History Repeats
"Can I talk you a moment, sir, about something rather personal?"
"Of course, George. What is it?"
"Maybe here at the station house is not the best place."
"Where would you like to go?"
"Perhaps we could take a walk."
"Alright, George. I believe the constabulary can spare us for a while."
The two men left the station and proceeded down the street toward the park. George was not speaking and Murdoch thought it best to let him initiate the conversation. Finally they reached the park and George sat on a bench. William sat beside him.
"This is very hard for me, sir, but I seem to be having trouble in my personal relations."
William raised an eyebrow, "Go on, George."
"Well sir," he stammered. William nodded encouragement. "As you know, Dr. Grace and I have been...courting for some time now. It was you who encouraged me to invite her to the New Year's Ball if you remember."
"I remember, George."
"Well...there seems to be another suitor for her attentions now and I don't know what to do."
"And you think since I've been so successful in my love life that I can help you," said Murdoch with sarcasm, yet smiling warmly.
"Yes I do. In a way my predicament is similar to yours."
"Oh! How so?"
"The suitor is Leslie Garland. You have had some experience with this family."
William blew out a big breath, "I see."
"What is it about these Garlands that attracts women?"
William laughed gently. "I don't know if I'm really the best person to ask, George. As you are aware I pretty much botched that whole encounter."
"But, sir. You did win out eventually."
"Yes, but...it wasn't easy. I suppose I should have been a little more forthcoming with my feelings. That would have spared both Julia and me a lot of heartache. So I guess what I'm saying is this George. Tell Emily exactly how you feel. I never really did that and look what happened. Are you prepared to make such a commitment?"
"I think I am. I know I've never felt about another woman as I do about Emily."
"Well there you go, George. If she really cares for you in return this will surely show it."
"But what if she doesn't feel the same?"
"That was my mistake, George. Hesitancy. Don't you think it's best to find out once and for all rather than spend the rest of your life saying 'what if'?"
"Alright sir."
"Of course George, all this is speculation on my part. I'm not really very good at expressing my feelings."
"But I think you are getting better, sir."
Murdoch laughed. "You do, do you?" George smiled.
"I'll talk to Emily tonight."
"George, you'll be just fine."