I once went to spend a couple of days with my DD who lived about 150 miles away, taking my machine and three outfits (for her to wear to work) cut out and completed to the fitting stage. Got everything set up and like you, had forgotten the foot control. No start/stop button either.
I called the sewing machine dealer and asked if I could rent a foot control for a day and a half, and she kindly said not rent, just borrow at no charge. That's living in the South for you! I did make a purchase at the shop when I took the control back.