Chapter ten
Music of the night
Saturday had not gone well, the rose was only the tip of the iceberg. Her day went downhill from there on. It was only when she had taken Toby to the park in the afternoon that she felt some peace. She watched as he raced up and down the knolls and over the bridge to her secret spot. He paused before her obelisk and turned to her. His eyes shone like little stars. Sarah sank to the grassy knoll and he ran to her open arms. Settling on her jean clad legs he begged for a story.
"Once there was a beautiful girl." She started without thinking.
"Whose stepmother always made her stay with the baby. The baby was a spoiled child who wanted everything for him self, and the young woman was practically a slave girl. But what no one knew was this: the King of the Goblins had fallen in love with her, and given her certain powers." Toby said as if in a trance.
Sarah stopped, "No, Toby. Not that story."
Toby shook his head and looked at her, "What story Sarah?"
"No story, not today." She kissed his forehead. "Let's go home and have some hot chocolate!"
Jareth sat up in the trees watching, smirking.
Sunday passed and it was time for class on Monday morning before she knew it. The door to the lecture hall was open, but the room was dark. She switched on the lights and went to her usual seat, and began to spread out her notes. She liked being early, liked being alone with her thoughts. So she didn't notice when the man had entered the room, and crossed quietly to her. She didn't hear him as he smoothly slipped beside her, and moved to her ear. He blew softly and she turned her face. His lips brushed hers.
"Good morning," he said softly.
Sarah smiled up into the smoky glass that covered his eyes. "Garrett."
"Sarah." He purred. He sat back and looked at her notes spread on the table. "My you've been busy."
"I have no life." She sighed. "I have only my work."
He winked at her, "That's a lie and we both know it." He looked at the door, "Well, we're down another two students, I've been informed."
"Oh?"
"I do chase them off." He said proudly as he stood up. "All but the die hard like you my dear."
Sarah looked at her notes; "I've been up against bigger and better."
"Oh a challenge!" He crowed as he went toward his desk. "I've only just begun. Wait till we get on the chapter that covers common folklore! I'll have you begging for mercy." He looked over his shoulder at her.
Sarah shook her head, "I never beg!"
Garrett King laughed, "No, I don't image that you do." He sat on his desk, still laughing as students started to enter. His smile slipped when William Pratt entered.
William took his seat beside Sarah. "Morning girl."
"Pratt." She acknowledged him.
William looked down at King who was clearly glaring at him. "Have you told His Nibs that I'm taking you to the concert this Friday?" His voice was low, so only she could hear.
"No." she sighed.
William crossed his arms and smiled, as he listened to the lecture. Sarah took notes and crossed referenced a few points. She raised a hand, and asked about a point. King moved closer to where she was seated, as he answered. He looked round the class, asked if anyone else had a question or a comment. When no one did, he dismissed the class with the assignment for Wednesday's class.
William leaned forward. "So Sarah, what time can I pick you up Friday?" He asked loud enough for King to witness. He smiled as he saw the professor stiffen.
Sarah glared at him.
"Williams, a word." King crossed his arms. "Now."
Sarah shot a look to kill at William, who was already on his way out the lecture hall. She left her books and went down toward the desk. "Yes, sir?"
"Why is he picking you up on Friday?" he asked.
Sighing, she explained quietly. "We are going to the concert here."
"A date?" the smoky glasses didn't hide the narrowing gaze.
"No. Not a date." She sighed.
"Then what?" he demanded.
Sarah looked round the room, seeing they were alone, she let a bit of her guard down. "Look, he came into the shop last week, asked me to the concert last week, and I told him I had dinner plans. He guessed they were with you. He badgered me till I said I'd go to this concert with him, but just as friends. It's not a date. But for some reason he's decided to be a thorn in your side. I don't know why, he's got a girl at home for gods sake!"
King let out a haggard sigh. "Well, I've been roped into attending this concert as well." He shook his head, "A group of us professors have seasons tickets and we sit in a reserved seating." He reached slowly for her hand. "I'd rather it was you and I, instead of you and him."
She moved so she could hold his hand without being observed from the door. "Me too. But as you said on Friday night, we've got the polices here to cope with."
King tightened his fingers. "Be wary of that young man, Sarah. He's infatuated with you."
Green eyes looked into smoky glass, "I'm not interested in him."
"You'd better go, Sarah. Or Ill forget where we are." He released her fingers.
Sarah gathered her belongings. Once outside the room she ran smack into Pratt. She glared at him and stormed off. He followed laughing. The laughter stopped when they reached the knolls and she slammed her hand against his chest.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" She demanded.
Pratt looked at her in surprise. "Oh come on, Sarah. It was a joke."
"My life is no joking matter, William." She turned and left him standing there.
Sarah drove off in a huff, but was careful to keep her mind on her diving and not her problems. The last thing she wanted was to end up in an ER. It was a relief when she pulled into the little lot for the Bookstore. Emrys took one look at her as she entered and choose to keep to himself until the girl had cooled down. Sarah took a stack of books that had been left and returned them to their shelves. It was nearly three before she had even gotten to the point where she was not fearful of biting off someone's head.
Emrys poured tea and handed her a cup as she came to join him.
"Thank you." She took a seat and sipped.
"Would you like to discuss whatever it is that has you so upset, Sarah?" Emrys asked, leaning back in his seat and looking at her. "You know I am always here for you."
"I'd love to, but..."Sarah sighed. "It's complicated. I am sort of seeing someone, discretely. And there is this other guy that wants to date me..."
"And you can't tell him you don't wish to date him because of this first man," Emrys guessed.
"Sorta," Sarah said. "The problem is, guy number two has pretty much guessed about man number one"
Emrys smiled, he noted the distinction that she'd made even if she was not aware of it. The second person was just a guy, while the first one was a man to her. "I see."
Running a hand over her eyes, she sighed. "This is such a muddle, I mean we're seeing each other, but we're not allowed to be public. And William is being a spoiled brat! He's got a lovely girl back home, I don't see why he has to chase after me."
"This William, may be use to a great deal more attention then he's getting." Stated Emrys wisely.
"I suppose so," Sarah sipped her tea. "I wish I had not let him goad me into accept a invitation to the concert Friday night."
"So go Friday night, and inform him at that time you are not interested in casual dating," Emrys suggested He tapped his chin with his index finger. "Does man number one know about this William?"
"He does," she sighed heavily. She kept thinking back to the worried look on Garrett's face when she'd left him at the lecture hall. "My gentleman is a bit worried. I think he's worried that because William is closer to my age, that I'd be more attracted to him."
"My dear, I'm sure you are quite capable of letting your gentleman know he's first in your heart." A fire danced in the old gent's eyes. "As to this young pup, go to the concert and let him know there's little else for him."
Sarah took the words to heart, and steeled herself for what was going to happen. Or so she'd thought.
Wednesday morning she drove Toby to school first. After dropping him off with more worry in his eyes, she drove to her classes. The air was now getting cool, and it was just barely October. She pulled her jacket tightly about her as she wandered down the path to the building that her class was in. The room was empty, just as she'd known it would be. That gave her time to set her notes up and go over the assignment one last time. She was concentrating on her notes, when she was distracted by sound in the hall. The sound was a woman's voice, a voice that sounded like it was use to making suggestions that were readily answered. It was cultured and experienced.
"Really Garrett, I do wish you'd let me help you." The voice said.
Sarah felt the hair on her neck raise at the mention of his name. She didn't want to look at the door, didn't want to see who was talking. But as if she were no longer in control of her own self, her head turned. She could see the woman, and woman was exactly what that person was. Tall, very blond, and looked as if she'd stepped out of Vogue. Her garments fit like a second skin, even though they were not tight. She looked completely at ease in her own skin. Sarah suddenly felt very inadequate. One look and she knew the woman was Dr. Matiland.
Sarah didn't hear William enter from the other door, he moved silently to take his seat, and let his eyes wander the direction of Sarah's stare. A smug smirk crossed his lips, but vanished when he looked at the pained expression on Sarah's sad face.
"Thank you Elisabeth, but I don't need your help." King assured her as he moved past her our reached hand. "Now, forgive me, but I do have a class." King moved to his desk, never once looking up at Sarah. He placed his books down and removed his jacket.
Sarah looked down at her notes, trying hard not to let emotions sweep her away. She ignored William, preferring to pour her energies into something that would help her.
"Today we begin our journey into the world of the Common Folklore." King said as he turned to the entire class. "In these chapters we will cover, Leprechauns, Gnomes, Trolls and other Fae Folklore. Including Goblins." King gazed at Sarah as he finished the sentence.
William and other's groaned Sarah smiled as a faint blush took to her cheeks.
King sat on the edge of his desk. "We'll start out with a break down of the status of each group. Pratt, do you have any idea of who is at the bottom of the chain, or at the top?"
William frowned, "No, sir."
"Kennedy?" King asked.
"No, sir."
King asked several students, then smiled faintly. "Williams, would you like to tell them who is at the top of the chain, and who is at the bottom?"
Sarah looked up. "The Fae, highest order of Fairy, are the Rules. They are made up of several classifications. At the bottom you have Goblins, Orks and Trolls."
"Very good." King praised softly. He crossed his arms. "In the Folklore world as in this, there is good and bad. You have good Fae you have bad Fae. Kingdoms within Kingdoms and ever changing rolls."
Sarah took notes and forgot for a few moments the woman who'd reached out to King in the hall.
"Let us start with the ruling class of the Folklore world. How many of you remember the fairy tales you were told as little children?" He looked at the raised hands,
"You see a good many of you seem to remember. Sometimes without remembering that you do. Most of you probably think of fairies as wee little flashes of light. Forget that notion, as with humans they come in every size, shape and color.
"Can any of you think of a ruler of the Fae?"
Sarah raised her hand. "Oberon."
William looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. "That's a character in a play, Sarah."
"No Oberon is biased on the Folk lore of Auberon, and according to some old tales he had dominion over Fae and Elf alike." Sarah replied calmly. "He is considered a High King, in some of the folklore."
King watched the sparing, with mild amusement. "Williams is right. Oberon, or Auberon if you please, is the most noted High King in folklore."
Pratt gave Sarah a sideways glance and whispered. "Teacher's pet."
King read the words on the younger man's lips and thought to himself, 'Damn right'. He crossed his arms. "How many of you have read Midsummer's Night's Dream?" Again hands went up. "How many of you understood it?" Only Sarah's hand was left up. King chuckled. "Why does this turn of events not surprise me?"
Sarah looked round, and groaned.
King gazed up at the ceiling, "Williams, how many stories are actually being told in the play?"
Sarah counted mentally. "Near as I can count, six. First there is Oberon's tale, second Titania's tale. Then you have Puck and his tale, followed by the lovers, Hermia and Lysander, and Helena and Demetrius. That's four… five is Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons and Theseus story, and lastly the story of Bottom and Titaina."
King smiled at the rest of the class. "Everyone thoroughly confused?" He stood up. "How many different classes of Fae are in the story?" He looked round, "Anyone?" Sighing he smiled down at Sarah. "Care to dazzle us?"
Sarah sighed. "Oberon and his queen are High Fae, Puck is a hobgoblin, the queen's handmaidens are elementals and low Fae, and the Indian boy is a lower grade changeling."
William frowned, "What's a hobgoblin?"
King cleared his throat, "Williams do you know?"
She pulled notes to back up her statements. "Traditional local fairy tales of Britain say hobgoblins were 1 or 2 feet tall, hairy, and naked or wearing brown clothes. They lived by the fire and rarely went outside. They were described as friendly, impish, ugly, mischievous, good-humored, helpful, mean, grotesque, and fond of practical jokes. If annoyed, they would turn nasty."
"Well is it a goblin or not?" William asked impatiently.
"It's a hybrid." Sarah replied. "Half elf, half goblin."
"Williams needs to get a life," someone in the back of the hall snickered.
King saw the pain sweep over her face, and waited to see what she'd do. Sarah closed her eyes and said nothing. "Someone else needs to learn the value of research," King stated, frowning. "Good work, Williams."
Sarah nodded, not looking up for fear of giving too much away.
King pointed to a box at the door, "In that box each of you will find a copy of the play. We are going to dissect the work. We are going to find the reasons Mr. Shakespeare used the Fae he choose. Some of you may even get some insight as to why folklore is so embraced by humankind." He looked at the clock. "Read the play, be ready to discuss it on Monday. Dismissed."
William groaned, "I hate reading plays."
Sarah whispered. "I love this play."
William shot her a look. "You would." He stood up and pulled a cigarette so he could light it the moment he was out of the building. "It's a girly play." He didn't wait for a reply but stalked to the door grabbed a copy and left.
King picked up a copy as Sarah was gathering her notes up. He wandered over and offered it to her. She shook her head. "No thank you, I've my own copy at home, with stage notes."
"Mother?" King asked quietly.
Sarah nodded, "Shakespeare in the Park, a few years ago. She played Helena, and I actually played Peaseblossom for a week while the other girl was out sick." She smiled remembering the costume and the cast. "It's a wonderful story."
King moved closer, "At least it put a smile back on your face. You were frowning when I came in."
Sarah didn't want to look at him. "Was I?"
"Coy? Sarah?" Fingers touched her elbow. "You know you were frowning."
"That was Dr. Matiland, out in the hall with you, wasn't it?" She asked softly. With purpose she looked up. "She's very beautiful."
King gazed though the smoky glass. "She's ice. I need fire."
Movement in the hall broke the spell that was being woven; Sarah took a gasping breath. "I'd better go."
"Perhaps you should." King agreed smoothly. "Enjoy the concert."
"You too," the young woman whispered in return.
When Friday arrived it brought with it a light morning frost. Sarah looked at her bedroom window to find it kissed by Jack Frost. She loved the wonderful patterns, as they reminded her of things she'd seen in the Labyrinth. She picked out a cream coloured sweater and a plaid skirt for the day. After her shower, she dressed and pulled on a pair of brown Suede boots. She entered the kitchen to find Toby lying with his head on the table, being very dramatic. She ruffled his white blond hair, and poured herself a cup of coffee.
Karen rolled her eyes, "Toby, sit up."
"I'm dying," he moaned.
"That's too bad." Sighed Sarah. "I was thinking of taking you to Morgan's Crossing for lunch tomorrow. But if you're dying now…"
Toby looked up with narrow eyes. "That's not fair."
Sarah smiled, hearing her old words come from his mouth. "No, but that's the way it is."
Toby piled into Sarah's car for the ride to school, pulled a feather out of his pocket and handed it to her. "Where do you keep getting these?" she asked. "Have you got an owl in your room?"
"No," he quipped. "I just find 'em."
Sarah was happy to find the shop quiet as she entered. Mr. Emrys was not yet there. Sarah got an hour of work in on her article before setting about doing the invoices. She was on the ladder when the door opened. "I'll be with you in a moment." She called out.
"Of course." Came the replay.
Sarah turned and looked down to see the face of the handsome stranger from a two weeks before. "Oh, hello. Nice to see you again."
"Nice to see you as well." He smiled warmly.
She descended the ladder and brushed her hands on her skirt. "How may we help you today?"
As the store was not busy he spoke his words clearly and in a normal volume. "If you have a copy of the Karma Sutra with the original woodcuttings, I'll be most overjoyed."
Sarah thought about it a moment, "If I'm not mistaken, we do." She led the way to the locked room. "Give me a moment."
He followed her; happy she didn't have eyes in the back of her head. He enjoyed being able to watch the sway of shapely hips and the movement of her skirt as she walked ahead of him. 'How simply delicious!' He thought to himself.
Sarah moved to a shelf that was marked Rare, and ran her fingers over binding after binding. "Oh, yes! I know this one." She pulled the leather bound book. "This is one of the few remaining copies of this edition. Some of them were subjected to being burned by provincial minds."
The man watched her place the book gingerly down on the table to be examined.
"Are you familiar with this tome?" He kept his voice impersonal.
"In concept," she qualified, her face going the colour of a new rose
Lightly his long elegant fingers turned page after page; "Concept is best when put into practice." His voice was like warm honey.
Sarah looked with appreciation at the carvings. "I'm told that those woodcuttings are some of the most exquisite in existence."
"They are at that." Agreed the man. "What is the price of this copy?"
"It's pricey because of its rarity. I'm afraid that one is six hundred dollars."
"That's not as pricey as I'd find in some stores, my dear. I'll take the book, it's a fine copy and will go well in my collection. You do accept credit cards, do you not?" He was still looking at the cuttings and not her.
"Major cards, yes." She looked at the cuttings as well, unable to tare her eyes from the erotic material. Sarah had to shake her head to clear her vision. "Will that be all today?" Her voice was a bit huskier after looking at the book.
"I think so." He closed the book and handed it to her. "Thank you so much, Sarah."
"Of course." She tucked the book under her arm and led him back to the front of the store after locking the room. She rang the book up and ran his credit card though the machine. Waiting for the card to process, she looked at the name on the card, Miles Fairchild. She made note of the name. Moments later the receipt was printed. "If you would sign this, and this copy here." His hands were almost too beautiful to be human, she decided. Wrapping the book in a sheet of paper, she bagged it and handed it, the card and the receipt back to the man. "I hope you enjoy your purchase, Mr. Fairchild."
He smiled warmly, "Thank you, Sarah." He paused, considering. "A question, if you would?"
"Yes sir?"
"As you may have surmised, I am relatively new to this area," he stated. "I've seen flyers for a concert series at the university. Would you know if it is worth troubling to attend?"
"I'm going to the concert this evening." Sarah reached under the desk for the schedule that Mr. Emrys kept hidden. "Tonight is the Chamber Quartet. They may not be Carnegie Hall quality, but they are very good. I'm fond of the country music series, as well. The Classical Series is always worth attending. There are one or two others that I would not bother with, but only because I'm not into heavy rock."
"Thank you, my dear. Perhaps I'll see you at tonight's event." He bowed to her, picked up his purchase and departed.
Sarah was nearly finished with the returning unwanted books, when Mr. Emrys finally walked in. The look on his face was priceless. "Good Lord," she sighed. "Who did you cheat on the price of a book now?"
Emrys laughed. "How you talk! I did make a killing though, an out of town estate sale. If you would not mind helping me unload, then we can sort it down before you leave. Are you looking forward to the concert?"
"Yes and no. You know I love chamber music. But the idea of having to sit with William is beginning to burn me." She walked out to the Mini Van with him. "Oh! I sold the woodcutting edition of The Karma!" she said as they reached the van.
"First you sell 'The Romance of Lust' and now you tell me you've managed to sell The Karma… amazing." Emrys teased good-naturally.
Sarah laughed, "Yeah, and to the same customer."
Emrys laughed. "Well at least it was someone who'll appreciate the tomes."
An hour later Sarah looked at the clock. "Time to get Toby. I'm glad I do not have to go to dinner with William. But time to move." She hugged the old man and told him to behave himself over the weekend.
When Sarah arrived at home with Toby, she was surprised to find Karen busy cooking up a storm. "Oh thank God you're here." Karen said. "I need help!"
"What's going on here?" Sarah asked putting on an apron.
"Your father called. At the last minuet he invited the new partner to dinner." Karen looked at what Sarah was doing. "Take over, I need a shower and to change."
Toby sat at the kitchen table, and Sarah got him his after school snack. She made sure the soup tureen was clean and set it warming with hot water inside it. Karen always made a bouillabaisse for her first course of dinner like this. Sarah got out the cheese rings and set them on the cheese board to come to room temperature. Half an hour later, when Karen returned looking refreshed and very pretty in her pink Channel suit, Sarah was putting the final touches on the salad course.
"I'll have just the bouillabaisse tonight." She told her stepmother. "I've got that concert and my friend is picking me up at seven."
"Be a dear and mix the martinis." Karen said as she nodded.
Sarah heard her father's car pull up as she was finishing the drinks. She began to pour one for each of her parents, and one for the guest. She smiled as her father entered the salon.
"Sarah!" He greeted her with a peck on her cheek as she handed him his drink. "Thank you child. Oliver, this enchanting creature is my daughter, Sarah. Sarah, this is Oliver Bowen our new partner in the firm."
Sarah extended her hand in greeting. "Nice to meet you, sir." The man was a good deal larger than her father was. He was built like a linebacker, with a massive barrel chest. His long dark hair was poker straight and had just starting to show signs of graying at the temples. He had large brooding eyes, dark as night and dangerous.
"Sir? Heavens girl, you'll make me feel as old as dirt!" The man teased.
"Then perhaps I should address you as Mr. Bowen." She handed him the martini she'd made for him.
"Thank you." He drank her in with his eyes, making her feel a bit uncomfortable.
Karen entered the room. "Robert," she greeted her husband with a kiss, and was also introduced to Bowen.
The three took seats in the salon while Sarah went back to the kitchen to see to Toby and the rest of the dinner. Toby looked at the tureen and made a face.
"Fish soup, yuck!" He said.
"Don't worry Squirt! You're not eating this." Sarah pulled a casserole dish out of the oven and placed it on the kitchen table in front of her brother. "Mom made you this."
Toby smiled, "You mean I don't have to eat with the grownups?"
"Nope, you lucked out. Me, I've not only got to eat with them, I've got to be picked up by a guy to go to a concert!" Sarah rolled her eyes in a comical fashion. She poured the hot water out of the tureen and began to ladle the soup in. She set up the first course on the rolling cart and kissed her brother on his head. "Behave, watch the tv quietly."
"Ok," he said as he ate his dinner.
Karen announced the meal, and Sarah began serving up the soup. Her place was , of course, across from Bowen, and she privately hoped that it wouldn't put her off what little food she was going to eat.
Bowen was effusive with his praise, informing Karen her bouillabaisse was every bit as good as that which he'd had in France. Karen blushed like a teenager, although Sarah bit her lip. Sarah excused herself to clear the soup bowls, and check on Toby. When she returned to help serve the salad, both men noticed her seat at the table had been completely cleared.
"Surely you aren't on of those females who obsesses over their figure?" Bowen asked.
"Sarah has her own plans for tonight," Karen smiled at her stepdaughter fondly. "She's just waiting for her ride to get here, and helping me while she waits."
"You aren't driving yourself?" Here father frowned slightly. "Who is?"
"You don't know him." Sarah said in what she hoped was a put an end to it voice.
"Him, who?" The ploy didn't work on her father.
"His name is William, and he's an exchange student from London."
Karen's eyes lit up and she looked at Robert who said. "When he arrives have him come in."
"Yes, Dad." Sarah felt it better not to protest when her father used that tone of voice. And she also didn't care to make a scene in front of Bowen.
At seven on the dot, the front door bell rang. Sarah answered it and asked the handsome young English man in. "My parents would like to meet you," she warned softly.
William smiled, "Well isn't that nice."
"Behave." She led him to the dinning room. "Daddy, Karen, this is William Pratt. William, these are my parents, Robert and Karen Williams. And this is Mr. Bowen, my father's new partner."
William shook hands with the two men, and bowed to Karen. "Good evening."
Karen smiled up at Sarah with unbridled joy. Sarah thought she was going to be sick. William looked at his watch, "I'm sorry, but we really must be on our way." He turned to Robert and added. "I'll have her home safe and sound by eleven."
"That's just fine, young man." Robert shook his hand again.
Sarah grabbed her woolen poncho and wrapped herself up as they exited the house. "What was that performance back there?"
"Making a good impression on the parents." William teased her.
"Did you think to do that with Ceila's folks?"
William laughed. "Good shot, love."
The concert was being held in the largest auditorium on campus. The acoustics were fabulous, and the seats were plentiful. William gave their tickets to the usher and accepted the programs. He placed a hand to the small of her back, causing her to start.
He smiled as she frowned, and followed the usher. They took the assigned seats, and Sarah groaned. They were one section over from the reserved seats of the faculty. As the instructors began to file in she wanted to shrink and disappear. She turned and glared at her companion.
"Good seats, eh?" he asked as if innocently.
"You're a student of the Marquis De Sade!" she whispered so he alone could hear.
"Thank you for noticing, dear." He was watching the influx of faculty more than Sarah's face. When a haughty smile spread over William's face, Sarah didn't have to look to know who'd entered. William seemed to take perverse delight in thumbing his nose at Professor Garrett King, and felt Sarah was the perfect tool. She wanted to hill min then and there, but good manners forbade it. So, Sarah took a deep breath, settled in her seat, and opened her program. Her face was set in what her mother called 'the show expression'.
King looked directly at William. Then let his eyes take in the young woman so determined not to draw attention to her self. He looked at again a William, and wondered if he could kill the younger man from here with a mere glance. Of course, he had his own set of problems at the moment. Dr. Matiland placed her hand though his arm as if to tell the world that they were an item. He settled her into her seat and tried to ignore the looks he was getting from the man sitting with Sarah.
Dr. Matiland had chosen to wear an elegant black crape dress that clung to her generous curves like dew to a rose. Her long blond hair was done in an elegant upsweep hairstyle, showing off her long swan like neck. Her slim limbs moved with grace, and she took her seat easily.
Sarah tried not to look, but like everyone else in the room she found she could not help it. Her insides tightened as the woman laid a hand on the arm of her companion who was doing his best to ignore her. Suddenly an arm swept over the top of Sarah's chair and over her shoulder. Sarah sat bolt upright, much to her chagrin and to Williams's obvious pleasure.
William snickered. "Easy love."
Sarah turned to face him with a sweet expression. "Move it or lose it."
William removed his hand from her shoulder, but not the arm from the back of her chair. He had battle lines drawn in the sand.
The lights went down, and Sarah turned her attention to the stage. Several times during the first movements he tried to advance and was rebuffed. King gave the pair a sideways glance, and then looked at them when he heard Sarah's quick intake of breath. She was seated upright, and looked as if she would bolt out of the hall. Dr. Matiland leaned toward him and whispered.
"How cute, young love." She tickled his ear with her whisper. "See how he chases after her? Are they not a handsome couple?"
King wanted to throttle the woman, but choose instead to say and do nothing.
When the intermission was announced, Sarah rose to her feet and glared at William. "Don't follow me!" Swift on her feet she stormed out of the hall and went to the ladies room where she locked herself in a stall and silently screamed. After letting out all her anger, she exited the stall and took a seat at the mirror in the ladies lounge. At this point Jareth and his threats of a dip in the Bog of Eternal Stench seemed almost pleasant. Once she'd composed herself, she stood and exited the restroom. William was waiting for her in the lobby.
He handed her a soft drink, "Feeling better?"
"What in the hell are you trying to do?" she asked in a terse whisper.
"Did you see that bird on Professor King's arm?"
Sarah lowered her eyes, not wanting anyone to see the hurt, but most especially this man. It worked, because ignorant of her pain, he continued to bespeak the virtues of the lady on Kings arm. It was a blessing when the bell rang for the second portion of the program. Though Sarah was there, she didn't hear any of it. Once or twice she let herself look in King's direction in the dark. Her heart sank. There was no way she could compete with a woman like Dr. Matiland.
When the concert ended so did her patients, she rose, slapped the program hard into William and stormed off. She moved though the crowd ignoring his pleas to hold up. Tears were on the verge of spilling and that was one thing she didn't want to happen here. The doors of the building were ahead when she collided with a person. She looked up into the concerned face of Miles Fairchild.
"I was hoping to see you," Miles placed a hand under her elbow and guided her out of the hall and into an alcove. "Take a moment to compose yourself." He produced a linen handkerchief for her to dab her eyes with.
Sarah fought back the tears, and took a deep breath. "Thank you, Mr. Fairchild. I'll be fine in a minute."
"Of course you will, " he said kindly. " Oh and Sarah? I'd be honored if you would call me Miles."
She sniffed, nodding distractedly, and continued to pace the alcove, striving to calm herself.
"Is there any thing I can do to be of help?" Miles Fairchild smiled; this was almost too easy.
"No, thank you." She dabbed her still tearing eyes. "I'm afraid I've ruined your lovely handkerchief." She sighed heavily.
"Not at all." He said lightly. "You've increased its value." When Sarah glanced at him he pointed to it and said. "It now carries the tears of a lovely maid."
"Maiden." She corrected before she could stop herself, then all she could do was blush.
"Even better," he smiled. "Sarah, would you like to tell me what happened?"
"My escort decided to act like a jackass." She explained.
Miles placed a hand on her shoulders, "The man should be horsewhipped."
A voice calling her name drew her attention. "Speak of the devil." Just then William entered the alcove his face contrite.
He looked at the older man and gulped. "Sarah, I'm so sorry. I've behaved so badly. I'd consider it a great favor if you could forget it, and allow me to see you home."
Miles placed himself between the pair. "Young man," he glared at William with the eyes of a wolf. "Why should she trust you?"
William suddenly was more worried about her with the stranger then he was about how he'd behaved. "Sarah, I give you my word. I will be on my best behavior."
Sarah read the fear in William's eyes and was aware of Miles stance. "William to say I'm disappointed in you is … it just does not cover it. But I think you should take me home. I'm a firm believer in leaving with the escort I arrive with." She turned to Fairchild. "Thank you for your assistance, Miles. I shall launder the hankie and return it to you."
Miles took the hankie and shook his head, "I prefer it as it is now, Sarah." He raised her hand to kiss the back of it gallantly. "Good night, my dear."
"Good night." She turned and left the alcove feeling she'd just escaped some unspoken danger.
Miles stepped out of the alcove, smiling. He watched the younger pair walked in one direction and he took another. All this was under the observation of a pair of mismatched eyes covered by smoky glass.
The ride home was silent; William had not even switched on the radio. He pulled in to the curb in front of the Williams home. Sarah would not even look at him when he opened her door. She merely walked toward her house and opened the front door.
There were voices coming from the salon, and she popped her head in. "I'm back."
Karen looked up, "Where's William?" Her voice was a little to gay.
"He's on his way home." Sarah said not offering more.
Oliver Bowen looked at her and smiled. "Was it a good concert?"
"Very nice." She lied, and was sure he knew it. "I'm going to go for my evening walk." She went back to the front hall to re-warp herself in the poncho.
Bowen looked at Robert. "She goes for a walk every evening? Is that safe?"
"Perfectly." Smiled Karen. "How nice of you to worry, though. How is it a man like you does not have a family of his own?"
"Never found the right woman." Bowen replied.
Sarah walked, and walked, until she had the anger all walked out. She looked up and found she was in front of the bookstore at the end of the park. She shook her head and sat down on the bench in front of the old store. Placing her chin in her hands and resting her elbows on her knees she contemplated killing either William or her self. There was no traffic at this end of town at night. So it was surprising when the sleek black car pulled into the spaces just in front of her. It was even more surprising when the driver alighted. King stood next to his car for a moment, then walked to stand in front of her. Sarah looked up at him, miserably.
For a moment he wanted to do something, something violent. But looking at her sad features put all that out of his head. He extended both hands to her, and when her small hands were in his, he
pulled her to her feet. He took her face in his hands, and let go an exasperated groan, then lowered his lips to hers. A moment later, he enfolded her as he began to kiss her senseless. He raised his head, remembered where they were standing and took a deep breath. "Sarah, come to the car." He opened her door and settled her in the passenger seat. When he came round to the driver's side, he'd thought he'd composed himself. He turned, looked at her and groaned. Composure went out the window as he pulled her forcefully against him and devoured her with hungry lips.
Sarah clung to him and kissed him back. "Oh Garrett!" She cried softly.
After he was sure she was not a dream but a flesh and blood woman in his arms, he held her for a long time in quiet. Just listening to her soft sobs and sighs was a balm. Finally he spoke. "Tonight was hell."
Sarah nodded, "For me too."
"Oh my darling girl." He brushed her face with two fingers. "We are in such trouble."
She closed her fingers round his. "As long as we're in it together." She offered weakly.
Garrett King groaned, "Sarah, have you any idea of what a can of worms we've opened?" He looked at her as she leaned back against the seat. "That display that Pratt put on…"
"It was appalling, I know." She sighed. "I'm so furious with him! That's why I slapped him with my program when I left the hall. If I'd a cooler head I would not have made such a scene."
"I wanted to find you," Garrett sighed. "I got up to leave and Dr. Matiland detained me." He stroked her smooth skin. "Who was the man I saw you talking to in the alcove?"
"His name is Miles Fairchild. He buys books at our store." She looked at him with honest eyes. "I literally ran into him as I was trying to leave. He took me to the alcove so I could compose myself."
Garrett King nearly lost his glamour at the mention of the name Fairchild. He sighed. "I may have to thrash Pratt."
"I'll supply the horsewhip." She offered.
King smiled. "Poor dear, you've had a dreadful night."
A soft hand cupped his face, "Oh it's looking up, as of now."
"Sarah," he kissed her again. Then he pulled back, "It's late, young woman, and you should be safe at home, not wandering the streets." He engaged the engine and pulled back onto the empty street. He asked her for directions to her home. When he arrived at the house he offered to see her to the door.
Sarah accepted, and he walked her slowly to the front door. There he placed a kiss to her forehead and bid her goodnight. She watched him get back in the car and drive off. Entering the house, she heard the voices of her parents and their guest. She leaned on the closet door for a moment and touched fingers to the lips that Garrett's harsh kiss had bruised. The memory and feel were with her still.
"Sarah?" Her father called from the lounge "Was that a car we heard?"
"Yes, Daddy, it was." Sarah stopped in the doorway.
"Whose car was it?"
"That was Garrett's car, Daddy. Good night, everyone." Sarah headed for the stairs.
Robert turned to Karen. "Who is Garrett?"
"I don't know." Karen shrugged slightly.