Chapter 37
"Stop kissing you two … it's time to get ready Mrs Hughes!" Mrs Patmore cheered, as she waltzed into the Housekeeper's sitting-room.
The Butler and Housekeeper, who were not actually kissing or even touching, rolled their eyes warmly at the Cook.
"It's too early to get ready … surely?" Mrs Hughes replied.
She was used to getting dressed in about twenty minutes and there was still three hours to go before they had to be at the Church.
"Mrs Hughes, beauty takes time … now come along," the Cook said, leaving no room for argument.
The Housekeeper laughed as Mrs Patmore stood in the doorway, hand on her hip.
"I think that's me told," she whispered to her fiancé, reaching out to squeeze his hand.
"You enjoy yourself and I'll see you back down here in a couple of hours," he smiled, giving her a wink.
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Mrs Hughes was getting dressed in her new rooms, with Mrs Patmore and Anna flitting around her. She was still in her dressing gown, as she sat in front of her small dressing table and mirror, as Anna put the finishing touches to her hair. The younger woman had pinned the Housekeeper's hair in an elegant, chic French twist. It was set low at the nape of Mrs Hughes's neck and enhanced with a beautiful diamanté hair accessory made of the most delicate flowers and leaves. The style was much looser than Mrs Hughes normal, restrained style and was refined and classic for her wedding day.
As Mrs Patmore removed the protective cover from Mrs Hughes's wedding outfit, Anna added a little cerise sheen to the Housekeeper's lips; it was the latest lipstick from Paris and donated kindly by Lady Mary. The Lady's Maid had already applied a thin coat of powder to the Housekeeper's face and light grey eye shadow and kohl to make Mrs Hughes's lovely blue eyes stand out. A light blush on her cheeks and the Housekeeper's hair and make-up was complete.
"You look as pretty as a picture Mrs Hughes," Mrs Patmore smiled.
The Housekeeper leaned forward to look at her face in the mirror. Her make-up was subtle but it really did make her look years younger. Her hairstyle looked effortless and stylish and it would complement the understated but exquisite wedding suit that the Housekeeper had chosen. Yes, for once in her life, she did indeed feel quite pretty.
"Thank you Mrs Patmore," she smiled.
"Right, I am going to go and get changed and then I'll be back to help you into your outfit," Anna explained.
"Thank you Anna but there is no need … you are not my Lady's Maid!" Mrs Hughes joked kindly.
She was very touched and yet a little embarrassed that everyone was spoiling her so much.
"Mrs Hughes, I want to help you, it's your special day and so please just enjoy being pampered," Anna replied, as she left the room.
Mrs Hughes and Mrs Patmore were left on their own for the first time that morning, a knowing glance passed between them.
"How are you feeling?" the Cook asked softly, as Mrs Hughes stood beside her friend.
"A little overcome if I am honest, it's hard to believe that after being a spinster my entire life, I am actually getting married," Mrs Hughes responded, her eyes filling with tears of happiness.
Mrs Patmore reached out to hold Mrs Hughes's hand.
"Good things come to those who wait and you are marrying a man who truly loves you," she replied.
"And I love him … very much. I only hope that I can be a good wife to him," Mrs Hughes responded, a noticeable nervousness in her voice.
I have never been a wife, how will I know how to be a wife? She worried.
Mrs Patmore shook her head fondly at her friend; doesn't she know that she has been a good wife to Mr Carson, in all but name, for decades? She thought.
"Mrs Hughes, you have supported and cared wonderfully for Mr Carson for all of these years. You will continue to do that, the only difference is that now you'll be able to enjoy some cuddles as well," the Cook smiled, a twinkle in her eyes.
Mrs Hughes laughed through her tears, as she nodded to Mrs Patmore.
"I am going to miss you," the Cook added, feeling quite emotional herself.
"I am not going anywhere," Mrs Hughes replied truthfully.
"I know but you will have your husband, we can't expect things to stay the same," Mrs Patmore explained, looking down at her toes and sharing a hint of her own anxieties.
Mrs Hughes grasped her friend's hand even more firmly.
"Mrs Patmore, you are my dearest friend and that will never change," she responded genuinely.
The Cook looked upwards at Mrs Hughes.
"I am very pleased to hear that," she offered with a warm smile.
Both women gazed meaningfully at each other, knowing that it was a momentous day but reassured by each other's presence and care. The atmosphere was charged with emotion. Mrs Hughes decided she needed to lighten the atmosphere.
"And, of course, I'll be here to support you when Mr Mason finally pops the question!" she teased.
Mrs Patmore spluttered in amusement and gently slapped her friend's arm. If Mrs Hughes was not mistaken, the Cook was actually blushing.
"Get away with you!" Mrs Patmore exclaimed, as both women laughed happily.
"You two are having fun," Anna smiled, as she came back into the room, now dressed in a pretty blouse and skirt. Mrs Hughes was surprised to see Lady Mary enter the room behind Anna.
"Is it alright if I come in too?" Lady Mary asked.
"Yes of course, come in Milady," Mrs Hughes said, despite it being highly unusual for a member of the Family to be in her bedroom, let alone whilst she was still dressed in a dressing gown.
"Anna said that you still needed something 'borrowed' and so I thought you could wear these," Lady Mary said, as she handed the Housekeeper a beautiful string of pearls.
"Oh thank you very much Milady," Mrs Hughes gasped, as the Cook twirled her around to fasten the necklace around her neck.
"And your outfit is the something new," Anna added, so pleased that Mrs Hughes had been persuaded to get a new outfit. Mr Carson, of course, had insisted on this gift for his bride.
"And you have your great Aunt's hair decoration as your something old," Mrs Patmore chimed in, as they all looked in appreciation at the graceful hairpiece.
"And have you something blue?" Lady Mary asked.
"Yes she has!" Mrs Patmore said excitedly, as she collected a small white box from the sideboard.
Mrs Hughes cringed in embarrassment as the Cook opened the box, inside was a pretty, lace garter. It was made from white lace but had bows made from the thinnest blue ribbon as part of the decoration.
"My, Carson is a very lucky man," Lady Mary beamed, as all of the women giggled and Mrs Hughes became very flushed.
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The women gazed at Mrs Hughes in appreciation; she really did look stunning. They all showered her with compliments as she gave them a twirl. She had chosen a silk, champagne-coloured suit that compromised of a long, straight skirt with an empire waist and a fitted, bolero jacket with three-quarter length sleeves. The jacket had structured shoulders to give Mrs Hughes a beautiful silhouette and the edges of the jacket were trimmed in satin, in a slightly darker shade of champagne that accentuated the elegance of the design. Underneath she wore a beaded top, with a swirling flower design, that had sculpted detail at the waist. The outfit was sleek, tasteful and perfect for the mature bride and was finished off with a pair of matching Mary-Jane style shoes, with medium heels and a satin finish.
"I think Mr Carson may cry …" Anna murmured, as she gazed wondrously at her senior who looked every inch the blushing bride.
"As long as they are happy tears!" Mrs Hughes joked.
"They certainly will be. Mrs Hughes you are a vision, you really are," Lady Mary smiled.
Mrs Hughes and Lady Mary had never been close confidantes but the younger woman was thrilled to be part of this very special day and she and the Housekeeper were certainly developing a greater fondness as the wedding approached.
"Oh Mrs Hughes, you are … you look breath-taking …" Mrs Patmore whimpered, holding her hands to her mouth.
"Thank you … I must say that I do feel rather like a princess …" Mrs Hughes laughed lightly, looking at her own reflection in the mirror.
"Well then … let's get this princess downstairs so that her Butler can see his beautiful bride," Mrs Patmore grinned happily.
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Mr Carson waited in his pantry, pacing back and forth as he waited for Mrs Hughes. Mr Molesley and Mr Bates had already joined him and they were seated as they waited patiently, amused by the agitated state of the Butler. He looked very dapper in his dark grey suit and waistcoat and was wearing a lighter grey tie and matching-handkerchief to finish his handsome attire. His suit was well-made and refined; just like Mr Carson. Daisy and Miss Baxter entered the room, excited in anticipation of seeing the bride and very much looking forward to attending the wedding of their two beloved Heads of Staff. Mr Barrow and Andy were remaining behind at the House, to organise the kitchen maids and the hall boys in the final preparations for the reception.
Lady Mary arrived, joining the small group that would leave for the Church in two cars. Their initial plan was to walk to the Church but Lady Mary would not hear of it. Her presence calmed the Butler; he still felt nervous but he was forced to at least pretend to be calm. Having already seen Mrs Hughes, Lady Mary was excited for the older woman to arrive downstairs; she knew that the Butler would be spellbound. Footsteps were heard along the corridor as a beaming Anna and Mrs Patmore walked into the pantry. Mrs Hughes followed close behind them, a modest countenance as she smiled and gazed at her Butler. Mr Carson took a small step backwards, his breath catching in his throat as he took in the sight before him. He eventually gathered himself, a lump in his throat, as he whispered with a soppy smile,
"Mrs Hughes, you look dazzling."
A/N: Hope you enjoyed this. Next chapter will be the wedding. Thanks so much for your exceptionally generous reviews- they mean the world. I did have a dress and hairstyle in mind when I wrote this. I am not sure how to post photos with the link for this story on tumblr but I could post the pictures separately if you are interested x