Chapter 24 - "Eloped..."

Clara's PoV

'This is absolutely ridiculous? Eloping. Have you got something to hide from the public? That's the only reason why I can see this happening' my Dad scoffed.

'There's nothing to hide Dad. We're getting married together on Friday in the registry office and then we're going away to France for a few months. We've opened up the French house and it will be good for us' I pointed out as I had Amy pack my bags.

'Are you taking Amy?'

'My maid... Well I want too - but I know that her and Rory being apart for so long might be a problem and then Rory might not be able to stand being John's butler' I said nervously.

'If your paying him then I'm sure he'll suffer, I'm not letting you go without your maid so its up to you' Dad scoffed as I slouched on my bed and looked at John as he stepped in the room.

'You okay?' He asked sweeping the room and crouching in front of me by the bed.

'I'm fine. Just fell sick' I muttered, going to stand up but he pushed me back down.

'You should be taking it easy. You shouldn't be trying to pack bags or plan weddings - you should be resting' John scoffed.

'I'll do as much resting as you like when I get to France. I promise. For now however I have things to do' I said standing up and feeling lightheaded, glad that John was in the room.

'Right. I've got to go down to the farm. I promised your Father I would train up the new farmer. He didn't approve but it was a promise and I guess I've got to get in your Fathers good books' John smirked.

'Please let me come with you. We never get any time alone now and to be honest I need the fresh air away from this room'

'We'll have all the time in the world on our own in France?'

'No we won't. Because in 7 months time we'll have a kid' I whispered, as he gently kissed me.

'Guys, keep it tonnes down. Your Dad is only down the corridor' Lilly scolded.

'Were going down to the farm' I muttered, taking John's hand and leaning quite a lot against him but we went down to the farm that afternoon anyway.

- - -

'You packed up Amy? Looking forward to a few months in France?' I asked as she finished up my hair before Lilly came in with my dress.

'I never thought I'd be up for the French but I'm actually looking kind of forward to it' she said. 'Now what do you want to do with these locks?'

'Just put them up. I can't be dealing with it' I sighed. 'And don't rush. Take your own wedding seriously and I mean it - take a good two week honeymoon before you come to us' I scolded.

'How will you survive my lady?'

'I'll have a husband - finally. He'll help in every way he can... Plus we have staff at the house in France... I won't be completely on my own' I pointed out.

It was true to say that everyone was being a bit overprotective. I'm a 21 year old woman. I'm more than capable of looking after myself.

'Okay. I've put everything you'll need for tonight in your overnight bag - and then I take it you'll be headed to France on the boat tomorrow morning?'

'Yes. Well afternoon but yes. I'll be fine. Now stop fussing' I chucked, as Lilly helped me into my white dress and led me down the stairs.

It seemed terrible to be getting married in white - considering my virtue isn't intact but I can't help it. My Dad really wanted to walk me down the isle - even if it is just a registry office in the town.

My Dad linked arms with me as he led me down the small registry office and stopped me outside the door.

'What?' I asked as I looked at him with a tear to his eye.

'It's just you really. You look beautiful Clara. I just wish you would have waited and done it properly'

'I didn't want to Dad. He's the love of my life and hasn't forced me into anything. It's just easier this way' I assured him with a small smile and pecked his cheek, as he pushed the door open for me and I saw John look up with a massive grin.

Dad walked me right down the small isle and then sat at the front with the few guests which were Richard, Lilly and Amy, then I stood next to John.

Vows were spoken, and promises were made, causing me to cry as you would expect for a pregnant woman, and before I know it John was kissing me.

Kissing me on the lips in front of everyone for the first time.

I mean it obviously wasn't our first time together but for the first time he kissed me properly in front of everyone. Tongues the works.

I was disappointed when he let go but knew that now I didn't have to hide him from anyone and that I can have him whenever I want.

For a man that was so against me marrying John - he was doing a pretty good job at not crying. Trying to play it cool obviously. But he was proud. Even if I was marrying a butler and not a man that he wants me to marry.

- - -

I grinned as John shut the door of the hotel room in London after we had just said goodbye to my Dad and promised that he could visit.

We were getting on the boat to France tomorrow morning at 10 o clock meaning Amy said she'd wake us at 7.

I was looking forward to being in France and out of the way of everyone. Mainly my father - his judgement and his hatred for other people.

'Now Clara Oswald. Can I have my way either you properly now that your my wife?' John asked with a smirk.

'Hmm. We'll have to see' I said as he cupped my face and pushed me down on the bed.