Quite a busy chapter but a lot of points needed to be set up - took me a while to write I can tell you!
Chapter 28
Family and Friends
Tuesday and still no reply from Anna. They've gone longer without communicating but Elsie can't recall a time when she'd felt so awful about that fact.
She's aware she's not been pleasant to live with the past few days – slipping between snappy, nasty, melancholy and downright teary. She leaves Charles in the shop Tuesday morning fussing over transposing his entire order book onto her Mac; it's about time he modernised entirely but the thought of setting up a new system gives her headache.
She kisses him goodbye just as he's shouting at Excel – scaring an old man browsing in the classics section.
Shopping, and a few hours to herself, seems the best course of action so she leaves him to it and heads out into town.
Charles glances up as the bell on the door jangles at its opening and is surprised to see Anna standing there, her hair damp from the summer rain.
"Hi," she says weakly.
"Hi," he replies, slipping his glasses off. "Didn't expect to see you."
"You want me to leave?"
"No of course not, don't be silly. Come in, coffee, on the house?"
She nods, a small smile warming her face.
"Take that damp coat off too."
She does as he asks, glad of his soft nature and welcoming tone, and perches on the chair behind the counter, scanning his half-made order book. "You're modernising?"
"Your mum says it's about time." He chuckles, carrying her coffee in from the other room. "Don't tell her I've had two hot chocolates today."
"Is mum here?" She says nervously.
He stands at the opposite side of the counter, watching her blow her drink; she looks so very like Elsie in this light. "She went out. Shopping I think… Cheer herself up." He adds after a pause.
Anna swallows, leans back on the chair. "She's pissed off with me."
"I think the anger's subsided somewhat," he said diplomatically, "– but she does have cause to be, doesn't she?" He asks gently but pointedly, recalling the embarrassment of finding her semi-naked on his sofa.
"I guess so… We just got carried away. And I am sorry Charles." She shrugged, "it was hardly my proudest moment. Though I guess we're even on that front now…"
He allows himself an embarrassed smile, recalling the precise moment where Anna had walked in on he and Elsie on her couch, the very moment he'd slipped off and walloped his arm on the coffee table. "She's just upset," he finally says, "That's all, hurt. Worried maybe."
"She doesn't need to be. She thinks I'm still a kid; I haven't been one for a long time. She thinks she has to protect me."
Charles bit his lip, breathed deeply, "But we both know why that is."
Anna smiled slowly, sadly, her eyes bright. "Yes. But I'm not her."
"I know. And she knows that too. She says you're much stronger than she ever was at your age. Much brighter. She's proud of you, you do know that."
"Of course I do. And if I'm strong it's because she made me that way. But I'm not perfect."
"I don't think she expects you to be."
"Doesn't she?!"
"I think it's unfair to think she does."
"Maybe." She shrugs, "But sometimes I feel like I'm carrying her expectations; go further, do better… I'm not saying she's pushy because she isn't… just sometimes…" She groaned, momentarily covering her face. "I sound like a total bitch. I love my mum. But I'm not a child anymore and she can't try to control how I live my life, my choices are just that – mine."
Charles leant against the counter, he could see her point – Lord knows he knew what it felt like to have an overbearing parent. But he didn't see Elsie that way, and if she was it was because of the life she'd known and he couldn't blame her for that.
"Where's John?" He asked changing the subject.
"Flat hunting. Job hunting."
"He is looking after you?"
She tilted her to one side as she considered his question, the same expression Elsie sometimes fixes him with. "You do realise I can look after myself, don't you?"
He shook his head, "You're as feisty as she is. Yes, I know that. Look John is…"
"Yes?" She smirked.
He shrugged, "I don't know, he may be my brother, half-brother, but I hardly know him well. He's not a bad guy but he doesn't always make the greatest decisions."
"I know. He has told me. All about his ex-wife and the thousands of jobs he's had, his trouble with the police as a teenager, I know."
His honesty surprised him. "Just don't rush things hey, you're not a child but you are still young and you've just finished University and there's a whole world of opportunities."
She laughed, "I'm not getting married you know."
"No I am." He covered his mouth as soon as he'd said it.
Her eyes were wide, "What?"
"God. I don't believe I've just done that – she'll kill me."
"You and mum are getting married?"
He nodded, slowly, tentatively.
"Bloody hell that's great!" She exclaimed. "Did you propose on holiday?"
"No, look your mum wants to tell you, we were going to the other night…we got Champagne."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"I know."
"So did you propose, in Italy?"
"No, your mum proposed, at Birmingham airport…"
Anna threw her head back and laughed, "How fantastic! Good for her!"
"She'll be upset she didn't get to tell you."
"She could have told me at any point over the past four days."
"She texted you on Sunday, you never replied so she thought…"
"I never got it," she proclaimed, searching in her coat pocket for her phone. "I swear I didn't."
"Well, she thinks you ignored her."
"What a mess." She tipped her phone over in her hand, sliding it against her palm. "You think I can still have a job?"
"Of course. I need you."
She smiled, "Thank you. Want me to help with that?" she said indicating the laptop.
"Oh lord yes."
Anna took the order book and pile of papers upstairs, setting herself up at the kitchen table to work.
Around 3p.m. Elsie left the coffee shop she'd been reading in (it felt odd to be finding a new reading spot, but perhaps even more so to go back to reading in Charles' shop). Dashing through the rain she headed for the jewellers they'd visited first thing Monday morning, hoping the ring would be done in preparation for tonight – she couldn't wait to show it off to Beryl. They'd paid a fortune to have it prioritised.
Once she'd finished in town she walked home, the downpour having slowed to a slight drizzle and she found it didn't bother her. There were a few people browsing the shop and it was rather nice to walk in through the main entrance just as she used to, Charles looking up from the counter to smile at her.
"Hello," he mouthed, putting down his pen.
"Hi," she set her bags down at the side of the counter and leant across to kiss him. "So, I got it." She said, placing her handbag on the top and reaching inside for a small box.
"Did you try it? Why aren't you wearing it?"
"I thought it more appropriate to be given it again."
He smiled, snapping open the box and taking out the ring. "Now sweetheart, let's see if this fits then shall we."
"I bloody hope so, the price they charged."
She held her hand out to him, doing her best to keep her fingers still, and he slowly slid it onto her ring finger. She proudly wiggled it in mid-air.
"Beautiful." She smiled, leaning forward to kiss him again.
"I was thinking the same thing," he said, touching her face.
They were interrupted by a polite cough behind them and Elsie smirked as she moved aside, collecting up her shopping bags and allowing the young man to hand his purchases to Charles.
"I'll be upstairs, don't forget we're leaving around six-thirtyish for Beryl's."
"Not forgotten."
She trudged up the stairs, humming and flashing her ring at herself, it felt rather nice to be wearing it now, for there to be a very visual representation of their commitment to one another.
Leaving the majority of her bags in the hall she made her way into the kitchen carrying the two containing items from the deli Charles liked – salads, cheese, freshly baked bread.
She gasped when she found Anna sitting at the table.
"Goodness, you scared me."
"Hi mum, don't worry I'm almost done." She didn't take her eyes from the computer screen.
Elsie set about putting away her buys.
"You're helping Charles with his order book?"
"Yep. Pretty much got it all set up on here now, he should get reminders when he logs in everyday, I might send them to his phone too. Think that'd bother him?"
"I think he'd be grateful." She flicked the kettle on. "You want some tea?"
"I'm fine. I've been here hours, I need to get my stuff together from the spare room."
Elsie closed her eyes momentarily, a sharp pain in her chest. She turned around to face her daughter, leaning back against the counter. "You're not staying?"
Anna switched the computer off and shook her head, "No. I'm not."
"And where will you go?"
She glanced up at Elsie, steely blue eyes holding her gaze; "I'm not doing anything ridiculous like moving in with John, if that's what you think. I'm going to stay with a friend."
"Which friend?"
"Mum…"
"I just wondered if I knew them."
"You do. It's Edith – remember, from school?"
Elsie swallowed, relieved. "I do remember."
"Well, she's got a good job now at the local paper and she's bought her own house and she needs a housemate." She shrugged, "And I'm it."
"You can stay here for free you know."
"I do know that mum but it's not what I want… Look you and Charles want to be alone and I need my space. Its weird coming back from years and years at Uni to then live with your parents again… I'm an adult mum, you do know that, right?"
Elsie smiled, nodding, "Yes. I do know that." She wonders if Anna realises her slip with 'parents'. "But you will ask, if you need help?"
"Sure. Nice ring by the way." She smiles mischievously.
Elsie gasped, covering it. "Oh! That wasn't how I wanted to tell you."
"Well, now I know, and I'm very happy for you."
"Thank you sweetheart."
"Do you think maybe we should hug?"
Biting her bottom lip and resisting the urge to cry she gratefully moved forward as Anna stood and they embraced.
"I'm really, really pleased for you both. You're going to be so happy."
"I'm already 'so' happy." She said, tucking Anna's hair behind her ear. "Happier than I've ever been."
"I can tell. I do get to be a bridesmaid right?"
"But of course. I'm going to make you wear a huge taffeta gown."
"I look awful in taffeta."
"I know, but can't have you overshadowing me now, can I?"
"I guess not." Anna mirrored her mother, biting her own lip in nerves, "I am sorry about the other night, it was pretty embarrassing."
Elsie did her best to appear neutral; she didn't want to argue again. "I take it you're still seeing him."
"I am. And it's going well. And I know you're not happy about that but give me the benefit of the doubt, I'm not stupid, I don't date idiots mum."
She sighed heavily; she couldn't deny that, she was much smarter at picking men than Elsie had been at her age.
"Maybe it's best if I just register my concerns and say no more about it. I don't want to argue with you."
"I know…"
"Especially when we have an engagement party to plan."
"Ooh yes, let's make it wild."
"I thought it would be nice to do a crossover with Charles' Birthday."
"Yep, okay, that'll be fun. What've you got him?"
Elsie set about pouring tea for the both of them, "A digital radio so he can stop fiddling with the tuning button. And I actually found a painting in Venice that I thought he'd love so I ordered that to be posted over, I'm praying it arrives, otherwise I've wasted money I can't afford to waste."
Anna accepted the tea, "Is the house gonna cripple you?"
"It's certainly not going to be easy. But don't tell Charles that, he's so overjoyed."
"Well, he would be. He totally adores you and you proposed in the most romantic place on earth!" She teased, hiding her smirk behind her cup.
"Ah, he told you!" Elsie exclaimed, slapping Anna's arm. "I can't believe he did that."
"He got carried away."
"I'm not surprised, he's been fit to burst since it happened, I think he would have announced it over the tannoy at the airport if I'd let him."
"Aw that's so sweet. Why the bloody airport though mother?"
Elsie shrugged, sipping her tea, "I don't know, it just kinda happened. I was being spontaneous."
"That's so not like you."
"I know. I usually analyse things to death first."
"Let me have a look at this properly then," Anna said taking hold of her mum's hand. "So gorgeous. I'm very jealous."
"Now don't go thinking of getting married."
"Not for years!"
"I'd invite you to stay for dinner but we're going to Beryl and Bill's."
"John's taking me out anyway." She looked away at her mum's expression, if this thing with John was going to last it was going to take some getting used to for her mother. "But thanks."
Elsie rolled her eyes and reached across to touch her daughter's hand, "You can come over any time, you know that don't you."
"Yes. Charles pretty much said the same thing. He's a sweetheart."
At this Elsie smiled, "Yes – he is rather wonderful."
Later, when Anna was gone and the shop closing up, Elsie made her way downstairs with damp hair and a make-up free face.
"Hi," he said, glancing over his glasses at her. "You alright?"
"I am. Just had a shower, thought I'd come and see my favourite man."
"Oh yes," he said, focussing on the register again, "Is he around?"
"Somewhere." She moved behind him, sliding her hands around his waist and resting her cheek against his back. "Are we customer free?"
"Let's hope so hey, otherwise I'm going to struggle to serve them."
She smiled, rubbing her hands across his stomach and up his chest, absorbing his warmth and scent through the jumper he wore. "What are you doing?"
"Cashing up. Counting my money."
"Mmm. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…"
He smiled, reaching down to momentarily rub her hand. "Just how long do we have?"
"I said we'd be there before seven."
"Delicious smell coming from the flat."
"I made my famous brownie for dessert."
"Excellent." He tapped a few buttons on the screen. "There. I think I'm done." He turned around, her arms shifting slightly to circle him, "Now then, what's this about your favourite man?" He said, taking his glasses off. "Perhaps you should remind him how much you like him?"
Smirking she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his, sinking into the kiss, into his welcoming arms. She felt his body come alive at her touch, pressing back, his hands shifting down her spine to cup her bottom. Giggling she pulled back, "Now don't start that. We don't have time for it."
"I can be quick." He said, pressing her into him, lifting her slightly off her feet.
"I'm sure you can but I wouldn't appreciate it." She laughed. "Later." She said, pressing her finger to his lips.
"Who would have thought?" he said, "That I'd be snogging you in my shop."
"Snogging?!"
"Absolutely. The librarian done good."
"Hmm," she slid her hand up his chest, resting it on his arm and tapping her ring finger, "I don't think I've done badly myself. You know Beryl may scream when we tell her."
"Good. I may scream with her."
She kissed him again, tapping his shoulders lightly. "Let's get ready then."
An hour later the taxi dropped them off at the Mason's sprawling old house.
"This is huge. You never told me they were rich."
"They aren't. It's been in the family for years and years. It's filled with children now."
She watched his face change, "Will these 'children' be joining us?"
"One or two usually drops in." she moved around the car to grasp his arm, smiling kindly, "You'll be fine. You're good with kids."
"I'm not good with humans full stop, let alone mini ones."
She was giggling as they approached the front door, "You're good with me. You're good with Anna."
"Hmm," he reached forward to press the doorbell.
"We'll go round the back," she said, tugging on his arm, "they never use the front door."
"Is everything okay with Anna now?" He asked gently.
"Okay seems an exaggeration – but we're talking… and she's very happy about our engagement."
"You've sorted things out?"
"I think I've silently agreed to keep my mouth shut – until it goes wrong and then I can do the whole, 'I told you so' thing."
He chuckled, "Oh ye of little faith."
"We'll see."
"Aunty Elsie," a young voice said from the garden and she turned, spotting Daisy on a swing reading.
"Hello honey, what're you doing there?"
Daisy jumped down from the swing, "Waiting until he's gone to bed," she said, pointing into the house with her magazine.
"Who's he?" Elsie asked, glancing back over her shoulder.
"Will-i-am." Daisy pouted, folding her arms. "He's a right dumbo, mooning around all the time, going on about love and spirits."
Charles frowned, "How old is this boy?"
Daisy took a step back, as if seeing Charles for the first time, she looked up at his tall, imposing figure, squinting at him.
"Daisy, this is Charles Carson," Elsie said grasping his arm. "Charles this is Daisy."
"Glad to meet you." He said sticking out his hand.
Daisy's tiny fingers seemed to disappear inside his giant paw. "He's seventeen." She finally said, "like me."
"How long's he been here?" Elsie whispered.
"Two weeks or so, start of the summer, his mother died and he flipped out so he's staying with us until he flips back in. I don't like it when they just come for a month or something, it's not like real foster kids."
Elsie patted her arm, "I'm sure it'll be fine, try to be gentle with him – he has just lost his mother. Are you eating with us?"
"No, we had pizza earlier, we've been told to keep out and shut up!"
Elsie chuckled as she made her way inside whilst Charles wondered what he was walking into.
"You're very tall." A tiny girl said, standing on the sofa beside where Charles sat. "Very, very tall."
"Thank you." Charles said gruffly, sitting perfectly still as the girl began to bounce up and down on the cushion next to his.
When Elsie came in carrying a tray of drinks she couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Charles' stoic face and the bouncing girl.
"Laurel!" Beryl snapped, "How many times, on the trampoline not the sofa. You're bothering Mr Carson."
"It's fine." Charles said.
"Oh come here munchkin," Elsie teased, reaching for the five-year-old, gripping her about the waist as she swung her. The girl giggled uncontrollably, her pigtails swinging about her.
"If she pukes you're cleaning it." Beryl warned and Elsie slowed her swings, resting her hand beneath the girl's bottom and holding her tight.
"So, have you missed me then?" Elsie asked, pinching Laurel's nose.
"Yep."
"Want to do something fun this summer, now we're out of school?"
"Yep."
"How about – the park?"
Laurel shook her head and Charles watched closely, both amused and fascinated by the interaction.
"How about – the zoo?"
"Nope."
"How about…hmm…the seaside?"
"Yay!" She hugged Elsie's neck. "Can we go now?"
"Ooh it maybe better in the daylight so we can see the sand."
"Tomorrow?"
"Next week maybe. Let's ask – Beryl, when are you going to France?"
"We aren't, can't afford it," she was fussing laying mats out on the table. "Bill's got to work."
"That's good for us then," Elsie whispered to Laurel. "Think I might take this one off your hands for the day then, next week, if the weather's good."
"Take them all." Beryl laughed, coming to kiss Laurel. "Time for bed for you, want me to take you?"
Laurel shook her head and pointed at Elsie.
"Ha! I'm the favourite." She blobbed her tongue out at Beryl.
"Yes, yes, go hurry up, I'm serving now."
"Don't let Bill have all the gravy. Say night to Mr Carson sweetheart."
"Night, night Mr Caaar. Son." The little girl said, waving and snuggling into Elsie.
Elsie smiled over her head at him, "Won't be long." She mouthed before disappearing into the hallway and up the stairs.
Charles felt a little awkward sitting there on the sofa waiting, he tapped his fingers on his knees and got up, standing by the open patio doors and digging his hands into his pockets. Outside he could see Daisy swinging back and forth and a tall boy – William he assumed – sitting on the grass in front of her talking.
"Here we go," Bill said coming in, "my finest cider. Give it a go." He handed Charles a glass, "won't find any better."
Charles took a steady sip, expecting the worst but actually finding it wasn't too bad. "Nice. You made this with your own apples?"
"Aye. From the trees out back."
"How wonderful. I've never even looked at the trees we have at the new place, will have to check it out."
"We get bucket loads of apples, Elsie usually takes some for pies."
Charles perked up at that idea, "Crumbles too." He smiled, imagining Sunday lunch followed by a large helping of apple crumble and custard.
"Sit down then," Beryl bustled, carrying in a huge pie dish and depositing it in the middle of the table before disappearing back into the kitchen.
Charles did as he was told, sitting near the open doors for the cool evening air. The pie was the biggest he'd ever laid eyes on, and gravy was oozing from around the edges and down the side of the dish. It wasn't exactly lovingly presented, but then perhaps it reflected the lifestyle of the cook – from the sight of the slightly messy house and frantic atmosphere.
"All done," Elsie said breezily, rolling up her cardigan sleeves as she took the seat next to Charles. "Fast asleep."
"You've got the magic touch with that kid." Bill observed, pouring her a large glass of cider.
"I'm just a natural." She said smugly, taking a sip of her drink. "Are we tackling this?" She asked, getting up again and reaching for a serving spoon. She felt Charles touch her elbow, "It's okay," she said gently, noting his expression. "No standing on ceremony here."
She cut into the pie and Bill handed her his plate. "Large piece please Elsie love."
"Of course."
"Right, here we go." Beryl finally emerged from the kitchen, a bowl of mushy peas in one hand, a jug of gravy in the other, and kicked the door shut behind her with her foot. "Let's eat and forget about kids falling out." She took a seat. "Help yourself Charles."
"Thanks."
Elsie took his plate, serving his pie and then adding just the right amount of gravy and peas. He looked nervous and she felt for him; the fast-paced laid-back atmosphere of the Mason household was very different to her own childhood and family life so god knows how alien it was to him.
After serving herself she sat down and lifted her glass up, being sure to keep her ring on display. "So, a toast…" She said, and Bill put his fork down, quickly chewing what was in his mouth. "To rings…" she said, tapping it against her glass and then Beryl looked up, screamed and jumped out of her chair, yanking Elsie into a fierce hug.
"I knew he'd bloody well do it!"
"Congratulations mate," Bill slapped Charles' shoulder whilst shaking his hand, "She's a fine lass."
"Thank you."
"How did he do it?" Beryl quizzed, "You old sneak," she pointed at Charles, "Liking it enough to put a ring on it."
He stared confused as the two of them giggled at her statement.
"Actually, it was me." Elsie admitted, shrugging, "I proposed... at the airport."
"What the hell!" Beryl roared with laughter. "Putting him out of his misery at long last."
"Oh don't!" Elsie slapped her arm, "Sit down and eat your dinner."
"Where's your fancy ring Charles?" Bill chuckled.
"I've been wondering that myself."
"You get something better," she said leaning towards him, "…me."
He chuckled, "Very true." He smiled, kissing her.
"Now we don't need that when we're eating," Beryl said. "What do you make of the pie?"
"You know what," he swallowed, wiping his mouth on his napkin, "It's the bet steak pie I've ever had. And believe me, I've had a few in my lifetime."
Elsie reached beneath the table and squeezed his leg; she already knew he'd love it; Beryl was the best cook she'd ever come across.
Later, much later, an abandoned game of cards sat upon the table and Bill and Elsie were both lying on the floor with straws in their mouths trying not to laugh.
"This is a highly skilled game I can see," Charles laughed, his eyes felt like they were crossing over he'd drunk so much and somehow finding out who could blow their Maltesers the highest had become of the upmost priority.
Elsie took the straw from her mouth, "I'm going to win this." She proclaimed.
"Are you trying to say you're a good blower," Beryl teased, handing them both a Malteser.
"Now don't be vulgar." Elsie glared; if she didn't get up off the floor soon she swore she was going to be sick and she was very glad she'd worn trousers for the night.
"Let's go, come on," Bill mumbled around his straw, "My back can't take floors anymore."
Charles fell back on the sofa laughing, his stomach hurt from laughing, it seemed that since dinner it was all they'd done.
"If Bill wins we get your engagement ring, we're going to pawn it and retire."
"Bugger off!" Elsie laughed. "If I win I get Laurel."
"Have her. Little madam when she wants to be and no more lazy Sundays in bed for you. Right, are you ready? Are you steady? Go!"
There was nothing but a fit of laughter as they both tried, and failed, to keep their Maltesers in the air for longer than thirty seconds. The entire 'game' dissolved into hysterics.
"Shush," Elsie said, pushing herself up from the floor. "We'll wake the children. In fact we better get calling a taxi, look at the time."
"Quarter to twelve, do you revert to a pumpkin Prince Charming on the stroke of midnight?" Beryl teased standing in front of where Charles sat on the sofa.
"Not that I know of, but I'm so stuffed I'm worried my belt may burst and cause an injury. Wonderful night thank you, both of you." He said, rubbing tears of laughter from his face.
"Oh, you lovely man." Beryl pulled his head against her chest as she hugged him, "Thank you for looking after her."
He looked helplessly at Elsie.
"She's always emotional when she's drunk," Bill explained, getting to his knees. "I'll call a taxi," he groaned, "once I manage to get to my feet."
"I understand why you love them," Charles said as they walked along the back alley to the shop, swinging their entwined hands, the weight of her engagement ring pressed against his palm.
"You couldn't find kinder, more down-to-earth people," she agreed, searching in her bag for the door key. "And they've always been there for me, despite always having to be there for all those children."
"How long have they had Laurel?"
"Erm, maybe coming up to two years." She let them in through the back door of the shop. "She's such a sweetheart, I keep waiting for her to remember her past."
"Bad?"
"Terrible. Her mother was on drugs, probably a prostitute, all kinds in and out of the home, who knew what she saw, what happened to her. And she's just a baby."
"She is." She started to climb the stairs, stopping when she felt his hand on her back.
"Can I join you at the seaside?"
Smiling she turned to face him, "I was hoping you'd say that." She leant forward resting her hands on his shoulders, "So, as we're drunk, wanna go fool around?"
"Oh, absolutely."
Wednesday night
Charles twisted onto his side on the sofa as Elsie came into the room, making room for her beside him, he lifted the blanket and she sat down, lifting her legs up next to his.
"Sure there's enough room on here for the two of us?" She asked, wiggling beside him.
"Absolutely. Nothing like cuddling whilst pretending to watch a film."
"I am going to watch the film."
"What are we having to eat?"
"You're hungry now? Ten minute before it starts?"
"Sorry. Wasn't hungry earlier."
She sighed, "What do you want?"
"You know what I really, really fancy – besides you?"
"Go on…"
"Cheese on toast and a mug of tea."
"Oh, now you've got me hungry too." She dropped her legs over the side of the sofa again, "I'll go."
"I can do it."
"No, no. You've been working all day; I've been lazing about in the sunshine reading in the park. As you lovingly reminded me."
She dashed off to the kitchen, boiled the kettle, made tea and returned with a plate of cheese on toast and two mugs.
"Just in time," he said, perching himself up on the sofa and making room for her. They sat with the plate between them and Charles turned the lamp down ready for the film.
"You're sure this won't be scary?" She asked as it started. "I don't like scary films."
"With a silly name like 'Prometheus', never!" he assured her.
Two hours later she was snuggled up against him, the blanket pulled just so that she could cover her face if need be. Charles' arm was slung across her and she could hear him snoring by her ear.
As the final scene played out she squeezed her eyes shut, peeping as the squid-like alien jumped out of the being's stomach and writhed around on the floor. Charles jerked against her and she screamed.
"What?!" He yelled, trying to sit up.
"You," she slapped his arm, "you bloody well scared me."
"Is it done?" He asked rubbing his eyes.
"It is, you missed over an hour of it. I'm never going to the cinema with you."
He flopped back onto the couch, "Sorry love, long day."
"Hmm," she switched off the television before staring round at him, his eyes were closed, "I'm going to bed."
"Don't yet, come snuggle against me." He held his arms open and she did as he asked.
"You should go to bed too," she said gently, burying her face against his chest.
"I will." He yawned, "We will. We'll just have a minute." He kissed her head, breathed in the scent of her hair.
The next morning they woke up with aching limbs and tight muscles from spending the night in that position.
Thursday night
"Charles was saying how much work you're going to have done." Isobel said, leaning against the kitchen counter and watching as Elsie cooked.
Elsie smiled, searching in the fridge for cream, "The work he wants to have done. He has these grand plans, I'm not sure we'll be able to have it all done at once, I think we'll be better waiting and saving but he's convinced we should do it all in one great swoop."
"You should be able to afford it though, now he's sold his houses to pay for it."
Elsie paused, swallowed, glad her face was obscured by the fridge door. "Oh, he told you about that?" She finally said.
"Yes. On Sunday in church. He took me to see the house too, it's lovely, wonderful views."
Elsie all but slammed the fridge door shut, turned to face Isobel and smiled sweetly, "I'm glad you liked it."
"It's very nice, a far cry from this flat. Where did you used to live?"
"Erm, I was renting an apartment just outside of town," she set about chopping herbs, her back to Isobel.
"Didn't you have a house, before that?"
"I used to," she reached for her wine glass and took a gulp.
"From your first marriage?"
"Yes. How long have you and Richard been in your home?"
"Oh, a long time, most of our married life. How old were you when you moved down from Scotland?"
Elsie was beginning to feel like she was on an episode of 'This is Your Life'. "Almost twenty."
"Oh, you were young. I didn't realise that. Charles mentioned you didn't get on with your father."
Elsie almost sliced her finger off.
"My father was a bit too controlling, wasn't at all happy with my choice of Richard as a husband." Isobel continued.
Elsie turned, carrying the chopping board to the sink, "Well, at least he left you well provided for."
"I do have to thank him for that. Richard would never have been able to set up his own practice had it not been for it."
Richard came in carrying two empty glasses and a bottle.
"What's going on in here? I hope you're not grilling Elsie darling."
"Of course not. Have you drunk that already?"
"One bottle between four glasses doesn't go too far."
"There's more in the fridge," Elsie said, opening the oven and removing the casserole dish.
"Here love," Richard handed it to Isobel, kissing her nose, "Go take it back to Charles."
Richard watched as Elsie stirred the casserole and put the lid back on the dish, "Here let me." He said, reaching to take the oven gloves and lift it back in.
"Thank you."
"She doesn't mean to be…" he smiled at Elsie's wide-eyed expression, "She doesn't mean to be nosey. I know that's how she may come across that way, she just cares about him."
Elsie rolled her eyes, "And I don't."
"We both know you do, she knows you do. But he's been on his own for most of his life, we've always been his family, not just his friends. Izzy's not quite used to not being the main woman in his life. Every girlfriend he's had has come and gone – we'd given up hope he'd ever get married. And now you… she's being overly-protective, I know that. And I know she can come across rude, she doesn't mean to. Really."
"I'll try to remember that," Elsie said, returning to fixing dinner.
Charles was kissing the back of Elsie's neck as he untied her apron, "Smells good," he whispered.
"Don't do that."
"Why?"
"Because I'm not in the mood." She said lowly.
"Why ever not?" He asked gently, rubbing her upper arms.
"We can't talk about it now," she shrugged him off, "Let's just play the game hey."
"What game?" he asked, confused, but she thrust bowls of greens and carrots into his hand.
"Take those in." she instructed.
"And look at you, all in your Tory blue." Isobel smiled as Elsie followed Charles into the dining room and set the casserole dish down in the centre of the table.
Elsie glared, "Oh goodness no." She said, taking her seat besides Charles.
"Elsie voted Labour." Charles said, beginning to serve.
"Did you really?" Isobel replied, a look of astonishment upon her face.
"You don't have to say it with such surprise."
"No I didn't mean… I didn't realise we had Labour voters left in Harrogate." She held her plate up for Charles.
"Oh I think there's probably a fair few teachers out there who still voted red."
"Really? Why?"
Elsie bit her tongue, curled one ankle behind the other beneath the table to rein herself in. "Because we've had a hell of a time of it under Tory rule and now we have another five years to look forward to."
"Haven't they tidied up the slack systems that Blair left behind?"
"Haven't they increased University fees from around £3000 a year to £9000 a year – meaning only the rich get to have a shot at an education. Heaven forbid a working class child dream of a better life."
"Maybe politics isn't the best topic for the dinner table," Richard quickly interrupted, and Elsie was sure she saw him nudge Isobel's arm.
"Yes of course." Isobel said brightly. "Let's talk about your wedding."
"Oh good, a topic I am enthusiastic about." Charles said, beginning to eat. "This is delicious darling," he said, patting Elsie's hand on the table.
"When are you planning to marry?" Richard asked.
"Oh, not until next year I would think." Elsie said, spreading her napkin in her lap. "The priority is the house, I'd love to be in there by Christmas but we'll see. These things drag on."
"And where will you have the wedding?" Isobel asked.
"We want to marry in church," Elsie said, feeling Charles turn to smile at her. "In Charles' church. Despite his dreams of somewhere much bigger." She teased.
"Ha ha." He reached for his wine. "Very funny."
"That'll be lovely," Isobel smiled, "It's such a beautiful church. I hope you'll let us help plan it."
"I'm sure they have their own ideas darling."
"We haven't even discussed it really," Charles said, "still getting used to be an engaged man."
"We do want to have a party though," Elsie said, helping herself to vegetables. "Maybe in the next couple of weeks, I'd like to make it a joint thing with Charles' birthday."
"Oh that will be nice," Isobel chirped, "We usually host Charles' birthday."
"Oh, do you?"
"Yes, but we are more than happy to make it an engagement party."
"Well, I was thinking… I would organise it." She watched Isobel's face fall, "I mean, I have free time now it being the summer holidays and I'd rather like to." She turned to Charles to gauge his reaction and he smiled at her.
"We can work something out between us all I'm sure," he said non-committedly.
Elsie found herself quietening ever more as the evening wore on. She hid in the kitchen doing the dishes and preparing dessert, until Richard dragged her in to join the foursome at Bridge.
"I don't really know the rules," she protested as she sat down.
"We'll teach you, it's straightforward." Charles assured her.
"You enjoyed Italy?" Richard asked her.
"Very much so, the villa was beautiful."
"We have such wonderful memories of the place," Isobel said, sipping her coffee. "We've been going there since we what… twenty?"
"Must be." Charles said, setting down his cards. "All those years. Anyone fancy a sherry?"
"A large one," Elsie quipped.
By ten-thirty the couple were leaving and Elsie followed the three downstairs, watching as they said their goodbyes and waving from her position on the stairs.
Once Charles had closed the door and their footsteps died away she sank back against the wall and groaned loudly.
"What?" He asked.
"That was awful. Truly, truly awful!" She moaned, turning to make her way back upstairs.
"Hey don't say that, why?" he followed her up – upset, confused, his heartbeat beginning to increase.
"Why? You have to ask." She made her way into the dining room, collecting up the used glasses. "Because I was made to feel like a bloody inconvenience."
"You were not. How?"
"How?" She stomped past him, slamming the glasses down on the side in the kitchen. "Quizzed over my life choices, I thought I was taking part in twenty bloody questions."
"She's just interested."
"Interested. I felt like I'm some gold digger, commenting on the value of 'Violet's ring', and then asking me about the price of our house – what the hell were you thinking anyhow?"
"About what?"
"Telling her you'll sold your houses to pay for our new home, taking her there on Sunday, why would you do that, without telling me? Why would you tell her about our finances?"
"Why wouldn't I?" he shrugged, feeling at a loss to explain her sudden bad mood.
"Because that's our business Charles," she slammed her hand on the counter. "It's nothing to do with them."
"I think you're being unfair." He said gently, attempting to pacify her.
"Am I?" She paused, biting down hard on her bottom lip. "Well, I'm going to bed. You tidy up – they're clearly your friends."
Sorry for making you wait a few days for that, hope you're still invested in where they're going and how they get there :-) xx
