Untitled

These Two Should Be Paying Rent!

Everyone is sitting around the breakfast table, Mrs. Hall hovering near the stove.  She brings the rack of toast to the table.  Helen looks up, trying to make eye contact, "Everything alright, Audrey?" "Of course," Audrey retreats back to the stove. "You've been very quiet," Helen continues. "Didn't sleep well," she gives the pan before her a quick stir.  "I'll be fine tomorrow." Tristan leans across the table, snagging the last piece of toast. "Looking forward to the Daffodil Ball, big brother?". He grins as he leathers butter on his toast.  "A chance to show the delectable Dorothy your dance prowess." Siegfried glares at him, "I won't be attending." Audrey has moved to the sink. She spins and stares at him.  Siegfried clears his throat, "Dorothy and I are no more."  He states this a little louder than he should but he doesn't want to repeat himself.  Audrey makes eye contact with him. He subtly nods.  She turns back to the sink, a small smile on her lips. "What happened?" Tristan laughs, "did you correct her grammer, curse her dangling participles?" Then seeing the look on his brothers face, his grin disappears.  He reaches over and pats his brother's shoulder. "tough break, Siegfried", he says, " I thought you'd finally snagged a good one, maybe the next one won't get away." Siegfried shurks his brother's hand away, "what makes you think she was the one to end it?" Tristan's eyebrows shoot up, as do all the adults at the table. "Sometimes you just know," Siegfried states softly, hoping Audrey hears. "You just know when something is right and when its not." He pauses before continuing. "it was kinder to end it now."  Audrey stands with her hands in the sink.  She begins to tremble. "The right one is worth waiting for," he continues.  Almost under his breath, "I'm going to wait for the right one." Audrey dries just hands and quickly moves to the hall, "I have laundry to collect," she says to no one in particular as she flees the room.

He is heading up, as she is coming down the stairs with a bundle of laundry in her arms.  They meet half way. "Is she alright?" Audrey searches his eyes. Siegfried nods, "we both knew it wasn't right." He steps up to join her. "It could never work." Audrey steps down to the step below him and nods, "best to end it now, then."  She continues down the stairs willing her shaking legs to carry her away.

Audrey sits on the end of her bed, Rosie in her lap.  She is combing through the child's damp hair.  She smells of lavender bath salts.  Audrey smiles over at Jimmy, tucked into her bed, pillow under his head, starring at the ceiling, picturing the words read to him by his Uncle in the chair nearby. Swashbuckling stories are his favorite, and Uncle Siegfried's reading is especially dramatic. Audrey finishes the two braids she's made in Rosie's hair.  The toddler is nearly asleep.  She gently lifts her and places her next to her brother. Both heads resting on the same pillow.  Siegfried finishes the chapter and quietly closes the book. Rosie sleepily says, " I dance", as Audrey brushes a kiss on  her foreheads. "I know you do, and someday you'll dance at the Daffodil ball" she returns Rosie's smile, "until your feet are sore, just like mum and dad." Rosie whispers, "Aunty Audrey, do you dance?" "Oh, I can't remember the last time I danced." Audrey shakes her head, "I would probably be the one making my partner's feet sore," she grins. "But Uncle Siegfried is wonderful, I hear." Siegfried smiles sheepishly, "but tonight I'd much rather be here." He makes eye contact with Audrey,"with my three favorite people." He leans down and kisses two little foreheads. "Now, we'll be right down stairs, if you need us." The grown ups move to the door as the children's eyes close and their breathing settles.

They each sit in their arm chairs with a book in their hands.  The phonograph plays as their stocking toes touch on the shared ottoman. Audrey has read the same three lines over and over again. She drops her book into her lap and leans back.  Absent mindedly her hand reaches out until it comes to rest on the arm of Siegfried's chair. The back of his hand turns and their fingers intertwine.  They sit in silence for a long time. Slowly Siegfried releases her fingers and rises.  He move to the phonograph and places a new disk. Audrey watches him move around the room. He stands before her and bows slightly, holding out a hand to her. Her feet hit the floors he takes each hand into his and helps her stand. One arm wraps around her waist, the other hand remains in hers, as she places her free hand on his shoulder.  Their feet move to the slow waltz. Audrey surprises that her feet have not once stepped on his. She leans her head on his shoulder, as he releases her other hand, which naturally wraps around his neck.  Both his hands now rest at her waist. "This is..." he begins. She hushes him by placing a finger on his lips. "No words, just actions," she leans into him as they continue swaying to the music.

Siegfried lights his pipe as he sits back in his office chair. Audrey steps into the doorway smiling,  shuffling footsteps above their heads. "Now that my bed is unoccupied, I think I'll turn in." He smiles as he removes the pipe from his lips and stands. "Tristan is still out," he steps towards Audrey. "I think I may wait up awhile." Audrey leans towards him nodding, "thank you for the dance." She lifts onto her toes and places a soft kiss to his lips. He reminds himself not to be needy, so his hands remain at his sides.  He smiles, "anytime," then nods, "sleep well." She turns and slowly climbs the stairs.

"What the bloomin' hell is this?" Audrey stands in the office doorway, laundry basket filled with sheets at her feet, one hand on her hip and the other out in front of her dangling a white lace brassiere.

Siegfried looks up from his desk and smiles around the stem of his pipe.  "I do hope that is a rhetorical question."

Audrey's cheeks burn. "Rhetorical," she glares at him. "I'll give you rhetorical."  She takes a deep breath, while Siegfried raises an eyebrow. "Alright then, who's is this?" She corrects herself.  Siegfried removes his pipe and nods at her with gleeful eyes.  "It's not mine," she responds. 

"Well, it certainly isn't mine," retorts Siegfried.  Then he leans back in his chair and looks towards the ceiling, "although I did have an uncle with a certain proclivity..." 

"Siegfried Donald Farnon!" Audrey interrupts, "are you sneaking women in at night?"  She is whispering; most of the fight is gone.  "I can't imagine I wouldn't hear you through the walls."  She is almost talking to herself, as she folds the garment and holds it in one hand at her side. "I wouldn't think you would be particularly restrained in a moment of passion."  Siegfried sits up and stares at her.

Just then Helen rounds the corner from the kitchen.  She snatches the lace garment from Audrey's hand, "I've been looking everywhere for this."  She smiles, "Where did you find it, Aud?" 

Wide-eyed Audrey puts the pieces together, "It were tangled in the linens." 

Helen giggles, "please tell me it weren't in Tristan's?"  Audrey slowly shakes her head.  "I'm glad to hear that." Helen heads up the stairs, over her shoulder she calls, "I could never live that one down."

Siegfried steps into the doorway, "I think someone owes someone," he points to his own chest, "an apology."  He stands before her grinning. 

"But how?" Audrey can't quite get there.

So happy to find these pictures online...

I’ve spent too much time working on resolving things between Audrey and Siegfried.  I have decided not to focus on that for now. As all shippers believe, it will work out in the end.  That said, we have 2 more Seasons to go.

So here are my predictions for Season 7.  Many have said, and I agree, this Season will be about Tristan and Charlotte, their engagement and wedding. The wedding would make a great CS, lots of parties. Plenty of Joy, which is something the last two CS missed out on. 

I’m also thinking that by then Dorothy will have caught the eye of Charlotte’s father.  (Are you sensing a theme? 😊) Season 7 is again about love and coupling, with a healthy dose of children and animal fun thrown in.

I really want to see Richard Alderson find love too.  He has a big heart, hidden behind a gruff exterior, much like Siegfried.  The charm may be there, but most will have a hard time finding it. I hope Phylis takes a chance on him.  They could be a lovely couple.  She has sons.  Richard would love that and them. Helen and Jenny would be happy for their father and welcome the whole family.  This blended family would thrive.

Also, I worry for Maggie and Albert.  (Yes, I know these are characters… ) They need a strong, kind partner.  None seem stronger or kinder than Tom Chapman.  Can you imagine the joy that would bring into Grace’s life as well?  Audrey and her sitting with their cups of tea, discussing grandchildren.  Siegfried thrilled to see them both so happy. (Okay, I know I slipped that one in.)

Season 8 let’s have Grace find a partner too.  I haven’t decided who it should be yet.  We need a few more strong single males.  One for Mrs. Pumphrey would be nice too.

So, my final prediction might be a little out there.  Jenny settles in Leads after nursing school.  She takes a flat with Doris.  They remain “roommates” for many happy years.

Should they have titled the CS Murkey instead of Comfort & Joy?

Murky is defined as “not fully explained or understood, especially with concealed dishonesty”

So this is where we ended the season.... Perfectly!!!

Audrey stands in the hall with her hand on the knob of the closet door, ready to gather her coat and purse.  She stops as she hears the footsteps above her head.  She looks down at the dress she has been wearing for events for the past 10 years.  She would love a new frock, but there is always something more important.  The navy-blue dress with the spotted white pattern has served her well. It’s been laundered and pressed, and she is comfortable.  “That’s all that matters,” she tells herself as she smooths down the skirt.  She turns away from the unopened closet as Siegfried’s feet announce his arrival to the ground floor. She watches him in silence as he turns towards the office to retrieve his pipe.  Once it is tucked safely in his breast pocket he turns to her.  “My,” the thought escapes her lips before she can think to stop herself, “aren’t you looking dapper.”  He stands in place as if to let her take it all in.  He is wearing his good dark 3-piece suit, with a white shirt and a burgundy tie. A matching handkerchief tucked in with his pipe.  Audrey steps toward him to pull at his cuffs which had bunched up when he pulled on his jacket.  She tries hard not to notice how good he smells.  She steps in farther to straighten his already straightened tie. “Looking forward to the dancing?” she asks as she steps back to assess her work.

“Yes,” he grins then thinks better of it and his brow furrows. “Of course, the Daffodil Ball is a fund raiser for the community.”  He is headed down the hall towards his overcoat.  Audrey is right behind him. He gets to the coatrack, and she reaches around him to grab his coat.  Now she is so near he can smell her bath salts.  It makes him stop in his tracks. 

“I bet Dorothy is really looking forward to being out with you.” She is holding his coat out for him.  As he slips his arms in, she says, “it’s been near a week since you’ve been out for an evening.”

Siegfried pulls his coat around himself, “it’s been a busy week.” 

She nods as she brushes her hand across his back as she always does. “I’ll miss this,” she thinks to herself. 

The doorbell rings, pulling them both from their separate thoughts.  Audrey starts for the door, then turns back to him.  “You better get going,” she smiles.  “You don’t want to keep Dorothy waiting.”  She doesn’t wait for his reply. 

“Come in,” Siegfreid hears her say at the open door.  “I’ll just grab my coat.”  Audrey quickly moves down the hall to the closet, followed by a tall figure dressed in a tattered overcoat. 

“Alderson?” Siegfried’s mouth hangs open. 

Richard stops, leans in and nearly whispers into his ear, “I can’t believe you let this one get away.” He nods toward the open closet door, where Audrey has disappeared to get her things.  She immerges, smiling at the two men. 

“All set,” she steps forward as Richard takes her coat to hold it out for her.  Her smile broadens as she slides her arms in, then turns toward Siegfried.  “We’ll see you there,” she takes Richard’s arm and is out the door before Siegfried can respond.

#

It’s been decades since Audrey attended a dance.  She feels a little shaky as Richard leads her by the hand to the dance floor.  “This might be a little dangerous for you, Richard,” she is smiling up at him as his hand touches lighting on her back.  “I haven’t dance in so long.” She looks a bit worried. “I hope your shoes are made of stiff leather,” she looks down at their feet.

Richard places a finger under her chin, raises her eyes to his.  “I think I’m tough enough to handle your tiny feet.”  He is grinning.  She relaxes a little as they start around the dance floor.

#

Siegfried nearly pushes Dorothy through the door, pulling her coat from her arms and throwing his and hers towards the coat check.  He doesn’t wait for the ticket before pulling Dorothy onto the dance floor.  As he slips his arms around her, he searches the room.  He and Dorothy see them at the same time. “They actually make a lovely couple,” Dorothy smiles at him.  Siegfried is frowning but can’t look away.  “It’s a wonder they haven’t gotten together before,” she continues.  They fall silent. 

Dorothy’s thoughts turn inward. “This could never work,” she has known this after only a couple of dates with Siegfried. On their last date, she lost count of how many times he brought up Audrey in conversation.  “She is the only thing on his mind,” she reminds herself silently. 

Dorothy had brought it up in the car.  She had told him, “This isn’t going to work out.”  He hadn’t even fought her when Dorothey continued, “she is the only thing you can focus on.”  She tried to smile as he turns his head slightly toward her, “and I can’t come second.”  She had taken a big breath, “it’s just not in me.”  They rode the rest of the way to the dance in silence.  As Siegfried was rushing her through the door, she said, “you have to tell her.”  As he pulled her out of her coat, “tonight!”  On the dance floor he gave her a quick nod before scanning the room for Audrey.

#

Audrey is surprised to find herself so comfortable in Richard’s arms, as they glide through the crowded dance floor.  She is hardly thinking about her feet as she takes in all the couples.  Of course, everyone she has expected were there, Siegfried and Dorothy, James and Helen, and Tristian and Charlotte.  Charlotte’s father is leaning against the bar.  They had introduced her to him when she and Richard arrived.  Charlotte had thought it would be good for him to get out and be part of the community.  She had told him, “It will be fun.”  As he stands staring into his drink, Audrey doesn’t think he is having fun.

Audrey smiles when she sees Maggie dancing with Tom.  She turns her eyes to Richard again.  “That’s an unexpected but perfect match.” 

Richard looks over at the couple, “Aye, that’s been brewing for some time.”  His eyes twinkle a bit, “there may be wedding bells soon, as our Helen tells it.”

Audrey laughs, “That would be wonderful!”  Her eyes continue to drift around the floor.  She giggles a little as she spies Phyllis dancing with her son, Billy.  “I heard he bought their tickets and insisted on her coming.”

Richard’s smile brightened, “He’s a good son.”  He moves them closer to the couple.

“Let’s switch partners”, Audrey surprises him, “shall we?”  Richard nods.  “Is he being shy or grumpy?” Audrey wonders, like Siegfried, it’s hard to tell with some men.

Richard speaks first, “how’d ya do?”  Phyllis smiles as the four stop. “Shall we switch partners?” Richard directs his question to Billy.  Phyliss looks at Billy as well.  Billy nods his approval, as Phyllis replaces Audrey in Richard’s arms.  They quickly lose them into the crowd. 

Billy stands awkwardly starring at Audrey.  “I could use a refreshment.” Billy sighs in relief. “How about you?” Billy nods his head as they move toward the bar.

#

Siegfried expression softens for the first time this evening as he sees Audrey standing at the bar with Billy, of all people.  She is chatting with him and the General.  What a strange combination, he thinks. They are all smiling as Billy speaks enthusiastically, then Audrey and the General laugh.

“Here’s your chance,” Dorothy takes the lead and maneuvers them towards the bar. When they arrive at the small group Dorothy announces them a little too loudly, “I’m gasping.”  She nods to everyone, “lovely evening, isn’t it?”  Siegfried busies himself ordering their drinks. 

The conversation interrupted, Audrey looks out onto the dance floor.  “It is a lovely evening,” she nods at Dorothy.  “One of the best I’ve had in a long time.”  She smiles again, “everyone is so happy.”

Dorothy raises her eyebrows as she receives her drink from Siegfried, “and love is in the air.”  She stares at Siegfried, then motions towards Audrey.

Audrey is starring at her feet, “well isn’t that springs way?”

Dorothy sets her half-drunk glass on the bar and turns to the General, “I’m Dorothy.”  She offers her hand; he takes it. “Shall we?” She motions towards the dance floor.  They come together quickly, leaving Audrey alone with Siegfried.  “Where has Billy got off to?” she thinks to herself.

They both set their drinks down at the same time.  Siegfried catches her eye, without a word, Audrey tucks her arm into his, as they head to the dance floor.

Just a thought… What if Audrey thinks of Siegfried as a player… not able to commit or settle with one woman since the loss of Evelyn.  Up to now, we have never seen him settle with anyone.  Every one of his infatuations were shiny and new; and did not last.  Why should Audrey even begin to trust that he could settle down with anyone, let alone her? That is probably why she pushes Dorothy and Siegfried together.  It was something she thought she could control.  No more shoes thrown, no more ugly rumors. 

Audrey thinks of Dorothy as someone who is looking for fun, a bit like Diana.  It’s safe.  What surprises her is how easily they draw together.  She is shocked by the immediate intimacy.  What she thought would be her safety zone becomes anything but.  In the last pub scene of the CS she flanks herself between James and Trisian; a new and needed safety zone.

Someone wrote online that they would like to see Jimmy tell Siegfried that he thought Siegfried and Audrey were married, so that he shouldn’t be seeing Dorothy.  I’d give the person credit for the idea if I could figure out who it was. I kept waiting for someone to write it, because it’s such a good idea… So here we go…

Audrey sits with her hands warming against her teacup.   There is a soft glow in the kitchen, as the sun has long since gone down.  All her work for the day is done, but she is reluctant to leave the safety of the kitchen.  She knows they are probably cuddling together on the sittee or worse yet, settled into their comfy chairs. Her, in Audrey’s chair, as she has come to think of it.  She pictures them relaxed, hands clasped over the arms of the chairs, staring into the fire, as soft music plays.  Much like it used to be with them.  She has thoroughly been replaced.  She was still good for cleaning and cooking but no longer needed as a companion or friend. A single tear splashes into her undrunk tea.

Audrey hears footsteps in the corridor.  She brushes her face with a tea towel and turns with a smile on her face.  He rushes into her arms, and she breathes him in, genuinely happy to find her arms filled.  Jimmy smiles up at her and kisses her cheek. “Good night, Auntie Audrey.”  She smiles down at him, “have you been crying Auntie Audrey?” He looks concerned.

“No, no,” her smile slipping a little, “just tired.”  He slips from her arms, “as are you, I imagine.”  She rubs his back, “now off with you.”  She stands as Jimmy moves toward the corridor.  Audrey places her cup in the sink.

Suddenly her waist is hugged tightly.  She looks down into Jimmy’s dark sparkling eyes, “almost forgot,” He smiles up at her, “This is from Rosie.”  He is out the door before Audrey’s shoulders slump and a sob breaks free.

________________

Jimmy stands before the sittee, his head slowly moving from side to side, from one face to the other.  His mind is working overtime.  “Uncle Siegfried?” he begins. 

Siegfried has removed the arm that had been around Dorothy’s shoulder.  He leans forward, making eye contact with the inquisitive boy.  He nods, “Yes?”

“Can you have more than one wife?” Jimmy’s eyes are wide as he looks at Dorothy.

Siegfried breaks eye contact and stares instead at the fire. “Well, yes, you can,” he nods, then focuses of the child. “But only one at a time,” he smiles and reaches out to touch Jimmy’s shoulder. 

Jimmy, still focuses on Dorothy, “are you Uncle Siegfried’s new wife?” 

Dorothy giggles, “not yet.”

“Oh, that’s why Auntie Audrey is so sad.”  Jimmy turns to Siegfried, “you don’t want to be her husband anymore.”  He looks down at his feet.  A tear runs down his cheek.  “That makes me sad too,” he explains.  “I liked you being married, together.” He looks straight into Siegfried’s eyes.  No hug tonight.  Jimmy slowly walks out of the room and up the stairs.