Chapter 7: Engagement and Marriage
A/N: I know nothing about Lights's kids in real life, so I'm just making it up as I go.
"Dear Emilia and Will;
"Is it true? First off the news article that your creepy butler tried to kill my buddy Will? I would just love to have five minutes alone with that asshole and make him see reason! I think that the ultimate punishment I'd love to foist off on him! A good old hanging from the yardarm and I think that Will would agree with me on that one.
"Life is good with Sylvia and me, not to mention our family. My wife and I have five children now and our youngest, Brian, keeps us up sometimes! He's not even a year old yet and I know that we will not be having any children anymore. We're getting too old for this and it's time for the next phase of our lives.
"I was honored for my work on Dover patrol, as I think you both know, getting a bar to my uniform and made a full commander before the war was out. I do miss the informal ways of the merchant marine, so after the new year, I will be going back out to sea. Will, shall I see you there perhaps?
"Secondly, is it really true that you two are getting married? There was an announcement in the paper about you two getting married and the media is all over it. I hope you let your parents have advance notice first before the newspapers found out!
"Sylvia and I would be horribly insulted mind you if we were not invited to the marriage ceremy-not to worry, our children would not be there. When can we expect an invitation to the happy ceremony?
"Do write back soon or stop by any time at all.
"Fondly, Charles and Sylvia."
"Dear my beloved sister;
"I bet you don't recognize the address on the envelope, but knowing you as well as I do, you will open this and read it to make sure that it was from someone that you know. You do know me, I would hope.
"It's your big brother, Randal! I do apologize for not writing all these years, but I've been having my own life out here in California. I will send a letter to our parents explaining my absence for these past almost 8 years now with the war and all.
"Secretly, I met a lady by the name of Bridget Alexandra about 6 years ago, a year of courtship followed, and I married her. We both rode out the war here in California, it was a year of blissfulness, then the kids arrived.
"Yes, kids, sis. Bridget and I had a little boy and a little girl, Jonathan Matthew and the little girl is named Rosemary Trinity. I will send some pictures when the photographer gets back from his vacation, I promise.
"Please send me the information about your wedding and my family and I will make it over there. I have been away from you for far too long and I sincerely regret that I wasn't able to make it for Sarah's funeral. Jonathan was sick and I could not leave him alone. I know you all would understand that one.
"Congratulations, little sister and I will come for your marriage ceremony. My little sister married! I can't wait for it and I can't wait to meet Will Murdoch. He is a very lucky man.
"Love your big brother Randal."
The week before Christmas, Emilia turned from the room she was just putting the finishing touches on, having redecorated the entire first floor in less than two weeks time. She had received the letter from her brother and was quite excited to start planning the wedding. Murdoch had gone out on the Celtic for the Christmas run last week and was due home at any time. Things had gotten a bit slow in the merchant marine, and he missed having his own command, but he was sure to be a captain sometime that summer.
The princess swept back a strand of stray hair, tucking it behind her ear as she made modifications to the stenciled trim just under the ceiling line. Murdoch had given her carte blanche to modify any room in the house to her liking, as he didn't care one way or another. Emilia had also taken most of the ratty old furniture away, replaced the old couch with a more comfortable model which went with the new color scheme.
Finished with her stenciling touchup, Emilia put her hands on her hips and surveyed the room. It was the master bedroom which had a very light turquoise color painted on the walls. The color reminded her of the sea, she had framed a picture of the Oceanic she had gotten from one of Lightoller's friends, and the furniture had been done in a light maple. Grinning to herself, Emilia put a large conch shell on the desk in front of the window for ornamentation. Murdoch's clothes had all been freshly washed and put away, his bookshelf was neatened up some, and Emilia already had some Christmas presents stashed for him.
The living room had been painted over in a light cream color with pine wood paneling and door molding, the new sofa was gray so it didn't show dust and dirt as much as white did. She had redone the mantlepiece, cleaning it thoroughly and staining it a pine color so that it matched the rest of the furniture.
It had been two weeks since Alphonse stood trial, the likes of which had been publicized to no end by the media. Emilia had always worked well with the media in the past and during the trial was no different. She was well liked by the general public and the media was favorable to her as well, likening Alphonse to a homicidal maniac. The crafty princess had also used the media to her advantage as well, securing permission from Murdoch to let the public know of their engagement. Shortly before he left on another voyage, Emilia had commissioned a publicity portrait of the both of them to be released in the newspaper. The picture had been of Murdoch and Emilia sitting on the couch with smiles on their faces, her head leaning on his shoulder, their hands joined together.
Footsteps sounded and Emilia checked herself in the mirror, adding a tinsel string to her hair, tying it around her chignon at the back. She had decorated the house for Christmas as well, holly sprigs and pine boughs on the mantlepiece, a decorative red candle in a hurricane glass adorned the table with a small poinsettia around it.
"Well, hello!" Murdoch stood in the doorway, glancing around into the entryway of the house.
"Hello yourself," she put a holly sprig in his lapel. "come on in, I can't wait for you to see it."
"Oh, sounds intriguing." he teased as he allowed her to take his hand.
The sailor loved the improvements that Emilia had put into the house, adding value to it as well. She redid the spare room so it was a pale yellow, Murdoch noting that it was a pleasing color so they would not be redoing it in case they had children in the future.
Ever since Lightoller had teased him a bit about children possibly in the future, he had put the thought into his friend's head. It even came into his dreams at time and he was warming to the possibility gradually.
"You know Charles and Sylvia have invited us to supper tonight," Emilia mentioned, smiling as Murdoch kissed her on the cheek. "you up for it?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well you just came home. I thought you might want to relax."
"I am relaxed when I see you." he sniggered, getting closer and smelling the fragrance of her hair. "I'm up for a visit to the chaos house Charles lives in."
"Better get ready then. It's almost five."
"Oi, is that mistletoe?" Murdoch glanced up at the doorway to the bedroom. Emilia laughed.
"I didn't think it would take you that long to find it," she teased, surrendering to his kiss. "come on then."
Murdoch got into his civilian clothes while Emilia checked her red and green checked calico dress, picked up her black overcoat, then pulled on her leather gloves. Murdoch put on his bowler hat, Emilia pinned on her hat, they locked up the house tightly and went off to Lightoller's house.
The chaos house was very aptly nicknamed by Murdochy, as when they neared the house, they could hear the boisterous voices of several children. It had snowed the night before and Lightoller had thoughtfully shoveled out a pathway, then sprinkled down dirt to make sure nobody would slip and fall.
Sylvia opened up the door with her daughter clinging to her skirts shyly. "Hello, come on in!"
"Thank you, Sylvia. Lovely to see you again," Murdoch and Emilia greeted her warmly. "who is this one?"
"This is Doreen. She's a bit shy." the little girl had her mother's eyes and Lightoller's roan brown hair. She looked at Murdoch timidly, but her eyes riveted on Emilia as the sailor took her coat off.
"Hi, Doreen," Emilia offered her hand to the little girl. "it's all right, hon." Doreen was a pretty little girl with curly brown hair framing her face. She put her hand in Emilia's and gave her a timid smile. "how are you?"
"Up!"
"Oh, if you insist!" with a laugh, Emilia hoisted up the 3-year-old girl who giggled with glee.
"Well, hello hello!" Lightoller came down the stairs with his 6-month-old son. "Sylvia, this one is getting fussy so maybe you need to-"
"I'll tend to him Charles, thank you," she hoisted the baby on one shoulder. "I'll be back in ten minutes." she winked and left the room. Lightoller's two older boys Roger and Trevor were playing with blocks in the living room while the oldest girl Mavis was sitting and reading a book.
"Ah, you've made a friend," Lightoller noticed Emilia holding Doreen. "she's a bit shy, always been a bit of a mommy's girl."
"Daddy!" the 3-year-old squawked. "Down, please!" Emilia put the child down carefully, watching her toddle off on a bowlegged gait, tacking erratically towards her big brothers.
"Children," Lightoller muttered. "I'm glad I have them but they are a handful!"
"I can imagine that!" Murdoch chortled, privately thinking that he'd never have more than 3 at the most. Five children was too much, especially for his modest income. He thought Emilia would agree with him on that one as well. Doreen was welcomed by her brother Trevor who pushed a few blocks over towards her. The toddler squealed with pleasure, plunked herself down, and began to build.
Murdoch and Lightoller started talking about ships and the war, so Emilia went into the bedroom to see Sylvia buttoning up her blouse, young little Brian lying asleep in the crib nearby. "Hi."
"And you. It must be rewarding to look after your children, to be a mom."
"It is. I feel fulfilled in many ways," Sylvia admitted. "all of them are representations of Charles's and my love to each other. No material possessions could resemble a love of two people as well as children."
"I never thought of it like that."
"So have you and Will thought of any children together?"
"Not yet. I know that he's away all the time and it seems unfair to raise kids while he's always out at sea."
"But he always comes back, doesn't he? Charles does. Honestly I don't think the sea would ever be able to claim him."
"He's indefagitable, Sylvia."
"He better be or he wouldn't be the person that I married. Come now, time to put the children to bed."
When the children were upstairs and asleep, the two couples sat down to supper and gossiped about the past and the future.
"Have you and Emilia thought about children, Will? You'd make a wonderful dad."
"I haven't thought about it to be honest."
"Me neither. There's so much to do before we think that far ahead."
"True, Em." Lightoller allowed. "What became of that butler chap? Life in prison I would hope?"
"Well, as luck would have it, prison unhinged him and he's a raving loony now. It doesn't matter that he never admitted in leaking me to the media like he did, but the fact he's a lunatic in a padded room for the rest of his life is the best unintentional revenge that I could think of."
"It seems so, eh? What about wedding plans?"
"Family tradition, we're getting married at Westminster Abbey, but it will be a small congregation. Close family and friends, you two of course," Murdoch told them with a grin. "wouldn't be right without you two there. Emilia's brother and his family are even coming. We have to set the date after the new year to make sure they can get passage over here, line up everything, get our clothes all set, and we will be set to wed."
"I see," Lightoller looked at Sylvia thoughtfully. "very high class affair?"
"Just come in your best outfit and you will please us," Emilia assured him. "I don't want you all feeling shabby in any way."
"Here here!" Murdoch raised his glass as the others followed him. They drank to each other's health and gossiped over the rest of the supper.
On Christmas Eve the happy couple sat down in front of the fireplace in the living room, hands entwined together as the pine log in the fireplace snapped and popped unexpectedly. Emilia jumped but Murdoch did not bat an eye.
"I forget, sailors aren't ruffled by this sort of thing," she teased, tying the cinch on her bathrobe. "how foolish I must look to you."
"Well, yes." Murdoch laughed, bringing his arm to dangle around her shoulders. Emilia flipped her long braid over her shoulder to her back, the warmth from the fire was lulling her to sleep. "So what do you do for Christmas?"
"Not much. We opened up our presents in the morning, I'd help with the cooking and set the table, then our friends and family would stop by for Christmas dinner, we'd be spoiled with presents, etc. Usually something would be broken when the day came to a close," she giggled sleepily. "my brothers were always so rough."
Murdoch chuckled as he kissed the top of her head, noting her eyelids drifting shut.
After a few moments of staring at the fire, he began to feel sleepy himself, so he picked up his love, brought her to the bedroom, then lay down next to her, pulling the covers over both of them. Murdoch turned out the light and went to sleep.
Christmas day came astonishingly quickly. Emilia opened up her eyes, rubbed them, then sat up, stretching. New snow glittered on the windowpanes as the rising sun made them shine, nearly blinding Emilia as she got up out of bed. She drew back the curtains, enjoying the sight of the new snowfall for a moment.
"Will, time to get up," the princess nudged her fiance playfully. "remember, we have to pay a visit to Lights and his family, then my parents will be here in the afternoon."
"I don't get to sleep in on Christmas Day?" Murdoch play-whined. "What gives?"
"Come on. I never slept in late on the most important day of the year," she giggled, remembering the times when she and her siblings would charge down the stairs at the estate when it was barely five thirty in the morning. Her parents did not allow anyone to open gifts when they were not around and were very strict on the matter. Of course, Randal would often peel back the wrapping enough to see what it was then replace it.
"Up and at 'em." Emilia coaxed as he reluctantly rose from the sanctuary of his bed. "I'll get ready." she took up her clothes and went into the bathroom. Murdoch attired himself in his best dark brown serge suit, his hat, then made coffee for himself and Emilia, waiting for her.
The princess looked like she'd walked out of a storybook. She wore a medium green skirt which stood out nicely and was rounded out by the underskirt, a white high necked blouse with a small cameo pin at her throat. Her peacoat was green to match her skirt with an edging of white shirred silk to match the blouse. Emilia was holding a green hat in her hand that had a ribbon of the same white silk around the crown. On the left hand side of her hat there was a small clutch of eagle feathers sewn diagonally in.
"You look wonderful."
"And you. Oh, Will! Do you think I can ever teach you how to properly tie that thing?" Murdoch was relatively new to ascots and he blushed as Emilia untangled the knot he'd managed to create and tied it properly.
"You seem to know the proper way around these things," he teased. "did you daddy tell you how to do it?"
"Actually yes. My brothers used to come to me complaining about how they couldn't tie theirs. I had to teach them many times." she finished and smoothed out the front. "You look smashing."
"Thank you, darling," he pecked her on the cheek. "Happy Christmas." Murdoch handed her a package which she opened up, revealing a beautiful blue and white silk shawl.
"I love it! Thank you so much!" Emilia rewarded him with a big kiss then handed him a package as well. "I do hope you like it."
Murdoch grinned as he opened it up, the smile growing brighter every second. "The complete works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle! I've been looking for this everywhere."
Emilia had been pinning on her hat and putting her new shawl on. She gave him a coy look as she asked, "I guess it's a hit then?"
"Never ever think otherwise my dear." he stepped back and surveyed her. "That suits you very much. It was a good choice."
"Oh, pat yourself on the back some more!" she teased. "Come on, Charlie will have a fit if we're late."
"You know he's always been anal about punctuality. Do not call him Charlie or Chuckers whatever you do. He hates it. It's either Lights or Charles." Murdoch warned her as he shrugged into his coat.
"OK I guess." Emilia pretended to pout. "He's no fun."
"No fun?! Have you heard about Fort Dennison?" Murdoch locked the door after they stepped outside and dropped the key in his pocket.
"Yes. You told me you were ill during his escapade."
"I was. I'm glad too. I would have been forced to tell on him but it didn't matter." in that case ignorance had been bliss.
Their two hour visit with the rambunctious Lightoller family had been entertaining to say the least. The children acted like they were strung out on sugar as they insisted on showing the couple their toys several times, Emilia helped Sylvia in the kitchen, Murdoch and Lightoller took the boys out in the backyard and played games with them so the children could burn off their energy in a productive way.
"Sylvia, I think I've come to a decision," Emilia announced as she set the table. "I think Will would make a wonderful father, don't you?"
Sylvia almost dropped the dishes. "You aren't-"
"Not yet at least," she smiled. "I don't want to rush into something like that. He's a fine man and I'm lucky to have him."
"Taken our conversation last night into account, eh?" Sylvia adjusted the children's cups at their places. "I agree not to rush it and you both must be sure it is what you really want."
"I know it is. I'll talk to him tonight." Emilia rather looked forward to that conversation just to make sure that they were on the same page. Nothing would happen before their marriage, but it was good to plan ahead.
Christmas lunch was served with Emilia and the oldest daughter Mavis helping Sylvia as Lightoller playfully dubbed her the master of the ceremonies. The children were well behaved, the adults were amused by their antics and they were soon allowed to leave the table to play with their new toys.
Together, Murdoch and Emilia had bought toy cars for the boys, rag dolls for the girls, a new watch for Lightoller, for Sylvia, a beautiful gilt picture frame for her pictures of the children. Lightoller and Sylvia together gave Murdoch and Emilia a leather-bound book with the title FAMILY MEMORIES stamped on the cover and embossed with gold.
"Something to keep in mind." Lightoller joked.
That afternoon when they got back from the Lightoller household, Murdoch hung up his coat and Emilia's new shawl, then they lit a fire in the fireplace while Emilia got afternoon tea going. Everything had been prepared and ready, now they were waiting on Stephen and Evelyn coming by to see them.
"So Will, there's been something on my mind recently," Emilia began, snuggling up to him on the couch. "do you want children someday?"
"What brought this on?"
"Like you need to ask?" the princess snorted. "Lightoller and Sylvia's brood of children are so lively, I feel like it would be natural for us to do so sometime in the future."
To her surpise, Murdoch gave a little sigh with a grin. "I've been thinking on it too."
"And?"
"It's too early for us right now, but further on down the road, if it should happen, I will be grateful. I have a great father to pattern myself on and you do. My parents were wonderful, yours was even if your mother was a little strict, you know."
"She didn't lead me down the wrong path." Emilia was silent for a moment, thinking about her dead sister. Murdoch gave her a kiss on the cheek and was silent for a few moments to give his fiancee some space.
"So after we've been married for a bit, then we can start thinking about children." he summarized.
"It's very practical." Emilia admitted with a lazy smile.
Stephen and Evelyn arrived about 20 minutes later, shaking out their wraps and hanging them up in the hall. The couple accepted their teacups from Murdoch as they sat down on the couch. Emilia stoked up the fire, putting a maple log on, then closed the fire grate.
"Well now, how has the holiday been treating you?" Stephen asked, his jolly tone infiltrating the room. Murdoch turned on the radio nearby to Christmas carols, adjusting the volume so it was low.
"Very well, Stephen," the officer sat down on the love seat with Emilia. "we visited some friends and received a few gifts that were wonderful."
"Ah, I believe we can add to that! Dear?"
"Righto," Evelyn fished around in her purse then pulled out an envelope. Murdoch took it and with Emilia watching, he pulled out a piece of paper.
"You're giving us the summer house?"
"Yes indeed. Daffodil House is now yours. We don't use it, Edward is traveling across Europe a lot, and Randal has his family in California now."
"Oh, so you got his letter now?"
"We did indeed. We're pleased that he has his own family and a wonderful wife. Your wedding date is set for May 10th, so that will be enough time for Randal to book passage over here on one of the liners." Evelyn responded.
"Speaking of which, we should warn you that you will be running the gamut of media when the day arrives," Stephen eyed them. "no matter how small the ceremony is, there always will be people lined up around the block to see you and the like. Best you should know that as soon as possible."
"We know, Dad."
"This is wonderful. After the wedding we can go straight to Daffodil House for the honeymoon." Murdoch folded up the paper and put it away. Evelyn nodded with a grin.
"Stephen and I bought the land and had the house built when Emilia here was just 3 years old. We've had many great memories of the place, so now we think it's time that you two make some memories of it, use it how you will." the indirect point of that statement was when they had children that was when they would make new memories of the place. Emilia glanced at Murdoch, who gave her a smile.
"What's that smile for?" Stephen teased, setting his cup on the side table with a little rattle.
"Well, Will and I decided that after we're married of course, we will bless you with grandchildren."
"Lovely!" Evelyn clapped her hands together. "My grandchildren will be on the same side of the ocean as we are!"
"Darling, let's not get too far down the road. The first hurdle is the marriage." Stephen gently admonished her.
"You're right, honey," Evelyn picked up the teacups and put them in the kitchen. "one thing at a time."
"Dad is right, Mom. Now I don't think Daffodil House needs to be remodeled from what I remember. Has Eddie gotten his personal crap out of there?"
"Eddie hasn't been there within the past year. You two haven't been there since before the war started. Everyone's personal affects are off the property except the sailboat."
"When I was there with Emilia she wouldn't get into the sailboat," Murdoch remembered, a grin flitting across his face. "I tried and I went out in it solo, caught some fish and that was it."
"Ah!" Stephen trumpeted. "Did you find Emerson Cove out there? Wonderful spot."
"I did, Stephen. Beautiful spot, full of fish."
Emilia hated to interrupt their merry chatter but she had to ask her mother something. "Come with me for a moment, Mom? Help me out in the kitchen for a moment?"
"Of course, dear." the matriarch rose from her seat and followed her daughter into the kitchen.
"I wanted to ask more about Alphonse," Emilia picked up the dishes and pumped water onto them from the spout. Setting a small kettle on the stovetop, she sat and waited for the water to boil so she could scrub up the dishes and cups. "did he really murder my sister?"
"Darling, I thought we went over this," Evelyn sat down next to Emilia at the table and put her arm around her. "Alphonse admitted to the murder so what doubt could remain? He's locked up and he will get his sentencing any day now. You know the public adores you and they are baying for his blood. I would bet my boots that he will be hanged."
"I guess a part of me doesn't want to believe that he was capable of all that. He was my confidante for many years, Mom. It still gives me nightmares and I often think what if he killed me instead of Sarah?"
Evelyn paled and then hugged her daughter forcefully. "Enough of that thought, my dear. I want you to do your best and put this whole mess behind you. Can you do that?"
"I can try."
"That's better than nothing." her mother encouraged her. "Sarah's been avenged, we know who leaked you and Will to the press, what else is there to do but plan for the wedding?"
"Right," the kettle was boiling by now so Emilia took it off the stovetop and poured some of the hot water into the sink so she could scrub the cups. "in the meantime, Mom, I was thinking about gingham or taffeta for my wedding dress..."
When 8 PM came, Evelyn and Stephen bade their goodbyes to the happy couple. Stephen had received a gold pocketwatch from them with his initials on it, Evelyn had a brand new emerald and gold bracelet Emilia had designed for her. The gold had been sculpted to look like vines and leaves around small emerald stones set into it. Evelyn was perfectly happy to have it, showering her daughter and future son-in-law with thanks.
"Whew!" Murdoch said as he shut the door behind the couple. "I always thought that your mother would be a cold-hearted bitch, but she's proved me dead wrong."
"She's a little aloof with strangers, Will. You grew on her and she's happy with you."
"Sure your parents don't mind you marrying a penniless merchant marine officer?" he stepped up behind her as she let her hair down from its usual braided knot.
"You're not penniless and you have a promising career with a good future ahead of you," Emilia corrected him, unbuttoning her peacoat. "I for one am proud of you and I could have done much worse."
"Hey!" Murdoch paused when she started laughing, obviously razzing him. "Is this an early onset of that spousal abuse I keep hearing of?"
"No, it's called Emilia abuse. You're not used to it yet?"
"Do I need to be?"
"It helps." she teased.
"Oh, you get into bed without any supper! You've been so naughty today!" he shot back, chasing her into the bedroom and slamming the door.
The months between December and May were uneventful. Murdoch went on several sea voyages but became more disillusioned when he and Lightoller compared notes and saw that they would not rise any higher than chief officer on board the ships. He confided his woes to Emilia who grew angry on his behalf. While he and Lightoller were away on another voyage, the princess and Sylvia went down to the White Star Line offices and demanded to see Lord Pirrie, the owner of the line.
Through much anger and consternation on both of their parts, the point was taken that both officers and indeed all who had survived Titanic were worthy of promotion and their own commands. The women managed to extract a promise out of the old man to see to it that the officers were promoted duly as their record permits, not because of one notorious disaster. A counterpoint was offered that the passengers might not want to sail with an officer that was on board the Titanic, but Emilia and Sylvia had swiftly countered that if they were on that ship and survived, they would be more than capable in helping out in another disaster if need be. Emilia threatened to use her royalty status to bring public awareness to how badly the White Star Line was treating the remaining Titanic officers if something was not done to remedy the situation.
During the month of April, Emilia was fitted for her dress several times, she spent some time on designing the rings that they would wear, and planned out the decorations for the church and the reception. Her family was big and so was Murdoch's, so they would just about fill Westminster altogether.
Evelyn planned the supper with some input from Emilia and Murdoch, pulling together a nautical theme for the reception. Randal came in from California three days before the wedding with his children and wife, staying at the estate in Southampton. Emilia went to greet them the day after arrival and she was pleased to see her older brother hadn't changed a bit.
Randal had the same facial structure as their father, the blonde hair of their grandfather, and he had the mannerisms of Stephen like Emilia did. His wife was fair, pale skinned with dark brown eyes. The children were a fair mixture of both of their parents and were very well behaved.
Finally the big day arrived. Emilia's mother and sister-in-law helped her dress, the latter being skilled with hairstyling.
"Bridget, you are amazing," Emilia commented. Bridget had done a half up and half down hairstyle for her, knotting the hair on top so it was out of her face and the lower part of the hair had been curled and knotted until the very end of her wavy mane touched her shoulders. Evelyn agreed, handing her daughter a tube of lipstick. "how did you learn all of this?"
"I went to a beauty school," Bridget rubbed a lotion onto Emilia's face. "spent years doing other people's hair and that's where I met Randal."
"You do this wonderfully, dear," Evelyn picked up a powder brush and handed it to her. "Emilia has to look like a real knockout on her wedding day!"
"Mom, please. Will loves me because of my personality. My looks are just icing on the cake," Emilia drew on a line of lipstick and allowed
Bridget to put some eyeshadow on. A very small amount of rouge was used on her cheeks and she turned to the dress hanging on a closet rack.
Bridget and Evelyn helped her into her corset, tightening it a bit, then Bridget secured the underskirt of the dress, buttoning it securely.
"Were you going to use a bustle?"
"Hell no!" Emilia swore. "Bustles and hoopskirts can go the way of the dinosaur! Bustles make my ass look big!"
Evelyn gave her a stern look about her cussing and Bridget tried hard not to grin. On went the beautiful dress, a white number with a very small train. The dress had dropped sleeves, a plunging neckline, and a small band of blue silk sewn around the neckline.
"Something new and blue," Bridget commented, bringing Emilia a little package. "I wore this on my wedding day and I hope it brings you luck."
Emilia took the square of tissue paper and opened it up. Inside was a pair of blue sapphire teardrop earrings with three diamonds around them. "Past, present, future," Bridget said unnecessarily as she fastened them into her sister-in-law's ears. "you look wonderful in them."
"Aw, thank you."
"And now for the something old," Evelyn announced, bringing a pine box into the room. She set it down on the vanity with a dull thud, unlatched the box, then pulled forth the most beautiful tiara that Emilia had ever seen. "it was your great-grandmother Maybelle's and she wanted it handed down through the generations. Now it's your turn."
The tiara was antiquated but it sure didn't look it. Emilia sat down at her vanity in revered silence as her mother fastened the glittering ornament to her daughter's head. The tallest part of the tiara was at the very center of her forehead now, jutting up about two and a half inches. Decorative curlicues and scrolls ornamented it heavily as it dazzled in the light of the room.
"Now for the veil." Bridget expertly fastened the vein to Emilia's twisted mass of hair so it was held in securely.
"Well come on now!" Emilia stood up, nearly tripping over her skirt. "Will might be gone by the time we show up!"
The two ladies glanced at each other, knowing that Emilia was giddy and a bundle of nervousness. Bridget shook her head and smiled while Evelyn pulled on her hat. The matriarch of the family was wearing a pale purple dress reminiscent of springtime, Bridget wore a light yellow dress.
The bridal party made a grand entrance to Westminster, Emilia waving to the throngs of people shouting their congratulations. Some looked a bit dismayed by the fact she did not have a long train attached to her dress, but that was how she wanted it. At the entrance to Westminster, Stephen, in his best suit and top hat, greeted his daughter with a peck on the cheek and his wide smile.
"I've dreaded and looked forward to this moment for years." he said cheekily as Evelyn rolled her eyes. Randal came up to them, allowing Bridget to claim his arm. Evelyn, her son and daughter-in-law went forth to claim their seats. Stephen handed Emilia her bouquet of roses and dahlias and as soon as the music began, they opened up the doors and walked forth.
Murdoch was in his best uniform with his groomsmen Lightoller, Lowe, Boxhall, Pitman, not to mention his male siblings. His parents were dressed in their best in the front row, grinning and giving him looks of support and encouragement. His wedding to Ada had been just a minister and a witness; this was far in the other direction.
With a sudden pang, he thought of Ada at that moment, casting a furtive glance to Lightoller who knew what he was thinking. His best friend gave him a tiny nod, meaning don't dwell on it, and he understood well enough. She was gone, Emilia was in his life now, and he was marrying her.
The organ music started, startling him a little bit, then the procession down the aisle seemed to take forever. As nervous as he was, there was some tradition involved, but he just wanted to get it over with so he could relax with his love.
When Emilia appeared, he forgot everything else and just focused on her. She looked lovely to his eyes, radiant, grinning from ear to ear. Her veil was over her face so he didn't see her clearly, but the way she appeared to him was a feast for his eyes.
Stephen answered the question asked by the minister, who asked if he was giving away his daughter. Emilia had an issue with that question as she didn't like being given away like she was property, but for the sanity of her mother's sake, she reluctantly kept it in. It was an expression anyway, but she still didn't like it.
Murdoch and Emilia turned to face the minister who performed the ceremony with a touch of humor to break the tension. After what seemed like a lifetime, Murdoch drew back the veil and kissed his bride as the applause crashed in waves around them.
It seemed like the couple was walking on air as they went next door to the reception hall which Edward had decked out in his festive best. For several hours they had loads of fun, dancing, singing, gossiping. There were several toasts to the happy couple, lighthearted teasing, and more dancing. Emilia and Murdoch threw the bouquet and the garter amid cheering and good natured joking. Pitman had the garter and one of the family relatives had the bouquet.
Emilia had slyly remarked to her now husband that he better be glad that she didn't make him take the garter off of her with her teeth, making him blush. He shot back that they should have practiced doing that in private, making her color up.
The guests left their gifts on a table for the couple, Emilia and Murdoch thanked everyone and saw them out the door as Randal and Edward stayed behind to pack up the towncar with their loot as they called it. Evelyn had a list of who had brought gifts and Emilia would work on sending out thank you cards soon. The gifts would be awaiting them on their return from their honeymoon.
"So where are you two going anyway?" Randal asked.
"Your father has given us passage to a little villa on the Mediterranean coast," Murdoch replied as he took off his hat. "we will be there for a week."
"Very nice," Edward approved with a smile. "I hope you have great fun out there."
"We will. Ready, darling?" he had changed out of his best uniform and was in chinos and a white shirt. Emilia came towards him, dressed in a white and yellow checked gingham skirt, yellow blouse with belled sleeves, and her light jacket was over one arm.
"Yes, when you are, love," she could finally call him that without it being inappropriate. Murdoch kissed her amid her brothers' friendly taunting, then both left the hall. The media reporters had actually gone home for the night, though Emilia and Murdoch had packed their things two days ago to be ready to leave.
Stephen brought them to the train which would make the trek over, they boarded in the private car usually reserved for foreign visiting dignitaries. Both of the newlyweds were too tired to consummate the marriage that night, saying that it would be better when they were at the villa in total privacy.
The train chugged along at 60 MPH and during the time to their destination, they just sat down and talked. It was impossible to do much else on a moving train, so they talked or read books. Each day the cafe car would bring them food, the conductor would stop by twice a day to make sure they were comfortable.
Emilia personally found the train car claustrophobic and grossly overdone. There was a chandelier, which should have been outlawed on trains in her opinion. All the windows were nailed shut and she was a bit irritated at that as well. An electric space heater like the ones on Titanic were there for their usage which saw some service but not much. The Mediterranean coast, balmy warm even on a cool spring evening in Britain, beckoned to them and they soon found themselves under the charm of the place.
"It's beautiful here, Will!" Emilia took off her peacoat when they entered the little one bedroom hacienda. Murdoch took their suitcases inside as he surveyed the place. There was no need for a fireplace, there was a small kitchen, a big bedroom, and a living area, not to mention the essential bathroom. The entire place was decorated in muted yellow, soft cream tones, and a very light brown. Portraits of the seascape dotted the walls, the bedroom had a small veranda where they could eat breakfast in the morning. Emilia had seen that the cupboards were stocked with food and linen.
"Beautiful," he echoed as he sat down on the couch, seeing the big picture windows facing the beach as the water of the Mediterranean lapped calmly at the shore. "wow, look at all the sailboats going by!" a flock of seabirds flapped past, squawking loudly.
"Nice, eh? We can rent a rowboat or something to that effect once we're settled down here." Emilia opened up the side window and breathed in the air, content. Undoing her hair braid, she let it flutter in the wind gently as a zephyr came in through the window and caressed her tresses.
"Oh, do you think we'll be doing much of that?" Murdoch licked his lips as he eyed her.
"Well well, I thought you'd want to relax!" Emilia teased as he grabbed her around the waist and yanked her down on his lap. The princess giggled boldly as Murdoch eyed her with very obvious sexual hunger in his stare. She was in a mood to tease him which she knew he would endure for only a little while.
"That's all we were doing on the train car, love. We're alone with privacy now. There's only one thing I want to do and I suspect you want to do it as well." he trailed his hands down her shapely figure, tugging on her corset edge.
"Oh gee, what would that be?" Emilia smirked.
"Don't make me spell it out for you."
"You know, I don't know how to spell!"
"Really? I find lessons are best learned by an example," Murdoch wriggled a bit as Emilia allowed him to hitch up her dress. "say we were going to the zoo," he brought his right hand down underneath her hemline. "and you wanted to get a map of the general area before you went in to discover which habitat you'd want to tour first," Emilia jumped slightly as he traced his hand over her butt and moved his hand further forward. "just to get a general feel of the area..."
"Will, what the hell are you doing?" feigning exasperation, she knew exactly what Murdoch was up to. He had done similar things to her before so it definitely wasn't new.
"You wanted a lesson," he stared at her innocently, wide blue eyes devoid of any knowledge of wrongdoing. "so you're getting one."
"Oh, is that what this is?"
"Yes, now pipe down or you'll get a detention."
"Yes sir." Emilia giggled.
"To resume before we were interrupted, a general feel of the area is necessary to have maximum enjoyment," the princess felt a slight tugging. "then when you're sure that you will have a great time watching the... badgers, you'll decide you want to feed them by hand," there was a slight shift and not a coldness this time but a gentle warmth as Emilia closed her eyes. "so one of the buggars sniffs your hand and drools all over your palm looking for food." Emilia smirked to herself. "you walk off a bit but the bastard still chases you, wanting more." his hips bucked up involuntarily. "When you give it more, it still wants more. It's a two way street and when you get tired of it eventually, the badger will still press you for more." they built up a steady rhythm and it escalated without hardly any effort at all. Emilia panted, silently wishing that Murdoch would shut up about badgers. They worked together for a few more minutes then she cried out Murdoch's name like she usually did.
"Then the badger finally leaves you alone." he kissed her nose fondly as she pushed back the hair from her now sweaty face.
"Um, Will, did you-"
"Not yet," Emilia felt something strange. "there! We're all through with that for now."
"That was an odd feeling," she commented. "never had it before."
"No, you wouldn't. Before we were married I would.. stop the geyser before it started."
"That explains no surprises," Emilia stood up, pulling her skirts back down. "you're so considerate."
"Not any more in that regard!" he kissed her deeply. "Now what do you say we go rent us a boat, eh?"
"Sure. We can have a picnic on that island over there tomorrow."
"What do you want to do now then?"
"I want to have a swim!" Emilia jumped up and shed her shirt and overskirt. "That water is beckoning to me and I want to be in it. Come on, Will."
"Wanna jump in naked?"Murdoch peeled off her underskirt and flung it on the couch. Emilia had been wearing underclothing so he didn't get a peek like he thought he would.
"Come on," she pulled him over the back door where there was a private lagoon. "unlace me." he pulled the laces on her corset slack so she could slip out of it. "Go strip down Will, while I do the same."
"Right!" the officer stripped down in the living room, wrapping himself in his robe. Outside the lagoon beckoned to him as he stepped down the back porch stairs. He cast aside his robe on a rock, waded into the lagoon, then sat down on a rock. His shoulders were about three inches above the water while he was sitting and Murdoch eagerly anticipated his new bride coming down the stairs and joining him in the nude as well.
He didn't have to wait long. Emilia teased him a bit using her most sensuous voice, taking her robe off and posing for him in all her naked beauty.
"You look wonderful." was all Murdoch said as Emilia waded in and joined him.
"It's so beautiful here." ferns and other plants completely blocked them from view of any prying eyes, a small waterfall bubbled nearby, and she was with the most wonderful man. Murdoch put his arm around her as she kissed him deeply and started necking him. "This place does something to me."
"It does to me too," he admitted. "we can throw off society, work, duty, you name it, and we can just have fun."
"Is that an invitation?" she teased, splashing in the water coyly.
"It's a guarantee."
"Dear Will;
"It's been a week and I know you've been in transit for most of the time, but I want to know how it is going. Sylvia and I had such fun at the reception, we loved the ceremony, you were very dapper in your official Royal Navy uniform and the bar you achieved for seeing combat. Emilia was such a pretty sight with that beautiful gown and hairdo. I understand her sister-in-law did that? Very talented lady.
"It was great to be able to bring our children along and not worry about childcare. For the children of the attendees the nanny service downstairs was a great thing so we could relax and enjoy ourselves.
"So how have you been in the Mediterranean? Have you been mostly indoors or mostly outdoors?
"Do write soon, Will. I hope you and Emilia have a great time out there.
"I'm off to command a new White Star Liner, the Germanic. I hear she was given to us because of the war and she's undergone a complete outfitting at the Harland and Wolff docks, so I'm off to join up with her at the end of the week in Ireland. Also there is talk of a command for you when you get back to work. A little present from the good old White Star Line after Emilia threatened to make a fuss over how they treated their officers. Remember that? I think she's the ship's officer's patron.
"Remember me to her if you get a minute.
"Fondly, Charles."
"Dear Charles;
"Will is out on the lake fishing at the moment and I stumbled upon your letter. Not to disturb your sensibilities (if you still have any), but Will and I have barely had our clothes on the entire time we've been here! Just about as soon as we got here we had a.. session on the couch (Will was talking about badgers and trying to give me a lesson or something), then once in the lagoon pool and again yesterday when we went out to an island to picnic lunch.
"We did decide we want children and that will come in due time. It is frowned upon in this day and age to have children so soon after marriage but I say any time after a couple of months is all right by me. You know that I don't stick to convention very much any way.
"Briefly did Will and I consider to honeymoon at Daffodil House, but we wanted someplace we'd never been before so the Mediterranean seemed like just the thing. Dad set it all up and we could not be happier. I plan to send a wire to my dad soon to let him know how much we love it here.
"So how's it been up there in merry old Southampton town?
"The very happy and pleased Emilia."
The week flew by as time progressed. Murdoch and Emilia consummated their marriage several times and all over the property. With the societal constraints gone from them like a pair of handcuffs, the pair were free to frolic and do whatever they wanted with reckless ambition. Picnicking on the island twice, they went for each other like moths towards a flame. One memorable night they camped out on the island as both of them were feeling adventurous. It was so warm out there they did not pitch a tent at all, but made up bed pallets on the sandy beach.
ARTICLE FROM THE SOUTHAMPTON GAZETTE:
"On May 10th 1919, Emilia Audrey Frances Worthington married Mr. William McMaster Murdoch. The bride's father, Stephen and mother Evelyn, complete with siblings Randal and Edward were in attendance (the sister Sarah died several years ago). The bride wore a custom tailored dress while Mr. Murdoch was in his best Royal Navy dress uniform.
"Mr. Murdoch comes from Dalbeattie in Scotland, his father is a retired sea captain named Samuel, his mother is Jeannie Muirhead, Mr. Murdoch has several siblings, all of which are scattered around Scotland. All of them were in attendance at the wedding along with the officers of the White Star Line, several of which were on the famous Titanic.
"Her royal highness met Mr. Murdoch on the voyage to America for family business aboard the Titanic on a last minute booking. He was assigned to be her bodyguard or contact person on the ship as she was traveling alone. While on the voyage, they developed a friendship which lasted through the years. After the ship sank, each one credited the other for having saved their lives. The voyage inspired her highness to create a new jewelry line, the Lighthouse Collection, which still thrives to this day. Her more higher end line Solara was shut down due to the war.
"Mr. Murdoch had been married at the time that they met, but months after the Titanic sank, his first wife died from a bout with consumption. He had been devastated by her loss, her highness went to his side to console him and help him in his time of need. He had done the same to her after her sister Sarah was murdered on the eve of her own wedding.
"When the war erupted onto British soil, Mr. Murdoch took command of torpedo boats and destroyers, earning him the rank of commander. He was involved with several successful raids and the sinking of one enemy craft. Indeed his friend Mr. CH Lightoller had sunk an enemy U boat as well, earning him the rank of commander too.
"After the war was concluded, her highness and Mr. Murdoch renewed their friendship and upon visiting the Southampton townhouse the family possesses, discovered that her own personal butler Alphonse had murdered her sister. It was a great shock to the family, though reports were thorough and the butler confessed.
"The butler is to be hanged in two weeks' time for his crimes, it being announced just today.
"Mr. and Mrs. Murdoch are off to an undisclosed location for their honeymoon."
Murdoch and Emilia arrived back from their honeymoon in time to hear that Alphonse was to be hanged within a few hours. Newspaper boys shouted the headlines, saying that the butler was too much of a lunatic to even comprehend his death sentence. Police reported that the man was sitting in his cell jabbering nonsense and looking out the barred window.
"Let's try to see it from a nonbiased view," Murdoch unlocked the door and pushed it open. "I'm not trying to be judgmental or anything-I'm very much on your side. Anyway, Alphonse is in love with you since you offered him a job. He nutures and protects his love for several years but is the consummate professional in his job so he gives nothing away. You both grow and mature over the years and you don't suspect he has feelings for you at all. So when he finally does tell you, you don't believe it. That kind of thing can shock a man senseless though most of them recover, some don't. He can't comprehend the fact that his love for you meant nothing to you at all and that caused him to go to pieces in the end. He might look death as a release from his woes now."
"Oh, Will. I think he's just being himself. I bet he was laudanum addicted like his insane father," Emilia unpacked and put her things together. The front room was crowded with the gifts from the wedding and they had to unwrap and unpack those before they could get settled again. Thankfully the gifts were neatly tagged and identifying the gifter clearly.
"Did you want to witness his execution?"
"God no. I'm squeamish, Will. You know that by now."
"Right. Well, let's adjourn to the kitchen and get these gifts squared away."
TWO MONTHS LATER
Emilia walked into the house in late August, expecting Murdoch to be back at any time. He had gone on a voyage on the Celtic and had disembarked earlier that day. She on the other hand had not been well at all, mostly lightheaded and dizzy.
Sprawling out on the bed, she lay faceup as she watched the sun track down behind the buildings across the street as the town clock struck 4. Closing her eyes, she managed to fall asleep for an hour, when she was roused by the door opening.
"In here," she called Murdoch. "I'm just resting."
"What's going on? You're usually out and about. he came into the room. "You look pale."
"Oh, Will, I'll get better soon."
"How soon is that?"
"About two months."
"That's too long you know."
"Well yes I do know that. But what you don't know is something very simple."
"What is that, love?"
"I'm pregnant."