#bess flowers

[dimepicture]

[makeitquietly]

We Faw Down (1928)

[gatutor]

Bess Flowers-Herbert Marshall "Forgotten faces" 1936, de Ewald André Dupont.

[raynbowclown]

The Mad Doctor of Market Street

The Mad Doctor of Market Street – scientist Lionel Atwill fails to revive a subject in a suspended animation experiment, who dies. Then … Continue reading The Mad Doctor of Market Street

[papermoonloveslucy]

GREAT BALL OF FIRE!

Lucille Ball and the Fire Department

Where there’s smoke - there’s Lucy!  Lucy’s encounters with the fire department are legendary - even becoming a volunteer firefighter on “The Lucy Show.” 

“I Love Lucy” wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of the Los Angeles Fire Department, who helped bring the studio up to code for filming when live audiences were introduced to the mix. Previously, audiences were not permitted on film sets due to fire codes. Ironically, the show’s sponsor was a cigarette company, at a time when smoking indoors was commonplace. 

In “Be A Pal” (1951), Lucy sets fire to Ricky’s newspaper to get his attention! Considering all the trouble and cost Desi had to assure the studio audience’s safety for the Los Angels Fire Department, it is amazing this gag was allowed!

“Fred and Ethel Fight” (1952) ~ When Fred and Ethel patch things up, Lucy and Ricky start feuding, leading to Lucy to pretend to be hit by a bus and Ricky to stage a fire in the apartment to test each other’s affection. Ricky and Fred use a toy siren and a beekeepers smoker to convince Lucy the building’s ablaze. 

Moments from the episode, including the aftermath of the ‘fire’ were recreated for the 2021 film Being the Ricardos. 

In “The Marriage License” (1953), one of the many hats worn by Mr. Willoughby (Irving Bacon) is fireman, presumably of the Connecticut town of Greenwich where the scene is set. Mr. Willoughby mistakes Lucy’s red hair for the flames of a fire. His helmet says “Engine 1″. 

In "Too Many Crooks" (1953), suspecting Lucy to be Madam X, Fred and Ethel spy on her from the fire escape. Fire escapes were common features of New York City apartment buildings, a series of metal ladders allowing residents to get out of the building in case of a fire. They were most famously represented in the musical West Side Story.

A running plot point of the first season of “The Lucy Show” (1963) has Lucy and Viv recruiting their friends to serve as the Danfield Volunteer Fire Department. Naturally, Lucy serves as Captain. 

Six weeks earlier, in “Lucy Puts Up a TV Antenna” (1962), two firemen help Lucy and Viv off the roof when their DIY installation of a TV aerial goes wrong. Chuck Roberson and Hubie Kerns play the firemen. 

Lucy is dismayed that nearby towns have a fire department, while Danfield has none. In “Lucy and Viv are Volunteer Fireman” (1963), the first episode to begin the plotline, Lucy writes to her congressman about the situation.

Dear Senator Dodds;

I feel it is my duty to point out an alarming situation which exists here in Danfield. Because of re-zoning in the county our fire department has been transferred to Ridgebury many, many miles away. As a result, in case of a fire, defenseless women and little children will be left helpless to face a flaming inferno. Until this outrageous condition is rectified, the least you can do for Danfield is to create a volunteer fire department.  

Yours very truly,

Lucille Carmichael

PS: I plan to vote for you in the next election. That is, if the polling place hasn’t burned down.  

In response to their letter, they are visited by Captain Metcalf (Patrick McVey) of the Ridgebury Fired Department. 

Jerry and Sherman are appointed Junior Firemen. This is a real-life program for youth run by most American and British fire departments to encourage home safety in fire prevention. Talking about the potential for a fire, Lucy says she doesn’t want to be known as one of the “Last of the Red Hot Mamas.”

The episode uses a fire pole and a Moreland fire truck. Both are employed for comic effect. 

Lucy and Viv rehearse putting on their fire fighter uniforms, calmly timing themselves as they do. When a real fire alarm sounds, the moment is comically chaotic. 

When Metcalf is training the women at the old firehouse, there is a Smokey Bear Forest Fire Prevention poster behind him. This particular design was first issued in 1953.

Captain Metcalf claims that the reason the Danfield volunteer fire brigade will consist of all females is because so many men commute to New York, further reinforcing that fictional Danfield is a bedroom community of Manhattan.

In connection with this episode, Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance were made honorary fire chiefs of the Los Angeles Fire Department. They were photographed wearing official white helmets with Henri O'Bryant, vice president of the Fire Commission, Fred Kline, commission president, and LA Fire Chief William L. Miller.  

Because the episode was shot out of order, the fire fighter plotline is not mentioned in the next two episodes, but resumes in “Lucy’s Barbershop Quartet” (1962). Since all the members of the group are members of the Danfield Volunteer Fire Brigade, the quartet is named The Four Alarms. 

Again, the storyline is put on the back burner for two episodes, until “Lucy Drives a Dump Truck” (1963). After promising the Volunteer Fire Department that the town council will pay for their new uniforms, the girls find that they will be stuck for the cost themselves. They want to relieve Lucy as captain, until she comes up with the idea of selling newspapers for salvage. 

In addition to Lucy and Viv, the members of the Danfield Volunteer Fire Department are: Thelma Green (Carole Cook), Audrey Simmons (Mary Jane Croft), Dorothy Boyer (Ruth Crews, later Dorothy Konrad), Babette Edwards (Karen Norris), Frances (Mary Wickes), Colleen (Renita Reachi), Pauline Lopus, Grace, as well as background performers Bess Flowers and Hazel Pierce.

The next time we hear about the volunteer fire department, the show is being filmed (but not initially aired) in color!  “Lucy Plays Cleopatra” (1963). The women recruite acting coach Professor Gitterman (Hans Conried) to help them stage the production. 

“Lucy and Viv Play Softball” (1963) ~ Lucy and Viv are usually bench warmers when the Danfield Volunteer Fire Department plays softball, but a member’s preganancy lands them on the field. 

"Lucy Puts Out a Fire at the Bank” (1963) ~ When the town council refuses to fund the Danfield Volunteer Fire Department, Lucy takes her brigade for some training to impress Mr. Mooney, then sets a small fire at the bank to demonstrate their worth!  Mr. Mooney wants Danfield to be served by New Rochelle's Fire Department. In previous episodes they were served by Ridgebury.  

The Danfield Volunteer Fire Department has a service record of:

43 cat rescues; 12 of them of the same cat. 

8 clogged up chimney flues unclogged.  

16 piles of burning leaves were extinguished.

1 lawsuit against the city for water damage at the Armenian restaurant for an incident surrounding flaming shish-kabob on a sword.

Their training is led by Captain Burke (Alan Hale Jr.).  This is the final episode of the fire brigade plotline, ending a year after it is introduced. 

In “Lucy the Coin Collector” (1964), Lucy and Viv stand on the street in front of a bright yellow fire hydrant. Along with the mailbox, the fire hydrant was a standard set dressing for scenes taking place on city streets. 

In “Lucy the Disc Jockey” (1965), the last episode set in Danfield, Lucy uses a fire extinguisher when the control board explodes. The radio station is covered in foam for the rest of the episode. The moment was included in the show’s opening montage. 

“Lucy Makes a Few Extra Dollars” (1971) ~ Lucy Carter breaks out a fire extinguisher when Harry sets a fire in the office waste basket. 

Larry J. Blake plays the fireman who comes to extinguish the trash can blaze. 

“Lucy’s Punctured Romance” (1972) ~ Lucy burns the roast causing the fire department to smash the front door glass. Larry J. Blake returns as the Fire Cheif (wearing the same uniform), joined by Orwin C. Harvey and Sid Gould. 

[quill-pen]

Flowers that give me Bess vibes for🪻reasons🌹:

[shioaoi]

Y’all maybe I was a little bit to harsh on Ace these past couple of episodes. I (very lovingly) was calling him a hypocrite and that he needed to chill out but after Nancy is fully ready to move on with Tristan after like, TWO DAYS - na I’m sorry I ever doubted you, you have never done anything wrong and I want to give you all the hugs. 

[roxygen22]

I have been binge watching Timothée Chalamet movies, and seeing him hold Baby Bess as Laurie at the end of Little Women inspired this piece of Wonka fluff.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Bun in the Oven

For most, it was just an ordinary Tuesday evening. But for you and Willy, it was your third wedding anniversary. You managed to get off work early so you could swing by the bakery to pick up a special surprise for Willy and beat him home to set up.

You pull one of the nice plates out of the cupboard from the set you save for special occasions - a wedding gift from Mr. Crunch and family. This was truly a special occasion for many reasons. You hold it to your chest for a brief moment of daydreaming about your wedding and what's to come. "Oh, I better not get too distracted. He'll be home soon," you mutter to yourself. You grab the box from the bakery and very carefully transfer a cinnamon bun to the plate. Taking a cue from your husband, you add some flair by drawing a chocolate heart next to it before setting the plate in the oven.

You barely got set up and bags put away when you hear the doorknob turn. Willy bursts into the kitchen, waltzing in with flowers and (of course) a box of chocolates. "Happy anniversary, my sweet!" He sets his gifts down on the counter in order to free up his hands to take you into his arms, dip you backwards, and plant an eager kiss on your lips.

Once you are upright again, you grab a vase for the flowers. You turn away from him to fill the vase in the sink, but really you needed a moment to regain your composure. You were so excited that you were about to vibrate right out of your skin. You bite your lip, take a breath, and turn back around to say: "I have something for you, too. Go look in the oven."

Willy cocks his head and furrows his brow in brief confusion before a grin makes its way across his face. He makes it to the oven in one giant step and pulls open the door. Feeling that it wasn't hot, he pulled the plate out. "Oh, this looks scrumptious. Aww, there's even a chocolate heart!"

"Most importantly, there's a bun. In the oven," you respond expectantly.

"Just one? You didn't get one for yourself? I'll split it with you," he says obliviously as he takes a huge bite.

"No, Willy." You huff a laugh because this is *not* going how you imagined. Sometimes you forget that before he founded his chocolate factory, he had not stayed in any one place long enough to pick up on common colloquialisms. "It's a saying. When someone says they have a bun in the oven, it means they are pregnant."

"Ah, okay." He smiles and brings up the bun to take another bite. Before it makes contact, though, he pauses and stares at you, mouth agape with a little bit of icing on his lip. "Oh..."

::Finally, he gets it:: you think to yourself.

"You...? We...?"

You nod excitedly as tears start forming in your eyes and his. As verbose and loquacious as he tends to be, your showman seems to be struggling to utter a coherent thought. "Yes, Willy, we are going to have a baby. Happy anniversary, my love!"

"Huh," he whispered, licking the icing off his lip. "Huh! Oh, [y/n]...this...this is great news!" He picked you up and spun you around. "Oh, I guess I shouldn't do that! I might make you both dizzy."

You giggle and wipe away happy tears as Willy leans his forehead against yours. He pulls you into a hug and buries his nose in your hair, stifling his own tears. You both stand in the embrace for quite a while before he loosens his grip to look you in the eyes, gently cup your cheeks in his hands, and pepper your face with kisses.

"How long? How do you feel?"

"Just six weeks. I've suspected for about a week and confirmed today. I feel okay, just a little nauseous in the mornings. It still feels unreal."

Willy smiled, but then his eyes quickly fell to the ground.

"How do *you* feel, my love?"

"Ecstatic. Hopeful. Scared. I didn't really have a father growing up. I mean, obviously I had a father, but for as long as I can remember it was just me and mamma. And then I was on my own at 15. So I don't really know what it takes to be a dad."

You ran your fingers through his unruly curls. "Just do what you already do best. Love big. Laugh often. Forgive much. And just be there for them like your mother was for you while she was earthside."

With that, Willy kneeled to eye level with your still-flat belly and leaned in. "Hello there, my little cocoa bean." Your heart fluttered as he glanced up at you through his wet eyelashes just briefly before continuing. "I can't wait to meet you. We are going to have so many adventures. But *you* are going to learn to read as soon as you are able so you don't get *almost* eaten by a tiger on these adventures like me, though. Your Aunt Noodle would agree," he giggled. "I'll also teach you magic tricks and how to make chocolate. My mamma, your grandmother, said it's not the chocolate that matters; it's who you share it with. And I can't wait to share it with you."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Part 2

I make no claim of ownership for these characters. I just love them to pieces and wanted to share this one-shot.

Side note: Willy would totally be the kind to bring home the fruit or vegetable corresponding to the size of the baby.

[arklayraven]

Wanted to make this because felt like it. 💗💛💙

Current VNs characters I know that are canonly pan, with sources, and game links (if available).

Will update if more are found or such.

(Updated: 10/25/24. Read more added because it was getting long. As well a continuation link post added in the end, because reached limit on this post. lol)

⚠️ Notice: This post for listing canon pan characters from visual novel games(whether officially released, demos, etc). Not about the devs and any possible issues they had in the past. So please keep any/all discussions over them off this post. ⚠️

14 Days With You

Ren (demi/pansexual)

Elanor (demi/panromantic + asexual)

Conan (pansexual)

Leon (demi/pansexual)

Source | Game

Duality

Keith (pansexual)

Tenebris (pansexual)

Source | Game

The Kid At The Back

Sol (pansexual)

Hyugo (pansexual)

Deryl (pansexual)

Brittney (panromantic)

Source | Game

Where Winter Crows Go

Crowe (demisexual and demi-panromantic)

Aspen (graysexual and panromantic)

Source | Source | Archive source | Game

A Double Sided Mirror

Charlie (pansexual)

Charles (pansexual)

Source | Archive source | Game

Error143

Micah (bi/pan)

Source | Archive source | Game

Going Live!

Zilas (bi/pan)

Source | Archive source | Game

Favor

Z (pansexual)

Source | Game

Repurpose

DJ Roadkill (pansexual)

Mitts Moore (pansexual)

Noel (asexual panromantic)

Fayebael Noct (pansexual)

Source | Game

Bloodlust Devotion

Seth Devland (pansexual)

Xavier Oathsant (pansexual)

Max Béphmato (pansexual)

James Winton (pansexual)

Source | Game

Camp Willowpeak

Gavin (pan)

Malik (pan)

Source | Source | Game

Predator's Syndrome

Pierrot (pansexual)

Rosaura (pansexual)

Sandrone (pansexual)

Source | Archive source | Game

Sweet Tooth

Andre (pansexual/demi)

Casey (pansexual)

Chrys (pansexual/polyam)

Noble (pansexual/polyam)

Source | Game

Your Guardian Angel

Noel (pan/demi)

Viktor (pan)

Source | Game

Restart Heart

Ezra (bi/pan, poly)

Blaire (bi/pan, poly)

Sammy (bi/pan, poly)

Chris (bi/pan, poly)

Steph (bi/pan, poly)

Bess (bi/pan, poly)

Kenneth (bi/pan, poly)

Source | Game

Colored Gaze

Seth (pansexual)

Source(broken/unavailable, explanation why, with archive source screenshot and more) | Game

John Doe

John Doe (bi/pan, poly)

Source | Archive source | Game

Our Life: Beginnings & Always

Cove (panromantic demisexual, previous labeled as pansexual too)

Derek (pansexual)

Baxter (pansexual)

Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Game

XOXO Droplets

Everett (pansexual, refers to self as bi)

Nate (pansexual)

Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | Game

Floret Bond

Peony (panromantic grayasexual)

Gata (pansexual)

Source | Game

Cat and Mouse

Cecil (pansexual)

Source | Game

My Dear Hatchet Man

Alan (pansexual)

Stu (pansexual)

Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | Game

Mushroom Oasis

Mychael (asexual panromantic)

Sources: 1 | 2 | Game

Alaris

Kayn (pansexual)

Druk (pansexual)

Fenir (pansexual)

Kuna'a (pansexual)

Source | Game

Broken Colors

Delivery Guy (pansexual and poly)

Stalker/Damon (pansexual and poly)

Sources: 1 | 2 | Game

Something's Wrong With Sunny Day Jack

Sunny Day Jack (pansexual)

Shaun Durand-Cofer (pansexual)

Ian Duff (pansexual)

Nicolas "Nick" Herrera (pansexual)

Source | Game

Hummingbird's Crown

Wren (demisexual and panromantic)

Lonan (asexual and panromantic)

Invar (pansexual and panromantic)

Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | Archive source | Game

Panacea: Rebirth

Lacrima (panromantic)

Angis (demisexual and panromantic)

Sources: 1 | 2 | Archive source | Game

Killer Trait

Carl (pansexual and demi-panromantic)

Source | Archive source | Game

Potion Pleasing

Parker (asexual and panromantic)

Rue (asexual and gray-panromantic)

Sources: 1 | 2 | Archive source | Game

Monochrome Pixels

Enya (asexual and panromantic)

Source | Archive source | Game

Where the Two Flowers Meet

Caleb (pan)

Sources: 1 | 2 | Archive source | Game

Magical Warrior Diamond Heart

Valerie (pan)

Source | Game

Here For Sweethearts!

Netina (pan)

Jaxter (pan)

Source | Game

Sweet No Death

Ruuuby (pan)

Source | Game

💗💛💙 Continuation of this list 💗💛💙

[dreamwritesimagines]

Garden of Secrets [14] - Dahlias

A.N: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and support my loves, it made my whole week, you’re amazing!❤ I hope you’ll like this chapter as well, and please don’t forget to tell me what you think, thank you! ❤

Thanks so much to @theskytraveler​ for helping me with the chapter!

Summary: Weddings are a celebration of love.

Warnings: Regency era society and social rules, some gender specific language and terms, mentions of sex, panic attacks, anxiety.

Word Count: 5700

Series Masterlist

All things considered, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that you couldn’t sleep the night before your wedding day.

It wasn’t as if you thought you’d be calm about it, but waking up gasping was not something you thought you could ever get used to. Everyone else except you was excited beyond words, but the only thing you could feel was pure, freezing fear.

But you had to keep it together. You knew you had to.

You needed to convince everyone that you were madly in love after all.

It felt as if you hadn’t stopped clenching your teeth since last night and your whole body was so tense that your muscles were starting to hurt. The skin on your palms was already irritated because of how hard you had been digging your fingernails into it, and that lump in your throat was getting bigger and bigger with each second, making it hard to swallow.

“Oh Benny is going to die when he sees you!” Charlotte’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts and you stole a look at her while trying to move your head as little as possible so that your maid could finish doing your hair soon. Josie and Bess were ready and Bess looked almost gleeful while Josie was in deep thought after having asked you multiple questions for the whole morning. You could hear your aunt rushing through the hallway every couple of minutes, no doubt panicking about something but so far, your uncle had managed to solve every tiny issue that made her nervous.

“Have you had a chance to talk to him?” you asked Charlotte and she shrugged her shoulders.

“Not today.”

“Yesterday?”

“Yes, he was very nervous,” Charlotte said. “I don’t think he sat down the whole time I was there, he was just pacing.”

“Oh that’s understandable,” Bess mused. “I’m sure he’s as excited as you are Y/N.”

“Probably,” you managed to say and Josie tilted her head as if she was trying to hear your thoughts but before she could say anything, your maid retrieved her hands from your hair.

“It’s finished my lady.”

A soft look crossed Josie’s gaze as you stood up and you walked to the full length mirror to see yourself better, your reflection making you pause for a moment.

The creamy white wedding gown looked absolutely beautiful, so beautiful that you could hardly believe it was in fact yours. The soft tulle over the silky skirts was embellished with small leaves scattered along the fabric and the bust was embroidered with tiny budding flowers, starting at the waist and carefully following the cleavage to the short sleeves. The thin crown over your head that held your veil back had the same shade of fresh flowers over it, and the whole outfit was so ethereal that it made you look like a lady from those nature poems, someone who belonged to sunlight and trees and flowers.

“You look so beautiful!” Bess said and Josie offered you a warm smile.

“You really do, Clover.”

“I feel very emotional already,” Charlotte said and you stole look at your maid.

“Thank you Paula,” you said and turned your head when someone knocked on the door in a haste.

“Can I see? Can I?” Teddy’s voice reached inside and you felt a smile pulling at your lips.

“Come in Teddy.”

The door opened and Teddy rushed inside, then his jaw dropped.

“You look so pretty!” he said and you crouched down to hug him.

“Thank you,” you said, fixing the collar of his jacket. “You look like a handsome gentleman, does he not Josie?”

“Oh absolutely,” Josie said and Teddy giggled.

“And you also look very pretty Miss Harlowe!” he said and Charlotte ruffled his hair.

“You’re the sweetest boy, Teddy.”

“Clover?” your uncle’s voice carried into the room before he appeared by the doorframe. If you didn’t know any better, you would have thought you had seen a glint of tears in his eyes and he let out a breath.

“My dearest, you look absolutely stunning,” he said and pointed back with his thumb. “Your aunt seems to believe they will start the wedding without you if we don’t get to the chapel soon though.”

Your stomach did a painful flip. “Oh?” you asked. “I’m…I’m ready.”

Your uncle looked around the room and took his glasses out of the inner pocket of his waistcoat to clean it with his handkerchief, a habit that signaled he was deep in thought; you could recognize it by now.

“Can we have a moment please?” he asked and Josie nodded while Bess immediately stood up along with Charlotte. Teddy reached up to take Josie’s hand, making her smile wide as you gave the bouquet to Charlotte, and one by one everyone else left the room, leaving you there with your uncle.

“Marriage advice?” you asked, trying to ignore the lump lodging itself into your throat and he chuckled.

“Just making sure,” he said. “Are you certain you want this, Clover?”

No, you wanted to say. No I don’t want this, I am terrified, please, please get me away.

But instead of saying any of that, you willed a smile on your face and nodded. “I am.”

“And you have no second thoughts about this wedding?”

You shook your head this time, clasping your hands together behind you so that he wouldn’t see how hard you were clenching them.

“Not at all,” you managed to say. “I’m in love.”

His eyes searched yours before he held up his hands, gesturing surrender.

“Very well,” he said. “Then I’d say it’s time to go.”

“…Actually, can I have a second?” you asked after a beat. “I want to make sure I didn’t miss anything.”

“Of course, I’ll see you downstairs,” he said and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. As if on cue, a gasp got stuck in your throat and your legs finally gave out, making you fall on your knees. You clutched at your throat, forcing yourself to fix your breathing and closed your eyes for a moment, swallowing thickly.

“Pull it together,” you muttered to yourself, opening your eyes, and pushed yourself off your knees to stand up, then threw your shoulders back and walked out of the room.

                                                  *

The interesting thing about fear was that it basically turned you into a machine.

You were quite familiar with this. After all, back in that hellhole you called home, neither you nor Josie would ever lose yourselves in fear. It was like falling back into an old habit, no matter how much panic was rushing through your veins, you managed to keep your expression still and completely calm. For the whole road until the chapel, you could barely hear anything from the echo of your heartbeat in your ears but eventually you got to the destination and walked up the marble stairs into the church. While you waited for everyone from your family to be seated except your uncle who would be walking you down the aisle, you leaned back to the wall, biting inside your cheek.

“Are you alright?”

Your head shot up and you tried to gulp down the nervousness, pressing your lips together as you nodded, still picking at the flowers in your bouquet. You had decided on the tuberoses, thinking it would be some sort of an inside joke but even that wasn’t enough to distract you.

“Mm hm,” you muttered and your uncle cleared his throat.

“You can say it if you’re nervous Clover,” he said. “I was very nervous on my wedding day.”

You pulled your brows together. “What were you nervous for?”

“Marrying the most beautiful and amazing lady in the ton is bound to put some pressure on a person,” he said with a small smile. “Which is what Mr. Bridgerton and I have in common, I’m sure.”

You nibbled on your lip and took a deep breath.

“Uncle?”

“Yes dear?”

“What if—” you paused for a moment, the words getting stuck in your throat before you willed them out. “You and auntie were lucky. What if my marriage turns out to be nothing like yours? What if it’s more like…”

You trailed off, the mere thought enough to give you goosebumps and you could tell that he understood what you meant even if you didn’t finish your sentence. He shook his head fervently.

“I would never let that happen,” he said. “I promise you that. No one will ever hurt you no matter what position they hold in your life.”

You knew it was supposed to put your heart at ease, but you were beginning to feel nothing could at this point. No matter what your uncle told you, that small whisper in your head refused to go away.

You were walking into a burning house and no one else could see the flames other than you.

“Right,” your voice came out as a whisper before you cleared your throat and nodded fervently. “I know. Thank you.”

Your uncle stole a look inside and turned to you.

“Are you ready?”

You didn’t even notice you were rubbing at your wrist but that slight sting on the bridge of your nose that spread down to your throat was a telltale sign of the tears that were about to follow, and you couldn’t afford to break down here, someone would be able to tell something was wrong.

You could cry when you were by yourself, just not now.

“Yes,” you managed to say and put your arm on his arm. “Let’s go.”

He squeezed at your hand for a moment as if he wanted to assure you and you both stepped in, people turning their heads to look at you immediately. Though he was right there on the steps to the left of the priest, Benedict noticed the movement in the chapel and he turned around, his gaze turning softer the moment it fell on you, staring at you like he was enchanted.

Even through the mind-numbing fear you could still notice just how handsome he looked and a tiny spark of warmth shot through you, but it soon disappeared as the unstoppable wave of fear rushed through your system, turning your insides cold again.

Just a couple of steps left.

You didn’t even have to speak, all you had to say was “I do” and then—

Then a lifelong of misery and torture.

You blinked back the tears as you and your uncle reached the altar and your uncle went to sit beside your aunt while you took your place beside Benedict, Charlotte giving you a bright smile before fixing your veil and rushing back to stand by the steps of the altar as the maid of honor. You could feel Benedict’s gaze on you but you had a feeling you would break down crying if you so much as turned your head, so instead you looked up at the priest who cleared his throat, and started on his speech.

You honestly had no idea about the specifics of the speech or whether he had added anything else, because you could hardly hear anything due to the blood rushing in your ears, making your hearing almost muffled. Your heart felt like it was being squeezed right in your chest, the acid burning your throat but even through that haze of panic, the slight brush of Benedict’s hand over the back of your own hand snapped you out of your thoughts, making you turn your glances at him.

It was almost strange how you two had learned how to communicate with each other without really saying anything out loud in such a short time. He offered you a small smile as if trying to assure you or calm you down, and you swallowed thickly, a tiny, sad smile curling your lips as well before you turned back to the priest.

“…Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her—”

Breathe.

You had to keep breathing.

“I will,” Benedict’s voice was stronger than what you assumed yours would be. The priest nodded and turned to you, but your heart was beating so loudly in your ears that you could hardly pick up the first part of his question.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Focus.

“…So as long as you both shall live?”

You swallowed thickly, your sight blurry because of tears and took a deep breath, your answering coming out as a rasp;

“I will.”

A tear escaped from your eye and your hand shot up to quickly wipe at it, but it was the least of your problems.

Everyone except you and Benedict was going to think it was tears of happiness anyway.

                                               *

The wedding breakfast was to be held in the Bridgerton House, and there were a lot of guests for some reason but it shouldn’t have been surprising for you considering how popular Bridgertons were. You hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to Benedict which sort of made him the only person you hadn’t talked to, because it seemed that all the guests had many questions for you; how you had come up with the idea of a floral gown, where you would be going for your honeymoon, and whether or not Teddy was looking forward to the little nieces and nephews he would play with.

The panic was still bubbling in your stomach but thankfully Josie had come to drag you away from them.

“Thank you,” you said and she scoffed.

“You’re welcome. We should kick them out at this point, honestly.”

“I don’t think that’d be considered polite, Josie.”

“Maybe not but that’s what they’re asking for.”

You heaved a sigh and looked around. “Where’s Teddy?”

“With Andrew. He keeps saying we need to adopt him and came up with the idea of Teddy staying with us half the year and the other half he can stay with uncle and auntie.”

“Really?”

“He wants to buy him a horse to bribe him,” Josie said. “When I reminded him that Teddy is six, he changed it into a pony.”

You smiled softly. “Teddy would love a pony, but he can’t stay with you half the year.”

“Mm hm, go tell Andrew that—auntie wants to see you by the way. Upstairs, second room.”

“Why?”

“So that you won’t be unprepared for your wedding night.”

You could feel your heart dropping to your stomach but you had to remind yourself to not show it on your expression.

“I already know.”

“I said something similar but she wants to talk to you—”

“Miss Y/N,” Anthony’s voice cut through and made you turn your head. “Lady Walcott.”

“Lord Bridgerton.”

“Have you seen Benedict?”

You looked around. “He’s not here?”

He scoffed. “Apparently not, since I’m here asking you.”

You narrowed your eyes, opening your mouth to retort but Josie beat you to it.

“Well if by ‘asking her’ you mean interrupting a conversation, yes you did,” she said. “We were in the middle of something in case it has escaped your notice.”

Anthony pulled his brows together. “I beg your pardon?”

“My pardon is not granted,” Josie said. “We haven’t seen him and for future reference, you should be careful not to appear impolite with my sister. This is my first and last warning, there will not be another.”

Anthony gawked at her and Josie rolled her eyes as she turned to you.

“Honestly Clover, can’t say I approve but as long as Benedict makes you happy…” she trailed off. “I’ll go and find Bess, go to auntie.”

With that, she walked away from both of you and you repressed a smile at the look of complete shock on Anthony’s face.

“You threw that viper insult around way too early, I bet I look like a nice person now,” you pointed out and Anthony frowned.

“Benedict told you.”

“I honestly don’t care what you think of me,” you shrugged your shoulders. “You don’t like me, I don’t like you either, not a huge surprise. I haven’t seen Benedict but Charlotte is nowhere to be found either so I’m guessing they’re together somewhere.”

Anthony blinked a couple of times. “And you’re okay with that?”

“Are you?” you asked back and Anthony’s eyes snapped to yours, a look of surprise etched over his features but it was gone immediately. You scoffed.

“I really don’t like conversing with you so I’m going to find my aunt now,” you stated. “But Josie has a point; don’t interrupt me again or demand answers in that manner.”

You walked away from him, leaving him there completely dumbfounded as you climbed the stairs and looked around, then approached the second door and knocked it.

“Auntie?”

“Come in dear!” she called out and you opened the door, then stepped inside. She was by the window, watching the people in the garden and you leaned back to the door.

“Josie mentioned…” you started, your throat dry all of a sudden. “But that’s not really—um—”

“Let’s sit down first,” she said gently and went to sit by the bed. You shifted your weight, then pushed yourself off the door to sit next to her.

“I’m not sure what your mother told you about marriage.”

You shook your head fervently. “She wasn’t really a mother to me,” you said. “Or Josie for that matter. But she…um, inadvertently taught me some things about how marriage works.”

Her eyes found yours and she gave you an understanding smile.

“Yours will be nothing like your parents’ marriage my dearest.”

But we don’t know that, you wanted to say. We just don’t know that.

“Benedict is a good man, and you always have me and your uncle,” she assured you, reaching out to hold your hand and you squeezed it, trying to smile.

“Thank you.”

“I’m very certain you will have an incredibly happy marriage,” she said and cleared her throat. “And most of the time, that begins with the wedding night.”

The fear churned your stomach but you took a deep breath.

“You don’t really have to explain what happens on the wedding night,” you said. “I already know.”

She raised her brows. “Do you?”

“Oh no I haven’t—” you shook your head again. “Not personally but…Countryside is not like here and Josie had a couple of close friends and some of them were married. They described it quite well.”

“And what did they say?”

“A lot of things,” you said, turning the wedding band around your finger while you bit inside your cheek. “It’s um—it’s a rather unpleasant aspect of marriage, as if there are any pleasant ones.”

“Clover that’s not true,” she said hastily. “I’m sorry for those poor girls, but I can assure you it is not unpleasant at all.”

You scoffed a laugh and shot her a look, and she tilted her head.

“You and Benedict are in love,” she said and you bit at your tongue, dropping your glances into your lap as you nodded.

“Yeah,” you muttered. “We are.”

“So why is it so hard to believe your husband who’s very much in love with you will make it pleasant for you?”

Your husband.

Right. Benedict was your husband now, and you were—

You were married. This had actually happened.

You tried to swallow the nervous lump in your throat and took a deep breath.

“Yeah,” you managed to say and stood up, desperate to get out of the room. “I should probably find my uh—Benedict, I should find Benedict because I haven’t seen him and people were looking for him and—” you motioned with your hands. “Yeah. Thank you so much auntie.”

You pulled the door open and stepped out, then made your way downstairs so that you could pass the foyer and go outside for some fresh air but before you could reach the front door, you heard someone saying your name and turned your head.

“Andrew,” you said. “Hello.”

Andrew tilted his head, his eyes searching your face. “Are you alright?” he asked. “You look…”

Your heart was beating in ears so loud that for a second you thought he could surely hear it, but you dug your nails into your palm and nodded as the room started spinning around you.

“Yeah,” you said through your teeth. “Uh huh, I’m fine. It’s just been a long day.”

That familiar heat started climbing up from the nape of your neck to your whole head, the pounding in your temples starting to get worse as you felt pins and needles on the back of your head. You raised your hand to rub at your eyes but it was trembling so bad that Andrew instantly took a step towards you.

“Let’s get you sit down and I’ll get Jo, how about that?”

“I um…” you blinked a couple of times and reached out to rest your hand against the wall as your vision started getting blurry from the edges. “No need for that, I’m absolutely fi—”

And as if someone blew a candle, everything went black.

                                       *

The first thing you noticed when you came to your senses was just how badly your head was hurting and how the multiple voices speaking in the room was not making it any better.

“I can assure you Mr. Bridgerton, there’s nothing to worry about—”

“She has passed out, I’d say there’s plenty to worry about!”

“Benny, maybe we should listen to the doctor.”

“Apparently we shouldn’t!”

“You’re certain she’s fine?”

“Quite certain, Lord Thorne.”

“I’ll just send for another doctor—”

“Or maybe listen to this one first?”

“No no, I agree with Benedict. We should send for another doctor.”

“Lady Walcott, it is possible that today has been quite overwhelming for your sister.”

“Doctor, I’m about to overwhelm someone in this room if my sister doesn’t wake up in the next—”

You let out a groan and forced yourself to open your eyes even if it felt like they weighed a ton. The voices ceased immediately and Benedict stopped pacing in the room to rush to your side.

“Y/N?”

“I’m fine,” you managed to mutter but it came out so drowsy that it apparently did nothing to assure anyone in the room. Josie sat by your other side while your aunt let out a relieved breath that sounded like a sob, and your uncle wrapped his arm around her as if trying to reassure her. “If everyone could just stop talking, it would be much better though.”

Charlotte offered you a small smile and Anthony stole a look at her before turning to you and if you didn’t know any better, you would have thought he was worried.

“Are you sure?”

“Quite sure.” You nodded at Andrew. “And sorry about that.”

Andrew waved a hand in the air. “You almost gave me a heart attack but since the doctor is here it’s fine. We’ll just keep him close.”

“Have you eaten anything today Y/N?” Lady Bridgerton asked and you frowned.

“I…didn’t get the chance.”

“Oh thank God, that explains it,” Daphne said as she exhaled, “I’ll tell the maids to bring you something to eat.”

“Tell them to bring juice as well, Daphne.” Lady Bridgerton said and Daphne nodded, and left the room in a rush. The doctor cleared his throat.

“If we could clear out the room please?”

Josie looked like she wanted to argue but you shot her a look, silently telling her to drop it. She heaved a sigh as your aunt came to kiss the top of your head then left with your uncle after he squeezed your shoulder in an assuring manner.

“Fine…” Josie murmured and walked out of the room with Andrew and Charlotte pressed her lips together.

“I’ll find Teddy and tell him you’re alright, he’s with Bess,” she said and left the room with Anthony quickly following her. Lady Bridgerton offered you a small smile.

“We’re right outside,” she said and closed the door behind her, leaving you with Benedict and the doctor. You glanced at Benedict before looking at the doctor and pushed yourself to sit up in the bed, Benedict making a move to help you but you shook your head.

“I’m fine,” you said. “Just…”

“Excitement?” the doctor offered and you snapped your fingers.

“Yeah, that. Wedding and all.”

“Well you will be happy to hear you’re absolutely not the first bride to faint on their wedding day, Mrs. Bridgerton,” he said and the new name was so foreign to you -and apparently to Benedict as well- that you both stole a look at each other before you remembered to turn to the doctor. “Excitement and lack of food is not a good combination.”

“But you’re alright?” Benedict asked, as if trying to convince himself and you nodded.

“You heard him. Apparently it’s quite fashionable.”

The doctor put a small vial on the bedstand. “Lavender for the nerves,” he said and you reached out to take the vial into your hand to look at it.

“Thank you.”

“Of course. Make sure not to leave the bed until you ate and drank something,” he said and glanced at Benedict. “And I would avoid any strenuous activity at least until tomorrow.”

You could feel your face burning at the implication and the tips of Benedict’s ears went slightly pink as he raised his brows, then nodded.

“Y-yeah, of course.”

Everyone in the room knew what he was actually talking about and you felt like slipping deeper into the covers but you dragged your fingernail on the silky covers, following the patterns. The doctor grabbed his bag and bowed.

“Do send for me if this happens again,” he said. “Congratulations for the wedding.”

He walked out of the room, making you frown for a second before the realization hit you; you were married now, of course you could stay alone without a chaperone.

You put the vial back in the nightstand and Benedict let out a breath.

“Jesus Christ.”

You heaved a sigh, rubbing at your wrist absentmindedly. “That was subtle.”

“As subtle as a brick through the window,” Benedict murmured and his blue eyes flitted over your face, worried. “Do you need anything?”

You shook your head, the familiar panic twisting at your stomach. This was the first time you two were alone as a married couple and even if you knew nothing would happen -this was his family’s house after all- it still did nothing to extinguish the fire of complete fear burning at your throat.

Somehow, a small part of you was trying to convince you the fear was nonsense though. It was Benedict, and he had promised—

Right. Promised.

Dear God, you were a goddamn idiot if you were just going to take his word for it, especially now that he was your husband and was allowed to do whatever he wanted.

“No,” you heard the word leaving your lips as all your muscles tensed up again. “I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

You didn’t even notice your eyes flickering at the door before snapping back to his face but he caught it. A look of realization dawned on his face and he pulled back slightly, clearing his throat.

“Something has changed, has it not?”

Your answer came way too fast. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Yes you do,” he insisted. “I’ve never seen you as terrified as you were back at the altar and you’ve never looked at me like this before, ever.”

Your jaw clenched. “Like what?”

“Like you’re waiting for something bad to happen.”

You were beginning to think that Benedict being this observant would never stop surprising you. Even after all these weeks, you were still not used to him noticing the tiniest things about you, things almost everyone around you would not even think twice about.

You were a good liar yes, but Benedict was a much better observer.

It did not mean you wouldn’t try though.

“I’m just tired,” you said with a shrug of your shoulders. “You heard the doctor. Excitement and everything.”

A sad smile pulled at his lips before he scoffed a bitter laugh, and at the worst time possible you noticed for the millionth time just how handsome he was.

“Right,” he said. “I’ll leave you to your rest then.”

For some reason that sent a pang of pain through your chest but you pursed your lips and nodded, crossing your arms over your chest.

“I’m guessing you won’t tell me but please at least tell someone if you need anything,” Benedict said and walked out of the room, leaving you there. That pang in your chest, right in your heart seemed to heighten and you gritted your teeth, then slipped deeper into the covers with a sigh.

                                                *

Lady Bridgerton and your family refused to let you out of their sight the whole day but when the night fell you knew you and Benedict were supposed to go to your new home. Even though you felt short of breath even thinking about it, you could only delay it for so long, so eventually you and he got on the carriage and departed from Bridgerton home after saying goodbye to your family.

Teddy had looked like he was on the verge of tears but both you and Josie had assured him that you would see him tomorrow. Though it broke your heart to leave him alone like that, you were so glad he had Josie to console him along with your aunt and uncle until tomorrow. Thankfully you had met the staff earlier in the week so there wasn’t going to be any introductions tonight. Neither you nor Benedict had talked for the whole road and normally you wouldn’t be bothered by the silence but now���

It just felt uncomfortable.

Benedict helped you out of the carriage when it stopped in front of the house and you saw the staff by the stairs. You smiled at them and after a short greeting both you and Benedict climbed up the stairs to get inside.

It still felt surreal that you were going to live here as the lady of the house but even that wasn’t enough to get rid of the tension all over your body.

The wedding night.

It was fine. It was going to be fine; you could handle it, of course you could. Josie’s friends had told you it didn’t take that long to be over so you were going to be fine.

At least you weren’t one of those clueless poor idiots in the ton. You knew very well what would happen, and no matter how unpleasant it was to be, after it was over you were just going to go back to your room and…

Nothing some sleep couldn’t fix, you were guessing. And considering how every married couple in the ton was doing it, it couldn’t be that difficult, just a chore if anything.

You could swear you were feeling lightheaded again from the panic but you dug your fingernails into your palms and took a deep breath, then carefully gathered your skirts so that you wouldn’t trip on them on your way upstairs.

Benedict only turned to you when you both reached the hallway your rooms were in and you cleared your throat.

“So how do we—” you mentioned between you. “Where do I go?”

Benedict tilted his head. “You said you wanted your own room.”

“I clearly want my own room,” you said quickly, your heart beating in your ears. “I do, I just…do I go to your room or do you come to mine? I’m not very familiar with—with the arrangement.”

An almost amused smile curled his lips and he shrugged his shoulders.

“I told you before, that will not take place if you do not want it to,” he said. “Do you?”

You could feel your whole face burning, that familiar flame of desire shooting through you but it was soon smothered by the cold fear tightening your throat. You swallowed thickly, looking up at him and his blue eyes turned soft before he took a deep breath.

“I’ll see you at breakfast,” he said, making you frown.

“…What?”

“Good night Y/N,” he said as he walked to his room, leaving you were completely dumbfounded. He closed the door behind him and you blinked a couple of times, still trying to wrap your mind about what had happened just now.

You slowly made your way to your own room and closed the door behind you, locking it before turning to glance around the room. The door on the other side of the room connecting it to Benedict’s room caught your attention immediately and you licked your lips, fidgeting in your spot for a moment before you approached it, leaning your ear to the wood so that you could hear what was happening. There was the sound of shuffling which made you think perhaps he was getting undressed for bed and even the thought was more than enough to make the fire over your face worse, so you immediately pulled back and locked this door as well, grimacing at the sound the key made in the lock. The movement in the other room stopped for a moment and you nibbled on your lip, then took a deep breath.

“Good night,” you said not even knowing whether he heard you or not, then stepped back from the door in a haste.

He had stayed true to his word. Contrary to what you thought, he had made no move to consummate your marriage, not even a kiss—

Even if you didn’t really mind the idea of a kiss from him, not at all. The memory of his lips on yours sent that familiar warmth through you, desire hitting you out of nowhere and you shook your head, trying to pull your thoughts together.

You walked to the full-length mirror, then started unlacing your dress with nimble fingers and took it off, your corset following soon. Letting out a breath, you walked to the bed and flung yourself on it, pressing your palms into your eyes before you let your arms drop to your sides.

Very well then.

This was not the first time Benedict Bridgerton surprised you, and you had a feeling it would not be the last either.

Chapter 15

[gatutor]

Bess Flowers (Sherman, Texas, 23/11/1898-Los Angeles, California, 28/07/1984).

[because-its-eurovision]

nobody's going to believe this

I was watching Bess's gig at the festival and noticed that Matti and Etel were next to me but behind a covered up fence (you know so people couldn't see artists or other vips if they wanted to watch each other's shows)

at first I didn't even see him but Jere was also there covered in a hoodie and a cap and sunglasses so less people would recognise him, but then HE noticed ME next to him and smiled and said, 'hey you have a Käärijä shirt', and I said 'yes! but I already got rid of my flower crown' and that he has a nice cover-up and he laughed

and I was like I don't want to bother you but could you PLEASE be so kind and sign your setlist I got at Ilosaarirock, and he said of course, and he did and DREW A LITTLE HEART ON IT and I said thank you so much, you're so lovely and HE HELD MY HAND and smiled and I said, see you in Kaivohuone and he said we will and we said have a nice night to each other

and at the same moment Bess started playing Ram Pam Pam and I've never danced so passionately to a song in my life and my heart feels like it's going to explode

[raynbowclown]

Holy Matrimony

Holy Matrimony – when reclusive artist (Monty Woolley) returns to England to be knighted, his valet (Eric Blore) dies. So he decides to swap identities as a prank. But then … Continue reading Holy Matrimony

[rom-e-o]

In the Scroogeverse, where the Wolves have to get married at the Justice of the Peace to keep Bea from stealing Bess' siblings away. It takes them a couple days to get things put together, licence, witnesses, booking the appointment. Wolf, of course, updates Adonis and Connie on the situation. In that short few days as Bess and Wolf wrangle things together, Connie reaches out and finds a flower store and orders a wedding bouquet to be made and delivered to the Wolves that morning of their wedding. Nothing big or extravagant, of course--not in that short time. But some roses are involved, and Connie even manages to get them to add bluebells.

With it, she sends a note:

Every beautiful bride deserves flowers for her wedding. Welcome to the family. I can't wait to meet you!♥️ ~Connie

This is so 1000% in-character, and such a sweet idea.

She’s getting updates from Wolf, Adonis and Bess. Of course, it’s a hectic situation, and there’s a time crunch! She thinks, how can they do it all?

Then realizes … Bess probably won’t have flowers. They wouldn’t be a priority, given everything.

“That’s just not acceptable - every beautiful bride needs a bouquet!” she tells Adonis. “Especially Bess. She deserves it all.”

So, she gives it to her.

Roses, bluebells. The works. And it’s a nice size. Not so large that it’s vulgar, but it’s not a wimpy little bundle either. It’s also wrapped for a wedding too. White tissue, and a vase is sent for afterward. Why can I also see a matching corsage being made for her lovely groom - a beautiful, full rose. 🥰

She pens the note and sends it the morning of. She hopes Bess likes it, and means every single word.

[quill-pen]

So I saw this gif while looking for gifs yesterday and just had to post and talk about it... AND BESS AND EBENEZER, OF COURSE.

IT'S HEADCANNON TIME, PEEPS!🤘

Idk what this gif is from, but I'm guessing the flower is in place of a wedding ring? And it just got me thinking: Ebenezer never gets Bess an engagement ring.

For various reasons their engagement is impromptu and rushed and lasts two months at most (maybe not even that long). And in that time everything is about the wedding planning and Ebenezer fighting to try and make sure at least some of the preparations are what Bess wants. (At this point, Bess is just so done and strung-out from dealing with her mother's family, she really has no bite left.) So it goes without say, an official engagement ring is the last thing on Eb's or Bess' mind, especially when there's already a wedding ring itself to be designed, never mind the dress! (Because, damn it all, if Bess can't get her perfect wedding day with her dream man (because he has no idea that man is actually him yet), she's at least going to get her perfect ring and her dream dress as long as Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge has any say in the matter!)

Now, Ebenezer is a proper gentleman, and he likes and understands the importance of tradition. So, much later on, after the wedding and after true feelings come to light, Eb probably asks Bess if she ever felt put out over not really having an engagement period and if she'd like to have an engagement ring despite already married. Bess of course assures him that, no, she wasn't upset about it (other things, sure, but not that) and, no, she doesn't need one. What would she do with it since she already has the wedding ring? Keep it in the box on her vanity to look at? (😉"Wolf, I only partially married you for your money, remember?" Oh, she's a cheeky lass, this one.) So no engagement ring is ever purchased.

BUT I can so see Ebenezer doing this: weaving rings out of little flowers he finds wherever he/they go and giving them to her. Walking down the street and there's a frail little flower poking up through the cobbles? It's going to die there, and should be granted one final blessing of residing on Bess's finger before it withers away. They're out on a picnic or a walk in the park or the countryside and there are wildflowers all around them? Eb will spend an unreasonable amount of time deciding what kind is prettiest and would look best on his wife's hand. Sometimes, he'll manage to weave more than one together so it's almost like a little mini-flower-crown sitting on Bess's ring finger.

For a while, the man gave her a flower ring every day--sometimes several throughout the day. Their gardener more or less put a stop to that, as Ebenezer was kind of wrecking havoc on the back garden and flowerbeds and pots around the house. Now he'll only take from there on occasion (typically whenever the first flower of each type blooms). The gardener still isn't thrilled about this but he also knows it's a bit of a losing battle. Besides, Eb pays well; he'd be an idiot to cross such a fine employer, particularly over something connected with said employer's wife.

Ironically enough, Ebenezer has never given Bess a ring made from her favorite flower: bluebells. He knows she wouldn't like watching them wilt and die away on her hand. She'd much rather enjoy them as they're meant to be: attached to the soil, living and growing and wilting and blossoming again after a long slumber--thriving through their natural cycle as they're meant to. So no bluebell flower rings or bouquets for Dearest and Best Wifey. Potted versions or seeds for the gardener to plant though? Absolutely!👍🏻

Honestly though, as adorable and sweet as the idea of Ebenezer taking the time to meticulously weave a flower ring (and sometimes even more carefully choose the flowers to do it with) is, my absolute favorite part of the headcannon? HE PROPOSES TO HER ALL OVER AGAIN EVERY TIME. DOWN ON ONE KNEE AND EVERYTHING. And he always makes a little speech about how much he loves her and wants to spend the rest of his life with her and how happy and loved she makes him feel and how even more happy and blessed he would be if he could continue being her husband and how he will always strive to make her feel as happy and loved as he does and to be the best possible man he's capable of being for her. A little excessive, perhaps, but, to be fair, there wasn't much of a proposal the first time around. (How did it go then? Wouldn't you like to know?😏 A writer must have some secrets, folks!🤫).

And of course Bess gets all flustered and giggly and tongue-tied, because how could she not? She has the absolute sweetest, handsomest, most loving, and most charming hubby ever! So she usually has to just nod her answer, but of course she accepts every time! And then she'll stroll around happily bearing her sweet smelling "re-engagement ring" for as long as it lasts. No, Bess doesn't feel like she missed out on the engagement stage at all, and she certainly doesn't care about never having a ring to mark it. (Engagement rings don't mean much in her experience anyway--they're just a pretty "maybe later" with no real commitment to back them up.) Besides, she's walking into all the engagement parties and weddings they're invited to on the arm of the world's most wonderful man, her perfect wedding ring on her finger, and a freshly woven, little flower ring nestled right beside it. (Because you best believe hopeless-romantic Eb was going to remind her how he wants to remain hers forever as they're going to help another couple celebrate their choice to make the same commitment.) How could she possibly fuss over what she didn't have? Look at everything she does have!

(Ebenezer better be careful, more than a few bride-to-bes and other ladies have absolutely fawned over Bess's cute little flower rings and become enamored with the idea of having ones themselves. I don't think flower ring weaving is a skill too many men possess: Eb will either have to face the wrath of annoyed suitors and husbands or else start up a flower ring side business. Bob could definitely help him--he's got massive flower ring weaving energy.)