see a slight shimmer in his eyes

"…I hope you know just how proud your mother and I are of you and I can't tell you the joy it gives me to see you so happy and well taken care of and I wish the both of you every bit of joy and happiness in the world, to Edith and Bertie."


"Bertie I'll be waiting in the car. I'll see you tomorrow Edith dear, sleep well." Mrs. Pelham pointedly said making sure Bertie knew not to keep her waiting long.

After dinner Edith's family had quietly made themselves scarce, even the footmen had quickly left Bertie with his coat and went off to tend to something leaving Edith and Bertie to themselves for a few moments.

"We better make this quick because I don't want your mother or my mother coming after me." Bertie said conspiratorially which earned a smile from Edith

"Bertie you really aren't nervous?" Edith quietly asked and Bertie could sense that she might be a bit more uneasy than she let on at dinner

Bertie took her hands in his and simply said to her

"A bit, nervous that everything will go as planned and you'll be happy. I'm nervous that when I see you tomorrow I'll make a fool out of myself in front of God and everyone we know, but I'm more excited than nervous because by this time tomorrow we'll be married and since I love you and you love me I think that's a good thing."

"It is, it's a very good thing." Edith smiled up at Bertie

"Are you nervous?"

"Yes, I am I suppose. I'm just so close to being truly happy and I'm worried it will be taken away. I don't mean to sound so pessimistic the night before our wedding, I'm sorry Bertie."

Bertie brought her into his chest and softly said

"Please don't worry Edith, in only a few hours I'll be standing in the church waiting for you to walk down the aisle, then we just have to repeat a few words, after that we'll mingle around a little party then before you know it we'll be on our way to Paris as husband and wife to start our life together."

"I know, it's just that everything is so close." Edith sighed as she leaned back to look into Bertie's face

"Exactly, and isn't that wonderful? We're finally down to one, after tonight we'll never have to say goodnight to each other and be on our own." Bertie smiled

"I've thought about this for so long and it's finally here, this has to be the hardest yet. You'd better go now or I don't think I can let you go and I would hate to put your mother in a mood the day before the wedding." Edith admitted looking a bit disappointed they wouldn't have more time together.

"You're right, goodnight Edith. I'll see you in church tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Bertie" Edith replied as Bertie leaned in to give her a longing kiss

"I'm so glad this is the last time we'll be doing this." Edith said when she finally pulled away

"Me too darling, I'll be the one at the front in the suit tomorrow. And you'll be the one in white? " Bertie joked and earned a smile from Edith

"That's right, and don't you go marrying anyone else." Edith warned

"I wouldn't dream of it."
Bertie said as he gave her hand a final kiss and backed his way out the door.


AN: Well this was fun, hope everyone enjoyed it! Thanks for all the nice reviews!