An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby KP Presents » Mon Nov 10, 2014 3:57 am

In the centre of Holderness, next to the baker’s place, is a shop with the owner’s name in big looping letters on the sign over the window. It’s a very special place to me and some of the other girls, because it’s where our mums take us to get special dresses made up for parties and the like. It’s called Casey’s, and this morning I was there with my mum, as well as Louise Hobson and Fiona Kerr.

We were there because – well, let me put it this way. When my cousin Angela went over to the US to be at the christening of the twins, they came back and were followed a little while later by a big surprise for Louise – a new mum and brother.

Her dad had gone over just after them, I thought on business, but it turned out it was also to bring back to the UK a friend who he had fallen in love with. A woman called Gail Cork – who, by one of those coincidences that keep happening in our family, was actually the sister of Mister Boyle, our man about the hall.

Lord above, that sounds pretentious – let me put it another way. Mrs Boyle is our housekeeper, and helps mum with cooking and things, while Mister Boyle takes care of the building and the grounds.

Which, come to think of it, sounds even worse, doesn’t it? There are times when I wish I wasn’t the daughter of the next Lord Holderness – it might be much easier!

Not that I’m complaining, don’t get me wrong. I love Wissenden, and Bobby, pain in the bottom that he is at times. I even go to the same school as Cassie and some of the other girls. There, I’m one of the girls, and I love that side of it.

But today, I was here because Mrs Boyle had asked Mum if I wanted to be one of the bridesmaids, along with Louise of course, and Fiona as Louise’s best friend. Mrs Cork – well, soon to be Mrs Hobson, was in the back with Casey and her assistants, getting the final adjustments made to her dress.

“This is boring,” Fiona said as she kicked her legs to and fro.

“Trust me, dear,” her mother said, “it will be worth the wait.”

“Right then,” Casey said as she and her assistant Ruth came out, “I think we’re all ready for Saturday now. Girls, will you come in please?”

The three of us stood up and walked into the fitting room, where Ruth had set up on the dummies our dresses.

“Oh my,” Louise said as Ruth unzipped the bag, “that looks beautiful.”

“Slightly different one for you, Suzie,” Casey said as she looked at me, “but the same basic design. Want to see it?”

I nodded as Ruth opened the bag and showed me the dress, the other two nodding as they looked at it.

“Yeah – that will suit you,” Fiona said with a little sigh.

“Right then – let’s try these on, and then we need to get back to the hall,” Mum said. “It’s Guy Fawkes’ Night, and we have some fireworks arranged.”




Mister Boyle had arranged a bonfire at the bottom of the back garden, which meant we were staying indoors as he and Dad were making the final preparations outside. Fiona and Louise had come over for the evening, along with Louise’s dad and Fiona’s mum.

He was sitting with Mum and Mrs Boyle, while Freddie was in the library with Bobby, looking at some of the schoolwork he had to catch up on. He had started at our school this week, and was struggling a little with the way we worked in this country.

“Why on earth do you have to wear the same clothes as everyone else,” I heard him say, shaking my head as I looked at Louise.

“Give him time – he still calls crisps chips,” she said as we watched them looking at the course books.

“You have to remember he grew up in America, Suzie,” Mrs Cork said, “it’s going to take him a little while to adjust.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll soon knock him into shape,” Louise said as the front doorbell rang. I watched Mrs Boyle stand up and walk to the door, and then return to say “Lord and Lady Holderness with Mister and Mrs Holderness-Carter.”

“Hey Sarah,” Mrs Cork said as she stood up and hugged our American friend. “I am so glad you could make it over for this.”

“I would not have missed this for the world,” Sarah said as she returned the hug, and then looked at me. “My goodness – you’ve grown since I last saw you Suzie.”

“Thanks,” I said quietly, “these are my friends Louise and Fiona. Girls, this is my cousin, Sarah Holderness-Carter, and her husband Brian.”

“Pleasure,” Sarah said as she looked at them and then at Mrs Cork. “So this is your daughter to be Gail?”

“That’s right – Freddie, look who’s here.”

Freddie and Bobby came through from the library and smiled. “Hey there,” Freddie said, “where are the twins?”

“Mrs Bridges is watching them tonight,” Grandma said as she handed her coat to Mrs Boyle, “They are still tired after flying over during the night. Suzanne, you look radiant.”

“Well, baby is getting bigger,” Mum said as she held her stomach, “but February seems so far away at the moment.”

“You know it passes quickly,” Grandma said as Grandpa sat down with Brian.

“Well, everything is set up,” Dad said as he came in with Mister Bridges, and kissed Grandma and Sarah before he shook Brian’s hand. “How about we have those baked potatoes and lamb stew now?”

“Sounds good to me,” Bobby said as he looked back into the library. “What about the bonfire?”

“We can start it once you have eaten it,” Mum said, “come on – we’ll all go through.”

As we went through to the dining room, Brian said “so is everything ready for the wedding?”

“I think so – the hotel is being decorated on Friday night by friends of our family,” Mister Hobson said – he had been helping outside as well. “And nobody has refused the invite, so it should be quite a gathering.”

“Patty and Rachel are coming with their parents,” Louise said, “and the Craigs and the Williamsons are all coming as well.”

“Mark and Yvonne? It will be good to see them again,” Sarah said with a smile. “It should be a very special time for everyone.”

“Especially us,” Mrs Cork said as she held Mister Hobson’s hand.

“Oh you Jack,” she said with a smile before they kissed, the three of us making icky faces.

“Come on – eat up,” Mum said as Mrs Boyle brought the food in, “and then we can go outside.”



“Hey,” Bobby said as the three of us were putting on our coats, “Freddie and I were wondering if we could help you all to keep warm outside.”

“You know,” Freddie said with a smile, “keep toasty warm and not catch a chill.”

“Why have I got a bad feeling about this,” Louise said as we all buttoned up our coats, and then pulled on woollen gloves on our hands.

“Oh come on – nothing too heavy, just a little rope and fun,” Bobby said. “All we want to do is tie your wrists together in front of you, and make sure your mouths stay nice and warm.”

“Come on,” Fiona said quietly, “what harm could it do?”

“You don’t know my brother that well yet,” I said quietly, but I nodded as we held your wrists out, and the two boys tied our wrists in front of us.

“Do we still get to hold sparklers,” Louise said as she twisted her wrists round.

“Yes, you still get to hold sparklers,” Freddie said, “whatever they are?”

“Little hand held fireworks,” Bobby said. “We don’t go as big as you guys do on the fourth of July or Thanksgiving, but we do still get to have fun.”

“Fair enough,” Freddie said, “don’t want to spoil my new sister’s fun.”

“Har de ha… What are you guys doing with those hankies?”

“Keeping you quiet,” Bobby said as he pushed a folded one into my mouth, and then covered my lips with the special white tape that doesn’t hurt. Once the other two were gagged in the same way, they took a long woollen scarf for each of us and tied it tightly round our heads, bringing the ends round and tucking them into the front of our coats. With the ropes sitting under the cuffs of our sleeves, we looked as if we were going out on a cold night.

Which is exactly what we were doing, as we stood with our backs to the windows, the light casting our shadows across the lawn as the bonfire started to burn at the far side of the garden.

“All right then,” I heard Grandpa say, “let’s get this party started.” Grandma handed us each a sparkler, and then lit them as the fireworks stated to go off into the sky, all of us watching as the sky lit in bursts of colours, showing up against the high grey cloud.

We could only wave them round and give muted gasps of admiration as Mum and Sarah both looked at us, and then at Freddie and Bobby.

“Remind me to have words with my son later,” I heard her whisper, but /I wasn’t complaining.

This was going to be a very special weekend…
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby skybird137 » Mon Nov 10, 2014 4:35 am

This is a lovely start to the story. Thank you KP.

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Nov 10, 2014 6:34 am

Nice!!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Nov 10, 2014 6:41 am

Nice start!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Nov 10, 2014 7:09 am

That was a fun Guy Fawkes night!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby Imp Caesar Augustus » Mon Nov 10, 2014 7:33 am

And so we go to Jack and Gail's wedding!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby Tom Ford » Mon Nov 10, 2014 7:38 am

This, I agree, is going to be a very special weekend! It’s now Guy Fawkes night, and they now having fun with fireworks, even the girls who are tied up! And the fact that the one who is going to get married is the sister of Suzie’s servant makes this even more awkward! And I guess she already got used to Mrs Cork, soon to be Mrs Hobson, living in her home. I wonder how she viewed Mrs Cork when she was living in Wissenden? I’m sure that even if she’s a guest, she helped her sister-in-law and her brother do chores in Wissenden, despite the entreaties of the others that she should not.

I wonder who will attend? Aside from the obvious candidates, Sam Stewart will attend to. Maybe we will see Mrs Boyle and Sam’s parents? The Craigs, the Williamsons, the Holdernesses, the Holderness-Carters, the Browns, etc will end attend. I don’t know about the Hamptons, but I’m sure Colin will be there, and so will Brian Hampton, probably.

Since I would assume that both Jack Hobson and Gail Cork would bring many relatives to the wedding, a tie up game during the actual wedding would be a bad idea. But of course, before and after the wedding would ideal times to play. Perhaps like in Family Time, we could have the girls tied up in their finery! A little bit before the wedding, but afterwards, maybe they could go all out!

And maybe we could get more pictures of the clothes that the girls are going to wear?

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Mon Nov 10, 2014 8:24 am

Great chapter!!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby William F Somebody » Tue Nov 11, 2014 7:12 am

Jack and Gail are such a sweet couple!

So the wedding is set, and Suzie is going to be a bridesmaid. The ceremony would be solemn and impressive. And of course, there would be tie up games around the event. Not the wedding itself, for as has been said, the Hobsons and the Boyles would bring many relatives to the wedding, but before and after.

Guy Fawkes Night, and then the weekend. The wedding, I believe, is on Sunday, so there’s plenty of time to play on Saturday. What are the plans? The only thing I would wish that would happen is that the girls would again play tie up games, full job and all, while wearing their wedding outfits, just like in Connie’s wedding!

I’m looking forward to the events of the next few days! I hope we get more frequent updates than is recently the case!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Tue Nov 11, 2014 8:41 am

Great update!!!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Tue Nov 11, 2014 9:21 am

Please please update really really soon!!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Tue Nov 11, 2014 10:18 am

HOpe you update soon!!!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby Imp Caesar Augustus » Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:48 am

Any updates yet, KP?

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby KP Presents » Thu Nov 13, 2014 6:55 am

Imp Caesar Augustus wrote:Any updates yet, KP?


Sorry - work threw up a few things. Later today or tomorrow.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby The Wrapster » Thu Nov 13, 2014 7:28 am

No worries!! Sadly, life must sometimes take precedence over fun! Hopefully, Heidi part two is forthcoming as well!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby Imp Caesar Augustus » Fri Nov 14, 2014 6:05 am

I'm eagerly awaiting the next update, KP!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby KP Presents » Fri Nov 14, 2014 6:38 am

When I got home from school on the Friday, I was surprised to see Mrs Boyle sitting in the front room with mum and an elderly couple. The woman was about the same size as Mrs Boyle, and actually looked a lot like her, but with greying hair, while the man was completely bald.

“Ah there you are Suzie,” Mum said as I stood in the doorway. “This is Mister and Mrs Stewart, Mrs Boyle’s parents. Joshua, Martha, this is my daughter Suzanne, Suzie for short.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Mr Stewart said as he looked at me. “Sam’s somewhere around I think.”

“Right here,” I heard Sam Stewart say as he stood behind me. Turning round, I said “Hi – can I get a drink mum?”

“Sure – help yourself,” mum said, so Sam and I went into the kitchen, where Bobby was looking at a book.

“Hey there,” he said as he looked up, “I guess you’re all staying here as well this weekend.”

“Busy place,” I said quietly. “Are your uncle’s parents coming as well?”

“No – I think they both died some years ago, so Uncle Abe is going to give his sister away at the ceremony.”

“It’s nice that it’s going to be a church wedding,” I said as I took a glass of milk from Bobby.

“Well, given neither of them are divorced, but widowed, I guess they’re allowed to,” Sam said. “So where’s this new cousin of mine?”

“Freddie? He went upstairs to try and get some homework done I think.”

“What are you lot talking about?”

“Hello Mrs Cork,” I said as Freddy’s mother came in, “I was asking if your parents are coming. I’m sorry – I didn’t know they had died.”

“Oh that’s all right,” she said with a smile, “It’s been a couple of years now since dad passed on, and mum – well that was some time before. I know they would have loved to be here though.”

“So when do Louise and Fiona get here,” Sam said as he looked at me.

“How did you…”

“I cannot keep a secret,” Bobby said as he held his hands up. “I had to tell them the three of you were having a sleepover tonight so that you were here for tomorrow morning.”

“All right, all right – they’re coming over later tonight,” I said as I put my cup down. “So, if you will excuse me, I have to go and get changed before dinner, and get my homework done.”

I went up to my bedroom and took off my school uniform, putting the dirty laundry in the wash basket before I put on a pair of blue leggings and a long sleeved top. I decided that for once, doing my work in my room would be a good idea, so I got out my Maths books and settled down to get through the questions.



“Hey again.”

I looked round to see Bobby in my door.

“Dinner’s ready – want to come down and eat?”

“Sure thing,” I said as I closed my books and put them back into my bag, and then came down to the dining room. Dad had got back from work, and was sitting with Mrs Boyle’s parents, while Mrs Cork and Freddie were sitting with Mister Boyle.

“So when do the other bridesmaids get here,” Freddie said as he ate his meal.

“You new father is dropping them off before he goes out with Abe,” Mrs Cork said, “and they will sleep over here tonight.”

“That’s nice – so we can all go to the church together in the morning?”

“That’s right – so once they’re here, we’re going to have a girl’s night in, while the younger boys get the playhouse to themselves. Isn’t that right boys?”

“Yeah, Mom,” Freddie said as he rolled his eyes and looked at us.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep them under control,” Bobby said with a smile. “Several rounds of Super Smash Brothers should do the trick.”




“Come on in,” I said as Fiona and Louise arrived with Louise’s father, each of them carrying an overnight bag. The two girls hugged me as we went into the front room, where Mum was sitting with the other ladies.

“Come on in girls,” Mrs Cork said as Dad and Mr Boyle left the house. “Are you all ready to look beautiful tomorrow?”

“We’ll try our best,” Louise said as she put her bag down. “So what are we going to do tonight?”

“Relax, watch a movie, eat some popcorn – I’m getting too old for hen nights,” Mrs Cork said with a smile.

“Oh lord I remember mine,” Mum said. “Your Aunt Anne had arranged to meet up with some mutual friends in London, and like an idiot I presumed it would be a few quiet drinks and a meal out.”

“What happened,” Mrs Cork asked.

“I can’t tell you – not in front of them,” Mum said with a smile. “Let’s just say I spend an interesting night in a hotel, before they helped me to get ready the next morning.”

Mrs Cork laughed and then said something funny.

“What is it about big life decisions leading to strange things happening?”

“How do you mean?”

She put her glass down and said “don’t tell Freddie this. Before we came over, I found myself a hostage for a few days.”

“You what?”

“I was kidnapped – twice in two days. The second person made me rob my bank, and then let me go. He didn’t hurt me – in fact, he was very kind – but I still had to do what he said. Does that sound funny?”

“Sounds like Jay Edwards.”

I looked at Louise, and then said “Oh yeah – I forgot you met him as well.”

“Jay Edwards? Who is he?”

“A rather notorious bank robber,” Mrs Boyle said. “From what I read in the press, he takes the families of his victims hostage, and then forces them to do electronic transfer of money from their firms. He’s apparently very gentle, but he still really holds them hostage.”

“No kidding,” I said, and then saw Mrs Cork looking at me.

“Perhaps I should tell you about how we first found this place,” Mum said as I looked at her. “You might want to top up your drink first.”



“Oh my… Oh my,” she said when mum had finished. “That must have been terrifying.”

“Not the way it went – honestly, it felt like a great big game,” I said quietly. “Mind you, now we know what else happened, I’m actually glad we treated it in that way.”

“I think I can understand that – it seems less scary that way right?”

Louise and I both nodded as Fiona said “I guess it helps we play games as well, right?”

“Yes – but this weekend, during the wedding, we can’t do that. Too many people who don’t do that.”

“Do what,” Mrs Boyle’s mother said as she came into the room.

“Like One Direction,” I said with a smile, “so what are we going to watch?”

“Mamma Mia – what else?”



“Well, it wasn’t that bad a film,” Fiona said as she dried her hands, “but honestly, singing along?”

“You was as much into it as the rest of us,” I said, Louise nodding as she finished brushing her teeth. We had all changed and got ready for bed, me in my white pyjamas, Fiona in a pink onesie, and Louise in a pale blue nightdress.

As we went back into the room, I saw Mum and Mrs Boyle waiting for us. “Milk and cookies,” Mum said, “and then we’ll get you into bed. Given the time for any games tomorrow is rather limited, we’ll let you sleep tied up tonight.”

“Thanks Mum,” I said as I picked a chocolate biscuit up. “I presume not the complete set?”

“No, I think we need to keep this nice and simple, but you’ll still be well secured,” Mum said as we had our supper, and then were each handed a pair of fingerless mittens. Putting them on, we crossed our wrists in front of us, watching as mum and Mrs Boyle tied them tightly together, and then took the rope around our waists to fix them in place.

“Would you like your arms tied to your sides as well,” Mum said. I looked at her and I said “mum – can we have both bands?”

She looked at us, and said “all right – just this once.”

She took a long length of rope, and tied it round my arms and tummy, and then took it round my shoulders as well. I tried not to giggle as they rubbed on me, and then I lay down on my bed, the other two taking their places on the camp beds while our ankles and legs were secured.

“Right girls – lips together,” Mrs Boyle said as she tore a strip of the special white tape free, “and then we’ll turn the lights off.”

I nodded as one by one our lips were covered, and we settled down for a good night’s sleep. I smiled at Mum, who leaned over and kissed my forehead, her bump rubbing against my cheek, and then left the room, turning the light off as we quickly fell asleep…
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Nov 14, 2014 7:06 am

Nice!!!!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Nov 14, 2014 7:08 am

I like that Saturday!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby Imp Caesar Augustus » Fri Nov 14, 2014 7:28 am

Thanks for this wonderful update, KP!!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Nov 14, 2014 7:59 am

Great chapter!!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby Tom Ford » Fri Nov 14, 2014 8:35 am

Both Mrs Cork and Mrs Holderness were surprised when they learned that each of them got put into a hostage situation before!

So I guess the main games would be after the wedding itself! I can’t wait to see what the girls, and even the adults, have planned as activity of Suzie and company.

Oh my, Wissenden Hall is full of people, and the next day, even more would arrive! I wonder where would they play in this situation?

I’m looking forward to see the wedding day itself!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Nov 14, 2014 8:39 am

Great update!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Nov 14, 2014 8:39 am

Great update!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Fri Nov 14, 2014 9:08 am

Please please update really really soon!!!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby William F Somebody » Sun Nov 16, 2014 7:35 am

Wow! So Sam Stewart calls his brother in law uncle. But given the age difference, I guess it’s better that way. I would assume that there would be a huge age difference between Sam and Rebecca. Probably 20 years or so. Which meant that Rebecca’s mother was probably 20 when she gave birth to Rebecca, and about 40 to 45 when Sam was born. I’m sure Martha was surprised when she got pregnant with Sam. Perhaps we could hear the story? How about this. Joshua and Martha married early, and had Rebecca when they were 22. Then there no other children for 20 years, until they were 45, then suddenly, Martha became pregnant, and had Sam. Martha, greying hair, etc, is now 58 and looks even older than that.


For someone whose Father will get married the next day, and despite the fact that she will get a stepmom and brother the next day, Louise is rather taking this quite well. But I bet the next day, she would cry, not tears of sadness, or of a child crying because of something horrible, but because she is so happy, and because her life would irrevocably change because of that.

I’m so looking forward to the next day.

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby John Kennon Smith » Sun Nov 16, 2014 3:52 pm

Hope you update soon!!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby The Wrapster » Tue Nov 18, 2014 6:19 am

Waiting for the next update as well !!

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby KP Presents » Wed Nov 19, 2014 3:47 am

“Good morning sleepy heads.”

I opened my eyes to see Mum standing over us with Mrs Boyle.

“Time to get up, and come down to have breakfast – we have an incredibly busy day ahead of us,” she said as we were untied, and peeled the tape away from our mouths. “The hairdresser will be here at nine, so get yourselves together and come down.”

“How are you feeling, Louise,” I said as I looked at her.

“Like my tummy is all knotted up,” she said as she looked at me. “Can you understand that?”

I nodded as I rubbed my arms. “Come on then – let’s get washed and go down.”

The three of us were soon going into the dining room, where Mrs Cork was picking at some slices of toast.

“You too, Louise,” she said as she looked up, Louise nodding in reply as we all sat down.

“Hey there,” Bobby said as he came in with Freddie and Sam. Freddie looked almost as nervous as his mum and his sister to be, as they sat and quietly ate their breakfasts.

“How are you feeling this morning Gail,” Mister Boyle said as he came in and kissed his sister.

“How do you think – this is worse than when Freddie and I got married,” she said with a smile.

“Ah you’ll be fine,” he said with a smile, “so when does the beautification begin?”

“In about twenty minutes – what are you going to do?”

“Well, there is the small matter of the caterers needing to set up in here,” he said, “but once Rebecca and I have that started, Freddie and I need to go and join your husband to be.”

The ring on the door bell meant Mrs Boyle had to go up and answer it, before we heard her say “In the front room ladies.”

“Sounds like the hairdressers are here,” Mrs Cork said, “I need to…”

She then ran from the room as Freddie looked at Mister Boyle.

“Nerves – don’t worry,” he said as Mum went to see if she was all right, and we finished our breakfast.

“Right – you three come with me,” Mrs Boyle said, “into the front room.”

As we went in, four chairs had been set up, and we saw the hairdresser standing and waiting.

“Hop onto a chair girls,” she said as she looked at us, “we can make a start on all three of you before the star of the day comes and joins us…”

“This is getting exciting,” Fiona said as she looked at me, but I was looking at Louise, who was looking decidedly nervous.

“Hey,” I said, “it could be worse?”

“How?”

“Frank could be watching you right now.”

“Oh god – I never thought of that,” Louise said before she burst out laughing.

“Right – sit still young lady,” the hairdresser said as she fastened a poncho around her body, “we need to work magic...”

We were sat there for an hour and a half, our hair been teased into curls and fixed into place, as Mrs Cork came in and took her seat beside her, one of the juniors starting to prepare her hair.

Eventually we were allowed to get up and go for a drink, before Mum said “all right you three – let’s go and make you look more beautiful than you already are.” She led us back up to my bedroom, and sat us on the bed as she started to use blusher on our cheeks, and then apply the eye shadow and lip gloss.

“There,” she eventually said as she stood back, “I think you’re ready now. Time to get into your dresses.”

As Fiona and Louise headed next door, Mum took the dress I was going to wear out of the wardrobe. It was made from pale blue silk, and had a square neckline and elbow length sleeves, a long skirt that was gathered at the waist and had a lace underskirt, and a sash tied round my waist with the bow at the side. I also had a matching pair of short gloves, and satin heels.

“Oh my,” Mum said as she looked at me, “you really are growing up aren’t you?”

“Well, I am thirteen in a few weeks, mum,” I said quietly, but as I looked at myself in the mirror I had to admit I did look a bit more grown up. I just hoped Brian liked what he saw later – he and Colin were coming to the wedding with their parents.

“Right – you go downstairs and wait for the rest of us,” Mum said as she held her back, “I need to go and get myself ready.”

As she went to mum and dad’s room, I went downstairs and sat in the front room. The hairdressers were heading off, and Mrs Boyle came in as well, wearing a new red jacket over a grey dress and heels.

“Nervous, Suzie,” she said as she put a pair of earrings in.

“A little – not as nervous as I was when Sarah and Brian got married, but a little.”

“Well, that’s good,” she said as Louise and Fiona came in. They were wearing ivory dresses with a round neck, and a cream sash tied round their waists with bows at the back, the skirt flowing out and just covering their matching kitten heels.

They both had floral headbands – but I wasn’t having one this time. Instead, there was a small bouquet of flowers waiting for me on the table, with posies for the other two.

“Well, I can see there are four very beautiful women in here,” Mr Boyle said as he came in. He was wearing a dark suit, and a white shirt with a grey tie.

“Flatterer.” Mrs Boyle went over and kissed him as Mum came in. She was wearing a light green coat dress with a pair of heels, and a matching jacket.

“Right, we need to be on our way,” Dad said as he came in with Bobby, both of them wearing suits and ties with their shirts. “We’ll see you all at the church, good luck Gail.”

“Thanks,” Mrs Cork said as she came in, Louise gasping as she stood there. She was wearing a royal blue silk dress, with a v-shaped neckline, and a floor length skirt. The sleeves were slightly puffed at the shoulder, and looped over her middle finger. She didn’t have a veil – Mum had explained that as this was her second wedding, the veil was usually left off.

“Wow,” Louise finally said, “you look wonderful.”

“So do you Louise,” she said, “you all too. Did Freddie get away on time?”

“He did, Gail,” Mr Boyle said, “I made sure he got there to be with Jack and they will be waiting for us.”

He looked out of the window and smiled as he said “the cars are here, but before we go, I want to do something.”

He opened a bottle of champagne and poured it into glasses, while Mrs Boyle poured some lemonade into glasses for the three of us.

“Mum and Dad would have been very proud to see you today Gail – annoyed it wasn’t in the synagogue, but very proud all the same.”

“Yeah – I hope they’re watching, and they approve of what I’m doing.”

“Of course they would,” Mr Boyle said as he raised a glass. “A toast – to Gail Hobson. May she be truly happy.”

“I know I will be,” she said as we drank, and then Mr Boyle went to open the door. There were two limousines waiting – a large grey one, and Mister Bridges was standing beside Granddad’s Rolls Royce.

Opening the door, he took Mrs Cork’s hand and helped her to sit in, before allowing Mr Boyle to sit with her and closing the door. We went with Mrs Boyle in the other car, the caterers going in and out as we headed down the driveway.




As we pulled up outside the church, I could see the grey stone through the branches of the trees, the leaves having fallen off, but I could also see the Craigs heading up the driveway. The twins were being carried by Mr and Mrs Craig, while Jenny and Cassie were talking to each other. As they went in, the driver let us out, and Mrs Boyle made sure the headdresses were still in place for Louise and Fiona before we walked up to the door of the church.

“Well, the bridesmaids are here,” Brian said as he saw us from just inside the door. “Have fun – I need to be with Sarah and the kids.”

He slipped inside as Mister Bridges parked and opened the door to the car, Mister Boyle taking the hand of his sister as they walked up the church door.

“I didn’t think I’d be this nervous,” she said as she looked at Louise, who was pale. “But you are as well, aren’t you?”

She nodded slowly as Mrs Boyle said “time for me to go in, good luck.” She kissed her husband on his cheek, and then walked into the church.

“All right girls – Fiona, you’re first, then Louise, then Suzie, and we bring up the rear. Listen for the organ playing, and then we head off.

That was the moment the music started so Fiona took a deep breath and walked off, Louise and me following her.

The church was full of our friends and families, smiling at us as we went down. I could see Fiona’s mum, standing with Cassie’s aunts and her uncle, and then Mum and Dad standing with Aunt Anne and Uncle Simon.

At the front of the chair stood Louise’s dad, wearing a dark grey suit, white shirt and a tie in the same colour as the dress Mrs Cork was wearing, and next to him stood Freddie, dressed in the same way. Both of them were grinning as we walked down, but their eyes were not on us – they were on Freddie’s mother and Mr Boyle.

“Dearly beloved,” the minister said as Mister Hobson stood next to Mrs Cork, “we are gathered here today to see this man and this woman joined together in holy matrimony...”




“By the authority granted to me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

“Gladly,” Mister Hobson said as he kissed the new Mrs Hobson, to the sound of applause from the guests. I glanced to my side and saw that Louise was crying. Glancing at mum, she nodded and handed me a paper hankie, which I then handed to her.

“It’s too late now you know,” Fiona whispered, “Freddie is your brother.”

“I don’t see you complaining too much,” Louise whispered back as her parents took a seat, and the reading was done by Dad. After the minister had said something, they disappeared into the back, Brian slipping out of his seat and going in with them.

“They need two adult witnesses – Freddie’s too young,” I heard Mum whisper as they went into the back room, and then came out, Freddie taking my arm as we walked back up the aisle behind them.

“Well, can I say something now.” Louise said as we stood in the entrance to the chair.

“And what’s that love,” her father said.

“Hi mum,” Louise said as she hugged the new Mrs Hobson, and was hugged in return.

“Right – into the cars and off for photos,” Mr Boyle said as he opened the door.
Read stories of ordinary women in distress at http://www.kppresents.com

Re: An Education - Bridesmaids

Postby The Wrapster » Wed Nov 19, 2014 6:45 am

Glad to see this update!!