Chapter twenty-five: Someone you loved
"Come, I'll show you around the house." Kate offers Grace, who hesitates for a moment before standing up. "You simply must see the garden." She says loudly, before pulling Grace aside into the library. "You wait here."
Grace looks confused. "But…why, are you-
Kate comes out of the library and looks around. She knows Thomas is close by and sure enough, he comes casually around the parlor. He steps towards her. "Kate, I need to-
"She's in the library."
He frowns. "There is nothing between us."
"I could argue that there is nothing between me and Emmett, however, denying it, would be inevitable. There's a bond there, regardless of me not wanting there to be one."
Kate doesn't want to be jealous, it's such an ugly emotion, but it's clear that Grace still has intense feelings for Thomas. Thomas doesn't appear to reciprocate her feelings, but Thomas is avoiding her. All evening, Grace's gaze goes to Thomas, but his gaze goes to her, which she can't reciprocate in front of company. Unfortunately, there's no avoiding the inevitable and if Thomas is still in love with Grace, she wants to know now before she breaks up with Emmett. She needs her mind to be clear and whether Thomas wants to admit it or not, he needs closure as much as Grace.
Thomas states firmly. "I feel nothing for her."
"Then make sure you tell her that." she states as calmly as she can, even though she's miserable at this moment. "Thomas, you burned the letter, you don't know what she said. What if she still loves you?"
"That means nothing to me."
"It means something to her. She needs closure. Give it to her." she nods towards the library. "She's waiting."
"Kate," he grips her elbow. "I don't want to fight about this."
"Me neither." She pulls free. "Talk to her and then we'll talk. Afterwards, all will be well and clear."
With that said, she turns and walks back down the hall and around the corner. She can feel Thomas watching her until she's out of sight. She leans against the wall, fighting back tears. Her whole future is at stake, leading up to this moment. Kate mentally prepares herself for the possibility that Thomas decides that his last love was his true love and she becomes a passing phase.
She wipes her eyes, vexed to find them pooling before continuing down the hall to the solarium. She exhales as she pushes the glass door open and moves to her favorite spot at the end of the solarium. The cluster of pink, baby rose bushes.
She sits down and pulls a pink bud off the bush, twirling it between her fingers. She hates this, but her heart demands that he be sure of where his affections actually lay. But what'll she do if his affections still lie with Grace? Her love to him was a new love, but new doesn't automatically make it the strongest.
The door opens, causing her to sniffle and wipe her eyes. Rosemary probably followed her in here, granted the curious glances she's been giving her all evening.
But it's not.
"This really is lovely, Tommy." Kate stiffens. Oh God, no! She doesn't want to hear this conversation between them! Why did they leave the library? "You've changed."
"Not really." He says calmly as he lights a cigarette.
"Tommy, had I known you were going to be here, I'd have-
"What do you want with me Grace?" Thomas asks pointedly. "You've been giving me the eye all evening, now what do you want?" No answer. Possibly because Grace can't think of an answer to give him. "Do you want to me to f**k you?" Kate bites her lip and turns her head aside. She doesn't know where this conversation is going, but it hurts her head. "Your husband not up to the task?"
Grace lets out a gasp, seemingly of pleasure. " Tommy, please."
She can't see what they're doing. It doesn't sound like they're kissing, but she doesn't dare to look. If she seems them together she doesn't know how she'll react, but it won't be pretty. She doesn't know what to do. Plug her ears? No, because then she won't know if he's telling her the truth or not. She should trust him, but all is fair in love and war, supposedly.
"Yeah, I remember how you like it. There's just one problem." Thomas's voice becomes suddenly changes from seductive to harsh "Your name isn't Kate." She whips her head around and looks in the general direction where he's standing. "I don't love you anymore."
Kate covers her mouth as Grace gasps before asking semi-harshly. "What are you saying?"
"You see…the thing is…I'm in love with Kate." her heart jumps joyfully n her chest and she covers her mouth to keep from shouting. "It was good to see you again though Grace."
"But, she's getting married…
"I'm aware of the temporary arrangement."
"Her mother said that the wedding's in four days."
"Things can change." He exhales. "I'm not deciding my life with her by the toss of a coin."
"Then why are we here?" she asks. "Why did you ask to talk to me?"
"She felt you needed closure. I said I didn't need it with you, but…she was right. I feel nothing for you….had I not met her, I might have felt something, but…I don't now."
"Does her family know?"
"No. and if you tell them, I'll tell your husband-
"There's no need to threaten me Tommy." Grace says calmly. "I'm upset but...it has been two years. I-I don't know what I was expecting, but...it doesn't matter now. Is she in love with you?"
"Yes." The certainty in her voice causes her to smile.
"She's very different from me; very lively and social." Grace compares. "Is she cut out for a life in your crowd, after leaving here?"
"She's the one for me Grace." Thomas states confidentially, causing her to smile broader, against her will. "She's a lot tougher than she looks. She can take care of herself, but she won't have to, because she'll be with me."
Grace is silent before saying. "I hope she make you happy Tommy. Honestly."
"She is. She does. Are you happy in New York, Grace?" He asks. "Are you happy with him?
"He's a good man."
"Don't beat around the bush with me, Grace."
"We've been trying for a baby." All is silent for a moment. "It hasn't been easy."
Kate understands at the same moment Thomas does. "I'm sorry."
"Doctor believes I'm the one at fault."
"It's no one's fault."
"I'm sick of hearing that."
" You're used to working under cover, finding someone other than me, won't be that difficult."
"I have never lied to him, once!" She can feel the disapproving look from Thomas.
"So tell him the truth." Thomas exhales. "You're still lovely. No man will resist you."
"Apart from you." Grace laughs lightly and Thomas chuckles as well. "Will she want children?"
Thomas nods. "Aye, I think she wants a big family…five."
"Five!" Grace laughs as Kate blushes. She'd never discussed having children with Thomas, but, yes, she wants a large family. That's yet another thing that she can have with him and not with Emmett. "Well, I hope she gets them with you."
"She can have anything she wants with me." Thomas states as they move towards the solarium door.
"And you'll give it to her. I hope you win her."
"I have, she's just stubborn at times."
Grace laughs at Kate glowers. "She sounds perfect for you then, Tommy Shelby."
"She'll keep me on my toes. Never a dull moment with her." he exhales. "Good seeing you again, Grace. Good luck."
"Thank you."
The door closes and Kate exhales deeply. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but she'd heard what she needed to hear. Now she had many emotions pulsating through her, she finally understands what Thomas has been feeling towards her in regards to Emmett. The anger, the jealousy mingled with the heartbreaking want and desire. Yet, he's been extremely patient with her, letting her fall slowly in love with him.
And she has.
It's time to put him out of his misery.
After standing, she brushes her skirts off and exits the solarium. She then enters the library and picks up the phone. She asks the operator to ring Emmett's number. His mother picks up.
Hello?
"Hello Mrs. Webber? Is Emmett there?"
No. he just telephoned me to say he'd be studying late. I don't expect him until 11 tonight.
Kate sighs. "Can you ask him to call me? I need to talk to him. It's extremely important."
All right, is it about the wedding?
Kate feels a presence and she knows its Thomas. She turns towards him as he enters the library, his gaze trained on her. "It has everything to do with the wedding." He stops a short distance away from her. "Can you please ask Emmett to call me back first thing tomorrow?"
Is everything alright?
"Everything is going to be alright. I can't tell him over the phone, so, we need to arrange to meet as soon as possible. Goodnight." Without waiting for her to answer, Kate hangs up the phone. "He's still not back tonight. I'll have to catch Emmett tomorrow."
She walks towards Thomas. "Kate, I-
"Hands in your pockets." She orders abruptly. "Now."
He frowns, but does as she says. "Kate, I don't-
"Keep them there." She grabs a hold of his face in both of her hands, causing his eyes to widen in surprise. She smirks as she quickly, but deeply, kisses him on the lips. She can feel his hands twitching in his pockets as she breaks the kiss. "We'll be missed. we should return."
"That ring better be f**king off your hand by tomorrow."
She smiles over her shoulder at him. "One would hope, Mr. Shelby. And by the way," she presses the pink rosebud she's still holding into his hand. "I think I left my handkerchief in the solarium tonight."
His eyes flash and he quickly grabs her elbow. "Wait, you heard? Everything?" Kate nods. "You should have said something."
"Why? I told you to talk in the library. Why'd you move to the solarium?"
"It was too close to your mother to suit me. Besides, I didn't know how Grace would react. Why were you in there?"
"I was upset and I go there to think. I do trust you Thomas, but if things were going to change between us because of her, this was when I needed to find out."
"My feelings aren't changing towards you Kate."
"Neither are mine Thomas."
"She was someone I loved. You'll be someone I'll always love."
"As will you." He leans forward, hands in his pockets still and kisses her on the lips. She smiles as he breaks the kiss. "Tomorrow, this will all be over. I promise. After that...I'll be all yours."
Cordapia: Luckily, she's only here for one chapter!
Idcam: Well, it went as well as can be expected. Luckily Grace took it very well, so she won't be causing trouble...that's in the next chapters.
Angel029: Not for long!
Thehoodedassassin: I know! At least it's not awkward for long! Her father and Rosemary are quite amusing. They're such fun! I thought I'd uploaded this chapter last night, but I think I dreamed it because I finally looked and it wasn't up! But, I'm taking my story a new direction, so, I had to rewrite several chapters!
Author's Note: Check my profile for the poll I posted and be sure to vote for your top 2 choices!