A Different Reflection (26 page)

“You have been spying on me all this time?” George asked James.

“Well I would hardly call it spying, but I do think that you need your own space, so I never like to make it apparent that I know that you indulge in these modern extravagances!” James replied.

“This will surely be a new experience for you then James?” I asked him.

“I did not say that I have not seen one before, but I have not watched fictional things on a regular basis,” James informed us.

“Ah, so you have joined me on some evenings to watch my films?” George asked. “I was never entirely sure, but I am not in the least bit bothered!”

James nodded in acceptance, and I was now excited about the fact that I could quiz them both on some of my favourite films.

The evening ended well; George and I beat James at cards, and snakes and ladders. James was remarkably unfazed by this and even laughed at his defeat. It was like he had become completely nonchalant about everything, and it made me pay even more attention to him; he was more handsome when he was agreeable in every way! We had a wonderful evening, and after washing up and having coffee, I excused myself. I was tired and knew that with Claire here tomorrow, I was sure to have a late night. James offered to walk me to my room, which I happily agreed to.

“I hope that this weekend will see us having the most fun to date!” James stated. I smiled at his statement and new state of being; it suited him so much and these gestures made me like him more as every moment passed.

“I am sure that if Claire has anything to do with it, fun will be at the top of her list!” I replied. “I like seeing you so casual, not worrying about what will happen – it becomes you!” I then remarked. He – very calmly, and with a voice like melted chocolate – replied:

“Thank you, I feel that I am happier entirely because of you, Katharina. You are proving to be a very priceless addition to our lives!”

“Why thank you James! I am liking these compliments that you keep bestowing upon me more and more!” I stated as we reached my door.

“Until tomorrow then?” he asked.

“Until tomorrow!” I repeated, and as I looked at him I tried my very hardest not to swoon or look like a schoolgirl with a crush. I closed my door and leaned against it, and then wondered how long I was going to have these feelings for. He turned my stomach into a sea of butterflies and I had to admit that it was getting worse, not better. I climbed into bed happy, relaxed and still extremely full from dinner; the combination made me feel completely content, and so I drifted off to sleep easily, but not before quietly saying: “Goodnight James, I hope that you have pleasant dreams!”

The next morning, I woke up with a spring in my step. I felt completely refreshed and was looking forward to the weekend. I jumped in the shower, dressed, dried my hair quickly and then loosely pinned it up out of the way. When I arrived at George's kitchen door, I was thrilled to hear him and James laughing and talking about the delights of the coming evening. I walked in and was happy to be greeted by hot tea and bacon sandwiches, and two very amiable men. James was dressed, but was wearing one of those flouncy open necked shirts from the 1800s. I could suddenly now see all of the appeal of Mr Darcy and those other characters from the same period that many women fantasised about. I couldn't take my eyes off him for quite some time, and I knew that he had noticed this.

“So Katharina, what is the plan for today?” George suddenly asked. I took a sip of my tea;

“Well, I am going to meet Claire and then go and collect some belongings from the apartment. I can hardly keep wearing the same clothes weekly. Then we are going to grab a cab back here, or a train – so all being well I should be back by one o'clock. Does that tie in with what you both have planned?” I enquired.

“Fine with me – the sooner you are back, the better!” James replied. I smiled.

“Are you going to be alright, collecting your belongings? I do not like to think of that scoundrel upsetting you anymore than he already has!” George stated.

“Honestly, I will be fine. I have Claire with me, so I know she will be watching my back! I just want to get as much as possible, mainly clothing, and with the two of us it will be easier,” I replied, trying to sound confident.

“If he causes you any pain or upset – more than he has done to date – I do not think that I will be able to contain myself, should I ever be faced with him!” James then stated.

“I hope that there will be no need for that, James; I am growing stronger every day. I do not intend to let him injure me any more than he already has and I don't think you will need to trouble yourself!” I replied, smiling at him. He waited a few moments and then simply said:

“Very well!”

George kindly took me to the train station. I had arranged to meet Claire for a coffee first; a caffeine kick seemed a good idea before facing John. We were actually ahead of schedule, but I wanted to get it over with. As we arrived at the apartment – Claire with her suitcase in tow – I took a deep breath, looked at Claire for confidence and then nervously knocked on the door.

W e were greeted by a dishevelled John, who looked like he had only just woken up. It was 10.30am and very unusual for him to not be working or out running by this time.

“You're early!” he stated, quite surprised.

“I am a little, but did not want to be hanging around. Claire and I have plenty to do today,” I replied.

“Well, can you give me a moment?” he then asked nervously.

“Sure!” I replied as he turned toward the bedroom door just as it opened.

“Kat, I am so sorry – I had intended not to be here when you arrived. John and I were working late on a project and so I slept over,” Nadine said, suddenly walking out looking fresh from a shower.

“Yeah, I bet you did!” Claire retorted sarcastically.

“Is that my blouse?” I then asked, looking at what she was wearing. She looked down at it.

“Oh, yes, I hope that you don't mind, John said that it would be alright!” she blushed, obviously realising that it was completely inappropriate.

“Keep it! I don't want it back now!” I replied, glaring at John.

“Touché!” Claire then added.

“So, may I get my things please?” I asked rhetorically.

“Yes of course,” John said, running his fingers through his hair.

“I think I should leave!” Nadine hastily said.

“I do too!” Claire confirmed.

“Don't leave on my account – I don't intend on being long!” I replied as I marched into the bedroom past them both.

I grabbed my suitcase and Claire joined me. As we started filling the cases, we could hear John and Nadine whispering. Claire gave me an ‘I can't believe the jerk' look, but I tried to focus on why I was there. I heard the apartment door close and guessed that she had left. What was he thinking? He knew that I was coming this morning, and having her here was like rubbing salt in the wound. Thank goodness I had Claire with me!

“You okay?” she asked.

“I will be as soon as we get out of here!” I replied, as I threw perfumes, creams, hair products, books, and any other items that I could get into my bag. I walked across to my side table where my favourite picture of my mum sat in the antique frame that I had chosen. I smiled at it and placed it into my case carefully.

“She would be proud of you, you know!” Claire quietly said. I smiled.

“Yes, I know!” I replied just as John walked into the bedroom.

“I had hoped that we could talk, Kat!” he stated.

“There's nothing to say; you have obviously moved on. This was never going to work, John, and I simply needed that confirming, Nadine being here did that and so thank you!” I calmly replied as I threw in the rest of my underwear.

“She only stayed the night, we were working!” he tried to sound convincing.

“Is that what you call it?” Claire retorted. I grimaced at her.

“And where did she sleep?” I enquired. John quickly looked around and rubbed his head, realising there was only one place that she could have slept.

“Yes alright, point taken.” I felt a small victory and smiled as I zipped up my case.

“Look John, this is for the best. You weren't happy, and neither was I, so let's just be adults about this and move on!” John nodded.

“What about the rest of your things?” he then asked as we started to wheel the cases out.

“I will arrange to collect them later – and we need to sort out the paperwork for this place. It's your responsibility now!” I pointed out. Then I grabbed Claire's arm and dragged her out of the door; I needed to get out of there. I knew it was the end, but it still hit me quite hard and I felt a little sad that I had not made this part of my life work; I hated failing.

“Hey, don't look like that! I know you; don't feel sorry for him, this was not your fault. Anyway, you've moved on to bigger and better things!” Claire tried to bolster my spirits.

“I know, I just hate failing!” I replied.

“You didn't fail, you tried – it just wasn't meant to be!” Claire replied.

“Thank you for being there!” I remarked as I pushed open the door onto the street.

“Any time, Kat, you know that! Now let's get a bloody drink. Start as we mean to go on!” she replied, pulling my arm and marching toward the nearest wine bar.

I really should have said no at 11.30 in the morning, but a glass of rosé wine seemed like the perfect solution to the stressful situation. We marched in, propped up the bags against the bar and ordered one large glass each. It was refreshing; Claire cheered me up with jokes, which was just what I needed. I felt remarkably light-headed after one glass, so before she could order another one I suggested that we get a cab home. That way we could relax and know that we did not have to go anywhere for the rest of the day. The sun had come out, and the smell of coffee mingled with the smell of the recent rain. The traffic was heavy and the people plentiful, but it was London on a Saturday, and I knew that within the hour I would be home away from all of this hustle and bustle, and that made me happier than ever.

As we pulled down the driveway of Northfield, Claire shuffled to the end of her seat and looked out at the facade.

“Wow, it really is amazing Kat. I cannot believe that you live here!” she said honestly.

“I can hardly believe it either!” I replied.

We paid and hopped out, dragging our bags, cases and everything else that we had picked up on our way. Claire had stopped to buy wine before the cab ride back; she didn't want to turn up empty-handed. I then stumbled a little, which made us laugh; that wine was fast becoming a bad decision. I pushed the main door open, and we almost fell in the door laughing.

“Good, you are back!” James suddenly stated.

“Yes, one glass of wine later and I feel very merry!” I replied, looking at him. Claire in return stared at me.

“What? Oh, you are talking to him?” she asked and then answered herself. I nodded whilst she stared at the mirror.

“James, I think that you remember Claire?” I gestured toward her, and for whatever reason she curtseyed. I simply looked at her and laughed. “What are you doing?”

“I have no bloody idea!” she laughed. “James, I cannot see you, but if you can hear me – it's nice to… err… know that you're here!” she managed to say loudly.

“Does she think me to be hard of hearing? How old does she think I am?” James asked sarcastically. I just laughed.

“What did he say?” Claire then asked.

“He wants to know how old you think he is. He's not deaf! You cannot hear him, not the other way around!” I pointed out, laughing at her. She raised her hand to her head in confusion.

“Yes of course, I must look like an idiot. This is going to take some getting used to!” she finished.

“I wouldn't use the word idiot, though, I would prefer –” James was about to finish, but just then George walked in.

“James – enough of that!” he quickly stopped him. “Claire, it is a pleasure to have you return so soon!” George kindly remarked. She almost curtseyed again, then stopped herself and looked at me.

“Thank you for having me!” was all that she said.

“I have prepared the room next to yours, Katharina; shall we take your bags upstairs?” George asked us.

It was a good idea; I should unpack before I decided that I may be doing the wrong thing, moving in here permanently. Claire helped me after she had got over the initial shock of the splendour of her room. She told me it was better than any weekend away in any house, and that even Chatsworth would struggle to improve on it. I know how she felt; this house was a sight to behold. It did indeed feel like stepping back in time, giving us a glimpse of an age unfortunately forgotten by most. I was happy to have her here; she continually talked whilst I hung and folded clothes.

“Goodness, is this how the whole weekend shall proceed? I do not think she has stopped to breathe yet! I feel that George and I will be exhausted and exasperated by the time she leaves,” James explained.

I walked past her, then past the end of the bed and to the wardrobe, glowering at James. He in return raised his hands and gestured at her and said:

“Well, please – you cannot disagree with my opinion?!”

As I walked back past him to retrieve more clothes, I whispered to him:

“You said that you would be amiable. Stop it now please, she is my friend!” he raised his hands in agreement.

“I did, and I apologise. I simply came to tell you that George has made lunch!” he informed me.

I stopped Claire, left the unpacking and guided her downstairs and toward George's apartment. James walked with us, and I caught glances of him trying to keep up with Claire's pace of speech. He shook his head at one point, which amused me – he was probably used to women from his era listening most of the time. We walked in to find plates of sandwiches and a freshly-baked Victoria sponge cake, a large pot of tea and pretty china cups and saucers set out on the island.

“George, this looks lovely, but I told you not to go to any trouble!” I told him.

“It is no trouble; what is a man to do with so much time on his hands?” George replied, smiling, as he passed a plate to each of us.

“What a delicious way to spend time!” Claire noted. “I am starting to see the appeal in living here, Kat! Do you do this regularly, George?” she asked.

“Most days; I am a very lucky lady!” I smiled in response.

“You can say that again! This is great!” Claire replied as she started to tuck into the small feast.

I placed a selection on a plate and left it on the end of the island, which caught Claire's attention. James smiled and thanked me, but then pointed out that he had a whole plate full of them on his side of the mirror, as well as a whole cake, which he was looking forward to eating. George then proceeded to explain the whole ‘items reflected in the mirror, but not people or living animals' situation to Claire. Claire looked intrigued and asked many questions, and whilst they talked James spoke to me.

“How was the visit to the apartment?” he asked sincerely. “Not too distressing, I hope?” He took a bite of sandwich whilst he waited for my response.

“It was easier having Claire there. It wasn't too bad, but it did confirm that my decision was correct!” I smiled. Claire was looking at George and me and the mirror, trying to understand how it all worked.

“I am glad to hear it; hopefully you shall not have to see him any more now?” he asked.

“I just need to sort out paperwork and collect my larger things, but I can arrange that at a later date!” I replied. “I am fine, honestly James!” I finished as Claire excused herself from George's conversation.

“You say you are alright, but that was tough, girl! It did not help that she came waltzing out of the bedroom!” Claire informed them.

“What?” George asked unhappily.

“He knew Kat was going, and he had Nadine there, who had obviously stayed the night – and to add insult to injury she had one of Kat's blouses on, with the approval of John. I tell you, Kat, I would have ripped her head off!” Claire openly pointed out. I shot her a look of disapproval.

“He allowed that woman in your presence after she caused you this upset in the first place? How dare he! The nerve of that man!” James angrily snapped as he stood and paced with his hands on his hips. I now wished that Claire had said nothing.

“James, calm down. I am fine, I promise you. It wasn't as bad as you think!” I tried to convince him.

“What is bad is that he put you in this situation in the first place – but to reinforce it with her presence, when he knew that you were to call upon him, is a complete atrocity!” James was not happy, but I had to say I liked his protective instinct; it was very chivalrous.

“What is going on? Someone please tell me what James is saying!” Claire pleaded. George looked at her.

“James is not too happy about the actions of Katharina's former fiancé. He finds him selfish, arrogant and somewhat discourteous!” George informed her simply.

“That's a little polite, isn't it? I would prefer the term ‘absolutely incompetent lying little bastard' actually!” she quite bluntly said. We all fell silent for a minute and stared at her before she said: “What? Come on, you all think the same, you just don't want to say it!” She took another bite of her sandwich and shrugged her shoulders and then James started to laugh. Both George and I looked at him.

“She does have a point! I am now starting to see why you two are friends; sometimes we need to hear the truth!” He laughed lightly and retook his seat at the end of the island.

“Yes, Claire has guided me so much in matters of all kinds over the years. I can firmly say that I trust her implicitly with my wellbeing!” I replied as I leaned and hugged her.

“Oh thanks Hun! I love you too!” she remarked, then pushed me away jokily. “I was the one who convinced her that helping you two was also the right thing to do – does that win me extra brownie points?” she asked, whilst looking at George and then to the mirror.

“Oh, this weekend is certainly not going to be dull, I can see that now!” James remarked as he smiled at her. I smiled.

“James likes you!” I simply stated in reply. Claire blushed.

“Liked by a hot guy, that's fair enough!” she then said. I glared at her and she looked at me. “I just said that out loud, didn't I?” she then asked, and we all burst out laughing whilst she apologised.

After lunch, we brought out the decorations. George had taken them out and re-boxed them in room order as he saw fit, but he said the decorating was entirely my decision. We got them all out on the ballroom floor, and Claire – as I had done – gasped at how beautiful they all were. She held them up and touched the velvet bows and remarked how lucky I was to be able to use such things. We started to regroup them and wandered back and forth to see where things would fit best, with George's guidance. It was after approximately an hour of this that she decided it was time for a glass of wine and a little bit of music.