A Different Reflection (10 page)

Slowly, because of the traffic, I made my way to Northfield, and as I arrived I yawned slightly. I was mentally tired today; I had achieved a lot and although I had slept well last night, I still felt tired. I closed the car door and then ran up the stairs to the cover of the entrance, as the rain had again started to fall. I pulled the bell handle and waited for George. I was surprised that he was not ready for my arrival, but then I realised that I was a little early – it was only 5.20 pm. The heavy door creaked open and George's happy smile greeted me.

“Katharina, quickly – do come in. This weather is terrible!” he announced as I skipped in through the door and past him.

“George, are you well?” I asked as he took my coat.

“Indeed. I was just organising a bite to eat for us.”

“Oh lovely, I am sorry that I am a little early. I was finished with my last appointment faster than expected!” I confirmed.

“It is no problem at all. Come, let's get you a warm drink.” He gestured for me to walk toward his apartment. As I neared the large mirror in the hallway with my reflection, I stood for a second and thought about James. Then, like fog had been lifted, I was no longer reflected and there he was.

“James, how are you feeling today?” I smiled as I realised that I still had the ability to see him.

“I am very well thank you, are you Katharina?” he asked of me. I looked him up and down and then smiled and continued walking.

“I am, thank you for asking!” I replied as I grinned, knowing that he had definitely made an effort for my visit. His hair was brushed and neat, and his clothes less shabby; his shirt was tucked into his breeches. He looked different and I wondered how long it must have been since he last made any effort for anyone other than George. We arrived at the apartment and I could smell beef and onions and gravy. “George, I hope you have not gone to too much trouble?” I asked. “I thought you were just making a small bite to eat – you know, light refreshment?”

“No trouble gone to, it is only some roast beef. I am going to make us hot beef sandwiches and they should be ready in about half an hour,” he then informed me.

“Well it smells delicious!” I happily stated as he poured me a coffee. I perched on a chair at the island.

“One thing George has got very good at is the ability to cook!” James suddenly announced.

“Well, unfortunately I have had to, as you are unable to do anything for me!” George replied.

“Not by choice, I hate to point out!” James remarked.

“I never thought about that; anything we have on this side you can have on your side – like George's lovely cooking, or a coffee or a newspaper – but it cannot be done in reverse?” I asked inquisitively.

“I wouldn't want to eat any attempt James had at cooking!” George laughed.

“Yes, alright, laugh as much as you like! I would do it if I could, but alas I cannot!” James unhappily said. I tried not to laugh as George chuckled to himself.

“I can understand your frustration; it's terrible not to be able to do anything for yourself!” I sarcastically smiled; James shot me a look of annoyance.

“Don't you start, I have enough with George reminding me on a regular basis. Maybe we should have limited the mirrors George, then you may have felt like I was not around quite as much!” he said with irritation.

“Oh, so you had most of the mirrors put up then? There are a lot!” I remarked.

“Well, I realised when I put a long mirror in here that James could somehow come to this mirror, so we tried getting more to see if he had the ability to move all over the house. In fairness, it gives him more chances to be a part of things here!” George said sincerely.

“Maybe to his detriment!” James then stated as he smiled at George.

“I wouldn't have had it any other way, Master James!” George simply replied.

“Really, Master? I think we are long past that George – I am thirty and this is a new era!” he answered.

“Well technically you are 294 years old, so actually you could be considered for the Guinness World Records!” I laughed.

“Not before George!” James smiled as he raised his eyebrows at him.

“Alright, alright, enough about my age. I am sure Katharina has other pressing things to discuss!” George quickly changed the subject and gestured for me to speak.

“Yes indeed, let me just get my notes.” I put my coffee mug down and quickly reached into my bag. I placed my notepad on the island and then flicked to the relevant page of notes that I had made with regards to my single friends. “Okay, unfortunately my bank of single friends is not that large, but to start with I have four that I think could be possible contenders: Claire, Rachel, Kate and Lisa. It's not a lot to start with, I know, but I thought maybe if you agree, James, I could bring them over for dinner with the intention of either meeting my new friend George – or, a couple of them are rather wealthy, so there's always the prospect of selling the leasehold?” I reported.

“Well, sounds like a plan to me. What do you think, James?” George asked.

“You would be happy to introduce your friends to me, after knowing my past?” James enquired.

“That's exactly what it is – your past. Do you not feel that you have changed in any way?” I asked.

“Yes, I have changed remarkably, but still these are your friends!”

“Well two are, definitely, but two I haven't seen in a while. I think if anything, after all this time, your calmness at your situation shows strength of character, James, I would be happy for them to meet you!” I smiled.

James stopped for a minute, then looked across at George and back to me. I could tell that he may have felt slightly uncomfortable with the fact that I was almost setting him up with blind dates; after all, his last experience with a woman he didn't know very well did not end in his favour. I waited for a response and looked across at George, who shrugged at me.

“Very well! Let us start next week if you can arrange it: dinner here with whoever you think we have the best chance of a result. I will try not to be dismissive instantly,” he said with caution.

“Great, okay, I will start with Claire, my work colleague. She is single, twenty-seven years old, brunette, about five foot five, very slim but lots of fun. I am sure she would love to come – she was very jealous when I told her about George!” I remarked.

“Maybe I could get her to fall in love with me!” he said sarcastically.

“That really is not going to help our situation, now is it George!” James laughed.

“Fair point. Let's eat – I need to get these sandwiches prepared, shall we just eat here?” George asked.

“Here is fine!” I replied, just as James said, “Here is good!” We both smiled that we answered at the same time.

The hot beef sandwich with onion gravy, chips and salad was truly delicious. I cannot say that I ate it in a completely ladylike way – it wasn't easy, with gravy dripping off my fingers, and with it being so damn delicious. It caused us all to laugh; I must have looked like I hadn't eaten for a week. I licked my fingers and then used my fork to finish my salad.

“George, you are really going to have to stop making such yummy food, I am seriously thinking of getting you to come and live with me! That was so, so good!” I informed him.

“It looked like it was good!” James smiled sarcastically. I threw my linen napkin at the mirror.

“You're lucky that you're behind that mirror, I would have been tempted to hit you for that remark!” I laughed.

“I would like to see you try!”

“Ooh, one day you will not be able to say that without it having some consequence!” I remarked.

“Indeed, and I like to see a good appetite on a woman. Food is to be enjoyed!” George stated.

“Thank you George!” I replied as I gathered our plates, including the one that sat at the end of the island opposite James with its sandwich still intact. I looked at it curiously.

“I know; it is strange isn't it? She made the spell completely confusing – trust me, it took us some time to work it out. Even though when we see James in the mirror and not ourselves, food and drink and other items still end up as a reality on his side of the mirror, even though it looks like a reflection, nothing in front of you changes on
this
side of the mirror. I can understand your expression – you have only had a couple of days of this, we have had 264 years! I think that you are grasping things really well!” George stated.

“I just feel like I am wrapped up in a Disney film or something!” I replied with disbelief.

“Come on, let us retire to the lounge with a drink!” George then insisted as he topped up my wine glass.

His lounge was small and cosy and, as expected, there was a mirror on every wall. I kicked off my shoes and then gestured to George that I would like to curl up in the large armchair. “May I?” He simply replied with “Please do,” and as I sat I felt contently full and very, very, comfortable.

“So, you must have at least one funny story whilst you have been in this predicament that you can enlighten me with. Or, better still, some scandalous gossip from the 1700 or 1800s. I cannot begin to imagine what you must have seen and heard over the years!” I excitedly announced. Being a journalist, I have always loved a good story from any era.

George looked at James and then at me. He took a sip from his wine glass and then said, “How scandalous do you want it to be?” I raised my eyebrows at him and leaned forward slightly.

“Really? You have scandalous gossip from way back then? Oh I am so intrigued – I want to hear it all!” I remarked. James simply gestured for him to continue.

“Please do go ahead, as long as it does not include me!” James answered with sarcasm.

“Well feel free to chip in anytime!” George replied to James, and then, like the beginning of a fairy tale, he began:

“It was the year 1728…”

As the clock ticked on, and the stories continued, I gasped, laughed, and was shocked, surprised and disgusted with the stories that ensued. I had no idea that that era could have been quite so scandalous, incestuous and completely and, unbelievably, as unromantic as I ever could have imagined. I was wrapped up in their tales of debauchery, seduction, crime and lies, but at the same time utterly disappointed that the romance of all the stories and fairy tales I had fantasised about from times past, were just that – fairy tales – and the likelihood of happily ever after was a mere myth.

As George went to get us a coffee after his last tale for the evening, and I laughed with James about the stories they had told me, I looked at the time and was shocked to realise that it was now nine o'clock. I stretched from my comfortable chair and then happily took the coffee from George as he reappeared. I was fast becoming addicted to spending time with them both. I found George utterly charming – he was sincere and kind – and James, although he had once been a rogue, he appeared to be a very different person now. He did not feel worthy of anything, it seemed; he realised his mistakes and I was sure that he felt he deserved his predicament. I, however, could not help but feel sorry for him. He had missed being with his friends and family, and time had passed him by in a torturous way. I was happy that I had the ability to see him, because right there in that moment, as I looked at him in the mirror, I wanted nothing more than to help him; my new mysterious – and handsome, I might add – acquaintance.

After telling John that my appointment had run over and I had been stuck in traffic, I managed to get away with not explaining that I had spent most of the evening with George and James. The weekend involved a dinner on Saturday with work colleagues of John's and quite frankly it was hard work and very tiresome. Stocks, shares, mergers and advertisement campaigns for large clients were not my cup of tea. Nonetheless, I tried to look interested and commented on things that I could understand. All the while, my mind kept drifting back to helping James and trying to break a spell over two hundred years old. It was so hard to believe; even though I could see James, I definitely still felt like I was in a Disney movie.

By the time Monday morning had arrived, I could not wait to get to the office to see Claire, my first innocent pawn in this elaborate game of matchmaking. As I sat and turned on my computer, Angela came by my desk.

“Hey Kat, read the first draft copy of your story. Can't wait to read the finalised draft. Sounds like an amazing woman!” she commented.

“Indeed she is, I think it will bring a smile to most people's faces when they read about her completely amazing selfless acts!” I replied. She nodded and walked away as she read the paperwork she had collected from the reception.

A mug of coffee suddenly appeared on my desk with a blueberry muffin that was warm and smelt so sweet and fresh that my mouth started to salivate.

“What's this?” I asked as I gestured to the muffin.

“Well, you went out with John's work colleagues, didn't you, on Saturday? I thought that you may be in need of a pick-me-up and sugar kick after being drained and having all the fun taken out of you for a whole night!” Claire laughed as she mimicked passing out. I laughed.

“Alright, you know me far too well!”

“How was the meeting on Friday?” she then asked.

“Mrs Holt is an amazing lady –” I started, until she put her hand up to interrupt me.

“Not that meeting, silly. I know that story is in the bag. I meant the meeting afterwards – the one that you had with George?” She raised her eyebrows as she crossed her legs whilst perched on the end of my desk.

“Oh yes, I forgot that I told you I was going there! It was truly lovely; he made us a bite to eat and we chatted, laughed and had a glass of wine. In fact, we spoke about you!” I hesitantly said.

“Me? Why on earth would I enter the conversation?” she remarked curiously.

“George noted that I didn't seem to go out with any female friends very often, so he asked about my girlfriends. In fact, he has invited both of us over for dinner this week!” I replied quickly as I took a sip from my coffee mug.

“No way! Seriously? This is great, so I get to meet George too? Hell yeah, I'm up for that. When are we going?” she confidently asked. I was shocked that she had taken the suggestion so well. I mean, not every girl would probably think George was the most interesting person… although I knew differently, of course.

“How about Wednesday?” I suggested.

“Let me check my busy diary!” she sarcastically remarked as she mimed flipping through a book. “Yep, Wednesday is good for me, shall we go straight from here?”

“We can, but I will have to tell John that we have a business dinner. I don't think he will be too happy if he knows that I keep calling to see George, but I like his company. We can catch a cab there and back if you're happy with that?” I replied.

“Brilliant, wow this is so going to make my week interesting!” She clapped her hands together in delight, like it was the best offer she had received in a long time. I only hoped that James liked her and that we could help her to see him.

I telephoned George and made the arrangements, and he seemed more than happy that I had made plans so soon. I told him of things I knew that Claire did not like in terms of food and left the rest to him. I was excited to think about the prospect of James finding true love; it was something that I was going to love being a part of, even if I was watching from the side lines. I sighed; who was I kidding? I was in the middle of the biggest story of my life, unbelievable or not, and I was trying to matchmake everything I had ever dreamed about for someone else! I took a deep breath and placed the phone on the hook and went to Claire and announced that it was all in place. She was very excited, but all I could think was,
if you only knew…
I lied to John about where I was going, but Claire made sure that she rang and confirmed our fake business dinner in his presence, so that stopped any suspicions. By the time five thirty on Wednesday arrived, I had not butterflies but an accumulating tornado in my stomach. This was going to be interesting!

We arrived in the cab and as I paid I glanced at Claire, who was wearing on her face the same expression that I must have had when I first saw Northfield. “Bloody hell Kat, there's no wonder you like it here!” She scrambled out of the cab and looked up at the intricate facade. I noticed George and went toward him with a warm smile.

“George!” I happily announced as we greeted each other like old friends, with a kiss on each cheek.

“Katharina, how lovely to see you again!” he happily stated.

“Please let me introduce to you my good friend Claire!” I gestured toward her as she scurried over to us.

“George, it's a pleasure! I have heard so much about you!” she remarked.

“Really!” he raised his eyebrows at me. “All good, I hope?” He then smiled. “Claire, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” he then finished as he kissed the back of her hand. She giggled like a schoolgirl at the gesture.

“Thank you. This is amazing, and Kat just loves you, so, yes, all she has said about you is good!” she replied in a slightly higher than normal pitch.

I laughed and shook my head. George gestured for us to go inside and then checked that our trip was not too long and frustrating. As we entered the main hallway, I touched Claire's arm as I knew the house would overwhelm her, as it had done with me. She spun around in disbelief at the splendour of the building. Whilst she was keenly observing the ornate ceiling, I looked across at the large mirror, saw James, who was very well-dressed, smiled at him and simply nodded to acknowledge his presence. He smiled in return, placed his hands behind his back and bowed to me, then calmly said, “Good evening, Katharina!” I smiled at this, then looked to Claire, who had quite obviously not heard anything. I did not dismiss it straight away; she was far too engrossed on opening her sensory perception to the whole atmosphere.

“Wow –
really
wow!” she then said. “I love it – I've never had the chance to see anything quite like it, but I love it!” She smiled as her mouth stayed slightly open in wonderment.

“Shall we?” George then asked as he gestured for me to walk to the dining room.

“George, are we eating in the main dining room? I would have thought that your apartment would have been adequate!” I happily noted.

“Only the best for two beautiful ladies; how often do I get the chance to cook and have your company here? It could only be the dining room, Katharina. Besides, it does not get enough use these days!” he replied. I smiled and took Claire by the arm as we walked across the hall and into the beautiful room that I had spent an evening in with George before he dropped the bombshell on me!

I was hoping that James would be able to converse with one of the friends that I had selected. So far, though, it was not looking good with Claire.
Give it time
, I said to myself in my head; after all, we had only been here for five minutes. I noted that he had followed us to the dining room and looked at Claire for a lengthy time from behind the large mirror to the left of the fireplace. George served dinner, which again was delicious. He asked Claire lots of questions, some of which involved me! We laughed and Claire talked – a lot – which she always did, as she was very exuberant. James commented many times on remarks that Claire made, which had both George and I smiling and occasionally laughing, but all the while it was obvious that Claire could not hear anything. As the evening progressed, George offered to give Claire a tour of the house, which she was more than happy to do. As they walked slightly ahead, James paced alongside me.

“She seems very nice!” he remarked, a little apprehensively.

“But…?” I queried, knowing that he had some reservations.

“She has very strange views on things, and it has to be said that she is very easily stimulated, like an over-excited schoolgirl!” he said honestly. I stopped for a minute, glanced in the mirror at him, thought about what he said and then laughed lightly.

“I can't argue with that comment, unfortunately!” I quietly whispered. He then laughed.

“She is really lovely, but I just do not see myself with her in any way!” he remarked. George heard his comment and turned to look at the two of us whilst Claire happily chirped on. I got the feeling that he was not happy that James had already given up on her. I shrugged my shoulders at George and then quickly looked at James.

“There is always the fact that she cannot see you; it's probably best if you are not too enamoured with her!” I looked at him, but he still looked slightly disappointed. “Chin up, we're not giving up yet – we will break this spell!” I smiled confidently.

“Thank you, your support is very reassuring!” he then replied.

“So Claire, what do you think?” I asked her as we entered into the long hall with all the portraits.

“It is absolutely amazing; I can completely understand why you like to come here, Kat,” she replied as she came upon the portrait of James, which quite rightly could stop anyone in their tracks. “Oh my God – who is
that
?” she asked with interest.

“That would be James Henry Aldersley – one of the owners of the house from many a year back!” George then informed her.

“Well he has definitely made my heart skip a beat. What a dish – I wish I had known him!” She seemed more than excited by his portrait.

“Be careful what you wish for, Claire!” I remarked as I looked across at James, who raised his hand in embarrassment and covered his face. He wasn't interested in Claire that much, I could tell, and so the fact that she liked his portrait amused me no end.

We returned to the dining room and helped George tidy away the plates back to his apartment, where he then made coffee. We sat and chatted and laughed, and then at nine thirty I suggested that we call a cab to return back to the city centre and home. After a while George walked Claire to the entrance hall to get her coat, I went to the bathroom before the trip back and when I exited the door James was stood waiting.

“James, gosh you startled me then. Are you alright?” I asked him.

“I'm sorry Katharina, I did not mean to startle you. I just wanted to say thank you again. Can I presume that you will arrange the next person soon? I feel like I am being very forward asking, but after seeing you more regularly and accepting your help I feel more confident in achieving a result than I have in many, many years!” he sincerely said. I walked toward him and placed my hand on the mirror;

“I will liaise with George in the coming days, and you are very welcome. I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to help you. I have a good feeling about this coming to a good conclusion, so keep trying to remain positive!” I smiled. “Besides, what girl in their right mind would not want to spend time here?” I then raised my eyebrows, which produced a small smile from him in return, just as George appeared.

“Are you alright? Your cab is here!” George asked as he looked at where my hand was placed.

“I am fine George thank you. I will be in touch before the weekend!” I replied as I walked toward George. “Thank you for a lovely evening!” I kissed him on the cheek.

“You are more than welcome; your company is enjoyed and received more warmly than you can know!” he kindly replied.

“Well you two make sure you get some sleep! I will speak with you soon,” I replied as we started to walk away, I turned to James and George. “Good night!” I smiled to him. He did his usual bow at my leaving and replied simply:

“Good night Katharina, our new and well-respected friend!”

Claire babbled all the way home, about Northfield, George and of course George's cooking. I answered her at relevant points, but was more than side tracked at James' last words before I left. As much as I wanted to help him, I did feel a little selfish that I also wanted to keep him to myself – but what good would that do him or George? When we arrived back in the city, where Claire jumped out to meet friends, I took the cab home. I was tired, and luckily John wasn't back yet, which was a godsend; it meant that I had no explaining to do. I took a quick shower and went to bed, and had the strangest dream again in which I was trapped behind a mirror. This awoke me at 3.30am, so I went to get a glass of water.

I was more than addicted to this spell, this fairy tale that was happening around me right now, and I decided to text Rachel – my twenty-six-year-old friend with whom I used to work, and occasionally still met for lunch. She was less exuberant than Claire, and more realistic, but she was also very quiet and not the best at chatting. However, she was very pretty and single and had a great career and that alone was a start. I simply asked her if she fancied dinner with a friend and me in very beautiful surroundings: no matchmaking, just dinner and a chance to catch up. I suggested Tuesday or Thursday next week, as I didn't want John to become suspicious if I was staying on late at work the same day every week. I placed my phone back on charge and returned to my bed. John was fast asleep and for a moment I stood and looked at him. I felt slightly disappointed that I could not tell him about James and George, and dismayed that as I watched him sleep I could think of nothing else but James entirely. I slipped back under the sheets and hoped that I would sleep until the alarm, which happily I did.