A/N: I own nothing, but I sure do love these characters.
30 April 2016
He woke naturally, without an alarm. He lay quiet for a moment, taking in the dim light of the room beneath the sheet. He reached to his left.
She wasn't there.
And then his eyes popped open, and he remembered what day it was.
I'm getting married. We're getting married today.
After today, she'll always be within reach when I wake.
He threw off the sheet, blinking in the early light. Sitting up, he bunched up the pillows behind him. The clock showed 7:07. Less than nine hours before I can see her. He felt tears come and he let them fall. Memories of her, of his Elsie, floated through his mind. Her steady presence in the next office. Arguing, persuading, moving him forward when he was more inclined to cling to the past. Endless Fridays at Pedro's. Coming apart, then coming together again. Health scares. She brought his winter coat to him when he was at the conference, he wore pink ties in her honor. Asking her on a date.
Older images of his life before, of days blurred together in work, law school and university, the various jobs, all swirled together. Going to his grandparents' small house after school. Watching them dance to "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square".
When dawn came stealing up all golden blue
To interrupt our rendezvous
I still remember how you smiled and said,
'Was that a dream or was it true?'
His father, home from work, holding his fingers over his lips. Asking his four year old son to help him with an anniversary gift. Walking with Dad hand in hand (how tall he was in his memory!) into the kitchen. Dad surprising Mother with roses.
Somehow, he knew they would be watching. Mum, you'll have the best view to watch your boy get married.
He wiped his eyes on the sheet and smiled. He liked the tradition started by his grandfather, and the fact that he would get to continue it, was something he never thought he would get to do. Dad would approve.
A sound from outside the bedroom door brought him back to the present. He grinned at the picture of Matthew and George on the bedside table. At first, he had been hesitant when Mary asked if he wanted to stay in the guest room the night before the wedding, but he was glad he'd accepted. Staying at the house alone for another night was not preferable.
He heard the scuffle of feet, then a loud knock. His smile broadened. George's voice came through the door.
"Mr. Carson? Are you awake? Mama's making pancakes!"
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She rolled over, half in slumber still. She clutched the extra pillow in her arms, wishing it was him instead. Silly girl. He'll be there tomorrow. And the next day, and the day after, and the day after that…
After today, I'll wake up next to my husband.
She flopped onto her back, a brilliant smile on her face. She watched the early light dance on the ceiling. It looked like how she felt.
In a way, she was happy that she'd accepted Beryl's offer to stay on the farm since Wednesday. For one thing, it made it that much easier to avoid temptation with Charlie. At least for a few days.
But this morning, it reminded her of the farm long ago, in Scotland. She had been born there. Have I ever told him that story? I must. She smiled, remembering birthdays when Da would recount the tale. How he came in from the fields after a long day. How Mam woke him in the middle of the night. How he rang for the doctor. How she was born into his waiting hands in the bedroom before the doctor arrived.
She thought of Becky, of going with Da to the hospital to see Mam and her new sister. Leaving the farm, home, everything they knew. A new country, a new school, a new life. Mam and Da, gone too soon. Being young, foolish, thinking she knew what love was. Caring for her sister as best she could. Odd jobs, hard work, night school. Her first full job after graduation, as a receptionist at a law firm.
An interview that changed everything. He changed everything. He was so stubborn, so set in his ways when they met! She was equally certain she knew the right course to take. How they quarreled, learned, fell out, made up. Scars on his chest and her breast. Him walking on a summer's day in a suit, supporting her. Him kissing her on a winter's night in front of the fountain. How strangers became colleagues, colleagues became friends, friends became inseparable. Her Charlie. Her best friend, her lover, and today, her husband.
We grew together. Is there any way I can tell him how much he means to me?
She was delighted that Becky would be there, would be a witness. It felt bittersweet, thinking of Mam and Da. They would have loved him as a son. She smiled, pulling the sheet up to her chin. They would approve of her gift for him, she was sure.
There was a soft knock on the door. "Elsie? Are you awake?"
"Yes," she called, sitting up. Bill opened the door and Beryl appeared, holding a tray. Elsie laughed.
"Breakfast in bed! That's very sweet of you, I should get married more often," she said, her eyes sparkling. Beryl set the tray down and stood back, her hands on her hips.
"Did you sleep well? You look like you did."
"I did indeed," she said, surveying the tray. "My goodness, how much do you think I'll eat?" she gasped. "Yogurt, fruit, porridge, an egg, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, toast, and tea! Tattie scone and black pudding!" She squealed. "Beryl, you're an angel!"
"She's been planning this ever since you said you'd stay here," Bill said.
"I won't be able to fit into my dress!"
"Yes, you will. We'll have something light this afternoon, just to tide you over. So eat your breakfast now, and don't worry about it!" Beryl said, laughing.
"Oh, Elsie, this is for you as well," Bill placed a vase of exquisite pink roses on the table. The bride sighed in admiration.
"Those are perfectly lovely," she said quietly. "But really, it's too much. You've already let me stay here, made me breakfast-"
"Wait a minute, lass," Bill interrupted. He handed her a card. "As much as we'd love to take credit for them, these aren't from us." He and Beryl left the room, shutting the door behind them.
Her heart pounded, and she felt a lump in her throat at the familiar handwriting. She tore open the envelope and read the note with shaking hands.
My beautiful darling,
Good morning! I hope you slept well. I'm glad you have been staying with Beryl and Bill, even though I miss you. I was glad to hear during the rehearsal that you miss me, too.
I cannot begin to tell you how much you mean to me. You are the joy of my life, and I am deeply grateful to God that this day has finally come.
The roses are an old Carson tradition. My grandfather always bought them for my grandmother for their anniversary. My father bought them for Mother for the same occasion, as well as for Christmas.
Today, Mrs. Carson, they are one of my gifts for you.
My beloved, I will wait for you at the church with a full heart.
I love you.
Always, your Charlie
Beryl must have been listening outside in the hall. She came back in the room less than a minute later with a Kleenex box. Elsie hastily dried her eyes on her napkin, but her friend handed her a tissue and sat down on the bed.
"What did he say? He sent you roses, so I assume you're not crying because he wants to call it off."
"No," Elsie laughed through her tears. Beryl reached for the card.
"Can I read it?" Elsie nodded. She read it, holding a hand over her heart. "Oh my…" her chin quivered as she struggled to hold back her own tears. "Who would have thought Charlie Carson was sentimental?"
"Me," Elsie said. "It was always there, but he says he never had the chance to show it before."
"Well," Beryl whispered, wiping her eyes. She grabbed another tissue. "That teaches me a lesson – I gave him a hard time yesterday, saying he didn't deserve you!"
"What did he say?"
"He said he would spend the rest of his life trying to deserve you," Beryl said quietly. "After reading that note, well, I say he deserves you." She leaned over and kissed Elsie on the cheek. "I couldn't have let you go to anyone less worthy."
Elsie choked and hugged her friend. Then she laughed as she began to cry again. "All these tears! You'd think it was my funeral!"
"Better to cry now, then later after you're dressed and made up," Beryl said, pulling out more tissues. "But really, try to stop crying now, your breakfast will get cold! I'll leave you to it, then," she got up from the bed.
"No, please stay," Elsie begged. "I'll never be able to eat all of this. Get another cup. There's plenty of tea."
"All right. Anything to please you today!" Beryl said. She went to the kitchen and returned with another teacup and an extra scone. They spent the next hour enjoying a leisurely breakfast.
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Charles looked over the rim of his coffee cup with amusement. George was swirling his fork in the dregs of his syrup. "Should you be doing that, young man?"
The boy half-glanced over his shoulder at his mother, then dropped the instrument with a clatter. "Can I have some more pancakes?" he asked Mary.
"May I. And no, I think you've had quite enough," she said evenly. She shared a smile with Charles. "I don't want you making yourself ill. I'm glad you cleaned your plate, but I think it will be several years before you can eat as much as Carson."
"But-"
"No, Georgie." She said, her voice firm. She ruffled his hair. "Why don't you go outside and play, darling? Donk and Uncle John will be here soon."
"I'd better take a shower," Charles got up from the table. Mary picked up his plate.
"Did you have enough? I can make more eggs if you like." He held up a hand.
"No, thank you. It was all delicious." His eyes twinkled. "Whoever taught you how to poach eggs did an excellent job."
"I learned from the best," she said, smiling and clearing the rest of the table. "If it weren't for him, I would have starved the first year away from home, or else lived on takeaway."
He headed to the bathroom off of the guest bedroom, and took a long shower. When he emerged, he dressed in his casual clothes; there would be no need to put on his tuxedo until later in the afternoon. He found Robert and John in the backyard with Mary and George. Robert was playing fetch with Horus.
"There's the man of the hour!" John said as Charles closed the sliding door. Robert approached him, shaking his hand warmly.
"Good morning, Carson! How are you feeling on your wedding day? The weather's cooperating, there's a point in your favor!"
"I'm very well," Charles said, squinting into the sun. "Though I think I'll be better later this afternoon after I see her." It was unnerving not to have any communication with Elsie. No calls, no texts, nothing. His stomach fluttered.
"That's normal, it's just pre-wedding nerves," John said as if he knew what Charles was feeling. "It was your idea not to see the bride before the ceremony."
"I know," Charles replied. He watched George chase the dog. "It's only now occurring to me there are disadvantages of getting married in the late afternoon."
Robert and John laughed. Robert slapped him on the back. "It's the last few hours of your bachelor life. We'll do our best to keep you distracted until then. If we don't, we're not doing our jobs well."
According to the pre-arranged plan, the men took him to Robert's house, where they found Tom in the garage, its door up.
"Hello, Mr. Carson!" he said, waving him over. "Take a look, what do you think? Kieran just dropped it off!" His eyes gleamed at the machine in front of him.
"Carson," stammered Robert, "forgive me, but I think your bride may have competition today."
"A 1931 Austin Seven Swallow saloon," murmured John, his eyes glazing over. "Tom, where did your brother find this?"
"A collector who lives about an hour from here. When Mr. Carson asked for something like it, Kieran called him. He was happy to lend it out for the day," Tom grinned. "But when he heard it was to be used for a wedding, his only caveat was that he wanted to have pictures of the bride and groom inside."
"I don't mind. It's…it's so much better than I hoped," Charles said, his voice trailing off. "My only regret is that I won't get to drive it myself."
"That's your loss, but at the end of the day I think you'll have more to look forward to," Tom said, his arms crossed. They stood staring at the car from every angle, admiring it in silence.
"Once you're all finished drooling over an inanimate object," a voice said behind them, "come into the house." Edith bit her lip, grinning. "Carson, I hope you look at your bride with as much adoration."
He turned. "I don't think that will be a problem."
"It had better not be," she said, swinging her car keys. "Tom, Papa, I'm going home now. See you later, at the church?"
"We'll be there." Tom said. Reluctantly, Charles went into the house.
Inside, Cora was busy finishing the boutonnieres. "Carson!" she exclaimed when he walked in. "Hello! I see you've been admiring the other beauty in our garage."
"I have," he said. He bent over the table, admiring the small flowers. "These are lovely, thank you for putting these together."
"You're welcome. I feel lucky my mother-in-law let me help with something," she said ruefully, shaking her head. "Now," she clapped her hands, "there's a cold platter in the fridge for later, if you're hungry. Robert," she said to her husband, "I'm going upstairs to get ready, then I'll go get George and bring him over here."
"Maybe Tom can let him ride in the car over to the church? I think he'd like that," Robert said, leaning on the handrail on the stairs. "I'd like that, to be honest."
Cora laughed. "I'm sure you would! Matthew is so upset he missed it."
"My wedding, or the car?" Charles couldn't help asking. She smiled at him.
"Both, but your wedding comes first, I'm sure," she said. She kissed her husband fondly before going up the stairs.
"Before I forget, this is for you," Robert picked up a small wrapped box from the counter and handed it to Charles. He looked at the box in confusion.
"Thank you, you shouldn't have."
"It's not from him," John said. He handed Charles a small envelope. "He's just the messenger."
Charles leaned against the island in the kitchen and opened the note. His heart skipped when he saw her handwriting.
My love,
I hope you are having a good day so far and that your supporters are keeping you out of trouble. The company of my friends is very much appreciated, but I miss my best friend.
Charlie, you mean everything to me. You were the missing link in my life, and I am so glad that we found each other. You were worth the wait.
Enclosed in the box is a gift for you, a small token for the day. They once belonged to my father. Now they are yours, my husband.
I will see you at the church soon. I love you.
Forever yours,
Elsie
He opened the box with trembling fingers. Inside was a pair of sterling silver cufflinks.
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The room swirled with activity around her. In a small way, she was glad of the noise. Her insides were fluttering, as if she had swallowed a beehive. She sat obediently in a chair, an old shirt covering her neck and chest as Edith bent over her, touching up her eye shadow.
"Almost done, Mrs. Hughes. You're doing splendidly." Behind her, she could hear Poppy, George and Sybbie giggling. Anna came in and shut the door quickly.
"She'll be back in just a minute," she said to Elsie. "Edith and I will take the children out so you can have a minute alone."
"Thank you," Elsie said. "And thank you," she smiled at the middle Crawley daughter. "Normally, I would do it myself, but you offered, and now I'm glad I let you do my make-up!"
"You're quite welcome," Edith gathered the materials together, then took Marigold's hand. "Let's go out to the hall, shall we? Sybbie! George! Come with me, please." She and Anna ushered them out and the room was quiet. Elsie took a deep breath.
She wasn't nervous, not exactly. She had never liked being the center of attention. Remember, you won't be alone at the front of the church. She bent her head, smiling at her shoes, feeling the coin inside. The door opened, and Beryl poked her head in.
"Melissa and I will stay out here while you talk to her," she said. She turned, gently leading Becky into the room. Elsie's breath caught in her throat when she saw her younger sister.
"Oh lass," she sighed, taking her hands. "Look at you! You're beautiful! Did Melissa help you get ready?"
"Yes," Becky said, pulling on her blue dress. It matched her eyes perfectly. "Essie, you are so pretty!"
"As are you. Thank you," Elsie whispered. She gave her sister a long hug. Not for the first time, she was thankful Edith had applied waterproof mascara. They stood together, looking in the full-length mirror, admiring their reflections. Becky pointed to her diamond drop earrings.
"I like those."
"Mmmm," Elsie agreed. "They were a gift from Charlie. They belonged to his mother." She held up her wrist, gesturing to the bracelet. "Do you remember this? It belonged to Mam," she said, watching Becky's expression. Her sister broke into a smile.
"Mama's pretty!" Elsie laughed, kissing Becky on the cheek.
"Yes, you do remember," she said, touching the delicate chain. The door opened again. Beryl, Anna, Daisy, and Becky's favorite nurse from her home, Melissa came in.
"Elsie, you look beautiful," the younger woman smiled. "If you don't mind, I'll escort Miss Becky into church now."
"Of course, thank you," Elsie said. She touched Becky's forehead with her own. "I love you, Becky. I will see you in a bit." Melissa took her sister's elbow and lead her out of the room.
Beryl stood trying not to cry. "You are a vision, you know that? Charlie's going to faint when he sees you!"
"I hope not," Anna laughed, dabbing at her own tears. She caught Daisy shaking her head. "Oh go on, laugh at me all you like. I'm pregnant, I cry all the time."
"Well if being pregnant makes you cry, then I must be too," Beryl said, grabbing another tissue. "I know Daisy's not, she's managed to keep from melting into the floor so far."
Daisy snorted, rolling her eyes. "Of course I'm not pregnant. We use protection."
There was a long pause, then Elsie burst out laughing. "Oh thank heaven, girl! You picked the right moment for that!" She bent over, leaning against Anna, while they both howled with laughter. Beryl still stood frozen, her mouth in a round O.
Tom opened the door. "It's almost time. Ready?"
Elsie and Anna caught their breath, and Anna did a last-second check of the bride's hair. "You look beautiful," she said fondly, kissing the older woman on the cheek. Daisy gave her arm a squeeze before vanishing out the door. Beryl took her hand.
"Well, I'll be having words with that fool girl later. And Andrew," she said as Elsie bit her lip. "But for now, this is your day, you and Charlie's. God bless you both." She opened the door to let Elsie pass through.
The bride stood in the hallway, out of sight of the congregation. She took Tom's arm. He winked at her. "There are only two things you need to remember," he said as they watched the children process into the church. Thomas and Jimmy stood at the doors to the sanctuary, sending them in. "Keep breathing, and don't look anywhere but right in front of you. The only person that matters now is your groom."
"Thank you, Tom." She walked forward with him until they stood behind the closed doors.
In a moment, I will see him.
A/N: This chapter would have been posted hours ago, except I kept having to pick myself off of the floor. The feels are killing me.
I'll get the wedding ceremony to you as quick as I can. I love you all, thank you for the reviews!