Cedric and Mariette’s Courtship

The Darling Buds of May

This flow traces the gradual romance between Mariette Larkin and Cedric Charlton, from a chance meeting through jealousy, intimacy, engagement, and marriage.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

First Sight in the Yard First Sight in the Yard from "The Darling Buds of May". A Meeting at the Horsebox Mariette Notices Him Mariette Larkin spots Cedric Charlton before he meets the family.

First Sight in the Yard from "The Darling Buds of May". A Meeting at the Horsebox Mariette Notices Him Mariette Larkin spots Cedric Charlton before he meets the family.

A Meeting at the Horsebox Mariette Notices Him Mariette Larkin spots Cedric Charlton before he meets the family. Her direct greeting overturns his expectation of an ordinary tax visit. Horses as Common Ground Their conversation begins with riding and the races. Cedric’s recognition of her talent opens a path past his professional reserve.

The Nightingale Lesson The Nightingale Lesson from "The Darling Buds of May". A Walk Through Bluebell Wood Mariette Guides Him Mariette Larkin leads Cedric Charlton to a gate and identifies a nightingale among the evening birds.

The Nightingale Lesson from "The Darling Buds of May". A Walk Through Bluebell Wood Mariette Guides Him Mariette Larkin leads Cedric Charlton to a gate and identifies a nightingale among the evening birds.

A Walk Through Bluebell Wood Mariette Guides Him Mariette Larkin leads Cedric Charlton to a gate and identifies a nightingale among the evening birds. She gives him a moment of attention unlike anything in his office life. Attraction Named She asks whether he believed she was the same rider he saw earlier. Their talk makes his admiration personal and reciprocal.

The Borrowed Pyjamas The Borrowed Pyjamas from "The Darling Buds of May". Desire and Disarray A Guest Overwhelmed Cedric Charlton drinks too much and later wakes in Mariette Larkin’s silk pyjamas.

The Borrowed Pyjamas from "The Darling Buds of May". Desire and Disarray A Guest Overwhelmed Cedric Charlton drinks too much and later wakes in Mariette Larkin’s silk pyjamas.

Desire and Disarray A Guest Overwhelmed Cedric Charlton drinks too much and later wakes in Mariette Larkin’s silk pyjamas. He cannot remember the night clearly and feels exposed by the family’s teasing. Closeness Deepens The awkwardness does not end their attraction. Mariette’s tenderness and confidence continue to draw him toward her.

Jealousy Made Public Jealousy Made Public from "The Darling Buds of May". Pauline’s Challenge A Flirtation in the Tent Pauline Jackson teases Cedric Charlton, and Mariette Larkin sees their exchange.

Jealousy Made Public from "The Darling Buds of May". Pauline’s Challenge A Flirtation in the Tent Pauline Jackson teases Cedric Charlton, and Mariette Larkin sees their exchange.

Pauline’s Challenge A Flirtation in the Tent Pauline Jackson teases Cedric Charlton, and Mariette Larkin sees their exchange. Her anger reveals how personal the courtship has become. A Fight in the Field The two women fight with smashed strawberries while Cedric watches anxiously. He returns home certain that his loyalty is with Mariette.

Engagement and Wedding Engagement and Wedding from "The Darling Buds of May". Courtship Becomes Marriage Pop’s Consent Mariette Larkin and Cedric Charlton ask Pop Larkin for permission to marry.

Engagement and Wedding from "The Darling Buds of May". Courtship Becomes Marriage Pop’s Consent Mariette Larkin and Cedric Charlton ask Pop Larkin for permission to marry.

Courtship Becomes Marriage Pop’s Consent Mariette Larkin and Cedric Charlton ask Pop Larkin for permission to marry. He agrees and announces their engagement during the fireworks. A Shared Future They marry in September and later establish an egg business together. Their romance settles into work, family, and a life shaped by both partners’ strengths.

The afternoon Cedric Charlton visits the farm

The first evening after dinner

The first night at the farm

The first strawberry-picking afternoon

From the gymkhana party to the following September