Georgia had skipped breakfast and gone right to work that morning, avoiding everyone she didn't want to see, but at lunch her stomach won the battle as she started towards the dining room. Sylvia always put on a good spread at lunch.
The room was full when she entered it. Ewan and Reggie were at one end of the dining table, papers spread out across the dark polished surface, deep in discussion. Carrie was doing something on a laptop to Ewan's left and Sylvia, Isobel, Diana, and Renee were all at the other end of the table eating.
They all looked up at her as she entered. The ladies only paid her a passing glance but Ewan and Reggie both looked at her for longer than a moment, Reggie with a smile and Ewan with no emotion. She noticed he was wearing his glasses which he did only when he would be working for awhile. So much for him paying a brief visit.
Lunch was a spread of chicken, shrimp, and ham salads with croissants and assorted sides. Georgia picked the shrimp and fruit then sat at the only seat left at the table which was across from Carrie.
Taking her time getting settled, she looked at Carrie closely and she looked close to tears. She knew that Ewan and his sharp tongue was most likely the cause of it but she refused to look at him.
The ladies were all talking about clothes and vacation spots, a conversation which held little appeal for her, so there was no option of distraction there. Unable to help herself she listened to Ewan's deep voice as he talked with Reggie.
She let it wash over her, doing her best to choke down her food.
Carrie rose and moved towards Ewan and Georgia noted how her hands trembled as she spoke softly about something that ended with Ewan telling her to print the document that was on the laptop in front of them.
"What do you mean you don't know how?" His voice was slow as if he was talking to a child. Most people would show their frustration by taking off their glasses or rubbing their face but not Ewan. He would use words as usual.
She watched as Carrie swallowed hard and looked as a deer would if caught in someone's headlights. She cleared her throat. "I'm not familiar with how to do that-"
"Is this not what you do for a living? Are you really so incompetent?" He wasn't yelling. Ewan didn't yell.
Everyone in the room froze at his words except Georgia, she kept right on eating as if nothing was happening praying that Ewan got over his temper sooner rather than later. Ewan was generally not as impatient as he currently was which meant that there must be something serious going on for him to be so short.
"Why does my sister pay you?" Ewan waited for a reply. It was not a rhetorical question as one might think. He really wanted an answer.
All heads turned to look at Diana but Georgia knew that she would be no help as she watched Carrie flounder, tears building in her eyes.
Unable to take the tension any longer Georgia rose and moved around the side of the table putting her hands on Carrie's shoulders and moving her aside with a gentle motion. Aware of Ewan's closeness and knowing he couldn't get up and move away from her, a little devil made her stay close next to him as she knelt down to see the computer better.
Her arm brushed his thigh as she turned the computer towards her and she could feel the heat and tension radiating off of him. If she turned her head to look up at him she would be lost so she focused on the job in front of her.
She minimized a few programs, opened a few new ones, clicked on a few commands and then turned the laptop back towards Ewan. Rising, she left the dining room, which was in complete silence, crossed the hall to Sylvia's office, and returned with the printout a few moments later, handing it to Ewan.
"Never admit to not knowing, say it will be a moment then leave and find someone who can help you," Georgia said softly before sitting down at her seat to resume eating. Not that she was hungry. Being that close to Ewan, even if it was just for a moment, had been harder than she had anticipated.
Aware that there was a still silence around her, she looked up and saw that everyone was looking from her to Ewan, waiting for what would happen next. Georgia finally allowed herself to look at Ewan who was watching her.
"Leave it to Georgia to solve a problem." Trying to lighten the atmosphere in the room Reggie grinned as if he was personally responsible for her abilities to problem solve.
"Ms. Dawson has always had a soft spot for the underdog," Ewan said, leaning back in his chair. He had dropped his little bomb, now he was going to lean back and see how she handled it. One thing she knew was the Ewan had a reason for everything he did and he most likely had one now. If Georgia had to guess it was something to do with Diana.
"I wouldn't call Carrie and underdog." Georgia looked at Carrie and smiled her best cheerful smile. "It's hard to remain calm and in control with so much disapproval being thrown ones way."
"Yet you managed," Ewan said, enjoying their verbal sparring.
"Well, I've had practice and as much as I hate to say this, for fear that Carrie will run screaming from the room, I've been dealt much worse from you Mr. Mailler." It was a low blow and she regretted it as soon as she said it. She tried to justify it by telling herself that he had thrown her off balance by bringing the past into the present.
He kept his face impassive, but Georgia aware of his every move, noted the tightening of his hand on his pen.
"So forgiven but not forgotten?" He raised his eyebrow seemingly unconcerned.
Georgia who had no comeback to that just sat there her eyes locked with his. A multitude of memories suddenly engulfing her. Was he remembering them as well?
"Georgia is one of the few people who Ewan cannot intimidate," Diana said, trying to ease the situation much as Reggie had earlier.
Georgia barely heard her as her mind fell onto that first weekend in Dublin and how all of their walls had fallen down when it was just the two of them. The walls were now firmly back in place.
She stood up abruptly, needing to be anywhere but where she was. The last thing she needed was to break down in front of everyone. "Excuse me," she said as she stood pushing her chair back so quickly that it almost fell backwards. She was halfway across the foyer when Reggie caught up with her grabbing her arm and dragging her into Sylvia's office. "What the hell was that?"
Georgia jerked her arm away and moved behind Sylvia's desk using it as a shield. Her best bet was to down play the whole thing. If she didn't make a big deal about it then no one else would.
"The family that I worked for before your aunt was the Maillers."
Reggie looked lost.
"Remember the one that I said required me to sign a non-disclosure contract. I worked as Diana's Personal Assistant for five years and that also meant working for Ewan." She grabbed some of the files that were on the credenza behind the desk and started to organize them.
He watched her as she sorted.
"Why did you leave?"
Georgia's hands stilled as she debated how much to tell him.
"You're the one?" His stance changed. Gone was the joking Reggie that she had known. Now he was the serious businessman she had only glimpsed a few times.
"I'm not sure I know what you mean." It took everything Georgia had to meet his eyes and not back down. She noted the arrival of Sylvia behind Reggie but Reggie was unaware of her presence.
"Diana told me a story about a secretary that lost control and attacked Ewan at a party in front of all of their friends. She said that it was sudden and unexpected and she had had to fire the woman." Reggie looked at her with something close to disgust. "That was you, wasn't it?"
"Yes." What could she say? If she defended herself it would hurt Ewan and that she would never do, even for the sake of herself.
"He's the one that you were talking about on the beach."
"Yes." Georgia held his gaze, hers steady and unwavering. "I can't begin to imagine how uncomfortable Ewan and Diana are right now. I'll have to talk to Grandmother. You'll have to leave."
Georgia looked past him towards his Grandmother. "If that's what she wants, I'll go."
Sylvia had a friendly smile as she entered the room. "That won't be necessary my dear. Ewan has asked if I would mind loaning you to him for the rest of the day. It seems Carrie is not up to the task. I can't say that I blame her with all of the glowering he does."
Ewan entered the office at that moment. How much of the conversation he had heard was a mystery. "Ms. Dawson when you and Sylvia are finished I'll need your help."
Georgia's heart stopped as usual at the unexpected sight of him.
"My dear, what happened to you? You were such a happy child," Sylvia asked placing her hand on his arm not in the least concerned that he had possibly heard her last comment.
Georgia closed her eyes as she tried to picture Ewan as a child. That he was happy didn't shock her. She had come to know his personal side; he was humorous, laid back, agreeable, gentle and very generous. Not able to grasp the image she gave up and opened her eyes to see everyone watching her.
Could she spend an afternoon with him? More importantly could she really pass up the chance? Knowing she couldn't, she cleared her throat. "If I can help, I'll be happy to."
"I bet you will," Reggie said, turning on his heel and leaving the office abruptly.
"Ewan why don't you move in here, that way you and Georgia won't be disturbed."
Ewan nodded and left, Georgia guessed it was to gather his stuff.
"Are you sure I-,"
"My dear, unlike the young ones present I know that things are often not what they appear to be. I respect both you and Ewan's privacy." She reached out and placed her hand on Georgia's cheek. "I'm off to spend the evening in the city with an old friend. Don't let Ewan work you to hard."
Sylvia had no sooner left than Carrie came rushing in looking over her shoulder, she stopped short when she saw her as if she was caught off guard.
"You're the one?" she whispered.
Had everyone heard her and Reggie's conversation?
"What do you need Carrie?" Georgia started to clear the desk off for Ewan while looking forward to and dreading an afternoon in his presence.
"I wanted to thank you for earlier." She blushed a little. "Diana was absolutely no help."
Georgia sighed. Was no one loyal to their employer anymore? Here was this girl talking bad about Diana, to her, a woman who had left in disgrace no less and she had only just met her.
Georgia just shook her head and waited for her to say her peace.
"About Mr. Mailler, I get it. I really do. He is so handsome and one's thoughts do tend to wander in that direction." She looked over her shoulder again. "What was it like to kiss him? I heard he kissed you back."
Georgia had to work to keep the shock off her face at the girl's impertinence. She swallowed a sharp retort and smiled, not caring that it was insincere. Not that Carrie picked up on the insincerity.
"You're welcome. I was glad to help," was all she said as she continued to make room for Ewan.
"Yes, Ms. Dawson what was it like to kiss me?" Ewan asked as he entered the room walking past Carrie and placing his things on the desk.
Carrie turned bright red, mumbled something, and left the room quickly.
"Please close the door behind you," Ewan called looking at Georgia. They heard the footsteps come back and Georgia watched as Carrie closed the door without looking at either of them.
Georgia couldn't help but smile as she shook her head, moving around the desk to give Ewan room. "Still don't worry about what others think Ewan?"
"Only what they think about you Georgia."
Georgia's heart stopped. "Funny, I only worry about what they think about you." She turned away from him as the tears threatened.
She felt his hands on his shoulders. "I still don't know why you continue to take the blame for a simple kiss. You should have let me explain things then. I suffer from PTSD but so do a lot of people."
"No, Ewan. I don't mind the blame and I don't want to talk about it anymore."
"Well then, tell me what can I do to make it easier on you?"
Georgia smiled. "Write me a reference. When I leave here I'll need one. Sylvia's will help but Reggie is pretty peeved so who knows."
He turned her to face him then shook his head. "No, I won't ask."
She didn't know what he was going to ask but she was glad he wasn't, of that she was sure.
He traced her face with his hand. "I've missed you too. I had to come and see you last night but once I was there, with you in the cottage...it was harder than I thought it would be."
Their eyes meet and all of the walls came tumbling down again.
"Ewan, about what I said in the dining room-,"
He smiled his wonderful rare smile. "It's forgiven and forgotten." He stressed the forgotten and she laughed a little.
"I am a woman after all and we don't forget anything."
He rested his head against hers. "God, I hope not." They stood like that for a few minutes than he broke away putting the conversation behind them and becoming all business. "Let's work, shall we?"
The rest of the afternoon and into the early evening was spent putting a merger together between one of his companies and Reggie's. After a few hours Reggie had joined them. At first he had seemed wary but when he realized that Ewan was all business, not afraid to mention the most classified of information in front of her, and Georgia was actually a help and not a hindrance, he relaxed and a deal was made.
It had to be approved by both of their company's Board of Directors, but Ewan and Reggie were happy with it and that was more than half the battle.
When they were done Ewan stood up all business, packing up his briefcase and putting on his jacket. He was leaving.
"Do you really have to go?" Reggie asked. "Stay for dinner, we can break out some champagne and celebrate."
"No, I have to be in London early."
"Look if it's Georgia..." he said softly, turning his back towards her. Georgia looked at Ewan and rolled her eyes with a smile.
"Why would it be Ms. Dawson?" He stilled daring Reggie to say something his eyebrow quirked in his haughty way.
Reggie had the grace to look uncomfortable. "I just thought that maybe-,"
"Maybe? If I had a problem with Ms. Dawson I wouldn't have had her working alongside us today, would I?"
"No," Reggie said, flushing.
Ewan gave him one long look then turned to Georgia. "Ms. Dawson, you'll have your reference shortly." He nodded to both of them and then was gone, taking Georgia's heart with him once more. The room seemed empty without him. Just like her life.
"Reference, what did he mean?" Reggie asked looking at her suspiciously.
"He asked if there was anything he could do to help me since there seemed to be a nasty rumor about my attacking him making the rounds, I believe that was the word you used, I told him that a reference would be nice to have, and he agreed."
Georgia started to tidy up the room.
"You agreed that you did attack him earlier?" Reggie said as he fell in a chair looking confused.
"Sometimes it's easier to agree then not."
"So you didn't kiss him?"
"No, I kissed him but I didn't attack him, and there was a very good reason for my kissing him." Georgia moved around the room turning the lamp on and closing the curtains in case Sylvia came back that evening.
"What was the reason?" Reggie asked.
"Non-disclosure remember." She picked up her purse and gave Reggie a smile that would melt butter.
"But you are in love with him?" Reggie grabbed her arm stopping her from leaving.
Georgia gave a sad smile. "Very much."
"And he doesn't know?"
"No, what would be the point. He doesn't love me and besides, even if he did, he would have to marry someone in his circle. I wouldn't do would I?"
Georgia heard a noise at the door and looked up to see Ewan standing there watching them. How much had he heard? Her face paled and her heart stopped.
Ewan looked...Georgia swallowed hard and backed away from Reggie coming up hard against the desk. "Did you forget something?" He was livid it was easy to see. When Reggie sat up and looked behind him she heard him swallow hard as well at the look on Ewan's face.
"Ewan look, I didn't mean..." he trailed off not quite sure what he didn't mean to do.
"Would you leave us please?"
Ewan's eyes were glued to Georgia. He didn't even spare Reggie a glance.
Reggie looked from one to the other, unsure of what to do. It was obvious he was nervous for Georgia.
"Leave!" Ewan demanded.
"It's fine Reggie. Mr. Mailler won't hurt me."
Ewan had gone into quiet mode his gaze never leaving Georgia's
Reggie left the room quietly, closing the door behind him.
They stared at each other silently. The fact that he was angry was evident and Georgia crossed her arms defensively. "I'm sorry." She said.
"Why are you sorry Georgia?" His voice was husky and shook just a little.
Georgia felt the tears start. "I'm sorry Ewan, I didn't mean to fall in love with you. It just happened." She watched as he closed his eyes as if he was in pain.
"When did it happen?" he asked through clenched teeth? His golden stare was making her uncomfortable.
"I'm not sure. Somewhere along the way. It started as attraction almost the very first moment I met you. Do you remember?" Georgia pushed away from the desk and turned to fiddle with a paper weight.
"Yes." It was terse as if the word was ripped from him.
"You leaned in to pick up you briefcase and...I have never been so aware of anyone as much as I was of you at that moment." Well she was truly in it now she might as well keep going and bare her soul. Didn't people say that it was cathartic? "I watched you button you coat and wondered what your fingers would feel like touching me."
She felt him behind her, so close but not touching her. She felt his breath on her neck.
"You made a joke to those men at the bar in Dublin. Do you remember?"
He cleared his throat. "Yes."
"All you had to do was kiss me." She suddenly turned and looked up into his face which was so close. "I have dreamed of you every night since the first time I met you."
Ewan grabbed her face and kissed her hard and her world stopped. Her hands ended up in his hair as his hands lifted her towards him.
"No." He wrenched himself away from her. "Tell me what you talked about with Reggie on the beach?"
"You heard that uh?" Georgia reached up tracing the lines in his face; her heart soaring because she could touch him. "I told him that after my husband had died it took me a while to love again but I eventually did, and as long as we both lived I would never love another. He asked why I wasn't with you and I told him you didn't want me."
As soon as the words were out he pulled her to him. "Not want you. You're all that I want. I have loved you since that night in Dublin when you laughed at my threats. Do you remember that night?"
Georgia swallowed hard and nodded. "Every second."
"I thought you were still in love with your husband that's why I've never said anything. I thought you would get spooked and run."
He loved her. Georgia's heart soared
"Why could you tell Reggie and not me?" He shook her a little.
"Because you had made it clear from the start that it could never be more, and I didn't want you to end it, and when I left...I don't know, there seemed no point since you and Isobel were getting on so well."
"Isobel...is convenient. That's all." He ran his hands up her back causing her to arch into him.
Suddenly, Georgia remembered who he was and broke away. "She would suit you." Cold she hugged her arms close.
"You will suit me just fine Georgia." He reached for her.
Not trusting herself. She put a chair between them. "It's all well and good that we love each other, but you'll need to marry eventually and we both know I won't do."
"Yes you bloody will!" He roared
"No! I! Wont!" She roared back.
They stared at each other, breathing hard. Ewan's eyes dropped to her lips.
"I am reminded at every turn that I will not do. It's fine now, but eventually, when your sense of propriety kicks in, you'll realize that you made a mistake. If you lay down with dogs you get up with fleas, remember"
"I didn't mean it and I won't apologize for it again."
"I know you didn't mean it but it was what was expected of you. You don't date the help and you most certainly don't marry them."
"I could strangle you right now." And by the look on his face she didn't doubt it.
A knock at the door interrupted their stare down.
"I hate to interrupt but Diana is inconsolable and is asking for you Georgia." Sylvia stuck her head around the door, a calm smile on her face as usual.
Thankful for the interruption Georgia started for the door but Ewan grabbed her arm. "This isn't finished."
"Yes, it is Ewan. Please forget this conversation ever happened. I wish it was as easy as our...loving each other..." she choked on the sorrow the words brought her. "I've said it once and it bears repeating. Find yourself a wife that is suitable." She freed herself and moved towards the door completely unaware that Sylvia was watching them. "Knowing you love me will have to be enough."
"Good lord Georgia, you play the martyr well don't you." His voice rose again and Sylvia closed the door quickly behind her, still watching the scene avidly.
Georgia turned towards him suddenly consumed by rage. She loved this man and she knew she couldn't have him. Why was he making it so hard? She walked towards him quickly pushing her finger into his chest.
"I have never played the martyr Ewan. I have protected and defended you because I love you and I will not let you belittle that by calling me a martyr. We would never be accepted in your society. You said that you only care what others think of me. Well, what do you think they well say if we get married? It won't only be hard on you it will be hard on me too, and I don't want us to hate each other in the end."
He looked down at her finger buried in his chest and then back up at her, his eyes cold. Suddenly chilled, and about to cry she turned towards the door. "I'll go see what Diana wants"
She pulled open the door and started down the hall. Neither he nor Sylvia followed.
When she entered the living room it was to find Diana crying and Reggie hugging her.
Well good for them, at least someone was being consoled. She hated everyone and everything at the moment. She wanted Ewan and he wanted her but there was no way it would work in reality. In a matter minutes her dreams had come true and then been destroyed.
"Diana, you wanted to see me?" Georgia asked, not realizing that her face was pale and she looked as if she was going to be sick. The others stared at her in shock, well everyone but Diana.
"Are you alright Georgia?" Reggie asked.
"I'm fine Reggie. I just had a disagreement with Mr. Mailler."
"Oh Georgia!" Diana wailed as she fell into her arms. Reggie looked relieved and if Georgia had been herself she would have laughed at his expression.
"What's wrong Diana?" It seemed as if her life was ending the way she was carrying on with the tears.
"My party is ruined!"
"Your party?" Georgia's voice sounded dead even to her own ears. Her world as she knew it was crumbling around her and Diana was worried about a party.
"It was to be a house party in the country and m-m-my party planner quit!" she erupted into tears again.
Georgia swallowed back a few choice words that had popped into her head. "How upsetting, but you have Carrie I'm sure you'll make do."
Diana hiccuped. "No, I need youuuu," she wailed.
"I'm sorry," she set Diana away from her, "but I have a job."
"I've discussed the matter with Ewan and we agree, it's best if you return to London with Diana to help," Sylvia said from behind her.
"No," Georgia said turning to see Ewan standing behind Sylvia much calmer than he had been before. He looked almost amused.
We'll she was glad he found this all so funny. She headed for the door.
"I told you she wouldn't Reggie," Diana wailed.
"Please Georgia?" Reggie asked, looking at her imploringly.
"There are plenty of other party planners in the sea. Besides it would make everyone uncomfortable if the woman who attacked Mr. Mailler at a party in front of all of his friends was the one in charge of the party." Georgia said in a desperate attempt to get out of it and not caring what it took.
There was complete silence as everyone tried not to look at her.
"No one needs to know that you arranged the party Georgia. It's not like you could attend it anyway," Diana reasoned.
Georgia just looked at Ewan her eyebrow raising. "No, that wouldn't be proper would it?"
The tense silence enveloped the room once more.
"I know, we'll all go and help." Sylvia said.
"Well, we could always stay here longer Diana, and you and Ms. Dawson could plan the party from here," Ewan said, his voice very bland. He wasn't giving up. She wanted to scream the question why at him.
"We could do that, then I wouldn't have to tell Priscilla not to come. You'll like Priscilla, Ewan, that's Georgia's aunt. I don't believe you've meet her." Then just as quickly, she turned to Georgia. "Remember Georgia, I told you I was going to invite her down."
What were they up too? Sylvia and Ewan looked much too calm. It was as if their earlier argument had never happened. As if they had never exchanged words of love.
"Please Georgia. It would be a great help," Carrie begged.
They were all determined to get her to London. It was obvious that it was for different reasons but they were determined, and she didn't doubt that Ewan would stay until she agreed, and if Aunt Priscilla came to visit then the secret would be out and everyone would know. Aunt Priscilla was not one to hold her tongue.
"Fine, let me know when we leave." Georgia was forced to receive the hug that Diana gave her at her less than gracious agreement.
She would go and she would get the party in order then she would leave. That was something she could do again, disappear, and this time she wouldn't come home she would really disappear.
"Don't even think about it," Ewan said softly in her ear as she disengaged herself from Diana's hold and went to brush past him.
Georgia didn't miss the looks that Renee and Isobel shot her at Ewan's close proximity.
"I thought you had to be back in London by tomorrow."
Ewan looked at his watch with a grimace. "So I did, I guess I will have to skip Dublin."
Georgia knew why he said it; to remind her.
"How disappointing." Georgia gave a smile that hid her true thoughts. Thoughts that currently involved bodily harm to one Ewan Mailler.