Author's Note: This chapter is all about jumping forward in time! We're going to cruise up to what is known as "Tech Week"/"Hell Week" (depends on your opinion of the whole thing). But that's another chapter for another time!
As for today, we've got: a sneaky scheme, an incensed octet, a discreet dance, a bumbling "ogre", and a fair amount of plotters! Oh, and a little surprise waiting for you in the second author's note….
And, finally, there are two songs mentioned in this chapter! Feel free to look up the phrase "When Words Fail" (from Shrek the Musical) for Joseph's solo and "Into the Woods - 'Agony'" for the duet referenced by Charles Blake.
Enjoy!
_._
Saturday, the 4th of April, 2020
9:03 a.m.
He was the only one awake. They finally had a Saturday for themselves, and they'd both agreed the night prior that there would be no alarms going off at six in the morning, no official plans to go anywhere, nothing.
In short, his plan had gone off like a charm. And his dear fiancée was soundly out, the pianissimo quality of sleep enchanting, coaxing him to remain in bed just a little longer. Surely, with the sun enveloping them in a surreal haze and the peace of mind that came with no obligations, he should have been transfixed, his movements andantino.
As it happened, tempo di valse was conducting Charles Carson's heartbeat –– shoo-ing the man out of bed and toward the kitchen with nary a thought. The follow-up to his plan, having breakfast in bed, would surely be a wonderful way to start the special day off.
Yes, he felt rather refreshed the first time in weeks, the first fermata in the endless doppio movimento that was this term.
"Right. Let's not overdo it, Charlie," The man muttered to himself, shaking his head in fondness. He needed to focus on stealthily walking past the gleaming surfaces and––
Gleaming surfaces? Swept floors? The normal piles of trivialities sorted through and put away? A flat that actually resembled a flat instead of a tornado?
"Elsie," The choir director dazedly murmured, taking it all in. She knew how much he loved it when things were tidied up and how stressed out he could get when everything was a mess. It just so happened everything had been piling up these last few months, a disarray ever since auditions started. And though they did make an effort to tidy up, it wasn't anything as thorough as this. "When did you have the time?"
Charles could only assume she'd done this after he'd gone to sleep last night, the woman having proclaimed she needed to mark some theory assignments she'd forgotten about. And she'd managed all this without waking him up!
Clearly, breakfast in bed was more than deserved by this point.
That, and a little rain.
After all, this had been the day they'd been ensconced in the school last spring, all thanks to an endless thunderstorm. And, yes, he was well aware that his opinion of thunderstorms had dramatically changed over this last year. Initially, he thought rain to be an unnecessary part of life. But given what it had brought, it had been easy to become a fan of the chaotic weather.
Mind, Charles couldn't fully get behind spending a great deal of time walking about in the rain. That was something he and Elsie would happily differ on.
Even if it did occasionally make the world a little less heavy.
_._
Tuesday, the 7th of April, 2020
10:33 a.m.
"Is something wrong, Anna?"
"Actually, Mrs. Hughes," Anna had stayed behind, not wanting to ask this question in front of the other students. "I was wondering if I might have a word?"
"Of course." And with another gesture from her teacher, Anna recognized it was time to present her thought.
"It's just," She knew this idea of hers would be pushing a fine line, and not just because of the timing. "Some of the other choir members and I were wondering if–– well, if we could somehow participate in your wedding? Sing a song at your reception or something?"
"My, my," In the distance, a bell signaled the end of the passing period. "Well, that's certainly worth thinking about! But, let's make sure you're not late to your next class first."
"Of course." Anna gave a small smile, "Just let me know when you make a decision. And, either way, congratulations, Mrs. Hughes. We're all so happy for you both."
"Thank you. Now, get going before you get in trouble!"
The young soprano gave a nod at this, swiftly picking up the pace as she headed out of the auditorium. Seeing as how Mrs. Hughes hadn't outright rejected the idea, there definitely was hope for something.
Now it was up to her partner-in-crime to work their magic–– that is, her other partner-in-crime.
John was apparently busy being a sounding board for Phyllis Baxter. The alto and her octet were struggling with something and, last Anna'd heard, they'd been discreetly turning to fellow students for help.
But if she remained focused on that, she'd definitely be late for her next class!
_._
Thursday, the 9th of April, 2020
7:02 p.m.
"So, will you be planning some sort of," Charles hesitated on the wording, having never encountered this sort of thing before. "Hen do" had been the phrase he'd heard most before, but that'd been mentioned in his presence on a handful of occasions over the years. What if it wasn't the correct phrasing for the era? Worse still, what if he'd gotten the whole thing wrong? "Celebration with Beryl and Becky? To commemorate the wedding?"
Elsie chortled into her pasta, tickled and surprised. Somehow, they'd gone from ruminating over some final musical preparations to this. "Are you referring to a 'hen do'?"
The man nodded, inwardly cringing at how formal his tone had become, "That's correct."
"We hadn't planned anything official, no."
"Really?"
She set aside the food for the moment, trying her best to bite back a tease, "Charlie, the most we'd do is have a nice dinner and then go back to Beryl's flat to watch 'The Great British Bake Off'. There wouldn't be much to plan."
"Well, I still think you should do something." Charles informed her, regaining some of his normal blustery confidence back. "I think you all ought to take a night out and enjoy yourselves."
"And will Albert be taking you out for a stag night?" Elsie knowingly asked, withholding a smirk at her fiancé suddenly had an innocuous coughing fit. "Maybe invite some of your cousins, make it a proper outing?"
His answer was brief, quite firm: "I don't think so."
"I see." Well, at least they had the opportunities if they so wished.
At the start of their plans, figuring out the wedding party had certainly been a fun and stress-free event. Nothing to worry about in the slightest. In other words, Elsie had stalled in her decisions because Becky had been her chief bridesmaid in her first wedding, but in a perfect world she would honour both Becky and Beryl by giving them that privilege this time around.
It was only until she'd bemoaned the issue to Isobel Crawley that the administrator pointed out something important. Since it was Elsie's wedding, and her second wedding on top of it, why couldn't she do what she really wanted? Isobel had even gone on to mention she'd heard of a new trend to have a Maid and Matron of Honour in the bridal party, so why couldn't they do just that?
Elsie had been hesitant to do something that atypical, but when it came down to it she knew it was preferable to what'd happen last time. Which had solved her issues but left Charles left to figure out what on earth he'd do for his selection. He wasn't close to any of his cousins, not enough for the man to want any of them for a Best Man. And while he may have known Robert Crawley for quite some time, having bonded over endless meetings, that was an idea that didn't sit right with the director.
It'd taken Beryl asking him point-blank exactly when he was going to ask Albert to be Best Man that Charles realized that was a distinct possibility. And seeing as how he'd found the man to be more of a friend than anyone else lately, it felt like that was the best choice.
"So, no celebrations at all?" It was a facetious probe, one wherein the answer could be presumed. Charles resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the cheek, merely harrumphing into his pasta. When he eventually glanced back at her, unable to help himself, he was shocked to see his fiancée daring to stick her tongue out at him as though they were children.
Later, the man would deny any and all allegations involving that he'd been the one to start the food fight. After all, why would two such distinguished individuals such as themselves resort to such childish frivolities?
_._
Tuesday the 14th of April, 2020
5:17 p.m.
Why did they agree to this?
Oh, wait.
Did anyone actually agree to this?
She didn't remember saying yes to an extra rehearsal to make up for Easter. And when Abigail had heard some of the other teachers and directors wanted to listen in on the octet's rehearsals, she'd envisioned Mrs. Barnes, Mr. Merton, possibly Mrs. Barnaby, and just maybe Mr. Strallan popping by to give a few tips.
She hadn't planned for three hours of hell.
"Was that supposed to be the baritone part?" Abigail stiffened, not caring to officially acknowledge She-Who-Doesn't-Deserved-To-Be-Named because the woman wasn't worth it. "I know the baritone's known to be a mess, but that was just… spectacularly awful."
Right. David's little plan, filing official complaints with all the heads of the schools to get SWDDTBN booted from the show, was quaint. What they needed was a real scheme. Something that wasn't going to get them in trouble, something that wouldn't trod through academic politics, but something that would take SWDDTBN out of the picture for the whole event, if not the term.
"And may I say that while you, my dear, did wonderfully," Matthew didn't look pleased to be taking compliments from her, especially when it was clear that someone else was about to be insulted, "You certainly struggled to keep up this round. Are you sure you're meant to sing lead? I myself find that only so many are able to handle the role..."
There was one silver lining out of all of this:
SWDDTBN just insulted Penelope Carlisle. Harshly. In front of her peers and teachers. For the third time today.
In other words?
Whatever plan they came up with would have the full backing of Carlisle Institute.
_._
Thursday, the 16th of April, 2020
4:57 p.m.
"When you said 'Bridal Waltz', you weren't really joking!"
Beryl had thought they'd been giving her a hard time when the two had mentioned the idea all those months ago. She'd pretended to take them at their word, cheekily informing them that she expected to be personally invited to one of these waltz rehearsals in-person.
Well, here she was, having entered through the backstage area.
And there Charles was, tenderly dipping Elsie right on the stage. For the first time in many weeks, they finally looked as though they were the only two in the world, waltzing away to a wonderfully sentimental tune.
All of this was an accomplishment, given the amount of responsibility they tended to take on.
But this wasn't the only thing that had her beaming with pride.
The fact that they had taken the stage for themselves was astonishing. They could have crammed themselves into 402 or 403 to make this rehearsal work, but they had decided to use the best rehearsal space in the school and she couldn't stop from grinning at the sight!
When the pair started to close the remaining distance, truly oblivious to anything else but each other, Beryl respectfully averted her eyes and started to make her way out. The question she'd had for them was simple enough, more of an excuse to drop by and see what they were up to.
But something told the woman that it would be better to wait until tomorrow to ask.
_._
Friday, the 17th of April, 2020
5:48 p.m.
"If you all could describe today with one word," Harold Lowe began to ask his fellow peers, personally feeling winded by everything, "What word would you use?"
Everyone from the Into the Woods medley had gathered up after-school to casually work on the medley. Since most of the crowd held perfectionistic tendencies, they needed little encouragement to carry out additional rehearsals. And now, after a solid two-and-a-half hours of rehearsal, they were all finally calling it a day –– rightfully so.
"I've got a word or two," Charles Blake eventually piped up when the others seemed too tired to, "Agony! Beyond power of speech,"
Peals of laughter began to escape them, almost everyone recognizing the song at once. Only Daisy looked on in confusion, not exactly sure what Charles was referencing.
"You do know that's not in the medley, right?"
"Exactly." The baritone confirmed, dramatically picking the lyrics back up, reaching out as though he were Prince Charming himself, "When the one thing you want is the only thing out of your reach!"
And gesturing to the group for some brave soul to snatch up the other half of the duet, Charles was bowled over by the sight of Laura Edmunds summoning a deep breath before giving it a go, "High in her tower, she sits by the hour,"
"Some prince!" "I didn't know you could sing tenor!" "You're sure you're a soprano?" "I think Mr. Carson voiced you wrong!"
"Maintaining her hair!" Laura defiantly carried on despite the peanut gallery, doing a solid attempt at singing tenor. The key word here being "attempt". Needless to say, the soprano's voice grumbled and cracked on more than one occasion through these lyrics. "Blithe and becoming and frequently humming a lighthearted air:"
But it was the next bit of hers that sent them all into the grass, gasping for air through the laughter. Her imitation of Rapunzel was simply too much for them to maintain any sort of dignity. Not that any of them really cared to.
_._
Monday, the 20th of April, 2020
12:42 p.m.
It'd taken her more time than she would've liked to do this, but here she was. Standing right outside 403 with a ridiculous idea that was guarantee to fail. And yet her hand remained poised to knock on the door, prepared to intrude on the teachers' lunch.
At least there weren't any chairs to slam into this time.
"Mr. Carson," Mary quietly opened the door once she was given permission to come into the room, "I was wondering if I could have a moment?"
The choir director immediately leapt to his feet, wondering what on earth could have brought the eldest Crawley daughter up here during her lunch period. Seeing as how all classes continually rehearsed in the auditorium, it would be a hassle for any student to trek all the way up here.
As such, he didn't waste any time with the young soprano, "Is everything all right, Mary?"
"It is." She confirmed, taking note of the fact that Mrs. Hughes and Miss Vance were nowhere in sight. "Though, is everything all right with Mrs. Hughes and Miss Vance?"
"They're out getting takeaway," Mr. Carson easily dismissed the subject, probably wanting to get to the heart of the matter, "Did you want to rehearse for the solo showcase?"
"No, thank you." His confusion grew. "Rather, I had a request. A few fellow choristers and I were wondering if there would be an opportunity to sing at the wedding."
The choir director hadn't been expecting that. "'Sing at the wedding'?"
Mary nodded, "If it is agreeable, there are some who would find it a privilege to perform in June. To show our appreciation for everything both you and Mrs. Hughes have done for the choirs."
"How many is 'some'?"
She gave a wan smile, revealing nothing. "I wouldn't want to sway your decision by telling you that, Mr. Carson. I only wanted to inform you of the request. But don't worry," His eyebrows began to furrow at the thought of further concern, prompting the young lady to explain herself, "Whatever the answer, there won't be any 'Loch Lomond's in the show."
It didn't seem to have occurred to the man that the students could easily plan and sneak in a song to demonstrate their appreciation for their teachers. Nor did it occur to him that they would want to illustrate said appreciation any way they could. However, whether the idea had occurred or not, it was still possible for the students to pull it off. And, if it turned out they wouldn't be able perform in the wedding, they just might do something for the show.
After all, Mary only promised they wouldn't perform "Loch Lomond" –– nothing else.
"I certainly hope not." But his tone was light, definitely lighter than it had been when she started at Downton. Something the soprano appreciated, though she'd never admit as such. "But, speaking of surprises,"
"Yes, Mr. Carson?"
"I am sorry about how the competition went." She stiffened, understanding the reference at once. "I do hope you realize that, if it'd been up to me, your solo would have been featured in the showcase regardless. Scoring aside, you did splendidly."
"Thank you, Mr. Carson. I do understand." And she did.
Somewhat.
_._
Friday, the 24th of April, 2020
7:18 p.m.
Anna and Septimus may be performing their solos in May but Joseph Moseley was ecstatic to be singing his solo at Downton Abbey tonight. He'd been prepping for the April solo showcase for as long as he could, relieved that he'd be getting this chance to perform. It certainly helped that he'd stuck to his word and gotten plenty of sleep ever since the competition. And, he'd made sure not to watch Jurassic Park ever again!
"Ready?" Bless Phyllis for always being able to distract him from his nerves.
"But, what if the words really do fail?" Joseph couldn't help but ask. That was what his solo was all about –– practicing how to not awkwardly convey his feelings, his love. "Just like the song?"
"Don't you remember how your solo ends?"
His girlfriend faithfully began to remind him when he shook his head, intoning the lyrics with all the confidence she could, "'When words fail, she'll just take my hand'." The alto he did as such, smiling. "'She sees me like no one else has'." And, stepping onto her tiptoes, "'She'll understand.'"
Kissing Joseph once more for luck, Phyllis had an inkling that the message was finally getting across.
_._
Sunday, the 26th of April, 2020
5:14 p.m.
"Elsie," Mary's request had been niggling away at his thoughts ever since she mentioned it. "I've a thought about the choirs,"
"Don't tell me," She sent him a look, "You want to cut 'Ten Minutes Ago' and give the Bass Choir a break?"
"Honestly?" He shuddered at the thought of cutting another song from the program. Elsie had already taken care of "Summer Nights" for the a cappella class. But he hadn't had to take anything out, not until now. "I think it'd be for the best."
"I agree."
"But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about." Charles raced to address the unspoken question before her curiosity simmered for too long, "I know we're less than two months away, but what do you think about giving the choirs a chance to perform something at the wedding?"
"Oh my goodness," He couldn't tell if that was a good 'goodness' or one that would end up being rather disappointing. "Thank you for reminding me!"
"You mean," Charles needed to confirm what he was hearing, "You were thinking the same?"
"I think it'd be lovely to have the choirs perform at our wedding!" Elsie paused, wanting to clarify, "That is, at least at the reception. I'm fairly certain we can't put them into the ceremony, not with only two months left."
"Definitely not." Not with Travis at the helm. "But what would we ask them to sing?"
She couldn't help herself: "Is that really a question?"
Charles chuckled, realizing that his fiancée was correct. "As you'd say, I suppose not. All we need to do now is figure out how to ask them."
"Do you not suppose a few sign-up sheets outside the dressing rooms would be enough?"
"The dressing rooms, Elsie?"
"Well, I doubt we'd want them to have to go all the way back up to 402."
Oh. That makes sense. "I hadn't thought about it like that."
His fiancée hummed knowingly in response, having suspected as such.
_._
Friday, the 1st of May, 2020
3:42 p.m.
"What's this?"
Even though she did love singing, social media had always been a joy for Rose MacClare. It was one of the reasons she'd single-handedly taken over the Downton Choir social media pages, making sure the choirs were well taken care of when it came to their internet presence. And now that they were a week away from performing their showcase, it was key for their social media to be incredibly put-together.
"What do you got there, Rose?" Sybil asked, knowing that the teen was transfixed by something on her phone.
"Someone, a fan of the choirs, sent us a cool throwback video of Mr. Carson!" Rose explained, having read the email that came along with the video clip. "Apparently, he used to be in a quartet called the Cheerful Charlies –– a barbershop quartet if you can believe it!"
"The 'Cheerful Charlies'? A barbershop quartet?" Mary asked, smirking at the sound of it. She respected the choir director, even after he'd informed she would not be singing her solo in the show. Nevertheless, hearing that he'd once involved himself with a quartet brought a whole new dimension to the man, "I'm afraid I'll have to see proof of this, Rose."
"Look for yourself! I've got the video right here!"
"But, wait––" Edith was confused, "Didn't Mr. Carson hate anything a cappella before Mrs. Hughes came along?"
"He just didn't want someone else taking charge of his choirs." Rose explained succinctly, beaming at the video. This was something unique, something that would strike attention within the school and the community. That it demonstrated Mr. Carson acting in a hilarious manner with the rest of his quartet was only the cherry on top, proving that their choir director was a member of the human race.
"I don't know, I really thought––"
"Well," Rose chimed back in, enthralled by the novelty of it all. "It can't hurt to show the world this side of our director. Who knows, maybe other fans of the Cheerful Charlies will find the video and help donate to the choirs?"
"Maybe we should ask Mrs. Hughes before posting––"
"She'd find it all charming, I'm sure. Besides, she gave me complete control over the social media platforms."
"Are you sure 'complete control' is what she really meant?" Sybil had a feeling that Rose was blowing it out-of-proportion.
"Oh, just relax." Mary reasserted herself in the conversation, "It sounds like the perfect way to acquire attention with a week before the show!"
"And, whether it's perfect or not," Rose began to declare with a smile, "It's done! Now all that's left is to thank them for sharing it."
"Do you know who sent it?"
"No idea," The tech-savy teen confessed, still taken with the surprise. "Just an anonymous fan. Isn't it sweet?"
_._
Author's Note: Oh, Rose. You have so much to learn in life.
For those who want a reference as to the type of quartet the Cheerful Charlies would take after, you can check out "Storm Front - Lida Rose" or "FRED - 1997 International Quartet Semifinal". Definitely some hilarious comedy "quartet-ing" going on in those two groups!
Now, here's the surprise: you may have noticed that we've caught up to real-time. Well, I'm pleased to say that, to honor that, the next chapter should be up and running by Monday, May 4th because it starts on that same day :)
In any case, as always, have a lovely day!