Author's Note: I know I've said it time and time again but, truly: that you continue to support this story means the world to me. Thank you.
Also! Just in case there's concern about the title: although you've no doubt figured out I'm an American, I'm pleased to say I've got no interruptions for the story. Far from it!
_._
Monday, the 17th of February, 2020
9:46 a.m.
"Anna? You all right?"
The blonde soprano glanced at Mary, the young woman having been eyeing the entrance to the backstage area. She thought she'd already faced the trauma of that horrid spring afternoon when they had to come back here to rehearse for Chicago over the summer. She and John had even snuck downstairs during one of the breaks that summer, having been determined to look it all in the eye. Alex Green may have been one of the most disgusting individuals she'd ever encountered, but that only made it all the more important to move past what had almost happened.
"Anna?"
But it seemed she was still stuck on what might've been.
"I'll be a moment, John asked me to wait for him." It was a white-lie, but Anna really didn't want Mary nearby. While her friend had been involved with that nightmare, the brunette hadn't been trapped in the basement with him chasing after her. John hadn't exactly been in her shoes either, but he did understand more than Mary did.
"All right. But don't blame me when you two are officially late."
Yeah, tardiness was one of the last things on her mind.
_._
9:51 a.m
Charles Carson had been hesitant to invoke the help of others when this showcase idea first came to life. He was all for reducing his fiancée's stress when it came to this –– hence, their finding Linda and offering to give her this assistantship as a chance to gain experience.
But when Rose MacClare had approached the teachers, explaining that one of her uni friends was absolutely brilliant with choreography, Mr. Carson, just brilliant he hadn't initially been interested. Even when Elsie had later confessed that her expertise was singing and not choreography, and that choreography was key for a successful showcase, he was not moved to take action.
But it was only when Charles properly met Jack Ross that he realized this would not only be interesting, but it could actually work.
"Now, students," The man was professional but not harsh, maintaining a kind air even as he maintained high standards. "I know that this is choir, not a dance class. But I also know, having seen your shows and competitions, that your school is one of the best of the bunch."
Everyone in the Treble Choir remained absolutely fixed on the uni student, giving Mr. Ross a level of attention that Charles himself had never received. It was frankly shocking watching them so focused, and the choir director had been spending the last five minutes figuring out why on earth that was the reason.
"And because you're the best, I already know you're going to excel at anything I throw at you." Why were the girls blushing at this, titters and giggles breaking out? Mr. Ross was only stating the facts. "Which is why, today…"
_._
Tuesday, the 18th of February, 2020
10:42 a.m.
"I haven't done that much exercise in ages." Daisy Robinson was not one for jazz squares or the Charleston. She felt all that belonged back in the 1920s, not the 2020s. But "Forty-Second Street" was a song that apparently threw out jazz squares like Händel encouraged trilling: all the time. And the Charleston–– don't even get her started on that!
"Be lucky we're not Rose." William cautioned her, barely catching his breath as they left the auditorium. "As soloist, she has to do all that and more."
But, that was the weirdest part in Daisy's mind: "I really don't think Rose has a problem with it."
The tenor paused, forcing himself to think over the last forty minutes as his panting finally eased, "You know, I think you're right."
"I'd even say she liked it." Shuddering at the thought, Daisy never felt so relieved to be going to her next class. Seeing as how it focused on maths, something she didn't care for despite being a musician, it was normally boring.
Yeah, well, she'd take boring any day after everything her body just experienced. And, to think: this would be their routine from here on out! Learning the choreography, perfecting the music, putting together the two, that was going to be their class all the way until the show.
"Remind me: why did we say this was a good idea?"
_._
12:57 p.m.
"Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes! Might I borrow you for a moment?"
Interruptions were frequent these days for the two. But interruptions from Cora Crawley were unusual, to say the least –– something that the American was well aware of.
"Of course, Mrs. Crawley." She really had hoped they would've started calling her Cora by this point. But, seeing as how there were students milling about and she didn't need to give Charles Carson a heart attack when his wedding was only a few months away, the American refrained from saying anything.
Guiding the teachers into her office, she was well aware of the silent conversation they pair was currently exchanging. It was something every Downton administrator was quite familiar with –– the choir teachers' ability to communicate without saying a word, something that always occurred at least thrice during staff meetings.
She could only assume they were concerned that there was to be another budget cut like last spring. Much to her satisfaction, while what she had to discuss did involve finances, it was not another budget cut.
"Please, have a seat." Now that they were ensconced in her office, she could speak freely, "And, no, I've not asked for your time to inform you of another budget cut."
Both teachers weakly chuckled at this, confirming her original suspicion. Well, then this would be a pleasant surprise for the two of them.
"Thank you for letting us know so quickly, Mrs. Crawley."
The unspoken question –– why exactly are we here? –– eventually made itself known after a beat, the pair looking at her with a curiosity they were determined to mask. If only they knew she didn't mind it; it made for a blessed change compared to the numerous individuals that were too political for her liking, having too good of a poker face for her liking.
Like Emma Butte before she'd met Elsie Hughes.
But that was another story altogether.
One that she was quite thankful she never would have to relieve.
"There's two matters I'd like to discuss." Once Cora was given permission to continue, the teachers fully listening with rapt attention, "First and foremost, I recently heard that you've had some problems with narrowing down a wedding venue."
She hid back a smile at the look Mrs. Hughes shot her fiancé, the Scot no doubt thinking the man had spilled the beans on the matter. Of course, if that had been the case, Violet Crawley would be having this conversation instead. The American could only hope that it would eventually become clear the choir director had nothing to do with this, that someone else approached her about the matter.
"Mrs. Crawley–– Cora," At least Mrs. Hughes remembered her request to speak on a first-name basis, "I can assure you that, whether we've selected a venue or not, none of those preparations will conflict with our preparations for the showcase."
"Oh, I'm not worried about that!"
"... You're not?"
Their honest confusion was quite possibly the most endearing thing she'd witnessed for weeks, bringing out a reassuring smile in response.
"Not at all! I know you both will remain fully professional when it comes to the showcase." The administrator paused, partially to draw out the suspense but more so because they looked like they needed a moment to process her remarks. "No, what I wanted to tell you is that Robert and I are more than happy to let you use Downton Abbey for the wedding reception. For free, of course."
"I'm sorry?"
Cora smiled at the clear stupor, "It would be a privilege for us to lend you the Abbey for this occasion. The grounds in particular are always lovely in the summertime."
"Are–– are you sure, Mrs.–– Cora?" The American held back her amusement at the continued bewilderment, noticing how a hint of the choir teacher's accent snuck into the question, the woman quite unaware.
"I'm being entirely serious." She bluntly informed them, not a trace of doubt in her words. "The Abbey would be yours for the whole day, free of charge."
And, yes, the family really could afford it. Seeing as how the Abbey was now being used in some newfound, popular period drama –– Highclere Castle, if Cora remembered the name right –– tourists from all over the world were beginning to swarm the place throughout the year. And the money now being raised from those endeavours was enough to ensure no need for future budget cuts.
Things could, of course, change.
For now, however, she could guarantee them this.
"But,"
"I don't need an answer right now." Cora knew there'd only be one answer for them whilst they were so overwhelmed: a polite refusal brought on by cognitive dissonance. "In fact, I don't want an answer for at least a month. That way you can handle your competitions without interruption."
Still, seeing as how they were on the verge of protesting, "Please, take your time with it. I mean that. Consider it an order from the administration if you must." And this she would remain firm on. She wouldn't press them into accepting but, having heard the details behind their dilemma, she really didn't want them settling when they didn't have to.
"Well then. Thank you for this, Cora." "Indeed. Thank you, Mrs. Crawley"
"It's our pleasure." And she meant that.
"Was there anything else you wish to discuss, Mrs. Crawley?"
Ah, yes. Now for the more pressing matter. "Before we talk about that, I want to let you know that this next matter will have no bearing on the wedding venue."
In other words, there really are no strings attached to my offer. You are under no obligation to accept.
They nodded in understanding, that curiosity of theirs coming back.
For good reason, too.
"Seeing as how the 'Best of Downton' is only about a month away, the administration were wondering what you had in mind. I'm afraid none of us have heard of any choral plans for the performance, which we've found to be abnormal."
"My, my, we've not thought about that for a while." "Is it really only a month away?" So, Cora had been right to assume that neither Mrs. Hughes or Mr. Carson had spent any time contemplating that concert. She was also right to assume that the two really were beginning to overwork themselves –– judging from the unusual candour. In all her years of knowing Mr. Carson, he has never sounded that unsure of himself. And Mrs. Hughes looked to be equally taken aback, unusually so.
Truth be told, it only confirmed a suspicion of hers about all this. "I completely understand if you've been too busy to think the matter over. In fact, I have a suggestion,"
They looked at her with hints of relief lining their posture. Really, it wasn't as though forgetting about this show would lead to severe consequences!
"What do you suggest, Mrs. Crawley?"
"Well, firstly, I know that there will be a small ensemble for an Into the Woods medley, which could be perfect for the show." From listening to her daughters alone, Cora knew better than to ask for a full class performance –– no one would be ready in time.
"Unfortunately, Cora, they won't be ready in time." The American had already figured as such, having had a lengthy and honest discussion with a certain band director about the situation –– not wanting to ask too much of the choirs at this stressful time.
"I had a feeling you might say that. Which is why my second thought was to ask for a faculty performance."
This brought decidedly mixed results: a sense of ease that the classes weren't being asked to perform and a look of dread of what "faculty" would be defined as in this case.
"Were you hoping that the faculty a cappella group could perform, Mrs. Crawley? Because, I'm afraid to say that they probably won't be ready in time. We would, of course, have to ask the others directors and teachers but––"
It looked less like Charles Carson was worried about the faculty group being ready and more like he didn't want them anywhere near the "Best of Downton". Fortunately, Cora Crawley knew fully well why –– having met Alice Neal on a handful of occasions, she recognized the woman's character at once and carried a similar feeling.
"Actually, Mr. Carson, whether or not your group is ready, I feel that this is a show that should be limited to only Downton faculty and students." Their surprise was clear as day; what they hadn't realized was that said surprise was also entirely expected. "While such a group would show a sense of interfraternal spirit within the general community, the attention that it would take away from equally talented groups –– our students, our faculty –– would be disheartening to our community."
Mrs. Hughes seemed to doubt that statement, confusion flickering through her eyes as the woman tilted her head, thinking the reasoning over.
Mr. Carson, on the other hand, was all for the excuse.
Nevertheless, both did look to be back at square one: "Well then, I'm not sure what we can do, Cora. We do have some student soloists to recommend,"
"Oh, I'd love that! In fact," Subtly, she turned on her computer's monitor, casually putting forth a question that'd been on her mind for some time now: "Perhaps you'd be interested in performing another solo yourself, Mrs. Hughes?"
"Well, I don't know––"
"Els–– Mrs. Hughes, another solo of yours would be a marvelous treat for the school."
Cora smiled at the adoration that snuck into Mr. Carson's tone, eyeing her email's inbox as she quietly listened to them.
"Well, Mr. Carson, what with everything else we've to do, surely we should focus our priorities elsewhere?"
"I don't see why: surely, you've memorized your fair share of music? Notre Armour, perhaps? You did mention last year you had it memorized."
"Now you're teasing me! Has Mrs. Patmore put you up to this?"
The American had to admit: this was endearing to watch. However, she could also tell that Mrs. Hughes was feigning more energy than she had. That the woman could easily perform a solo, but that it wouldn't be her normal level of standards. She would quite possibly be doing it for pure obligation, nothing else. And the result, not only for her but everyone else involved, would be draining to say the least.
Perhaps she was right, the administrator thought to herself, softly typing out a necessary email while the teachers continued their back-and-forth. It really was an entirely different world last spring, and today was only proving it.
"Now why would Mrs. Patmore have done that?"
"Because she's––"
"Perhaps," Cora interjected, knowing that this was the sort of bickering that could go on forever, "A duet might be in order this time around?"
"Solo or duet, I think any performance of Mrs. Hughes' would be excellent."
"I suppose a duet would be nice, though I can't think of who would be interested and able to learn that quickly." It was obvious the pair were thinking this would be a student/teacher duet. But Cora was pleased to note that the tension that had been lining the woman disappeared the moment a duet was suggested. Nodding to herself, she sent off the email, focusing once more on the pair in front of her. "I'd also have to think about an appropriate song,"
"So you'll both do it then? Share in a duet?"
That was not what they expected.
And seeing as how they were now so very close to gaping at her, Cora took this as her cue to continue uninterrupted.
"With a few student soloists and a duet from the staff, that sounds like we are representing our vocal talent." Perhaps not our choral talent, seeing as how duets and soloists do not make a choir. But that really would be asking too much, I can see that now.
"But, Mrs. Crawley, why not a duet featuring myself and a fellow student?"
"Mrs. Hugh–– Elsie," Seeing as how they were both thoroughly shocked by the suggestion, speaking so candidly seemed to be the only way to reach them. "Do you know of any student who would be prepared to pick up a duet before the show? On top of their schooling and everything else?"
Cora was well aware of the demands academia was placing on their students. That was part of the reason she was suggesting this unorthodox idea. It would not only give the teachers a chance to enjoy themselves, it would also ensure that the students weren't being asked to do much more than they should.
"Mrs.–– Cora, please, let me rephrase the question: are you sure you want us to perform a duet? Do you not suppose that might be considered inappropriate, given the circumstances?"
The American might've let that sort of argument stop her idea in its tracks.
However, what she saw in both choir instructors kept her from giving up.
What she saw was not a dislike for the suggestion, but a concern about how it would be taken publicly. In fact, having been studying them closely for almost this entire conversation, having learned to read them rather well over this last year, Cora could definitively say they looked to be doing their best to hide the fact that they really liked the concept. That these protestations were stemming from worry about how this would impact the school, not because they personally had no interest.
And, so, she would keep going.
"Why would it be inappropriate? You're going to be married in four months, your relationship is publicly accepted. Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I find it to be fitting––" Her landline rang, signaling that there were administrative duties to attend to, "One moment,"
Lifting up the receiver to her ear, "Oh, Mrs. Gaunt, how nice it is to hear from you! And just who will you be transferring to me today? Oh, there's a meeting I've forgotten about, isn't there?"
Both Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes looked to be a state of bewildered awe, not quite believing they were being asked to do this nor that it would be this easy. She herself could only continue to realize that this really had been the right move. And, sending them an apologetic smile, Cora hoped they would forgive her for this interruption.
Luckily, they did.
"Right then. Good luck with that meeting, Mrs. Crawley." The casual tone only continued to demonstrate how stunned Charles Carson continued to be –– something she thought she'd never witness.
And, make no mistake: Elsie Hughes was certainly in a similar boat, "Yes, I hope everything's all right, Mrs.–– Cora."
Cora nodded at the pair, mouthing her thanks to them as Mrs. Gaunt transferred the caller over. She watched the pair as they exited her office, looking to be crossed between pleasantly surprised and opposed to the idea.
"Oh, and Mr. Carson, Mrs. Hughes," The American lifted her head from the landline's receiver, wanting to assure them one last time that all would be well regardless of what they decided. "There's no pressure to accept. However, please know that you have the administration's full support if you choose to do so. And, I'll be checking in about a week to see what the verdict is."
They nodded, quietly giving her thanks for giving them time to think it over.
And once the door firmly closed behind the pair, she could properly speak to her conspirator of the morning.
"How'd they take it?"
Beryl Patmore could be quite the schemer when she wanted to be, that's what Cora had to conclude today. And with only a few days preparation!
After their previous conversation from last week, the band director revisited the conversation of what to do about the "Best of Downton". This time, however, she had a plan of her own. And though Cora had initially wanted to protest at the idea of coaxing the choir teachers into this duet idea, Beryl had been quick to assure her that –– whether it was down the line or in the moment –– the pair would love the idea. Moreover, the band director had said the administrator didn't have to force anyone to do anything. All the redhead asked was that she watch the two carefully and make a decision based off of gut feeling.
"They accepted it. I really think you were right about it, Mrs. Patmore: it looked to be the best idea they've heard in a while."
"Excellent. And did they have any suggestions for songs?"
"No. But, I'll remind them to come up with some when I follow-up. That is, if they do say yes."
"Oh, they'll say yes all right! And the venue?"
Oh, Cora had forgotten all about the wedding venue, having been distracted by this deviously good-natured plot.
_._
Wednesday, the 19th of February, 2020
3:37 p.m.
"I still can't believe they picked us both for the solo. That they actually split the solo between us."
Such a decision only continued to instill confidence in the two singers, both proud that their teachers saw them on equal footing.
"Me either." Luckily, neither the tenor nor the baritone were opposed to sharing this opportunity. In fact, the latter was feeling good enough to joke around about it: "But, better us than Penelope and Mary."
Matthew Crawley absolutely saw right through the joke, groaning in response as he thought about the two ladies in question. "At least they're getting better."
Thomas Barrow couldn't help but oppose this statement, disbelieving of this optimism: "Are they really? Sure, there's less drama ever since that meeting of ours. But do you honestly think they're getting better?"
"I don't know." Matthew paused, staring down at the sheet music, "But I know we've got work to do if we're going to pull this off."
"Right." Thomas smiled to himself, joining his peer in looking at the sheet music. This was the song that'd gradually pushed him to let go of friends like Sarah O'Brien and crushes like Jimmy Kent. Hearing this led him to asking Mrs. Hughes for help once he realized she could be trusted. It changed his perspective when it came to the world, made it easier than it might've been to give a relationship with Danny Boretsky a shot. There was just something so enthralling about the piece. Something that had him dream about how, one day, he might get a chance to sing it. And, now, he really did have that chance. "Did you ever catch the story behind this one?"
"Only that it made some sort of difference convincing Mr. Carson to listen to Mrs. Hughes."
Thomas snorted, the noise telling the transfer student that there was more to the story, "That's an understatement! People may say different, but I'm convinced this was the real reason he let her start an a cappella group."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Matthew didn't need to look all that hard to see how much this all meant to the teen. The tenor could tell by the newfound energy he didn't get to normally see, the warmth that didn't tend to show in the baritone's eyes.
If that didn't imply that Thomas was a fan of "This is the Moment", that he wasn't ecstatic to be selected as one of two soloists for the song, nothing would.
"Right. Let's do this justice then."
_._
Thursday, the 20th of February, 2020
11:51 a.m.
"So, you'll be doing a duet then?" It was quite something to keep the delight out of her voice, to maintain an impartial tone that wouldn't set off any alarm bells.
But Beryl Patmore wasn't a professional performer for nothing.
"It seems so," Elsie confessed, "We talked it over and, I have to admit it to Mrs. Crawley: she'd really thought the matter over."
'Course she did! I helped her with the reasoning!
"But I've not a clue what we should do for a song. Once I've an idea, we'll let her know." However, the band director wasn't interested in the selected song for the duet, not right now.
She had bigger fish to fry.
"Now, I am sorry to badger you about this, but seeing as how I'm one of the people in charge helping you with your wedding, I've got to ask: have you two made a decision about the venue? Has anything changed?"
"Well, now that you mention," Yes, yes, mention Cora's offer, please, "We've not made a decision, but something has changed."
"Really?"
"It seems Cora wants to offer us Downton for the day."
"The school?" Beryl was doing her absolute best to fake the confusion, if only because she knew how clever Elsie could be. If the redhead revealed what she knew too soon, it would become clear she had a hand in it.
"No, no, not the school. Downton Abbey. Though, I'm not sure we should accept."
Oh, for the love of–– we're doing this again? "Why not?"
"Well, is Downton Abbey really us?" What about the courtyard, which you already rejected? "I mean, do two school teachers really have the right to have a reception at such a place? Isn't it a little too grand for us?"
"If I remember correctly, all you wanted was something fancy enough for him and simple enough for you. And, something about a summer's breeze?" The bride-to-be still looked hesitant, "I dunno about you Elsie, but I'd say the Abbey fits the bill. Did she say you'd have the house or the grounds?"
"I think we'd be welcomed to all of it."
"See? Now that sounds like quite a bargain! And I bet I'd be able to make the cake just like you asked, regardless of your main caterers!"
There was that look of suspicion, a look she knew all too well: "Beryl, did you have something to do with this?"
"I've no idea what you're talking about!"
"Beryl Elaine Patmore––"
"Now, wait a minute! There's no need to talk like that, Elsie May Hughes!"
_._
4:47 p.m.
In retrospect, Mary Crawley should have realized how excellent the ensemble for the Into the Woods medley would be. Even though this had been one of the last songs to audition for, that didn't mean the quality of performance was lacking.
"Into the woods you go again,
You have to every now and then!"
Today was running through the basic movements again for the medley, getting another idea at what this song's choreography would entail.
"Into the woods, each time you go
There's more to learn of what you know!"
It seemed Mr. Ross was content to follow along the lines of the original choreography, a campy style of movement which was probably the only qualm she had with this. She personally wasn't one for skipping around in a circle, acting as though she were lost in a ghastly forest.
"Into the woods! Into the woods!
Into the woods and out of the woods,"
But everyone was doing remarkably well, adapting to the choreographer's requests and easily adjusting to being on the stage versus 402. William made for an endearing Jack, Daisy was frankly perfect for Little Red Riding Hood, Charlotte Williams did a brilliant job as Cinderella. Harold Lowe was a good Narrator, Laura Edmunds worked well as the Baker's Wife and, of course, Charles Blake was rather good at playing the Baker.
"And happily ever after!" "I wish!"
And with that, they'd finished yet another successful rehearsal. Now all that was left was to hear comments and critiques from Mr. Ross, Mr. Carson, and Mrs. Hughes. Of course, once the choir director complimented her yet again on her performance in the medley, Mary tuned the rest of the comments out –– her thoughts drifting. She'd never thought she would be playing the Witch from Into the Woods in any capacity; yet, much like Miss Vance had hinted, it seemed a tolerable role for her capability.
Eventually, the comments came and went –– with them, the students.
Except, it looked as though someone was being careless with their music today, something that was quite the mistake.
"I do believe someone's left their music behind!" Mary archly remarked to the space, withholding a knowing smirk as Charles Blake sheepishly turned back toward her–– having been only seconds away from exiting the auditorium.
"I hope you're not planning to put a spell on that," He teased as he approached, surprised when this jest coaxed Mary into laughing at the suggestion.
"Perhaps next time, if you forget again." The dark-haired soprano retorted in response, playing along with the harmless joke. "Though, perhaps you'll be able to bake me something instead."
"I'm afraid I'm not that much of a baker," Shocking, Mary dryly thought to herself. Had the reverse been the case, she might've been impressed. At least he made for a good singer. That was more than so many of the other baritones in the choirs. "But I am pretty handy 'round pigs!"
"'Handy 'round pigs'?" The soprano repeated, genuine amusement cracking through her controlled demeanour. "What exactly does that mean?"
"Well, if you're free Saturday," Which she technically was, seeing as how that was typically her personal rehearsal day to refine everything. "I could show you. I've got to help a family friend, a farmer."
"A farmer?" This certainly wasn't what the soprano ever imagined she would be involved with.
"A farmer." He affirmed, "Only if you're interested, of course."
Oddly enough, Mary Crawley found that she was.
_._
Friday, the 21st of February, 2020
6:02 p.m.
"My goodness, you've brought enough for an army!"
Joyce and Dickie had finally arrived with their costume sets, starting to roll all the costume racks onto the stage for perusal. Since there were still at least half a dozen costume racks that needed to be rolled, everyone else hurried up onto the stage –– intent on helping to bring the remaining racks toward center-stage.
"How nice!" Alice Neal languidly followed behind the others, brightly continuing, "And I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know that my dress will be arriving in just a week!"
"We are, we are?" Beryl was struggling to show how unimpressed she was. But could the woman really be blamed? The whole group had spent at least a good twenty minutes listening to Miss Neal describe her dress in all of its glory last week.
"Beryl––"
"Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Carson," Having sensed an argument was definitely on the way if the two women were to be overheard, Linda discreetly came to the rescue by loudly pointing out, "I think we'll definitely have enough now for all the students!"
Pieces of all kinds were contained within the portable costume racks, the garment bags that protected them unzipped enough to look inside. Period costumes for Into the Woods, Drowsy Chaperone, 42nd Street, Les Misérables, and My Fair Lady were waiting to be examined. American Western outfits for Annie Get Your Gun were within arm's reach, with a fair amount that looked perfect for Footloose.
The racks went on and on, with more than enough for options. Garments of all varieties awaited them, carefully marked so as to distinguish which was from Midsomer and which was from Grey. There would be no confusion over what was available, there was enough to ensure variety and novelty for practically every performer. In other words, they were well taken care of in this regard.
"Now, since you wanted to have the students work with their costumes until performance day, we've both agreed it's best to leave them all downstairs, outside the dressing rooms."
"Oh, are we really sure we want our costumes hanging about the students? I mean, I'm sure you trust them, but what if one of them got up to something when we weren't there?"
"Alice," The woman was getting on everyone's nerves if Anthony Strallan was finally speaking up, "I'm just as sure there's no need for that sort of attitude. Everyone at Downton is worthy of our trust."
"But what about those incidents from last spring? For example, that horrid young man sneaking into the building on the day of their concert?"
"But he wasn't from Downton––"
"But didn't he have help from someone in the choirs?" When it was clear that she was adamantly sticking to this point, "If the rest of you don't care about such issues, that's fine. But I'm not interested in risking it. So, Charlie, is there another place? Or do I have to leave it at The Center until the day of?"
"Well, Alice," The choir director was not pleased with the request for more than one reason, "There's only one other closet available to us, in 403. Unless you'd prefer to leave your dress in a locked practice room?"
"Not ideal, Charlie. The closet will have to suffice."
"Right. Well, as my fiancée would've told you," He gestured to Elsie to finish the thought, the Scot hardly needing a prompt: "It's not available for use."
"Why not?"
"Because, Alice," Beryl stepped in with clear slivers of satisfaction in her voice, "It's being used to store their wedding decorations."
The Center choir teacher coldly smiled at this, "Oh, really? Surely there's enough space for a little old thing of mine? Or is this wedding –– that I don't believe I ever received an invitation to, by the way –– that ostentatious? Really, if it were,"
"All right. If you bring in the dress next week, we'll see if we can make it work." If only to stop this foolishness.
"Now then," Francesca was stepping in at last, a subtle irritation clipping her words, "If we're done using up precious rehearsal time, perhaps Mr. Ross here can explain some choreography to us?"
"Well, since we don't have a lot of time today," The choreographer took to the question without any hesitation, understanding the finer details behind today's dynamics, "I wanted to focus only on 'It's You' for today…."
_._
Author's Note: Needless to say, Alice and wedding supplies will not mix well. But, on the other hand, it's costume time (one of my personal favorite bits to musical theatre!)! And if the idea of everyone discovering a costume doesn't sound all that interesting, think of it as slipping on a completely different world of existence.
Moreover, I admit I'm giving away one of my other pairings for Downton (Mary/Charles Blake). I do love Matthew/Mary, but it just doesn't seem right here. And, I feel like she would have to mature more if she were to be with someone like Henry Talbot. No worries if none of that's your cup of tea; it's all going to be more subtly referenced than anything else.
And, for anyone who's like "But, isn't a duet between them low-key inappropriate?" I would normally agree. However, given the circumstances, it doesn't really seem all that scandalous. And, seeing as how there are many chaste duets as well as a few platonic ones in musical theatre, it's not as though it'd really be risqué or anything.
Also! If there's a canon middle name for Beryl, I would greatly appreciate knowing it! While the lack of one gives me a chance to reference a really cool person, I usually try to follow canon.
In any case, I hope you enjoyed today's installment and have a lovely day!