Christine was sitting on the drawing room couch when James returned. He simply took off his coat, hat, and gloves, wondering why she was sitting there…..she had been worrying about him.
“Someone came by when you were gone,” she said
“Hmm,” he replied, only half listening.
“She told me to thank you….”James slowed his movement as Chrstine spoke, “for giving her money a bit ago. She was an older woman, sweet and direct”
“Oh yes,” James said as he sat down next to her, “I remember her”
“I didn’t know you were so charitable,” Christine smirked and tapped his shoe with hers, “considering our recent charity opportunity”
James stood up slowly and said, “that was not charity….Eric has everything he needs”
Christine sighed and let herself sink into the couch. Neither of them said a word for a while.
“I have a suggestion,” James stubbled a little, “Let’s….go out for dinner”
Christine smiled at his spontaneousness, “That….would be lovely”
********************************************************************************
The Silver Pearl was the fanciest restaurant of the town. Including pure silver furnishings and plates, the restaurant was only attended by high society. James had already reserved a table for them, quite a new concept of the time, and Christine would feel awful if she recommended a different location. Christine’s prejudice against the upper class was not understood by James, as both were raised wealthy. Christine tried to explain how true it was that rich people are arrogant and entitled. James did not share her opinion in the slightest, but both could agree it was based on personal experiences. James had bought Christine a dress, to her surprise. It was in a box on the table in their dining room before they left.
“How did you get this inside without me noticing?” Christine held the dress up to see it
The dress was cobalt blue lined with black lace. The skirt was full of tool, as blue as the rest of the dress.
“A simple ‘thank you’ would suffice,” James muttered
“Thank you,” Christine blurted, “it’s beautiful”
She did not ask why they were going to The Silver Pearl, she did not ask why James bought her a dress, nor did she ask why he seemed nervous. James was glad she didn’t. Thomas’ voice echoed in his mind.
Tell her
He had a conversation with Thomas when he left to see Eric
Tell her
He never gave Eric any money
Tell her
James convinced Thomas to stop sending letters to Christine.
I love you
********************************************************************************
They sat quietly in the middle of the restaurant.
“Did you enjoy the caviar?” James asked, trying to focus on something else.
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Christine nodded, “it was very unexpectedly delicious”
A waiter come to the table with a large strawberry cake. Christine’s mouth dropped open; that was the one thing on the menu she had talked about the whole evening.
“What? How?” she laughed
James only smiled.
“Wait….what do you want?” Christine smirked
“What do you mean?” James asked
“Truly,” Christine turned slightly more serious, “why are you doing this?”
“I….(Tell her) just thought we needed some fun,” James said, “after the many events of the not-so-distant past”
Christine snorted, “yes well, aren’t our lives….miserable”
James almost shrugged but thought otherwise.
Christine muttered her thoughts, “do you like the dress?”
“Ravishing,” James muttered even quieter
Christine felt herself blush.
“Wait,” she tried to play it off, “Did you just….compliment me?”
“Oh how dare I,” James didn’t mean to sound as harsh as he did
“You know that’s not what I meant,” Christine smiled, “truly, I…applaud you. This has been such a nice evening to a rather tumultuous day and…thank you for earlier as well”
“For what?”
“Well…protecting me for one….and listening to me for another”
“It’s the least I can do after what I’ve put you through,” James let himself speak the truth, “you deserve that….I will never know how to make it up to you, but I’m sorry for being….such a prude”
“Well, I don’t know that I’d go that far,” Christine smiled slightly, “but….. you are making up for it all just fine”
James chuckled a little.
Just then, a young man and woman walked over to their table.
“Lawrence!” James shot up immediately, “How have you been, old friend?”
“Oh wonderful,” Lawrence smiled, “wonderful! Likewise?”
James smiled at the woman with Lawrence and kissed her hand.
“Oh I’m doing fine,” he sat back, “just fine”
Christine watched the scene intently.
“Who is the lovely lady?” Lawrence kissed Christine’s hand
“This is my wife,” James struggled with his wording, having never introduced her before, “Christine”
“How do you do?” Christine smiled slightly
“I could ask the same of you,” James looked at Lawrence
Christine raised her eyebrows.
“This is Lady Thorton,” Lawrence said, “of the western valleys”
Christine looked at James for a common laugh at the large title, but he didn’t even smile
“What’s your first name, love?” Christine put her hands together and elbows on the table, looking at Lady Thorton
“Oh I prefer not to say,” she replied, “might not go over well in this town”
Christine tried not to show her confusion on her face.
“How long have you two known each other?” Lawrence grinned
“Since childhood,” Christine spoke before James could
“Oh really? James never spoke about you,” Lawrence chuckled
James laughed uncomfortably.
“How interesting,” Christine looked at him but thought nothing of it
James never had a reason to talk about her. He changed the subject.
“What brings you here?”
“Oh it’s the nicest place around! When did you two begin courting?”
Well, he tried to change the subject.
“We were betrothed,” Christine spoke first again, “shortly before marriage”
“How intriguing!” Lady Thorton laughed, “What amount of money did your parents gain from that?”
Christine laughed at first but then the question registered, “....pardon?”
“I mean,” Lady Thorton’s smile didn’t waver, “the Waltzes are incredibly rich, that must be the reason….right?”
“Excuse me but-”
“Don’t get too excited, darling,” James muttered, quickly noticing Christine’s offense
Her mouth dropped open.
“I’m not sure if I am missing something here,” Christine said, “but why is there a sudden need to belittle my family and I? Also, I was unaware that you were drinking alcohol James, but you must be to call me ‘darling’”
“It was only a jest,” Lawrence did not take Chrisine’s offense seriously, “you aren’t losing any money over it….at least not anymore”
Lady Thorton and Lawrence laughed, and James hesitantly smiled to Christine’s dismay. She only looked at him bitterly and started walking away.
“Christine,” James started to follow her, “Christine!”
She was so disappointed in herself. How could she be so foolish, to think that Christine and James, the bitter enemies, could have one normal night. James caught up to her halfway to the door and grabbed her hand.
“No,” she hissed, “don’t you dare touch me! If you’re going to hold my hand and call me ‘darling’, don’t shame my family and my past while doing it! I understand that your posh friends find women’s lack of freedom in marriage humorous but I…..I thought you were better than that”
Christine left the restaurant. It was raining outside, dark and stormy clouds hovered above.
“Please,” James chased after her, “no one meant to be offensive, Lawrence is a funny man, he doesn’t often think before he speaks, I-“
Christine stopped walking.
“No,” she turned to face him, “but I hoped you would”
James didn’t know what to say.
“Christine….”
Tell her
“What??” She asked, irritated
I need an apology…..and show me you mean it
“I….I think we should go home”