Here's the next chapter! It's called The Wedding Rehearsal! Enjoy!
…
(Station House #4)
William, Julia, George and Brackenreid are at George's discussing the latest case when George mentions their late to the rehearsal.
"follow the money. Crabtree dig into Mr. Thompson's business dealings."
"I will" Crabtree said nervously
"so what are you standing around for?"
"I believe were supposed to be at the rehearsal dinner"
Julia and William both gasp
"what time is it? Bloody hell!" said Brackenreid as he looked at Crabtree's pocket watch.
They all grabbed their belongings and headed out the door to the Brackenreids house.
They arrive at the house, Margaret, Emily and Father Clemence is already there and waiting.
Emily grabs George by the arm in a threatening way "where have you been? She's been driving me crazy."
"You're lucky I was able to get them here when I did"
"Margaret, sorry were late." Julia said
"oh, no, don't be silly. It's what rehearsals are all about. Detective"
"Mrs. Brackenreid"
Margaret approaches Brackenreid "Father Clemence has been waiting half an hour"
"I thought that's what rehearsals were all about."
She scoffs "don't try to be smart Thomas. It doesn't suit you."
Brackenreid throws back his head and sighs.
"alright, everyone Father Clemence doesn't have much time, so we'll get right to it. Detective, you will be at the front of the aisle with your best man. Who is your best man?"
"oh…I don…what does a best man do?" William asked nervously and embarrassed. He notices Julia looking down at the floor giggling.
"well traditionally…" Emily says but is interrupted
"he gives you the ring" Margaret said
"I have the ring" William said going through his pocket to find it
"well, pick a best man, give him the ring and he'll give it back to you."
William still nervous and confused looks at Brackenreid.
Brackenreid rolls his eyes and says "just do it."
"right…George" Williams says and turns to George, who's in complete shock
"if you would, please…" he says while handing George the ring.
"sir…" George says and looks at Emily and Julia with a smile
"Yes, of course…I'm honored sir. I won't let you down."
William continues to look on thinking "what's the big deal George? It's just a ring you have to hold."
"all right, very good, thank you"
"well, get up then with him. Go! UP UP! Excellent, now Dr. Grace"
"yes" Emily said looking annoyed
"as maid of honor, you are the first down the aisle. So you must start marching as the organist begins to play The Wedding March."
Emily gives her an are you kidding me look.
Margaret sighs with sadness and looks at Julia, "traditionally, this is the moment where the father of the bride takes your arm to lead you down the aisle"
As Margaret is saying this, Julia looks at William. He looks back at her with concern
"but seeing as your father has passed, you'll have to do it on your own."
Julia gets up with a determined look "actually I was wondering if you wouldn't mind giving me away inspector?"
"oh I would be honored" Brackenreid with a shock, pride look.
He begins walking towards Julia when Margaret stops him "no drinking before the wedding, then."
As everyone begins humming Here comes the bride, George still continues admiring the ring.
Margaret tells Emily to step to the beat.
Brackenreid then says "she's done this before Margaret."
As he says that Julia looks at William with an embarrassed look.
"yes well done" said Margaret
"yes, I will take it from here. Before we continue, I will not be undergoing the traditional marriage mass as favor to Dr. Ogden"
Julia gave him a nod as a thank you and he nods back.
"I will say the requested scripture and then end with a prayer. Then we go into the vows."
William and Julia then look back at the Brackenreid's who were arguing.
"sorry" said Brackenreid
"I will ask you if you take your bride in sickness and in health, till death do you part and you will answer…"
"I do" William said with a smile
"and I will ask you the same and you will answer…"
"I do" Julia said
The Father said to George "and you will pass William the ring."
"oh, sir"
"thank you, George"
William and Julia got lost in the moment and thought they were officially married.
"and we'll leave that for tomorrow" said the Father
"oh right of course" William said
"I best hang on to that, sir."
"are you sure George?"
"of course I can sir…I am the best man after all" George said as he places the ring in his breast pocket.
After they were done with the rehearsal they all enjoyed dinner then went on to dessert.
William was in a corner by himself sipping a cup of tea when Julia comes over to him.
"William is something wrong?"
"uh…oh no Julia…I was just a little embarrassed that I didn't know what a best man was or did."
"Oh William, don't be. I understand this is the first wedding you have been in and attended."
"yes and the only wedding I will be the groom"
"yes and this will be my last wedding that I'll be the bride."
They kiss and smile at one another.
"Julia were you uncomfortable that Margaret mentioned your father passing?"
"I was not uncomfortable, just sad that he didn't live long enough to walk me down the aisle. I also wished Ruby would have been here. But I am happy that I asked the inspector. He's always been more like a father to me…to us William. William…I am surprised you picked George to be your best man."
"why Julia?"
"usually when the groom picks a best man…the man is either the groom's brother or best friend."
"well I do consider George a friend, like a best friend and I do love him as a brother."
"I know you do William. I love him like a brother too, and I love Emily like a sister."
"ok everyone it's time to settle in for the night" Margaret said
"thank you so much Margaret" Julia said
"yes, thank you again Mrs. Brackenreid" William said
"yes your very welcome."
"well I should get going" Julia said
"yes I better get to be, uh Mrs. Brackenreid, I am going to turn in."
"of course Detective, good night"
"good night and good night sir"
"good night Murdoch"
"and good night, detective"
"good night, doctor"
They then kiss.