Chapter 38
Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes sat side by side in the back of the car, Mrs Patmore and Lady Mary opposite them. Mr and Mr Bates, Mr Molesley, Miss Baxter and Daisy were in the following car. There had been a moment of hesitation as they reached the car, Mr Carson thinking it was only proper that the Staff members sat in the front of the car with the driver, however, a glance at his beautiful Bride and he realised he was being ridiculous. Mrs Hughes looked as fine as any of the Ladies of the House; she should quite rightly sit in the back.
The Butler rested his hand on his Bride's hand, on the seat between them. This small gesture of affection told Mrs Hughes everything she needed to know; she was loved. She turned to look at her Groom and was delighted to find that he was already gazing at her. She rewarded him with a loving smile and his heart leapt in his chest. He gave her a subtle wink. There were so many things he wanted to say to his fiancée but with Mrs Patmore and Lady Mary in the car it was impossible. Instead, he ran his thumb lightly back and forth across her hand; he would have all the time in the world to talk to his Bride later in the day.
Mrs Patmore and Lady Mary smiled soppily at the pair; both the Housekeeper and Butler were behaving quite properly but you would have had to be blind not to see the love and passion between them.
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"Why don't we all get inside and give Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes a couple of minutes to gather themselves?" Mrs Patmore offered kindly, knowing that the two might appreciate a moment alone.
"Thank you Mrs Patmore, that would be most appreciated," Mr Carson replied.
The small gathered crowd entered the Church, as they left the couple outside.
"Elsie … you look so beautiful, simply stunning," he exclaimed, not being able to contain this thought a moment longer.
He felt tears well in his eyes, as he held the Housekeeper gently at her sides, resting his forehead against her temple. She laughed lightly at the dear, sweet man before her.
"You look exceptionally handsome yourself Charles, very handsome in fact," she smiled, as she rested one hand on his chest and stroked his face with the other.
She could see he was overcome; despite his stern demeanour at times, of the two he was definitely the most prone to emotion. She hoped to steady him as she soothed his face.
"I am a little nervous …" he breathed, gazing down at her.
"So am I … the butterflies in my tummy are doing cartwheels," she joked, making him smile.
"I am worried I will get overwhelmed. I have never felt happiness like this Elsie … what if I cry in front of everyone?" he asked anxiously.
"Oh Charles … if you cry it will simply show our friends what I already know … that you are the kindest, most loving man that ever lived … don't you worry at all," she reassured, raising herself on tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
As she stepped back she laughed warmly.
"What?" he asked, a lightness to his voice as he watched her delighted expression.
"You have lipstick on your cheek … now that really won't do in Church … come here …" she said, as she rubbed his cheek with her fingertips.
"As long as it's yours …" he teased.
She laughed happily.
"Shall we get married Mr Carson?" she suggested joyfully, reaching down to hold his hand.
"I thought you'd never ask," he triumphed, placing a sweet kiss to her hair.
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Mrs Patmore stood beside Mrs Hughes at the front of the Church, with Mr Bates to the right of Mr Carson. The others congregated in the first pew, Lady Mary standing beside Anna and Mr Molesley with Daisy and Miss Baxter. All of their guests smiled happily as they looked at the esteemed couple before them.
In the presence of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we have come together to witness the marriage of Charles Edward Carson and Elspeth Catherine Hughes …
Mrs Hughes stole at glance at Mrs Patmore, who was already whimpering into her handkerchief. The Cook chuckled as Mrs Hughes reached out to gently offer her comfort, thinking that it really should be the other way around. The Cook could not have been happier for the pair; she had always known that they loved one another and she was so thankful that Mr Carson had finally declared his intentions. It warmed her heart to think that her gentle cajoling and subtle hints may have at least helped them along their way.
If anyone here present knows any reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, please declare it now.
Mr Carson clenched his teeth as he looked towards Mrs Hughes, pretending to look worried. Mrs Hughes bit her lip to stifle a giggle. When nobody spoke, the Bride mouthed a silent, relieved 'phew' towards her groom, as Mr Carson's eyes sparkled in amusement. Lady Mary caught this light-hearted exchange; thrilled to see a glimpse of the fun and humour that the couple shared. She knew without a shadow of a doubt that Mrs Hughes would bring her closest supporter and confidante great happiness and she was reminded once again how blessed she was to be sharing this special day.
Charles Edward Carson, will you take Elspeth Catherine Hughes to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
Mr Carson stared solemnly at Reverend Travis as he replied in his strong, assured, deep voice, "I will".
Elspeth Catherine Hughes, will you take Charles Edward Carson to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
Mrs Hughes replied just as confidently, in her lovely Scottish lilt, "I will".
The couple then shared a quick, fond glance at the other, before returning their focus to Reverend Travis who continued with the service. All of those present were becoming teary as the service progressed. Miss Baxter linked arms with Daisy to offer her comfort; as the young girl gazed adoringly at her two Seniors, hoping that one day she would find a man who looked at her the way Mr Carson looked at Mrs Hughes. The Housekeeper had always shown the young girl kindness and encouragement and Daisy cared for her very much. The Assistant Cook also had a soft spot for the grouchy Butler, although she would never admit this to him.
Charles and Elspeth, I now invite you to join hands and make your vows, in the presence of God and his people.
Mr Carson and Mrs Hughes faced each other, as the Groom took his Bride's right hand in his. Mrs Hughes looked down at the big strong hand enveloping her fingers and smiled; her Butler would always make her feel safe and protected. Mr Carson smiled lovingly as he was able to finally touch his bride; warmth and love radiated from her touch.
Anna felt tears trickle down her face, no longer able to withhold her emotion as she wept happy tears for her beloved Heads of Staff, mixed with tears of relief that she and Mr Bates had gone through so much and somehow survived and remained strong. Mr Bates looked back over his shoulder and offered his wife a reassuring smile.
I, Charles Edward Carson, take you, Elspeth Catherine Hughes, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow.
The Butler said these words with such devotion, love and conviction that Mrs Hughes took a quick gasp of breath to try to withhold her tears. She was so proud of Mr Carson; who also breathed out in relief, thankful to have made it through this vow without breaking down. Mrs Hughes now took Mr Carson's right hand in hers, a waver in her voice, as her eyes glistened with tears.
I, Elspeth Catherine Hughes, take you, Charles Edward Carson, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and obey, till death do us part, according to God's holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow.
The Housekeeper paused slightly before saying the word 'obey' as the Butler raised his eyebrows in amusement, and all of their friends smiled warmly to themselves. Even Reverend Travis had the hint of a grin on his lips. The couple had chosen the traditional service but no-one, including the Reverend, had any doubt that the Bride's vow of obedience was not to be taken literally. Mr Carson smiled, thinking that he would not want it any other way.
Reverend Travis said a prayer, with the two wedding bands resting on his open bible. Mrs Hughes knew that a husband did not always wear a ring but her father back in Scotland had always worn a wedding band and therefore it was his ring that Mr Carson would receive and wear proudly. Mrs Hughes would wear the beautiful wedding band that had belonged to the Butler's mother; both thrilled to have these most precious rings. They were not the most expensive in terms of monetary value but invaluable in terms of sentiment and tradition. As Mr Carson placed his mother's band on Mrs Hughes's finger, and made his further promise, he finally broke down; overcome that his dear love was soon to be his wife. A lump in his throat, he became completely choked, as he stuttered his words.
Elspeth, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
He somehow managed to utter the words but his voice was quivering and his hands were shaking as he attempted to place the ring on her fourth finger. After a couple of misses, he finally secured the ring. As he looked up into her eyes he was pleased to see that his Bride was just as emotional, as tears welled in her eyes and her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths. Despite her emotion, Mrs Hughes offered her Butler the most reassuring and happy smile.
As the others watched this moment, they too were overwhelmed. Mr Molesley had even joined the weeping, as Miss Baxter passed him her handkerchief. He took this gratefully, not being able to contain his hope that perhaps one day it would be the two of them standing at the front of the Church before their friends. The Cook was openly crying now, as a murmured 'oh deary me' from behind Mrs Hughes, made the small congregation laugh. Mrs Hughes placed her father's wedding band on Mr Carson's finger, giving his hand an extra squeeze as she did so. She began to say her promise but had to pause, shaking her head lightly at herself for being so overwrought; she was used to being the strong one. Yet, she was finally marrying the man she loved and no matter how hard she tried, this thought was simply too wonderful to stop her tears flowing freely. Mr Carson passed her his handkerchief with a wink and gently stroked her hand. This gave her the strength she needed to say her final promise.
Charles, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Reverend Travis then joined their hands together, as they again faced towards him.
Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder. I now pronounce you husband and wife.
As the Reverend said the final words of the service, he remembered the meeting a few short weeks ago, when the three had sat in his sitting-room discussing the wedding service. He recalled how flustered Mr Carson had become when he asked about the final part of the ceremony. Therefore, it was with great pleasure that Reverend Travis looked to the man before him and said,
You may kiss the bride.
The newly married couple turned to face one another, love and joy in their eyes, as the Butler reverently held the Housekeeper at the waist, her hands on his chest, as he bent to place the most tender kiss to her lips, no sign at all of his earlier nerves. Her hands found their way quite naturally to his face as she softly pulled him downwards for another heartfelt kiss. The small congregation clapped warmly as the couple turned to their friends, still holding each other closely. As they faced one another again, Mr Carson could not resist one final kiss; a loving kiss full of promise and devotion.
"I love you Mrs Carson," he whispered, brushing back a wisp of hair from her face.
"And I love you Mr Carson, very much," she beamed.
A/N: Hope you liked this? A review would be lovely if you have time x