Something old. Something new. Something borrowed. Something blue. A silver sixpence in her shoe.
Her mother's pearls. Her wedding gown. A handkerchief. Sky blue silken flowers atop her veil. And in her left shoe the coin was placed, as Emma readied herself for her wedding in the company of her nursemaid and bridesmaids. Her curls were pinned and her gown was altered and crafted cleverly to hide the bulge that insisted she was in the family way. It was a day of laughter and smiles, and thoughtful memories. The bride became more and more nervous as time passed, but her company was doing a splendid enough job keeping her distracted. She hadn't eaten that morning, though her morning sickness had subsided in the fourth month of pregnancy she wished to take no chances.
It was a beautiful day for a wedding, Emma mused as they ventured to the church when the time came, she watched from the window of the cab and allowed herself to be helped down. It would be small, small for a member of the Carrew family. Intimate. Friends and family only.
Their extraordinarily long guest list had been cut in half once, and then again, until only the closest to Emma and Henry remained. But these choices were made with careful thought. The people among them would not judge the pair, London would not be alive with chatter that the bride was expecting a child before she had wed. The people here would never mention such things.
The bride and her maids fluttered around dressing rooms and indulged in a glass of champagne and a few toasts before the wedding. The veil was pulled over the bride's bright brown eyes which gleamed in excitement and then sadness. It was not her father who would be leading her to her fate. Her heart bled a moment, but she did not allow herself to grieve for long.
This was her wedding day, the most wonderful day of her life.
Doors opened and Emmaline Carrew's small party came together at once, preparing to enter on the cue of organ as the traditional wedding hymns unfolded in smooth waves of music from the organ. Emmaline advanced, walking slowly even as the guests rose up in her honor. She smiled to Henry beneath the gossamer veil that hid her face from view.
How lucky she was. Every step she took towards him reminded her of this. He had not been forced to stay, he had not been forced to agree to raise her child. But he had chosen to just the same. All of London thought they were doomed, thought they would fade. Certainly a love like theirs had to lose its luster and the dream had to end.
They had overcome though.
Emma moved forwards, eyes wide and sparkling with pleasure and nerves as she neared him. How handsome he looked there! How happy! John and Lanyon were behind him, just as they always had been, like the family they were in all but blood.
The bride took her husband's hand when she reached him, in a practiced move, her hands ungloved and bare but for the engagement ring which shone proudly on the third finger on her left hand, waiting to be joined by the wedding band.
This was it! Emma could hardly breathe. This was the beginning of their life together, the life they had always known they would share!
Truly it was going to be a beautiful day. The sun was shining merrily, all of London atwitter at the news of the marriage though many had not been invited. And inside the church, the distinguished guests were equally excited for the pair to be married.
Finally, the organ music began and Emma walked down the aisle to join Henry, accompanied by her bride maids. How beautiful she looked, like an angel in her gown, so perfect and pure! The thin veil that covered her face topped with delicate blue flowers could not hide the excitement, which Henry could only assume paralleled his own. Knots were twisting themselves in his stomach, though he couldn’t for the life of him imagine why he was nervous as he was. She had already agreed to marry him, after all.
What a perfect couple Henry and Emma made, in every way! They loved each other so completely that it was practically heresy for anyone to think they did not belong together. They were like something out of a fairytale, standing there at the front of the church filled with their loved ones before a priest and God. Henry was handsome as could be, Emma the most beautiful thing London had ever laid eyes on… and the way they looked at each other with such shameless adoration was incredible, if one knew the hardships they had faced together.
Beside the pair, the priest began to speak, beginning their union before God and the Church. Henry could not help but reflect then, just how long they had been waiting for this day. Since quite literally the first time they met, Emma and Henry had been planning their lives together… finally the time had come to take that first step. Finally they would be married, they could have their family in peace and raise their children as they so longed to do.
Henry was pulled out of his reflections by the Priest’s words as he asked that Henry repeat the vows of the church before he might say his own, more personal vows.
“I, Henry Robert Jekyll, take thee, Emmaline Margaret Carrew, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold until death do us part…”
How could things be any better for the pair this day? London was prone to rain and gloom but the day seemed to rejoice with London at the marriage of Henry Jekyll and Emmaline Carrew, blessing their union with a clear day and a warm sun. They were surrounded by the ones who loved them most and in no time at all there would be no Miss Carrew but instead a Mrs. Doctor Jekyll.
Of course there would be nerves. There was no second guessing, at least on Emma's part as she had known the moment her eyes had meant Henry's that she wished to be married to him, and that had never changed. But she was nervous just the same. There was still time for something to happen, but perhaps their recent fortune would stay about. The worst was over, they could move on.
Perhaps it was only natural that these two be married. There were not, after all, many couples who could have made it through the idea of the woman being pregnant with another man's child, there were not many couples who could handle being torn apart so long by the man's work. They had managed to stay in love despite all that they had been through. They deserved each other, and it was perhaps only now that they (or Emma at the least) understood this. Always before they had been undeserving of the other. But now there was calm, a knowledge that both were lucky-- not for the other, but for the love which they had. No one else could brag they had such a relationship.
The Priest began to say words Emma had heard countless times before, and she only half listened as her eyes were on the man she was so madly in love. It seemed almost odd the way that they had known one another, known this marriage was to come for three years, had spoke of it the first time they had met and only just now could they act upon their plans to spend eternity together.
Henry recited after the Priest the traditional vows and Emma smiled and took in a breath when it was her turn to recite. She gave Henry's hand a soft squeeze and spoke, softly, but clearly before God and the Church.
"I, Emmaline Margaret Carrew, take thee, Henry Robert Jekyll, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold, until death do us part."
((Our dear Utterson has agreed to speak during the reception. *giggles* I'm anxious to see the speech he will give.))
They had something singularly wonderful, Henry and Emma, of that there was no doubt. Perhaps London's upper class was simply bitter... for somehow, some way the pair had known they were in love the moment their eyes met, before they were introduced even. Henry was willing to bet everything their love was truly unique, as if they had been born for no other purpose than to love one another. So strange... and yet so true.
And they had met by chance! What would have happened if Henry had acted on his first instinct and declined the invitation to Simon Stride's party that day? Would he ever have met Emma, or would he live his whole life like every other man in London, telling himself he would never settle for second best but doing so for society sake?
But that had not happened. No matter their hardships, by some blessing of God they had met, surpassed the trials that only managed to strengthen their love. And here they were, at the end of that road and the beginning of another. The hard part was over; they could now start their lives together.
Emma recited the words as the priest spoke them, and Henry was asked if he had anything he wished to add. With a nod, and a deep breath, he began.
"Emma... since the moment I first saw you from across the room, I knew that someday, somehow we would be standing where we are. You have seen me at my worst, you have had so many chances to abandon me, and yet you have stayed, and it has only strengthened that love we felt from across the room. And after what we have overcome together, I have never been more certain of anything in my entirely life... we were meant to be. So Emmaline Margaret Carrew, I forever promise to be the man you deserve and more. I promise to always keep our love alive, to console and comfort you in difficult times, to laugh with you and to grieve with you, to share with you life's simplest yet most endearing pleasures. I love you, and nothing will ever change that; this I vow."
Perhaps it was only natural to be bitter. Not a soul in London wanted to marry for a simple conformation to society, or at least no one Emma could think of. Few were brave enough to protest and say it was wrong. Emma had, had stepped forwards to stand beside the man she loved when society would rather her abandon him. Henry had. He had stayed through two rapes and a pregnancy, agreeing to father a child that was not his.
And yet, Emmaline had almost been condemned to such a life. What had she never met Henry? Would she and Simon be married now, perhaps already with children? And Henry?
It didn't matter, the blonde supposed. They had met. None of the what if...?s would ever happen now. They were here, ready to be married. Moments away from the future.
Henry had prepared vows of his own and Emma cried happily as he recited them, giving his hand a gentle squeeze and letting the love glow upon her face as she listened to his heart-warming words. "Henry..." She mouthed beneath the veil. "I love you."
The Priest nodded to her to gesture she could speak as well and she laughed, lightly, a gentle sound before she spoke, quietly. "I was little more than a child when I met you, but I knew with the wisdom of someone twice my age that I had encountered my destiny, and it was a destiny I embraced. The road wasn't smooth but I traveled it just the same. I could not let you go. A look into your eyes, and the world suddenly made sense to me. You've always reminded me that I could leave, that I did not have to stay beside you, that you wanted better for me. I could do no better than this, Henry Jekyll. I stayed at your side, and you have never strayed from mine. And here we are. It's almost funny, isn't it? I don't think anyone ever truly believed we would make it. We've overcome all of the odds Henry. And now...I used to dream of this night, and now it's here. In your eyes...I'm complete. I know what I'm meant to be.
There are so many things I can't express in words, but Henry, I love you so terribly much and I swear to be true, I swear to be there. I'll never desert you. I love you."
She smiled to him tearfully and happily beneath the veil and shook her head softly running her fingers anxiously across Henry's hands.
Society was jealous, that was all. Many people in London were use to getting exactly what they wanted, when they wanted it… But love is not something one can go out and buy, not something meant for everyone. Henry and Emma had been incredibly lucky to find one another, to find the love that they shared.
There were so many ‘what if’s though, none of them happy or pleasant. So much could have happened, so much could have torn the pair apart on their way to happiness, and many times almost had. Now though they were finally being granted the bliss they so deserved, the happiness that came from such a story-book love as theirs. The beautiful princess could finally have the handsome prince. They would marry and live happily ever after.
Henry finished his vows, and smiled as Emma mouthed her promise of love, reveling in her look of adoration from beneath the veil. This was it… this was the beginning of their lives together. Henry would receive that loving look every day for the rest of their lives together.
Emma said her vows, and Henry couldn’t help but smile lovingly at his bride. It was so true… so many times he had told her she could leave him, had insisted he wished better for her and would not hate her for seeking it. And still she had stayed with him. It was part of the beauty of their love.
The Priest then asked Henry if he would take Emma as his wife, and the man could have laughed at such a foolish question. Of course he would… what man would not take such a beautiful, loving woman as his own? “I do.”
The question was repeated to Emma, who also agreed and the pastor smiled, nodding a bit in personal approval.
“Then by the power vested in me by the Church of God and the Queen herself, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
And kiss his bride Henry did, lifting her veil reverently and kissing Emma as he had so many times before. Yet this time it was different… their first kiss as husband and wife.
The crowd applauded loudly, shouting their congratulations even as the priest rose his voice to introduce them to their friends. “Dearly Beloved, I am proud to present Doctor Henry Jekyll, and Mrs. Emmaline Jekyll.” The crowd’s applause rose as Henry kissed his wife again, grinning even as tears began to fall from his own eyes. How beautiful it sounded… Emmaline Jekyll.
Finally, after so many years of formality and waiting they could begin their life as Husband and Wife!
How could Emma have done anything but stay? He made her life worth living, there could not be Emma without Henry, as dedicated as he was - had been - to his work, he could be just as dedicated to her, and, oh, when he turned his eyes on her with all of the love in the world in them! She shook her heads a little as if to say she wasn’t too impressed with the way her vows but the smile never left her face, that tiny turn of her pink lips letting the world know just how pleased Emma was to be there.
The look on her groom’s face was most amusing as he was asked if he would take Emma as his wife, almost as if he were going to ask the man if he was serious. He kept his composure though and Emma gave him a smile, which softened as he said those two words.
“I do.”
“And do you, Emmaline Margaret Carrew, take Henry Robert Jekyll to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
She nodded her head. “I do.”
And it was done. They were permitted to kiss and Henry lifted the veil from over her eyes and Emma leaned into the kiss, eagerly, eyes closing as the pair kissed as boldly as they dared in God’s house, before these people.
There was applause and Emma smiled against her beloved’s lip at the approval of those in the room, stroking her husband’s hair with a dainty hand and laughing and crying all at once, accepting his second kiss as they were introduced as Man & Wife.
Emmaline Jekyll. She was Mrs. Jekyll. Three long years and now they were wed at last. She tasted salt in their kiss, from the happy tears both were shedding and as she pulled from him she wiped his eyes and laughed.
And there could be no Henry without Emma. Henry knew damn well that if Emma had told him to go, if Emma had left when the road was rough, neither would ever be truly complete. Emma was such a part of him now, his entire life now that his work was through. His world revolved around Emma and nothing more… and he couldn’t imagine having it any other way. Every moment spent in that God forsaken cabinet had been a moment lost with Emma.
Now though they would have all the time in the world to spend together. Not a moment apart, for always they would be joined in soul. Nevermore would one be without the other.
The applause in the room was genuine as the pair kissed, finalizing their marriage. The only people in all of London who had not lost faith in the two… The people Henry and Emma loved and trusted most dearly, there with them in their sweetest moment. This was the reason the guest list had been halved several times, this shared and genuine happiness throughout the room.
Emma wiped Henry’s eyes as they laughed together, unable to restrain their utter bliss. Married! Finally, after so long they were wedded, Man and Wife. There was no greater feeling in all the world.
Henry smiled and shook his head as Emma spoke. “Till long after, My Wife. Not even death can part us now.”
And with those words Henry scooped his bride into his arms, kissing her again as he carried her back down the aisle and out the threshold of the church to be greeted by their friends and family before the reception at the Jekyll Estate.
Rice rained down upon the pair as a they left the building and Henry returned Emma to her feet only to help her into the carriage that awaited to take them to the reception, and Henry found he could not stop smiling. Truly he had never been so happy in his entire life. This beautiful woman was his, by law and in God’s eyes. Within months they would have a family, and life would be just as they had always imagined it… perfect.
Upon arriving at the estate, Poole was greeted enthusiastically by his master, the butler giving his congratulations and assurances the rest of the evening would go off without hitch. The dining room was already prepared for the reception dinner, the house spotless for the reception and an inn booked for the night.
Gabriel John Utterson could not have been happier for his friend, even if he did tease the man, relentless for being boring, for only having ever known one woman all his life. After recent events, recent times of turmoil, it was wonderful to see Henry happy and at ease. Back to his old self.
John was proud to serve as one of Henry’s Best Men, the men were thicker than blood, and had been since childhood and through university. It was only natural, the three men, close as brothers had always planned to be in one another’s wedding (even if John teased he would lead a life of perpetual bachelorship). Now Henry was tying himself to Emma Carrew, and how confident he looked.
The Juris Doctor was happy for his friend, and he was among those who clapped the loudest as the pair kissed, grinning all the while and giving Henry his approving nod and a wink, remaining silent though. They would have time to chat at the reception, after all. Henry scooped his bride up in his arms and Lanyon and John followed, each holding the arm of one of Emma’s bridesmaids to escort them out as gentlemen would. They waved the pair off and tossed rice and there were cheers and shouts before it was time for them to follow on to Jekyll Estate where the reception was to be held.
John was the first to greet the pair, which could be expected of the eccentric lawyer who had remained so calm and well-mannered during the wedding. He embraced Henry warmly, like a brother and grinned. “Doctor Jekyll! Congratulations, Man. You’ve always had impeccable tastes.”
“And Mrs. Jekyll!” He turned to Emma and smiled. “May I kiss the bride?”
He did not wait for an answer, as he knew his friend would object, but as always he kept things unpredictable and he kissed the back of the woman’s hand.
“You’re going to let me give a speech during dinner, aren’t you my friend?” John grinned as he released Emma’s hand, “Oh! Your wedding gift. You won’t find mine among the gifts you’ll receive during the reception. I’ve chosen to have mine delivered at a…ah, a later time.”
(( >< Most terrible post ever. Give me a break. I'm trying to get in character. I can't stay for long. I'm extremely busy. So expect him to get drunk, make his speech (or vice versa ;) and then I'll leave you and Court be.))
What other men than John or Lanyon could Henry choose to serve as his Best Men? They had been the best of friends since they were schoolboys, the best of friends in every way. Like brothers the way they could confide in one another, be themselves without anyone of the three ever getting offended.
As always, John was right there beside him. In everything Henry did, the cousins could be expected to be some of the few people supporting him, always there to help him through good times and bad. Of the two though, Henry was gladdest to have known John. The man kept him sane, balanced him out and kept him level when times were rough. And in happy times such as these, the man sure as hell was good to have around.
John was the first to greet Henry, as was usual at any event the two would attend, and the doctor returned his friend’s brotherly embrace. “Thank you, John. Though you know damn well if it weren’t for your persistence, Emma and I would never have met. It was not my idea to attend that party, if you’ll remember…”
Henry couldn’t help but laugh as John took it upon himself to kiss Emma’s hand, and the doctor shook his head slightly. The man was always full of surprises, and he hadn’t had an ounce to drink yet…
“Of course! You’re the most eloquent man I know, John, I would be honored if you would speak. You’re not the best damn lawyer in London because of your looks after all; though no doubt when they start allowing women on judicial boards your record will be flawless…”
The doctor closed his eyes, even as he smiled a bit and shook his head when the man spoke of his wedding gift. “John, you haven’t… whatever are we going to do with you? Ah, Lanyon and I will have our revenge one of these days, My Friend. Wait and see; you’ll never hear the end of it when you finally settle down.”
”For now though, you look parched! Poole’s been asked to keep the alcohol flowing this evening just for you. Help yourself, Friend. Our home is yours.” Our home… how wonderful that sounded!
And John was gladdest to have known Henry. Lanyon was his cousin, of course he held a special place in John’s life but he always would have being his cousin, but Henry was different. He had been a timid and quiet boy, and even as he preferred his own company, others preferred he keep it. He was not the sort John would have normally taken to but Henry was very much right: They balanced one another. John ever the optimist, knowing just how to bring Harry out of his bouts of depression, just how to make him smile when things were already pleasant. And Henry? John’s voice of reason. John’s confidant, perhaps the only one who knew John didn’t want to be a bachelor forever no matter what he said, but rather he didn’t want to settle for second best and had just…not found that special person yet.
“I didn’t insist we go so you could meet Emmaline.” John reminded. “I insisted we go because Simon is a lying bastard and I didn’t believe Sir Danvers would have let him near his darling daughter, much less marry London’s Most Lovely Girl. You’re a Devil you know. Stealing her away and on Stride’s birthday. How long again did it take before he became the wiser?”
He laughed. “You flatter me, Harry. Best damn lawyer? I hadn’t noticed…” The Juris Doctor beamed though and laughed again, “Hah! Women on the judicial boards. That will be the day.” And he put on a show.
“Gentlemen…and ladies” The man winked here. “of the jury. It seems to me that this man is guilty and I shan’t even tell you why. I shall just give you my winning smile and…there we go. The prosecution rests.”
He shook his head. “I’ll speak at dinner then.”
“I haven’t what, Henry?” Gabriel John Utterson asked, innocently with a lopsided grin and a chuckle. “Well, it’s a damned good thing I’m not settling down any time soon. Besides, why ever would you want vengeance against me for a gift? It seems I should be given thanks, not threats of revenge. I think you’ll like it…And Emma will too, certainly. With some time.”
“I was beginning to think you would never ask!” John laughed. “It’s early though. And I shall try and keep my wits about me until I deliver the speech at least.”
“Then what a very home I have.” John grinned and nodded his head before vanishing to retrieve a bottle of liquor and prepare a speech in his friends’ honor.
((Oh! Courtney and I were thinking about taking on other muses. -- Salieri and Constance -- Have you any want to take up the beloved Wolfie? No roleplay (for now) but comments back and forth on the topics and such. Speech coming after your next post. I‘m trying to write it. Hah! Expect it to be amusing.))
The three might as well have been brothers, truly. In childhood they had been known about school for being quite troublesome, people always asking how quiet, sweet Henry had fallen into such company. Henry though would not have it any other way. His personality was tended to lean toward solitude... but every man needed companionship of both genders. It was a basic need, right below food and safety, after all.
And similarly if John didn't have someone to keep his head on, the man would likely destroy himself without knowing it. Henry had a feeling tonight he would be calling a cab to send his friend home before the party was over, if just to be sure he got home safe at all. As much as John liked to drink, he had a rather low tolerance to alcohol...
"I know. But if you hadn't insisted I go, I might never have met her. It's a miracle I saw her anyways, as large a crowd as was there. I'm lucky to have found her before you did. You were quite right, though; Danvers was far too trusting, rest his soul..." Henry laughed then. "As far as I know, he was unaware until Emma declared she no longer wished to marry him. At the very least he never tried to stop us from sneaking off. Often times we weren't to subtle about it either. I kept thinking Simon was going to find us in one of those hallways and have my head, but he never did..."
"Oh, ha! You know damn well how good you are. Anyone in London knows who to turn to if they're in a tight spot. I'm convinced you could talk God from sending you to Hell..."
Henry laughed. "John, be serious. You know I feel the same as you do on these matters, but the women in America are certainly going after their rights. Their civil rights movement worries me... it'll spread to England, you mark my words. And then you will have to flash your charming smile to assure you win a case."
The doctor covered his mouth in a slightly embarassed way and shook his head before speaking. "You'll find someone, John. One of these days you'll meet a woman who can sate your many appitites." He promised. "And you'll know how it feels to have your friends giving such gifts. I'm sure I will love it though, John." he promised.
((Of course!!! You know how I love playing wack-jobs. Musical geniuses are my favorite <3))
John waved a hand to dismiss his friend’s thanks at being part of the reason he had met the beautiful Emmaline Jekyll and smiled. “You would have gone anyways. Fates would have found a way to put you there even if I had not insisted upon it.”
“Excuse you!” The Juris Doctor laughed. “I would have done no harm to Emma. Certainly I flirted a bit, but when don’t I? The moment I knew you had feelings for her I left things as they were-You’re lucky I’m so fond of you, Henry. I don’t give up the pursuit of a pretty maiden for just anyone.”
“It wasn’t trust that killed the man though. I still wonder how, though, he never drew the connection from Simon to The Dregs. Everyone else seems to know. You would think that someone would step up and tell Danvers the man he was marrying his daughter to was a pimp.”
He covered his mouth in an amused way and shook his head. “Weren’t too subtle? Try not at all. At first you certainly were careful. I wouldn’t have known save that Emma would vanish at the same time, but you were full out careless after a while.”
John laughed and nodded, not modestly. “You’re right. Lord knows I will need those skills when it comes time for me to pass. Living a life of debauchery as I do.”
He groaned. “Britain should have fought harder to keep the Continent under our control. Now they’re ruining the world. India is beginning to fidget in upset, women will be wanting rights. As much as I love women, and you know I do, Henry, I don’t want to see them working and taking part in the government.”
“God. I’ll have to move…”
“We’ll see about that, I suppose.” John shrugged, offhandedly and he laughed. “You don’t even know what I’ve got for you. It could be anything, and you know damned well I would just grin at such a thing.”
Dinner came soon enough and John had indulged in a few drinks but seemed to be making a point to keep his wits about him until he at least delivered the speech, and by now he was quite ready to drink, the alcohol flowing around him. He rose up, his glass of champagne raised and he tapped it to get the room’s attention after the wedding cake had been brought in. And he smiled, raising up straight and lifting his glass towards the pair.
“Has there ever been a pair like Doctor Henry Jekyll and Miss Emmaline Carrew? Mrs. Emmaline Jekyll, excuse me. I’ve known Harry here since we were schoolboys, and for years he maintained that he did not believe in love. Perhaps he didn’t. And then there was Emma.”
“After the death of Robert and Mary Jekyll I watched sadly as my friend withdrew into himself, I watched as he lost faith in so many things. And I watched as in a single meeting he regained hope in the eyes of the woman who is now his bride. It is rare, in London, to find a pair like them. A pair who were wed for love…Three long years and their love never died, never withered and faded as London thought it would.”
“They were so young. How could it have been real? It was a childish infatuation, but any who watched them knew better. They were in love. They are in love. There’s not a man or woman in this room who doesn’t want to be loved. And yet so few of us find a love like Harry and Emma here have…”
He closed his eyes a while, thoughtfully before he wet his lips with his tongue and spoke again. “It is only human nature to be jealous, but us few, us in this room smiling and laughing pushed aside selfishness to rejoice.”
“The times have been hard. Six have died, among them Sir Danvers Carrew. A man who should be here. A man who should be giving a speech of his own, welcoming a son into his family and saying goodbye to his daughter.”
He bowed his head in respect and was quiet a moment before speaking once more. “London deserves this. What a way to bid our demons farewell.” (c)
“And so I wish to our newly weds long life. I wish them many children (one of which had better be named ‘John’). I wish you success. I wish you prosperity. I wish you happiness. Luck. Love. I wish you all the best.”
He raised his glass high.
“To London’s favorite pair! To Henry and Emmaline Jekyll! To Harry and Emma! To our friends.” And he drank.
Henry could not help but roll his eyes. “Don’t talk to me of fates, John. If I hadn’t lived ‘love at first sight’, I wouldn’t believe in that either. But as much as I love my wife I do not believe we were fated to meet… it was chance, nothing more.”
The doctor laughed. “I never said you’d harm her, John! But your charm might have stolen her attentions before I met her, and then where would I be.” Henry smiled and patted his friend on the back. “I am truly lucky to have a friend so generous and thoughtful as you, then.”
“I know, I know. But I do believe he knew the connection between Stride and that filthy place. There’s no way he could have not heard the rumors… I think he simply chose to ignore him. That was his way, after all… he only chose to see the good in man. For the most part, that is. Perhaps he simply dismissed the talk as rumors.
Henry couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, come now! We weren’t that horrible! Just because the King of Bachelors could tell what we were up to didn’t make us obvious. Toward the end, though… Ha, I suppose we were a bit careless. Stealing kisses within the man’s own house was a bit of a risk, eh?”
“Indeed we should have.” The doctor nodded soberly. “It was an embarrassment to the nation, to loose the Americas so easily. It will give the other territories ideas, no doubt. I agree with you… Women simply were not cut out to be in places of power. Their job is within the home, for men certainly cannot take care of such a job. Leave the work to us, and the housework to women… God knows they hold us together.”
“And where will you go, John? France’ll be next, followed by the rest of the Western civilization! Unless you plan on moving east, there’s no escaping it…”
“Yes, but would you grin in front of your new bride? You’ll learn, Johnny. Someday you’ll learn what it’s like to be around a woman you love and your tune will change a bit. Not much, but a bit…”
More and more guests arrived, Henry and Emma playing the proper hosts and greeting them all before joining the festivities themselves. Soon enough though the call came that dinner was served, and the group moved into the dinning room (where the table had been extended to incorporate the many guests), Henry sitting beside his bride with John on his other side as they ate. Truly he had not entertained so many guests in ages… it was wonderful to be a part of society again, not locked in that damned cabinet or self-confined.
When John rose, the room became quiet, listening intently as the man spoke. As he did so, Henry laced fingers with Emma under the table to listen to his friend honor them.
Truly, John was the most eloquent man in all of London. He had the entire room nodding in agreement with him, laughing and frowning soberly where intended. When the man gave his toast, the guests raised their glasses in agreement, calling cheers and congratulating the newlyweds. When John sat, Henry poured the man a hearty drink.
“Thank you, My Friend…”
The night progressed as all nights do, the band hired to play for the evening finally arriving and setting up. When they began to play, Henry smiled and excused himself from a group of men he had been speaking with to find his bride.
He found the girl easily and excused himself to those she was speaking with, bowing formally over her hand with a smile.
Emma was no stranger to playing the part of excited party host, but the smile on her lips was true now and she was glad to welcome each guest into the Jekyll home. When it seemed that the last of the guests had arrived, Emma and her husband joined the throng of people, socializing and enjoying themselves immensely. It was time for dinner and so Emma and Henry waited for the guests to make their way to the dining room before joining them. They were seated and dined on a meal fit for royalty, Emma and Henry fluttering about one another like any happy newlyweds should, smiling and joyful.
John rose up and the room was silent, the lawyer had that effect on people. Henry’s fingers tangled with Emmaline’s beneath the table and she gave his hand a soft squeeze as she lifted her eyes to watch the man who would be the godfather of her and Henry’s children.
The man was an amazing speaker, pausing in all the right places for effect, capturing the guests’ attention and Emma pursed her lips and turned her head to dab her eyes when her father was mentioned. John raised his glass and drained it with the other guests and the blonde smiled, gently, running her fingers over her husband’s hand and nodding to the Juris Doctor as he took his seat again.
“That was beautiful, Gabriel.”
The night passed quickly enough, a band had been hired and had arrived at last, warming up as Emma entertained her guests, talking and laughing, occasionally catching Henry’s eyes from across the room where he was entertaining his own friends. The band began and suddenly Henry was there and Emmaline laughed as he bowed over her hand after apologizing for the interruption and she grinned at his request, dipping herself into a grand curtsy, made more elaborate by the many skirts of her gown.
“Dr. Jekyll, you may have every dance.” She told him, her eyes alight in wonder.
Her mother's pearls. Her wedding gown. A handkerchief. Sky blue silken flowers atop her veil. And in her left shoe the coin was placed, as Emma readied herself for her wedding in the company of her nursemaid and bridesmaids. Her curls were pinned and her gown was altered and crafted cleverly to hide the bulge that insisted she was in the family way. It was a day of laughter and smiles, and thoughtful memories. The bride became more and more nervous as time passed, but her company was doing a splendid enough job keeping her distracted. She hadn't eaten that morning, though her morning sickness had subsided in the fourth month of pregnancy she wished to take no chances.
It was a beautiful day for a wedding, Emma mused as they ventured to the church when the time came, she watched from the window of the cab and allowed herself to be helped down. It would be small, small for a member of the Carrew family. Intimate. Friends and family only.
Their extraordinarily long guest list had been cut in half once, and then again, until only the closest to Emma and Henry remained. But these choices were made with careful thought. The people among them would not judge the pair, London would not be alive with chatter that the bride was expecting a child before she had wed. The people here would never mention such things.
The bride and her maids fluttered around dressing rooms and indulged in a glass of champagne and a few toasts before the wedding. The veil was pulled over the bride's bright brown eyes which gleamed in excitement and then sadness. It was not her father who would be leading her to her fate. Her heart bled a moment, but she did not allow herself to grieve for long.
This was her wedding day, the most wonderful day of her life.
Doors opened and Emmaline Carrew's small party came together at once, preparing to enter on the cue of organ as the traditional wedding hymns unfolded in smooth waves of music from the organ. Emmaline advanced, walking slowly even as the guests rose up in her honor. She smiled to Henry beneath the gossamer veil that hid her face from view.
How lucky she was. Every step she took towards him reminded her of this. He had not been forced to stay, he had not been forced to agree to raise her child. But he had chosen to just the same. All of London thought they were doomed, thought they would fade. Certainly a love like theirs had to lose its luster and the dream had to end.
They had overcome though.
Emma moved forwards, eyes wide and sparkling with pleasure and nerves as she neared him. How handsome he looked there! How happy! John and Lanyon were behind him, just as they always had been, like the family they were in all but blood.
The bride took her husband's hand when she reached him, in a practiced move, her hands ungloved and bare but for the engagement ring which shone proudly on the third finger on her left hand, waiting to be joined by the wedding band.
This was it! Emma could hardly breathe. This was the beginning of their life together, the life they had always known they would share!
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Finally, the organ music began and Emma walked down the aisle to join Henry, accompanied by her bride maids. How beautiful she looked, like an angel in her gown, so perfect and pure! The thin veil that covered her face topped with delicate blue flowers could not hide the excitement, which Henry could only assume paralleled his own. Knots were twisting themselves in his stomach, though he couldn’t for the life of him imagine why he was nervous as he was. She had already agreed to marry him, after all.
What a perfect couple Henry and Emma made, in every way! They loved each other so completely that it was practically heresy for anyone to think they did not belong together. They were like something out of a fairytale, standing there at the front of the church filled with their loved ones before a priest and God. Henry was handsome as could be, Emma the most beautiful thing London had ever laid eyes on… and the way they looked at each other with such shameless adoration was incredible, if one knew the hardships they had faced together.
Beside the pair, the priest began to speak, beginning their union before God and the Church. Henry could not help but reflect then, just how long they had been waiting for this day. Since quite literally the first time they met, Emma and Henry had been planning their lives together… finally the time had come to take that first step. Finally they would be married, they could have their family in peace and raise their children as they so longed to do.
Henry was pulled out of his reflections by the Priest’s words as he asked that Henry repeat the vows of the church before he might say his own, more personal vows.
“I, Henry Robert Jekyll, take thee, Emmaline Margaret Carrew, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold until death do us part…”
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Of course there would be nerves. There was no second guessing, at least on Emma's part as she had known the moment her eyes had meant Henry's that she wished to be married to him, and that had never changed. But she was nervous just the same. There was still time for something to happen, but perhaps their recent fortune would stay about. The worst was over, they could move on.
Perhaps it was only natural that these two be married. There were not, after all, many couples who could have made it through the idea of the woman being pregnant with another man's child, there were not many couples who could handle being torn apart so long by the man's work. They had managed to stay in love despite all that they had been through. They deserved each other, and it was perhaps only now that they (or Emma at the least) understood this. Always before they had been undeserving of the other. But now there was calm, a knowledge that both were lucky-- not for the other, but for the love which they had. No one else could brag they had such a relationship.
The Priest began to say words Emma had heard countless times before, and she only half listened as her eyes were on the man she was so madly in love. It seemed almost odd the way that they had known one another, known this marriage was to come for three years, had spoke of it the first time they had met and only just now could they act upon their plans to spend eternity together.
Henry recited after the Priest the traditional vows and Emma smiled and took in a breath when it was her turn to recite. She gave Henry's hand a soft squeeze and spoke, softly, but clearly before God and the Church.
"I, Emmaline Margaret Carrew, take thee, Henry Robert Jekyll, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold, until death do us part."
((Our dear Utterson has agreed to speak during the reception. *giggles* I'm anxious to see the speech he will give.))
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And they had met by chance! What would have happened if Henry had acted on his first instinct and declined the invitation to Simon Stride's party that day? Would he ever have met Emma, or would he live his whole life like every other man in London, telling himself he would never settle for second best but doing so for society sake?
But that had not happened. No matter their hardships, by some blessing of God they had met, surpassed the trials that only managed to strengthen their love. And here they were, at the end of that road and the beginning of another. The hard part was over; they could now start their lives together.
Emma recited the words as the priest spoke them, and Henry was asked if he had anything he wished to add. With a nod, and a deep breath, he began.
"Emma... since the moment I first saw you from across the room, I knew that someday, somehow we would be standing where we are. You have seen me at my worst, you have had so many chances to abandon me, and yet you have stayed, and it has only strengthened that love we felt from across the room. And after what we have overcome together, I have never been more certain of anything in my entirely life... we were meant to be. So Emmaline Margaret Carrew, I forever promise to be the man you deserve and more. I promise to always keep our love alive, to console and comfort you in difficult times, to laugh with you and to grieve with you, to share with you life's simplest yet most endearing pleasures. I love you, and nothing will ever change that; this I vow."
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And yet, Emmaline had almost been condemned to such a life. What had she never met Henry? Would she and Simon be married now, perhaps already with children? And Henry?
It didn't matter, the blonde supposed. They had met. None of the what if...?s would ever happen now. They were here, ready to be married. Moments away from the future.
Henry had prepared vows of his own and Emma cried happily as he recited them, giving his hand a gentle squeeze and letting the love glow upon her face as she listened to his heart-warming words. "Henry..." She mouthed beneath the veil. "I love you."
The Priest nodded to her to gesture she could speak as well and she laughed, lightly, a gentle sound before she spoke, quietly. "I was little more than a child when I met you, but I knew with the wisdom of someone twice my age that I had encountered my destiny, and it was a destiny I embraced. The road wasn't smooth but I traveled it just the same. I could not let you go. A look into your eyes, and the world suddenly made sense to me. You've always reminded me that I could leave, that I did not have to stay beside you, that you wanted better for me. I could do no better than this, Henry Jekyll. I stayed at your side, and you have never strayed from mine. And here we are. It's almost funny, isn't it? I don't think anyone ever truly believed we would make it. We've overcome all of the odds Henry. And now...I used to dream of this night, and now it's here. In your eyes...I'm complete. I know what I'm meant to be.
There are so many things I can't express in words, but Henry, I love you so terribly much and I swear to be true, I swear to be there. I'll never desert you. I love you."
She smiled to him tearfully and happily beneath the veil and shook her head softly running her fingers anxiously across Henry's hands.
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There were so many ‘what if’s though, none of them happy or pleasant. So much could have happened, so much could have torn the pair apart on their way to happiness, and many times almost had. Now though they were finally being granted the bliss they so deserved, the happiness that came from such a story-book love as theirs. The beautiful princess could finally have the handsome prince. They would marry and live happily ever after.
Henry finished his vows, and smiled as Emma mouthed her promise of love, reveling in her look of adoration from beneath the veil. This was it… this was the beginning of their lives together. Henry would receive that loving look every day for the rest of their lives together.
Emma said her vows, and Henry couldn’t help but smile lovingly at his bride. It was so true… so many times he had told her she could leave him, had insisted he wished better for her and would not hate her for seeking it. And still she had stayed with him. It was part of the beauty of their love.
The Priest then asked Henry if he would take Emma as his wife, and the man could have laughed at such a foolish question. Of course he would… what man would not take such a beautiful, loving woman as his own? “I do.”
The question was repeated to Emma, who also agreed and the pastor smiled, nodding a bit in personal approval.
“Then by the power vested in me by the Church of God and the Queen herself, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
And kiss his bride Henry did, lifting her veil reverently and kissing Emma as he had so many times before. Yet this time it was different… their first kiss as husband and wife.
The crowd applauded loudly, shouting their congratulations even as the priest rose his voice to introduce them to their friends. “Dearly Beloved, I am proud to present Doctor Henry Jekyll, and Mrs. Emmaline Jekyll.” The crowd’s applause rose as Henry kissed his wife again, grinning even as tears began to fall from his own eyes. How beautiful it sounded… Emmaline Jekyll.
Finally, after so many years of formality and waiting they could begin their life as Husband and Wife!
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How could Emma have done anything but stay? He made her life worth living, there could not be Emma without Henry, as dedicated as he was - had been - to his work, he could be just as dedicated to her, and, oh, when he turned his eyes on her with all of the love in the world in them! She shook her heads a little as if to say she wasn’t too impressed with the way her vows but the smile never left her face, that tiny turn of her pink lips letting the world know just how pleased Emma was to be there.
The look on her groom’s face was most amusing as he was asked if he would take Emma as his wife, almost as if he were going to ask the man if he was serious. He kept his composure though and Emma gave him a smile, which softened as he said those two words.
“I do.”
“And do you, Emmaline Margaret Carrew, take Henry Robert Jekyll to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
She nodded her head. “I do.”
And it was done. They were permitted to kiss and Henry lifted the veil from over her eyes and Emma leaned into the kiss, eagerly, eyes closing as the pair kissed as boldly as they dared in God’s house, before these people.
There was applause and Emma smiled against her beloved’s lip at the approval of those in the room, stroking her husband’s hair with a dainty hand and laughing and crying all at once, accepting his second kiss as they were introduced as Man & Wife.
Emmaline Jekyll. She was Mrs. Jekyll. Three long years and now they were wed at last. She tasted salt in their kiss, from the happy tears both were shedding and as she pulled from him she wiped his eyes and laughed.
“Till death do us part, My Good Doctor.”
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Now though they would have all the time in the world to spend together. Not a moment apart, for always they would be joined in soul. Nevermore would one be without the other.
The applause in the room was genuine as the pair kissed, finalizing their marriage. The only people in all of London who had not lost faith in the two… The people Henry and Emma loved and trusted most dearly, there with them in their sweetest moment. This was the reason the guest list had been halved several times, this shared and genuine happiness throughout the room.
Emma wiped Henry’s eyes as they laughed together, unable to restrain their utter bliss. Married! Finally, after so long they were wedded, Man and Wife. There was no greater feeling in all the world.
Henry smiled and shook his head as Emma spoke. “Till long after, My Wife. Not even death can part us now.”
And with those words Henry scooped his bride into his arms, kissing her again as he carried her back down the aisle and out the threshold of the church to be greeted by their friends and family before the reception at the Jekyll Estate.
Rice rained down upon the pair as a they left the building and Henry returned Emma to her feet only to help her into the carriage that awaited to take them to the reception, and Henry found he could not stop smiling. Truly he had never been so happy in his entire life. This beautiful woman was his, by law and in God’s eyes. Within months they would have a family, and life would be just as they had always imagined it… perfect.
Upon arriving at the estate, Poole was greeted enthusiastically by his master, the butler giving his congratulations and assurances the rest of the evening would go off without hitch. The dining room was already prepared for the reception dinner, the house spotless for the reception and an inn booked for the night.
What a glorious, glorious day!
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John was proud to serve as one of Henry’s Best Men, the men were thicker than blood, and had been since childhood and through university. It was only natural, the three men, close as brothers had always planned to be in one another’s wedding (even if John teased he would lead a life of perpetual bachelorship). Now Henry was tying himself to Emma Carrew, and how confident he looked.
The Juris Doctor was happy for his friend, and he was among those who clapped the loudest as the pair kissed, grinning all the while and giving Henry his approving nod and a wink, remaining silent though. They would have time to chat at the reception, after all. Henry scooped his bride up in his arms and Lanyon and John followed, each holding the arm of one of Emma’s bridesmaids to escort them out as gentlemen would. They waved the pair off and tossed rice and there were cheers and shouts before it was time for them to follow on to Jekyll Estate where the reception was to be held.
John was the first to greet the pair, which could be expected of the eccentric lawyer who had remained so calm and well-mannered during the wedding. He embraced Henry warmly, like a brother and grinned. “Doctor Jekyll! Congratulations, Man. You’ve always had impeccable tastes.”
“And Mrs. Jekyll!” He turned to Emma and smiled. “May I kiss the bride?”
He did not wait for an answer, as he knew his friend would object, but as always he kept things unpredictable and he kissed the back of the woman’s hand.
“You’re going to let me give a speech during dinner, aren’t you my friend?” John grinned as he released Emma’s hand, “Oh! Your wedding gift. You won’t find mine among the gifts you’ll receive during the reception. I’ve chosen to have mine delivered at a…ah, a later time.”
(( >< Most terrible post ever. Give me a break. I'm trying to get in character. I can't stay for long. I'm extremely busy. So expect him to get drunk, make his speech (or vice versa ;) and then I'll leave you and Court be.))
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As always, John was right there beside him. In everything Henry did, the cousins could be expected to be some of the few people supporting him, always there to help him through good times and bad. Of the two though, Henry was gladdest to have known John. The man kept him sane, balanced him out and kept him level when times were rough. And in happy times such as these, the man sure as hell was good to have around.
John was the first to greet Henry, as was usual at any event the two would attend, and the doctor returned his friend’s brotherly embrace. “Thank you, John. Though you know damn well if it weren’t for your persistence, Emma and I would never have met. It was not my idea to attend that party, if you’ll remember…”
Henry couldn’t help but laugh as John took it upon himself to kiss Emma’s hand, and the doctor shook his head slightly. The man was always full of surprises, and he hadn’t had an ounce to drink yet…
“Of course! You’re the most eloquent man I know, John, I would be honored if you would speak. You’re not the best damn lawyer in London because of your looks after all; though no doubt when they start allowing women on judicial boards your record will be flawless…”
The doctor closed his eyes, even as he smiled a bit and shook his head when the man spoke of his wedding gift. “John, you haven’t… whatever are we going to do with you? Ah, Lanyon and I will have our revenge one of these days, My Friend. Wait and see; you’ll never hear the end of it when you finally settle down.”
”For now though, you look parched! Poole’s been asked to keep the alcohol flowing this evening just for you. Help yourself, Friend. Our home is yours.” Our home… how wonderful that sounded!
((Aw, I liked it <3. John is great *huggles*))
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“I didn’t insist we go so you could meet Emmaline.” John reminded. “I insisted we go because Simon is a lying bastard and I didn’t believe Sir Danvers would have let him near his darling daughter, much less marry London’s Most Lovely Girl. You’re a Devil you know. Stealing her away and on Stride’s birthday. How long again did it take before he became the wiser?”
He laughed. “You flatter me, Harry. Best damn lawyer? I hadn’t noticed…” The Juris Doctor beamed though and laughed again, “Hah! Women on the judicial boards. That will be the day.” And he put on a show.
“Gentlemen…and ladies” The man winked here. “of the jury. It seems to me that this man is guilty and I shan’t even tell you why. I shall just give you my winning smile and…there we go. The prosecution rests.”
He shook his head. “I’ll speak at dinner then.”
“I haven’t what, Henry?” Gabriel John Utterson asked, innocently with a lopsided grin and a chuckle. “Well, it’s a damned good thing I’m not settling down any time soon. Besides, why ever would you want vengeance against me for a gift? It seems I should be given thanks, not threats of revenge. I think you’ll like it…And Emma will too, certainly. With some time.”
“I was beginning to think you would never ask!” John laughed. “It’s early though. And I shall try and keep my wits about me until I deliver the speech at least.”
“Then what a very home I have.” John grinned and nodded his head before vanishing to retrieve a bottle of liquor and prepare a speech in his friends’ honor.
((Oh! Courtney and I were thinking about taking on other muses. -- Salieri and Constance -- Have you any want to take up the beloved Wolfie? No roleplay (for now) but comments back and forth on the topics and such. Speech coming after your next post. I‘m trying to write it. Hah! Expect it to be amusing.))
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And similarly if John didn't have someone to keep his head on, the man would likely destroy himself without knowing it. Henry had a feeling tonight he would be calling a cab to send his friend home before the party was over, if just to be sure he got home safe at all. As much as John liked to drink, he had a rather low tolerance to alcohol...
"I know. But if you hadn't insisted I go, I might never have met her. It's a miracle I saw her anyways, as large a crowd as was there. I'm lucky to have found her before you did. You were quite right, though; Danvers was far too trusting, rest his soul..." Henry laughed then. "As far as I know, he was unaware until Emma declared she no longer wished to marry him. At the very least he never tried to stop us from sneaking off. Often times we weren't to subtle about it either. I kept thinking Simon was going to find us in one of those hallways and have my head, but he never did..."
"Oh, ha! You know damn well how good you are. Anyone in London knows who to turn to if they're in a tight spot. I'm convinced you could talk God from sending you to Hell..."
Henry laughed. "John, be serious. You know I feel the same as you do on these matters, but the women in America are certainly going after their rights. Their civil rights movement worries me... it'll spread to England, you mark my words. And then you will have to flash your charming smile to assure you win a case."
The doctor covered his mouth in a slightly embarassed way and shook his head before speaking. "You'll find someone, John. One of these days you'll meet a woman who can sate your many appitites." He promised. "And you'll know how it feels to have your friends giving such gifts. I'm sure I will love it though, John." he promised.
((Of course!!! You know how I love playing wack-jobs. Musical geniuses are my favorite <3))
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“Excuse you!” The Juris Doctor laughed. “I would have done no harm to Emma. Certainly I flirted a bit, but when don’t I? The moment I knew you had feelings for her I left things as they were-You’re lucky I’m so fond of you, Henry. I don’t give up the pursuit of a pretty maiden for just anyone.”
“It wasn’t trust that killed the man though. I still wonder how, though, he never drew the connection from Simon to The Dregs. Everyone else seems to know. You would think that someone would step up and tell Danvers the man he was marrying his daughter to was a pimp.”
He covered his mouth in an amused way and shook his head. “Weren’t too subtle? Try not at all. At first you certainly were careful. I wouldn’t have known save that Emma would vanish at the same time, but you were full out careless after a while.”
John laughed and nodded, not modestly. “You’re right. Lord knows I will need those skills when it comes time for me to pass. Living a life of debauchery as I do.”
He groaned. “Britain should have fought harder to keep the Continent under our control. Now they’re ruining the world. India is beginning to fidget in upset, women will be wanting rights. As much as I love women, and you know I do, Henry, I don’t want to see them working and taking part in the government.”
“God. I’ll have to move…”
“We’ll see about that, I suppose.” John shrugged, offhandedly and he laughed. “You don’t even know what I’ve got for you. It could be anything, and you know damned well I would just grin at such a thing.”
Dinner came soon enough and John had indulged in a few drinks but seemed to be making a point to keep his wits about him until he at least delivered the speech, and by now he was quite ready to drink, the alcohol flowing around him. He rose up, his glass of champagne raised and he tapped it to get the room’s attention after the wedding cake had been brought in. And he smiled, raising up straight and lifting his glass towards the pair.
“Has there ever been a pair like Doctor Henry Jekyll and Miss Emmaline Carrew? Mrs. Emmaline Jekyll, excuse me. I’ve known Harry here since we were schoolboys, and for years he maintained that he did not believe in love. Perhaps he didn’t. And then there was Emma.”
“After the death of Robert and Mary Jekyll I watched sadly as my friend withdrew into himself, I watched as he lost faith in so many things. And I watched as in a single meeting he regained hope in the eyes of the woman who is now his bride. It is rare, in London, to find a pair like them. A pair who were wed for love…Three long years and their love never died, never withered and faded as London thought it would.”
“They were so young. How could it have been real? It was a childish infatuation, but any who watched them knew better. They were in love. They are in love. There’s not a man or woman in this room who doesn’t want to be loved. And yet so few of us find a love like Harry and Emma here have…”
He closed his eyes a while, thoughtfully before he wet his lips with his tongue and spoke again. “It is only human nature to be jealous, but us few, us in this room smiling and laughing pushed aside selfishness to rejoice.”
“The times have been hard. Six have died, among them Sir Danvers Carrew. A man who should be here. A man who should be giving a speech of his own, welcoming a son into his family and saying goodbye to his daughter.”
He bowed his head in respect and was quiet a moment before speaking once more. “London deserves this. What a way to bid our demons farewell.”
(c)
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He raised his glass high.
“To London’s favorite pair! To Henry and Emmaline Jekyll! To Harry and Emma! To our friends.” And he drank.
((Wonderful. We’ve our journals already:
Mine: http://play-salieri.livejournal.com/
Courtney’s: http://stanzi-marini.livejournal.com/
Interesting fact: Mozart called Constanze ‘Stanzi-Marini’, Leave it to Court to know that.))
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The doctor laughed. “I never said you’d harm her, John! But your charm might have stolen her attentions before I met her, and then where would I be.” Henry smiled and patted his friend on the back. “I am truly lucky to have a friend so generous and thoughtful as you, then.”
“I know, I know. But I do believe he knew the connection between Stride and that filthy place. There’s no way he could have not heard the rumors… I think he simply chose to ignore him. That was his way, after all… he only chose to see the good in man. For the most part, that is. Perhaps he simply dismissed the talk as rumors.
Henry couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, come now! We weren’t that horrible! Just because the King of Bachelors could tell what we were up to didn’t make us obvious. Toward the end, though… Ha, I suppose we were a bit careless. Stealing kisses within the man’s own house was a bit of a risk, eh?”
“Indeed we should have.” The doctor nodded soberly. “It was an embarrassment to the nation, to loose the Americas so easily. It will give the other territories ideas, no doubt. I agree with you… Women simply were not cut out to be in places of power. Their job is within the home, for men certainly cannot take care of such a job. Leave the work to us, and the housework to women… God knows they hold us together.”
“And where will you go, John? France’ll be next, followed by the rest of the Western civilization! Unless you plan on moving east, there’s no escaping it…”
“Yes, but would you grin in front of your new bride? You’ll learn, Johnny. Someday you’ll learn what it’s like to be around a woman you love and your tune will change a bit. Not much, but a bit…”
More and more guests arrived, Henry and Emma playing the proper hosts and greeting them all before joining the festivities themselves. Soon enough though the call came that dinner was served, and the group moved into the dinning room (where the table had been extended to incorporate the many guests), Henry sitting beside his bride with John on his other side as they ate. Truly he had not entertained so many guests in ages… it was wonderful to be a part of society again, not locked in that damned cabinet or self-confined.
When John rose, the room became quiet, listening intently as the man spoke. As he did so, Henry laced fingers with Emma under the table to listen to his friend honor them.
Truly, John was the most eloquent man in all of London. He had the entire room nodding in agreement with him, laughing and frowning soberly where intended. When the man gave his toast, the guests raised their glasses in agreement, calling cheers and congratulating the newlyweds. When John sat, Henry poured the man a hearty drink.
“Thank you, My Friend…”
The night progressed as all nights do, the band hired to play for the evening finally arriving and setting up. When they began to play, Henry smiled and excused himself from a group of men he had been speaking with to find his bride.
He found the girl easily and excused himself to those she was speaking with, bowing formally over her hand with a smile.
”Mrs. Jekyll, may I have this dance?”
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Emma was no stranger to playing the part of excited party host, but the smile on her lips was true now and she was glad to welcome each guest into the Jekyll home. When it seemed that the last of the guests had arrived, Emma and her husband joined the throng of people, socializing and enjoying themselves immensely. It was time for dinner and so Emma and Henry waited for the guests to make their way to the dining room before joining them. They were seated and dined on a meal fit for royalty, Emma and Henry fluttering about one another like any happy newlyweds should, smiling and joyful.
John rose up and the room was silent, the lawyer had that effect on people. Henry’s fingers tangled with Emmaline’s beneath the table and she gave his hand a soft squeeze as she lifted her eyes to watch the man who would be the godfather of her and Henry’s children.
The man was an amazing speaker, pausing in all the right places for effect, capturing the guests’ attention and Emma pursed her lips and turned her head to dab her eyes when her father was mentioned. John raised his glass and drained it with the other guests and the blonde smiled, gently, running her fingers over her husband’s hand and nodding to the Juris Doctor as he took his seat again.
“That was beautiful, Gabriel.”
The night passed quickly enough, a band had been hired and had arrived at last, warming up as Emma entertained her guests, talking and laughing, occasionally catching Henry’s eyes from across the room where he was entertaining his own friends. The band began and suddenly Henry was there and Emmaline laughed as he bowed over her hand after apologizing for the interruption and she grinned at his request, dipping herself into a grand curtsy, made more elaborate by the many skirts of her gown.
“Dr. Jekyll, you may have every dance.” She told him, her eyes alight in wonder.
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