Chapter Ten

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

Carlisle looked for Esme and the Bishops at church next week, but unfortunately, they didn't attend. He was disappointed (by the fact he couldn't see Esme again and the fact that they didn't hear the church service). Still, they were taking care of a newborn and a small boy. He had heard that was quite exhausting.

In another two weeks, the Bishop family returned to church. Most of the other parishioners admired the new baby. Women talked about how cute…Andrew? The baby was. They asked to hold him and cooed at his hands and feet. Men congratulated Mr. Bishop on having another handsome son and talked about how the law practice would be well – stocked with Bishops in the future.

Meanwhile, Carlisle was much more interested in Esme than the new baby. He watched interact with Samuel. Samuel pouted, complaining that no one was interested in him anymore. Esme promised Samuel she would always be interested in him, and the boy smiled at that. She definitely knew what to say to children.

Carlisle wondered if he could speak with her so easily, again. He took a deep breath. "Hello, Esme."

The smile that appeared on her face made it worth it. "Hello, Carlisle," she replied.

"It's pleasant to see you again," he commented, still a little nervous.

Esme smiled at him again. "It's nice to see you again, too. I know it's been a couple of weeks, but…there's a lot to do. And I have my school work, too."

Carlisle nodded. "Yes, of course." In other words, Esme was too busy for social calls. That was all right. He could be patient.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

About a month and a half later, Carlisle saw Esme at church again. She looked much more rested than she had before. Much happier, as did the rest of her host family. Perhaps now he might ask to call on Esme? Could he, after she had turned him down before? She'd made it clear she'd changed her mind, but still…Furthermore, what did Mr. Bishop think? Did he approve? Carlisle started to approach them a couple of times and then backed away.

Finally, just before they were about to leave, Carlisle stepped up again. "Hello, Esme."

"Hello, Carlisle," she said to him. That wide smile was on her face once more.

"How is school?"

"Well," she replied pleasantly. "How is the hospital?"

Carlisle smiled. "Better now that winter is over. Illness isn't so bad at this time of year.'

"Well, we must be on our way," Mrs. Bishop commented firmly. "Andrew is due for his lunch, after all."

Carlisle's smile faded. "Yes, of course," he replied. Esme and the other Bishops were too busy for him.

But Esme smiled brightly at him. "I'm glad you took time to speak to us today."

Her eagerness made him brave. Before he knew it, Carlisle turned to Mr. Bishop and asked, "Could Miss Platt possibly have a couple of hours off? Or even maybe just an hour…?"

Mr. Bishop nodded and smiled. "I think that could be arranged, Dr. Cullen. What do you think of this afternoon, Esme?"

Esme's mouth dropped open for a second, but then she recovered quickly. "I think I'm not too busy…I mean, I think that would be fine." She smiled even wider than before.

"Then…I would like to call on you Esme," he smiled at her. Then he looked back at Mr. Bishop and said, "I mean, do I have permission to call on Miss Platt?"

Mr. Bishop smiled once again. "Of course. Would two o'clock be sufficient?"

"I believe so," Carlisle replied, trying not to sound too excited.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Carlisle kept his "Sunday best" on after returning home; they were the perfect clothing for calling on someone. Then he ate a sandwich in the kitchen at the boarding house. Finally, he decided he would be able to leave.

He knew where the Bishops lived, after all they had been patients recently. It was on their file. So Carlisle strolled through town until finding the correct townhouse. It was quite nice, he decided. Very proper, complete with beautiful flowers in the windows. He wondered if Esme took care of them as well as the boy. After taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.

Mr. Bishop answered. "Good afternoon, Dr. Cullen," as he opened the door for Carlisle.

"Good afternoon," Carlisle replied, stepping inside, wondering where Esme was.

"Miss Platt is preparing the tea," Mr. Bishop explained.

Indeed, Carlisle heard noises coming from the kitchen. A minute later, Esme walked in the sitting room, carrying a tray of tea. "Hello," she smiled at him again today. Carlisle loved how her smile seemed to get bigger every time he saw her today. She set the tray down on one of the tables. "I hope you like plain tea," she began. "The Bishops have a lot of different flavors but I thought…well, plain might be best, but if you'd rather have something else I could – "

Carlisle gently took Esme's hand to stop her speech. "Do not worry so, Esme. Plain tea is fine."

Esme smiled at him once more, and picked up one of the tea cups. "Sugar is available as well. I like two spoon fills, personally." She proceeded to place the sugar in her tea and mixed.

Carlisle nodded. "I prefer no sugar, actually." He smiled at her and took a sip of tea. "So what have you been studying, Esme?"

Esme told him more about school than she had before. She told him about her art classes where she studied impressionism and realism in painting. She told him how she learned more about shading and depth perception in sketches. Carlisle loved listening to her discuss art. The way her eyes shined when she talked about it made her even more beautiful than she was before.

"What do you do with your time off, Carlisle?" she asked him at one point. "I know you're busy at the hospital, but you must do something when you're not working…"

Carlisle's mind briefly flashed to the time he spent at the saloon. That was not a memory he wanted to discuss. "I read a great deal," he replied instead. This was true. Carlisle did spend a lot of time in his room or in the local library, reading.

Esme brightened at that. "I enjoy reading as well. I like my art classes best, but literature and poetry are great, too."

Carlisle nodded. "Most of the books I read are about science or religion, but I'm familiar with literature and some poetry as well. Perhaps someday we could read something together. I mean, that is if you want…" Carlisle suddenly realized he was being incredibly presumptuous. Just because Esme seemed to be having a good time talking to him today didn't mean she'd want to see him socially again.

Esme smiled as she sipped her tea. "I'd be delighted to see you again, Carlisle."

Carlisle's heart soared when she said that. "Wonderful."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Eventually, Mrs. Bishop came downstairs, complaining the baby and Samuel were crying too much and it was giving her a headache. "Are you finished slacking off yet, Esme? I think it's time you return to your duties."

Esme looked surprised, but she replied, "Yes, of course. Right away ma'am. Goodbye, Carlisle," she added to him as she disappeared upstairs.

Carlisle looked around, feeling a little confused. Had he monopolized too much of Esme's time? Had he been here longer than an hour? It certainly was possible, he admitted. As was typical when Carlisle was talking to Esme, Carlisle didn't notice anything except her. That meant he had kind of forgot she was supposed to return to her duties later today. "I apologize for taking up too much of Miss Platt's time," he told Mrs. Bishop as he stood up. "It won't happen again." If Carlisle was going to call on Esme, he needed to learn to watch his time so she didn't get into trouble.

"Don't worry, Dr. Cullen. It's only been about an hour since you've been here," Mr. Bishop replied firmly.

So what was the problem? As Carlisle left the room, Mrs. Bishop whispered, "You aren't planning on seeing her again, are you? I don't see how she can benefit from these pity - calls. She may be in that fancy school, but she's still a common farm girl, after all."

Carlisle didn't answer her as he left. At least Mrs. Bishop explained why she acted that way. He thought his relationship with Esme was nothing but "pity." That was ridiculous! Carlisle would rather spend time with Esme than any of the nurses or other professional women the professional class. As long as Esme wanted to see him again, he would continue to see her.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

The next day after work, Carlisle decided it would be a good idea to write to Mr. Platt about formally courting Esme. He was her father, after all. It was more proper to ask him than Mr. Bishop. Besides, if Mrs. Bishop was one of those people who thought it was inappropriate for a doctor to spend time with "the common class," would her husband eventually agree? It might be best to see what Esme's real father thought of their relationship.

Dear Mr. Platt,

My name is Carlisle Cullen. I'm the doctor that treated you're daughters' broken leg about two years ago. I've gotten to know her better since she came to Columbus and I'd like to start courting….

Carlisle crumpled up the letter and through it in the waste bucket.

Dear Mr. Platt,

I've recently gotten to know you daughter and find her intriguing. I would really enjoy a chance to court her if you would agree…

Carlisle through that letter away as well.

Dear Mr. Platt,

My name is Carlisle Cullen. I often speak to your daughter in church and enjoy our conversations. I would really like to see socially more often, if it is acceptable to you for me to court her.

Carlisle crumpled up that letter as well.

Dear Mr. Platt,

I am Dr. Carlisle Cullen. We have met previously when I treated your daughter's broken leg. You seemed to find me a reasonable man at that time. I do hope you think this request is reasonable as well. I have been better acquainted with your daughter since she came to Columbus, as I often see her in church. I would love to be able to see her socially on a regular basis, if courting her would be acceptable to you.

Sincerely,

Carlisle Cullen

There. It wasn't perfect, but it was probably better than the others. Carlisle would mail it in the morning.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOO

Carlisle called on Esme again, a couple of Sundays later. Esme was happy to see him, as usual. Carlisle even mentioned he had written to and received a letter from her father about courting her officially. Carlisle was courting her. Her. Little Esme Platt, the farm girl. Sometimes that was still hard to believe.

Still, Carlisle's company was so enjoyable she didn't think about it much when she was with him. That Sunday, he brought poetry by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which included The Song of Hiawatha. Esme and Carlisle took turns reading it to each other.

OOOOOOOOOO

A few weeks, later Esme was preparing to finish school. She had two final tests on etiquette and literature and a final art project. In between studying, she was still responsible for Samuel and occasionally Andrew as well. Mrs. Bishop also asked her to do many chores. Esme was so busy, she could barely keep her head on straight. It didn't leave very much time for Carlisle, but fortunately, he understood. "The hospital will become busy too, sometimes," he told her after she apologized for not having much time.

One evening, as Esme reviewed some of her etiquette notes and watched Samuel at the same time, there was a knock at the Bishops' door. Mr. Bishop answered it. "Yes? Can we help you, young man?"

"I'd be interested in taking Miss Platt to the Spring Ball at her school for graduation, if it is agreeable to you, Mr. Bishop," replied a familiar voice.

The Spring Ball. With all Esme's worry about her tests and project (not to mention her duties at the Bishops'), she had completely forgotten about it. Still, she had hoped to go with Carlisle, of course. And since Carlisle was "officially courting her" now, she really shouldn't be attending functions with other men, right?

Mr. Bishop seemed to agree with Esme. "I'm sure Miss Platt appreciates the invite, but she's being courted by someone else right now."

"I see," the man replied, sounding like he didn't believe that. Esme suddenly remembered where she'd heard his voice before. This was that annoying young man that wouldn't take 'no' for answer. Charles…something. She sighed.

"Well, if Miss Platt changes her mind about the man who is courting her, please let her know I'm available. The name's Charles Evenson." With that, Charles was gone.

"Esme, why haven't you started dinner yet?" Mrs. Bishop called as she came down the stairs. "I see you're spending too much time thinking about young rich men again." She shook her head. "You may catch their eye for a little while, Esme, but you can't fit in this world. Not Really. Dr. Cullen will realize that sooner or later, and so will that other young man. They think you're interesting because you're different and they pity you. That's it.'

Esme told herself to ignore Mrs. Bishop as she walked off to the kitchen.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Esme's school was almost finished. She would be moving back home soon. Back to her siblings and the horses, which she was looking forward to. And Father as well. Of course, it also meant seeing her mother as well. Esme sighed. Would she and her mother continue to disagree over everything? And what about Carlisle? Would he still be interested in her if she was living on the farm again?

"So your studies are almost complete, is that correct?" Carlisle asked her after church that Sunday.

"Yes," Esme nodded, smiling at him.

"You did well, I assume?"

Esme shrugged. "Fine, I think."

"Is there anything you would like to do together, now?" Carlisle smiled at her. She loved that smile.

Esme smiled as she thought of the Spring Ball. "Well, there is…dance at my school. To celebrate the end of the year. I thought it would be nice if…." She tried to make it clear what she wanted without asking directly. It wasn't proper for a woman to ask a man to an event, after all.

Carlisle, meanwhile, looked uncomfortable as soon as Esme said the word "dance." "Well, I think we…might be able to do that." It was one of the only times she'd ever seen Carlisle flustered.

Esme looked at the floor. Of course, Carlisle wouldn't want to go to a dance with her. Not with a whole group of people there, too. Mrs. Bishop was right. Carlisle was only courting her because she was different and he pitied her. "It's fine, Carlisle," she told him firmly, trying not to let it bother her. "I understand why you wouldn't want to do that. Don't feel obligated."

Carlisle's face went from flustered to confused almost immediately. "Why would I feel obligated, Esme? I enjoy spending time with you immensely. It's true I'm not that comfortable with…dancing, but the reason has nothing to do with you."

It was Esme's turn to be confused. "It's not because…you would be ashamed to be with me in public?"

"Of course not! Why would you think that?"

"Some people mentioned that to me." Esme decided to leave Mrs. Bishop out of this. Whatever the woman's faults were, she was still Esme's housemother. "They say you're only…courting me because you pity me. And you couldn't be really be interested in me because I'm only a farm girl, and you're a doctor."

Carlisle shook his head as she continued talking. "Esme, I certainly don't pity you. I admire you. I think your smart and I love the way you care for children. And I know some people…have ideas about doctors and other professionals not socializing with certain people, but I don't agree with them. I was born a minister's son, remember. I didn't grow up in the wealthy, professional class. I became a doctor to help others."

Esme smiled at him, letting his sweet words fill her mind and heart. "Really?"

"Really." He took her hand and looked right into her eyes.

"Then…why are you so uncomfortable with dancing?" Carlisle looked uncomfortable again. Esme sighed. "I suppose it's not any of my business. We can do something else." He didn't show discomfort often, after all.

Carlisle sighed. "Well it's just," he leaned closer to her and whispered in her ear, "I don't know how to dance."

Esme looked at him in amazement. This professional man who was a wonderful doctor and excellent reading partner…didn't know how to dance? She smiled. "Well, that's not a problem," she told him. "I could teach you the basics. I don't know anything fancy, but they used to have socials at my church at home, and there was dancing."

"In that case, I would be honored to escort you to your Spring Ball, Esme."

Mrs. Bishop made her way to the couple and shook her head. "We need to get going, Esme. Lunch should be made soon."

"Yes, ma'am," Esme replied, nodding.

Samuel launched himself into her arms. "Can you make me a sandwich, Esme? I'm hungry for a sandwich. Maybe with cheese."

Esme smiled and hugged the adorable boy. "I think they're enough bread for sandwiches, Samuel, although I don't know about cheese."

"Would be possible for me to call on Esme later this afternoon?" Carlisle asked. "We were just discussing the possibility of practicing dancing."

"She'd better finish with lunch first," Mrs. Bishop mentioned, shaking her head.

"I'm sure she will, Amanda," Mr. Bishop replied. "That's fine, Dr. Cullen."

OOOOOOOOOO

Esme returned to the Bishops' and made lunch for everyone. After they were all done, she cleaned up while Mrs. Bishop fed the baby. When she finished, she saw Mr. Bishop setting up the phonograph in the sitting room. "I thought this might help you today," he explained.

Esme nodded, a little surprised. She knew the Bishops' had one of those devices, but she'd never been permitted to use it herself. Esme suspected this was Mr. Bishops' idea to use the phonograph, and she hoped Mrs. Bishop wouldn't make too big a fuss over it. "Thank you," she told him.

Soon, Carlisle arrived and Mr. Bishop turned on the phonograph. It was nice music for dancing. Esme smiled at him. "Are you ready?"

"Of course," he smiled at her.

"So at the ball for Christmas, they had us start with a curtsey," Esme did so. "And you start with a bow." Carlisle did so. "Then you take one hand and put it here," Esme positioned his hand around her waist. "And I put my hand here," Esme put her hand on his shoulder. "And this hand goes here," Esme finished, holding his other hand.

Carlisle nodded.

"Then we dance around, using a triangle pattern. One, two three," she tried to demonstrate, but since Carlisle hadn't moved his feet, she stepped on him instead. "Sorry."

Carlisle smiled. "No matter. I'd rather you step on my feet than me step on yours."

"Let's try again," Esme suggested, smiling as well. This time Carlisle stumbled over Esme's feet, and narrowly avoided landing on the floor. "I'm sorry," Esme said again.

Carlisle shook his head. "I did tell you I don't know how to dance, remember. I never said teaching me would be easy."

Esme smiled. "True. If you don't mind my asking…why is that, anyway? I mean you're a professional doctor. It seems to me you would have plenty of chances to go dancing. And even if you weren't raised in the professional class, there are still plenty of opportunities to learn."

Carlisle sighed. "Not for me, I'm afraid. My father is quite a strict minister. He believes dancing is sinful. I was never allowed to dance."

Esme stopped short. That had never occurred to her. "Are you really…all right with this, then? Do you think it's sinful? We don't have to go to the Spring Ball." She removed her hand from his shoulder.

But Carlisle carefully put her hand back. "No. I don't agree with him, Esme. I do admire my father for his faith in God, but I also think he goes too far sometimes. This was also the man who claimed I couldn't serve God in medicine, but think I do so every day."

Esme smiled again. "Well, that's good to know."

They practiced dancing for the next hour, and Carlisle seemed to be doing well now. It had been quite enjoyable experience for Esme, and she told him so. She loved dancing with him, of course. She also enjoyed teaching Carlisle something knew. She was used to Carlisle being her superior, even though she hadn't really thought about it. He was older, and had graduated from college. Carlisle learning something from Esme…it made their relationship more equal.

After Carlisle left, Samuel wanted Esme to teach him how to dance as well. So Esme and Samuel whirled around the sitting room, even though Mrs. Bishop insisted it was a waste of time. Someday, she would send Samuel to learn to dance from a proper instructor, after all.

Nice fluffy chapter after all the drama in the last two chapters, huh?

Please keep the reviews coming. Here's some responses from the last chapter.

Cheeky Monkey: Thank you.

Cris P: Yes, the ending of chapter 9 was much better than chapter 8, wasn't it? And Aro maybe a good role model as far as being a doctor for Carlisle, but for his personal life, probably not. Carlisle definitely learns that in chapter nine. (As well as to stay away from alcohol.) I'm glad he trusts God again, too. And you're right. Esme listened to Mrs. Bishop because she was older and richer than she was. (Also because at that point in the story, she didn't know Carlisle well enough to know the class difference wouldn't bother him.)

srhittson: Thank you. Here's your update.

Those Stories: I'm glad you like insecure/naïve Carlisle. I find men like that way more endearing than confident/arrogant men, so that's part of my reason for writing him this way. But it also makes sense in my universe at this point in Carlisle's life. In canon, Carlisle has over 300 years of experience on Earth. In this story, he really is only in his early twenties. In canon, Carlisle is confident, partly because he's surrounded by a family that he knows loves and cares for him. In this story, the only family he has now is a father who rejected him because he decided to be a doctor. In the beginning of chapter nine, he also believes Esme didn't want anything to do with him, either.

Chelsea: Thank you. Glad you like Carlisle and Esme's relationship in this story.