Much Ado About Slippers- A My Fair Lady Story

Much Ado About Slippers Chapter 10: A No Longer Confirmed Old Bachelor Party

Hey all! So we are now in June of 1912 and the wedding is just around the corner! Henry is 33 and Eliza is 24 now. The wedding is only a few days away, but the idea of Henry Higgins having a bachelor party was way too much fun to pass up. This will include some original characters again. Hope you enjoy!
-OBG98

"For God's sake Pick... would you please tell me where we are going?" Henry Higgins asked exasperatedly. He agitatedly looked out the window of the taxi, tugging slightly at the bowtie around his neck.

"I haven't the slightest idea Higgins. My only instructions were to deliver you to your best man in a timely manner," Colonel Pickering answered, grinning over in Henry's direction. The older man was dressed in a grey suit, much like the one he had worn for Ascot. Henry had asked him to be the best man at the wedding, but the Colonel thought that Thomas Higgins would be more suited for the job. The Colonel was already serving in the role of "the father-of-the-bride," and made the argument that the duties of best man, particularly concerning the stag party, were a younger man's area of expertise. This did little to put Henry at ease, who would have much preferred a quiet night of drinking and working as his stag party... or better yet, no stag party at all.

"This whole thing is ridiculous," Henry grumbled, continuing to stare out the window. Thomas had been utterly thrilled when Henry asked him, albeit reluctantly, to be the best man. Since then, Thomas had been taking his duties as best man very seriously, especially the  planning of the stag night. Thomas had wanted the party to initially be the night before the wedding, but Henry has adamantly refused, not wanting to risk any chance of being hungover on his wedding day. So, they settled on two days before the wedding.

"Oh come now Higgins, try to enjoy yourself. This is your party after all," the Colonel chimed in, looking a little exasperated as Henry's expression soured.

"I wouldn't be shocked if Thomas had us going to some kind of brothel. Letting him plan this all on his own was a dreadful idea," Henry griped, shuddering slightly at the thought.

"We won't be going to a brothel Higgins..." Colonel Pickering sighed, knowing full well Henry wasn't paying any attention.

"Damn these weddings and their infernal traditions. All the flowers and the meals and the venues and the dances and the never ending ceremonies... and then these foolish engagement parties and frivolous stag nights to contend with before the wedding even takes place. And of course, the most ridiculous tradition of them all... that the bride and groom can't be under the same roof prior to the wedding without a bloody chaperone, and aren't allowed to see each other forty eight hours prior to getting married because of some damned superstition..." Henry ranted, glaring pointedly out the window as his diatribe continued. The Colonel smiled widely, now knowing the stag party wasn't the true reason for the professor's irritation.

"Higgins... I know you've missed seeing Eliza this past week. But in forty eight hours, the both of you will be living under the same roof for the rest of your days. I know it isn't your strong suit, but try having a bit of patience. The wedding and Eliza will both be here before you know it," the Colonel said kindly, patting Henry on the shoulder. The professor reddened and opened his mouth to say something, but closed it just as quickly, a sheepish look appearing on his face.

"I just... I want the wedding to be here already so things can finally go back to normal," Henry mumbled, glancing down at his hands and clearing his throat in discomfort.

"I know..." Colonel Pickering replied, noting Henry's discomfort and chuckling in spite of himself.

"I just... I want to marry her Pick... I don't need a stag night, I just need... I just need Eliza," Henry whispered, his voice barely audible as he stared firmly out the window, his face reddening even further. Colonel Pickering sat there in surprise for a moment, unprepared for the rare glimpse of vulnerability that Henry was displaying.