Emmet arrived home at quarter past. The perks of working at a school were definitely the hours and not to mention the holidays.
He found Rose in the open plan kitchen/diner setting the table.
"I don't think Hyacinth will be won over with your table setting skills." He said, placing his briefcase on the breakfast bar which separated the kitchen from the dining area.
"I don't really care. I just hope she behaves herself and doesn't kick off when she finds out we are living over t'brush."
Emmet took the cutlery off Rose and set it down before wrapping his arms around her. She reciprocated. "Never mind about all this for a moment." He said kissing her. "I've a surprise for you."
"Oh Emmet! How lovely!" She squealed with delight.
"Now I know you said you don't celebrate your birthday.."
"No I don't. I don't believe in celebrating getting older." She said a little harshly.
"You bought me those cufflinks for my birthday." Emmet reminded her.
"They were for you to wear at your recital which so happened to fall at the same time."
"Do you want your presents or not?" He said pretending to be agitated.
Rose laughed. "Of course! Only can they be for something else rather than me birthday?"
"How about we celebrate us? Living together and the start of our life together?"
Rose beamed and kissed him. "That will do perfectly. Now what have you got me?"
He handed her a box which contained a gold necklace. The pendant was made up of a small cluster of rubies in the shape of a rose.
"Oh Emmet! It's beautiful! Thank you." The woman exclaimed. She allowed Emmet to put it on her.
Emmet then went on to inform her that he had booked a spa weekend for them as they both deserved a bit of tlc after the whole Caroline affair.
To thank him, Rose decided they would make love right there, on the dining room table. After, Rose quickly wiped the table with antibacterial spray and threw a table cloth over the top. She then gasped when she saw the time and continued to prepare for their guests.
Emmet helped and laughed, "Hyacinth would die if she found out what we had been up to before she sat down to eat."
Rose giggled, before looking serious "That's as well be, but you promised me you weren't going to wind her up."
Emmet reassured her that he would be on his best behaviour and went to get changed.
As Rose finished changing into a figure hugging little blue number the flat's intercom entry system buzzed.
"That's them! Oh I hope this goes well." She said, fastening the back of her earring in place.
Emmet disappeared into the kitchen to have a quick shot of whisky whilst Rose greeted their guests. She ushered them into the lounge and fetched Emmet and their drinks from the kitchen.
While Rose prepared the starter, asparagus wrapped in smoked salmon with a bearnaise sauce, Hyacinth and Richard looked around the apartment.
For the most of it Hyacinth tutted and muttered under her breath, "yes it's quite nice.' Then she got to the bedroom.
Through a sharp intake of breath she whispered to her husband, "good heavens Richard! She moved in!"
"What makes you say that?"
"Use your eyes Richard! There's no end of hair and makeup products on the dressing table, and a flimsy nightgown draped over the bed."
"Well maybe she's stopping here tonight," Richard tried to reason.
Hyacinth shook her head. "No, no, no, Richard. Go and look in the en suite. There's what can only be described as skimpy under garments drying over the bidet, and false eyelashes wrapped around the taps. Not to mention the endless female toiletries in the shower and the three pink razors." Hyacinth was appalled.
"Perhaps they are Emmet's?"
"His razor is on the shelf above the sink with a bottle of gentleman's shaving foam and soap. Richard, I will not have a sister of mine living in sin."
As if on cue Rose announced that the first course was ready and summoned the guests to the table.
Hyacinth was impressed Rose had created a dainty little starter. Of course it was a simple dish to prepare, which she took great pride in telling her sister.
Hyacinth was less impressed with the main course and the conversation that accompanied it.
"I'm guessing you are all wondering why we asked you round for tea." Rose began. Liz and Hyacinth both agreed they had been wondering.
Rose turned and looked at Emmet, he smiled and gently squeezed her hand.
"We've asked you round because as you know Rose and I have been together for quite a while now. Well I asked and Rose very kindly agreed to move in with me." He said proudly before kissing Rose's cheek.
Liz beamed with pure happiness and Hyacinth's colour drained from her face. "What did I say? Richard." She whispered, sourly.
"Dare I ask when the wedding will take place?" Hyacinth then proceeded to ask.
Emmet took great pride in telling her, "Oh, there isn't going to be a wedding."
"Neither of us wants to get wed again," added Rose.
"Well you can't live in sin. I forbid it, Rose!" Hyacinth scolded her sister.
"But she's a grown woman, Hyacinth. You can't stop her, marriage is an outdated institution these days." Emmet replied.
"Yes, there are plenty of people who cohabit without getting married. It works for Gail and Harold." Elizabeth tried to reason.
"And we know what I think of that." Hyacinth replied in a snide tone.
"Look, does it matter? We are happy. We love each other and we aren't hurting anybody." Rose interjected.
"Well, obviously I had guessed you had moved yourself in. I said to Richard, Richard she's moved in."
"Yes, you did." Mr Bucket replied, reluctantly.
"Well how did you know?" Asked Rose.
"Because off all the undergarments in the en suite."
"Oh." Said Rose, "Emmet you said there was nothing that needed moving in the bathroom."
"Sorry, I must have forgotten to check." He smirked. Rose knew he had deliberately left them there to upset Hyacinth.
"And what exactly do you need three razors for?" Hyacinth asked her sister.
"Well isn't it obvious? One for me legs, one for my underarms and one for my fa.."
Hyacinth interrupted looking completely appalled. "Yes thank you Rose, I think we all get the picture."
The rest of the guests laughed at Hyacinth's embarrassment.
"I don't suppose this arrangement will mean you will pack that awful job in now, does it Rose?" Hyacinth finally probed.
"Why should I pack my job in, our Hyacinth? I happen to like my job."
Hyacinth was getting frustrated. "As I keep saying to Violet a turf accountancy is no place for ladies."
Emmet scoffed, never missing an opportunity to wind Hyacinth up he said, "now that is an outdated view. Rose can't leave her job anyway because she's on a greater salary than I am."
Hyacinth didn't say anything, she just scowled. "I take it my sisters know about this sordid little arrangement." She eventually said.
Rose nodded. "Yes of course, we told them first. We couldn't have done it without asking them both first."
Nothing else was said during the main course. As Rose collected the dinner plates, everyone was surprised when the intercom rang.
Rose, who was in the bathroom could hear Emmet protesting about letting in whoever was at the door.
She made her way back towards the commotion. Where to her horror she found Caroline stood at the table.
"Emmet! What the hell is she doing here?" The blonde yelled.
"She's just leaving," Emmet said sternly.
"Not until you hear what I've to say about your precious tart." The no longer 'mousy' Caroline shouted. She was dressed in a power suit with her hair in a severe bun. Emmet deducted she had come from work, via the pub as he could smell alcohol on her.
"Could someone please inform me as to who this woman is and what she's doing here?" Hyacinth said, raising her voice to be overheard.
"That's Caroline, the woman Emmet was stepping out with before Rose." Elizabeth explained.
"She's also the woman who was stalking Rose." Emmet added, his complexion bright red by now. "What is it you want?"
"I've something you will want to hear, you will thank me for following her." Caroline replied, slightly slurred.
"Well spit it out!" Rose snapped, squaring up to the woman.
"She's been having it off with at least three other men behind Emmet's back." Smirked Caroline. "You can't deny it. I witnessed it with my own eyes."
Rose looked around the table for some kind of defence. Judging by her sister's expression and Elizabeth's confusion none was forthcoming.
Emmet was unsure if he wanted to hear what Caroline had to say. On one hand he knew she was there to deliberately to cause trouble, but on the other, Rose did have a reputation.
"Go on try me, who am I being accused of seeing?" Spat Rose.
The dinner guests all leaned in to listen, all except Hyacinth who was so embarrassed, she hid her face in her hands. Rose stood right in Caroline's face as a way of defending herself and Emmet stood behind, frozen to the spot.
"Well the bloke in the betting shop for a start." Rose's rival tried.
"What bloke?" Enquired the blonde before adding, "it may have escaped your attention but loads of blokes go in there."
"The one who's always in. Who you are always laughing and joking with. He's very large and scruffy.."
"Onslow," interjected Hyacinth.
Rose laughed. "He's my brother-in-law."
"I'm sure that doesn't stop you."
"Of course it does, I would never betray my sisters, especially with Onslow. He's more like a brother to me. I've known him since, well forever."
Hyacinth nodded in agreement. "What my sister tells you is true, I've no reason to believe that one, Onslow would be proactive enough to have an extra marital affair and two my sister is very loyal to her family."
Rose turned to her sister and mouthed 'thank you.'
"Go on, who else am I supposed to be sleeping with?" Rose said, goading Caroline.
The woman stammered. "The bloke in the pub I saw you and your family laughing and joking with. You were very cosy with him. I think he said his name was Jack."
Rose pondered for a moment then she realised who Caroline was on about.
"Don't be silly, I'm even less likely to have it off with Jack than I am with Onslow. Daisy and Violet will tell you." Rose then turned back towards Hyacinth. "You know Jack, his mother Glynis O'Riley almost married Father on several occasions."
"I'm afraid I do." Her sister replied in a disapproving manner.
Emmet put a defensive hand on Rose's shoulder. "Rose told me she saw Jack, his mother had passed away and he was back from Devon sorting her affairs. In fact didn't you once tell me Rose, there were rumours Jack was actually your half brother?"
"Those were never proved!" Hyacinth stuttered, clutching her pearls.
Rose nodded, "It's never been disproved either. So why would I risk sleeping with someone who might be my older brother? You are going to have to do better than that, Caroline, love."
Panic began to set in Caroline's eyes, she was clutching at straws and she knew it. "Fine, you can't deny this one, the body language screamed sexual tension. Today, in town you were chatting to a bloke looking over familiar."
"Oh Boris? Yes, it's no secret Boris and me go well back but today he was bidding me farewell. He'd heard about me and Emmet.."
"Emmet and I," Hyacinth muttered, correcting her sister's grammar.
Rose turned to face Emmet as she continued, "I told him that there was no one else like you Emmet, how I've never loved anyone the way I love you. He knew and he wished me well and left. Honestly Emmet, I haven't wanted anyone else and I would never betray you or risk what we have. It's you I love."
Elizabeth felt the need to back Rose up, "It's true. Rose was telling me all about this in Marks and Spencer. Which I am sure Caroline, you overheard with being there. I used to like you Caroline. I thought you were perfect for Emmet but I was wrong. Rose is the woman for my brother."
Emmet smiled. He knew Rose was sincere, even without his sister's input. Before he had time to respond to Rose's declaration, Hyacinth stood up and spoke.
"I think you better leave." She said to Caroline. "Now I know my sister has had her faults in the past, when it comes to romantic affairs but she is being genuine. I haven't always approved of this relationship but I can see now that both my sister and Mr Hawksworth are committed to one another and there is nothing you or anyone can do to interfere."
Embarrassed, Caroline retreated towards the way out.
"I'll see you out." Emmet said.
Rose shook her head, "No. I'll go."
Gingerly, Rose followed Caroline down the stairs towards the main entrance to the flat. Rose put her hand on the bolt lock and looked squarely into Caroline's eyes. "I know why you are doing this," she said, almost sympathetically.
"Because Emmet deserves better." The other woman stammered.
Rose shook her head in disagreement. "It's because you are still in love with him."
Caroline didn't say anything but her eyes said it all. Rose was right.
"I've been where you are hundreds of times and honestly, the best thing you can do for yourself as well as Emmet is let him go. He's happy and if you love someone that's all you want for them. Even if it isn't with you. You will never find happiness like this."
Caroline lowered her head and turned to the door. Rose unbolted it and watched her leave. "Take care." Rose said before closing the door.
Rose returned to the table and sighed as she smoothed down her dress. "Right, I think we've seen the last of her. Who's for pudding? It's only a shop bought cheesecake with cream, I'm afraid."
The guests chatted amongst themselves whilst Emmet freshened their drinks and Rose served the desert.
Over dessert, desperate to finally share her news, Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak. Unfortunately Hyacinth got there first.
Beaming, she announced, "I've something I want you all know. My wealthy businesswoman sister Violet, has gifted me singing lessons!"
'Oh god,' thought Emmet.
"That way I can audition for your productions Emmet and by improving my already perfect voice there will be no question of landing a role due to nepotism. It will be based on my raw talent alone." She went on to explain.
Liz, Matty and Richard tried to supress the laughter and Emmet gritted his teeth as he looked to Rose. She gave him a reassuring nod.
Through gritted teeth Emmet finally replied. "Umm, of course you are more than welcome to audition Hyacinth and if you are right for the role you certainly will get the part." He said, begrudgingly.
Hyacinth failed to hear Emmet's sarcastic tone and she smiled proudly.
Elizabeth then turned to look at her husband who gave her a reassuring nod. "Well if we are all sharing news Matty and I have something very exciting to share. Gail and Harold will be moving back in with us for the foreseeable future. Harold has been offered a very good job in Birmingham and the house they are buying needs a complete renovation."
"But I thought they loved life in New Zealand?" Emmet interjected.
Elizabeth beamed as her Husband replied. "Yes, but even though the salary is great there is another reason they are keen to come home."
"Gail is having a baby! Matty and I will be grandparents and Emmet you going to be great uncle." Liz proudly announced.
Rose saw Hyacinth's face drop as everyone else offered up their congratulations.
"That's marvellous news." Emmet said. "Put us down for babysitting duties. I so loved looking after Gail as a child."
"Did you?" His other half asked. "I was banned from looking after my nieces and nephews after I lost our Steph at t'funfair."
"What happened?" Emmet asked Rose.
"Well our Daisy let me take her and I got talking to a dishy lad who worked the waltzers. Let's just say I got distracted and our Steph who was only about six or so wondered off. She was found eventually by the carousel but Daisy never forgave me for that and none of my sisters let me look after their kids again. Did you our Hyacinth?"
"Well, I didn't think you were responsible enough to take sole care of my Sheridan, Rose, dear."
"I won't be distracted That I can promise." Replied Emmet.
"You were a smashing uncle to Gail." Liz added and Matty nodded in agreement.
After pudding, the guests and Emmet adjourned to the living room. Rose and Matty made their way to the balcony for a cigarette before Rose made the coffee.
When they returned indoors Rose was surprised that Hyacinth wasn't there. She was informed by her brother-in-law that she was making a start on the dishes.
Rose made her way to kitchen and found her sister sobbing by the sink.
"I know washing the pots is a pain but it's not worth crying about, surely?" The blonde said light heartedly.
"I'm sorry Rose, dear. I thought I would make a start on washing the crockery."
Rose stood by her sister. "Thanks our Hyacinth but there's no need. We have a dish washer. What's the matter? Is this about Liz becoming a grandmother?"
Rose remembered the conversation they had had after their father died and Hyacinth told her how disappointed she was that she would never become a grandmother herself.
"I'm afraid it is." Hyacinth said, taking off the rubber gloves and turning to look at her sister. "I just feel so sad that Richard and I won't be able to experience excitement like that."
Rose put a comforting arm around her sister. "It's alright. I understand but you will have plenty of other exciting times to share with our Sheridan."
"Maybe so but nothing like this." She said sadly.
"Well maybe he wouldn't have wanted kids anyway even if he was with a lass. Surely him being happy is the most important thing."
Hyacinth sighed before smiling at Rose. "When did you get so wise, Rose? You know I was wrong about a lot of things, especially Emmet and yourself being together. I still don't like the fact you are living in sin but I can see you are happy and I suppose you are right. That's all that really matters in this life."
Rose flung her arms enthusiastically around her sister. "Thank you our Hyacinth, that means a lot to me. Thank you for sticking up for me with that Caroline too."
"Rose, you are my sister and I don't often say it but I love you. I love all my family. I just want you to live a good, respectable life. I can see you are heading that way."
Both sisters 's welled up a little before Rose said, "C'mon leave those pots. Our Violet's cleaner is coming tomorrow she's can pop them in the washer. You join the others and I'll sort some coffee. Oh and our Hyacinth? Thank you. I don't say enough either but I love you too and have always been grateful for all you've ever done for us. And most importantly I'm glad we are okay again." The blonde smiled.
"So am I Rose, dear. You best let me make the coffee, you'll only do it wrong and make it bitter." Hyacinth said, never being able to completely step back.
Rose left her to it. She found Emmet having five minutes to himself on the balcony.
"Are you okay?" He asked as she joined him.
"Yeah, me and our Hyacinth have cleared the air at long last. She's insisted on making the coffee so I thought I would leave her to get on with it."
"I'm glad you two are alright." Emmet said, wrapping his arms around her tiny waist.
"Are you?" Rose asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I know I've never been and never will be her biggest fan but I know how much she means to you so I'm pleased for you Rose."
"Thanks Emmet and thank for tonight. I know you weren't keen." She kissed Emmet passionately and whispered, "What say we try and get rid of everyone and make mad passionate love on the dining table again?"
Emmet smiled cheekily and replied, "sounds like a plan to me." He then laughed, "All night I've been dying to shout 'Hyacinth where you are eating just before you arrived, your sister and I made love right there!' Oh her face would have been a picture!"
Rose playfully hit her fella. "Oh Emmet, how many times?!" She said before laughing.
"In all seriousness Rose, I'm so pleased things seem to be okay. We've got an exciting time together ahead. Liz is going to be a grandmother and Caroline is out of our lives. I'm even happy about Hyacinth having singing lessons."
Rose giggled before kissing him. "Me too things are looking up. Now get rid of the guests so you can ravish me."
The End.
I hope you enjoyed it, if you did please feel free to review.