A/N: Hey everyone! : ) I very much appreciate the reviews that this story has received so far. I am delighted that you have enjoyed reading it and I hope that it will continue. Subsequently, there is something that you should know. It is coming to an end soon. Some of you may be thrilled while others may not be, but I like to think that I have essentially accomplished my goal for this story: having Bert and Mary being essentially pushed together by supporting characters and also enabling Mary Poppins to address fears that I believe we can all relate to in some capacity. Please feel free to share your thoughts with me or air any suggestions regarding what you would like to see happen. Hopefully you will enjoy this chapter. I promise the next one will be better. Later! : )
A few days later, Bert arrives at No. 17 with upsetting news for Mary Poppins. After being permitted inside by Ellen, he waits in the hall. Within a few moments, Mary Poppins arrives from the nursery, wearing an anxious look upon seeing Bert at the house so early.
"Whatever is the matter, Bert?" She asks as they meet half way.
"I apologise Mary Poppins for showing up like this but Miss Persimmon asked me to get you." Bert explains with a compassionate expression. Mary Poppins suddenly looks at him horrified.
"Miss Persimmon? Oh, no. Don`t say that Uncle Albert is..."
"Floating like a balloon I reckon." Bert answered plainly but seeing his fiancé looking so concerned, he places both of his hands on her shoulders momentarily, smiling apologetically as he says:
"I`m sorry Mary Poppins." She dismisses this with a shake of her head as she replies:
"Oh, Bert it is not your fault. I better tell the children that our outing has been postponed." As she turned to go upstairs, Bert called after her.
"Why don't we take them with us? I know that Uncle Albert would love to see them."
"What do you mean by "us", Bert? Have you no work on today?" Mary Poppins asks in a tone of surprise, raising her eyebrows.
"No, it`s nothing that can`t be re-arranged." Bert answers dismissively. Mary Poppins walks back over to him as she says in an authorative tone.
"Bert, you can`t take time off work just because of this. I won`t allow it."
Well, I won`t allow you to deal with this by yourself. If we are going to be married, then we will have to start relying a lot more on one another." Mary Poppins returned Bert`s warm smile. It was beginning to dawn on her just how fortunate she was to have him in her life. For a long time the only person she could rely on was herself. Of course, she knew that Bert was always there when she needed him, but if felt so different knowing that she wouldn't have to be so strong all the time. Now she had Bert to share everything with, but it was still an adjustment; an adjustment she was happy to make. With this in mind Mary Poppins made her way towards the stairs. As she stepped up, placing her hand on the banister, she turned to face Bert and called out:
"I`ll be back in a moment." Bert, who was looking around him, replied:
"Take your time Mary Poppins." As she disappeared from sight, Bert was accosted by Mrs. Banks.
"Oh, Bert I thought that I heard your voice. I am so glad that you are here because there is a matter of business which I simply must discuss with you."
"What seems to be the trouble, Mrs. Banks?" Bert asks curiously.
"Oh, it`s not really that serious Bert. I just wanted to speak to you privately for a moment." Mrs. Banks answered walking towards the banister and looking up the stairs. As she turned back to Bert, he wore a quizzical expression. Mrs. Banks smiled lightly as she explained.
"I didn't want Jane or Michael to overhear us or they may get carried away." Bert smiled politely as he approached her saying:
"I don't understand how our conversation could excite Jane and Michael. Would you please tell me what it is you are talking about, Mrs. Banks." Bert retorted smiling politely but with evident confusion in his voice.
"Well, the engagement party of course." She replied in an incredulous tone as she walked back to the drawing room doorway. Bert stood frozen to the floor for a moment. Then he swiftly spun around in total confusion as he exclaimed:
"Huh?" He walked towards her as he asked:
"What engagement party?"
"Yours and Mary Poppins: Mr. Banks and I would love to host it for you both especially since you have been so kind to Jane and Michael." Mrs. Banks explained with a warm smile. Bert chuckled incredulously before speaking.
"Well, Mrs. Banks you `ave certainly caught me by surprise." He laughed incredulously as he finished speaking. He turned and walked a couple of steps before he returned to face Mrs. Banks saying:
"I really don't know what to say. It`s very kind of you to offer and I thank you for your generosity but it`s just that Mary Poppins and I `aven't set a date yet." Bert explained, fiddling with his upper shirt buttons.
"Oh, well that shouldn't stop you from having an engagement party, Bert. Unless. You don't want to..." Bert raises his eyebrows, thinking that he has given the wrong impression.
"No, it`s not that Mrs. Banks. I just need to speak to Mary Poppins before committing." Bert replies as he smiles and shoves his hands in his pockets.
"I understand. Our offer still stands if you want to avail of it." Mrs. Banks retorts. As Bert is about to offer his gratitude, he is interrupted.
"BERT!" Jane and Michael shouted from the top of the stairs. Bert looked up, smiling brightly.
"There is no need to shout Jane and Michael." Mrs. Banks corrected them.
"After all, you are in a house and not a zoo." Mary Poppins called, coming behind them. The children looked sheepishly at them both. As their nanny ushered them down the stairs, Bert asked:
"`Ow are you two today?"
"Just fine thank you Bert." Jane replied smiling sweetly as Bert met them at the foot of the stairs.
"Is it true that you and Mary Poppins are going out alone today?" Michael asked.
"Yeah, I`m afraid so, Michael: but we will make it up to you both soon, won`t we Mary Poppins?" Bert asked as she descended the final step and stood beside him.
"Yes, of course we shall but for now we must go."
"Perhaps we could go on a picnic to the park." Jane suggested smiling hopefully.
"Maybe we could jump through another chalk painting and go see the circus." Michael suggested smiling widely. Mary Poppins smiled softly as Bert laughed lightly and said:
"I promise that we will `ave a...
"Jolly `Oliday..." Jane and Michael chimed in and laughed jovially.
"...real soon." Bert said, finishing his sentence with a light laugh.
"I reckon we need to work on that cockney accent and all." Bert added with a bright smile. The children laughed joyously which their mother observed.
"We will see you two later. Goodbye Mrs. Banks." Mary Poppins called out as she walked to the hall door.
"`Ave a good day Jane and Michael. Goodbye Mrs. Banks." Bert called out as he smiled and left with Mary Poppins. Mrs. Banks smiled as she waved and bid them both goodbyes. She then turned to her children and asked them to join her in the kitchen.
"So, what are you thinking?" Bert asked as he and Mary Poppins arrived at Uncle Albert`s. She was somewhat transfixed on the door in deep reflection and so was oblivious to anything Bert said. He looked at her concernedly as he said:
"`Ave I said the wrong thing `ere, Mary Poppins?" She suddenly turned to look at him starkly as she responded:
"No, Bert of course you haven't. It`s just a lot to take in." Bert stopped and considered her response for a moment.
"An engagement party is a lot to take in?" He asked, perplexed by her reaction.
"Yes, in terms of what it represents. Good morning Miss Persimmon."
"Good morning Mary Poppins, Bert. I am so relieved that you are both here." She replied as they stepped into the hallway.
"`As there been any improvement since we spoke?" Bert asked.
"Not a lot: he is still levitating in the drawing room. I do hope that you can help him, Mary Poppins."
"I will certainly try, thank you Miss Persimmon." She smiled and left Bert and Mary to deal with things. Bert puffed as he turned to Mary with a hand gesture and said:
"Well, after you Mary Poppins." She turned and knocked once on the door before entering. Once inside, their eyes immediately followed the sound of laughter coming from the ceiling.
"Oh, Uncle Albert this is getting ridiculous." Mary Poppins cried, shaking her head disapprovingly. Bert glanced sideways at her and then returned his attention to her uncle as he spoke.
"I`m sorry my dear but I just couldn't help it." Uncle Albert replied through convulsions.
"What seems to have caused the problem this time, Uncle Albert?" Bert asked pleasantly.
"I was thinking about the prospect of you and Mary finally being married and it made me so happy inside..."
"...that you levitated right off the floor." Mary Poppins interjected sardonically.
"It`s good to see someone excited about it." Bert retorted despondently. Mary Poppins glared at him sternly saying:
"What is that supposed to mean?" Bert turned to his left as he faced her directly, saying:
"I just don't understand why you are being so dismissive over `aving an engagement party."
"I thought I explained to you Bert that we had more important matters to deal with." Mary replied, rolling her eyes towards her uncle who was watching them both anxiously from the ceiling.
"It just sounds to me like you are not interested Mary Poppins."Bert responded flatly. As Mary was about to retort, Uncle Albert interjected.
"Oh, please don't fight you two. After all the time it took you both to get this far...this is so sad." Uncle Albert began to slowly drop to the floor.
"Well, at least something `as been accomplished today." Bert remarked at seeing Uncle Albert sitting on the floor. Bert began to walk to the other end of the room, hands in pockets, as Mary looked between both him and her uncle. As he stood up he said:
"What is all this about?" Bert walked back as he responded:
"Mrs. Banks has offered to host an engagement party for us but it seems that Mary is not interested and I don't understand why. Per`aps it`s the wedding that she has lost interest in." Bert explained as he deliberately kept eye contact with Uncle Albert only. Mary Poppins felt hurt by his supposition and immediately rounded on him.
"That is not true Bert. Now, can we please focus on what we came here for?"
"You see, she is blatantly ignoring the topic." Bert exclaimed throwing his hand in the air and walking away. He turned back to face Mary as she said:
"If we aren't gonna talk about it, then I best go somewhere that I am wanted."
"Bert..."
"The Lord Mayor is expecting me to paint `is drawing room. It looks like you are ok now Uncle Albert so please excuse me." As he turned to leave, Mary called after him.
"Bert, please don't go." After turning the handle in the door, Bert turns around and looks at her sadly, saying:
"I reckon that we need time to process things, Mary Poppins. See you later."
As Bert left Mary Poppins stood transfixed to the floor, starring sadly in the area he had occupied, she began to wonder if Bert had sensed something she had overlooked. Uncle Albert broke her reverie by demanding an explanation. However, his niece could offer him nothing as she turned to face him. He offered her a compassionate glance and suggested she sit and have tea with him to which she agreed.
"Why don't you start from the beginning and trace your steps so to speak." Albert suggested as he poured them both cups of tea.
"Well, Bert came to convey a message from Miss Persimmon concerning your problem earlier and he insisted on coming with me."
"That sounds a lot like the Bert I know. What did he actually say? It might help us get some clarity on things." Uncle Albert suggested as he set the teapot down and poured in some milk after offering his niece first.
"Although I insisted that he go to work, Bert felt that as we are about to get married that we should start relying more on one another when problems arise. On the way over here, he tells me that Mrs. Banks wants to host an engagement party for us."
"Is there a problem with that?" Uncle Albert asks as he drinks some tea. Mary Poppins returns her cup to her saucer as she replies:
"I don't know Uncle Albert. It just feels like...there are so many people involved in planning our day and events leading up to it. Bert and I have no say which isn't right."
"Is there anything else?" He asks as she declines his offer of a cake.
"What do you mean? Isn`t that enough?" She asks incredulously.
"No because I can`t believe that that is responsible for your inner turmoil. Do you want to know what I think? I think that you are terrified of marrying Bert because you feel that you will be sacrificing your identity as both a woman but also as a nanny. Don`t you know that Bert would never ask or expect you to do anything you didn't want to? He loves you Mary."
"I love him too, Uncle Albert." She answers serenely as she looks at him with a mixture of hurt and confusion in her eyes.
"No, Mary I mean he really loves you. I can`t tell you how long it has been since I have seen a man who loves a woman as much as Bert loves you. The last thing in the world he would ever do is make you un-happy. If working as a nanny after you are married is what you wanted then I know Bert would support your decision."
"I don't want to work as a nanny after we are married but I just feel that I need some purpose outside of being Bert`s wife." Mary Poppins explains, toying with the handle on her cup.
"How old are Jane and Michael?" Uncle Albert asks, observing her.
"What has that got to do with anything?" Mary asks as she faces him directly.
"Just please answer the question, Mary." Uncle Albert said with a mild smile.
"Jane is eight and Michael is seven. Why?"
"They are still young enough to have a full time nanny and perhaps their parents will have more children."
"Uncle Albert, it is not customary for a woman to work after she is married."
"Nor is it customary for a woman to travel across the world on an umbrella." Mary stares at him starkly.
"I know that those children adore you Mary and I am equally certain that they would be devastated to lose you again."
"Bert and I would see them from time to time." Mary answers as she smoothes out the white table cloth on her side.
"It`s not the same and you know it. What is to stop you from staying on as their nanny after you are married? You could help them with their school work, take them on outings and do essentially all the things you are doing now. Obviously, living with them wouldn't be practical. It is something worth considering."
"My purpose was to help them establish a relationship with their parents and I think they are starting to." Mary retorts as she returns her gaze to her uncle.
"Kat Alfred was your governess and she was the best thing that ever happened to you. Unfortunately, your parents weren't as interested in rectifying their flaws as Mr. and Mrs. Banks appear to be. You can continue to guide Jane and Michael as well as their parents into being the best that they can be. We both know that you won't be able to stay away from them. Why don't you speak to Bert about it first?"
"He won`t be home yet and even if he was, I doubt he would speak to me."
"He loves you. He will speak to you. Go talk to him." Uncle Albert says as he pats the back of his niece`s hand.
That evening, when she had plucked up the courage, Mary Poppins knocked on Bert`s front door. No answer. She knocked again. Nothing! As she was about to leave, Bert walked in through the gate. He stopped for a moment as they both stared at one another cautiously. Not being able to stand the silence any longer, Bert smiled brightly. He dropped his painting equipment and embraced Mary Poppins who had met him half way. After they relinquished he said:
"I`m sorry for my behaviour earlier Mary Poppins. It was wrong of me to leave like that."
"Bert you have nothing to apologise for. Instead of being so evasive, I should have been honest with you. I apologise." Bert smiled softly and placed his hands on her shoulders as he looked into her eyes and said:
"Why don't we meet half way on this since neither of us is proud of our actions?"
"That sounds just fine to me, Bert." Mary Poppins answered smilingly. Bert reciprocated brightly and kissed her lightly.
"If you don't want an engagement party, we don't have to `ave one." Bert offered as he began gathering his items from the path.
"That isn't it at all. I would like to explain some things to you but could we go inside, please?"
"Oh, sure of course; come on in."
This was the first time that Mary Poppins was in Bert`s house. As she walked across the threshold, she began to observe her surroundings. It was twilight: bright enough to make out the shape of things but too dark to be certain of anything. Bert switched on the light in the hall as he closed the door behind him. On the left was a glass table which was used for daily purposes. On top of it was a framed photograph of his parents. Just a few feet away from that was the stairs. On the right was the sitting room: the kitchen and dining room were joined onto this. Just beside the door of the sitting room was a closet which Bert used for storing his work supplies. He smiled as Mary Poppins observed it all. He walked to the closet and opened it, putting in his painting equipment. Mary Poppins picked up the photo and smiled fondly at it. As she replaced it, Bert walked to her saying:
"It`s not quite as grand as what you are used to I know but what do you think?"
"I think it is perfect, Bert. I am very proud of what you have accomplished as I know they are too." She pointed to the photo of his parents. Bert smiled mildly as he kissed her.
"Thank you Mary Poppins. Why don't we go `ave some tea in the kitchen."
"That would be wonderful." She answered chirpily.
Mary Poppins sat at the table as Bert made them a pot of tea. She contemplated what it would be like to live here with him after they were married. Although it was small, the size didn't bother her in the slightest. She could be happy living anywhere with Bert. However, there was a thought which was running through her mind for some time. That was the idea of them buying a house which was theirs: a fresh start for them. They would have more than enough to do this once she had sold her family home. As Bert came to the table and set the teapot down, she asked if she could assist but he declined. Once he had brought cups from the cupboard, a jug of milk and a bowl of sugar; he sat across from her and asked:
"So, what do you want to talk about?" He poured tea into the cups as Mary Poppins answered.
"I realise that I owe you an explanation for my behaviour earlier so I ask you to please bare with me. The reason that I appeared disinterested towards the idea of having an engagement party is a little tricky to explain."
"You know that you can tell me anything Mary." Bert offered gently, smiling softly as he poured some milk into his cup. She reciprocated a little.
"Bert, for as long as I can remember I have thought about how it would feel to be married to you. You are everything to me and I simply couldn't imagine my life without you. However, we or rather I have been used to being alone in essence and I only ever could depend on myself to get by. After you left today, Uncle Albert and I had a talk and I believe he clarified exactly what was bothering me."
"What was that?" Bert asked curiously, as he drank some tea.
"To put it quite plainly: Jane and Michael. Out of all the children and all the families that I have worked with over the years, they are the only ones I am unable to separate myself from." Bert replaced his cup on its saucer as he lowered his head in an effort to hide his smiling expression from Mary. He always knew that those children meant a lot more to Mary Poppins that she ever admitted aloud. It was easy to understand. Once she did, she was accepting two things. Firstly, she had opened her heart and made a connection with them. That is something she never would dare do because Mary Poppins always needed to be free to go wherever she was needed. However, Bert knew eventually that would change. Therefore, the second element of her admittance is that she was ready to put down roots.
"So, Uncle Albert suggested that I stay on as their nanny after we are married. How do you feel about that?" Bert raised his head and looked at her smilingly.
"Do you even `ave to ask? I know how much those kids mean to you, Mary Poppins. I see `ow your eyes light up whenever their names are mentioned. I never could expect you to walk away from them and I`d be surprised if you did. `Ave you spoken to Mr. and Mrs. Banks about it?"
"No, not yet; I wanted to speak to you first." Bert smiled lightly.
"You know that you can`t put it off forever. `Ow about I walk you `ome and we can all sit down together and talk things through."
"I think that is something that I need to do alone, Bert."
"Okay, that is your decision but I am still walking you `ome. No arguments."
"I happily accept." Bert beamed in response.
As they stood outside No. 17, Mary Poppins began to feel uneasy. Bert sensed this and so he took her hand and gently squeezed it. Mary smiled appreciatively in response. It was so unusual for her to not feel in control. However, she was glad that Bert was by her side and she knew that she could rely on him especially at times like this. They stood in silence for another moment until Mary Poppins was finally ready to go inside.
"I`m going to be right there with you, Mary." Bert said as they climbed the steps to the front door.
"I appreciate that Bert but I will be fine. I know I had a moment back there but I was being ridiculous." Mary responded, unwilling to give into her fear. This was an emotion that was new to Mary Poppins. It wasn't because she had never experienced it before but rather that it was such a long time since she had allowed herself to be vulnerable. Admitting to Bert that she loved him was a whole new beginning for her. By doing so, Mary Poppins had liberated herself from all the confinements and constrictions that she abided by for so long. Subsequently, she had enabled herself to feel various emotions which she kept locked down until this point.
They stood outside the front door. Bert could sense that Mary felt some trepidation. It wasn't a feeling she enjoyed experiencing either.
"It is natural to be scared sometimes Mary." Bert whispered softly.
"I am quite aware of that thank you Bert." Mary Poppins replied curtly. Bert smiled lightly. He knew she wasn't being deliberately abrasive towards him but rather trying to re-capture the courage she always had. He brought his hands on her shoulders as he spoke.
"Nobody expects you to be practically perfect in every way, least of all me. We can take on the world together." He kissed her. They smiled lovingly at one another.
"Come on, let`s go talk to the Banks`s." Bert suggested to which Mary Poppins nodded in acquiesce.
As they stepped inside, they found the place deserted. Bert closed the door gently behind him and looked at his watch.
"It is only 8:00. Where could they be?" He asked as he walked towards Mary Poppins who stood by the stairs, removing her coat.
"I don't know..." They heard footsteps coming from the kitchen. As the door swung open, they saw Mrs. Banks emerging, looking a little flustered.
"Oh, I am so pleased that you are both here. George! We simply must speak to you immediately. George!" Mary and Bert looked at one another anxiously.
"Are the children all right?" Mary Poppins asked.
"Oh, yes they are fine. Come in to the drawing room and have a seat while I try to find George." They both walked tentatively inside and followed Mrs. Banks`s instructions.
"I wonder what could be so urgent that would require us both." Mary thought aloud.
"I think we are about to find out." Bert replied upon seeing them coming from the dining room. As they entered the living room, Bert and Mary stood up but were asked to sit down as Mr. and Mrs. Banks sat on nearby armchairs.
"I expect that you are wondering why we want to see you both at this time of night." Mr. Banks exclaimed in a tone of authority.
"The thought did cross our minds." Bert replied with a small smile.
"Yes, well it concerns an offer that Winifred made to you earlier Bert. Have you had time to discuss it together?" Bert turned to Mary, unsure of what to say.
"To be perfectly honest Mr. Banks, we have discussed it but not in any great depth."
"I see."
"It is a very kind offer gov but we just don't know if it would be right to expect you to host our engagement party." Bert retorted politely as he looked between them both.
"Have you made other arrangements?" Mrs. Banks asked inquisitively. Bert looked at Mary and shook his head as he turned back to them.
"No, we haven't really spoken about it at all to be honest. I`ve been busy with work lately and Mary..." Bert turned to her as he spoke. She smiled mildly as he continued.
"Well she `as been looking after Jane and Michael as you know."
"That is precisely why you should have the party here, Bert. I am quite aware that I am not always the easiest person to be around sometimes but I am not blind to the goings on in my house." Mr. Banks crossed one leg over the other as he spoke. Although he addressed them in an authorative manner up to this point, he didn't mean to. It was just his way.
"What do you mean by that?" Bert asked curiously as he leaned forward and joined his hands together. Mr Banks un-crossed his legs, sat up straight and folded his arms as he spoke.
"Before Mary Poppins came into our lives, Winifred and I went through countless nannies. None of them were suitable. I believed it was the children who were at fault but I was wrong. You helped me to see that Bert." It was at this point when Mr. Banks`s tone and eye contact softened.
"I remember not too long ago that you stood here in this room and told me to not take my children for granted. They need me to be their father and not some...jail warden." He waved his hand dismissively in the air as he made that comment.
"Well, I never said that." Bert interjected, sitting back in the sofa. Mr Banks lifted his eyes from the floor to Bert as he replied:
"No, you didn't but that is probably what they see me as. My point is Bert that after that, I made a conscious effort to spend more time with Jane and Michael and truthfully, I enjoyed every minute of it. However, things changed when you left Mary Poppins and I took my frustrations out on them. That is why they ran to you so much Bert. I just felt that they didn't want...that they wanted...they missed spending time with you both and I took it personally which was petulant."
"All that Jane and Michael want is to be loved and to know that their father and mother will be there for them no matter what." Bert looked at Mary as she spoke.
"Mary Poppins is right. I saw the four of you outside the park that day, flying a kite and it was such a beautiful sight. All you `ave to do is spend time with them, enjoy them and above all else; love them just as they are and I guarantee that they will reciprocate."
"I am prepared to do just that Bert but we want you to allow us to repay the favour that you have bestowed on us. We would be honoured to host your engagement party right here. Obviously you can invite who you want and we will cover all the expenses." Bert and Mary looked at one another, searching for an answer.
"Oh, please allow us to do this for you. The both of you have done so much for this family...we would love to help you celebrate your night together." Mrs. Banks interjected smilingly.
"Well, all right then but only if Jane and Michael can attend part of it at least. If not for them, none of this would be an issue."
"I doubt that we could keep them away, even if we did want to." Mrs. Banks retorted smiling happily at them. Bert and Mary reciprocated as they stood up, shaking hands with both and thanked them graciously for their kind offer.
"There is one other thing that I would like to speak to you about. It concerns my position here after Bert and I are married." Mr. and Mrs. Banks look at one another questioningly as Mary looks to Bert who encourages her to continue.
"I am conscious that it isn`t proper for a married woman to work but then again, I have never been one to live by social rules or expectations." Bert smiles proudly which is noticed by the recipients of her address.
"Furthermore, I believe that I have a lot more to offer Jane and Michael regarding educational practices and these cannot be simply learned or taught in a matter of weeks. Therefore, I would very much like to stay on as their nanny for as long as they need me. Would this be pleasing to you?"
"To be honest with you Mary Poppins, I had not expected you to stay on after you were married. In fact, I was dreading having to tell the children but now that you are prepared to keep things as they are, I must admit that it pleases me greatly. What do you say Winifred?"
"Well George, I second your motion. It is wonderful news that you are happy to remain here Mary Poppins. Of course, we both know there will be some changes but we can discuss that later. Do you have a date set?"
"No, but we will discuss that and let you know." Bert replied kindly as he smiled lightly.
"Wonderful. Well, I don't know about you Winifred but I think I will go to bed. I have an early meeting in the morning so I shall say good night to you both."
"Oh, yes, I will go too George. It has been a long day. Goodnight Mary Poppins. Goodnight Bert."
"Goodnight." They chimed in unison and then they were alone.
Once they were out of sight, Bert puffed and laughed lightly as he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Well that went very well I must say. In fact, it went better than I expected." He admitted as he resumed his seat on the sofa. Mary Poppins remained where she was for another few seconds but then followed suit.
"Yes, it went very well and I am pleased to see that the four of us appear to be getting along much better. I was beginning to wonder if that would ever happen."
"I suppose it `ad to `appen eventually what with us seeing so much of each other."
"Hmm I expect so." Mary answered distractedly. Bert noticed this and asked what was bothering her.
"I was just thinking about a conversation we had before that concerned my family home. Nothing has changed in that regard Bert. I still want to sell it, more than ever."
"`Ow does your uncle Albert feel about that?"
"I haven't discussed it with him." Mary answered plainly.
"Well don't you think you ought to?" Bert asked in a surprised tone.
"I don't see why it concerns him, Bert. There are only two people connected to it and they are both in this room." Bert raised his eyebrows as he said:
"Why do you think that it still concerns me?"
"Because you lived there with me for most of your life, Bert. Are we really going to start arguing about this again?"
No, I am just trying to understand why you are consulting me and not your uncle. After all, `e is connected to that estate."
"No, he isn't Bert. I am the primary beneficiary of that estate. I have been since I turned twenty-one. As I told you before, your mother was left 40% ownership by my parents in their will. After she passed away, that 40% was left to you. Therefore, you own 40% of the Poppins family home. Now, do you understand why I am consulting you?"
"`Ow do you know all of this?" Bert asked quizzically. As Mary was about to respond, Bert said:
"I just assumed that 40% would be returned to you. I didn't realise it was still in my name."
"Before I began travelling ten years ago, I enquired about the legality of this. It is clearly stated in the wills of both parties that 50% of the estate belongs to the Poppins family and the remainder 40% belongs to the Alfred`s. My parents knew that your mother was a good person who would look after me in their absence. In turn, your mother felt the same way about you, Bert. Therefore, the lawyers told me that while I could sell the property or make any amendments to it without consulting you first; it would be polite to do so. I don't need your permission Bert but I would like to hear your thoughts."
"I don't have a problem with you selling it, Mary. I just want to be sure that you are making the right decision. Once it is gone, you will never get it back. Although you `ave some bad memories of living there, there are some good ones too. All I ask is that you think about it again before acting. Will you do that for me, please?" Mary looks at him sideways as she considers what he is saying. Within a few seconds she responds:
"Okay, I will sleep on it but I guarantee that nothing will change."
"Be that as it may but I also think that you should tell your Uncle Albert about these plans. I am sure that he would appreciate being informed." Mary Poppins inhales deeply and exhales loudly.
"Is there anything else that you would like me to do?" She asks smiling sardonically at him.
"`Ow about a kiss?" He asks smiling brightly. She reciprocates his jovial expression and fulfils his request.
A few moments later she walks him to the front door. They both have an early start in the morning.
"Do you want to meet up tomorrow to discuss the guest list for this engagement party?"
"Yes, Bert I think we may need to. Let`s try to keep it small though.
"Less is more, right?" Bert says smilingly.
"Yes, it is. Oh, we must also finalise a date for the actual wedding. Oh, Bert, we have so much to do." Mary exclaims as reality begins to set in. Bert smiles softly as he places his hands on her shoulders saying:
"Now, take it easy Mary Poppins. We will decide all of that over the next few days. Let`s just take one event at a time, okay?"
"Okay." She answers.
"What time tomorrow?" Bert asks before leaving.
"Oh, I don't know. In the evening I expect."
"All right, `ow about dinner? We can go some place casual like...Louie`s."
"That sounds perfect. 7:00?"
"It` s a date. Goodnight Mary Poppins."
Good night Bert."
After they kiss one last time, Bert walks out the door whistling his song all the way home. Mary Poppins smiles as she listens for as long as possible. Then she makes her way upstairs to get some sleep.
A/N: Honestly, I think I could do better but please let me hear your thoughts. The next chapter will be based on their engagement party, followed by the wedding. I can`t promise that they will posted too quickly what with college resuming but I will do the best I can. : )