Merry Christmas, Baby – Chapter 3
After landing at London Heathrow, Edith and Anthony hot footed it straight to Downton to share the news of their engagement with her family.
Even though Anthony had gone to Downton prior to the trip to Paris and expressly asked her Father's permission for her hand in marriage, Edith was still apprehensive about how their news, and indeed how Anthony, would be received.
She needn't have worried. As soon as the car pulled up outside the manor house, her mother came running through the door, arms outspread and a beaming smile on her face.
Swooping Edith up in a hug, she said
"Oh my darling! Congratulations! I am so happy for you!"
Cora then turned her attentions to Anthony and taking him in a hug she exclaimed
"Thank you for making my Edith so happy! Welcome to the family, Anthony!"
The rest of the family were soon gathered around for hugs and good wishes and, of course, a thorough examination of the ring! Needless to say, they very firmly approved of Anthony's choice.
Anthony motioned Robert away from the main body of the crowd but it was Robert who spoke first.
"My dear chap. I won't lie, I did have some concerns about you and your suitability for Edith but quite honestly? I've never seen her so happy. Thank you."
"I meant what I said, Robert. I love her. She is my life and I want to spend the rest of my life making her happy" said Anthony.
The two men then warmly shook hands. Robert knew that Edith would always be looked after and that was good enough for him.
On the subject of the wedding, Edith was absolutely adamant – it was to be a small wedding, no extravagance, no fanfare and it was going to happen as soon as possible.
"Mama, I don't want a big wedding. As long as Anthony is there I really don't care about anything else!
I'm not Mary or Sybil. Immediate family and a few close friends, do I make myself clear?
There was a time in my life when I didn't think I'd ever see a wedding so we do this my way!"
Cora knew this was a battle that she wouldn't win so set about assisting Edith with planning her wedding, her way.
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Edith spent the night before her wedding with her family at Downton. There were some traditions that had to be maintained and Edith conceded on this one.
Edith had been dreading spending the entire evening away from Anthony, stuck in the often hostile company of her family but it had turned out to be an unexpectedly pleasant evening. Everyone, yes even Mary, seemed to be genuinely happy that Edith had been able to put the hurt of the past behind her and now had a future with a truly good man whose love and respect for her was obvious.
Anthony had spent the night before the wedding reading quietly in the study of his family home, Locksley. He thought about his late wife, he thought about how utterly miserable he had been these past 10 years and he thought about the overwhelming love and joy that Edith had brought into his life. He loved her more than life itself and could not wait until they were husband and wife.
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The first Saturday in September dawned clear and crisp with not a cloud in the sky. It was going to be a beautiful early autumn day.
Edith woke up early. She got out of bed, drew back her curtains and opened the French doors out to the small balcony off her bedroom. Standing on the balcony, she turned her head towards the sky, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Finally. Today was the day she would become Edith Strallan.
Anthony also rose early. He stood at the window in his bedroom and watched the sun rise slowly over Locksley. He thought it had never looked so beautiful. Although, in truth, ever since he met Edith he saw everything differently. The sun was brighter, colors were deeper; indeed all of his senses were heightened and enriched. It's almost as if he had been merely existing before but now, now he was truly living.
Anthony, dressed in a charcoal grey morning suit, arrived early at church but he wasn't alone for long as his eternally punctual sister Charlie arrived shortly after him. She was positively bursting with excitement!
"Oh my sweet, sweet brother! I am so, so happy for you!"
Anthony colored slightly at her term of endearment but he smiled and whispered quietly, "Thank you, Charlie".
Shortly afterwards the rest of the congregation, such as it was, began to assemble. Edith had very much got her way. This was a small, intimate wedding with the only attendees being their immediate families, a few close friends and a few close colleagues from the University.
Anthony stood in at the altar quietly waiting with his best man, Charlie's husband Andrew, for Edith to arrive when the strains of the ancient church organ announced her arrival.
Edith was a vision in a simple ivory silk dress cut high at the neck but scooped low at the back; giving the illusion of modesty but really very alluring. The cut of the dress hugged her slender frame and accentuated her curves.
As she walked towards Anthony the sunlight streamed through the doors of the church bathing her in light, giving her an almost ethereal quality.
Anthony thought that Edith was beautiful.
He thought she was beautiful in pajamas with early morning bedhead, he thought she was beautiful in faded jeans and a t-shirt but he had never seen her look so beautiful as she did walking towards him.
He honestly thought his heart would either burst with pride or stop altogether.
He could feel tears welling up in his eyes and a lump forming in his throat.
"Keep it together, old boy. You're almost home" he thought to himself.
Edith arrived at his side and Reverend Travis began the ancient rites of marriage.
Twenty minutes later, Anthony took Edith in his arms and they shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
As he held her close to him, Anthony whispered through tears of joy "Edith Strallan, I will love you forever."
Edith and Anthony walked arm in arm back up the aisle of the church and into their waiting car.
"So, Mrs Strallan, any regrets?" Asked Anthony playfully.
"None whatsoever! You, Dr Strallan?" Edith responded equally impishly.
"Not a one. Life may be full of uncertainties but you, my darling, are the one thing in my life that I am absolutely sure of." Anthony took her hand and kissed it lightly.
"How long do you think we have to stay at Downton? Mama will no doubt have made a huge fuss!" Edith said wearily.
"Toasts, dinner, cut the cake and then we can go home. Think you can handle that?" Anthony said smiling at Edith
"Oh I suppose so…" Edith was trying to look stern but she was just too happy, she couldn't do it.
Amazingly, Cora had adhered to Edith's wishes and the reception was exactly the low key affair that Edith had wanted and soon enough, Anthony and Edith were on their way home to Locksley.
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Their wedding night was everything that either of them could have wanted.
Upon arrival at Locksley, Anthony swept an unsuspecting Edith off her feet and over the threshold. "Welcome home my love, Locksley has been waiting for you."
"Its good to finally be home" whispered Edith.
Anthony led Edith back to her feet and taking her hand, walked her upstairs to the master bedroom.
It was perfect. The large room was illuminated only by candlelight and a log fire was roaring in the fireplace. There was soft music playing quietly in the background and Anthony had scattered rose petals over the bed.
Edith gasped with delight when she saw it "Oh gosh! Oh Anthony, its perfect. You are perfect".
"It may not be our first time together but it is our first as husband and wife. I wanted it to be special for you."
Anthony was looking at Edith with such love and tenderness, she could feel the tears pooling in her eyes. "Anthony, I'll never understand what I did to deserve you. I love you so very, very much."
Anthony gently pulled her to him and they slowly swayed together in time to the music.
They took their time undressing each other, slowly peeling off the layers, each knowing that this was a night to savor and when they were both ready, Anthony took her in his strong arms and laid her in bed.
When Anthony was sure that Edith was settled and comfortable, he positioned himself above her; placing his forearms under her shoulders and gently cradling her head in his hands.
"My darling Edith, you are extraordinary. I know that I will never be worthy of you but I will spend every day of the rest of my life trying to make you happy. You are my life and I love you more than you will ever know."
"My sweet, noble Anthony. It is I that am unworthy of you but I will spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of you and make you happy. I love you, oh how I love you."
They were both quite beyond words so with a smile and a kiss, two became one.
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Locksley was ably looked after by a wonderful team of estate managers so after their wedding, Edith and Anthony returned to their beloved Cambridge. They each sold their flats and bought a beautiful Edwardian townhouse close to the city center and the University.
Life developed a comfortable rhythm and neither had been happier and more fulfilled.
Anthony stirred from his musings. Goodness, it was 2 days before Christmas and he still had to collect Edith's Christmas present. He picked up the telephone on the desk in his office and placed a call to Heffer's, the best Bookshop in Cambridge.
For Edith's Christmas gift, he had been hunting down a First Edition of Mary Wollstoncraft's 'A Vindication of the Rights of Women' and the fine people at Heffer's had found one for him.
It was going to cost him an absolutely absurd amount of money but what was money if he couldn't use it to spoil the love of his life, he thought. Besides, as a lecturer in Women's Studies, Edith most assuredly needed a First Edition of this landmark text.
Anthony left his office and headed to Heffer's to pick up the prized volume.
Edith meanwhile was planning a Christmas surprise of an entirely different nature….that very morning, Edith's doctor confirmed what she had suspected for the last few weeks, she was pregnant.
She was having the baby she always wanted but never dared hope for and she was having it with Anthony. Her sweet, kind, gentle, loving Anthony was going to be a Father.
Now, as she sat at her desk, she just had to decide how she wanted to break the news…..
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Christmas Eve saw a hive of activity in the Strallan household as they were expecting the family for an early Christmas celebration.
Edith's parents, Mary and Matthew and Tom and Sybil were all flying to Spain on Christmas morning to spend the holidays at the Crawley villa so were stopping into Cambridge on their way to London for the flight.
Anthony's sister Charlie and her husband Andrew were spending Christmas Day with his parents so they would also be at this early Christmas soirée.
Early on in their courtship, Edith discovered to her surprise and delight that Anthony loved to cook and was supremely good at it! So, by the time Edith came down on Christmas Eve morning, Anthony had the kitchen running like a well oiled machine.
"Good morning darling!" She chirped brightly.
Anthony looked up from where he was chopping the last of the vegetables and gave her a bright smile.
"Good morning my love, did you sleep well?" He leaned over and gave her a good morning kiss.
"Hmm, I did. I've been so tired lately. I'm sorry I wasn't up and about earlier to help you with all this, although I must say it looks like you've got everything well under control!"
"Not at all my love, you've been looking rather pale lately so I was more than happy to see you resting."
It took every ounce of restraint that Edith had not to blurt out her news there and then but she managed to hold it in.
"Besides I've got everything under control here. The turkey has just gone in, the vegetables are all prepared and dessert is resting in the fridge. Can I make you some tea, my love?"
Edith beamed at him, how she loved him so completely "Yes please, darling. That would be lovely."
Edith spent the rest of the morning getting ready for the family to arrive – wrapping the last of the gifts, setting the table and helping Anthony with a few last minute odds and ends in the kitchen.
Suddenly it was 2pm and all of the family were assembled around the table which was groaning under the weight of multiple side dishes and bottles of wine. Anthony brought the turkey to the center of the table to a chorus of "ooohs" and "aaahs"
"Anthony! Did you really prepare all of this yourself? It's a veritable feast!" Exclaimed Robert.
Anthony looked very bashful.
"Thank you. I love to cook and I don't get as much of an opportunity as I would like so this was really a lot of fun for me. Besides. I had a beautiful sous chef to help me!" Anthony smiled appreciatively at his wife as Edith smiled shyly back at him.
"Well, Edith, you've definitely won the husband lottery with Anthony. He's handsome and he can cook!" said Cora with a round of appreciative laughter.
Looking around the table, Edith felt a wave of peace and contentment pass over her. This is what it should be like. This is what family is all about. Love, laughter and sharing.
The rest of the day passed in a low key fashion. Anthony's meal had been a resounding success and everyone had got along famously, not a hint of a crossed word. It was a Christmas miracle indeed!
By a 11pm, the various parties had dispersed and gone on their way with promises of get togethers early in the New Year.
As Edith and Anthony closed the door on the last of their visitors, Edith sighed contentedly and rested her head square in her husband's broad chest. Anthony brought his arms around her and held her tightly.
"Thank you for today. It was wonderful, you were wonderful" she murmured quietly.
"You are so very welcome, my love. I had a fantastic day. Now why don't you go and relax while I finish up in the kitchen. I'll bring you a nice cup of tea when I'm done, hmm?"
"Hmm, yes please. Thank you, darling."
Edith settled herself on the sofa while Anthony busied himself in the kitchen. She had the lights down low and her iPod playing a playlist of soft classical music. Twenty minutes later, Anthony came in with 2 cups of tea. He sat down beside her on the sofa.
"Well. I think our first family Christmas was a hit!" He said happily.
"I would agree, even Mary couldn't find fault with it" Edith chuckled.
"Of course, we've not actually had 'our' family Christmas yet. I haven't given you your present" said Anthony with a gleam in his eye.
Edith looked at the clock and saw that it was approaching midnight. "Well, it is almost midnight my love so it's technically almost Christmas Day…." she grinned.
"Let me go and fetch it! said Anthony practically leaping from the sofa.
Edith grinned broadly as she watched her boyish Anthony bouncing out of the room. I wonder if our son will take after him, she thought….
A few moments later, Anthony came back into the room with a small gift wrapped box which he handed to Edith. "Merry Christmas my darling."
Anthony watched her closely as she opened the box.
Edith's eyes widened in shock and she let out an audible gasp.
"Anthony! This is astonishing! Where on earth did you find it?! Thank you, thank you, thank you! A First Edition Wollstonecraft! Anthony this is so rare! I'm just in shock!"
Edith carefully placed the book back into its box and launched herself at her husband. She was hugging him so tightly, he was having trouble breathing!
Edith released her hold and Anthony laughed, "My darling one, I'm so glad you're happy! Those lovely people at Heffer's helped me track it down. I've been on the lookout for months and they only found it a few days ago so I was panicking Incase it didn't come in on time!"
"Anthony, it must have cost you a fortune!" breathed Edith, still not quite able to take in the amazing gift she had been given.
"Yes, darling it was expensive but you my love are worth spoiling and besides, it's widely recognized as the blueprint text for feminism so you positively had to have a First Edition!"
Edith's eyes were glistening with love and gratitude. She was in awe of this man that the gods and fate had deemed to be her husband.
"Now, let me give you your gift, although I am cheating somewhat as you were definitely an integral part of it.
"Edith handed him a box containing a teddy bear, 'The Penguin Book Of Baby Names' and a mug with "World's Best Dad" emblazoned on the front.
Anthony took the items out one by one and slowly the confusion that had been writ large on his face, cleared.
"Darling, does this mean? Are you? Are we?" said Anthony, voice breaking with emotion, tears pooling in his eyes and hands shaking.
Edith look him by the hands and gazed into his deep blue eyes.
"Yes, I am. Yes, we are. Merry Christmas my darling one. You're going to be a Father."
Anthony collapsed into heaving sobs of joy and gratitude.
"Oh Edith! I always wanted to be a Father but I thought my time was past! Thank you, thank you so much my precious, precious girl! I love you so much! I love you both!"
Anthony slipped off the sofa and on to his knees before Edith. She stood before him holding him to her as he sobbed, running her fingers through his hair gently soothing him. When he had somewhat recovered, he delicately lifted her blouse and placed a soft kiss on her tummy. A kiss for their baby. The one they always wanted.
Edith pulled Anthony to his feet and led him upstairs to their bedroom where they reaffirmed just how special they were and in the early hours of Christmas morning, the Strallan family slept together. Edith with her head against Anthony's heart and his hands wrapped around her tummy, wrapped around their baby – and all was well in their world.
AN – And that's all she wrote! I'm sorry it took me so long to get to their first Christmas. I know I probably didn't follow the prompt as was intended but I hope you enjoyed the ride and you weren't too disappointed by the ending. This was for you Weeredfrenchie.