A Different Reflection (30 page)

“Yes he is, he does look very frightening, but other portraits that I have seen do not often do the person any justice!” I remarked. He laughed.

“I agree. I am glad that the time of standing for portraits is no longer necessary. There are far more efficient, modern ways of capturing one's image!” he replied as I walked to the next one.

“They don't have the same impact as a painting, though, don't you feel? The fact that someone had the talent to paint it in the first place is amazing, and some of them – like this one of Mary, and of your mother Margaret – are very, very good. I love the detail of the lace on her dress and her intricate jewellery,” I replied as I pointed out my favourite parts of Margaret's picture.

“Yes, well, my mother always did look elegant; I cannot deny that. She was indeed captured well in this portrait,” he replied. I turned and looked at him.

“I am sorry, is this too difficult for you?” I asked as I walked to the next one.

“Not at all; I have had many years to look upon them. I have fond memories of my mother, and this painting reminds me of how I personally want to remember her!” he replied sincerely. I nodded in agreement.

When I came upon a portrait of James at the young age of four, I tried not to smirk. His face was that of a very bored child and I wondered how long it had taken to do this portrait – probably with a great deal of frustration for the artist. I chuckled to myself.

“You find this one amusing?” he asked curiously, with his arms now folded and wearing a look of annoyance.

“You look sweet really, but also very angry at being made to stand there! I imagine that this was not your favourite day in the world!”

“Yes, well my father would not let me move until the outline was finished; he made sure of that by sitting behind the artist and telling me not to move. I then had to stand three more times whilst the paint was applied – not the most constructive of days for a four-year-old, I feel!” he remarked. I laughed a little more.

“That probably explains the flushed cheeks then!” I smiled.

“Yes, alright, move on!” He gestured for me to look at the next one of the family together.

“I really love this one. You all look so happy!” I stated.

“We were, until my father died. That is a time I do not wish to recall!” he said. I decided not to dwell on it any longer, after all these years it was obviously still painful for him. I looked inquisitively at the one of him at sixteen years old, in which he looked so sad, and as he did not have anything to say about that either, I moved on again. I arrived at the one that made my pulse race… it was breathtaking and so much better than anything depicted in a film or from an Austen book.

“I really do not remember this one entirely from start to finish. I think that I was having far too much fun at the time!” he suddenly said. I could feel my cheeks flush and I quickly tried to hide it. “Are you alright?” he asked.

“I am quite alright thank you!” I replied, trying to compose myself before looking at it again.

“You seem somewhat flustered; are you unwell?” he asked again. I let out a small laugh like a schoolgirl, then stopped myself and replied:

“No, not unwell James, unless a rapid heart rate whilst looking at something you find enticing is an illness!” I happily said and then I turned and left the room. I knew that I had just said something a little too revealing, but I loved the slightly forward way of speaking and being in control.

He quickly caught up with me once I had made my way into the library.

“Enticing? You find my portrait
enticing
?” he repeated curiously. I smiled at him.

“Oh come on James, you must realise that you are handsome? The portrait merely confirms it!” I remarked. He simply raised his eyebrows at my reply and looked like he was about to say something, but then fell silent. I turned and looked at the books on the shelves.

“Is there anything in particular that you would like to read?” he asked me instead, deliberately changing the subject.

“No, not really. I just love this room, I have always loved libraries but I never imagined that I would have one of my own. It's amazing!” I confirmed as I ran my hand along the neatly shelved spines. I almost felt like he was about to say something else when George appeared.

“Would anyone like to watch some television? I am finding that it is becoming quite addictive!” he asked.

“George, that sounds like a marvellous idea. What would you like to watch?” I asked him as I took his arm, feeling glad that he had interrupted, and we walked back to the day room.

The evening finished at a very quiet and restful pace, and when it was time for bed, James – as always – walked me to my room. I found that we could now say so much with just a look; our connection was growing and when we said goodnight, I yearned for him to be able to kiss me. Only two more days and then I hoped that a kiss would be a reality! I slept contently and happily and felt so incandescently in love, I was sure that my heart had grown three sizes!

Thursday resulted in confirmation on timings from both the band and the caterers, who were sending waiters to serve canapés and drinks. I had never had such a big event for myself, and as I sat looking into my coffee cup, I wondered if I was biting off more than I could chew. With the party, the people and telling James how I felt, I started to feel slightly nauseous, with a panic attack approaching. As Claire turned up at my desk to drop off some papers I must have looked panic-stricken.

“Hey, what's wrong?” she asked. I pulled her closer.

“Do you think this Saturday is trying too hard? I mean it's a lot to take in – and a lot to expect, particularly from James. Oh god I feel a little ill!” I told her.

“Kat, stop this consistent worrying, would you? It's normal to be feeling a little anxious; this doesn't happen every day – in fact, scrub that, it
never
happens!” she then said.

“Not helping!” I sighed. Then she laughed and I sat and looked at her. “I cannot believe that in my state of hysteria you are laughing at me!”

“It's just made me realise how much you love this guy. It's really ‘stick your fingers down your throat' sweet, surely you can see that?” she asked sarcastically. I sat for a while and smiled.

“I really do, don't I?” I then confirmed, and my fears started to dissipate a little.

“There's nothing wrong with that! It's about time you had that glow about you, and I only ever see it when you talk about him! Roll on Saturday; I really want to meet the hottie that has captured your heart!” she then finished before winking at me and then waltzing off. I smiled, took a sip from my coffee and carried on working with the biggest smile on my face, knowing that I would be fine.

Thursday turned into Friday, and the day bounced along remarkably better than I was expecting – I thought I would be stressed, worrying and not getting any work finished on time, as I had decided to take Monday off. When it came to home time, I was really excited that George and I were going to start putting up some of the decorations. When he greeted me at the station, he was stood with a huge bouquet of flowers. I looked at him curiously.

“Both James and I know that it is not your birthday until tomorrow, but we decided that the celebrations should start now!” he simply said as he took my bag and handed me the flowers. I smiled at the gesture.

“Thank you, that is really kind and I can honestly say that I have never been so spoilt!” I remarked as I inhaled the sweet smell of the flowers.

George enquired as to how my day had gone, as always, and I filled him in on what I was sure was not that interesting to him. He commented and looked remotely interested, which was good enough for me. I told him that I was glad to be taking Monday off, and hoped that it would mean spending the day entirely with both him and James, and he in return simply smiled. When we approached the driveway I sighed.

“I just love turning into this driveway and seeing our home. I thought I would get used to it, but every time it gets me right here!” I said as I gestured toward my heart.

“I know the feeling, Katharina, and I have had many a year with that same feeling!” George confirmed.

We hopped out of the car, me with my flowers and George with my bag, and we walked up the stairs whilst talking about how we would all be able to dance the night away on Saturday. I entered the front door but did not expect to see what was waiting for me. I stood motionless, flowers in hand, which were then lowered toward the floor in my absolute amazement. Every table and doorway in the hallway was filled with displays of beautiful fresh flowers, all in cream and white and green. The fresh freesias were a heavenly scent and I swallowed hard as James then asked:

“Welcome home, Katharina, I hope that you do not mind but both George and I wanted to contribute to your party; we thought this was a perfect way of doing so.” I turned and looked at George.

“You both did all of this, for me?” I asked, feeling like the most important person in the world.

“Only the best for the ones that we love!” He winked at me.

“I don't know what to say!” I replied as I turned and took the sight of them in. Then I realised that George had been busy arranging decorations too! “And you have also arranged the decorations!” I remarked.

“Show her the ballroom, George!” James then said with excitement.

“There are more?” I asked. George offered his arm to me, so I placed the bouquet he had given me on the only remaining space on the table and walked with him. He rubbed my hand that was linked with his arm in a very fatherly way and I could feel myself welling up.

When we arrived at the ballroom, he pushed the doors wide open, which was the best thing to do as the impact was stunning. There were stands of more flowers all around the dance floor, and on the ornate furniture. It was a vision that even I struggled to take in. I stood with my back to them for a moment, and composed myself, but by now I had tears rolling down my face. This was a gesture that took my breath away and as I stood silently they spoke.

“So you like them? Will they suffice?” James asked hopefully. I turned to them both.

“I am sorry; my silence is not because I wish for something different. I love them, in fact I more than love them, and I cannot believe that you went to all of this trouble for me! How could you think that they would not suffice? They must have cost you a fortune!” I laughed lightly to show them that not only was I happy; I was overwhelmed. George walked across to me and handed me a very neatly folded cotton handkerchief.

“I told you that she would love them, they are from her favourite florists!” George replied as he placed an arm around me. “We were not expecting tears though!” he then laughed. I smiled as I dabbed my eyes.

“Thank you, both of you; you are making my birthday an enormously special occasion!”

“No amount of money, or the time to organise anything for you, Katharina, is the making of any trouble; we simply want you to be happy – you deserve to be happy!” James then stated as he smiled at me.

“Well, I am so happy at this moment that I feel like I may burst; I am completely overwhelmed!” I replied. I turned to George and gave him the biggest hug, and he simply rubbed my back in reassurance.

“Shall we have dinner?” he then asked.

“May I change first? Do I have time?” I asked, wanting to put on something a little nicer than my work dress.

“Of course, shall we see you in the dining room in say fifteen minutes?” George asked.

“That would be perfect!” I smiled as he gestured for me to leave the ballroom. I turned once more, took in the whole room and then turned to James and gave him the biggest smile before walking out.

I decided that as they had gone to so much trouble for me, I should wear something to dinner instead of my usual jeans. I walked into my bedroom to find more flowers in my room and I gasped, wondering how many more displays I was likely to find around the house. I refreshed myself, sorted out my now slightly smudged make up and decided to put on a little cocktail dress. It was a beautiful shade of purple and probably a little over-dressed for dinner at home – but this was no ordinary home! I felt really nice and smart and I was glad to make the effort. I slightly curled my hair and left it cascading to my shoulders and then decided that heels were in order, but nothing too high.

When I neared the dining room I could hear James and George talking; they were trying to organise what was happening tomorrow and when, and were making sure that in and amongst this entire organisation of my party, I was to have time to myself. I smiled, knowing that it would happen anyway; both Claire and I had arranged to have our hair and makeup done in the afternoon. I knew once Claire arrived at 10am it would be all go, go, go!

I tentatively walked into the dining room and gave them both a warm smile as they looked across at me. The table had been prepared with the best silverware and crystal glasses and as I walked further into the room, George put down the wine that he was serving and walked toward me.

“Katharina, you look lovely! Does she not, James?” he then prompted him.

“Indeed, you surely are a vision tonight Katharina!” he replied. I felt myself blush.

“Thank you! You have gone to so much effort for me, it seemed only fair that I reciprocate!” I remarked lightly.

George walked me to my chair and as I sat down he pushed the chair gently in, then laid a crisp napkin across my lap. The starter was already on the table; it was a medley of king prawns with a glaze drizzled across them, and a heavenly-looking mousse of some description alongside. My mouth started watering!

“George, have you been working hard in the kitchen all day again?” I asked him.

“Not today!” he simply replied. I looked at him inquisitively, just as a chef appeared in the dining room, which surprised me a little.

“Good evening, I hope that you enjoy your starters; you have king prawns in a lemon and coriander glaze and a prawn and lobster mousse with a champagne sauce. Please enjoy,” he simply said and then he departed the room. I shook my head in disbelief.

“Did that just happen or did I imagine it?” I remarked, gesturing to the door.

“No trickery! I told George that he too should have a weekend off cooking, and insisted that he find a chef for the evening!” James remarked.

I looked around and noted that there were three places set at the table, with a starter on each. Then I looked back at James.

“How did you get around the third person, so that you can eat?” I asked.

“Ah, well – we simply stated that you had hoped a friend would be joining us and that even though we were not sure of their company he should still serve each course in case they do arrive! We have had many years of practice!” George replied.

“I can see that!” I concluded as I lifted my knife and fork. “Shall we?” I asked them.

“Indeed,
bon appetit
!” George joked, looking smug that he had the chance to sit and enjoy dinner for a change, with no part to play in the cooking element. I chuckled at his reply and repeated his remark.

“
Bon appetit
, and thank you so very much. You are making my birthday more meaningful as the evening progresses!” I concluded before excitedly placing the first forkful into my mouth.

“Our pleasure!” James simply stated. After that there was silence for a couple of minutes; the food was heaven itself and there was no time to converse!

The starter was followed by a delicious fillet of sea bass with a roasted red pepper sauce, along with asparagus and potatoes that were creamed to perfection. George must have taken note in our previous discussions about how much I loved fish; he was not the best at cooking it, and I liked to order it when I dined out. We had the time to talk, laugh and discuss tomorrow evening in some detail. They asked me what my plans were for the day and as we discussed the finer points of tomorrow evening, I felt very excited and nervous at the same time. George and I were laughing about the fact that he and James had decided upon a more modern dinner jacket for tomorrow evening. James did not seem too enamoured about the fact that it was not his usual dress, but it seemed that George had persuaded him to wear it, with the knowledge that if everything went to plan, he would be joining us at some point during the evening. We definitely needed him to fit in in that case! My heart skipped a beat at the thought; he already looked exceptionally handsome tonight in his modern suit, which he had removed the jacket of, but he had a waistcoat over his shirt that made him look deliciously admirable. The chef appeared again.

“May I serve dessert now?” he asked. He had already cleared the plates and we had applauded his food.

“Please do so!” George replied. He nodded in response, disappeared briefly and then returned.

“Warm chocolate fondant with white chocolate ice cream,” he simply said as he placed my portion in front of me and I inhaled the warm scent of melted chocolate. “May I take this opportunity to wish you a happy birthday?” he then asked.

“Thank you, and may I thank you for a truly delicious meal. I cannot fault one aspect of it!” I replied. He nodded again in acceptance and then simply said:

“Please enjoy!”

“I really think that the dress I bought may not fit too well tomorrow night after I have eaten this!” I joked.

“Nonsense; the overall excitement during the day will have burnt this little pudding away by tomorrow evening!” George laughed.

“I really don't care actually – gosh it smells delicious!” I replied, picking up my spoon.

“It does indeed!” James agreed.

“You have picked the menu well, George – picking everything that I love!” I smiled at him. I raised my glass. “Thank you both for a lovely evening!”

“Thank you for being here!” George then said as he winked at me and raised his glass. We chinked them once and then turned to James and raised our glasses to him. He in return smiled and calmly said:

“Yes, thank you for being here. I cannot imagine Northfield without you now!” His reply was honest and sincere and as I took a sip from my glass, I had the feeling that things were going to be just fine!

I felt spoilt rotten, and the evening passed more quickly than I realised – probably because George was able to spend the whole time with me. When the clock chimed ten o'clock, the chef reappeared, explaining that there was coffee and brandy served in the drawing room, as George had requested. George asked me to excuse him a moment; it was apparent that the chef was ready to leave now. I thanked him again for such delicious food and then they disappeared back toward the main hall. I took a deep breath, feeling so contently full, and then reached for my glass.

“That has been one of the most enjoyable dinner parties that I have been to for such a very long time!” James then commented.