by Sam Short
Charleston stood tall and proud, his suit immaculate, and his face a handsome reflection of the same love that Gladys felt for him. He licked his lips, and Gladys smiled, her heart beating too fast, and her legs becoming jelly beneath her.
She ignored the admiring glances she drew as she navigated the aisle, and as Brian brought them to a gentle halt in front of the altar, she gave her son’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Thank you, darling,” she said. “I love you.” She looked over her shoulder at her bridesmaids. “I love you all.”
Mavis stopped playing and the chapel fell silent. The ceremony wasn’t to be religious, and a registrar took the place of a vicar, his hair a mass of thick black curls and his face open and kind. He cleared his throat and looked out over the congregation.“Today is to be a true meeting of minds,” he began. “Between two people who have promised to support and love one another. The love they hold in their hearts is…”
Gladys zoned out, she watched the registrar’s mouth, and she was aware of his words, but she didn’t need to be told how she felt. She knew how she felt, and as Brian released her arm, and Charleston took her hand in his, she focused on preventing the brimming tears of joy from ruining her mascara.
When Blanket Statement had finished their performance, and a DJ had taken over the duties of keeping the crowd entertained, Gladys surveyed the room. Michelle and Tony, the owners of The Poacher’s Pocket hotel, had done the most amazing things with the big function room, and the food had been glorious.
As well as owning the hotel, Tony and Michelle also owned the cutting in the canal in which Penny’s boat was moored. As Gladys watched her granddaughter drink another wine spritzer, she was relieved that the the Water Witch was only a short walk away, down a footpath. She didn’t think either of her granddaughters would have managed a longer walk home.
Gladys and Charleston had entertained the guests with their first dance, and even Willow had seemed to enjoy Fly Me To The Moon, by Frank Sinatra. The Pimm’s had run out quickly, and after the food had been served, and the cake cut, people had continued to enjoy the evening with plenty of wine, and lots of dancing.
Gladys squeezed her husband’s hand. “How do you feel?” she said.
It was the first chance they’d had to be alone, and the little corner table they sat at was far enough from the speakers to make a conversation possible.
Charleston picked up one of the little origami swans which had been placed on every table, and smiled at his wife. “I feel elated, Mrs Huang,” he said. “I’ve never known such happiness.”
“You know what I mean,” said Gladys. She put a gentle hand on Charleston’s head. “I mean up there. Do you feel okay?”
“I’m fine,” said Charleston. “A little tired, but I’m fine. I promise.”
“Another twenty minutes and I’m getting you back to The Haven,” said Gladys. “It must be strange… knowing you can never come back to this world again.”
“Everything I’ve ever wanted will be in The Haven with me,” said Charleston, placing the paper swan in front of Gladys. “It’ll be just me and my beautiful old bird.”
“I’ll take the beautiful, and possibly the bird,” smiled Gladys. “But lay off the old!”
Charleston looked up. “Our privacy didn’t last long,” he said.
Gladys smiled at the approaching woman. She’d never apportion blame to what a woman wore, but surely Sharon knew that if she wrapped such a delightfully round bottom in such tight clothing, it was eventually going to attract the attention of a male or two.
Sharon stood beside the table. “Thank you both so much for inviting me,” she said. “When Barney gave me the invite, I was a little taken aback — I don’t think we’ve met before, have we?”
Gladys pulled out a seat, and Sharon sat down next to her. “Barney told me what fine work you do, and I’m a staunch supporter of the police. I always have been.”
“Well I’m honoured to be here on your special day,’ said Sharon, “and Barney tells me you made a generous donation to a local women’s charity. That was very kind of you.”
If Gladys concentrated hard enough, she could still feel the tingle in her palm that the slap she’d given Sharon had caused. “I’m all about helping women,” said Gladys. “And I’m glad you’ve had a nice day.”
Sharon began to stand up, but stared at Gladys, her eyes narrowing. “Those eyes of yours,” she said. “They’re so vivid. They remind of something I was certain I saw recently.” She shook her head. “Ignore me,” she giggled. “I’ve had too much Pimm’s.”
Gladys blinked, Sharon had indeed seen her eyes before. In the face of Inspector Jameson as the shape-shifting spell had faltered. “Get back to the dance floor,” smiled Gladys. “Enjoy yourself while you’re young.”
When Sharon had left, Gladys took her husband’s hand in hers. Their new rings twinkled as their fingers entwined, and Gladys stared at Charleston. “Are you ready, sweetheart?” she said. “I think it’s time we got you back to the safety of The Haven. I don’t want to tempt fate more than I have to, it’s been very kind to me recently.”
Charleston nodded. “I’m ready, Lady Huang. Its time to get you back to Huang Towers.”
After saying their goodbyes, and before leaving, Gladys handed a thick envelope of money to Barney, with instructions as to who to give it to. “When you’ve paid Mavis and the band, keep the rest and spread it around between the family, including yourself,” she said. “They’re all too damned proud to take my money. It might be easier for them to take it from you.”
Barney knew not to argue. He shook Charleston’s hand, and kissed Gladys. “It was a lovely day,” he said. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“And remember what to say to Inspector Jameson, Barney,” said Gladys. “It’s important we do it properly.”
Barney nodded. “I promise.”
“Who’s Inspector Jameson?” said Charleston.
“I’ll tell you all about it when we get back to Huang Towers,” said Gladys. “It’s a long story. Now, fancy coming in the bathroom with me? We’ve got a portal to open.”
Chapter Twenty
“Lady Huang?”
Gladys smiled. She’d been married for a month and still wasn’t tired of being known as a Lady. She turned to face the voice. “Yes, Maria?”
The pretty little fairy hovered in the doorway, her silver wings a blur and her whole body aglow with bright light. Gladys had liked the idea of servants, but after only a few days of being waited on hand and foot, she’d become embarrassed of having things done for her which she knew she was capable of doing herself. To her surprise, and pride in the fact she must be a wonderful employer, all the servants had practically begged to remain in her employ. Gladys had relented, but insisted that the term servant be changed to the more endearing term of Friend of the Family Huang.
“Your guests are here, Lady Huang,” said Maria. “They arrived in the portal room a few minutes ago. Should I direct them to the dining room?”
“If you wouldn’t mind, Maria. That would be awfully kind of you. Tell them Charleston and I will be along shortly,” said Gladys.
Maria bowed. A gesture of respect which Gladys had attempted to phase out, but was secretly pleased remained in place. Not all Friends of the Family Huang insisted on bowing, but the fairies in particular seemed to enjoy the tradition, and Gladys was appreciative of their respect.
When Maria had fluttered from the room, Gladys made her way to the balcony. The master bedroom looked out over the lake, and Charleston enjoyed nothing more than smoking a cigar while watching the scarlet patterns the setting sun made on the water’s surface. With a strict no smoking indoors policy in place, Charleston was forced to enjoy his cigars al fresco, but Gladys knew he didn’t mind. “Charleston,” she said, peering through the wind ruffled muslin curtain. “Stub that stinky stick out, they’re her. Grub’s about to be served. We’re having burgers and fries.”
There was only so much venison and quail�
��s eggs that Gladys could stomach, and it hadn’t taken more than a week of her being a Lady before she’d instructed the chefs to produce less pretentious meals. One of the chefs, a troll named Herbert, made fries to die for, and Gladys knew that if ever The Haven and the mortal world were to merge, Hebert would find his fortune in a fast-food restaurant chain.
Charleston turned to face Gladys, and smiled. He flicked the cigar to the marble flagstones and stubbed it out under his shoe. “Desert?” he said.
“Knickerbocker glory. Brian’s favourite. He’s on a diet, so I’ve asked the chefs to include plenty of fruit.”
“Delicious,” said Charleston. He approached Gladys and hooked his arm through hers. “Allow me to escort you, Lady Huang. Our family awaits.”
Gladys pushed him away. “I’m not a trophy wife, you daft old sod. They’ll think I’ve gone soft if I saunter into the dining room hanging off your arm like a lovesick teenager.”
Charleston laughed, the lines beneath his eyes softening, and his mirth echoing across the valley. “Have it your way, you miserable old boot. Anyway, if either of was a trophy spouse, you know that would be me.”
Brian pushed the empty ice-cream glass away from himself, and loosened his shirt. “Delicious,” he said. “And I don’t feel guilty. I’ve had my five-a day.”
Gladys looked around the table. Everybody seemed satiated, even Maggie, although she was eyeing up the cheese platter near Gladys’s elbow. She slid it towards her daughter. “Cheese, darling?” she enquired.
“Just a sliver,” said Maggie, spearing a half wheel of stilton on the end of the cheese fork. “I don’t want to have nightmares.”
Gladys removed the serviette from her lap and placed it on the table. She looked at Barney. “Now it’s time for business,” she said. “What news have you got?”
“It’s good news,” said Barney. “Everything went to plan.”
“Rupert will spend a few years in a secure hospital,” said Penny, “but that’s better than spending another thirty years in prison.”
Gladys couldn’t have agreed more. The more she’d thought about the whole terrible situation, the more she couldn’t help thinking about the part Ethel had played in it. Yes, Gladys was aware that the poor woman had been injured by Rupert all those years ago, but she was also aware that Ethel had known a man was incarcerated for a crime he hadn’t committed. There had been wrong doing on both sides.
When Rupert actually had murdered Ethel, he’d not been of sound mind. Inspector Jameson had agreed, and when Barney had informed him he’d broken into his safe and found the file implementing him in a cover-up, Inspector Jameson had done the right thing. He could have denied everything — Gladys knew that. The file had been destroyed by tea, and Inspector Jameson could have walked away with his hands seemingly clean, but he hadn’t, and Gladys had guessed he wouldn’t. She’d sensed he was a good man from the first moment she’d met him.
The inspector had spoken to Lady Green, and between them they’d pulled enough strings to prevent Rupert from going to jail. A secure mental institute may have seemed as harsh as a cell, but with Brian being appointed as one of his therapists, Rupert would be well enough to convince the parole board he was ready for release as soon as he’d done enough time to satisfy the public appetite for justice.
“And my chapel?” said Gladys.
“Torn down,” said Willow. “Just how you wanted. The last memories those walls held were happy ones of your wedding day. Penny and I are going to plant a few white rose bushes in its place. We thought it would be nice.”
“It will, dear,” said Gladys. “Both for Ethel, and for me.”
“And as I promised,” said Charleston, pouring brandy into his glass. “There will be a place for Rupert here in The Haven when he’s been released. Everybody deserves a second chance, and I fear the mortal world is not a kind place for a man like Rupert. He’ll fit in here just fine.”
“He will indeed,” said Gladys. “And he’ll be treated in the way a man should be when he’s paid his penance and been rehabilitated — fairly and without prejudice.”
Gladys picked up a piece of burger as loud barking approached the dining room. “Bonnie!” she called. “Come and get it!”
The little dog bounded into the room, skidding on the hard wood floor. She ran to the table and sat obediently next to Gladys’s chair, where she waited patiently, giving Gladys her paw before being allowed the treat.
Gladys watched the little dog as she devoured the morsel, then looked around the table once more. “Life’s not bad is it?” she said. “Bad things happen, but look at us — a happy family who love each other. I don’t understand how Lady and Lord Green could have done what they did to their son, but as long as we remain loyal to each other, both here in The Haven, and in the other world, we’ll do just fine. I’m sure.”
“Are you drunk, Granny?” said Penny.
Gladys smiled. “Not drunk, darling. Just happy and proud. It’s an intoxicating mix.”
Gladys and Charleston stood hand in hand with Bonnie between them, watching the family stepping one by one through the portal. Before Penny stepped through, she turned around. “You make a lovely couple,” she said. “I hope you enjoy your trip.”
“We will,” said Gladys. “It’ll be just me, Charleston, and Bonnie for a few weeks.”
“And Boris,” said Charleston. “You promised. You said it would be as much my honeymoon as it is yours. And I want to take him! Boris would love a trip around The Haven. You know he would — he’s an inquisitive goat beneath that greedy exterior.”
Gladys winked at Penny. “Okay, darling, Boris can come too.”
He couldn’t, but Gladys knew when to pick her battles. She’d cross that bridge when she came to it.
Penny smiled. “Happy honeymoon,” she said, before turning to face the portal.”
“We’ll be back in time for Christmas!” shouted Gladys, as her granddaughter stepped into the light. “You’re all to come here to celebrate it, okay? It will be fun!”
As the portal fizzled out and died, Gladys placed her head on Charleston’s shoulder, and sighed. “I’m a lucky woman,” she said. “A very lucky woman.”
Charleston put his arm around his wife. “And I’m a lucky man,” he said. “A lucky man indeed.”
The End
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About the Author
Sam Short loves witches, goats, and narrowboats. He really enjoys writing fiction that makes him laugh — in the hope it will make others laugh too!
You can find him at the places listed below, he’d love to see you there!
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