If it is absolutely necessary that you read the disclaimer, it's on the first chapter.

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Chapter 4

"It seems, Robert, you have a little competition," his companions pointed out Jessie entering the party looking very comfortable on George's arm.

"He's a student of Alfred's, he was asked to escort Jessie" Robert felt the bile of jealousy rising inside him. Jessie was just being stubborn, she would come around eventually. She knew how he felt about her, at least he hoped.

"George, Jessie, what a pleasant surprise" Robert pasted a smile on his face and turned to the couple.

"Good evening, Robert".

"George, I don't know if you heard, but Dr. Hornsby is rumored to be in attendance tonight. If Jessie wouldn't mind, I would be happy to make an introduction".

"Um, well, of course, thank you" George stammered.

"What George means to say, is that we would be honored" Jessie politely stepped in as the orchestra started to play.

"Would you excuse us?" George led Jessie onto the dance floor.

As the orchestra played, George felt as if he had wings. This was everything his father had wished for him and much more.

"For a commoner, you're an excellent dancer" she teased.

"One of the many components of my education that Sir Harding believed was necessary".

"He wasn't wrong" for a moment, it was they were alone on the dance floor, each realizing that their feelings were much deeper than either had previously realized.

As George and Jessie joined the rest of the couples on the dance floor, a commotion arose. Dr. Hornsby was greeted by the revelers, eager to welcome Britain's newest hero home.

"Dr. Hornsby" Robert had nothing but respect for the man considered to be the greatest English scientist of the day.

"Robert, I see Alfred's daughter has grown up quite nicely" Dr. Hornsby turned the dance floor.

"She certainly has" the music ended and George led Jessie off the dance floor.

"George Challenger, Dr. William Hornsby. George is a student of Alfred's. Of course you know Jessie".

"I must say, sir, your last essay on Alligators of the Amazon was truly amazing" George gushed.

"Thank you, Mr. Challenger. You must be brilliant, not many can deal with the great Alfred Kingsbridge as a teacher".

George's face suddenly matched his hair color.

"If you excuse me, our host wishes a word with me. George, it was a pleasure to meet you. Jessie, give my regards to your father" Dr. Hornsby politely excused himself.

George stood silent, still not believing he met the legendary Dr. Hornsby as the orchestra began to play again

"Would you mind, old chap, if I borrowed Jessie for a dance?" Robert asked.

Unhappily, but politely Jessie allowed Robert to lead her to the dance floor.

"Interesting chap, now I know what you see in him".

She remained silent. Arrogant and egocentric as always, she would have smacked him if she could.

"Silence from Jessie Kingsbridge, who knew?".

Reminding herself that she was a lady, she was grateful that the song finally ended. Returning to the table, she found George eagerly chatting away.

"Excuse us" he noticed the unhappy look on her face and guided away from the crowd.

"I hate him, I hate him," she screamed.

"Slow down, breathe" he encouraged.

"Can we elope? Get out of London? Paris, New York, Amsterdam, anywhere?" she begged.

"I still have another year of school, you know I can't leave".

"For me, George. Between my father and Robert, I can't stand this anymore".

"You and I will get married and I promise you that we will travel, see the world. But I must finish school" he told her.

"I can't wait, George".

"If you knew that I loved you and I promised you with everything in my heart that we will be married as soon as possible, could you wait?" he asked.

"George, do you mean it?" she turned to him.

"Yes I do".

"I love you".

Forgetting the party in the room behind them, they embraced as if this was the start of a new life, a new beginning

I know its kind of a mushy ending and it's not the big dramatic moment, but I needed to move the story along. If you would be so kind, send a review and help me to write the next chapter.