Oliver awoke to an abrasive knock on the door, opening it he was handed a telegram message from Inspector Wellington letting him know of his return Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning. Oliver had been given Friday off to help with the wedding preparations. He should have no issue meeting the Inspector at the docks, he would send a telegram back asking to be sent another telegram when the Inspector was closer to docking. Oliver looked around at how different the home looked compared to when he woke up the previous morning. He no longer felt unwelcome and hoped the Inspector would feel the same way. He could hardly bear his excitement the next few days, he would keep himself busy with his duties, meeting with an experienced realtor, and stop by the Scarlets to spend a little time with Allie before returning to his own place. He had been doing some inquiring regarding the old farm yard he and Allie solved their first case at together, as well as being brave enough to take their friendship to the next level. When they were to marry he wanted his wedding present to be the farmhouse and land it sat on, it would take a lot of work but the house had good bones and he could repair and update everything else. Later that evening he wanted to tell Eliza that he bought the property and everything would be finalized by the end of the week, but for it to be a surprise for Allie's wedding gift would be beyond special.
Allie and Eliza started to prioritize cases which contained several background checks, infidelity suspensions, and just a few thefts. They had plenty of work for the next two weeks and more kept coming. They decided they would tackle the thefts first, infidelities, and then the background checks. Friday would be here fast and they needed to get as much done as possible before then.
Thursday had come and gone that night Oliver sent word that he was unable to stop by that night, he wanted to make sure everything was perfect for the Inspector's return. He hadn't told Allie that the Inspector maybe returning Friday afternoon and hoped she would accompany him to the docks to greet him. Given Allie and Eliza had the night to themselves with Ivy, they chose to pamper her by making her dinner and painting her nails as well as providing her with the greatest lotions. The thee gathered in the drawing room, and had a few drinks. Ivy had gone to bed and it was only Allie and Eliza left. Allie asked Eliza, "Uncle taught us to dance, but I don't think I have had a real opportunity to since. Would you mind if we practiced?" Eliza laughed, "I have seldom danced since either, it would do us good to not make fools out of ourselves that quick!" They stood up and practiced a waltz and figured that would cover a majority of songs played Saturday night. Ivy could hear her girls laughing and carrying on above her room, she laughed with them as it was contagious. Ivy trusted them to ensure everything was perfectly prepared tomorrow as she had her final fitting and was going to visit her mother tomorrow as her mother was unable to attend the wedding but had something old, something borrowed, and something blue to give her.
Friday morning came quickly. Today was going to be full of decorating and final preparations for Saturday. Allie knew Eliza had no idea about William's arrival and started to become anxious for her, not the bad anxious, the overly excited anxious. Oliver could tell something peculiar was going on with Allie she was practically shaking beside him when he picked her and Eliza up. He wrapped his arm around her and brought her in close, hoping that would help at all. Eliza was going to be dropped off at the church so she could place the flowers while he and Allie went to start at his Aunts home. His Aunt was going out of town for the day but volunteered her staff to assist in anyway possible. Eliza arrived just as the florist was getting there, the coach would return for her as soon as Oliver and Allie were dropped off at his Aunt's. The florist unloaded the order for the church and then followed Oliver and Allie. Now that they were alone Oliver asked her if she was well. Allie replied, "I am over the top excited and also at the same time very anxious for Eliza tomorrow. I just want everything to be perfect for everyone." Oliver pulled her tight and lifted her chin to kiss her, "Everything is going to be amazing. Everyone will love the day! I have a question to ask you though." Allie immediately looked as if she saw a ghost, "Of course you can." Oliver smiled, "You always think the worst, this may actually put you at ease." Allie poked him in the rib playfully, "Just tell me already!" Oliver grinned, "Promise you won't start shaking again?" Allie nodded about to poke him harder. Oliver caught her hand and brought it up to his lips for a gentle kiss, "Alright, I received a telegram that the Inspector maybe due back this afternoon which is earlier than anticipated. I was wondering if you might come to the docks with me to welcome him back?" Allie's eyes brightened and she felt no more anxiety, just excited, "Yes, of course I will. We should stop at his house first so I can start something for dinner I am sure he will be starving and ready for a home cooked dinner!" Oliver placed a hand on her cheek to settle her, "I asked my aunt if we could borrow her cook to prepare us dinner and Eliza and Ivy dinner as well since we will all have been gone all day." Allie pulled him in for a kiss, "You have thought of everything! I really appreciate that you did that, I will have to thank your aunt for allowing us so many liberties!" They had just arrived at Aunt Lydia's, and the butler greeted them and instructed some of his hands to help bring in the flowers. Allie and Oliver grabbed the dinner table centerpieces and went into the dining room his Aunt had candles and the table set, the put the arrangements on the tables and the room looked elegant and romantic. The went in to the ball room were the noticed small tables and chairs were scattered around the perimeter dressed with fresh white linen cloths and a beautiful candelabra on each one, Eliza closed her eyes and imagined the room glowing with candlelight reflecting off the gold accents in the room. Oliver and Allie grabbed the rose bouquets of light pink, deep red, and babies breath. Going from table to table they placed two of each color of head and then filled in space with baby's breath. It was beautiful. The ensemble came in next and asked where they could set up. Allie showed them where she thought would be the best location and they agreed. There was a panel of floor to ceiling windows for the length of the wall facing the balcony with stairs that led to the garden. And the band had set up in the half way along the long wall across from the entrance to the ball room. Oliver brought over a box that was left by his Aunt of things they could use as well. There were some lanterns in there, "Oliver, do you think if the weather is good we could use line the balcony with these? If people want to get some fresh air they would have light and it would look pretty through the windows!" Oliver came behind her and wrapped his arms around her mid section nestling his head in the crook of her neck, "It will be magical," and he placed light kisses down her neck and along her collar bone. Allie tilted her neck and granted him more access. Footsteps could be heard behind them, they parted and turned towards the footsteps. The butler was approaching them followed by Eliza. The butler handed Oliver a message. Eliza looked around with wide eyes, "Good Lord you two have been busy, it looks so romantic and enchanting." Allie took Eliza to the dining room to show her the set up and then Oliver could open his message in private. Allie and Eliza returned to the ball room, Allie had forgotten to show her the idea with the balcony and lanterns. While Eliza was walking around counting chairs to make sure there was enough, Allie approached Oliver who had stepped out of the room and showed her the message. It was a telegram from the inspector stating they were 45 minutes out, and according to the time stamp the message was received 20 minutes ago. The caterer had just arrived and so did the baker. Allie looked up at him, "You need to go now to make it on time!" Oscar leaned down and kissed her briefly and left. Allie joined Eliza in greeting the caterer and baker. They followed the butler who was showing them all the way to get to the kitchen. Eliza asked Allie, "Where did Fitzroy go? Did that message call him away?" Allie nodded, "He said he had to report to Scotland Yard urgently. Allie was given a letter by the butler that he had forgotten about. Aunt Lydia wrote that she had set up a bridal suite for the newly weds, and there were a couple more rooms ready for guests as well. Allie was also invited to let staff know if more rooms needed to be made up. Allie asked Eliza, "Should we go take a peak?" Allie and Eliza made their way upstairs following a maid who was leading the way. They had gone from room to room each one as elegant as the next. Eliza asked Allie, "Are you planning on staying the night?" Allie smiled sheepishly, "We are, and so are you, so will Ivy and Barnabas. I am letting everyone know tonight so they can pack what they need." Eliza excitedly, "So we can dance into the night?" Allie laughed, "It is a requirement." The butler brought Allie a message, "Change of plans, he wants to see Eliza now, can't wait until tomorrow. Sent a message to the cook and Ivy to let them know. Come to the Inspector's immediately, he thinks he is just dropping his suitcase." Allie gasped, "Eliza! We have to leave now!" Eliza startled and took off running behind Allie. A coach was just pulling by and Allie called it over and gave the driver William's address. Eliza turned to face her quickly and said matter of factly, "You are up to something." Allie as serious as she could shot back, "I most certainly am not." Eliza could see past it and smirked while rolling her eyes, she knew she could get it out of her, Allie was already failing at holding it together, "You and I both know you are a terrible liar." Allie turned away from her, they didn't have far to go. If she broke and told Eliza she would be in trouble with William, it was better that she just ignored her, they had three blocks to go.
Oliver and Inspector Wellington were 15 minutes behind Allie and Eliza. Oliver filled him in on what was occurring at work and asked him about New York, and spoke of how hard it had been to keep this from Eliza. Inspector Wellington nodded, "I know, and I apologize but I can't go another day without seeing her." Oliver nodded, "I understand completely sir." This comment pulled the Inspector from his revolving thoughts of getting to Eliza,"Fitzroy? Have you met someone?" Oliver smiled, "I have Inspector, we have just started courting though we have known each other a few months I know I am going to spend the rest of my life with her." Wellington's eyes lit up, "Good for you Fitzroy, I can't wait to meet her. I need to make sure she is deserving of such a gentleman." Fitzroy wasn't going to tell him, he would figure it out. This was about him and Eliza, "Inspector? Please don't leave again. You have done a number on Eliza, I know why you had gone. It changed her sir, she isn't the same without you. If she doesn't accept her feelings for you, you need to put her in a cell until she does, she is stubborn but she will come around." Inspector laughed, "I plan on it Fitzroy, I know I went to extreme measures but...wait how do you know the truth of why I left?" Fitzroy paused, he is getting Allie in trouble before her and the Inspector's reunion, "I just had a feeling sir."
Eliza's suspicions grew when they were setting the table for six, "Who are we expecting? Even with Barnabas we only have five? Allie, tell me what is happening." Thankfully she didn't have to when she heard the secret code three knocks, a pause, followed by two more. Still outside, William was confused, "Fitzroy, can you tell me why we are knocking on the door of my own home?" Just then Eliza opened the door, Allie was just behind her. Eliza was in shock and couldn't find her words, she wasn't letting them in either. The Inspector was in the same state as Eliza, even though he knew he would see her tonight he didn't expect her to answer the door at his home, he was rarely caught off guard. Only two people could throw him off this far Allie and Eliza, but clearly this had nothing to do with Eliza by the looks of it. Allie grabbed Eliza's shoulders and quietly said while locking eyes with William, "Lizzie, Let's let them in. Let's go to the sitting room." William stepped inside his own house and smelled a wonderful aroma of food, looking around he noticed things were different, a good different but he had so many questions. Allie still in awe of the silence occurring before her, grabbed Lizzie's hand and led her into the sitting room, the fireplace was lit and it was warm and inviting. Eliza turned to her with tears in her eyes, Allie sighed with relief at least there was some emotion now, "Lizzie I am going to finish preparing the dining room with Oliver so you and William can have sometime to hopefully actually say something." Allie kissed her on the cheek, Eliza squeezed her hand, "I can't believe this is happening, thank you...I think." Allie giggled, "Happy tears though right?" Eliza nodded as Allie continued, "You know you have to tell him, and hug him, and kiss him, and Lord knows what else?" Eliza laughed, "I won't make that mistake again, you will both kill me." Allie laughed and went out the sitting room door and found William and Oliver removing their hats and coat. William was beaming and pulled her into a tight hug and kissed the top of her head, "Look at you, Miss Alexandra Scarlet, beautiful as ever. Glad to see London is still standing since I haven't been around to keep you and Eliza in check." Allie playfully poked him in the chest, "You are quite the looker yourself. You and I will talk later. Get in there and put that woman out of her misery for the love of God, Oliver and I orchestrate this beautiful plan and then here comes you interfering with it." William looked at Fitzroy who had turned red in the cheeks, and then back at Allie, and again back at Oliver, "Fitzroy, we need to talk." Oliver nodded still red in the face. Allie grabbed Oliver's hand, "Let's go finish setting up for dinner, we are still waiting on Ivy and Barnabas. William needs to go in the sitting room now." William smirked, with her free hand Allie grabbed his forearm, "William, I swear to God if I see any disappointment on either of your faces, I will be sitting both of you down." William sighed knowing she was right, she had always been the mediator and voice of reason between him and Eliza. William replied, "I hope it doesn't come to that." Allie and Oliver watched him enter the sitting room door and close it, they turned to go to finish up the dining room.
Once they had entered the dining room Oliver shut the door behind them. Allie turned toward Oliver and stole a kiss, she said whispered to Oliver, "Did you tell him?" Oliver looked into her eyes and said, "No, I did tell him though I was courting, I just did not say who to." She kissed him again, "Good, tonight's for them. Let's get this finished, do you want to light the candles and I will start pouring the drinks?" Oliver kissed her back, "Absolutely, love."
As William stepped in the sitting room he looked around, he would ask questions later he had one thing on his mind and she was standing in front of the fireplace. He came up behind her and thanks to the new rug his footsteps were muted. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into him, "Christ Eliza, I..." Eliza turned to face him and cut off his words with an earth shattering kiss, he had never been kissed with such raw emotion. He kissed her back with a hunger only she could satisfy. He felt her tears and paused, taking her face in his hand and wiping away her tears. He made her make eye contact with him, this was her chance. He started to open his mouth to say something. She kissed him lightly and said, "William let me say what I should have said years ago." He took her hand and led her to the settee. They sat angled at each other, they regained eye contact. Eliza saw how William's eyes were pleading for her to say it, he looked as miserable as she felt. "William, I love you. I have loved you for the past 12 years. I can't exist without you, I am so sorry my pig headedness has lead to so much wasted time. I know what you are willing to give up for me, and I don't wish you to. We can figure this out and make this work for both of us, together." William looked at her, she noticed every bit of harshness in his face melt away. She lifted her hand to cradle his cheek and his hand rose to cover hers as he leaned his head into her hand. "Eliza, you have made me the happiest man alive. I want nothing more than to move that ring to your other hand, but I don't want to rush you into anything." William moved a kneeling position in front of Eliza. He took out of his vest pocket a small box, "Eliza, I am giving you this ring to symbolize my love for you and as a promise that I will wait for you for as long as needed. I never want to live another day without you if you will have me." Eliza smiled, "Yes! I will have you!" Eliza was glowing, William thought she couldn't be any more beautiful than she was right now, she was glowing. He opened the box and it was the ring she had picked out while at the jewelers that day they were on a case and he told the jeweler of how he had proposed. She gasped and wanted to ask to be sure, "Is that the same ring we.." William placed it on her finger and kissed the ring, "Eliza I went and bought it the same day, I have holding in my vest pocket ever since." Eliza was speechless, she lowered herself so she was kneeling in front of him, "William, I love you." She saw a tear coming down and kissed it away, "I am sorry, have I done something wrong already?" William chuckled, "No my love, I just can't believe this is finally real, I have dreamed of you for so long." He had risen from his knees and offered his hand to her to help her up. "I got you something I saw in New York and it reminded me of you. Come with me." He took her to the entryway and grabbed his suitcase. He opened it and brought out a small silk pouch, and handed it to her. She opened it and poured its contents into her hand, she sighed. It was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen, it was a ruby pendant the same color as his favorite dress. She gave it back to him, "Would you mind helping me put it on?" Willam smiled, "Of course, my love." He stood behind her clasping the necklace. He couldn't stop himself from placing feather light kisses on the clasp of the necklace, moving to behind her ear and down her neck. She let out a soft moan and leaned her neck further over giving him more access which he took advantage of. She turned to face him and whispered in his ear, "William, thank you it is beautiful." Eliza was following her heart and kissed the area under his ear like he had her. He leaned into her and she took his encouragement and sucked lightly on his earlobe, she felt him swallow hard, she trailed kisses lower down his neck. William pulled her in tight, and she felt his arousal. Eliza knew what Allie was talking about when she told her how she used Oliver's physical reactions as a challenge to see how far he would let her go. Eliza placed a hand on his chest. Just above his cravat she suckled and kissed the center of his neck. William moaned her name and tilted her face up to his and kissed her roughly, she matched his intensity. He pulled away, looking at her swollen lips, it was taking everything with in him not to haul her up to his room and make her his. Instead he breathlessly whispered in her ear, "We have to stop while I still have some control, I am fighting my will to take you up to my bedroom and make you mine. Stay with me tonight, even if we just sleep, I need you with me." Eliza's couldn't deny that she wanted to be with him as well, even if they just slept, she moved so she was whispering in his ear, "I won't be able to sleep until I am yours." She then suckled his earlobe again, "Good Lord Eliza," he moaned. Thankfully there was a knock at the door.
Ivy and Barnabas knocked, William answered the door and Ivy threw her arms around him, "I am so glad you have returned safely, God only knows if you hadn't." Barnabas smiled and nodded, "Welcome home Inspector, I am assuming you will be my best man tomorrow?" William smiled back at the couple, "It will be an honor." He let them in, Ivy saw Eliza who had been behind William, "Hello Lizzie, let's go check on dinner." William squeezed her hand as she walked by. They were met by Allie who let them know dinner was ready. The dining room was beautifully set with the candle light making it romantic and warm. William entered and couldn't believe his eyes, he never stayed at home often and slept at his office. He felt so lonely when he was home alone, and now he had a room full of loved ones. He was home.
The meal was delicious and everyone had finished while Allie and Eliza went to retrieve the dessert. Once in the kitchen Allie begged Eliza for details. Eliza smiled, and pulled Allie into a hug, "I know you and Oliver have made this a special night for us and I can't thank you enough, I was honest about my feelings and I feel like I am floating, I have never felt this happy. He asked me to stay the night." Allie laughed, "Please tell me you are." Eliza beamed, "I could leave if I tried, what about Oliver though?" Allie sighed, "That's your worry? Oliver? I think we both know I can handle that for a night, we have spent the night together a couple times now." Eliza knew this but asked, "Have you two, um.." Allie blushed, "Not yet, but there are other ways to be intimate that do not go that far. Believe me I would love to but we are not married yet and getting pregnant is too risky. He and I have decided that we are going to save that for our wedding night. You remember those books from school right?" Eliza blushed, "Of course." Allie grabbed a tray, "Well there you go then, just explore each other and see what he responds to." Eliza by now was as red as her ruby necklace, she grabbed the second tray of dessert and followed Allie.
After dessert William stood up and clinked his fork against his wine glass, everyone turned their attention to him, "I would like to make a toast to the future Mr. and Mrs. Potts, may you have found the happiness and love I have been so fortunate to have found. I would also like to announce that Eliza has accepted my promise to make her my wife as soon as she is ready." Everyone clinked their glasses together and drank they were elated at the news. Allie rose, "I know for a fact there is a freshly stocked liquor cabinet you men can enjoy, while us ladies clean this up. We will join you in no time. William passed Allie, "Can I steal you for a moment?"
Here it was, she braced herself for a lecture. She had foiled whatever plan he had for surprising Eliza. Allie followed him out of the room. After Oliver and Barnabas closed the door to the sitting room, he led Allie to the stairs. He sat down and patted the space beside him, like he had when they were younger. "Allie? Thank you, I know you had a hand in all this, you are always trying to fix things and make them better. I can't love you enough for it. Would you like to show me around my home so I know where things are?" Allie playfully leaned into him, "I would rather watch you wander around lost, we could play hot and cold with whatever you are looking for?" William laughed, "Still a smart ass." Allie giggled while standing and offering her hand to help him up, "You know you love that about me, come on old man." William bumped into her laughing, "Old!?" Allie showed him the room Oliver had been staying in and then the bathroom, and where he could find his new linens. Then they made it to his room, he was taken away with everything she had done for him, he grabbed her hands, "I don't know what I did to deserve this." Allie looked at him, "You deserve so much more than just this, just promise me one thing." William smiled, "Anything." Allie continued, "Promise me you won't leave Eliza again, I know she is strong willed..." Allie was interrupted by strong arms pulling her in close, "Allie, I promise you. You are the closest thing to a little sister I will ever have, you know I could never break a promise to you." He let her go, he walked over to his new suit, "What is this Al?" Allie smiled, he was the only one who could call her that. "That Will is your suit for tomorrow that complements Lizzie's dress for when you walk her down the aisle. The tailor used your sizes he had on file, and apparently Lizzie owed you a new dress jacket." William took the paper off, it was black dress pants, suit jacket with a deep scarlet vest that had shiny silver buttons, a silk silver cravat, and crisp white dress shirt. "You should probably try it on to make sure it fits, Fitzroy and Barnabas were fitted for theirs." William agreed and went behind his changing wall. A few minutes later he came out and stood in front of his mirror, "Fits like a glove, it is perfect, is Eliza's dress the same color as the vest?" Allie laughed, "Apparently you have told her she was beautiful in a pink dress, and she feels like she can get what she wants from you in her burgundy dress, so she settled on a scarlet color for her dress with some silver accents that go in her hair." William grinned, Allie continued, "Lizzie has based almost all decisions on your likes and dislikes." William couldn't stop smiling. Allie came up behind him, "You need to change and join the other men, and I need to get down to the kitchen before I get in trouble for not helping." William hugged her again, lifting her up and spinning her around like he did when they were younger, "Thank you again Al, I will see you in a bit."
