Subj: Together We Stand--sequel 3
Date: 7/10/00 1:26:49 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Julianka
That evening after dinner, Elizabeth, Eliot, Roger and Julia were having coffee in the drawing room. (Carolyn, Quentin and Maggie had went to town to meet Joe at the Blue Whale.) The conversation centered on Venice. Mrs. Johnson came in and said to Julia, that she had a phone call. Julia took the call on the phone in the foyer. After hanging up, she turned to reenter the drawing room. Julia noticed that Roger had followed her into the foyer.
Roger spoke, "Julia, South Pacific is starting their out-of-town run in Bangor of all places. I have been following the reviews in the New York Times. Would you accompany me to a performance?"
"Yes Roger, it sounds delightful! I have been reading about it also. I adore musicals," Julia accepted.
"Would Friday evening be alright? We could even have dinner before the show," Roger beamed happily.
"That would be delightful! Shall we join Elizabeth and Eliot now?" said Julia taking Roger's arm.
"If you insist my dear," said Roger with a smile.
Just after they returned to the drawing room, a knock came at the front door. "I'll go," Roger said.
Opening the door, Roger saw Barnabas.
"Come in Barnabas. You don't always have to be so formal and knock. Everyone is in the drawing room. Won't you join us?"
Back in the drawing room, Roger said, "I think that I am ready for a brandy. Anyone else?"
"I would like a sherry if you wouldn't mind Roger," Julia answered.
"Nothing for me," stated Barnabas, who was examining the photos.
Elizabeth said, "Bring the tray over here to the coffee table Roger. I will have Mrs. Johnson bring some cheese and crackers."
When Elizabeth returned, Mrs. Johnson entered carrying a large tray containing three cheeses, fruit, crackers, napkins, and small plates for the snacks. The evening took on a more relaxed note. Julia found herself glancing Roger's way more and more often. Happily noting that he was usually gazing her way with a secret smile on his face. These glances were not lost on Elizabeth.
Elizabeth announced, "Eliot and I have decided to reopen the East Wing. There is a large room that would perfectly suit for Eliot's private library/study. Also we could also have the large bedroom facing the sea. It has it's own balcony, large bath, and two dressing rooms." She continued, "Barnabas, Eliot and I wanted you to advise us on the remodeling. After all, you did a splendid job with the Old House. Would you like to go and check the rooms with us now?"
"Of course Elizabeth," Barnabas answered. "Joining us Julia? Roger?"
"I think that I will finish my sherry first Barnabas," Julia answered.
"Count me out, I'll look in later," said Roger.
Elizabeth, Eliot, and Barnabas left to inspect the East Wing.
"Say Julia, the night air felt so refreshing when I let Barnabas in. Would you care to take a walk with me?" Roger inquired.
"That sounds nice Roger," Julia replied.
At the front doors Roger put on his coat. Taking Julia's coat he said, "Allow me dear."
Julia happily acquiesced. The path Roger chose was totally opposite to the one which leads to the Old House. "I haven't come this way before Roger, where does it end up?"
"There is a large pond at the end of this path. As a child, I fished there. What kind of child were you Julia?"
"Much as I am now. I always knew that I wanted to be a doctor. I read my father's medical books insted of fairy tales. Being an only child, I recieved a lot of attention. Cooking and gardening with Mother, studying and golf with Dad."
"You golf Julia?"
"Not for years."
"Come golfing with me on Saturday, and after we'll have lunch, and maybe take in a movie."
"Roger, dinner and a play on Friday, golf, lunch, and a movie on Saturday, won't you get tired of me with all of these activites."
Moving closer, he looked deeply into her eyes. "I could never get enough of your company Julia." Slowly he began to draw her into his arms. Julia stepped back. "Roger, I don't know if I am ready for this. I . . . I . . ."
Roger didn't move away. "Shhhhhhhh . . . Julia, it's all right dear, I won't rush you."
Taking her into his arms, he tentatively began to kiss her. Julia melted into his arms. Her knees felt weak. "Oh Roger, you take my breath."
"If you let me I'll take more than that!" said Roger feeling bold. Holding her tightly in his arms, Roger rested his cheek against her hair. Breathing in her perfume he said, "I love you Julia. I know that you have feelings for Barnabas, but do you think that you could come to care for me?"
Pulling back and looking into his eyes, Julia hesitated. Finally she said, "I need time Roger. Let us get to know each other better first. But Roger, I must say that I have seen a whole new side of you this evening, and I am very happy with what I have seen."
Kissing her deeply again, he whispered into her ear, "We'd better get back before I have to jump into the lake!"
Laughing, hand in hand they walked back to Collinwood.
To be Continued . . .