Subj: Together We Stand-sequel-part 2
Date: 7/10/00 1:25:46 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Julianka
After breakfast the next morning Julia and Elizabeth were lingering over coffee. Julia spoke, "Elizabeth, I feel that now, with this crisis resolved, I should move on with my life. Maybe return to Windcliff."
"Julia," Elizabeth's face reflected shock. "I can't imagine Collinwood without you now. Eliot and I were talking about what our life would be like here at Collinwood. You are an important part of that life. Please Julia,don't make any rash decisions now. Take a little time to think it over."
"I have thought it over. Elizabeth, you are my friend. You know how I feel about Barnabas. I am ashamed to admit I have let this feeling take control of my life. I have behaved like a school girl with a crush. But no more." Julia stated.
"Julia, it seems you have had an epiphany of sorts. Would you listen to some advise from someone who has been where you are?" Elizabeth asked.
Julia replied, "You have been through something like this?"
"Yes dear, I felt like that about Paul. But he took advantage of my crush. He married me for my money. Barnabas would never hurt you like that. But he has used your love to his own advantage, hasn't he?" Elizabeth said as kindly as she could.
"Perhaps he has. I don't think he thinks of it that way." Julia couldn't help defending Barnabas.
"Maybe not consciously, but he takes you for granted." stated Elizabeth.
What do you think I should do, Elizabeth?" queried Julia.
"Well, to start with don't leave Collinwood. I think you shouldn't make any drastic changes now. Look around you Julia. There is someone here who cares for you. He has kept his feelings to himself. But I know him to well to miss the signs." said Elizabeth.
Julia gasped, " Someone here at Collinwood? Who?"
Elizabeth replied, "Why Roger, of course. The first thing he does when he comes in from the cannery is to ask, is Julia in? If your not at dinner, he asks why your not there. When ever you not present he talks about you. About how intellgent you are. What an attractive dress or whatever you had on the last time he saw you. He is always saying, 'I don't know what this family would do without Julia. When you come in the room he lights up!"
Blushing furiously Julia said, "Oh Elizabeth, I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll think about it. Could you be happy with Roger? How do you feel about him? There is a play Roger is dying to see in Bangor. Why don't I mention you were talking about wanting to see it, too?" Elizabeth offered.
"Now before you say anything else, think what would happen. At the least you would have a pleasant evening. I'm not saying you should grab Roger, but give him a chance. I believe he will surprize you!" stated Elizabeth.
At that moment Mrs. Johnson came in. "Mrs. Stokes, there's is a phone call for you. That artist Mr. Barnabas paid to paint you and the Professor's picture."
"Thank-you, Mrs. Johnson. You may clear the table now." ordered Elizabeth.
Leaving the dinning room with Julia, Elizabeth ask, "Julia wait until I'm off the phone, please."
Nodding, Julia went into the drawing room. Elizabeth joined her shortly. When Julia inquired about the call. Elizabeth said, "The artist is named Miranda Duval. And she is new to the area. I invited her to stay at the cottage while she paints our portrait."
Julia's mind was on what she and Elizabeth had spoken of earlier, so the name didn't register with her.
"What do you say Julia?" Elizabeth asked smiling at her friend.
Returning her smile and blushing again Julia replied, "If Roger asks me I will go."
"Good." Elizabeth said "I have the whole day free. Would you like to go shopping and have lunch in town?"
So it was decided.
To be continued....