Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been,
Lives in a dream.
Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door.
Who is it for?
All the lonely people,
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people,
Where do they all belong?
x-X-x
The church was silent, empty of the expected guests. Edith's note was clutched in Anthony's hand. He sat alone in the front pew, wearing his regular suit instead of the special on that had originally been selected for the day. For a moment his thoughts drifted to the thought that somewhere in Downton her wedding gown was lying untouched, same as his suit.
"I'm sorry, Anthony." Cora said softly, taking the spot next to him.
"I don't know what happened. She was so happy last night, she was ready… I thought she was."
"She was. I'm afraid this might be the fault of the Crawley family."
"How do you mean?"
"Edith has never been very good at heeding the calls of her better angels. I know that Robert never made his displeasure at the match a secret. And of course there's Violet and Mary. If I had to guess, I would say that it was all too much for Edith… How much did she tell you about her childhood?"
"A fair amount. I know that she always felt second best."
"Yes, a fact I've come to realize a bit too late in her life I'm afraid." Cora sighed. "The first time Edith has the entire attention of her family and the majority of it is negative. She does love you, Anthony. But she's scared."
"Of what? Was the prospect of life with me really so terrible?"
"You're her first love, Anthony."
"That can't be."
"It's true. She's had dates, but never love like I see between the two of you. She's young and terrified of this new journey you two were about to embark on."
"Edith is fearless."
"Not when it comes to her heart. She guards that closer than anything. Give it time, please don't give up on her."
"I could never give up on her… I just hope you're right."
x-X-x
Where did you go when things went wrong baby?
Who did you run to
And find a shoulder to lay your head upon?
Baby wasn't I there?
Didn't I take good care of you?
No no, I can't believe you're leaving me.
Stay with me baby.
Please, stay with me baby.
Oh, stay with me baby.
I can't go on.
x-X-x
Books weren't even enough to cheer Edith up. She felt weak for needing a bit of cheer, it was her decision to leave Anthony. It was she who left him the night before they were supposed to marry. London felt especially cold now, everything did. It was a mistake, leaving him was an epic mistake. But there was nothing to be done about it now. She had hurt him, she could know that without laying eyes on him. There was no possibility that he would take her back again.
"Weak willed fool." She muttered to herself, forcing a book back onto the shelf.
"What was that?" Thomas called from a few rows over.
"Verbally berating myself." She replied.
"Why? Edith, just go talk to him. The two of you are disgustingly in love."
"I left him seven hours before our wedding."
"A wedding I wasn't invited to…"
"Sorry."
"Eeds, you're miserable without him. You're making everyone around you miserable, myself included."
"I am."
"Then the obvious solution is…"
"Thomas, it isn't that easy. He won't want to speak to me."
"Of course he will. I refuse to believe that in the course of a week he's already moved on. The man loves you, he'll hear you out. This is the only solution, otherwise I'm going to have to kick you out of my apartment."
"Thomas!"
"Edith, you've managed to depress my cat. I'm giving you a week to talk to him. If not you'll have to find new housing."
"That's not…"
"One week!" He shouted, disappearing into the shelves again.
A week to find Anthony and reconcile what happened? That was unreasonable, impossible. She wasn't even sure where to find him. He could still be at Locksley, if he was back in the city there was no guarantee that he would see her, let alone speak to her.
"Stop over thinking! Just talk to him!" Came Tom's disembodied voice from somewhere in the shop.
There was no other choice… She couldn't live the rest of her life not knowing if he would be willing to give her a second chance. She had to know. And with that she set down the book in her hands and ran out into the street, not caring that the rain was soaking her through. Anthony's flat would be the first place to start.
x-X-x
Remember what we've said and done and felt about each other
Oh, babe have mercy.
Don't let the past remind us of what we are not now
I am not dreaming.
I am yours
You are mine
You are what you are.
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes – Crosby, Stills & Nash
Middle song: Stay With Me – Lorraine Ellison