Okay, it's the day we've all been waiting for. The wedding day! And don't worry. I will be sparing everyone's virgin eyes and not post too much about the actual "wedding night" itself. I'm not a writer of smut. I leave that in the hands of other people to do if they so choose.
(London, 1923)
"Oh I remember that talk well." James groaned as the other laughed. "They really don't tell you anything! I think I was just about as terrified as Bert when I got married."
"And now I have something to look forward to!" Davey quipped.
Another round of laughter shook the table as Matthew's thoughts turned inward. He had plenty of people interested in him because of his father's title. And as the eldest son, he stood to inherit everything, which meant that he had to make a good match.
Bgut listening to this story had made him realize that there was more to life. And that he wanted more than to marry someone in order to keep power among the upper class. He wanted someone to love him the way that Mary obviously loved Bert.
"Come back down, Matthew." James teased as he realized that everyone was looking at him.
"Sorry. Got lost in my mind there for a moment." he said lightly.
"We noticed." Tom laughed, clapping him on the back as Michael took a long drink to refresh his parched throat.
Matthew rolled his eyes playfully but appreciated the sentiment.
"So the wedding." James prompted as Michael set his mug down and Matthew had to smile. His friend was just as absorbed in the story as he was.
(London, August 11th, 1917)
The sun was warm and bright but Mary didn't notice it as she bustled around, making sure that everything was ready. She was packed, her dress was hanging on the closet door and all that was left was to eat and clean her teeth.
Bert had left early to prepare at what would be their new home in order to preserve the age old tradition of the groom not seeing his bride on the day of the wedding. However, she would have gladly broken with tradition in order to get a glimpse of his smile.
But she would see him soon enough. Sinking down into a chair in front of the small mirror, she mechanically picked up a brush and began to pull it through her hair. She could hear that Robby and Michael were up and bickering amicably over their bow ties. She hadn't been allowed to see them, which made her a little suspicious. Robby had said brightly that it was a surprise from Bert and she wondered just what her husband to be was up to.
A fond smile touched her lips as she thought back to the wind-swept day they had met. It had been her first job in London, and first job ever really. A sudden gust had torn her hat from her head and blown it down the street. She'd hurried after it. following it into the park before it was tossed up high into a tree.
She'd sighed and glared at the tree before hearing a cheerful voice from behind her. "I'll get it for ya, miss!"
Turning. she found a chimney sweep setting down his tools and tugging on his cap politely, a wide smile on his face as he headed for the tree. She was going to protest, but he was already halfway up before she could even get her mouth open. Rather impressed at his climbing abilities, she waited in silence as he retrieved the hat and swung down gracefully, landing on his feet.
"'ere you go!" he said cheerfully. "One 'at for you, miss."
She accepted the hat from him, unable to keep a smile from her face. "Thank you very much, sir."
"Oh I'm no sir. Name's Bert Alfred, 'erbert if you're me mum."
"Then thank you very much, Bert. I am Mary Poppins."
His smile widened, if such a thing was possible. "Nice to meetcha, Mary Poppins. I'll see you about, yeah?"
"Most likely. Until we meet again, Bert."
And that had been the beginning of everything. She stayed lost in her thoughts until a soft tapping came at the door. "Come in." she invited.
The door opened to reveal Mrs. Brown, Jane and Olivia. They were all dressed and looking excited. The expressions on their faces reminded her that today was her wedding day and she began to feel her own mood rising.
As they moved in and began to get her ready, she hoped that Bert was as happy as she was.
His bowtie refused to lie still and Bert frowned, heaving a heavy sigh. Gavin would be here soon to collect him and everything else was perfect except for this dratted tie!
"Gonna stare a hole in it, Bert?" a voice asked from behing him.
Turning with a chuckle, he found Gavin leaning against the door, grinning. "It won't lie still, Gav." he complained.
"Let me help." Gavin offered and Bert nodded. The younger sweep came over and had the stubborn tie in line within a few minutes.
"That's not fair, that is." Bert said with a shake of his head as he made sure that he had everything he needed. The rings were with Gavin, who would assist Robby with that part of the ceremony and Mr. Banks had the marriage license in his possession.
"You'll have to tell me one day why we had to have these particular bowties." Gavin commented as Bert pulled his shoe on his left foot.
Looking back into the mirror, Bert grinned as he took in the sight of his grey suit with a brightly striped bowtie in white, blue, and red. "Gav, you wouldn't believe me even if I told you."
Shrugging good naturedly, Gavin waited for him before heading down to the street where a carriage waited for them. Bert got himself in and watched the scenery as they made their way to St. Paul's. It was a beautitul day, perfect for a wedding and he couldn't help but think that fate was finally smiling on him and Mary.
There was little traffic and they made good time, emerging from the carriage at a little before 10. Mary would be arriving soon and Gavin led him into the church to meet with the minister one last time.
His nerves were surprisingly calm as he stood at the front of the church. All he could do now was wait. There was no point in worrying.
Robby and Michael arrived a few minute later, along with Mr. and Mrs. Banks. The license was put in the proper place for signing after the ceremony had taken place and Gavin made sure the rings were clipped to the lapel of Robby's coat.
As he watched the others arriving, he couldn't help the sense of excitement that was growing in him. This was it. In just a few minutes, he would be married.
Mary sat in the small room reserved for the brides tidying herself one last time. Uncle Albert was waiting to walk her down the aisle and she was glad to see that he wasn't floating on the ceiling!
"Ready my dear?" he asked, beaming at her as she emerged, bouquet of flowers in one hand.
"I am, Uncle Albert." she said calmly and she truly was. Mrs. Brown hugged her, already getting teary before dashing off to take her seat. It was to be a relatively low key affair. Just her and Bert, Gavin and Mrs. Brown, the entire Banks family, Cook, and a few of Bert's sweep friends.
Linking her arm through her uncle's, she waited at his side until the music changed into the "Canon In D", a song that both she and Bert had liked.
Her steps were measured and slow as they rounded the corner and she could finally see everyone. It was a little hard to recognize some of the sweeps without soot on their faces and she was also glad and taken aback to see some of her former charges gathered as well, young men and women whom she had helped.
As they got closer to the altar, she sought out Bert and wanted to laugh and cry. His, and the other men's bowties were perfect replicas of the one he had always worn for their "jolly holidays". This had to be the surprise that Michael had been referring to and when her eyes met Bert's, he grinned a little.
His hair was smoothed down and the grey suit he wore perfect but it was the expression on his face that had her heart singing within her. There was awe, as well as a a deep and unbreakable affection. Suddenly, all she wanted was to race to him in a very undignified manner! But she would get there soon enough.
Uncle Albert turned to her as they reached the bottom step and lifted the shimmering veil to kiss her cheek. As he did so, she felt a sense of finality. There would be no going back to the way she was after this.
Smiling, though his eyes were filling up already, Uncle Albert placed her hand in Bert's gently. She gripped her future husband's hand tightly and was reassured when he gave a small squeeze in response.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God to join together these two souls in holy matrimony." the preacher began. Mary's heart was thumping in her ears so loudly that she could hardly hear what he was saying. Finally, it came time for them to make their vows to each other.
"Herbert James Alfred, do you take this woman, Mary Alise Poppins to be your lawfully wedded wife? To cleave unto her and her only in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor and cherish all the days of your life?"
"I do." he said, his voice ringing with conviction. She could hear sniffles coming from behind her, as well as to her side. Jane, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Banks, to be sure.
"Mary Alise Poppins, do you take this man, Herbert James Alfred to be you lawfully wedded husband? To cleave unto him and him only in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor and cherish all the days of your life?"
"I do." she replied, looking up into Bert's eyes. She had never seen his eyes shine as brightly as they did now.
"The rings, please."
Robby stepped forward and Bert nimbly detached the rings from his lapel. She smiled softly at the thoughtful way in which Bert had figured out a way for his friend to fulfill the duties of best man.
"Place the ring upon her hand and repeat these words." the minister instructed.
Bert did so, sliding a plain gold band onto his finger to join the ring that had been in his family for years. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Taking the heavier ring, she placed it onto his hand as she repeated the age old words. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Looking out over the congregation, the minister asked, "If any know of a reason these two should not be wedded, speak now or forever hold your peace."
It was silent...until Robby sneezed loudly.
A ripple of laughter moved through the crowd and Mary saw Robby's flaming face as he sheepishly ducked his head. Even the minister was smiling.
"If there are no objections, then it is my pleasure, through the authority granted to me by the Church and the Crown, to pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Bert enthusiastically pulled the veil over her head before wrapping his arms around her and kissing her tenderly. She lost all sense of time and place before the whoops and whistles reminded her.
Blushing heavily, she turned to look out over the people who had come to share in this special day with them. Mrs. Banks was crying, as was Mrs. Brown. Uncle Albert was a wreck and even Cook was weeping a little. Bert's sweep friends had been the ones who'd been whistling and whooping at them, and she couldn't help but laugh as he gave them all a mock dirty look.
The organ struck up the familiar "Wedding March" and Bert looped his arm though hers as they made their way down the aisle as man and wife. All there was to do now was change into their traveling clothes and go to the station to catch the train that would be taking them to Scotland.
Bert finished dressing and moved to stand outside to wait for Mary. Gavin stood there, eyes suspiciously bright. "Oh don't take on so, Gav." Bert teased, hugging the young man.
"Everybody cries at weddings." was his muffled response and Bert chuckled, stepping back.
"So they say." he nodded. Gavin smiled before looking pointedly over at Jane. Curiously, Bert looked at her as well and it wasn't until she had dabbed at her eyes again that he noticed the flash of something gold on her left hand.
He whirled back to Gavin. "Did you..?" he began, unable to finish the sentence.
Gavin nodded, his smile wider than Bert had ever seen it. "I spoke with her Father and we'll be married in March, after her birthday. Gives me some time to fix the house up and get it ready."
"I'm happy for you, Gav." Bert said as he hugged him again. "And Jerry would be happy too. Remember that."
"I will." Gavin promised, quickly brushing at his face with his sleeve. Jane looked over at them and blushed prettily when Bert nodded his head to her.
Olivia was standing with Mrs. Banks. looking ill at east and Bert made his way over to her. "What's wrong?" he asked, concerned. She had seemed very pleased when Mary had asked her to be a bridesmaid.
"It's...Robby." she sighed. "He asked me to marry him a few months ago and I told him I needed time. He asked me again and it's awful, Bert! I just don't love him that way and when I tried to speak to him about it, he brushed it off like he always does."
Bert's good mood came down for a moment. He knew that Robby liked her, but he also knew in his heart it wouldn't be a good match. "I'm sorry, Olivia. Give him some time, and maybe just write to him. Seems like he takes that a bit serious."
She smiled appreciatively at his effort to cheer her up before kissing his cheek. "Thank you, Bert. And congratulations. I know you and Mary will be very happy."
"Thank you." he said, his mood rising again.
The door opened and Mary came out. She had been beautiful in her wedding dress and she looked beautiful still. Taking her hand into his amid good wishes and last embraces, they got into the carriage and began the journey to the train station.
As they rolled along in comfortable silence, Bert was surprised to find himself singing an old song with slightly new words.
"It's a jolly wedding day with Mary, Mary's made my life so light. When the war had left me low and wary, Mary helped me stand and fight. Now our lives will be tied up together, She'll be the only one I'm thinking of. When Mary holds my hand, I still feel grand, My heart's still beatin' like the big ol' band Oh it's a jolly wedding day with Mary. And she's the only one I'll ever love. Oh she's the only one I'll ever love..."
She turned her gaze from the window and leaned her head on his shoulder. "I love you, Bert." she said softly as her fingers curled around his.
"I love you too." he said just as quietly as their carriage arrived at the train station.
The journery from Scotland had been long and as she sat in the bathroom of their hotel room, she couldn't help but think it hadn't been long enough! The red nightgown Cook has insisted on lay on the counter and Mary stared at it like it had grown an addition head.
It was so short! It barely came to her knees! And there were no sleeves! She couldn't do this. At least, not like this.
Trying to breathe deeply, she scolded herself. It was a nightgown. It was not going to bite her. And after tonight she never had to wear it again.
Having settled this to her satisfaction, she tugged it on, not daring to look at herself in the mirror. Reaching up with shaking hands, she plucked the pins from her hair, letting it cascaded around her shoulder. She was letting her hair down in every way tonight it seemed.
Biting her lip, she finally opened the door slowly. Bert was already sitting on the edge of the bed and she could see from here that his shoulders were tense. She remebered Cook saying that he would be nervous too and knowing that he truly was made her feel a bit better.
Hesitantly, she walked across the floor with slow steps before lightly resting her hand on his shoulder. He looked up, and his facial expression made her feel embarrassed and empowered at the same time. He swallowed hard before saying quietly, "If you want to wait, we don't have to do this tonight, Mary."
The fact that he would actually do this for her removed any last vestiges of doubt and she shook her head. "No, Bert. I don't want to wait."
He nodded and she sat down beside him. As his arm looped around her, she pulled his face to her and kissed him like she had the day they became engaged. He pulled her closer and her last coherent thought was that she had been a silly fool to fear this.
Something was tickling his nose and as he woke up more fully, Bert realized that it was Mary's hair. Smiling to himself, he shifted slightly so he could see her face as she slept. The morning sun looked like gold on her pale skin and he was reflecting to himself that he would have to paint this when she awoke herself.
'"Good morning, Mrs. Alfred." he teased.
"Good morning to you too, Mr. Alfred." she teased back.
He laughed, but the laughter ceased when her fingers found something on his right shoulder. "Bert, what's that?" she asked curiously.
"It's a scar." he said.
She gave him her "yes, I already knew that" look and he realized that he couldn't keep secrets from her. He had to be open about everything.
"I got it durning the war." he continued quietly. "It...it's from the same shell that took my leg."
Her face softened and she became the one that was holding him instead of the other way around. "I'm sorry you had to go through that alone, Bert."
A thought struck him and he looked into her eyes. "I'm not alone anymore, Mary." he said. "And that's what counts."
The Alfreds did not make it in time for breakfast.