"You need some sort of dress," Rilla shook her head. "I am not letting you get married in some old suit. I would lend you something of mine, but we quite the opposite in height," Rilla told her. "The dress shop in town is small, but surely they will have something that will suit you. Mother called and asked if Clara could spare an hour or two for us, despite it being Easter Monday." Rilla told her looped her arm into Marianne's as the other pushed the borrowed baby carriage.
"I just don't want to give off an impression that I'm snobby or something?" Marianne tried to explain her hesitance.
"Clara is excited to help, she loves a challenge and brides in general," Rilla reassured her.
"How was your dinner the other night?" Marianne asked trying to take her mind off her nerves.
"Interesting," Rilla settled on the word. "Different? Mother suggestion we leave the baby talk at the door when we left, but it still crept up. But she was right, it is important to not forget about each other and yourself. But don't change the subject, do you want a white gown, or something colourful? I mean you may be getting married on a Wednesday, but that doesn't mean you can't still look pretty."
"White, cream, silver?" Marianne shrugged. "I have no idea, maybe a pale yellow if they have it. Something I can wear again out in Hawaii?"
"When do you set out for the journey?" Rilla asked.
"June, it's only for the year, not even an entire year. We'll be back by this time next year," Marianne told her. "I think we'll stay around here for a small visit, but I do need to go back to Toronto and properly pack. Tell my aunt that she is welcome to the house while I am away, but we will most likely fight." Marianne sighed.
"Is she that against you getting married?" Rilla asked quietly.
"I think she thinks I'm still that foolish girl I once was," Marianne shrugged. "She not always all that bad, but when it comes to venturing out on my own, she always questions my intentions."
"How did you tell Carl, I mean I've known you for years and you never once alluded to anything? " Rilla asked still trying to understand the whole story.
"When we met up in Toronto after I returned when he was at the university. He didn't hide his interest and I didn't think it was fair, given he was a Minister's son to lead him on." Marianne explained. "It was a shock, but he didn't react the way I thought a man would. Over time he's asked a few questions here and there." Marianne stated, trying to make Rilla understand while only knowing half of the story. "It's never an easy subject but we manage. Sometimes you realize that it's not worth bringing it up, over and over because it won't change the past."
Rilla nodded. "I don't blame you, and it does pain me to know you went through something as traumatic as that when you were a child. I'm not sure if I said that early this morning or not. I am sorry that you had to go through something like that," Rilla said quietly slightly annoyed at her tired self that morning.
"You did the next best thing and reassured me that it wouldn't change our friendship," Marianne told her with a smile. "When I told my aunt I wasn't sure what she was going to do. I thought the worst would be sending me away. I understand why she chooses the option, doesn't mean I forgive her how she didn't prepare me for it. I couldn't imagine having a child. I didn't necessarily want it, but at fifteen I didn't know there were more than two options. Looking back I count myself grateful that I am alive."
"Having gone through a pregnancy that drained me physically and emotionally. It's enough to make me believe that no fifteen years should be having babies. The fact that girls can be legally married at twelve is frightening enough to me. Fourteen is Ontario, and we think ourselves to grown-up Yet we are all babies, still learning about the world and growing up." Rilla said after a moment.
"A lot of learning," Marianne agreed as they which the small town of Glen.
Rilla led her down the streets of the small town. The town never changed much, and she knew the whitewashed building well. It was the one always that had hats and a gown on display in the window. She knocked on the door after gathering Oliver from the carriage.
"Rilla Blythe, or should I say, Ford. It seems like yesterday when you would come in and try to spend all your allowance on pretty ribbons and hats." Clara said as she opened the door to the two women and infant.
"If you only knew how much trouble I got in for that hat," Rilla smiled wistfully. "This is Marianne Ramsey, she is the one who is needing your help." Rilla introduced her friend. " We're looking for something with minimal adjustments for her wedding," Rilla explained. "It will be a small wedding Wednesday Afternoon."
"Of course Miss. Ramsey, who is the lucky groom?" She asked curiously.
"Carl Meredith," Marianne blushed.
"Mrs. Meredith never mentioned that Carl was looking to settle down," She said in surprise. "My, they must be so excited for both of you. Let's see what are we looking for?"
"Well, we're going out to Hawaii. So I was thinking something light coloured that if we get invited somewhere I wear as an evening gown." Marianne reiterated from what Rilla stated. "Nothing too long if possible, I am not the tallest person as you can see."
"Come with me, I think I have something that will suit you," Clara brought them over to another section of the store. It was a dress that a very light oatmeal colour crepe overlay. A delicate neckline that was a scalloped boat neck. While the skirt was tiers of delicate needlework that turned it into fine edgings of lace. Paired with a blush coloured silk slip underneath it. "Now, it's not finished, the skirt and waist are only basted together. Which means that if I can adjust it to your statue easily, all it needs is a quick seam, how does that sound?"
"It is very pretty," Marianne agreed. "I can only imagine that a different coloured slip would also change the dress up?"
"Indeed it would," Clara nodded her head and led Marianne over to the small curtain changing area. "Elise, why don't you help Miss. Ramsey put on the gown?" She told the quiet teenage girl who was hiding behind the counter.
"Oh my I didn't even recognize Elise," Rilla gasped at the now older girl.
"She's grown up a fair bit since you left the island," Clara nodded at her daughter. "This is your son?"
"Oliver, yes," Rilla confirmed as she held him in her arms after leaving the carriage outside the door. "My mother was going to watch him, but he was having a frightful day earlier this morning. He finally settles down out on our walk here."
"You're mother was in a daze when she called up asking what sort of little things I had in stock when he was born." Clara nodded. "I'm glad to see him doing so well," she said before turning at the sound of the curtain opening.
"I think it fits fairly well," Marianne stated as she stepped closer to the mirror.
"Elise some pins please," Clara told her daughter. "I think if we pull up the shoulder touch and extend the V at the back. Not a lot, just down three inches," she rattled off as she pins and marked. "That will show off your lovely back, but not be too risqué for your father in law of course," she added with a wink. She turned her attention to the waist, folding and pinning in it. So it sat higher up on her hips but still low enough to be fashionable. The end result gave her a fashionable silhouette but kept her proportional.
"Pass me those silk flowers behind Mrs. Ford, Elise?" Clare instructed and Rilla watched the young girl gather them in a small basket. "A few at the waist here off at the side, few smaller ones running down the length of the skirt." They were in the same georgette material of the overlay of the gown.
"This is all too much," Marianne tried to object at the added decorations.
"Nonsense you're a bride," Clara told her. "Don't worry, I'll have it all ready for you by tomorrow evening to try on. If I have to I'll run it over to where you are staying or getting ready."
"Where are you getting married?" Elise spoke up.
"Mr. Meredith, Carl," Marianne clarified. "We choose down near the old lighthouse, it reminds us of our first our first outing together."
"Near the flower garden?" Elise asked perking up.
"Yes, Carl enjoys being outdoors," Marianne told her with a kind smile. "You're welcome to come, I know weddings are always something girls your age like to see and go to? Both of you, of course. I can't thank you enough for doing this on such short notice."
"What time is it?" Elise asked bouncing on her heels.
"The ceremony starts at five, nothing extravagant or long. There will be a small gathering with cake and light food." Marianne explained.
"I don't have any appointments Wednesday, and I can get Irene to look after the shop for us," Clara said as she pinned.
"It will be lovely to come to your wedding, thank you for the invitation." Elise gushed as she played with the silk flowers. "Do you need a dress, Mrs. Ford?"
"Oh no, I have plenty!" Rilla laughed. "I think my husband might faint if I tried to fit another dress in my closet. I have a pretty blue gown that I will wear to the wedding."
"You always did look good in blue," Clara nodded approvingly. "Even if your mother liked dressing you up in green. There you can go get changed again," She told Marianne stepping back happy with her work.
Marianne nodded quickly changed back and found Rilla at the counter settling the bill.
"You are too sneaky," She objected with a shake of her head as they left the store.
"And I told you since I can't buy you a practical gift right now. That your dress is my gift to you," Rilla reminded her. "If you're worried about the cost, remember this isn't Toronto," Rilla told her.
Marianne nodded. "I will find a way to say thank you," She warned her friend with a smile. "Shall we meet the men who went fishing, so we can have our picnic?"
"Of course, though I never understood the fascination with fishing?" Rilla told her honestly. 'but he goes fishing every time we are here in the spring or summer months."
"I'm surprised that Carl fishes at all, he doesn't generally partake in meat. He'll eat it if it's served, but he won't buy it for himself."
"Given his love of animals of any kind, I can see such a thing." Rilla nodded her head as they turned down the road that brought them down to the shore.
It didn't take them long to find the men who were relaxing on the old dock. Rilla fixed Oliver's little bonnet and sweater as she carried him down to the beach.
"This is the beach," she told him as she kissed his cheek. "Look there is daddy," she pointed over to the two men.
The men waved to them as they saw the ladies approaching.
"Did you catch anything?" Rilla asked.
"Not a thing," Ken shook his head, which Marianne giggled as she saw a smirk on Carl's face. "We were starting to worry about getting lost in all the ribbons and lace."
"We aren't that late," Rilla shook her head and kissed her cheek. "but I am starving so let us eat?"
The two couples settled down after laying out the old blanket.
"We should have brought his chair," Rilla mused Ken and she took turns holding Oliver as each took bites of their lunch.
"Chair?" Marianne asked trying to remember Oliver having a chair. All she could think of was the old high chair that still required a pillow or blanket to help him sit up.
"Shirley sent us some chair that he made. It's a lifesaver when he doesn't want to be in his bassinet, but we can't hold him constantly." Ken explained. "Instructions were lacking but the chair is heaven-sent."
"How is he doing out in Paris?" Carl asked speaking up. "I heard through the grapevine that they had a little girl?"
"They are good, and yes they had a little girl Elodie, I have photos back at the house," Rilla told him as she bit into her sandwich. "No, this is not for you," She shook her head at Oliver who waved his hand in its direction.
"So beyond a small Wednesday wedding, what are your plans until you leave?" Ken asked the engaged couple.
"We have a week up in a bed and breakfast. Since I don't think anyone would wish to honeymoon at the manse," Carl coughed out a laugh. "We'll come back for a dinner at the manse before we head back to Toronto. To pack and buy a few more things for the long trip out to San Fransisco then take the boat out to Hawaii." Carl explained. "Rosemary asked if you were coming to dinner as well tonight?" Carl asked Marianne.
"Of course," Marianne said with a nod of her head.
"I'll let her know, its just Rosemary, Dad and Bruce," Carl told her, allowing her to relax slightly at the thought of another large family dinner. "Faith took the children back home but will be back on Wednesday. Jerry had to go back to for work, but he can leave early to make it here by five on Wednesday," he explained.
"They do say getting married on a Wednesday is the luckiest day of the week," Rilla told them.
"What day did you get married on?" Marianne asked curiously.
"On a Sunday, it was a clear sunny afternoon, down in the valley," Rilla thought back with a daydreaming smile. "1920, we spent weeks making my dress, piecing together lace and netting."
"You didn't even wear shoes," Ken reminded her.
"What!" Marianne turned to Rilla, if she knew anything Rilla loved her shoes as much as she loved her clothing.
"Just down the aisle, something about walking barefoot down a grassy aisle, it felt right." Rilla shrugged. "Now it's almost four years later."
"And Oliver arrived as well," Carl said with a nod of his head.
Ken motioned to Rilla and then pointed up to the top of the dune. A golden hair boy was waving frantically before he slides down the hill.
"What in the world?" Rilla asked as she quickly passed Oliver to Ken before she was crushed by her ten-year-old boy. Wrapping his arms around her neck in a large hug.
"I thought you were in Charlottetown?" She asked him.
"We came back early, Mama Adeline rang up Ingleside and found out where you might be. Then Dad ran into Mr. Ken and we figured we'd surprise you." Jimmy told her excited as he settled onto the blanket next to her, turning his attention to Oliver. "He got so big!"
"Do you want to hold him?" Ken asked.
"Maybe after food?" Jimmy asked as his stomach growled. "I know you," he said pointedly to Marianne with a smile. He had seen Carl around of course growing up, not much in the past years but enough to recognize him.
"We met last year while I was visiting, Marianne Ramsey." Marianne laughed prettily. "You have grown as well since then."
"You're the one getting married," Jimmy concluded at how close she was to Carl. She had her hand resting lightly against his leg as she sat with her knee together and off to the side.
"Yes, and your family welcome to come if you wish. I have heard on multiple occasions how much you enjoy cake," Marianne laughed.
"Cakes the best part of parties," Jimmy agreed, which everyone laughed at.
They spent the rest of the afternoon running about the beach. Chasing and playing around as they all watched Oliver react to feeling sand for the first time. He did not enjoy the feeling of the cold sand. He looked around before letting out a loud wail until Rilla scooped him up.
"Yes, that horrible, bad-bad sand," Rilla told him as she rubbed his back. "I know it was horrible for you," she cooed at him.
"It's not that bad, you'll like it one day," Jimmy said coming up next to them. "Just don't try and eat it," he told Oliver who stopped for a moment for a breath before he started to cry again.
"Okay, okay," Rilla sighed. "Your hungry, I get it," she spoke to Oliver. "Why don't you give me a moment?" She looked at Jimmy. " Why don't you go see if Ken or Mr. Meredith want to show you their tackle box?"
"Okay," Jimmy said in such a way he realized what she was planning to do. "Willow used to eat a lot too," he said before turning and skipping back to the others. Rilla sighed and sat down and pulled one of the light blankets over herself. Watching the others as they ran about the shoreline with pants rolled up and shoes kicked off. Despite the freezing water.
They were all happy and sated as they packed up their picnic and walked back up the cliff. Jimmy taking hold of Oliver as he carried him carefully but proudly up the hill for Rilla. The infant staring at him with large grey eyes. Sated from his mid-afternoon snack that he had filled his tummy he slowly closed his eyes.
Rain threatened for most of Wednesday morning. Much to everyone dismay, but slowly the sun began to poke through the clouds as the sky slowly cleared.
Rilla had helped Marianne get dressed in the old bedroom at the house of dreams. Fixing a headband of silk flowers that Elise had made as a surprise gift for Marianne. Attached to it was a shorted veil into her dark hair that was waved and coiled up into a faux bob. A touch of powder, rouge masked any imperfection on her face and gave her a touch of colour. Lipstick would be added after the gown was put on.
Her bouquet of roses was still in the water, waiting to be wrapped in ribbon. Along with a small open locket with pictures of her mother and father. A way to honour them during this day of her life.
Rilla left her to check on Oliver when there was a knock on the door. She beckoned them in thinking it was one of the womenfolk. Instead, she saw the face of her Aunt Ursula in the doorway she shrank back.
"I'm not here to fight, I wanted to apologize for how I acted," The stern woman said as she swallowed her pride. "I promised my sister that I would give this to you on your wedding day. I don't want to go back on my word."
She placed a wrapped package on the table and was about to turn.
"How did you know where I was? How did you get here?" Marianne finally asked in confusion, breaking from her shock.
"I took the next train after you. I remember seeing the address of Ingleside on letters address to you." Ursula admitted her eyes drifting to the dress laid out on the bed. "My sister would have loved to see you today. All I wanted was for her to be proud of you, but I was wrong she would have been proud of you no matter what path you lived." She said. "I never meant to make your life hard or feel like you were a disappointment. You could have never been such a thing to either of them. I'll take my leave now." She said turning for the door.
"Wait," Marianne sighed. "If you want to stay you can, but these friends of mine, they mean a lot to me."
"I'll be on my best behaviour," Ursula nodded as Rilla came backstopping when she saw a strange woman in her house.
"This is my Aunt Ursula," Marianne stood up in her silk robe. "Auntie, this is Rilla Ford," she introduced the two women.
"It's nice to meet you," Rilla said after blinking for a moment. Unsure of what to make of the woman who made her friends like miserable. But Marianne gave her a small smile from her spot at the vanity. Shifting Oliver so she would have a hand free. "I'm sorry but who let you in?"
"Well, when I got to Glen St. Mary's I asked directions to the Merediths. Mr. Meredith while not keen on my appearance walked me over. I am sure he is still outside making sure I don't try to kidnap Marianne," she said with a slight eye roll. As if dramatics were above her.
Marianne stood up and pull open the lace curtains and leaned out the window. Sure enough, she saw Carl's golden brown head talking to Ken out on the lawn. She blushed as he caught sight of her half-dressed as she pulled herself back in.
"If you are staying for the wedding, I can have Ken bring you down to the lighthouse," Rilla said. "Though if Marianne is all right with the idea, you can freshen up here before you leave?" Rilla looked towards her friend who took a moment but nodded her head.
Marianne took a deep breath as she stepped out of the car, taking the bouquet that Rilla held out to her. She smiled at Rilla who was dressed in the cornflower blue dress that she had worn for Easter dinner.
The Merediths and Blythes were mingled together, Jem and Faith, Jem holding Cecelia as Faith had Wally, were standing next to the Dr. and Mrs. Blythe. Nan and Deen were next to Susan who was primly dressed in a new blouse that had been sent from Paris. Near Rosemary with Una and Thomas who had come in for the wedding. Ken was holding Oliver, happily pointing out Rilla to Oliver. Clara and Elise with there, along with Mr. and Mrs. Anderson who held Willow who was in a pretty pink dress. Beside them was Jimmy who was wearing a rather loud bowtie around his neck. He waved excitedly to Rilla as she walked down the aisle before Marianne. Other friends of the Merediths were scattered to see Carl Meredith get married.
Then there was Carl standing nervously next to his father, looking smart in his blue suit. Next to Jerry was his best man for the day. While Aunt Ursula standing near the front of the crowd. Her lone family member, but it was a day were pride could be swallowed.
Marianne smiled as she took Carl's hands. They smiled at each other as he mouthed something that looked like 'You're Beautiful.'
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today." Mr. Meredith began his role as officiant.
It was dark when Carl and Marianne found a moment alone.
"Your necklace, where did you get it?" He asked as he picked up the pendant from her neck examining it.
"It was my mothers, according to my aunt. She wore it on her wedding day, she wanted me to have it which is why she came." Marianne told him. "It's a marigold her favourite flower I was told."
"Marianne, Marigold?" Carl mused with a smile. "What about the pink flower?"
"Hmm, I think it's stonecrop," Marianne told him. "I couldn't read my mother's writing all that well in that part of the letter."
"A stonecrop?" Carl mused with a crooked smirk. "Stonecrops and Hylotelephiums have a shorter name of Carl."
"So my mother had good taste?" Marianne nudged him and rested her head on his shoulder.
Marianne and Carl seemed to run away with me, and maybe some dress talk as well! ( a downfall of my profession haha!) Hope everyone doing well as well.
I turn 32 this week as well. Making my birthday cake in a few days which I am excited about.
Tina.