A Different Reflection (24 page)

“I…” I declared loudly, “… am going to go to bed and get some sleep before I fall over or start drooling across the cushions.”

“May we walk you?” George then asked.

“I think, should I be okay!” I replied as I moved. As I stumbled, George caught my elbow. “That didn't come out in the right order!” I chuckled. “I haven't been this drunk in ages!” I then said as I flung my arm out and caught George on the cheek, which made me laugh even more.

“Right young lady, definitely time for you to retire!” George smiled as we started walking to the hallway.

“Indeed, we do not want you to injure yourself by falling!” James then stated. As soon as he said it I felt sick; I suddenly realised that in his world no woman in their right mind would become so intoxicated in front of any man. I started to mumble.

“I am so, so, so sorry! How could I let myself get like this in your home? You must think me vulgar and rude and completely ridiculous. No woman has probably ever embarrassed herself in front of you before by drinking so much alcohol!”

“I am fast learning that any woman I knew in my era had not lived very well by not experiencing the same as gentlemen. I do not find you embarrassing, ridiculous or any of the things that you seem to think of yourself. Need I keep reminding you that this is your home too?” James kindly replied.

“Really?” I asked hopefully as we reached the corridor to my bedroom.

“Indeed, I do in fact find it – in a demonstrative way – amusing!” he then smiled, trying not to laugh. “Please George, I am sure that you agree with me?” George pulled a face and bobbed his head from side to side a couple of times.

“Yes, I have always loved women that know how to enjoy themselves, and I have to agree with James – this is quite enjoyable for us!” he concluded as we reached my door and walked into my room.

“I hate you two ganging up on me!” I joked as I mock-punched George's arm and then fell backwards onto the bed laughing. “You are not going to see me like this again!” I then said once I stopped laughing.

“Oh, I do hope we will!” James remarked as I sat up and looked into George's eyes; he was knelt before me, taking off my shoes.

“No one has removed my shoes for me before!” I sighed as I watched George. “I really do love you two like family!” I then said meaningfully as I poked George in the chest to reinforce the statement. “And I have to confess that sitting up quickly has made me feel very nauseous and the room is spinning!” I then finished as I tried to focus.

“Okay, I think it is time for you to lay down and sleep,” George insisted as he pushed me onto the pillow and covered me up fully dressed. “Goodnight!” he then said. I waved my arm in the air for a second in response, and that was all I remembered until my alarm scared me nearly half to death the next morning. I woke with a hangover from hell and stuck my head under the pillow, groaning and hoping that I could stay put for the rest of the day! As I lay there, trying to determine whether my head or my stomach hurt more, I groaned and asked myself why I drank so much. A quiet voice sounded behind me.

“Dare I ask how you are feeling this morning?” James enquired. I moaned some more and then turned and sat up, looked down at myself fully clothed and realised that I probably had hair that looked like I had been dragged backwards though a hedge. Worse, I knew for sure that I had not taken off my make up the night before, so it was more than likely smeared across my face. The more I thought about last night, the more unsure I was of how I actually got to bed! I pulled my knees up and rested my head on them, sighed and then looked at James in the mirror opposite the end of my bed.

“Oh sweet Mary and Joseph, I think I have been possessed this morning!” I replied sarcastically.

“By an intoxicated demon?” he remarked, trying not to laugh, and as soon as he said that, little snippets of conversation started to pop back into my mind.

“Ha ha, yes, I am sure that this is amusing you no end! I feel like I drank a bar dry last night!” I remarked as I threw myself back onto the bed, arms outspread, and closed my eyes. ‘Intoxicated' – that word was ringing a bell in my mind. I tried to block out James' light laughter.

“I think it is safe to say that you had more than usual last night, but, as bad as you feel, it was nice for George and I to see you so relaxed and so yourself. I hope that you are still ready to start the day as a new beginning?” James then asked. I forced myself to sit back up, trying to ignore the room spinning.

“I am indeed ready to start today positively, regardless of how hungover I am. I hope that I did not say anything out of turn last night?” I replied, whilst rubbing my face, then realised that I had mascara on my hand. “Oh great, and that is probably why you are laughing – I bet I look a real sight this morning!” I sighed.

“You look very vulnerable, but I would not say that is a laughing matter – quite the contrary, I wish that I could make you feel better! I merely laugh because you make me feel happy; I love the fact that you can laugh at yourself and that you find yourself comfortable enough in our company to completely let yourself go. It is a quality that I like very much!” he said sincerely. I smiled.

“You say the sweetest things to me, James, and I love that you make me feel so relaxed here. What time is it? I need to get ready for work!” I then stated.

“I think you will find that George is on his way up with something medicinal – and breakfast I believe!” he then informed me. No sooner had he said it there was a knock at the door.

“Come in!” I shouted as I started laughing at my misconduct the night before.

“Good morning young lady, and how are we feeling this morning?” he enquired. I grimaced a little.

“Young lady? That name brings back remnants of last night! I still feel that I am slightly out of control of my body this morning due to the effects of alcohol, George!” I laughed. “And before you say anything, I must apologise to you too for any inappropriate behaviour!”

“You have no need to apologise, Katharina; you were quite in control of your faculties – with the exception of a little swaying!” he smiled.

“Oh dear, this is not sounding any better. I do find I am remembering little things now!” I shuffled back up the bed to sit up as George walked around to my side of the bed.

“Here we are; Alka-Seltzer, tea and toast!” he happily announced as he placed the tray on my legs.

“George, you are far too kind to me!” I replied as I smiled at the tidy arrangement. There was a little dish of strawberry jam and butter, two slices of toast, cut neatly and diagonally, a small teapot and milk and a small vase that held a lovely pink rose. “This looks lovely and probably what I need!” I thanked him.

“Well, I will leave you to eat and get ready, then I will take you to the station. We need to leave in an hour – I will wait downstairs for you!” he informed me as he nodded toward James and then left the room.

“Thank you George!” I shouted to him. James looked at me and then said:

“I will leave you to enjoy your breakfast!”

“No, please don't. If I'm left to my own thoughts of what happened last night, I may die of shame before you return. Can you talk to me whilst I eat? In fact…” I climbed out of bed, tied my hair loosely up out of the way and then grabbed my tray. “If I sit on the footstool at the end of my bed, surely you will be able to join me for breakfast?” I hoped as I placed the tray down opposite the mirror.

“If you are sure, I should enjoy that!” he said as we sat for a moment. I picked up a makeup wipe and proceeded to clean my face. By the time I had finished and looked across at James, I was happy to see that my tray of breakfast was now his too.

“There we go, let's eat!” I said as I buttered my toast and poured some tea. James did the same.

Although I felt slightly nauseous and my head very fuzzy and painful, the fact that James was sat there in his breeches and an open-necked flouncy white shirt, reminiscent of Colin Firth in
Pride and Predjudice
, made the whole experience far easier to endure. I had not realised before how much I found the dress code of his period so attractive, although there was the added bonus that James was wearing it! I smiled to myself.

“Something amusing you?” he asked.

“No, not at all; this whole situation is just very… well, surreal really!” I smiled.

“Oh, trust me, it gets more surreal with time!” he laughed in return. “So this weekend should be interesting; you have your friend Claire staying on Saturday, do you not?” he asked.

“Yes, I hope that is still alright with you? I do however promise that there will be no repeat performances of last night!” I honestly remarked as I raised my eyebrows.

“Shame!” he simply and very sarcastically replied before carrying on eating his toast.

“Well here goes, it's kill or cure!” Without trying to think about it I downed the Alka-Seltzer in one go. “Oh my God, that is not nice with a queasy stomach!” I did not have to look at James, who laughed out loud in between gulps of his tea. “Not funny!” I remarked.

“I am sorry to inform you that it
was
quite humorous!” he said.

“You, Mr Aldersley, are fast becoming entirely intolerable!” I replied cynically, as I stood and took a few bites of my toast whilst I paced the room, and then I gathered my underwear, dressing gown and brush. “I am going to shower and get ready now, if that is acceptable!” I stated as I sashayed out of the room while he continued to laugh at me. I liked his laugh; it was warm and deep and made him seem more human.

“Very well, I shall meet you downstairs!” he shouted after me, and I smiled all the way to the bathroom.

The feeling of a warm shower on your face when you're hungover has its own medicinal benefits. The more I thought about what I had drunk, the more I was convinced that I had not had as much as I originally thought. I was simply out of the habit, and it had gone straight to my head. Well, that and the fact that I had mixed good brandy with red wine probably didn't help. By the time I stepped out of the shower, I felt much better and remarkably refreshed. I looked at myself in the mirror;
I don't look that bad
, I thought. I dried my hair, put on my underwear and slipped on my robe. I did not need to worry about James and the mirrors when I was dressing or showering. If there was one thing that I was positive of now, it was that James was a gentleman, and I trusted him entirely.

I returned to my room, dressed for work and then took another sip of tea and took a piece of the toast with me as I went down the stairs with my bags. George was placing some more pink roses in a crystal vase on the circular table in the hallway. He looked up as I walked down the stairs toward him.

“Wow, very beautiful George!” I remarked.

“Yes, my thoughts exactly!” he replied, staring at me. This constant complimenting was something that I needed to get used to! I smiled and placed my hand on his arm as I reached him.

“Definitely an improvement on last night, I should think!” I joked with him.

“Do not be too harsh on yourself, Katharina. I am sure it is not the first time you have enjoyed one too many glasses of wine and it will certainly not be the last!” he concluded.

“Fair point! Hopefully for your sake it will not be a regular occurrence though!” I finished my toast and then picked up my bags. “Shall we?” I remarked, indicating that I was ready to go to work.

“Absolutely. Ready if you are!” He opened the front door for me.

“Have a good day Katharina. Remember – new beginnings!” James spoke softly, probably for the benefit of my head! I stopped and turned and looked at him.

“Yes, new beginnings! I hope you have an enjoyable day also!” I replied and he nodded in acknowledgement and then bowed at me as I left.

The journey on the train found me thinking about last night and I started daydreaming about James – laughing, drinking, relaxing, being concerned, and not to mention looking hot this morning; there was definitely something about the flouncy white shirt with the open neck. To say that I felt hot under the collar when thinking about him, particularly when he was dressed like that, was an understatement.

Claire was ever observant at my happy demeanour and waltzed over with a coffee. She sat there for a moment looking at me whilst I unpacked my bag and then, like a volcano, exploded.

“So? Well? You look happy this morning! Is it because you are a single lady? Got rid of the beau and moving on to hotter guys?” She would have carried on if I hadn't stopped her. I held up my hand in defeat.

“Jesus Claire, enough questions! I have a very bad headache – too much wine last night!” I informed her.

“Oops, sorry! You do look happy though!” she then whispered and smiled. “Oh my God, did you get drunk with Mr Hottie last night?” she asked. I simply nodded in response and took a sip of my coffee. “I don't believe it; you get rid of one bloke – who, in fairness, was an arse – but you do not waste any time girl! I am impressed!” She chuckled to herself.

“Claire, you know his situation, so it isn't exactly going to be the relationship of the century, is it?” I tried to convince her, rolling my eyes.

“Well… yes, there are complications, I agree…” she started to say.

“Complications? That is an understatement!” I took another sip of coffee.

“Look, the way I see it, Kat, you have an amazing new home, a personal butler-type person who looks after you, and a really hot guy to drool over – what is not to like? Apart from me not being able to see him!” she stated.

“Look, I appreciate that you believe me with the whole James thing, I really do – and it is for real, I swear – but I can imagine that I look a little bit nuts. Honestly… I do not want to get hung up on him. It isn't like I can make a physical relationship out of this, is it?” I concluded.

“Why not?” she asked. I stopped and stared at her.

“I'm sorry… do you not remember the story of how he got there and the only way he can get out?” I quizzed her.

“Yeah I remember, witch, spell, abracadabra – stuck in a mirror, can't get out, he needs to fall in love and get whoever he loves to fall in love with him… I haven't forgotten, and your point is?” she asked, emphasising her speech with her hands.

“Exactly that!” I gestured in frustration.

“Oh my God! You really cannot see it, can you?” she then asked.

“See what?” I was getting more confused as to where she was going with this.

“Either you're really dumb, or you're choosing to ignore this.” She stood and folded her arms across her body, giving me a ‘stop being such an idiot' stare.

“What?” I asked. “I've tried to help him, I honestly have!”

“I feel like slapping you right now. Err, what are you?” she said. I stood and looked at her.

“What?” I said again and shrugged my shoulders. She laughed at me.

“The puppy eyes this morning after spending a night with him, the big grin, and the fact that you really like him… oh, and you are after all an attractive, young,
single
woman!” she pointed out.

“Well, yes, I can't deny that it was lovely last night, and he did look hot this morning…” I daydreamed a moment before Claire snapped her fingers in my face.

“Focus!” she insisted. I shook my head at her.

“What is your point?” I asked.

“The answer to the spell, Kat, is you! You're trying to help him, but why can't it be
you
that falls in love with him, and he with you? I mean, it sounds like the foundations are already in place!” She raised her eyebrows at me.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out; I tried to assimilate what she had just said. I gasped a couple of times and tried again, but nothing. I just looked at her.

“Oh crap, you're not going to faint are you?” she then said as I slumped back down into my chair.

“Me?” I asked again. She crouched at the side of me. My heart started racing at the thought.

“Look, you know how these fairy tales are! They are never straightforward, but you are making this far too complicated. I personally think that you are the answer, Kat – meeting them, buying that place, and the fact that you and John broke up was no coincidence. I may be wrong about a lot of things, but I do believe in fate and I do like a happy ending, so call me old-fashioned and probably a bit crazy too, but I do think you could be the one to break this spell!” she then said, grabbing my hand. “Would that be such a bad thing?” I stared at her for a minute.

“Me? You really think it is possible?” I asked her.

“Well I wouldn't say no to him if he looked anything like that painting!” she then smirked. I quickly but lightly punched her arm in response to her sarcasm.

“It just never really occurred to me that it could be
me
!” I replied.

“Well you were a little wrapped up with the arse that was John! I think it is absolutely achievable. This weekend is going to be so much fun, I'm really excited! I feel like I am in the middle of a Disney film! What time can I come over tomorrow?” she then asked as she bounced back to her feet.

“Err, not really thought about it… I could do with getting some clothes from the apartment, so maybe we could meet and go there first?”

“Sure, that's no problem! Make sure John's there and let me know what time to meet. I'll also bring my suitcase for you to fill.” She smirked for a second; “We may as well both try and take out as many members of the public on the train whilst dragging our cases!” she chuckled to herself.

“You're a little sadistic deep down, aren't you?” I noted. She shrugged her shoulders.

“May drag it into Mr Right, you never know!” she remarked without blinking.

“Thanks Claire, I appreciate it. I don't really want to go back there on my own.”

“Whoa, oh yeah, roll on tomorrow. I have my fingers crossed that I am going to see a bit of eye candy in that mirror!” Claire happily stated.

“Well please don't be disappointed if you do not! Not everyone will – or can!” I reminded her.

“I know, I know, but it's something to aim for! Anyway, stop talking to me and get some work done!” she then said as she winked at me and walked away to her desk.

“Right, yes, work!” I replied as I tried to get my head back into gear, but to say that I was now distracted was an understatement.

The whole day ended up being quite constructive. We had a meeting on upcoming possibilities, which was very interesting; I finished my small piece two days ahead of my deadline. I now found that I had a new spring in my step. This definitely felt like the correct way forward; I felt positive, happy and calm, and felt butterflies every time I thought about James. Even a couple of other work colleagues asked why I was so happy, and every time I thought about it before answering, there he was, in the back of my mind.

Claire and I had lunch together and discussed what we should do this weekend, and also agreed that we both needed to go shopping for a new dress for my party. I was really looking forward to it; I had never wanted to be the centre of attention, but for my party, I really didn't care! For once I was going to put myself first! We decided that tomorrow night we would have a little bit of a dance in the ballroom – new music versus old! Wine and food were a definite, along with romantic comedy DVDs, decoration sorting… and Claire made it clear that she wanted to be involved in all discussions between James, George and I, which I thought could be quite intriguing!

By the time we returned to work, we had arranged, sorted and put the world to rights. John had texted me to say that 11am would be fine to call for some things – not before pleading with me again to stay, which I ignored. I suddenly had a newfound inspiration for not dwelling on him… that inspiration of course was James, who had more respect for me – even though I had never physically met him – than John had in the last two years we had been together!

I stopped by the stationers on the way back to work and got all three of us a new journal. New beginnings need a fresh approach, and I wanted James, George and I to start keeping a record from today and not to dwell on the past; it was easier for me as I had not been around for even a quarter of the time that they had. The train journey home was not busy; this route was definitely better than the old tube ride, and it was a Friday night, which meant that most people had stayed in the city after work. It amused me that I wasn't bothered about being out, and couldn't wait until I got home to relax and converse with my friends. I looked out of the window as the train clicked along the track and simply smiled… I was very happy.

George, as always, was waiting for me when I got off the train. He looked so friendly and was so charming and treated me like royalty, it was hard to not get slightly complacent at his attention to detail. He had already popped the umbrella up he was carrying to walk me to the car, but I did not want him to think that I expected this – after all, he had been doing this job for over two hundred years; surely he must be a little bored of it by now?

“You really don't have to do this, George!” I remarked as he opened the car door for me.

“What would that be, Katharina?” he asked innocently.

“Look after me so well – I mean. I did not live in your time and things have moved on so… I can do things for myself!” I smiled. He closed the door and walked to the driver's side.

“Yes, I realise that, but you see… I have been doing this job for most of my life and it is all I know. After all, what else is there for me to do but look after the people that live at Northfield? I do actually quite enjoy it, and it is not a bad thing to be slightly chivalrous, is it?” he smiled back.

“Oh no, not at all George… chivalry, in my opinion, is one of the many important things that we have sadly lost today. My point is that you are really good at what you do, and I do appreciate it, but I do not want you to think that I expect it!” I tried to convince him sincerely. He had started driving and waited a few seconds before replying.

“I know that, but it is my pleasure to do it!” he concluded. “That, young lady, is all that is needed to be said about the matter!” he then finished.

“Very well… oh, and thank you!” I answered honestly. He simply smiled.

As we drove home and I chatted about my day at work, most likely boring George to death, I could not adequately describe the warm and almost melting feeling that I got as we turned down the driveway. The warm light that lit the large windows made the house look alive and I could imagine how anyone from any era must feel when they arrived at Northfield.

“Does it ever get tired on the eyes?” I asked George.

“No, it does not!” he replied. “I am glad that you love it as much as I do!” he finished.

“How could you not love it?” I sighed heavily. “It is nice to be home!”

George and I got out of the car into slightly blustery weather, but luckily the rain had stopped. The soothing quietness was a marked contrast from the city centre and as the branches creaked in the wind and the leaves rustled, I stood for a minute and did a full 360-degree turn. George watched me and then continued to the main door, opening it just as I reached the top step.

“Thank you, George.”

“Ah you are back! Did you have a constructive day?” James enquired.

“I did in fact, and a very enjoyable one!” I replied.

“Even with a hangover?” he then smirked.

“Yes, alright, very funny – let's not dwell on my state this morning!” I sarcastically replied.