Honeymoon – Second Day

The next morning, the couple is finishing breakfast in their hotel suite, still dressed in their nightwear. Mary inquires of her husband, "What plans do you have for us today?"

Henry responds in between sips of coffee, "We are going to enjoy the ocean this morning, and perhaps take a stroll through town this afternoon. For dinner, we are being hosted by some acquaintances who live nearby."

There is a knock at the door. Henry rises to answer it, and a young woman enters, pushing a clothing rack ahead of her. She is dressed simply but not in the uniform of a maid or servant, more like a shop girl. Mary is surprised, "Golly! What have we here?"

"To enjoy the ocean we need appropriate beachwear," Henry answers. "I asked them to bring the latest fashions for us to try." He helps the young woman push the rack into the bedroom of the suite. Mary browses through the items on the hangers, selects and holds up a red, belted 1925-style lady's swimsuit. "These are quite risqué! I've seen them in the fashion magazines, but it has been so long since I've been to the shore that I never had occasion to try any."

Henry smiles and takes a couple of men's bathing suits from the rack, "I'll use the other room." He leaves the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Just a short while later, Mary and Henry stand on the beach, near a cabana in their new, fashionable swimwear and robes. Mary has a swim cap on with the edges of her bob peaking out. It is a sunny day with just a hint of a breeze. Nearby are beach lounge chairs, with a small table in between, and an umbrella to provide a small amount of shade.

As they stand side by side and survey the waves, Henry asks, "Are you ready?"

Although it has been a while, Mary loves the ocean. It is only her outfit that is new. While she has become bold in her hairstyle and dinner attire choices, she otherwise dresses fairly conservatively, especially when out-of-doors or in public. "As ready as I'll ever be!" They take off their robes, and as they walk down to the water, Mary confides, "I am feeling very exposed!" She has never had as much leg available for public viewing.

Henry smirks at her remark, "We both of us married risk takers." Mary looks at him with a smirk or her own, saying, "So we did." They begin playing and swimming in the water together.

Unbeknownst to Henry and Mary, Carlisle is staying at the same hotel. After taking breakfast in the hotel restaurant, he is walking about the ground floor and terrace with some companions, surveying the scenes about the hotel and on the beach.

Carlisle does a double-take when he spies Mary and Henry as they begin to play in the surf. He appears contemplative as they are obviously happily enjoying the ocean and each other's company. He thinks to himself, "Clearly, Talbot has brought out a playful side in her. I would have never thought…well, perhaps we were not the best match, after all. They do make a handsome pair. Hmm..."

He turns to his companions, "This is splendid—I see why Turner wanted us to do the piece on ocean leisure. Here, Higgins, make sure you get some photographs on the beach, with a wide variety of beachgoers. We'll select some and put the article in Wednesday's edition." One of the other men gets a camera out of his bag and heads outside to take some pictures.

Mary and Henry finish their play and dry themselves off near their cabana, happily breathless. For modesty's sake, and to protect their skin from too much sun exposure, they put on their robes, but do not belt them to allow the sun to dry their suits a little. A waiter approaches with fresh iced drinks on a tray. Mary and Henry sit on their beach lounge chairs, and take their drinks.

"My, that was refreshing!" Mary exclaims. "It has been so long, I'd nearly forgotten."

Henry is pleased that Mary is happy. "Say, if Tom and Edith agree, shall we bring the children to the beach for a holiday next summer?"

Mary thinks about how George loves playing outside, "I am sure they would enjoy it."

Henry eyes Mary's long, bare legs, "I'll tell you what I am enjoying-that bathing suit on you!"

Mary cocks her head and rolls her eyes at him but does not close her robe. Henry continues, seductively, "I believe we'll have lunch in the suite today."

Mary knows better, "Lunch indeed!"

They enter their suite and Mary pulls off her bathing cap and combs her fingers through her hair. Henry walks over to the desk and picks up the house phone, telling Mary "I'll have lunch sent up. Is there anything in particular you'd like?"

"Not especially. Thank you, dear." Mary walks into the bedroom toward the bathroom, calling back to Henry, "I am going to run a bath to help remove all this sand."

Mary finishes filling the large hotel bathtub with a bubble bath. She is in her robe, having taken off and rinsing her bathing suit while she was waiting. She removes her robe and steps into the tub. She leans back and closes her eyes, relaxing in the warm soapy water. Henry comes into the bathroom, approaches the tub, kneels down next to it, and removes his robe. Mary opens her eyes just as he reaches for the loofah sponge, dips it in the water, and starts to wash her body.

That afternoon, they are dressed and walking through the town, arm in arm. They walk by a toy shop, and Henry points and steers Mary in. They browse the items for a little while, then Henry picks up a wooden toy car and a wind-up one. He displays them for Mary's approval. "Which do you think George would like better?"

Rather than being offended at his choices, Mary is amused at her husband's consistency, "Wanting to pique his interest in cars already?"

Henry returns her smile, "Why not?"

"He'll be thrilled with either."

Henry puts down the wooden one and picks up 3 of the mechanical ones and brings them to the proprietor, explaining to Mary, "So they all can race each other!"

Outside with the bag in Henry's hand, Mary tells Henry, "It was thoughtful of you to think of George and the girls. It is automatic for me, but perhaps still foreign for you..."

Henry opens up, "I will say that the prospect of being a stepfather is a little daunting. I'd like us to get to know each other as quickly as possible. It will be as odd a change for George as for me."

Mary is reassuring, "He is still young; I am sure you'll get along." They walk a little while together, each obviously contemplating the topic.

"How would you like George to address you?" Mary has her own thought on the subject, but wants it to be Henry's choice.

Henry considers the options that come to mind, "Hmm, I do not want to be disrespectful to Matthew's memory, or confuse George about his parentage - he is just about old enough to understand. Perhaps just 'Henry' until he feels comfortable with something else."

"Oh, I'd be careful about letting him give you a term of endearment…that is how Papa is now 'Donk' to the children."

Henry looks at Mary incredulously, "Did you say 'Donk'?!"

"Yes, Sybbie started it. In case you hear them say it, they are referring to Papa."

Henry cannot contain his laughter, "Oh, my. I am glad you told me, but I will have to control my mirth when I hear it."

Dressed for dinner and leaving their room, Henry explains, "Our hosts for tonight are racing acquaintances who live nearby; he is actually a team sponsor. I apologize if it seems we are mixing business and pleasure, but he insisted on showing his congratulations to us when he found out we were going to be here. He's a likable fellow, and has always been good to Charlie and me. I've never met his wife, I am afraid."

They enter the hotel terrace lounge and approach a couple in their late 50s or early 60s, who are standing with another couple, the latter who appear to be closer in age to Henry and Mary. Exchanging greetings and introductions, Henry shakes the younger man's hand, saying, "Clarke, I didn't realize you would be here." Turning to Mary, Henry explains, "Clarke is the racing team manager."

A waiter brings over a tray of cocktails. Turner's jovial personality is evident as the drinks are distributed, "Ah—here we go! My friends, this is a new cocktail and I would love to hear your opinion of it. I hear it is becoming quite the rage in London. To Henry and his bride, Lady Mary!" All toast and take a sip. Mr. Clarke smacks his lips a little, enjoying the cocktail, "Well, now that has something to it! What is it called?"

Turner replies, "The 'Hanky Panky'!"

Mrs. Turner is a little embarrassed at her husband's choice of the drink, especially around a new acquaintance, "Gracious! What a scandalous name—a woman wouldn't order it!"

Mary senses that Mrs. Turner is just teasing her husband, so chimes in for his defense, "I would—it is sinfully delightful!"

Turner turns to Henry, and says approvingly, "Ah—you've found a bold one to match you, I see!"

Turner pardons himself for a moment and begins talking to the maître d, who appears to be very solicitous. He returns to the group, and the conversation splits slightly so that the women and men are speaking separately. Mrs. Turner asks of Mary, "How are you enjoying your stay here so far?"

Mary replies graciously, "The setting is divine-this is my first time here. We enjoyed a performance last night and even refreshed ourselves in the ocean today."

Mrs. Turner presses her a little, but kindly, "And the accommodations—I trust they meet your standards?"

The way the question is asked puzzles Mary a little, but she is honest in her reply, "Quite so!" Mrs. Turner authoritatively reminds Mary, "If you need anything or find something amiss, contact the desk immediately!"

Mary reassures Mrs. Turner, "The service has been lovely—the woman who helped us with our beach wear this morning was very knowledgeable, and patient."

Mrs. Clarke latches on to that tidbit of the conversation, "I hope you selected one of the more modern outfits with your lovely figure! I just adore the new styles, although it took some getting used to, especially for Mr. Clarke. He didn't want me to go out in public so underdressed, even at the beach."

Mrs. Turner resignedly, but laughing at the same time, says, "Well, I share Mr. Clarke's reticence, but more people enjoying the ocean is good for Brighton, so I will not complain!"

The maître d comes over to say that their table is ready, and leads them to it in the grand dining room. It is a spacious room, with tables of various sizes and shapes set in formal fashion with crystal and silver. Fine porcelain vases of fresh flowers adorn not only the tables, but also pillars placed around the outer rim of the room. One side of the room has a stage upon which a piano, other instruments, and music stands await the band. The dance floor extends from the stage into the middle of the room. On the way to their table, Clarke mentions to Henry, "If you like to dance, the band tonight is very good."

Henry glances at Mary as he says, "Wonderful - we will look forward to it. Mary and I danced the day we met." They all sit at a table set for six, and the waiter begins to pour wine.

A very short while later, Mary excuses herself, saying to Henry that she would like to call to say good-night to George. After she has gone, Mrs. Turner asks who George is.

Henry replies, "Mary's son from her first marriage—it's quite tragic, really. Her husband died the day George was born about four years ago."

Clarke exclaims, "So you are now a husband and stepfather in one fell swoop! Most of us have some months to get used to the idea of fatherhood!"

Henry agrees, "Yes, it is rather incredible, isn't it?"

Turner injects, "Well, it will be good for the lad to have a man around."

Henry defers a little, "Well, there are others: Mary's father and an uncle, so I hope I can add something."

Clarke is fairly single-minded, saying "You'll have him helping you tune the cars in no time, I'll wager!" Henry smiles but remains silent while he takes a sip of wine.

From the lobby, Mary comes out of the telephone closet and as she turns to head back to the dining room, she sees that Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Clarke are coming out of the ladies lounge. Mrs. Turner motions for Mrs. Clarke to go on ahead. Mrs. Clarke heads into the dining room while Mrs. Turner goes to the manager's desk. Since Mary's path goes close to them, she overhears Mrs. Turner speaking to the man, "Peters, I would like to commend you and your staff on your service to the Talbots so far. Mrs. Talbot no doubt has very high standards being the daughter of an earl, and she has no complaints thus far. Give a small bonus to the girl who helped them with their beach attire this morning-I will make sure Mr. Turner approves it. Please keep up the good work!"

Mrs. Turner turns to head back into the dining room, and Mary joins her. Mrs. Turner inquires, smiling, "I trust your son is well?"

Mary responds, "Yes, thank you. My parents and brother-in-law are there in addition to the nanny. I couldn't help but overhear: does Mr. Turner have a connection to the hotel?"

Mrs. Turner laughs openly, "Heavens-you didn't know? My husband owns it, and probably half of Brighton as well! Thank goodness they all do well enough to support his automobile hobbies." Understanding Mrs. Turner's earlier inquiries now, Mary adds, "It was good of you to commend the service for us."

Mrs. Turner waves it off, but remarks, "We strive for excellence in all of our properties, but especially the Grand. We believe good work should be rewarded, and poor behavior chastised. The former does tend to have better long term results."

Mary agrees, "Yes, we see that in managing our estate, too."

They have arrived back at the table. Mrs. Turner makes further conversation, "And where is the estate?"

"Yorkshire," Mary answers.

Mr. Turner turns to Henry, "That is a good distance from London and Brooklands!"

Henry says, "It is not too far...Between driving and the train, Mary and I have become well acquainted with the route over the last few months."

Mr. Clarke acts as if he has caught on to something new, "Now I understand why you were so keen on assessing the car there!"

Mary eyes Henry and smiles but does not say anything. Henry attempts a defense, "Actually, while Mary and I had met before, it was pure chance that we got acquainted again when I was there for the car."

Mrs. Clarke innocently loves the romantic aspect of the story, "Isn't that how it always is - kismet?"

Mrs. Turner is much more astute, smiling and good naturedly not letting Henry get away with it, "Oh, I don't believe it, and I can see that Mary knows better, too! Henry, you seem a dear fellow, but don't expect us to believe you couldn't have looked for a car elsewhere."

Henry just takes a sip of his drink and looks at Mary with a slightly guilty-as-charged look on his face. The waiter arrives and serves one of the courses.

Later, the band begins to play. Henry gets up and holds out his hand to Mary. She takes it, gets up and they go to the dance floor. As they dance, Mary refers back to the earlier conversation,

"Mrs. Turner is right, you know. I do not believe it was entirely a coincidence that you were in York."

Henry looks confidently at his wife, "It's turned out well, hasn't it?"

Mary concurs by simply smiling at him.

Henry explains a little more, " It was pure chance that your grandmother invited Aunt Prudence to dinner while I was there. I had expected nothing more than to find out a little more about you, and perhaps stop in to say Hello, as we had discussed at Brancaster."

They dance a little more, one of several couples on the dance floor. Henry says, "I hope you have not minded dinner tonight."

Mary reassures him, "It's been lovely-I especially like the Turners. Did you know that they own the hotel?"

Comprehension dawns on Henry, "I did not, but that explains a lot. I know him to be wealthy and well-connected in London, and that he has properties in this area. I told Clarke I was considering the shore for our escape. He must have told Turner, since Turner called me to make sure we were staying here and to make arrangements for dinner tonight."

They continue dancing. Henry, leaning close to whisper in Mary's ear: "Have I told you how much I love having you in my arms?"

"Not in the last few hours."

Back at the table later, all are standing after a dance has finished. Mary decides that it is time to leave. To the Turners, she says, "Thank you very much for dinner." The ladies seem to split off slightly for the goodbyes.

Mrs. Clarke would like to extend the fun, "Retiring already? The band will play for another hour." Mary is ever gracious as she declines, "I hope you continue to enjoy it without us."

Mrs. Turner sees that Mary is ready to leave, "We understand, dear. You are on your honeymoon, after all. It was lovely to meet you. I shan't see you at the race track-I cannot abide being there! But please do let me know when you visit Brighton again."

Mary smiles warmly at Mrs. Turner, "I see we are kindred spirits about racing! Actually, Henry and I were just discussing today how we'd like to bring the family here for a longer holiday next year."

Mrs. Turner encourages her, "Do not hesitate to call me!"

"Thank you, again."

Henry is saying goodby to the gentlemen, "Thank you, Turner, for the lovely hospitality-we've enjoyed it immensely!"

Turner is pleased visibly, "Good, good! You are quite welcome! It's the least I can do for one of my best drivers. I wish I had the youth to race."

Clarke shakes Henry's hand, "Good night, Henry. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Let me know when you'll be available for practicing again."

Henry ambiguously states simply, "I will call you."

Mary comes to collect Henry with a simple raise of an eyebrow. Even with only a couple of days of marriage behind him, Henry recognizes the look, so declares, "Thank you again...my lady beckons."

Mary, to the others, wants to leave on a teasing note, "They understand...I married a race car driver after all, and he's got my engine running!" The others burst into laughter as Mary and Henry depart the dining room.

In their suite bedroom, they both start to take off their respective accessories. For Henry, this is his tie, cufflinks, jacket; for Mary, her hairpiece, jewelry, gloves. Henry is a little pensive.

Mary senses this, "Is anything wrong?"

Henry looks up at her question, "Hmm? Oh, no, it's just that Clarke mentioned practicing again." He pauses for a moment. "Without Charlie, well, racing won't be the same. Getting married and all, I have been distracted from the reality of it." He appears lost in thought as he continues to undress.

Mary decides that she is going to do something to bring her husband out of this sudden funk. She has taken off her dress; she has nothing on except her stockings, garter belt, and little bustier: "I hope I can distract you some more." Henry, looks up, smiles, and walks to her: "Yes, Mrs. Talbot, you certainly can!" They begin kissing as he reaches behind her back to unclasp her bustier.