Love, the True Test of Time Chapter 9 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!
Leopold insisted they stay out on deck as they left New York. Not only was Kate feeling nervous, she couldn't help but believe this would be the last time she ever saw New York and it left an empty feeling in her stomach. Of course this isn't how she would really remember New York, but as the ship set sail and she watched the city get smaller and smaller and further and further away, a tear came to her eye. Leopold couldn't help but notice and pulled her closer to him, wondering if taking her away from the only home she had ever known was the right thing to do.
"I remember when I was younger and my parents took Charlie and me on one of those tourist trips of the bay, and how all the skyscrapers looked from the water. They didn't seem so big anymore, from the boat. It was like a model town, not real. And now I am looking at New York 100 years earlier, there are no skyscrapers and it doesn't even feel the same, but I feel a connection to this place. . . I know it doesn't make any sense."
"I am taking you away from the only home you've ever known. It makes perfect sense. I felt very much the same way when we departed Liverpool just two months ago. Am I being incredibly selfish taking you away from all this?"
"Leopold, I came here to be with you and I know how important it is for you to return to England. I will be fine. Do you mind if I go down to my cabin for a while? I just want to lie down for awhile."
There was a look of concern on Leopold's face and Kate tried to put his mind at ease, "I really am fine. Just tired, too much excitement for one day. I'll be a new person in time for dinner."
"Why do I have the distinct impression that you are trying to put my mind at ease and in actuality, you are covering your apprehension about the journey and your sense of loss of leaving New York behind?"
"I need some time alone. That's all. Please?"
"Very well, but I insist that you allow me to escort you down to your cabin."
She smiled up at him. "I have no problem with that request."
After seeing her to her room, he wandered down the corridor to his own cabin, where he found Otis unpacking some of his things. Otis couldn't help but notice the melancholy look on his face. "I thought you would be taking advantage of the beautiful afternoon and taking Miss Katherine for a stroll around the deck, your grace."
"She wanted to lie down."
"It has been an exciting day and I am sure she is exhausted. I believe she has made a wise decision in having a rest before dinner."
Leopold gave him one of his looks. "You think I have made a hasty decision in returning to England so soon, don't you? That Kate is not ready for this yet."
"What I think, your grace, is not important."
"And you happen to know, Otis, that I have always relied on your opinion and respected it. You have always been by my side and guided me through life's obstacles. In many ways you have been more of a father to me than Millard."
"That shouldn't be the case. His lordship has always done everything for you with your best interests at heart. I am just your man servant, here to serve you in every way I can."
"That is a load of rubbish and you know it. When my parents died in that accident, it was you who comforted me more than anyone else. I spent more time with the servants than I did with my uncle and aunt. My uncle lacked the warmth and love I could've used at that time."
"He did try and your aunt doted on you. You mustn't be to hard on them, they did the best they could."
"I know they tried, and I am grateful, but I also want you to accept the fact that I would not be the person I am today without you. I need you to be honest with me now. Is this move to England a mistake?"
Otis put away another shirt in the drawer and turned toward him. "Katherine will be happy wherever you are. I am sure of that, your grace."
"Please, Otis, as long as we are in my cabin, we can drop the formalities. I really despise being referred to as your grace, everywhere I turn."
"Very well, Master Leopold."
"Much better. So you feel she will be happy, but I hear a concern in your tone of voice."
"She is very unique and I see that is what has drawn you to her, but I am sure you are well aware that England may not be as accepting of her as America is."
"You are telling me something I already know. There is something else."
He was apprehensive talking to his master this way but he also knew how persistent Leopold could be and he would find out. "I have heard Master Edgar is back from India and residing at Westlake."
This was news to Leopold and it took him by surprise, "You are sure about this; it isn't some idle gossip?"
"I am afraid it is true; I received a telegram from Cook a few days ago."
"And Millicent, how is she?"
"Not very well, I am afraid. She is with child again and Cook says she is very pale and weak. They have returned to England so she can have better medical care. She did mention that Lady Millicent seemed happy to be back."
"Well, that isn't surprising. He dragged her over to India and she left all her family and friends behind. That was extremely hard on her." Leopold pictured Millicent, his childhood sweetheart, with his retched rival Edgar. It had been ten years now since he had laid eyes on her. She had been eighteen and when Leopold made no move toward marriage, she had married her cousin Edgar Spencer, Leopold's neighbor and childhood rival.
"I am concerned Master Leopold. I probably have no right to be and things are different now. I am hoping they are, but I know Master Edgar has always felt he has to compete with you."
"We were children, for god's sake, I am sure marriage and a child have made him a changed man. He can't still feel animosity for me surely. And I really don't know why he did in the first place. It never made any sense."
"He was always such an angry young man. I truly blame his father. He acted like he didn't exist when he was younger. You on the other hand were loved and cared for by every member of the staff as well as your family. I don't think Master Edgar ever had that kind of love."
"Well, it will be wonderful to see Millicent again. And I think she and Kate will get along splendidly. It will be good for both of them."
"You are very optimistic, Master Leopold."
"Obviously you think it will be a disaster."
"They are as different as chalk and cheese. And as I recall, Millicent never stopped loving you, even after she was married. How do you think Miss Katherine will feel about that?"
"That was a long time ago, and we're all adults now. Kate has had admirers as well and Millicent is part of the past."
Otis wished he could be as optimistic as Leopold. But he knew to well that Edgar meant trouble and Millicent being unhappy in a loveless marriage would only cause fuel to the fire. And then there was Kate. She was like no other woman Otis had ever encountered and she wasn't going to sit back and be the obedient loving wife most men expected. Of course Leopold wasn't like most men either. His choice of Kate as a bride was evident of that.
~*~
Margaret went to Kate's cabin when it was approaching dinnertime. She was alarmed to find Kate looking pale, and she had obviously been crying.
"My dear, Katherine, what has happened? Have you and Leopold had a fight?"
"No, no, nothing like that." She sat up and thought she might be sick.
"Maybe you should skip dinner tonight and just rest. I am sure Leopold will understand."
"I am going to dinner. I just need to have a wash. I will meet all of you in the dining room."
After Margaret left, Kate managed to drag herself over to the washbasin and splattered cold water onto her face; she closed her eyes and thought how nice a shower would be right about now. She saw the evening dress Margaret had gotten out of the closet laying on the bed. What she would do for a pair of Levis and a baggy sweater right about now. Everything seemed like such a struggle.
There was a rap at the door and Kate went to answer it, it was Otis. "His grace wanted me to make sure you were all right and if you will be making it to dinner tonight."
"Please come in, Otis."
"Miss Katherine, it would be highly inappropriate."
"Do you think I care? Just come in."
He obliged. "Why didn't Leopold come check on me himself."
"He is having drinks with his Uncle and the Captain, Miss Katherine."
"I see. Ladies aren't invited." She said sarcastically.
"Not usually, Miss."
"Well, I don't see why he should have all the fun. Otis, bring me a bottle of champagne. I would like a drink before dinner."
"Miss Katherine-"
She interrupted. "It would be highly inappropriate, I assume."
"Well, yes."
"Please, I don't think I can get through dinner without a drink. I won't tell Leopold, I promise. He will never know you had anything to do with it."
"All right, Miss, I will see what I can do."
"You are a saint, Otis." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and he blushed, "Everything Leopold ever said about you was true."
Otis went to the galley in search of a bottle of champagne for Katherine. On his way back to the cabin with the bottle in hand he ran into Margaret.
"Otis, where are you taking that bottle of champagne?"
"It is for, your grace, my lady. After dinner he was planning to toast his engagement."
"Otis, I know how devoted you are to Leopold. I don't want him to do anything foolish and I think you understand what I mean. We have a reputation to uphold and Leopold succumbing to his desires on this ship would be a mistake. I know you will see to it that Leopold is sensible in this particular matter."
"Of course, your ladyship."
"Very well, have a wonderful evening, Otis."
"The same to you, your ladyship.'
After she was gone, he continued to Kate's room, once he rapped on the door she immediately opened it. She was already dressed for dinner and looked stunning.
"I can tell by your expression I look presentable for dinner."
"You look lovely, Miss Katherine."
She took the bottle from his hands. "You are a lifesaver."
"I can help you with that, Miss."
"I think I can manage, thank you anyhow. I won't keep you any longer."
He continued to stare at her as she poured a glass, "You don't have to worry about me. I am fine. My nerves are a bit rattled that's all. This will help. And you don't have to say a thing to Leopold. He will only worry and fuss over me."
"All right, then I will be on my way. I am glad I could be of service to you, Miss Katherine."
She smiled at him as he left. She quickly drank a glass of champagne and poured herself a second.
Leopold pulled out his pocket watch to check the time as they sat at their table. Kate was already a half hour late. Margaret and Millard both exchanged glances. "Are you sure she said she was coming Aunt Margaret?"
"Yes, I am positive. I will go check on her if you like."
"No, that won't be necessary. I will go and check on her. I won't be long."
He excused himself and went down to the cabins, he rapped on her door and heard giggling inside, "Kate, open up, it's Leopold."
He heard a thud, and then it sounded like she ran into something before the door slowly opened and revealed a very intoxicated Kate. "Leo, this is such a surprise, but a lovely one. I will get you a drink." She went to the bottle and held it upside down, "Oops, it's all gone. I am terribly sorry."
"Kate, you are intoxicated and my aunt and uncle are waiting for us upstairs for dinner. What in god's name am I supposed to do now?"
"Forget dinner, we can have our own party in here. Who wants to be with those stuffed shirts anyhow?"
"I can tell them your ill."
"No, I'll go. It'll be fine. I wouldn't want to disappoint anyone and it's important to you."
"You cannot attend dinner in this state. My uncle and aunt will be appalled."
"And you are appalled aren't you?"
"I am disappointed. I wanted us to get off to a good start, this is not what I had in mind."
"I am trying. Really I am." She started to cry and slipped to the floor. Leopold knelt down and took her in his arms.
"It's all right. Of course you are trying and I am not being understanding." He stroked her hair and wiped a tear from her eye. She smiled up at him and he couldn't help but smile back. "I think it best if you remain in the cabin tonight. I will have Otis bring you dinner."
"Will you stay with me?"
"As soon as I speak to my uncle and aunt, I promise." He managed to get her up to the bed and helped her lie down. "Now you will stay put until I return. I will send Otis over to check on you."
She smiled sweetly at him, in a very intoxicated way. "Will you come to bed with me?"
He blushed and kissed her forehead. "We will speak of this later, now close your eyes and rest."
He covered her up and when he reached to door, turned to look at her smiling up at him. It was incredibly tempting, but he was not one to take advantage of a woman under the influence. In actuality, he wasn't one to take advantage of a woman under any circumstances. In the few days he had experienced 21st century New York, he was well aware that the men Kate were used to were continually taking advantage of women. It seemed well accepted and common practice, which had alarmed Leopold. He wanted Kate to experience what love was all about. . . honesty, sincerity, romance, respect. . . it didn't necessarily mean a roll in the hay. He closed the door behind him and went to his cabin looking for Otis.
He found Otis relaxing in his cabin with a cup of tea and a book. "Master Leopold, I thought you were at dinner."
"I need your help, I'm afraid. Kate has managed to acquire a bottle of champagne and succeeded in emptying the contents in record time. She is in no state to attend dinner in the dining room and I will have to conjure up some kind of tale to my uncle and aunt concerning her absence. I would be ever so grateful if you could sit with her until I return."
Otis couldn't look at Leopold, knowing he was the reason. Leopold sensed something right away. "Otis, what do you know about this?"
"She insisted. She was feeling very low and I really thought there was no harm. I should've consulted you. I am well aware of that."
"You acquired the champagne for her?"
He nodded.
"Well, it's water under the bridge now. In the future, please let me know what is going on. Right now, my concern is Kate."
"Of course, I will be glad to sit with her."
They headed over to the cabin and Leopold knocked on the door. He had left it open, but there was no answer. "Kate?" He slowly opened the door. The bed was empty. "She is gone. Otis, this is a disaster waiting to happen. If my uncle sees her in this state, he will have my hide."
"Don't you worry, your grace, she couldn't have gotten far. We will find her."
Leopold sighed and rubbed his hand over his face in concern. He did not have a good feeling about this at all.
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