To those of you still reading, I sincerely thank you!
Anthony was nursing his second whiskey when a taxi pulled to a stop in front of the bank, the tall blonde paused, his glass mid air has a familiar head of coppery curls emerged from the back of the cab.
Anthony, his knees trembling, walked quickly towards the bar's entrance and stood in the shadows nervously peering out as Edith bent down to speak with the cabbie through the passenger window. The conversation now ended, the strawberry blonde, after turning to enter the building behind her, abruptly whirled around and, as though sensing the tall blonde's presence, stared hard towards the very door at which he lingered. The older gentleman hastily retreated a few steps but then, just as quickly, Edith again turned, stepping inside the bank. The episode was brief, the entire incident lasting only a moment or two, but to the blue eyed baronet those few short minutes seemed an eternity.
Stunned at finally laying eyes on his former fiancee' for the first time since their failed wedding, Anthony was suddenly petrified by the onslaught of emotions that swept over him; elation at once more seeing Edith, fear that young woman might hate him which, of course, she had every right to, and both dread and joy at the thought of actually speaking with her again. His heart and mind both racing, Anthony considered what his next move should be. Would it be best to confront Edith now in a public setting or should he wait in hopes of somehow arranging a more private meeting between the two? And, if he chose the latter, how on earth was he to orchestrate such a meeting?
Time was of the essence but the shock of actually seeing Edith had sent Anthony's mental faculties reeling. The taxi remained parked at the curb apparently awaiting the strawberry blonde's return. Realizing he needed to act swiftly in order to avoid an awkward encounter with the young lady, Anthony sprinted across the street while trying to quickly formulate a ruse that might lead the vehicle's operator to reveal Edith's intended destination. If he was unsuccessful, well, he'd be spending a great deal more time at the pub.
"Excuse me, sir" he called to the driver, "could you take me to forty-seven Franklin Street?"
"Sorry pal, I'm waiting on a fare already."
"If...if by chance you're going in my direction" he fumbled, "I...I thought, perhaps, we might share."
The cabbie shook his head and gestured with his thumb, "I'm afraid they're headed that way to the Hotel Somerset."
The Hotel Somerset, the older gentleman inwardly rejoiced, repeating the words as he beat a path back to O'Leary's to pay his tab.
Exiting the bank, Edith glimpsed a tall, broad shouldered gentleman, ducking into the bar across the street. His blonde waves all but hidden beneath the dark brown Homburg he sported.
"Anthony" she whispered softly, as butterflies began flitting about her stomach.
Dear lord, she wondered, is it possible I'm losing my mind? Earlier, I could have sworn I felt Anthony's presence. Those feelings of peace, love, and utter happiness that I only ever experienced when he was near were so... strong. That sense of completeness, of belonging, it was as though... as though he were... Don't be ridiculous, she chided herself, it's not as though he'd travel to Boston to find you after all his efforts to avoid you in Yorkshire. Overwhelmed by the force of emotions bursting within her aching heart, the strawberry blonde slipped into the back of the taxi taking disappointment, regret, and loneliness along for the ride.
Shortly after ensuring Edith had departed, Anthony hailed a cab, directing the driver to the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Charlesgate East where the Somerset was located. Upon his arrival, the baronet found Edith outside speaking to a young man, whom he presumed was a bell-hop, in a rather friendly manner. Once the young woman entered, he waited several minutes before going in search of the lad. After two discouraging weeks in the city, it appeared, that today, Anthony's luck had taken a turn for the better. First, he'd found Edith and now the young fellow he sought stood just inside the hotel entrance.
"Young man" Anthony began, reaching in his pocket for some bills, "might I have a word with you?"
Jimmy glanced in Anthony's direction, his face immediately breaking into a huge grin.
"I know who you are" he exclaimed excitedly.
"I beg your pardon" the baronet responded, obviously surprised at having been addressed in such a familiar manner. "I'm afraid you must be mistaken..."
"No" Jimmy interrupted, "you're Mr. Strallan!"
A/N: To the guest reviewer of the previous chapter, it's almost as though you're in my head sometimes but I promise, I always intended for Jimmy and Anthony to meet in this manner.
Also a big thank you to you and everyone else for all the lovely comments! I truly love hearing from you folks!