Hello hello! I realize it has been a ridiculous amount of time since I've updated. Apologies, it was an unplanned hiatus. The struggles! The struggles!
It was a small inn just off the park. A quaint place, restaurant in bottom, few rooms up top. Elsie was sat at the table, surveying the surroundings while Charles spoke with the proprietor. It was clean and cozy – the perfect place for their wedding meal. The time of day meant that there were only a few patrons scattered throughout the room.
Charles returned to the table with a key and a smile, caressing her hand as he sat across from her.
"Well my lady," he pressed a kiss to her fingers as he spoke, "food and wine shall soon be on their way."
Her smile came quickly, as did her retort, "Hmmm, I'd much prefer the title 'my wife' over my lady'."
His deep rumbling laugh warmed her, "And you have no idea how happy that makes me."
Their discussion paused as an older gentleman with a kind face and tidy appearance placed a bottle of wine and glasses on the table between them, followed by a small vase with some fresh flowers.
"There you are, the food will be out in a few," he paused as he took a step back, "May I also offer my congratulations? My wife and I are proud that you'd choose to come to our establishment on your wedding day."
Elsie responded throwing a smirk in Charles' direction before speaking, "Thank you for your kind words-"
"David, you can call me David."
"We've not been married for more than a half hour, but my does news travel fast."
A blush rose up Charles' cheeks as he struggled for words, "Well – that is-"
He was saved by David's interjection. "Well of course he's proud as a peacock to have married a lady such as you; he'll be wanting to shout it from the roof tops no doubt. I can tell you're just suited."
It was Elsie's turn to blush now.
"Well I'll leave you folks be, be back in a moment with your food."
Charles grasped her hand across the table and gave it a squeeze before pouring them each a glass of wine. Holding the stem of her glass in one hand, she caressed his fingers with the other, feeling a need for physical connection.
Revelling in the warmth of her touch, he raised his glass.
"A toast. To our marriage, our new home, and to you, my darling wife. May our life together be everything that you deserve, and may each of our days together be happier than the last."
Charles took a sip and watched as Elsie slowly drank from her glass, rolling the rich, velvety liquid over her tongue. It stirred something in him.
"Oh Elsie. I know I will be happy all my days because you are with me now. Every moment I think it is a dream, that I could not possibly be this happy, but then you are there being you, steady, loving, assertive, wonderful and I am even happier than before. I hope – well I hope I am able to make you happy as well. That I do make you happy."
A tear escaped her as she reached for him and caressed his cheek, her wine forgotten on the table.
"My darling, of course you make me happy, we make each other happy. I feel safe and loved and cherished when we are together."
His hand was over hers as he leaned into her touch.
"Charles we exist in this marriage as equals, partners, soul mates. I look forward to each and every day of the rest of our lives because I know that we will explore, and deepen the love we already feel, in every way that we can."
He placed a kiss to her palm and allowed her to lean back once more, but he would not relinquish his hold on her hand.
Taking another sip of her wine, she continued.
"And that brings us to our discussion."
"Our discussion?" The trepidation that coloured his tone caused her to choke on her wine as a light laugh escaped her.
"This again?"
Charles felt the rise in him heat as his cheeks coloured. This was a difficult subject, a complicated one. He had his worries, for her, for him, for them together.
"Charles I know you are worried for me, and perhaps you have some concerns for you as well. But we can work through anything together, can't we?"
Soothed by her words and hopeful smile, he felt his nerves begin to ease.
"Of course we can. But for now, let us enjoy our wedding meal."
Right on cue, David approached the table carrying several plates.
Releasing their hands to make room for the food, they both thanked David as he set the hearty dishes in front of them and hurried off back to the kitchens.
Elsie surveyed the feast, her heart swelling as she observed all of her favourite dishes on the table in front of them.
"Oh love, this is just perfect. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Let's enjoy this wonderful food. Soon we will have our discussion, when it is just the two of us. I promise."
She beamed at him across the table before digging into the food. After all, she would need her strength for later.
There we are. Sappy I know, but I've had some wine and that's where it went. Thank you for reading:)