Blasting 'Beautiful In White' by Shane Filan.
Chapter Nine
"Should I really be wearing white?" Nell whispered as Mrs. McCarthy made alterations on her wedding dress. A gown Lady Felicia was going to wear on her own wedding day many years ago.
"Nonsense!" Lady F said, "And besides it's not true white now is it? It's more of an ivory." she gazed lovingly at the silk gown.
Mrs. M grabbed the paper sitting on the end table. "I forgot to show you, I was able to get your announcement to the printer's in time! Now you can cut it out and have it framed."
"Thank you, Mrs. McCarthy! Lady Felicia are you sure you want me to wear your dress?" Nell asked.
"Of course. Someone should get to wear it, after all."
"Why didn't you?" Nell asked.
Felicia sighed, "I was told it wasn't suitable for a society wedding. I wore my mother's gown. It was beautiful, but I just always loved this one." she reached out and touched the delicate lace sleeves.
"I think I've sewn the last of it. Try it on." Mrs. M handed Nell the dress, "You'll need help with the buttons once it's on."
Nell disappeared into Mrs. McCarthy's bedroom. In just a few minutes she would be married. To Sid. She was so happy...and so nervous. She slipped on the long silk gown. It flowed out at her feet and had a long train. The lace sleeves ended by her elbows and the buttons in the back were lace covered. Nell glanced in the mirror and hardly recognized herself.
She appeared in the doorway and the two ladies gasped. Mrs. M clasped her hands together.
"Come dear, let's get you buttoned up."
They buttoned her dress, and pinned her hair back at the nape of her neck. They placed her veil on her head, and Felicia gave her a pearl hairpin to hold it well in place. One last glance in the mirror and it was time to go.
"She's late!" Sid took out the pocket watch Father Brown had given him years ago.
"She's on her way, I'm sure." the Father assured him.
Sid nervously bounced Bub and paced St. Mary's. Father Brown looked at Sid. No longer a boy. His heart swelled with pride.
"Thank the Lord!" Sid exclaimed as Mrs. McCarthy and Lady Felicia bounded through the doors.
The church was empty, save for their small group and Mr. and Mrs. Elliott. Plus a man Sid hired to play the violin. Their footsteps echoed through the church. Mrs. M took her seat as Father Brown went to accompany Nell down the aisle to her groom. Lady Felicia greeted Sidney with a kiss.
"I'm very proud of you, Sid. I hope you know that. So terribly proud." her eyes welled with tears.
"All right, all right. That's enough of that." he said. But even so he gathered her up in a hug before passing Bub into her arms. She took the baby to her seat and held him. Sid stared at the back of the church as the violin started to play. He really couldn't stand organs, and he was glad he didn't have to listen to one at the most nerve-wracking moment of his life.
Then there she was. For a split second he wasn't sure it was her. She looked like an absolute angel. Too perfect for this world. Too delicate for the rough hands of Sidney Carter, and yet she had a toughness about her that matched even his. Her eyes locked onto him and for once in his life he felt his cheeks burning. It was as if she could see into his soul. No doubt she really could.
Hurry and get up here to me.
The closer she got to the front of the church, the further Sid fell in love. Her veil didn't cover her face and he could see she was blushing too. A pretty pink hue was spreading over her porcelain cheeks.
As she marched up the aisle on Father Brown's arm Sid thought it was fitting. He'd never known his father, not really and since he was a child Father Brown had been as a father to him. Nell had no one either, her parents abandoned her when she became pregnant with Bub. They cared not about the circumstances. They simply cut her off.
Here she was though...happier than ever. Glowing.
Finally, after what seemed like forever she made it to his side. His hands were shaking as he took hers. The Father stood in front of them and began the ceremony. Her eyes were shining in the candles. She turned around and gave Bub a wave before stealing a glance up at Sid. Upon Sid's request Father Brown breezed through some of the heavier rituals. After all, he had only been to Mass once in 18 years.
"If any man can show just cause why these two may not be lawfully joined together let him speak now or forever hold his peace."
Knowing no one there would speak the Father pushed forward to the Lord's prayer.
"Our Father-"
"Stop!" a voice cried from the back of the church. "I forbid this wedding to proceed!"
Father Brown's head jerked up and his eyes narrowed. Sid turned around with a face like thunder, but Nell stood frozen. She didn't turn to look, but her hand caught Sid just as he was about to stomp towards the man.
"Don't" she whispered, "Please just...stay. Let Father Brown handle it."
"You know him." Sid deduced.
"He's...my father." she choked out, barely audible.
Father Brown walked down the aisle stopping midway. Lady Felicia and Mrs. M looked on in horror and disgust.
"Do you mind telling me who you are?" Father Brown asked.
"I'm her father!" he pointed a finger towards Nell, who still hadn't turned to face him.
She squeezed Sid's hand.
"Even so, you need to provide just cause why they may not be lawfully joined." Father Brown continued.
"I have ample just cause." he spat.
"Go on."
"Father!" Sid exclaimed.
"No, Sid. I must hear the evidence." Father Brown said.
Sid rolled his eyes and started to pace. Nell crossed her arms over her chest and closed her eyes, waiting for it to be over.
"The evidence is right there." he pointed to Bub. "She's a whore!"
Whatever restraint Sid had snapped. Before Father Brown could stop him Sid breezed past the priest and punched the man in the mouth knocking him down. Lady Felicia gasped and Mrs. M uttered a "Holy Mother!"
"Sidney, no!" Nell shrieked and went after him.
Mrs. McCarthy disappeared into the office to call the police.
The man, Nell's father rubbed his bloody mouth on his sleeve. "And you, oh I know all about you. The thief. The ex con. You're as bad as her."
Nell pulled Sid away and stood in front of him to face her father.
"Father, you need to leave." she said quietly.
"You should have gotten rid of that...thing! No one would have been the wiser and you could've made a good match instead of settling for...him. But no, you had to keep the evil spawn-"
"That is enough!" Father Brown raised his voice.
Felicia cradled Bub tightly against her chest sickened by the man's comments about an innocent baby. Nell was quite literally holding Sid back.
Just then Sergeant Goodfellow tip-toed his way inside the church and quietly hauled the man outside without a word. Sid braced himself on a pew and leaned over. He exhaled and closed his eyes.
"The things that man said-" Sid gritted out, "He's lucky to have left with all his teeth!"
"He's a monster," Nell whispered. "He always has been."
The group took a moment to collect themselves as Mrs. McCarthy reappeared.
"Thank you, Mrs. McCarthy." Father Brown said.
"Yes, jolly good thinking Mrs. M." Lady F whispered to her.
Nell touched Sidney's shoulder, "Sid?"
"Please tell me you still wanna do this?" he turned to face her.
"Of course! Get up there to the altar so we can be married."
Sid grinned, "Thank God for you, Nell!" he leaned down to kiss her just as Father Brown cleared his throat.
"Let's save that for the grand finale shall we?"
"Of course, Father." Nell smiled.
"Wait," Sid told them before jogging back and fetching Bub from Lady Felicia's arms. He carried his son with him to the altar. "All right. We're ready."
They finalized their nuptials with smiles on their faces despite the earlier interruption. As shaken as Nell was by the appearance of her father nothing could dampen her happiness and excitement at becoming Mrs. Sidney Carter.
After the ceremony they had an intimate dinner. Nell, Sid, and Bub smiled for pictures. They were all so at ease in each other's company. Father Brown couldn't remember a time when he'd seen Sid so happy.
"Mrs. Carter," Mr. Elliott greeted Nell, "We have some good news."
"Yes?" Nell asked as she poured herself a cup of punch.
Sid came to stand beside her wrapping his arm around her middle.
"The transfer will go through at the end of the month! And as for the cottage, we'll be leaving at the end of the week. The cottage will be ready for you to move in on Saturday." Mr. Elliott told her.
Mrs. Elliott gathered her up in a hug. "We're so happy for you dear! Please send us lots of pictures."
"I will, I promise!" Nell said.
When the party was over Nell and Sid kissed Bub as he went home with Lady Felicia for the evening. Nell was well aware of what a wedding night traditionally consisted of, and the more she thought of it the more nervous she became.
Awww. They're cute.