A big thank you to everyone who reviewed the previous chapter! You folks have no idea how much I appreciate the fact that you're continuing to read!
"No" Jimmy interrupted, "You're Mr. Strallan."
"How... how do you... know my name" Anthony gaped at the bellhop.
Jimmy laughed, "you're the man in the picture" he shrugged as though that clearly answered Anthony's question.
"And, might I ask, what picture would that be?" the baronet inquired, glancing around to ensure the two weren't being observed.
"The photograph your wife keeps by her bedside, of course" Jimmy casually replied.
"My...my what?!" the tall blonde sputtered.
"Wife" the young man repeated, his tone reflecting the slightest hint of exasperation at the older gentleman's confusion. "You know, Mrs. Strallan, the missus, the lady to whom you're married."
Anthony's heart skipped a beat at hearing Edith referred to as Mrs. Strallan.
"Ah yes, I saw you speaking with her outside the hotel just now" the Englishman muttered as his thoughts began to wander... Edith Strallan, Mrs. Anthony Strallan, Mr. and Mrs. Strallan. The baronet found he rather liked the sound of those American ...
"Excuse me sir" Jimmy waved a hand in front of Anthony's face, "have you heard a word I've said?"
The older gentleman grinned sheepishly, "Err...forgive me young man, erm... afraid I was... umm..preoccupied..."
"I've no idea how long you folks have been married" Jimmy smirked, "but you act like newlyweds."
"Not long" Anthony blushed at the lad's cheek, "not long at all. And you are?"'
"Name's Jimmy. I asked if you'd like me to show you to the room."
"Not...not right now. Later this evening...or perhaps tomorrow" the tall blonde stammered, noting the puzzled expression on the younger man's features. "She's not... expecting me you see and... I was... I... I... wanted to surprise her."
"Oh, that's a wonderful idea! Let me know if I can be of any assistance, I'd be more than happy to help."
Anthony groaned inwardly. He was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the deception and lies and now he was involving this unsuspecting young fellow in his scheme.
"For now Jimmy, I'd appreciate it if no one else knew I was here."
"Yes sir" the bellhop gave a mock salute.
"So... I... I don't suppose you'd know when Mrs. Strallan next intends to be out for an hour or so?"
"Actually she has a headache and went to lie down but I'm to wake her at two o' clock for her doctor's appointment."
Glancing at his watch, Anthony saw it was nearly noon.
"Meet me at the back entrance at two o' clock" he ordered, stuffing some bills into Jimmy's hand. "Could you arrange to let me in the room while she's out?"
"I'll have to speak with Anna in housekeeping."
"You're certain she won't give me away?"
"She likes Mrs. Strallan. Besides, once I've explained that you're planning a surprise, I'm sure Anna will be thrilled to be part of it."
The young man made to leave then suddenly turned back to Anthony, his expression quite serious "It's not my place to say sir, but, if I were you, I wouldn't wait much longer before letting Mrs. Strallan know you've arrived. Your wife's been terribly lonely without you."
Up in her room, Edith lay across the bed fighting back tears as she cradled Anthony's photograph to her chest. Ten weeks into her pregnancy, suffering from morning sickness and lack of sleep, the young woman was exhausted, her moods all over the map, and imagining she'd seen the baronet earlier that day had taken it's own toll. The sense of desperation and loneliness she'd felt at Downton paled in comparison to the isolation and sadness the strawberry blonde had experienced since arriving in Boston four weeks ago. Doctor visits and searching for a place of her own occupied nearly all her time and as a result Jimmy, Anna, and a few other hotel employees, were Edith's only acquaintances. With a weary sigh, the young lady rose to freshen up before her afternoon appointment, filled with uncertainty as to whether she'd survive the struggles of the coming months. Perhaps, Edith thought, staring at her reflection in the mirror, perhaps being overlooked for the entirety of her life had served to make her strong, independent, and therefore, quite capable of taking on the challenge of raising a child on her own. She certainly hoped so.
A/N: Edith and Anthony meet in the next chapter, I promise!