Love, the True Test of Time Chapter 5 by Lady Jane T
All characters in this fan fiction are the property of Miramax. . . this is all in good fun and I hope you enjoy. This is dedicated to all those women out there hoping that their Leopold will come riding in on a white horse, swoop them off their feet and live happily ever after. Keep believing!
While the women headed upstairs, Leopold headed towards the front door and grabbed his coat off the coat rack. Otis appeared out of nowhere to help him with it "Your grace, I have a horse waiting for you out front, I hope your ride will be enjoyable."
"I am sure it will be, all things considering, it is turning out to be a beautiful day."
They walked outside together and Leopold went up to the horse and young lad, holding the reins. He patted the horse, and looked at the boy, "He is a lovely specimen, what is his name?"
"Charlie, your grace."
Leopold laughed, " I hope he lives up to his reputation," thinking of Charlie and his bad accents, his way of working the crowd... but most of all his friendship. He smiled to himself. He had to admit he missed Charlie. He couldn't remember ever having a close friend, especially not one as endearing as Charlie while growing up under his uncle's supervision.
"He is a fine horse, your grace. A bit feisty, but you just have to let him know who's in control."
Leopold pulled himself up onto the horses back and looked down at Otis, "You'll make sure Kate stays out of trouble, Otis and for god's sake keep her away from Uncle Millard."
"No problem, your grace." He paused a moment and Leopold, could tell by his expression there was something else on his mind.
"What is it Otis? I know that look. Speak your mind, there are no secrets between you and I. I hope that is still the case. My choosing a wife should not alter our relationship whatsoever."
" I am glad to hear that, your grace. And I just wanted you to know how happy I am for you. She seems like a wonderful young woman. Very full of life, and I can tell you are very much in love with her."
"Oh, yes, I am in love with her. And to think a few days ago, I had no inclination of what love was. It is an incredible feeling...a bit odd...a little frightening, I must admit."
"You will be fine, your grace, I have never known anything to rattle you. Very much like your father."
"I may be, Otis, but I do think I have found my match in Kate. I am sure you can tell she is not like any other woman I have ever encountered. And she has already shaken me up considerably. She has been a challenge. Life will never be dull with Kate around."
"And that pleases, your grace."
"Most definitely. Life has been rather uneventful of late, it's about time someone or something stirred things up a bit." Recalling the events of this morning, the stirring had already happened and he really had no idea what to expect next. He gave Charlie a kick and rode off down the street.
Leopold had always found solace while riding. It was a great time to think and reflect, and most of his ideas for inventions had popped into his head while out on a horse. Today was no different. He had planned to ride straight to Central Park, but detoured down by the waterfront. There was some minor activity, and Leopold enjoyed watching people. He steadied Charlie and stopped right below the bridge. As he looked up at it, it was hard for him to imagine that he had actually followed Stuart up it, and fallen into the portal. The tales he could tell. No one would believe him, but he had Kate and that for him was proof enough that it all really happened. He heard some commotion farther down the waterfront, and realized the SS Great Britain II was in dock. It was the steamer he had traveled over on from Liverpool, a month ago. England entered his thoughts. The last month had left little time to think about home. Uncle Millard had managed to receive invites to every ball and gala and Leopold had believed that he would settle in America with his new found wife. That had been the plan. But now things had changed. His new found wife had no dowery and no home, and he desperately wanted to go back to England and live at Balinor with Kate. She would adore it. And to raise their children there would be wonderful. Peace and quiet, rides in the countryside, and a real royal wedding. There was no question in his mind, and no time to waste; he wanted to go back to England as soon as possible. He dismounted Charlie and tied him to the nearest post, and entered the office of the Royal Atlantic Streamliner Company and booked passage for 5. He knew his Uncle would not be pleased, but surely he couldn't refuse his request to be married at Balinor. Millard's concern of the cost of running the place was hardly relevant under the circumstances, surely. With tickets in his coat pocket, he remounted Charlie and gave him a swift kick and rode towards Central Park, a smile on his face. It was turning out to be a glorious day after all.
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