Sorry for the wait, darlings! I hope you enjoy this chapter! :) Thanks to all who have reviewed!

Chapter Ten

I was in a really good mood during the next day at work at the zoo. Unsurprisingly, though, I found it quite difficult to concentrate. That was mainly due to the fact that the twins kept on eagerly firing questions at me all morning. I had remained deliberately tight-lipped about what had transpired between myself and Captain Nicholls after I had gone through the door yesterday, but it was just to wind Alice and Imogen up a bit as they tried to wheedle information out of me. We didn't have many opportunities to talk properly; I was washing up at the sink while Alice dried, and Imogen was preparing a salad for today's lunch. Though it wasn't for lack of trying...

"Aww, come on, Rosie!" Imogen eventually whined to me from across the clangourous kitchen, not concentrating properly on the cabbage she was supposed to be chopping up for coleslaw. "You've kept us in suspense long enough. You've been really cheerful all morning. What did you guys do?"

When I failed to answer, Alice added, "Come on, what did you do to him? Did you leave him a spent force under the duvet?" Her eyes glinted wickedly as she said this and I could hear Imogen cackling away in the background like some dirty old woman.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, nothing like that happened!" I told her firmly. "We chatted over tea and biscuits and then I met his sister briefly..."

Honestly, what did they imagine happened between us? That he had thrown me down and had his way with me on the table over the tea things? I could feel my face burn at the very thought.

"We just had tea," I continued. "Tea." I emphasised again because Alice was smirking at me. "That. Is. All. "

But Alice was eyeing my quickly reddening cheeks.

"You're blushing," She pointed at my face. "Something did happen! Come on, spill!"

"Girls, come on! Less chatter, more working please!" one of the chefs, Bradley, called to us as he passed, clapping his hands sharply to gee us along. As soon as he out of earshot, however, Alice continued,

"Well?"

I sighed. "Alright, alright! Just before I left, he kissed my hand - "

I heard Imogen emit a loud squeal from the other side of the bustling room. She must have the hearing of a German Shepherd dog. The way she reacted, you would have thought Captain Nicholls had proposed marriage to me.

"There was nothing in it, he was only being a gentleman," I said quickly, trying to sound offhand about it but I remembered how my body had reacted when Nicholls had kissed my hand. All manner of feelings and thoughts had surged through me – not all of them entirely unwelcome. It had filled me with the desire of wrapping my arms around his neck...of running my fingers through his undoubtedly soft hair...peeling off his suit jacket and unbuttoning his waistcoat to - Aah! What?

"Ha! Told you! You owe me a tenner," Imogen's loud triumphant voice ripped through my scandalous musings and was now pointing a finger at her sister, looking extremely smug. I arched an eyebrow at the pair of them.

"Imogen and I had a bet on whether there would be any sort of lip contact," Alice explained at my nonplussed expression.

"What've you done to that coleslaw?" I heard Bradley say to Imogen from behind us.

"Chopped it?" she answered.

"You've pulverised it, is more like it. That's not a salad, that's a cry for help, that is..."

I turned back to Alice and told her firmly, "Nothing remotely romantic happened between me and Captain Nicholls...nor is it likely to. Ever." Especially with someone like me, I couldn't help but think to myself.

"Are you going back to see him again?" asked Alice, raising an eyebrow pointedly.

"Yeah, tomorrow," I said. If it was possible, Alice's annoyingly knowing smirk widened. "Hey, what is wrong with two people getting to know one another as friends?" I asked.

But Alice was spared having to answer when Bradley appeared behind us, his arms folded and looking impatient.

"Is there any chance at all of you ladies doing some work today?" he asked. "Only there's a queue of hungry gorillas out there all gagging for their lunch."

"Sorry, Bradley!" we chorused.

By the end of the day, I was completely knackered. All that I wanted to do was to go curl up on the sofa with a bucket-sized mug of tea, a chocolate biscuit or three, and watch an old film like Roman Holiday or Singin' in the Rain.

"I'm gasping for a brew. Do you want one?" I asked Mum, when I had returned home and changed out of my work clothes.

"Yeah, please, love," she answered gratefully, not looking up from her laptop she was busily tapping away on.

Once our tea was made, I popped on Roman Holiday, one of my favourite films, and sank onto an armchair. I took a soft sip of tea, my eyes fixed on the screen. Though for once, I couldn't focus on the gorgeousness that was Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck... My mind kept wandering back to having tea in that parlour back in 1914. Immediately, images of pale slender fingers curled elegantly around the handle of a patterned teacup and of dazzling blue eyes invaded my thoughts instead.

"What are you grinning about like the cat that got the cream?" Mum asked suddenly, ripping into my thoughts and I jerked my head up to see a smile of her own creeping onto her face as she watched me interestedly over the rim of her mug. She seemed to have abandoned what she was doing on her laptop. Apparently, I must have been enjoying my daydreams a little too much.

"Nothing," I said quickly. When Mum raised her eyebrows at me, smile still in place, I added, "The tea's nice."

"Yes, I know it is...but nobody smiles like that over a nice tea..." I didn't answer her. "I just thought it had something to do with that young man..." she continued in a would-be casual tone, her green eyes twinkling.

I nearly choked on the sip of tea I had just taken.

"W-what? What young man?" I babbled out, my eyes watering as I coughed slightly.

How the hell did she find out? How could she possibly know about Captain Nicholls? How did -

"He called at the house while you were at work. A young man on a motorbike. Oh, what did he say his name was now?" Mum's fingers tapped against her mug as she tried to remember. "Ah, Michael! That was it!"

Michael? Michael Paris, did she mean? Well, she must have done. I didn't know any other Michaels. I didn't know whether I was relieved that Mum wasn't actually talking about Nicholls or not.

"Why did he come here? What did he want?" I asked quickly.

"He asked after you. Said you two met in McDonalds one day and that he gave you his number... Anything you wish to tell me?" Mum asked, wearing an annoying smile just like Alice had done.

"No," I answered quickly. Now, I definitely could not focus on the film now. Why had Michael Paris suddenly shown up again? For some reason I could not explain, the mention of Michael made me feel extremely uncomfortable and disquieted.

"He seemed a nice young man..." Mum continued, oblivious to my suspicious thoughts. "You know I wouldn't mind if you brought a boy home, Rosie. Just because I've made a mess of things in my marriage, doesn't mean you can't go out and – "

"Mum," I cut her off. "I'm not even remotely interested in Michael in that way, alright?"

"Okay, fair enough! Forget I said anything!" Mum trilled unconcernedly, taking a swig of tea, and the pair of us fell into silence for a moment and I stared unseeingly at the TV screen.

I wasn't interested in boys. I was interested in men. Men like Captain Nicholls... said a sly voice in my head. What? No, shut up, voice!

"And it wasn't you who made a mess of your marriage," I continued. "Dad did a pretty good job of that."

"I do wish you wouldn't be so harsh on your dad," sighed Mum. After a moment's pause, she added, "I spoke to him on the phone earlier today."

I looked over at her. "Oh? How is he?"

"Yeah, he seems to be doing alright. He's going to be in Devon next week. I suggested that he come over to ours for lunch or something so we can catch up."

Mum hesitated, awaiting my response, as though she thought I was going to kick up a fuss, but I didn't. Yes, what Dad had done was extremely hurtful and I wasn't sure if I could ever forgive him for all the heartache he had put both Mum and I through. But if I was perfectly honest, no matter what Dad had done, he was still my dad, and I had been missing not having him around.

"Sounds good," I said with a smile. "It'll be nice to catch up. I guess I can't keep going on ill-wishing him like one of the witches in Macbeth, can I?"

"Ah, I haven't told you the rest of it yet..." Mum said with a slight grimace. Catching her expression, I narrowed my eyes a little.

"I've got a feeling I'm not going to like what you're gonna say next..."

"I've got a feeling you're going to hate it," answered Mum grimly. "When I say that your dad is coming to lunch, I mean both him and Diana. She's coming too..."

I stared at my mother in disbelief. She has invited the woman who stole her husband over for lunch? Well, way to go for ruining my good mood, I thought.

"Diana is...coming here?" I asked slowly.

"Well...I just think it's about time we made more of an effort to get along," Mum said, spreading her hands. "Now I'm not saying we have to be best mates with Diana or anything – "

I snorted. "That'll be the day..." I rubbed at my temple distractedly; my head was beginning to ache like it always did whenever I became agitated over anything. "And you're okay about this, are you?" I asked Mum.

"I'm going to have to be, aren't I? And don't you dare try and find some excuse to wriggle out of it, either, when the day comes," she added, waving a threatening finger at me. "I'm not facing her on my own."

"Fine," I muttered morosely, sinking further down into the squashy armchair. "I can hardly wait..."

The next evening whilst Mum began to doze in front of the TV, I left to go and get ready for my visit through the door. I left my hair loose, raking a brush through my unruly mop of curls. I had long since given up trying to straighten my tresses; I could never be bothered with all those fancy haircuts or styles. I had tried using some of those anti-frizz products in the past but as soon as I left the house, within five minutes, my hair would start to curl up again. It was a real pain in the neck. These days I just left my hair as it was simply because it was so much easier.

I unconsciously found myself taking longer to decide what to wear than I would normally. After all, whatever I wore, it would not be appropriate at all for Captain Nicholls' time. But I was about to go and spend time with an extremely good-looking man – moreover a gentleman from 1914.

I wasn't exactly one who poured a lot of effort into my looks, especially if the circumstance didn't call for it. I never wore a lot of makeup anyway; a dusting of foundation and a couple of lashings of mascara was normally my limit. Why bother getting all dolled up when there was nobody to impress? Not that I was out to impress Captain Nicholls. Was I? I couldn't help feeling all...bubbly whenever he so much as looked at me. Especially with that earth-shattering smile of his. God, I really needed to stop behaving like a teenager. At the end of the day, it did not matter how I looked. Eventually, I settled for my black Pink Floyd top and jeans, then remembering that it was March on the other side of the door, I opted for a peach-coloured blazer to wear over the top – just to appear a little more girly.

I looked at myself critically in the mirror, turning this way and that. After a moment's consideration, as a finishing touch, I picked up a bottle of perfume, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle – the only expensive cosmetic I had – and sprayed behind my neck, wrists and once down the front of my shirt for good measure. Oh, what the hell, I thought, deciding that would just have to do.

I unlocked the door, pausing only to pocket my mobile phone, my modern item of choice to show to Captain Nicholls, and to listen out for Mum in case she was anywhere near my room, before making my way down the dark stairway. Taking care to actually concentrate on where I was going this time around, I held out a hand in front of me so I wouldn't go crashing right into the door at the other end.

I gently tapped on the wooden surface and waited. There was no answer. Oh, not this again, I thought in slight irritation. I knocked again but still there was no answer. Sighing slightly, I turned the doorknob and stepped out of the wardrobe, when -

"Good god, Miss Monaghan - !" a loud startled voice suddenly cried out.

"Ohhh my god, I'm so sorry!"

My eyes widened and I clapped a hand over my mouth in total embarrassment before hurriedly turning to face the other way. As if I had not already embarrassed myself enough in Captain Nicholls' presence when I had more or less told him he had beautiful hands... Now I had just gone and walked in on him getting dressed! Was there no end to the humiliation?

Blushing so much, I thought I was about to pop a blood vessel in my face, I did my best to explain, "I didn't know you were in here!"

"...Sneaking up behind me like Marley's ghost..." I heard him mutter as I could hear the sound of him shuffling around behind me. "I wasn't expecting you quite yet... You should have knocked!" he added irately, sounding just as embarrassed as me.

"Marley's ghost had clanking chains," I pointed out to him. "And I'm really sorry but I did knock, you just obviously didn't hear me!"

While I was facing the other way, I caught a glance of his reflection in his mirror above the fireplace. He too was facing away from me and I saw a teensiest glimpse of very nicely toned back muscle. Holy moly guacamole... Okay, don't even go there, Monaghan! Just don't!

Flushing even more, curling my fingers into embarrassed fists, I turned slightly, averting my gaze, searching around frantically for something to save me and distract me from our mutual utter embarrassment. My eyes swept over the ornate, golden fire guard in the empty grate which was in the shape of a peacock with its tail feathers all fanned out, until they landed upon his desk over by the window. From my vantage point, I could see the top of which was scattered with pencil drawings. While I waited for Captain Nicholls to finish getting dressed, I slowly ventured over towards the desk to go and take a closer look.

My heart gave a little leap of surprise and awe. The drawings were beautiful. Various pieces depicting things like horses, landscapes, rolling hills...one even of Georgina, whom I instantly recognised, the likeness so uncanny. Horses appeared to be the most favourite subject though. But they were the most lifelike I had ever seen. I picked up one illustration of a horse in the motion of running. He almost looked as if he were about to run straight off the page. The amount of detail was extraordinary.

I chanced a peek over my shoulder and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Nicholls was fully dressed and that it was now safe to look. As I he took a suit jacket off one of those old-fashioned valet stands, I had to ask, "Did you do these?"

Captain Nicholls looked up to see what it was that I was referring to as he shrugged on his jacket.

"I did indeed," he answered with a nod as he came to stand next to me.

"They're beautiful," I murmured in an awed voice.

I saw him flush a little at my compliment – either that or because he was still embarrassed from me walking in on him.

"Thank you..."

"I'm serious...you have an amazing talent... I wish I could draw half as well as you." An awkward silence fell between us at that moment. I winced a bit as I set the drawing back on the desk and I turned to him, finding it quite difficult to look him in the face. "I'm so, so sorry about before...I honestly didn't know you were there."

"Well, I didn't hear you knock. We're both partly to blame," he assured me with a little sheepish smile. "Shall we?" he added, and he proffered me his elbow. I smiled back at him as I tucked my hand into the crook of his arm, trying very hard to ignore the way my body was reacting. Whenever he touched me – even for a slightest moment – it felt as though he had scorched a hole right through my clothing. That fleeting glimpse of bare flesh was going to be forever imprinted in my mind. I mentally shook my head, banishing those thoughts as the pair of us headed downstairs.

I was sort of hoping to see Georgina again. However, this time, we came across Captain Nicholls' father, who was passing by, a neatly-folded newspaper tucked under his arm as he was making his way towards the lounge. He spared me a glance as we passed.

"Father," Nicholls acknowledged him.

"Good morning Mr Nicholls," I said as politely as possible.

"Good day, Miss," he grunted back at me, though I don't suppose he wished me anything of the sort. It certainly didn't sound it.

"I thought we might take a stroll about the grounds," Captain Nicholls suggested to me genially. "It is beautiful day out for the time of year."

"What?" his father's shocked voice spluttered from behind us. "You mean to say you're going outside?" Just like before, he threw my outfit a look of deep disapproval. "What if she's seen by someone?"

Who's 'she'? The cat's mother? I thought irritably. His son looked as though he was strongly fighting the desire to roll his eyes at his father's comment.

"It's only the grounds, Father, and the land is private. Who's going to see us?" Mr. Nicholls looked as though he dearly wished to object further but he apparently could not find a reason why we shouldn't go out for a walk, so he muttered something incoherent and continued into the living room. As Captain Nicholls and I strolled out of the front door, he said, "I am sorry, Miss Monaghan. It is not like my father to be this inhospitable."

You mean he's not always a grumpy old sod? I thought to myself.

"Don't worry about it," I said dismissively. "I tend to have that effect on people."

I looked out at the beautiful scenery before me. A wide neatly-cut lawn stretched in front of us, a gravel drive sweeping away to the right. In the middle distance, I could see luscious green fields where several horses grazed. As the two of us made small talk, the morning dew shimmered on the grass as we walked, our breath mushrooming out before us in misty clouds. I was glad that I chosen to wear my blazer; there was still that chilly nip of March in the air.

We paused underneath a large cherry tree, whose widely-spread branches were still rather bare and the blossom not quite ready to bloom just yet. But I was willing to bet they would look gorgeous when they did. I turned back to look back at the house. I was very surprised that it was of similar construction to my own house, only it was bigger and looked much grander, what with its ornately carved exterior and mullioned windows.

"Your home is really beautiful," I said to the Captain quietly. But it wasn't long before my thoughts kept wandering back to the mystery of Michael Paris. Something of my thoughts must shown on my face, for Captain Nicholls tilted his head a little as he looked at me, an expression of concern crossing his features.

"Something is troubling you, Miss Monaghan?"

I hesitated for a moment before answering, "Michael Paris..."

"The gentleman from whom you purchased your key?" he asked.

"Yes...Him just happening to be there in McDonalds – that's a restaurant, by the way – at the same time as I was. I just think it's really fishy..."

I was absent-mindedly making my way around the tree trunk, holding onto it and swinging myself around. Captain Nicholls appeared to be lost in thought for a moment.

"If you don't mind my saying so..." he said eventually, "...don't you think you are reading a little too much into this? It could have just been pure coincidence."

"Oh, you think so, do you?" I said a little irritably, pausing in my swinging. "So, why did he show up at my house?"

"When was this?" he asked with a frown.

"Yesterday. I didn't see him myself, I was at work. My mum spoke to him. But he actually made a point of calling at the house. He couldn't have been just passing. We live way out in the sticks."

Neither of us, however, could think of any explanation what Michael's intentions were. Still, I wasn't going to let it spoil my time with Captain Nicholls. I found that my irritated mood melted away being in his company. The situation with Michael Paris, my dad and Diana coming over could wait for now and take a back seat; not forgotten, just ignored for the moment.

"So...what twenty-first century wonder have you come to delight me with this time?" he enquired, his blue eyes twinkling.

I grinned at him and I delved into my jeans pocket and brought out my mobile phone. It was smaller than the palm of my hand, dark pink in colour and light to the touch.

"Catch!" I called out cheerfully, tossing it to him. He caught it easily and gazed down at it curiously.

"What is it?" he asked.

"This little baby – believe it or not – is a telephone."

"Oh come now...I wasn't born yesterday, Miss Monaghan. This cannot be a telephone," he said in disbelief.

"It is! Honestly!" I said with a laugh.

The rest of our walk was spent with me trying to explain the evolution of the modern telephone, though it wasn't long before our conversation turned to other topics, our initial embarrassment forgotten about more or less.

We talked...we laughed...we bickered good-naturedly about this and that. It was really nice. Actually, it was more than nice. It was absolutely lovely; I enjoyed myself immensely. I thought about what Alice and Imogen had said when they were teasing me yesterday. So Captain James Nicholls was probably the most gorgeous and charming thing on legs I had ever met; a far cry from any guy of my age I had met back in 2012, who had about as much manners and gallantry as a wet rag. That did not mean that there was even the slightest chance in hell that he would be interested in me in a romantic sense. But I wasn't even sure that I wanted him to. It wouldn't ever work. On the other hand, I was still more than perfectly happy to be his friend.

Teeheehee, lucky Rosie nearly getting to see Nicholls in the buff. I blame that sauna scene in Henry V. Unf. Hope you enjoyed the chapter! And if you darling people have time, would you be so kind to read my lovely friend OhSoFabulousDarling's War Horse story 'Time Knows No Boundaries'. It's brilliant and I know she'd appreciate some feedback! Thank you lovelies! Until next time xx