Chapter 10: Guilt and Self-Disgust
It was James and Charlotte's party, but no one noticed that James and Charlotte did not return. They were excitedly discussing what Mary had said before James forced her to leave.
"Disgraceful," Mrs. Johnson was saying to Mrs. Rixby. "The end of his career. And I bet he hasn't even written anything in the past two years."
Charles walked by as she said this, and felt that he had to stand up for James, as he wasn't there to defend himself.
"As a matter of fact, James started writing again the day he met Charlotte. Although, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he didn't choose to have it turned into a big production. All these years, I had no idea. I can't believe I never saw it. I don't know how he stands any of this kind of treatment."
His words had exactly the right effect. The women felt disgusted with themselves, and began to question whether or not what Mary had said was actually true. That was where Mrs. du Maurier came in. By the time she was finished with them, the guests knew the truth about why Mary had left James, and everyone sympathized with him.
"We make a pretty good team, don't we, Emma?" Charles said, winking as he passed Mrs. du Maurier on his way to dredge up someone else's feelings of guilt and self-disgust.
"Well, you're the mastermind, Mr. Frohman. I just follow orders."
"Oh please, Emma. You really ought to give yourself more credit. And how many times do I have to tell you, it's Charles."
James and Charlotte decided that there was no point in returning to the party, so they sat upstairs and talked late into the night.
James left when Charlotte fell asleep in her chair. On his way out, James covered her with a wool blanket and smoothed her hair out of her face. He blew out the single candle that was still flickering. She opened her eyes and looked blearily at him.
"Go back to sleep, love," James whispered. "I'll see you in the morning."
She nodded and settled back in her chair.
James watched her for a moment from the doorway. Then he closed the door quietly behind him and went down the hall to his room, smiling to himself.
Well, there it is. I would like to thank everyone who reviewed:
Dawnie-7: I agree; I would rather have allowed Charles to break her neck, but the rating would no longer be PG. However, I may change that anyway if possible.
InNeverland: Thank you very much for becoming a new reader! Is it just me, or does this movie just keep getting better and better? (I've seen it three times as well).
KatrinaKaiba: Thank you very much for the compliment, and you are most welcome.