Simple:
Simple. He had asked for a light breakfast … two slices of toast, a bit of grape jam, some apple juice and strong tea. Mrs. Patmore, instead, cooked him a full meal, complete with potatoes, sausages, grilled tomatoes, eggs, and toast. It was a feast fit for a king or a groom on his wedding day.
Simple. Elsie hadn't wanted to make a fuss. She would pin up her hair in the usual manner. She could manage it all by herself. She'd been styling her own hair since she was a young lass back in Scotland. She had, of course, moved with the time and styles … picking up a few things from the latest fashions. But today, her wedding day, she felt that simple was best. No need to try something new which might not look flattering. But, Anna had other thoughts. It should be soft and flowing, curls and elegant twists. A simple hairstyle wouldn't do for a bride on her wedding day.
Simple. They had decided to wear their Sunday best, but Charles had overheard a conversation between Beryl and Elsie one evening. His lovely bride-to-be had stressed that she did not need a white gown or a new suit. She would find something in her wardrobe, something other than a black dress. Beryl had not agreed with her friend's decision nor had Charles, though he was careful not to vocalize his objections. Two days later, a bolt of pretty pale blue cloth was delivered to Elsie's sitting room. Miss Baxter had told a little white lie … that it had been delivered by mistake and they were told to keep it. She offered to quickly sew a new dress for the wedding, nothing elaborate, something simple but fitting a bride, something new and blue. Elsie agreed with a happy and grateful heart.
Simple. Two wedding bands in the finest silver. Charles had polished them every day since he had purchased them. He had offered to buy Elsie a diamond or any other precious gem that she desired. She had declined saying a simple band had served her parents well in their happy marriage. She should need nothing more than a token of his love and his promise to cherish her for the rest of their days. He had vowed then and there to see that his wife never wanted for anything, and that she felt his love every single day through his words and deeds.
Simple: Despite the initial surprise at the offer, Charles and Elsie graciously accepted the Dowager Countess's suggestion that the flowers used for the wedding be clipped from her own gardens. She had always been rather fond of Carson and Mrs. Hughes, so she said it gave her pleasure to be able to contribute in some small way to their wedding. As Charles and Elsie strolled through the lavish gardens speaking with the gardener, they decided on something simple. Blue hydrangeas and white roses with a few springs of Bells of Ireland thrown in for greenery. Charles would wear a simple white rose on his lapel. The Dowager Countess was most pleased with their choices and commended Elsie on her choices.
Simple. The small reception after the wedding vows were exchanged was to be a small affair. No lavish dinner. No long receiving line. No first dance or lengthy speeches. They wanted the evening to be enjoyable for everyone. Charles would simply thank everyone for their efforts in making this a memorable day, would express his gratitude to the family on their behalf for allowing the servants the time away from their duties to attend the service and reception. His words would be eloquent, though the sentiments behind it simple. We are blessed. We are grateful. We are fortunate.
Simple. The events of the day have been wonderful. Despite their simplicity, a more beautiful wedding could have not been imagined. The love shared between the butler and housekeeper was palpable. From the adoring look in his eyes to the sparkle shining in hers, it was a perfect wedding day. Now, as they ready for bed, they are preparing to cross that final barrier between them. It will start with a simple kiss, a light caress, softly spoken words. Humble in nature but profound in purpose. At the end of this glorious day, their wedding day, Charles and Elsie will become one. They will go from being a simple man and a simple woman to being a loving, married couple.
It was as simple as that.
A/N: Thanks for all of the reviews! You guys are wonderful. Only one more chapter to go (tomorrow) and then we will bid goodbye to this drabble series. It has been great fun, and I hope you've enjoyed it as much as me. HUGS!
