Wedding Bell Blues
Chapter 6

Saturday.
They both awoke very early, but lay there in bed, holding each other, not speaking.

Finally Julia spoke. "Today's the day."

"Indeed, it is."

"In a few hours I'll be Mrs. William Murdoch, forever."

"Will you now? Not Dr. Ogden still?"

"No. I think not. I like the sound of Mrs. Murdoch and even Dr. Murdoch. I'm ready for a change. I want everything to be fresh and new with you."

"You know I don't mind if you keep your surname, really."

"I know you don't."

"Don't you want to at least keep it professionally?"

"No. I want your name now. Let Dr. Ogden retire. I want to be Dr. Mrs. William Henry Murdoch now."

"That's quit a mouthful and I'm flattered...but surprised. You've always been so independent."

"Oh, I may take your name, William Murdoch, but don't expect me to compromise my beliefs."

"Don't worry. I don't," he laughed

"I guess we had better get up."

"How do you feel?"

"I feel better but I still have the sniffles and I'm sure my nose is red."

"Just a wee bit. How's my eye look?"

She laughed, "If you had two like it you'd look like a raccoon."

"That bad, huh?"

"You're still the most handsome man I know."

He reddened and looked down, somewhat embarrassed as Julia laughed at his discomfort.

They went downstairs to the kitchen and fixed breakfast together after they had each packed for their honeymoon trip.

"I'm going to the dressmaker's and I am bringing back my dress."

"Alright, Julia. But maybe we should take a look in your closet for a backup...just in case."

Julia looked at him with daggers in her eyes, but then softened a bit.
"Alright. But...it better not be necessary."

"Would you like me to go with you?"

"Thank you, but no. I have errands to run after being cooped up here for days and I would suspect you do too."

"Yes, well...I guess we better get going. I'll meet you later at the hotel. I'll make sure all our luggage will be delivered."

They kissed. Then each left to go about his/her business.

William went to the jeweler's again, but was prepared to be disappointed. While he waited he looked at the necklaces on display. Amongst the wares was a gold heart locket engraved with the same rose pattern as the wedding ring he had chosen. It hung on a delicate rope chain. His perusal was interrupted when the jeweler entered the store front.

"Ah! Detective Murdoch, what good news! I have found your ring."

William sighed with relief. "Thank god. Let me have it and I'll be off."

"Well, I just found it and it's not engraved yet." And now William frowned. "But...I will personally deliver it to you when it's ready."

"And when might that be?"

"This afternoon."

"This afternoon at what time? The wedding is at four."

"Oh, dear. My engraver hasn't come in yet. But I'm sure we will have it to you in plenty of time."

William was getting weary, but said, "Deliver it to Constable Crabtree." Then he gave him the particulars of contacting George.

"Very well."

"Er...might I see that heart locket in the case?"

"Certainly!"

William fingered it, opening the clasp. It would hold a small photo very well.
"I'll take it."

"Splendid! Would you like it engraved?"

Rolling his eyes, William replied, "Not today. I'll take it with me...now."

"Because you've been such a fine customer and have had to endure this small problem, I can let you have it for twenty percent off."

"Fine." As he tucked the locket into his pocket he reminded the jeweler, "Wedding is at four. Be on time."

"Oh, yes! Detective."

"Sir, what are you doing here?"

"I need to use the dark room. I bought Julia a locket while at the jeweler's checking on the ring. I want to put a picture in it."

"Did you get the ring?"

"No, George. But he did find it. The engraving is still to be done. I asked him to deliver it to you."

"Fine, sir. I could help you with that picture."

"Would you, George? "

"I think I have just the thing in mind for you."

"I'm glad you could come with me, Emily. This dress had better be ready or I'll...I'll... I'll...I don't know exactly what I'll do."

"I'm sure Madame Marie will have it this time."

They arrived at the shop. The door was locked and a sign hung on it-BACK AT TWO.
"What now, Julia?"

Julia's face was a mask. "She said I would have the dress by noon. I hope her word is good. But I guess I better do what William suggested and look in my closet for a replacement."

"You're taking this rather well, Julia."

"Oh, Emily. I really don't know what else to do. Nothing has run smoothly. I still have the sniffles, William's eye looks even worse, no dress, and he seems to be concerned about something he won't tell me about. And this all must come together in just a few hours. What else can I do?"

"Let's get lunch, a little wine, and by then your dress will be ready."

"Alright. Why not!"

George had been right. He knew exactly which photo to use (where he got it, Murdoch could not guess) and how to reduce it to the perfect size. The picture was one of William and Julia at the Policeman's Ball two years ago. They were both smiling, their heads together. George thought it a most romantic rendering. William carefully trimmed it to fit exactly into the locket.

"George, thank you so much."

"I'm glad to help, sir. Are you going to have it engraved?"

"Not any time soon. I'm not prepared to go through that again with another piece of jewelry," Murdoch laughed.

"Sir, it's after one o'clock. Aren't you supposed to meet Dr. Ogden at the Queen's Hotel to get ready?"

"Yes, George. But I'm a little afraid. What if her dress isn't ready yet? She'll be so upset."

"You'll both be fine, sir. And...I promise I will make sure the ring is there, with or without the engraving."

"Thank you, George."

"Emily, I think I may have had a little too much wine. I believe I'm a bit unsteady in my feet," Julia giggled.

"Nonsense, Julia. You didn't drink any more than I did," laughed Emily even as she tripped.

"We had better get to the hotel. I'll call Madame Marie from there."