On one of the many side streets of London Mr. Carson was strolling down the street, looking for inspiration for a bride's gift. He wanted to find a nice piece of jewelry for Elsie. He thought supporting a quaint little shop would be preferable. He could find her something beautiful and unique without breaking the bank. He knew she would not appreciate it if he spent a fortune on her. She did not seem very materialistic. He knew she only had a few pieces of jewelry and he knew she treasured them.
He was lucky enough to get away from The Grantham House for a few hours. He was not needed and thought it was a good time to search before his departure. Unfortunately he had been walking for a while with no luck.
He turned a corner and noticed a bookstore. Figuring he could at least find a few new covers, he made his way to the entrance. At least this trip would not be a total waste. He was greeted by an elderly woman. She bid him good day and he inclined his head.
He moved to pursue the shelves. He picked up a copy, looked it through and then put it back if it was not to his liking. He ultimately chose 4 books and moved to the front counter to make his purchase.
"Did you find everything alright deary?" The elderly shopkeeper asked.
"Yes, thank you."
The shopkeeper wrapped his books and he handed her his money.
Before he turned to leave he asked "Are there any nearby jewelry stores?"
"Yes, just down the way a few blocks from here. Looks kinda rundown, but nice owners. Has been open for longer than this place."
"Is it quality?"
"Oh yes, I personally have found quite a few beautiful pieces. In fact this necklace is from Backer's Jewelers." She indicated to her gold chain necklace with an emerald at the center. It looked good quality indeed. Pristine even.
"Thank you" he nodded farewell to the shopkeeper and headed for the street.
He walked a few blocks and stumbled across Backer's Jewelers. It was a small shop situated between two large buildings. It looked shabby from the outside. Well best see if the book shopkeeper's recommendation panned out.
He stepped into the shop and heard a bell overhead indicating his arrival.
He made his way over to one of the displays and started looking. He was just making his way over to the next display, not seeing anything fitting in the first, when an elderly gentleman stepped out from behind a curtain.
"Hello young man, can I help you find something?"
"I'm looking for a gift for my bride."
"Splendid… oh and congratulations." The older man nodded.
Charles was surprised, this the first time he could acknowledge his impending marriage with another. He knew this would probably be the only congratulations he would get.
"Thank you."
"Well what is your bride like?"
Charles, not understanding why the jeweler wanted to know, raised his brow in question.
"I can't very well help, if I don't know anything about your intended."
"Elsie is lovely. Both in looks and personality. She is caring and hardworking. She likes to keep standards, but provides support to people in need." Charles smiled thinking of his love.
The jeweler smiled in return, thinking of his late wife and the many memories shared. This young fellow's expression brought it all back.
"Do you think she would prefer something flashy or elegant?"
"Elegant. Simple, but beautiful. A piece for a special occasion, but can also be worn when she feels in the mood to do so."
"I'd suggest a necklace. They can easily be hidden or shown off. Perhaps a pearl necklace. I have several. This way."
He indicated for Charles to follow. He then walked behind another section of counter and started pulling out a few necklaces.
Charles' eyes were drawn to a silver chain necklace with a teardrop pendant and a peal glistening at the end. It was a good size, but now overly extravagant.
His hand moved to pick up the box it was cradled in. Looking at it closer he notices the subtle blue hue that swirled on the surface of the pearl. This necklace was meant for Elsie.
"I'll take this one."
"Good choice. I'll have it wrapped for you now." Charles handed him the necklace and walked back to the front.
The jeweler came back and they exchanged funds.
"Good luck to you and your bride, young man." He gave a small smile and left.
Looking at the time Charles would need to briskly walk back to the house. He started walking and simultaneously hummed a happy tune. Definitely a successful trip. He was very excited for Elsie to see this beautiful necklace.
In Argyle Elsie was helping her mother do some washing and cleaning around the house. She was currently scrubbing some of her sister's dresses. She wanted to help all she could while she was there. Her mother was entertaining her sister while cooking. By the smell of things dinner would be ready soon.
The past few days were eventful. Elsie continued to have great conversations with her mother. She treasured their time together. She talked more about Charles and described his character and physique. Trying to plant a picture in her mother's mind. She wanted her mother to be proud of her choice.
Her sister was more challenging. Becky did not take too kindly to waking up the morning following Elsie's arrival, to discover her sister still there. She was loud and unruly the entire day. Ultimately driving Elsie out of the house. She needed to grab supplies for her mother anyways. She escaped to a few shops in town. Collected food and fabric. Her mother asked that she pick up a few rolls of fabric for her to fashion a few new dresses for Becky and herself. She also looked for a wedding nightie but had no luck. She didn't buy any fabric for herself, as the selection was not great and she did not have time to sew anything. Elsie did not mind, she could just use her regular shift. Hopefully all Becky needed was a break and her mother's undivided attention to settle before she returned.
She arrived back at the house with her bundles. Her mother met her in the kitchen and helped her unload. She then looked for her sister and noticed her sitting on the couch. Elsie made her way over and handed Becky a lolly. Her sister's eyes brightened with joy and took the candy with enthusiasm. Elsie hoped that would endear her more to her stay. She was not afraid to resort to bribes when it came to her sister.
From the corner of her eye she saw her mother shake her head, but she didn't say a word.
Since then Becky's temperament has been more natural. Elsie was very grateful.
Elsie was distracted from her task when her mother shouted from the other room "Elsie, finish what you're doing and join us for dinner."
"Yes Mam, I'll be there in a moment." She returned to her scrubbing and once stratified moved the articles of clothing to the rinse bucket. She would come back to it later.
Wiping her hands on her apron Elsie walked to the dining table and sat across from her sister. Becky did not make a sound or acknowledge her arrival. Most of dinner was already on the table and Becky was entirely focused on the dinner rolls. Elsie knew bread was one of Becky's most favorite things in the world. She was tempted to just hand her one, but knew her mother worked very hard on teaching table manners to her sister.
Her mother finally turned around with the main dish and placed it in the center of the table.
One a prayer was said her mother indicated for both girls to fill their plates.
"Thank you dear for all your help. I wish you didn't work so hard while away from ye actual job."
"Mam, I don't mind."
"Ya well. Thanks all the same."
"Mam, we should talk about the finances. Is now a good time, or would you prefer another? Of course I'm only here for two more days."
"If we must, now is a good time as ever."
"Ye Mam, we must. Since the rent went up a few months back it's been a challenge, but not impossible. I wish you to know that I will continue my contribution. More if you need. Since the promotion, I can afford the entire rent."
"Oh Elsie, I can't say it would not be a help, of course it would. It's just a shame that you have to take care of us." Her mother put down her fork to look in Elsie's eyes. Losing her appetite somewhat. She felt ashamed.
"Mam, you have taught me to be strong and work hard. That is just what I'm doing."
"I know Mo luaidh, I greatly appreciate you."
"I want to take care of you and Becky. Mam, I see how the strain of everyday cores and caring for Becky weighs on you. I can see you have lost weight and I'm sorry to say, but you don't look the healthiest."
Her mother looked down in further shame, tears filling her eyes. Both women had pushed their respective dinner plates away and were focused on one another. Becky continued to eat, she even managed to snatch another roll because of their distraction.
Elsie grasped her mother's hand and started to rub it in soothing circles. "I don't wish to upset you, I just want you to know your cared for. Have a roof over ye head and food on the table." She felt her mother squeeze her hand in return.
"Are you sick Mam?" Elsie finally found the courage to ask, she felt like crying. Fear for her mother and the unknown at the forefront of her mind.
Her mother was still looking down "I'm afraid so, the doctors don't know my ailment, but my body seems to be shutting down on me. They say there is nothing they can do."
"Oh Mam" tears fell from her eyes at her mother's words. She could not stop them and did not wish to try. This was not a time to fight her emotions. If ever there was a time to cry the realization of one's mothers mortality was one.
Elsie stood from her chair and pulled her mother to her feet. She embarrassed her mother in a tight hold. Breathing in the scent of her hair and trying to memorize all she could about her mother's hold. "Why don't you and Becky go to the living room and relax. I'll clean up." She patted her mother's back and turned her in the direction of the living area.
Her mother gathered her sister and made her way out without a word.
Later that evening Elsie conversed with her mother more about household funds and ways to lessen her mother's load in life. She convinced her to welcome a maid into the house a few times a week. The ever depressing funeral arrangements were discussed as well. They didnt know how much time her mother had and decided that a plan needed to be set.
Her mother finally brought up the rather big elephant in the room. What her mother wished for Becky's care.
"Elsie, you have known for years that Becky will be your responsibility once I'm gone."
Elsie nodded, but was uncomfortable about where the discussion was headed. She felt a tightness in her stomach. Whenever the thought entered her head she tried to drive it out with other thoughts and tasks. Now she could not get away.
"I know you don't want this responsibility, but I don't have anyone else Elsie."
They were seated on the couch and her mother moved to guide her into her arms. Directing Elsie's head onto her shoulder. She started stocking her hair in a calming manner.
"I have gathered and scribed all of Becky's records for you to have. Once I'm gone you will overtake her care or find a care home for her. I believe you will choose the second option." Elsie nodded her head.
"This will be very challenging for her, Elsie. I'm afraid even your presents will not soothe her, evident by her reaction to your stay."
Elsie laughed at that. Indeed her sister did not seem to like her. Elsie rained in her reaction, eager to hear the rest of what her mother needed to say.
"I need to describe to you what happened at Becky's birth. It's important that you know so you can relay this information. Sometimes records are not reliable enough. You are to be her abdicate. I know you were old enough to remember that night Elsie. You were ten and knew what was happening. I'm so grateful ye Da took you away that night, for after ye left it was miserable. Hours upon hours, then during the final stretch your sister became stuck. More specifically, her shoulders were stuck. That was the worst feeling in my entire life Elsie. Feeling the need to push as your life depended on it, but not able too. The midwife was frantic, she was having a hard time as well. Your sister was stuck for several minutes, probably more. It's a bit of a blur honestly. But finally she entered the world and she was quiet.
It was the scariest moment of my life. The midwife worked and worked on her until she took her first breath. She never let out a loud cry, but she was breathing. She was somewhat normal for the first year, I noticed some differences during that time. She never spoke. She was always smaller than other babies. She also had a few fits in her first year. As she grew it was apparent she would always be different."
"I will do my best for her Mam." Elsie said in understanding. Realizing how very strong her mother was. Elsie herself did not think she could have been as strong and tolerant if she was in that situation. She snuggled more into her mother's side.
"I know you will." Her mother murmured, returning her embrace.
"Time for bed my dear." She patted her daughter's head and pulled her in, to placed a kiss upon her hair.
A few days later hundreds of miles away from one another a couple were about to impart on a journey towards one another again.
Mr. Carson was completing his final task that morning before he made his way to the train station.
Elsie was gathering her belongings and moving them out onto the porch. She wanted to make the job of the hired cart as easy as possible. She picked up her last bag and made her way once more to the pouch. Her mother and Becky followed to say their goodbyes.
Elsie's mother gathered her in a hug. "Good luck me lass. Please write often, I want to know about your wedding and life after."
"I will Mam." She drew away from her mother and went to Becky.
"Becky I'm leaving, it was good to see you." She moved to squeeze her upper arm. The only touch her sister allowed without protesting.
Becky looked into her sisters eyes and seemed to understand, even offering a small wave.
Elsie looked back towards her mother with a small smile and noticed her proud and sentimental expression. She felt sentimental herself. This would probably be the last she saw of her mother as she was. Not healthy, but strong in nature and still capable.
Elsie turned to the road when she heard the cart approach. The driver moved the horse to a stop in front of the house and moved down to help load Elsie's bags.
Once packed she turned to her mother and gave her one last hug. "I'm going to miss you Mam, please let me know if you need anything." Elsie was fighting back tears. Knowing this could be the last time she saw her mother.
"I will, take care of yourself Elsie." She released her daughter. Looking into her eyes and seeing Elsie's tears, she moved her hands to encircle her face. She brushed her thumbs under her daughter's eyes, swiping her tears aside.
"It's going to be okay Mo-Hil, I love ye," She kissed her forehead then turned to move back to the porch with Becky.
Elsie climbed into the cart and watched as her mother and sister became smaller as she made her way to her future. Her chest felt tight from the emotional farewell.
Charles stepped off the train and made his way to the Golden Fleece Hotel. He had an hour or so before Elsie's train arrived and he wanted to scope out the hotel. He wanted to see the common room selected for their ceremony. He arranged everything himself. He asked for flower arrangements as decorations. They would only have themselves, the clergyman, and a few witnesses. He still wanted it to be special.
They would then dine in a reputable restaurant nearby and retire to their room.
After about 10 minutes he found himself at the entrance of the impressive hotel. He walked in and appreciated the bustle of hotel staff moving about. Everything looked immaculate. Impressed, he made his way to the check in counter.
He was greeted by a receptionist. "How can I help you?"
"Reservation for Charles Carson."
The clerk checked his guest list "Ah here you are, special day. Congratulations, your reception room is ready. The clergyman will be here at 4pm sharp."
"Wonderful" Charles nodded in acknowledgement. Happy with his choice of establishment. He then asked to be guided to the room so he could inspect it.
Elsie stepped off the train. Her journey was taxing. Her train car had been crowded and noisy. She was bumped around a few times. There were crying children and stressed parents. She had a headache, but was trying to gather her enthusiasm for the main event of the day.
Elsie gathered her luggage and started looking around for Charles. They agreed to meet at the station. She didn't need to wait long as she spotted him walking her way. More like gliding her way. They locked eyes through the crowd and she noticed his small smile. She could not help the smile that grew upon her face. He looked elated to see her. Never had she experienced the joy that overtook her from seeing the man she loved and who loved her in return.
She started making her way to him and when they finally reached each other they just stood and stared at each other. A public display would be highly inappropriate. She could see that he wished to embrace her. Reaching his arm out, but then drawing it back to himself. The electric energy between them overwhelming. She could feel his warmth and had to restrain herself from touching him as well.
"Elsie" Charles breathed.
She looked up to him and just stood in contentment.
Their shared daze was interrupted by the squeal of the train, ready to depart once more.
Charles grabbed her bag and placed his hand on her lower back. Guiding her in the direction of the hotel.
As they were walking Charles said "How was your journey?" His hand was still upon her back and it felt lovely. The warmth spread throughout her body.
"It was actually terrible, but worth it"
Charles could not help but smile again. He loved her honest answer.
"I'm glad you think I'm worth it."
"Oh Mr. Carson, very much. I'm happy to be here with you. It's a special day you know?" Elsie playfully teased.
"Oh and what is to happen today?"
"Oh I don't know, just a small event.?" She continued to flirt.
"Small? Well, how small are we talking? Am I invited?" playing alone. He enjoyed her sense of humor.
"Oh this event would not exist if you were not invited. Your very much wanted Charles." She winked at him.
Charles was surprised by her wink, no one had done so for a very long time. He would never be bored with her. They would always have something to talk about. He could just feel it.
Charles pressed his palm into her back more firmly, with the intended goal of getting to the hotel faster. Elsie took the hint and started walking faster, happy to stretch her legs and be within Charles' presents once more. Happy to be walking towards their future.