Author's Note: Thank to all who are following and reviewing! Keep it up! It certainly keeps me on my toes ;) Here are the next 2 chapters...
CHAPTER 24: HERE COMES THE (FIRST) BRIDE
"It's done!", Wilkes said to Clarisse, as they stood waiting for the
wedding party.
Joseph was Shade's best man. Nanny would be giving Charlotte away, and
Mia, along with Kay, were bridesmaids. Eloise, of course, was the
flower girl. Pierre was back there with them all know, preparing for
the procession, along with Nicholas, who, as King, would also take
part in the ceremony.
After Arthur's funeral, he had redirected his attention to Charlotte
and Shade's wedding. It had been a welcome distraction, from his
Uncle's death. He could not stand the man, but he had been raised by
him all the same. He had memories of him, from before he realized what
the man was really all about, that would always be fond. Even if they
were tainted now, but the man had died. He had been buried properly,
with all the pomp he would have wanted. Nick felt he had done his best
and that it was time to look forward to the future now.
Fred, Leota, Mouse and Peggy all sat in the church waiting with the
other guests. They flew all the way to Genovia to be there for
Charlotte and Shade's big day. Mario, Lily and Helen had also come,
along with all their friends from Genovia, including Prime Minister
and Mrs. Motaz. It was a beautiful day out. Everyone was in good
spirits, excited about the wedding and Christmas, only three days
away, which most of them would be spending in Genovia.
"What is done?", Clarisse asked Wilkes.
"The dress!", Wilkes replied.
"Oh, Nanny's dress! Of course. Well, good. I am glad to hear that. Are
they shipping it out, so that she will have it for Christmas?"
"Yes, I paid a small fortune to have it sent overnight,but as long as
it gets here unharmed, I will be happy"
"I'm sure it will arrive just fine", Clarisse said, patting Wilkes' arm.
"Ah, here comes the man of the hour", he said, pointing to Shades and
Joseph, who were making their way down with Pierre, Nick and the Arch
Bishop.
"Yes, it would appear that it is, as Mia says, show time!", Clarisse
said to Wilkes, as they took their seats in the first row.
Wilkes stood, as Joe and Shades walked by, stepping up to pat the
younger man on the back, "Good luck"
"Thanks Wilkes", Shades said patting him on the back in return, "Just
think, in a couple of months you'll be my father-in-law"
"Yes, I suppose I will", Wilkes said with a big smile, as he handed
Shades an imported cigar from his pocket, "After the ceremony? To
celebrate?", he asked, handing one to Joe as well.
"Sounds good Wilkes", Joe said, taking his, as Shades nodded in agreement.
Pierre and the Arch Bishop had already taken their places at the
alter, and so Shades and Joe did as well. Joe smiled brightly at his wife first.
He looked very handsome in his tux. A fact she already informed him
of, before the ceremony. She winked at him now, before smiling over at
Shades.
As the music began, the crowd began to rise, as a beaming Eloise
dispersed her petals throughout the sunlit church. Soon Kay was making
her way down the isle in a lovely strapless red gown. Mia followed in
a beaded capped sleeve red gown. Both had beautiful bunches of pink
roses, much like the pink and red roses throughout the church. The
music changed to "The Wedding March" and everyone watched as Nanny
appeared in the door with Charlotte.
Nanny was dressed in a beautifully tailored, fitted black silk pant
suit. She wore a lovely white lace camisole underneath and high red
satin pointy heels. Her hair had been curled into dozens of beautiful
curls, which were pinned up in a fashion that was both trendy and
youthful, as well as classic. She wore long, thin diamond earrings,
which complimented her hair perfectly. A large red rose had been
pinned near her cleavage. Wilkes truly wanted to look at Charlotte,
his soon to be step-daughter, in her wedding dress. However, having
not seen Nanny before the wedding in her attire... he found he could
not take his eyes off of her.
Charlotte's dress was beautiful and simple. A princess cut, with
capped sleeves and lovely beaded embroidering. She wore simple diamond
studded earrings and a matching necklace. Her hair was up in a bun, a
Genovian lace veil attached just beneath. Her face was framed by a
curl at each side. She carried a huge bouquet of red roses. She looked
beautiful and sweet.
As they descended down the isle, Nanny and Charlotte beamed first at each other, then
at the guests, until Charlotte's eyes rested on Shades, who mouthed
the words "I love you".
Wilkes finally looked at Charlotte, who was also breathtakingly
beautiful, but in a different way, to him. As his eyes returned to
Nanny, he found her smiling at him, which made his heart melt. He
beamed back at her, before her gaze moved to Clarisse and then to Joe,
Pierre, Kay, Eloise and Mia, as she took it all in.
Clarisse thought Charlotte looked lovely, as well as Nanny. She, of
course, was very happy for Charlotte and Shades, but it was Nanny and
Charlotte walking down together that brought tears to her eyes. Her sister
was giving away her daughter to be married. What a special moment.
As the music came to an end, Charlotte stood before Shades, tears in
both their eyes, as Pierre asked who gave this bride to be married.
"I, 'er mother, do", Nanny answered proudly, as she gave her beautiful
little girl a kiss on the cheek and took her seat, beside Wilkes.
"You look so incredibly beautiful my love, and you did such a good
job. I am very proud of you", Wilkes whispered to her, as he put his
arm around her. She smiled up at him, as she rested her temple to his
cheek, before their gaze drifted back to the young couple they loved,
before them.
As Pierre and the Arch Bishop spoke about love and what it meant to
truly love another, Joseph found himself continually making eye
contact with Clarisse. It was, to him, as if they were speaking
directly of them. Clarisse smiled back, touched by his acquaintance
with anything to do with love, with her. She then realized that she
felt the same. He was love, and every word of what it meant to be a
good spouse was Joseph. Kind, compassionate, selfless, supportive,
forgiving, true... Joseph.
Mia had similar thoughts as she looked over at her fiancé, as the
words of love were spoken. Soon it was time for Shades to read his
vows, which he wrote himself. As he finished, there was not a dry eye
in the Church. Charlotte's vows were equally as lovely. Speaking of
all the time they had both waited, the faithfulness and friendship
that grew between them before their relationship bloomed. This of
course also "hit home" to Clarisse and Joe, who continued to lock eyes
and exchange smiles quite regularly. Even Fred, sitting several rows
back with Leota, was touched. He tried to hide the tears from his
wife, knowing she would never let him live it down, but she saw
anyhow. Her response was not to mock, but to wipe them away gently and
nestle into his side. He whispered his own words of love to her, to
which she smiled, before they refocused their attention on Charlotte
and Shades. Mario sat with his girlfriend Katie, as they exchanged
sweet smiles during the vows.
As the rings were being exchanged, Mouse, who was also a few rows
back, took Peggy's hand and traced the wedding ring on her finger. It
was a sweet gesture, which made her smile and kiss his cheek. There
was a brief comic moment, when Joseph could not find the second ring.
Clarisse cleared her throat and motioned to the rose on his lapel.
When he looked down, he saw the ring was resting there, having been
flipped in the air as he was retrieving it from his inner coat pocket.
As a reading was read by Clarisse, everyone watched her admiringly.
Her close friends and family admiring her eloquent voice and
technique, her fellow Genovians admiring how vibrant and refreshed her
time in the U.S. had made her. Nick said a few words, as their King
and, as he put it, soon also as their soon-to-be cousin. Soon the Arch
Bishop was pronouncing them husband and wife, as Pierre added that
Shades may kiss the bride. The crowd laughed and cheered as Shades
took her into his arms and dipped her into a kiss.
"I know present, Mr. Scott and Mrs. Charlotte Kutaway!", Pierre said.
Charlotte blew a kiss to Eloise and then to her mother, then She and
Shades descended back down the isle. Mia and Eloise followed. Then
Kay, who was the maid of honor, and Joe, the best man. Finally Wilkes,
Nanny and Clarisse made their way behind them. Clarisse on one of
Wilkes arms and Nanny on the other.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Does, er, that lace go all the way down?", Wilkes asked from behind
her. In a private moment, in the coat room at the palace, before the
reception.
"Oh, wouldn't you like to know, know, know!", Nanny replied coyly, as she turned to
meet his gaze.
"You are the sexiest mother-of-the-bride that I have ever seen, if I
may be so bold", he said, encircling her waist with his arms.
"You don't say!", she said teasing, as she reached her arms behind his
neck "and 'ere I thought my outfit was a bit masculine!"
"You would think a black suit, when put next to a wedding dress, would
be. However, this suit...", he said, as he ran his hand down the back
of the silky suit, which was fitted perfectly to her back, resting his
hand just below the jacket on her bottom, "and the woman in it... quite
feminine!"
"Imagine my relief", she said as she kissed him softly, careful to not
to smudge her red lipstick too much.
"The red shoes are nice too, very sexy and feminine, but quite high.
Please promise me you won't brake your neck"
"I promise", she said, giving him another tiny kiss, "You know, I 'ave
on another red garment on as well"
Wilkes thought about what she meant for a moment, before turning his
lips up into a smile, "Oh really? Perhaps later, you may show me?"
"Alright. Or...'ow about now?", she asked, as he raised his eyebrows.
She stepped back, looking both ways, before unbuttoning the three buttons
of her jacket and opening it for him. The thin white lace camisole
stretched over her cleavage and torso. Underneath the sheer shirt,
he could clearly see a sexy red bra, which pushed up her cleavage so
perfectly, he thought he might fall to his knees.
"That is...", he managed, "VERY nice"
She laughed at his response, before leaning forward to give him a very
lovely, opened mouth kiss, which he happily returned. As they were
engrossed in each other, they heard the door to the coat room open and
they broke apart. Nanny, turning from Wilkes' arms, forgetting that
her jacket was open, looked over to see that it was Leota and Fred
who had entered.
"Aoww, thank God it is you", Nanny said in relief, happy their
friends, and not strangers, had been the ones to catch them kissing in
the coat room.
"Holy crap!", Fred said, as he looked at Nanny, before Leota wacked him
on the arm and he looked away.
"Nanny!", Leota said.
"Aoww, I know we shouldn't 'ave, but we just thought that a little kiss..."
"Your jacket Nanny!", Leota yelled, "close it!"
"Aoww, my sainted Aunt Fanny!", she said as she twirled around and
buttoned her jacket.
"Well, that makes, what? Three times that my husband has seen you in
your underwear?", Leota asked sharply, "Not to mention the time I
caught you at the Plaza. You two really have to stop making out in
pubic!", she said as she took Fred's hand to leave.
"Leota, please don't be angry! I 'ad no way of knowing! Besides, your
'usband only has eyes for you!", Nanny insisted.
"Well, I suppose that is true", Leota said, stopping, "It is your
daughter's wedding day. So I suppose I should cut you some slack. You
look beautiful by the way, as does Charlotte"
"Aoww, thank you Leota. She does, doesn't she?"
"Yes. Now pull yourselves together and get out here. The reception is
about to start", Leota said as she left, pulling Fred along behind
her, who briefly rolled his eyes at Nanny and Wilkes, before
departing.
Nanny looked at Wilkes and giggled, "We 'ad better go love"
"Indeed", he replied, taking her hand and leading her out to where the
bridal party would be announced.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Merry Christmas!", Mia yelled, as she poked her head into Clarisse
and Joe's suite at the palace. They, as well as the others from the
U.S., were staying there while they were in town.
"You are kidding me, right?", Joe asked Mia, as he pulled the covers
over his head.
"What time is it?", Clarisse asked, squinting at the bedside clock.
"Six AM", Mia replied with a shrug, "Eloise is running around awakening
everyone, so I thought you might be up already"
"Well you were wrong", Joe growled from under the covers.
"Oh, come on Joe! Don't be mad, It's Christmas! I would go bother
Lily, but she was smart enough to lock her door, Mom went home to be
with Trevor, and Nick is wrapping up business in order to relax the
rest of the day"
"So we are your victims of choice?", Joe asked, as he lowered the
covers to his chest, "I'm not mad. Merry Christmas Princess. Now, go
away", he said turning on his side.
"Joseph is not a morning person, since he has been semi-retired. Don't
mind him. Merry Christmas my darling!", Clarisse said brightly, from
under the covers.
"Thanks Grandma! Now, come on... Get up!", she said, as she started to
yank the covers a bit, but her grandparents clung to them.
"Mia, no! Please, we will get up in a moment and meet you downstairs!",
Clarisse said.
"No way! You will just go back to bed. Come on. Up!", she said as she
yanked harder, to reveal both their bare chests.
"Oh! You're naked under there!", Mia said, now understanding.
"Yes, we are!", Clarisse said, annoyed, as she yanked the covers back
over her chest, "We are a married couple"
"You know...", Mia said, thinking for a moment, "Not to be disrespectful or
anything Grandma, but for a woman your age you have a really nice set of, well, you know..."
Clarisse just rolled her eyes, but Joseph replied, "They're nice for any age!"
"Joseph!", Clarrise scolded.
"Sorry", he replied.
"Amelia, could we PLEASE have some privacy darling?", Clarisse asked, redirecting her
attention at her.
"Sure. I didn't expect... I mean. I'm sorry. I will meet you
downstairs", she said as she turned to leave.
"Hey, Princess?", Joe asked, making her turn, "Don't worry about it, okay?"
"Okay", Mia said with a little smile.
"Merry Christmas darling. We will be right down, alright?", Clarisse
said then, it was Christmas.
"Okay. I will get you some tea and some eggnog! I will have it for you
in the kitchen", Mia said happily.
"That would be lovely, dear", Clarisse said sincerely, as Mia left.
"You didn't lock the door!", Clarisse said, as soon as Mia had closed
the door, smacking Joseph's arm.
"I thought you did!", he said in his defense, as he embraced her,
"Well, all is well. Merry Christmas, my darling"
"Merry Christmas", she said, forgetting everything else and melting into his embrace.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Okay, who's next?", asked Mia, who was playing Santa Claus.
"Granny!", Eloise exclaimed, "I want to see what Grampie Wilkes got her!"
"Why don't we save that for last", Charlotte said. Eyeing the large
box, that Nanny herself couldn't take her eyes off of.
"Let's give Shades his gift from your mom, okay? Then, we can give your
Granny hers", Mia said to Eloise, who was acting as her elf.
"Here PaPa Shades", Eloise said as she handed him a little box, "I bet
it is nice, but not as divine as that necklace you gave Mama!"
"I don't know Peanut! If it is from your mom, I think I will find it
rather divine!", Shades said with a smile, as Eloise nodded.
"That is actually a gift, in a way, for you too Eloise. Why don't you
open it together", said Charlotte.
Eloise went over and sat on Shades lap as they unwrapped the package.
Everyone sat around them patiently waiting, as they had all done with
all the previous gifts. Lily, Kip and Andrew were joining Mia and Nick
for the Holidays, as well as Mario and his girlfriend Katie, Fred,
Leota, Mouse and Peggy. Of course Pierre, Kay, Nanny, Wilkes, Joe and
Clarisse were there, as well. Wilkes sat, nervously stroking Nanny's
hand, knowing that her gift would be next. Her wedding dress, which
somehow he had managed to keep a secret from her, despite some close
calls.
"It's a picture!", Eloise said as she looked at the frame.
"Of you and Papa Shades? Aoww, 'ow sweet", Nanny said.
"No, I don't know what it's a picture of... Something funny looking!",
Eloise said, confused.
Everyone looked over at Shades then, whose eyes were glued to the
frame in front of him. As he looked up at Charlotte, he had tears in
his eyes. As did Charlotte.
"Really?", he asked, to which she nodded.
"Really what?", Eloise asked.
"When?", Shades asked Charlotte.
"When, what?", Eloise asked.
"In about seven months", she said, as she put her hand on her tummy.
"Aoww! Lord! Is that a saw, saw, sonogram?", Nanny asked excitedly, as Shades
nodded and showed everyone.
Charlotte came over and sat on his lap to embrace him, "Merry
Christmas... Daddy", she said as she kissed him, both of them crying,
as everyone clapped.
"A sona-what?", Eloise asked, "I hate being ignored!"
"Oh, Eloise. I'm sorry", Charlotte said, as she and Shades took her
into their arms, "A sonogram, is what this picture is. It is a picture
of a baby before it is born"
"Who's baby? Yours Mama?"
"Yes, ours", She said, "Mine and Papa Shades and yours. Your little
brother or sister is growing in me right now", she said, placing the
child's hand on her abdomen.
"And you will still be my mommy?"
"Of course!", Charlotte said, "and you get to be the baby's big sister
and you can help me buy all the baby's new clothes and decorate the
baby's room!"
"Really? That will be divine! Oh Mama, I hope it's a girl!"
"We will love the baby either way, right? As long as the baby is
healthy... We couldn't ask for more, could we?", Shades asked Eloise,
who agreed.
Kay came over then and gave Charlotte a big hug, "Congratulations,
another baby to spoil! I can't wait", she said.
"Thank you, Kay", Charlotte said, before receiving hugs and
congratulations from everyone else, except for Nanny who sat frozen in
her seat.
"Nan? Are you alright?", Wilkes asked her.
She awakened from her trance then and looked back at him, "Oh Willy,
yes! We, we are going to have another grand baby!"
"Yes!", he said with a smile, happy that she thought of the baby as
THEIR grandchild, "Yes, we are my love!", he said as he hugged her,
letting go only when he saw Charlotte standing before them.
"Mom? Are you happy... about the baby?", she asked, putting her hand
on her tummy again.
"Oh, Charlotte! So, so, so 'appy!", Nanny replied as she embraced her
daughter, "We both are", she said, as she pulled Wilkes into their
embrace as well.
"Indeed", Wilkes said through the tears in his eyes.
"But you drank on Thanksgiving! I hope that didn't harm the baby!"
Leota pointed out.
"Yes, I didn't know then. I asked the doctor about it. He said It's
fine", Charlotte replied.
"Of course", Leota said, "I'm sure we all drank before we knew we were
pregnant and everything turned out fine"
"How could you possibly remember being pregnant? How many decades ago
would that have been?", Fred asked her.
She turned to him then, "If you hadn't just given me such a lovely
Christmas gift, I would call you an idiot, but since you have... I
will bank it for later"
After the announcement of the baby, they took a break to make a toast
and have a snack, before continuing with the gift giving, namely,
Wilkes' gift to Nanny.
"I finally get to see what's in this box then?", Nanny asked, as Mia
and Wilkes slid the box over to her.
"I so enjoyed my gift. Thank you again for the beautiful pocket watch,
my love. I, ah, hope that my gift to you is suitable and I hope that
it is everything that you would want it to be", Wilkes said
sheepishly.
"Oh, Wilkes. You didn't 'ave to get me anything Love. I already 'ave
everything I need", she said, brushing his cheek.
"Can I help Granny? Can I?", Eloise squealed.
"Yes, love. Let's open it!", Nanny said excitedly.
They ripped the paper off, after they untied the massive bow. To
reveal a big gold box. They each took a side of the lid and removed
it, revealing pale tissue paper.
"Perhaps, we should let Granny take it from here", Wilkes said to
Eloise with a wink, who nodded.
"Okay, 'ere I go", Nanny said as she moved the paper. Her face went
blank, her breathing labored, as she stared at the contents of the box
in disbelief. Everyone sat on the edge of their seats, to see the
finished product and what her reaction would be.
Nanny knelt down to examine the beautiful gift before her, "Is this?",
she asked, "Is this a dress?"
"Yes...", Wilkes said.
"It... It's so beautiful! Is it a... Is it MY... Wedding dress?", she
asked, tears in her eyes.
"Yes, my love. Take it out", Wilkes urged.
She looked back down at her dress. She lifted it out of the box, where
it fell to it's full length. As everyone exclaimed how beautiful it
was.
"Wilkes, it's so, so, so... Gorgeous! I 'ave never seen anything like it!
Where did you buy it?"
"I didn't", he said, with a smile, "I had it made. I designed it and
chose all the materials, personally. Most of which have significant
meaning, which I can explain to you if you like... Then I just hired
someone to draw it up and someone to make it"
"You made this for me? YOU designed it? You chose the materials?"
"Every detail and every piece of fabric", Wilkes said with a smile,
"You like it then? You wouldn't have preferred to pick your own
dress?", he asked nervously.
She didn't answer him. Instead she carefully placed her dress
down,turning then to embrace him. First hugging him tightly, then
kissing him. Really kissing him! In front of all their family and
friends.
"I guess she likes it", Joe said, making everyone giggle.
They all waited patiently for the couple to pull themselves away from
each other. So that they all might have a closer look at the beautiful
dress and Wilkes could explain the meaning behind all the materials.
They had to wait for quite a while.
TO BE CONTINUED
CHAPTER 25: WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR'S EVE?
Nanny and Wilkes slipped their coats off as they got to the party and
handed them to the cloak room clerk. As they stepped away into the
party, Wilkes whispered into Nanny's ear, "The cloak rooms in London
aren't quite as much fun as the ones in Genovia"
Nanny looked at him perplexed, before remembering their little tryst
in the cloak room at the palace in Genovia, a mere ten days before,
the day of Charlotte's wedding. She turned her lips up into a smile
then, "You be'ave yourself Mr. Thompson! ... at least until we get back
to our room"
"Yes, my dear", he said with a smile, "Now, where do you suppose Mouse
and Peggy are?"
"We are supposed to meet them at the bar I believe"
"Ah, well let's make our way over then, shall we?", he asked, as he
looped his arm through hers.
They had stayed in Genovia until the previous day, when they decided,
rather spur of the moment, to fly to London with Mouse and Peggy to
spend the New Year with them. Peggy and Nanny were becoming quite good
friends and wanted to spend some more time together. One of the few
reasons Wilkes enjoyed being a wealthy man, was that he got to make
decisions without having to worry about finances, the way most people
did. He enjoyed making Nanny happy, simply put. Most of the time, this
cost him nothing, other times it was a small fortune. Not that she
needed or wanted him to spend a dime, but sometimes it was necessary
to make things happen. Such as last minute accommodations in London on
New Year's Eve or sending a wedding dress overnight to Genovia as a
Christmas gift, only to send it back to New York for safe keeping a
few days later.
Wilkes had not always been wealthy, he had fallen into
the situation years ago. After his first fiancé had left
him at the alter, he worked in business for quite a while, throwing
himself into his work. He put some money into tech stocks, when tech
stocks were basically unheard of. When the technology boom of the 80's
hit, he was wealthy enough to never have to work again. He did
however, want to work. So after a few more years in the business field
he switched to Education, which he found much more fulfilling. He had
no way of knowing that this would ultimately also lead him to meet the
love of his life one day.
Charlotte and Shades had left for their honeymoon after Christmas, and
Eloise went to spend the week in Paris with Kay, until she had to
return to New York for school. Joe and Clarisse were staying in
Genovia for the Palace's New Year's Ball. Which left Nanny and Wilkes
to make any plans they wished.
Nanny and Wilkes were staying at the same hotel as Mouse and Peggy. A
beautiful old hotel, with suites drenched in fine materials and
antique furniture. Mouse and Peggy's employers had put them up in it
for New Year's, as a Christmas gift. As well as getting them tickets
to the Gala New Year's Eve Ball they were currently attending. Wilkes
had called around and was able to get tickets for Nanny and himself as
well, with a hefty price tag. He also booked a suite in the hotel
where his brother and sister-in-law were staying, also at an enormous
amount, but he felt it was worth it to spend time with his family and
have a lovely evening with his beloved Nan. They would be flying back
to New York the following afternoon, in time to return for work.
They got to the bar and saw no sign of Mouse or Peggy. Wilkes ordered
them both some wine while they waited.
"This ballroom might be the nicest I 'ave ever seen", Nanny said as
she looked around the room and it's occupants, "I can't believe I'm
'ere. This is such a fancy place!"
Wilkes laughed a bit at her comment, "A bit fancy, yes. More then I
generally care for, but certainly beautiful... and may I say, that you
in that ball gown... Well, definitely the most beautiful of all!"
"Aoww, Willy. You like it? I borrowed it from Clarisse. I liked the peach
color for sure, sure, sure! She wore it the night Mia
agreed to be Genovia's princess!"
"A lovely dress with a lovely story. I am sure Clarisse looked quite
beautiful in it as well, though not as beautiful as you"
"Well. You 'ave to say that, now don't you?", Nanny teased.
"I do not! I simply speak the truth", Wilkes replied, with a mock pout.
"Yes, but you love me so, so, so much and therefore are blinded by
love and always think I am the most, most, most beautiful thing you
'ave ever seen!"
"Well..", he said as he placed a kiss on her neck, "You make a very
good point. I do love you so, so, so much! However, I see several
other men in this room who can't take their eyes off of you. How do
you explain that?"
"Your imagining things", she said with a wave of her hand.
"Oh? There is a man about twenty years my junior, in a blue suit,
directly to your left", he said, as Nanny discreetly looked in the
man's direction, before turning back to Wilkes.
"Fine. One, but he is only looking at my..."
"Yes. I noticed"
"Does that make you jealous?", she asked teasingly, as she straightened his tie.
"No, not particularly. I'm the one who gets to taste those delicious
freckles later, after all. There is another, to my right. Black tux,
about my age with a gray beard"
Nanny again discreetly looked in the direction Wilkes indicated. The
man smiled at her, having clearly been "checking her out".
"My Lord!", she said to Wilkes, as her gaze returned to him.
"Do you believe me now?", he asked with a laugh.
"Well... I..."
"Alright, last one. This guy is the worst of all! He keeps moving his
location to get a better look at you. He is about our age and standing
against the stage, directly behind you, on the other side of the room.
Gray slicked back hair, cratered face, gold tie, looks like he is
drinking a scotch, seems kind of... what's a good word?... Cocky"
Nanny slowly turned herself in a circle, before making eye contact
with the man Wilkes had described. Upon seeing him, her eyes shot
open, her breath caught in her throat and her wine glass slipped from
her hand and smashed on the floor. It had been so many years and yet
she knew it was him. He was alive! He had... never died? Charlotte's
father... her husband!
"Are you alright, Nan?", she could vaguely hear Wilkes ask, but it
seemed as though he were a million miles away from her. She started to
feel incredibly woozy and fought to turn her head and look at Wilkes,
who looked back at her very concerned.
"Edgar", she managed to whisper, before everything went black.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Yes, I already spoke with Clarisse. I assure you that she is fine. I
just wanted to call and let you know sweetheart! I didn't mean to
worry you"
"Wilkes, we are taking the next flight to London. Please don't argue with me!",
Charlotte replied on the telephone.
"I really don't think your mother would want you to do that! You are
on your honeymoon Charlotte! She just passed out, but she is fine now.
She was probably just tired from the wedding and the Holidays and all
of the traveling we have been doing"
"You said she thought she saw my birth father, before she fainted.
Doesn't that send up any red flags for you?"
"Well, of course it does"
"Have you spoken to her about it?"
"Well, no. As I told you, she awakened and I brought her to our suite
to lay down, she was still very confused at that point. The doctor
came and saw her and advised me to let her rest and so I have. All I
know is... there was a man that she saw, whom startled her and she
said "Edgar" right before she passed out"
"So do you think she saw someone that just looked a lot like her late
husband and combined with being over tired..."
"Exactly! At least... That IS what I had thought"
"Wilkes? What are you not telling me?"
"Oh, well. I'm sure it's nothing. I'm, I'm not sure I should..."
"Please Wilkes! Please, just tell me"
"Alright. There was a letter"
"A letter?"
"Yes, it was slipped under the door a short time after we returned to
our suite. It had the name..."Julia" on it"
"Julia? That's mom's birth name!"
"I am aware"
"She changed it after she moved to the United States because she was afraid the
shady people who killed my father might be after her as well"
"Yes. She had told me all of that. I also know that no one has called
her that, as far as I know, in about thirty-five years"
"So then WHO... you don't think?"
"I'm not quite sure what to think!"
"That settles it. I am coming to London! If my father is still alive..."
"Charlotte, I am sure there is a reasonable explanation for
everything! I wouldn't jump to any conclusions. Now I really think
your mother would like you to enjoy your honeymoon"
"What did it say?"
"I'm sorry?"
"What did the letter say?"
"Well, I have no idea. I didn't read it"
"Well, for Lord's sake, why not Wilkes?"
Wilkes had to smile at how much Charlotte was like her mother when
they were agitated, frankly neither of them were very good at being
angry, "Because it is not mine to read. When Nan awakens, I shall give
it to her. Until then..."
"Until then, wait for us! We are on our way... and before you say
another word about this being our honeymoon, I am well aware. Shades
loves me and wants what is best for me and our family. We have the
rest of our lives to take romantic trips. We will see you as soon as
possible, alright?"
"Well, alright. Let me give you the name of the hotel..."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
THE NEXT MORNING
"How is she?", Peggy asked, as she and Mouse entered Wilkes and Nanny's suite.
"Still asleep"
"Still? Sha, sha she's been asleep for an awful long time! Ain't that
right Peg?"
"Oh, yes. I say, I think perhaps you should wake her soon Wilkes, or
perhaps call the doctor?"
"Charlotte should be here any time now, and the doctor will be
checking in on her soon as well. Perhaps I should attempt to wake her"
Just then Nanny emerged from the bedroom, having heard their voices.
"Wilkes?", she asked in a soft voice.
"Nan, sweetheart, you're awake! Please sit, sit", he said ushering her
into a chair, "How are you feeling my love?"
"Well, fine. A little tired per'aps", she said, as she looked around
at the three other people in the room who were all looking at her
rather strangely.
"Tell me my dear, do you remember anything from last night?", Wilkes asked.
"Well, of course. We went to the ball, we had a drink and chatted a
bit... Wait!"
"What do you remember next sweetheart?", Wilkes asked softly, as he
rubbed her back slowly.
"I, I don't know. I remember a crowd of people over me, and talk of
someone getting a doctor"
"Yes. You fainted I'm afraid, but you are alright now. The doctor just
thinks you were a bit tired"
"Yes. I believe I recall feeling woozy. Aoww, I am so, so, so sorry to 'ave
ruined everyone's New Year's Eve!"
"Tosh, tosh", Wilkes replied.
"Wah, wah, we are just glad you are okay Nanny", Mouse added, as Peggy nodded.
"Do you... remember... what you might have seen before you fainted?",
Wilkes asked, as he pulled a chair up close to hers and pulled her
over gently, so that she was partially resting on him.
"I'm not sure... Well, I remember you teasing me", she said as she
smiled at him, "About a young man who seemed rather fond of my
cleavage, and the other man who gave me the cheeky smile. Then you
were pointing out a third man, who apparently was admiring me and..."
"Nan?", Wilkes asked as her face went blank and she began to shiver,
"Nan, are you alright my love?"
"Perhaps we should call the doctor", Peggy offered, just as a knock
came at the door.
"Mom? Wilkes? It's Charlotte", Charlotte said from behind the door.
Mouse rushed over to the door and opened it, letting both Charlotte
and Shades in. They placed down their things and rushed over to Nanny.
"Mom? Are you okay? Wilkes told me what happened"
"What? Charlotte what are you doing 'ere? You are supposed to be on
your 'oneymoon for Lord's sake!", Nanny exclaimed, as she came out of
her trance.
"I was worried about you and so we came. Wilkes tried to convince us
not to, but it seems I am very stubborn", Charlotte said with a little
smile.
"You got that right", Shades said to Charlotte, before turning to
Nanny, "We were happy to come. How are you feeling mom?"
"Aoww, you two are so sweet, but I'm afraid you 'ave come for no
reason. I am fine, fine, fine!"
"You don't look fine. You are very pale", Shades commented, "and
you're shaking!"
"When is the last time the doctor saw her?", Charlotte asked.
"Last night, but he will be coming around again any time now", said Wilkes.
"Good", replied Charlotte, "Now, would you like to tell me what happened Mom?"
"I thought Wilkes already 'ad"
"Well, yes... but"
"There is not that much to tell. I was over tired and fainted... end, end, end of story"
"What about... Edgar?", Charlotte asked carefully.
"Oh, I … I wasn't aware... I wasn't aware that Wilkes 'ad told you that,
or that 'e knew 'imself ", she replied, turning to Wilkes.
"You said his name, as you were looking at that man on the other side
of the room, this was just before you fainted", Wilkes explained.
"I see", Nanny said as she tried to control her shaking and think of a
possible explanation for what she saw.
"Did you see someone who looked like my birth father?", Charlotte asked.
"No, it... this sounds crazy! I realize, but... it was 'im!"
"So you did think you saw Edgar! That is why you fainted", Wilkes commented.
"You're not listening Love! I don't THINK I saw anyone. 'e was there!
Edgar's alive!"
Everyone looked at each other before returning their gaze to Nanny.
"My love", Wilkes bravely began, "I know that it seemed as if it were him..."
"No! It was! I was married to the man for eight years and courted 'im
for years before that for Lord's sake! I saw the birthmark over 'is right eyebrow, the
scar on 'is left cheek. It was Edgar!"
"Well, I, I...", Wilkes began.
"You think I'm crazy don't you? That I 'ave lost my mind?", Nanny
asked Wilkes, slightly bitterly.
"No, no! Of course not! It's just..."
"Mom, Wilkes loves you. He is just trying help. Now, what did the letter say?"
"What letter?", Nanny asked, looking from Charlotte to Wilkes.
"You didn't give it to her?", Charlotte asked, now she was the one
irritated with him.
"I, well, she just now awakened!", he said in his defense.
"It's true. Ju, ju, just now", Mouse added.
"Oh, well I am sorry then Wilkes. Perhaps you should give it to her
now", Charlotte said kindly.
"Of course", Wilkes said as he retrieved the letter and handed it to
Nanny, "This was slipped under the door last night. When you were
resting, after your spell"
Nanny read the name on the envelope and froze, not just by the fact
that it was her former name, which no one referred to her by any
longer, but also by the penmanship... Edgar, she thought.
"Thank you", she said softly, as she took the envelope from Wilkes,
"And I am sorry for snapping at you Love! I know you always 'ave my
best interests at 'eart"
"Always", he said, as he placed a kiss on her temple.
She opened the letter then, and began to read it out loud. Wilkes
pointed out that she needn't, she was entitled to her privacy if she
wished. She smiled a weak smile, before informing him that she loved
everyone around her and did not mind any of them hearing it. In fact,
she would rather not have to read it alone. He took her hand then,
Charlotte's hand on her back, as she read the letter:
Julia,
Right now you might be thinking that you are loosing your mind. I know
that you spotted me tonight. It seems to have knocked you out, to
which I am dearly sorry. I do hope you are feeling alright now.
So, where do I begin? Obviously, I am alive and not deceased as you
have believed for the past thirty-five years. You must be incredibly
angry with me for my deception. I do not blame you if this is the
case. I do hope you understand, however, that I had no choice in the
matter. If I had not faked my own death, I would have been killed. I
lived in slums for many years after that, laying low, so to speak. I
worked under the table to get by.
As you recall, I am sure, I have always been a gambler. Well, I put
some money on a horse a few years back and won big! I had a lucky
streak after that and now I have quite a bundle, go figure!
I tried to find you for many years, but apparently you left the
country and changed your name. You were always a smart broad Julia!
That was one of the things I loved about you! There were many things I
loved about you. I finally did track you down a few years back, once I
had the funds to do so. Living in The Plaza Hotel, in New York City!
Good for you Julia! I went there. I saw you. You were still beautiful,
but time had taken away your heavenly figure and aged you a bit, like
all of us I suppose, but when I saw you tonight!... Well, it seems you
have gotten your figure back haven't you? You look as beautiful as
ever. I wanted to speak with you, when I went to New York to find you,
but I got scared at the last minute and left after seeing you. I spent
the weekend in Atlantic City instead.
I have never stopped loving you
Julia. There have been plenty of women who shared my bed over the
years, plenty, but none have shared my heart. We have a child
together, do we not? I want to meet her. I was told it was a girl, by
the same P.I. that I had hired to find you. Please meet with me. Just
once. Let me try to explain in person. If you want a life with me, I
still want one with you. I know I made mistakes. I know it has been a
long, long time. However, as I said, I love you Julia. Seeing you
tonight made me remember how much! You are the mother of my child. You
are my wife! Please meet me at the enclosed address. If you do not
come, I will understand and I will never bother you again, but I
dearly hope that is not the case.
Love always,
Your Husband, Edgar
As she finished reading, she placed the letter down in her lap and
stared straight ahead.
"My word, he IS alive!", Peggy said, "You two are still...married!",
she added quietly.
All eyes shifted then between Nanny and Wilkes.
"Are you alright Nan?", Wilkes asked in a voice no louder then a whisper.
"Yes. I am okay Love", she answered, wondering how he was feeling about all of this.
"Well, then if you will just excuse me for a moment", he said as he quickly
made his way to the bedroom, "I will be back in a moment, just a
moment", he said as he closed the bedroom door behind him. Leaning
then, with his back against the nearest wall and sliding down, he
quietly let out the sob he had been holding in.
She was married! Her husband wanted her back... Her HUSBAND! The
father of her daughter, Charlotte's father, Eloise's true grandfather.
He might loose her. Perhaps not though. NO, he thought. He would NOT!
He could not! Nan loved him with all of her heart! He knew this and
tried to cling to it, but then the realization hit him again. He was
not her husband. She already had a living, breathing husband. Edgar
still held her in his heart, wanted her in his home, in his bed. They
wouldn't be married next month, on Valentines Day, as they had
planned. She was ALREADY married.
"I'm not her husband. I'll never be her husband!", he weeped, as he
buried his face in his hands.
Soon after, the door opened slowly beside him. Nanny stepped in,
closing the door behind her. He tried to hide the tears on his cheeks,
as he looked up at her, but was unable to, "I'm sorry", he said.
"For what?", she asked as she sat beside him, "For loving me? For
being scared? You have nothing to apologize for"
He took her hand then and gave her a weak smile, before looking back
down, still clutching her hand.
"I 'eard you, my love. I know you didn't intend for me to, but I did.
You are wrong though", she said as she took his face in her hands and
turned his head to look at her, "I love you Wilkes. Only you! Edgar
might think 'e loves me, but I truly don't believe 'e understands the
meaning of the word. Even if 'e does love me, it doesn't matter! Not
to me, not anymore"
He exhaled a bit at her words, and her tender touch.
"You are the man that I would like to spend the
rest of my life with. You are the man who took long lunches, even if
it meant working later into the evening, in order to spend time with
me. You are the man who brings my grandchild little gifts just to make
'er smile and who filled a lovely suite with dozens of
roses the first time we made love, and again on our six month
anniversary, which you alone remembered. The man whom took the
time to get to know me before taking me to bed. Who
gave me back my self-esteem, who made me feel like I was worth
something, who declares his love for me in front of all our family and
friends without even thinking about it. The man who cared enough about
my satisfaction, not just his own, to bring me exquisite pleasure in our physical
intimacy! And whom would 'ave stepped down from a teaching position 'e loved, if I
'ad let 'im, just in order to go on a second date with me!"
Wilkes smiled at her, thinking he would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
"Wilkes, You are the man who moved from 'is 'ome to be with me, near my family, and
whom asked me to marry 'im. You loved me enough to want that, despite
'aving 'ad your 'eart broken by the last woman you 'ad asked years
before. You are the man who believed in me enough, to send in my work
to Dr. Kelly, which led to me receiving a very fulfilling position
working with children, without it being 'anded to me without my 'aving
earned it. Wilkes, you 'ad a wedding dress made for
me! You designed it for me, and picked out all the lovely materials
yourself, making sure they were meaningful to me! Do you know 'ow
rare, rare, rare that is ? Then flying that dress to Europe, so that I may open it on Christmas!"
"Well... I..."
"You are the man whom I can tell anything to, whom I know is always by my side, and whom I
know would never be untrue! The man who finds my snoring, my
cockney accent, my taste for beer! ... endearing! Rawther then off-putting.
YOU are the man Wilkes, the ONLY man, whom I want to call my 'usband! That
is, if you will still 'ave me?"
Wilkes looked at her for a long moment, at the love in her eyes,
before letting the flood gates to his heart and tears open. She held
him then, as he sobbed, loving him more then ever, if that were
possible.
Finally, when he was able to speak, he managed, "To have and to hold,
for the rest of our lives"
She nodded as she kissed him, softly at first, but wanting to show
this man how much she loved him... passionately. When they broke apart
they held each other.
"I want to meet with 'im. I 'ave to", Nanny said, looking up at him.
"Okay", Wilkes answered, "I understand"
"Will you come with me, Love? Please?"
"Are you sure that is what you want?"
"You by my side? Yes. Always"
"Then yes, of course I will! I'm not sure Edgar will like it though"
"Well...too bad! Edgar is no longer calling the shots", she said as
she got to her feet and poked her head out the door. She let the
others know that she and Wilkes needed a bit of time alone. The others
nodded, having assumed that they would have a lot to talk about. They
told her they would go get some breakfast to give them some privacy.
Nanny thanked them, as she closed and locked the door. Returning to
Wilkes, she reached out her hand and pulled him up, into a hug.
"Did you really think that you may loose me?", she asked.
"Honestly?", he replied, pulling back to look her in the eye, "I
thought it might be a possibility, given the fact that you are still
married to him! I suppose deep down, I believed our love would be
strong enough, but I was frightened all the same"
"I do not consider myself his wife, but I suppose technically I am. I
suppose a good lawyer can take care of that. Do you know any here in
London?"
"Well, yes I do!"
"Will you phone one later today?"
"I certainly will! If that is your wish"
"Most definitely"
"Then consider it done"
"I am sorry that you felt frightened for the future of our
relationship. You do realize now that you never 'ave to fear loosing
me?", she asked as she ran her fingers through his hair.
"Yes. I believe you have made that clear", he said as he gave her a
little smile, "Now, tell me what I can do for you"
"There you are, wanting to take care of me again"
"I will always take care of you!"
"I know", she said, tear in her eyes, her voice a bit shaky.
" It is of the highest priority to me
and always will be. However, I have selfish reasons as well. You built
me up so beautifully a few moments ago...I suppose I'm trying to
remain your "knight in shining armor" you see"
"I see. Well, then perhaps there is something you can do for me? SIR
Wilkes", she said with a smile, clearing her throat and wiping her tears away.
"Well, ah, Whatever is your wish, me lady?", he returned, wish a little laugh.
Her smile faded as she slid her hands down his chest and looked him in
the eye seriously, "Make love to me"
He stood before her, closing his eyes briefly to stop the tears,
before nodding. He sweeped her, quite literally, off her feet, as he
carried her to the bed and gently placed her down, before climbing in
after her. He began placing soft kisses on her neck.
As she enjoyed his attention, she whispered, "I don't deserve you"
He stopped kissing her to raise himself up and look her in the eye,
"You do! If there is anything I know for sure, other then how much I
love you, it's that we deserve each other!"
She smiled up at him, "You are right my love. You are right", she said
as she pulled him back down to her. Then, with respect and love, they
brought each other the peace and unity they both wanted and needed.
TO BE CONTINUED