Hey Folks! Second Update: The bride and groom are readying for their trip to America. Read the goodbyes and surprises. Having a bit of time trying to give you a decent summary on this one. However, stay tuned for the honeymoon and conclusion. Thank you so much for your long attention span on this long fic. I hope you enjoyed it! Love Carebearmaxi
Funny Meeting You Here
Book 3/Chapter 25
The champagne was flowing. Smiles were everywhere. William's living room was filled to capacity with acquaintances who had accepted Ivy's invitation for Eliza and William's wedding. There were also many of William's men and their wives who took advantage of the earlier hour for a reception.
Oliver Fitzroy had the best job he thought as he arrived first before the bride and groom.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" he announced in a confident voice that everyone immediately took notice.
"Inspector and Mrs. William Wellington have arrived!"
"Hooray! Yay!" The crowd became even louder as William and Eliza walked into the crowded room.
William's dining room was set up with a buffet, and now that the bride and groom had arrived everyone could partake of large quantities of different foods and beverages set out before them.
Arabella and Ivy played hostesses as it was they who made most of the food. Arabella had been giving Eliza lessons on cooking and what dishes would be appropriate for entertaining and she had volunteered before Eliza could wonder what to serve after the wedding.
At the moment, Arabella was standing in the corner with Eliza's new husband chatting. William was eating some concoction of food, Eliza observed. Eliza smiled when she caught William's eye, and he smiled back. Then his attention returned to Arabella's conversation.
"Mrs. Parker," Eliza said as she found the miserable looking plump, older woman standing near Hattie and Rupert.
"Mrs. Wellington," Mrs. Parker said in her somewhat sneery voice. "I'm happy for you and Inspector Wellington. Miss Woods tells me that you are moving to America, and you leave tomorrow."
"Yes, that's correct. We've tied up all our loose ends and William is returning to take a promotion with the New York Police Department."
"So, I suppose then you're finished with your own private detective agency?"
"For now, but I shall return in the near future once I can get established there."
"I see. The Inspector is embracing new traditions for his wife. Very good."
Eliza looked at Hattie and then Rupert who just stood there looking as if he could not wait to escape his mother and join his wife in Poland. However, before walking away, Eliza did not want to forget to thank Mrs. Parker for the special work completed on the train of her gown.
"Mrs. Parker, I want to thank you for the beautiful work that was done on my train. It means so much to me," Eliza said.
"You're welcome. A bride should have something special about her on her wedding day. I saw the gown you were wearing. Old fashioned and beautiful. I assume it was your mother's?"
"Yes, Aunt, you know it was. Ms. Woods told you," Hattie interjected.
"Yes," Mrs. Parker said. "Well even more precious then. I must admit, Mrs. Wellington, that gown becomes you and the train looked spectacular."
Before Eliza could walk away, Mrs. Parker asked her, "I understand you are going to the Sherman Arms Hotel before leaving for your ship tomorrow?"
"Yes, we will be going there immediately after we finish here. William arranged it. Why?" Eliza thought that kind of odd for Mrs. Parker to care where she and her husband spent their wedding night.
At this juncture, Rupert pulled a letter size envelope out of his jacket pocket and handed it to Eliza.
Eliza was at a loss for words and only saw that the envelope had written on it:
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Wellington
"What is this?" Eliza asked.
"It's another part of your wedding present from all of us. Open it with your husband, Eliza," Rupert volunteered. "Open it before you leave here."
"Now, I think it's time that we partook of this excellent food," Mrs. Parker said with a smile. "Hattie, find a place to sit. You should not be standing in your condition. Rupert get me a plate, please."
"Of course, Hattie, let me find you a chair. Your aunt is correct. You should be sitting," Eliza said not really knowing if it was a strain on an expectant mother to stand for hours. How would I know? I've never been pregnant…yet.
The prospect of children excited and frightened Eliza. She knew that William would be a good father, but her, as a mother? Eliza could not be sure, but the idea of becoming a mother was not quite as foreign or abhorrent as it once was to her.
Ian, one of William's older men had brought a chair over as Rupert had carried two plates of food: one for his aunt and one for his cousin.
"Thank you, Ian," Eliza said.
Ian doffed his forehead and said, "You're welcome, Miss. Scar-Mrs. Wellington."
Eliza smiled at the almost blunder that Ian had almost made.
"It's ok, Ian. I'm not used to hearing it myself yet."
She looked around the dining room for William, but he was no longer eating, and it looked, as though, he had left the room.
"Oh, Ian," Eliza said as she made her excuses to the Parkers and stepped swiftly to keep up with Ian who a bit older was still swift of foot.
"Yes, Mrs. Wellington?"
"I seem to have misplace my husband. Have you seen him?"
"Yes, he was having a conversation with Mrs. Acaster in the other room."
"Thank you, Ian. I will find him."
Before she could track down William, Patrick Nash looking fit and healthy now walked up to Eliza from behind.
"Lost your husband? That's unlike you, Eliza."
Eliza smiled at the sardonic voice and smiled. She turned and saw Patrick and said, "It's not that I lost him Mr. Nash he seems to have gone missing."
They both smiled and laughed because they each knew William was only in the next room.
"Patrick! I didn't see you at the church!"
"I was there. Concealed in the back so I would not be spotted."
"Well, I'm glad you came," Eliza stated giving Patrick a hug.
"I would not have missed you marrying your Inspector for anything in the world."
"Well, he is my inspector now, Patrick."
"Look who was sitting beside me the entire time."
"Clarence! I'm so happy! Patrick tells me that you are going to help him get reestablished."
"Yes, I am. I wanted to thank you, too, for giving up your office for Mr. Nash."
"By the way, Miss Scar-" Patrick glared and then smiled at Clarence at the faux pas.
"By the way, Mrs. Wellington, the sign has been wrapped and delivered to the freight company, so it should arrive in New York with you or shortly thereafter."
"Did you have my nameplate corrected for Mr. Nash?"
"Yes, Mr. Nash was most happy, and so was I. Thank you," Clarence said.
"Well, you deserve to have your name there as well, in my opinion."
"I also agree, Eliza. Thank you for all you and William did for me."
"Thanks to your accident we solved a case and rid the world of a horrible killer," Eliza said.
"You're not taking a case in my absence and leavin' me already, Eliza, are you?" William bantered as he came up behind his wife putting his hand in hers and kissing it. He maintained holding her hand as he stood next to her. For once he was glad she did not rise to the bait.
Her eyes followed William when she heard his voice as he approached and watched and smiled as he kissed her hand. She moved her fingers within his to signal to him that she was glad to see him.
"Patrick was just telling me that he set up his new office with Clarence right at his side."
"I'm glad it all worked out Patrick," William said as he shook Patrick's hand. "You, too, Clarence."
"I wish you and Eliza every happiness and stay in touch once in a while," Patrick said.
"You must be sure to find us in New York, should you ever come to the United States," William invited.
"Oh, I shall. I do have some influential people who kept me on retainer here for any suspicious activities concerning them. So I am sure I will be seeing you sometime in the near future."
Patrick and Clarence stated they had some issues that needed attending with the new office, but before he left he handed Eliza and William an envelope. William looked at Eliza and she looked up at him before they opened the envelope. Inside was a draft on a bank paying them back for the financial help that William had given Patrick in his reestablishment.
"So he found out you personally had loaned him the money for the lawyer and his license," Eliza observed.
"I suppose he did. I specifically set it up so he should never know it was me."
"Read the note, William."
Dear William:
Thank you for the £3000 you were so kind to lend me. Getting my license back meant a lot to me just as I know that marrying Eliza was important to you.
In that spirit, please accept this draft on the Bank of New York for $6,000 as a wedding present. It pays back the loan in American Dollars a I knew you will need them.
Good Luck
Patrick Nash
"$6,000 dollars!" Eliza exclaimed. "That's wonderful."
"Yes, he didn't have to do that, but I am sure we must accept it in the spirit it was given. Wouldn't want to embarrass or insult the man," William said.
"You're right. Patrick would be offended"
William placed the envelope in his jacket pocket and then he noticed the envelope that Eliza held in her gloved hand.
"Have you eaten, love?" William asked.
"No, I haven't found the time. I'm not that hungry anyway," she retorted,
"Nonsense. Come with me, wife, and eat, while you are eating, I shall open that envelope that Rupert handed you a little while ago."
"You saw that?"
"I was coming across the room and struggling to squeeze my way to you when I saw him place it in your hands."
William found a place for Eliza to sit in the living room. As she ate the food ravenously from the plate that William had made for her, William retrieved the envelope from Eliza and read:
Dear Inspector and Mrs. Wellington,
Congratulations! I wish you every happiness and many children so as not to be lonely in your old age.
This letter contains the apex of my wedding gift to you.
Enclosed please find two confirmations for an overnight stay at the Royal Hotel in Downtown London. I have reserved their best suite for you. Whatever you desire whether it's food, drink, accommodation, or just not to be disturbed will be at your command. Additionally, the reservation that Inspector Wellington previously made for this evening has been cancelled by message from me. I happen to be well acquainted with the owners.
A wedding night happens once in a lifetime and the only focus should be on each other. So please accept this gift and I wish you Godspeed and much happiness as the years pass.
God Bless you
Mrs. Parker
"William, how sweet of Mrs. Parker. I never thought we should get such a wedding present from her at all or even one at all. Considering that I was berated for being uncomfortable in finding Hattie a husband."
"Which you did not need to do after all. Yes, that was wonderful of her," William responded quietly. He was touched.
"Maybe I should go thank her," Eliza said as she turned to find her.
William pulled her gently back to his side.
"Eliza, I don't think she wants us to thank her in the open like this. I'm sure she did not do this for you to make a fuss."
Eliza thought for a moment and said, "Of course, you're right, William. I'm just so surprised." She handed William the envelope with the confirmations as she reached out for them.
"William, dear, do not mix those up?" She eyed him with sarcasm.
"Of course not, love," he bent down and kissed her.
Just at that moment, Arabella came upon Eliza and William sitting there together while Eliza took a bite every now and then from her plate.
"I haven't had two minutes to say how happy I am for you both. I hope the food is exceptional."
Eliza swallowed and looked up at her.
"Everything is wonderful, Arabella. Delicious! Thank you so much for all your help."
"I was very happy to do it. I was telling William just a little bit ago that I am very happy for you both. Also that he will be surprised at your culinary skills in the near future."
"Yes, between Ivy and you, I am confident I will make a serviceable wife most of the time."
"Serviceable?" William questioned.
Arabella smiled and put a hand on his shoulder and said, "Just you wait, William. You know how determined Eliza is once she takes hold of something."
"Oh yes, I am very aware of her determination. Some would call it stubborn," William said looking lovingly at his bride. He was rewarded by Eliza's side eye and smile.
"I must see how the wedding cake is fairing in the kitchen. Again, congratulations. William, I'm very glad it's turned out as you wanted."
Once Arabella walked away, Eliza was intrigued and asked, "What did she mean by that comment?"
"Nothing, Eliza. Just know it's true," He kissed her free hand again.
"You're looking tired, William? Solving two cases and helping to cure a friend has put wear and tear on you in only a few months? What will living with me for the rest of our lives bring?"
"Be assured, wife, I am not fatigued. Call it impatience," William said giving his wife one of his unmistakable looks of passion.
"Well, darling, no falling asleep on me," Eliza joked. Then more seriously, she said, "I love you."
"The last thing on my mind is to fall asleep on you," William said. "I love you, too."
The cake was eaten, and the champagne was still flowing. William's men splurged as part of a going away present for him. Finally it was time for the bride and groom to leave. Ivy followed Eliza upstairs to change into her traveling outfit. William was being accompanied by Fitzroy.
They separated at the top of the stairs. William to his room and Eliza to the guest room where Ivy accompanied by Barnabas had brought her clothes.
Ivy wiped her tears away and knew she had to be strong for Lizzie despite how Lizzie had kept saying she refused to be sad at leaving and starting a new life with William in America.
"Just as I thought, my dear. You are allowed to be a little frightened and sad," Ivy said noticing the tears starting to roll down Eliza's cheeks.
Eliza swiped at them irritated.
"Why should I be frightened? I know it's a different country and I know no one there except William. I'm William's wife now and that does mean so much to me. I love him, Ivy."
"Of course you do! Silly girl. You wouldn't have married him if you hadn't?" Ivy said jokingly.
"Now, let's get this gown off and you into your traveling clothes. I will have your gown sent to your new home as soon as I can."
Eliza place her hand on Ivy's and notice her tears. She wiped them away with her handkerchief.
"Now stop crying, Ivy. I won't be able to leave if I know you're washing the house in tears."
"I love you Lizzie!" Ivy hugged Eliza and Eliza hugged her back even tighter.
Trying not to cry, she whispered, "You better move to America quick and make sure I get an announcement that Barnabas and you have set a date. I love you, Ivy. Thank God I had you."
After that little emotional outburst, both women looked at each other and laughed while they got Eliza prepped and ready for her trip.
Meanwhile in William's room, he had removed his heavy morning coat and undid his tie. He dressed himself in a regular old suit fit for traveling completed with a new bowler that Fitzroy presented him with fresh out of the box.
"Fitzroy, what is this?"
"It's a new hat. I thought you could use one since you're setting off on a new life in a new country."
"Thank you." William placed it on his head to try it on and it fit perfectly. He smoothed the brim and then examined himself in the mirror.
"Oliver," William said in a much more serious tone. "I wanted to say some things that I know I never told you, but I feel it's time.
"Oh, sir?"
"Number one. You can stop calling me sir. I am not longer your superior and I have always been your friend."
"You've been more than that, sir."
"I just want to say that if I ever have a son. I want him to be as kind and caring as you. Also you have shown much bravery and have become a very good detective."
"I will apply for the secondment that you mentioned, so I may see you sooner than you think."
"Good. Now…" William was going to say let's get out of here when Fitzroy threw himself into William's arms much like a son would look to a father for affection.
William could not help but laugh and then he hugged him back.
When they separated, William said "Don't tell Phelps and company that I hugged you. I will receive taunting letters in America. If Eliza finds out about this she will never let me live it down.
"Eliza is very perceptive, as you know, she will know."
"Oh yes, how could I forget the woman I married?"
They met again the hallway when they were both dressed in their traveling clothes. Their luggage had been put in the rented livery by Fitzroy and some of the men. So the only thing left was their final goodbyes.
"All ready to leave?" Eliza asked William as he took her hand and kissed it. She looked up into his face and saw all his love shining in his eyes. She never noticed before how much he kept himself guarded until now after the deed was done and they were now husband and wife.
"William," Eliza just said his name and tears came down her cheeks.
This time when he heard his name he kissed her long and deeply.
"This time we say goodbye…together." William said and smiled into Eliza's shining face as he wiped away a tear.