A/N: Hi again. Thanks for reviewing the last chapter. Recently, my mind has just EXPLODED with ideas for the rest of this story. I'm so excited. Anyway, most of it is still in the works, of course, but I'm really excited about continuing this story, and I hope you are all excited too. I'm moving the story on a couple of months later just to keep the ball rolling. Please Review.
Silliana: Thanks so much for the compliments! Keep reviewing, and I hope you like this chapter!
Stella Maynard: I understand what you mean about not having every person survive because that isn't realistic. Don't worry. Everything will work itself out the way it's supposed to, I think. Now I'm really wondering who your favorite characters are. I thought that Sarah's actions at the end of last chapter were classic, goodbye-ishly appropriate. Don't fret. The entire family is included in this chapter, so you'll get a dose of pretty much everyone I can squeeze in, and Jeff is here to stay, for awhile at least. Well, it's nice to read your reviews! I just love them, so keep reviewing! Lol. Hope you enjoy this chapter…
Lilkat92: Wow! 2 reviews! That just made my week! Thanks for reviewing! I'm not making any promises on Una though…I'm so evil…
Faerie5: Thank you so much for reviewing! I'm glad you like what's going on with the Merediths'. Keep reviewing & Update your story SOON.
Weeks drained by quickly and turned into months. The end of December approached in the blink of an eye to Emily. The monotony of life slowly took all the color and excitement out of her life. She was busy competing for scholarships for the next year at Queen's and rarely spent any time doing anything other than studying or working. Claire moved on, although she was worried about Emily. She no longer expected Emily to be cheerful or excited. Whenever Claire attended a party or social gathering, she would invite Emily, but Emily would decline, as usual. Mary and Kimmy worked diligently for the Red Cross and Emily helped them when she could, but otherwise, she would just lock herself in her room. It was just habit now.
One windy afternoon, Emily visited Sarah to see how she was doing. They often had tea while discussing various aspects of their lives. Sarah still had her sharp tongue and knack for finding gossip. Grandmother Anne often said, "Sarah Blythe could put Mrs. Rachel Lynde to shame."
"Did you hear about Eleanor Vanderbilt? I was at the Hudson Gala the other night and I could have sworn—"
"—Oh Sarah! Don't swear! It's terribly unladylike."
"It's a figure of speech, Emily. Anyway, she stumbled out behind a curtain and practically fell into Robert Blake's arms! Oh, yes, and only to be followed by Jordan Chase, who looked quite flushed himself, if you know what I mean. He had to straighten himself out before walking away from Eleanor, who he absolutely refused to look at for the rest of the night. And the dear little muffin went on flirting shamelessly with every man in the room. You should have seen Bess Lewis's face when Eleanor came right up to her escort and asked him to dance with her!!!!"
"Oh my!"
"Yes, but then, after thinking that Eleanor couldn't be more disgraceful, Mrs. Hudson had to come in and pull Eleanor aside after many complaints from her guests about a certain drunk lady!"
"Eleanor Vanderbilt was drunk?!? At the Hudson Gala!?!"
"Oh yes, and she was politely asked to leave the party. I could have died from laughing so hard!"
"Sarah! You shouldn't say such things. How could Eleanor do that?!? That's terribly shameful. The Vanderbilts' are a very proper family. Could you imagine how shocked her parents would be if they found out?"
"Well, I'm sure her brother, Andrew, will inform them of all they need to know. Now, I have been meaning to ask you about Jeff."
"Really? What about Jeff?"
"The last time I checked, you two were getting quite close, correct me if I'm mistaken—"
"—you're not. Continue."
"How are things going between you two? Is he courting you? Are you in love?"
"Sarah, I'm not in love and yes, he is courting me, but I don't consider it serious. Jeff is a stable young man, whom I like very much."
"In other words, you don't like him, he bores you completely, and you can't really stand to be around him."
"No, I think Jeff is lovely. He's quite kind to me and he does not bore me. He's very interesting. He tells the most compelling stories."
"Do you see him often?"
"Well, yes. He walks to me to class and carries my satchel. Then, he waits for me after tennis practice or after I finish working on the paper and walks me home."
"Ugh…I think that Jeff McCallister is a complete jerk. The way he winks and flirts with all the girls in our class is disgusting! How could you fall for the fake charm, Emily? I thought you were smarter than that."
"You don't know Jeff. He's very sweet to me. He's opened up to me and he's…different when around me."
"Are you really that naïve, dear? Boys like Jeff break girls' hearts. They don't care about you. Have you seen him? He has a new idiot around him everyday. Don't be that idiot!"
Emily became infuriated. She tightly clenched her fists as if to keep herself from doing or saying something horrible. She quietly stood up and put on her coat. "Sarah, thank you for having me over. I really must be going now, though. I will see you soon."
"Emily, please don't be upset. I'm only looking out for you."
"I know that, but I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"Really? Is this why you've been so distant lately? Or why you hardly leave home? I'm worried. You need to experience Queen's. Listen, there is going to be a lovely party at Branford tomorrow night. It's the winter formal, Emily. Everyone will be there. Come with me or Kimmy or Claire. Everyone will be there."
"I'll think about it."
The wind started to blow harder and the skies became grey as Emily made her way to the school. Soon, rain started to fall and Emily ran quickly to get into a building. She walked to the newspaper office, holding onto her notebook tightly. Was Sarah right? Did Jeff see her as another conquest? Emily didn't want to think of Jeff that way, but his reputation was culpable. Her feelings towards Jeff were growing and although she was scared, Emily felt as if it was worth the risk. She had no choice but to dive into the pool and see what was to come.
Upon reaching the office, she noticed that the room and much of the campus was empty. Everyone probably had already gone home, but she wanted to turn in her article before leaving for Kensington tomorrow. Originally, she had planned on leaving in the morning, but Sarah was so sincere and kind. Emily decided to stay for the party and leave afterwards. She wasn't expecting to have to stay long anyway. Feeling confident about her decision, Emily turned in her article and headed home.
The next morning, Emily was awakened by the bubbling voices of the girls downstairs. She came down to find Mary making breakfast and Kimmy and Claire gossiping about tonight's party.
"Emily! There you are, silly dear. Did you sleep well? Well, tonight is going to be wonderful! Guess who asked to be my escort! Just guess, Em," said Kimmy, excitedly. Her face was flushed and her hands shaky.
"Uh…who?"
"Well, she's just been dying to tell it to anyone who will listen, Em. Graham Sullivan asked Kimmy last night. She was simply giggly all night long," said Claire in a scandalized tone. Obviously, she did not approve of Graham.
"Claire! I was supposed to tell Emily. Anyway, Graham Sullivan! Graham Sullivan, Em!!! He's positively gorgeous! Don't you think so? Oh, don't make that face at me, Claire. I'm so happy he asked. I was starting to think I'd have to settle for Charlie Schrader. He's just so dull compared to Graham."
"Graham Sullivan is a very proper gentleman. I don't see why you don't approve Claire," chimed Mary, who was very supportive of fine, proper young gentlemen.
"It's simple, Em. Graham Sullivan is rich and a terrible flirt. He and Jordan Chase run about campus parties flirting shamelessly with girls. It's positively nauseating. I just don't like those kinds of boys. They always have to have an agenda."
Emily laughed her beautiful, silvery laugh. "Well, as long as I don't have to pick out a wedding present anytime soon, I don't see any reason why Kimmy can't be escorted to the winter formal by Graham. He's in my literature class and he seems respectable enough. I've been meaning to ask, what in the world are you going to wear tonight? I've gone through my closet twice and I still can't decide!"
"I'm going to wear my burgundy chiffon. And Mary has promised to help me do my hair. I'm going to put it up in the new fashion. It's very becoming, don't you think? Oh, and there's some nice lilies of the valley in the garden. You should put some in your hair, Em." Emily could picture Claire all dressed up for the ball. Burgundy suited her well.
"Yes, well Claire will look lovely, but I've decided to wear my rose crinoline. I'm going to put a few tiny rose buds in my hair, but I'm going to leave most of it down. Your sister, Melanie, brought over a lovely magazine from Toronto the other day and I've decided to do my hair like one of the models in the picture. It's simply divine," said Kimmy as she pushed over a magazine to Emily. The lady in the picture looked exquisite. Her hair looked very modern, but also understated and elegant. Emily flipped through the pages and was quite jealous. How was it that all of these girls could look so beautiful while her dark hair was so plain? It just wasn't fair.
"Mary, are you going tonight? Oh you must, Mary. It'll be fun! We can escort each other," pleaded Emily.
"Jeff isn't taking you to the formal? Graham told me he was simply crazy about you."
"Well, Jeff had to go home to his family. You can't expect him to stay just to take me to the formal," said Emily half-heartedly. She was trying to convince herself that she wasn't disappointed, but in truth, she was.
"You should wear your white chiffon or sapphire silk, Em. You'll look like a queen in the sapphire."
"Yes, Claire, but Aunt Persis brought back the silk from Europe and it's dreadfully extravagant. I'll be worried about tripping over it or staining it all night. I think I'll wear the white chiffon and put the lilies in my hair. I won't be staying long anyway. I'm going to catch the night train home. Mother wants everyone home early because we're going to Grandmother's for Christmas. I really can't wait. Grandmother is such a dear."
"Oh, you should stay until morning, Emily. I'm taking the early train to Emery Bay. We can go to the station together."
"That's sweet, Mary, but I've already bought my ticket. Plus, Matt says he's going home tonight with me. I think Melanie and Madison are leaving with Harry tomorrow. I really rather not spend that much time with them on a moving train."
"Sarah is going home to Avonlea tomorrow and I'm going on the same train as her. My uncle is picking me up from Avonlea and taking me to Meadowcrest. I love the ride home. Avonlea is beautiful, especially the shining lake. I always want to stop for just a little while longer, but Uncle is terribly unromantic," sighed Claire.
"Oh, the Lake of Shining Waters! Uncle Jem and Aunt Faith live nearby. My favorite place in Avonlea is Lovers' Lane, especially during the spring when all of the flowers are in bloom. Sarah paints Avonlea often and she can always recall the smallest details from her memory. It's positively lovely."
"When are you going home, Kimmy?" asked Mary.
Kimmy seemed to be in a trance. She didn't hear Mary and didn't realize she had been asked a question until everyone's eyes were on her. "Oh, I'm not going home for Christmas. Mother and Father are touring Europe and they won't be back until summer. Nana wrote that she was going to visit my aunt and uncle in Halifax, so no one will be home this year," said Kimmy, sadly. "It's just as well though. I can catch up on my work and stay here for the holidays. Going back to an empty house in the city will be lonelier than staying here by myself. It's just two weeks, dearest. I can manage."
Emily, who suddenly felt a whirlwind of passion and sympathy, consoled Kimmy, "Kimmy, darling, you must come home with me. It'll be lovely. You'll adore Kensington and everyone in the family will be visiting Grandmother and you must come with because Grandmother will just love you, darling. Say you'll come, won't you?"
"I don't want to be a burden—"
"—you won't!"
"Are you sure? But if you insist, I'd love to join you." Kimmy's face lit up at once and she was so overwhelmed with happiness that she threw her arms around Emily and gave her the biggest hug possible. Emily was quite taken aback from the sudden display of affection. "Don't think anything about it, dear. You just pack your bags and get ready to leave tonight."
The rest of the day was spent preparing for the departures and the evening's main event—the winter formal. Emily and Kimmy called at the Lewis family to leave their bags with Matt. That night, Claire looked exquisite in her burgundy chiffon with her golden-brown hair done up in an elegant knot. Her emerald eyes shined magnificently. Kimmy, who was in a frenzy, looked like lovely in her rose crinoline. Her blonde hair, curled and done, fell elegantly on her shoulder. She was excitedly awaiting Graham's arrival when Mary and Emily came down.
"Oh, Emily! You look like an angel. The white chiffon is perfect!" admired Kimmy. Emily's hair was done down with a few lilies of the valley carefully placed in her dark hair. "And, Mary! You look darling. Come, let me see, let me see." Mary wore a sea foam green dress. The print was faded, but it was hardly noticeable. Emily embroidered a few red roses on the dress to give it more pop. Mary's auburn hair was also done up in the latest fashion, which suited her tremendously.
Claire walked in from the kitchen, speechless. "Mary Evans! You'll be the bell of the ball! Look at you! Turn around, turn around. Magnificent! Oh, Emily, you did such a good job with the roses. Oh, and you, dearest look splendid. I'm completely jealous of both of you. Emily, the white lilies look perfect in your hair. Oh, you just wait and see. Both of your dancing cards will be filled up before you know it!"
Graham came right on time, much to the girls' pleasure. Kimmy quickly ran upstairs and told the girls to keep Graham company before she made her big entrance. Emily opened the door to find a handsome young man, dressed very nicely. He shook hands politely and complimented all the girls. They kept up small talk, well, Emily kept up small talk. Claire look disgusted by Graham and Mary was too shy to say anything.
"Professor Grant is jolly, don't you think, Emily? Literature is my favorite class," said Graham, who was in Emily's class also.
"Oh, yes. He's quite kind and he spins such wonderful tales. I believe he could be a wonderful author if he ever decides not to teach, although I hope he will continue to teach."
"Yes, yes, I agree completely. It's a shame Jeff had to leave early, Em. He wanted to take you to the formal. He told me so."
Emily flushed and looked down, "Oh well, Mary and I will have a lovely evening together, thank you." She wanted to change the subject, but couldn't think of anything to say, but Claire spoke for her. "Are you on the football team with Emily's brother, Matt?"
"Yes, I am. Matt is a good chum of mine. When will you be going home, Emily?" Graham seemed to always turn the conversation towards Emily, in part because Claire scared him with her withering stares.
"Tonight, actually. Kimmy is coming with me. I'm terribly sorry for taking away your date so early tonight."
"Ah, well, I must get home to pack my things too. My train leaves tomorrow afternoon and I haven't done a bit of Christmas shopping either," laughed Graham until Kimmy came downstairs. She looked like a queen in his eyes. So much, in fact, that his hands fumbled to give her a corsage.
"This is for you, Kimmy. I thought it would match your golden hair." Something about the way Graham said golden made Kimmy's heart skip a beat. She blushed wildly and turned her attention to Emily. "Em, come find me when you are ready to leave." Graham offered Kimmy his arm and they looked like a fine pair walking down the moonlit lane.
"I'm thought he'd never leave! Well, you two ought to be going now."
"Claire! What about you? We want to see your date, of course," said Emily, slyly.
"Oh, well there's—" There was a knock at the door. Mary opened it to find Harry at the door. Emily jumped from her seat to hug her big brother.
"Harry! What are you doing here?"
"Why, I've come to pick Claire up, of course."
Emily raised her eyebrows at Claire, who was suddenly a warm, rose color. Claire looked at Emily and spoke softly, "Don't be silly, Em. You knew that Harry was taking me tonight."
"Right. It must have slipped my mind."
Harry looked at Emily and smiled. "You look lovely, Em. Do have a nice trip home tonight. I hear you've invited Kimmy to join you and Matt. Did you bring your bags over to the Lewis's? They're taking Matt to the station, I hear." Emily nodded. "I'll see you at home tomorrow." As he walked out the door, with Claire on his arm, he turned around to say, "Don't break too many hearts tonight," and with a wink, he was gone.
Branford Hall was filled with ladies in beautiful gowns and handsome young men. Many were dancing gaily, while others chatted and talked merrily. Emily spotted Sarah, talking cheerfully to a group of young gentlemen. Sarah smiled and motioned for Emily to come over with Mary. Emily spotted a couple of familiar faces in the circle. Peter Blythe and Robert Blake seemed very much entertained by Sarah.
"Have you met my darling cousin, Emily Meredith? Emily, these are a couple of acquaintances, and this is Mary Evans. She boards with Emily."
Mary flushed and quietly looked down, but Emily was pleased to fit in so well. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. I see you've been subjected to Sarah's charm and wit. You should see her at family gatherings. She's got the sharpest tongue of all." And for the first time ever, Sarah Blythe blushed!
"Oh, Emily. Stop it. You don't give yourself enough credit. Em is on the paper, tennis team, and she's at the top of our class, naturally."
"Really? The Merediths and Blythes have had a long history at Queen's. Are you going after the Avery, Emily?" Emily flushed. She did not know this young gentleman, but for some reason she liked the way he said her name and she liked his tender, brown eyes. His dark hair suited him—and Emily too. He was tall, but just the perfect height, so that he did not hover over anyone. Sarah caught Emily's starry look and answered for her.
"Of course she is, Daniel. Why, with all those smarts in her tiny, little head, not going for the Avery would be foolish. Someone in our family ought to win it, and since we all know it won't be me—" Everyone laughed at Sarah's candor about herself.
Peter came around to stand next to Emily. "Well, how about a dance, Em? It'd be a shame if I didn't dance with the loveliest lady here." He offered her his arm and she took it willingly. Peter was such a lovely fellow, and Emily loved him very much.
"Going home to Kensington tonight?"
"Yes. Will you be going to Ingleside this Christmas? Grandmother always loves having you and Paige around. Plus, Uncle Shirley and Aunt Clarissa bring such lovely presents," joked Emily.
"Mother does like to buy presents. I'm leaving tomorrow for Glen St. Mary with Paige. Should be an interesting ride, dear. I've been meaning to tell you that I've enjoyed your articles tremendously. Who knew you were such a splendid writer?!"
"Thanks…thanks, but you're family. You're supposed to say things like that."
"Oh no, I really mean it."
"I'm quite glad to say that I've turned in my next article, which I will not fret over during the holidays."
"You have no need to fret. Your stories are marvelous. So, did you see who Harry is with tonight? He wouldn't tell any of us."
"Why, yes. He came with Claire Gordon. She boards with me, actually."
"Really? Well, I must see who has captured his heart."
"I wouldn't say she's won his heart, but if she did, I would be very happy. Claire is such a doll. She's wonderful, really."
"I'm looking forward to meeting her then. Well, you really are a lovely dancer, Em. Thanks so much."
Peter kissed Emily on the cheek after the dance was over and headed towards his friends. Emily found Mary sitting alone at a table.
"Mary, why are you sitting all by yourself? Didn't you like the people Sarah introduced us to?"
"Yes, they were lovely, but I just don't fit in well."
"Nonsense. They thought you charming. Come, we've only been here a short time. There's plenty more people for you to meet." Emily took Mary's hand and led her over to her sisters and they're friends. Melanie looked divine in her peach taffeta with her crowning golden hair softly curled, and Emily thought Madison looked delightful in her ivory crepe.
"Emily, you look beautiful. Who told you to put the lilies in your hair, dear? They're lovely," smiled Melanie, who kissed Emily politely. Madison did the same.
"Thanks, Mel. I love your peach taffeta. Is it the one Aunt Clarissa sent from Montreal?" Melanie's face flushed a warm, rosy color. She loved showing off her things and Emily knew it. "Maddie, you look astonishing! Your auburn hair looks ravishing. It reminds me of Grandmother's."
Madison blushed and returned the compliment. "Thank you, Emily. You look like an angel."
"Yes, well. This is my friend Mary. She boards with me at Summer's Landing. Mary, these are my sisters, Melanie and Madison. This is Audrey Wright, my cousin from Summerside, Paige Blythe from Montreal, and this is Michelle Hughes, who lives in Kensington also."
"Nice to meet you, Mary. Your dress is so elegant. Embroidery is coming into fashion according to the magazines."
Mary blushed and smiled, "Thank you. Emily actually did the embroidery."
"Emily!? Why, you are taking the world by storm, aren't you? Top of your class, star writer of the paper, Jeff McCallister's beau, and now, you can embroider. My, my, my…" said Audrey teasingly.
"Oh yes, where is Jeff tonight, Em?" asked Melanie as if she had the perfect right to.
"He had to go home early to see his family," answered Emily, conceding Melanie's right.
"What a shame. I really wanted to meet him, dear. Oh no. There's Brian Lewis. Matt boards with the Lewis family, unfortunately. Look at Bess. She's all over Matt. Last week, she was positively upset that Matt decided not to go to the Hudson Gala. Well, I must go find my escort, Preston Scott, before Brian comes over here. We'll see you at home, Emily." Melanie stormed off to a dashing young man on the other side of the room, while the girls scattered about to their dates. Matt came over to visit Emily and Mary with Bess Lewis, who Emily did not approve of.
"Em, doll, you look ravishing. And Mary, it's quite a pleasure to see you again," said Matt cordially, as he hugged Emily and quietly kissed Mary's hand. "This is Bess Lewis. Her family has been extraordinarily kind to me by letting me stay with them." Bess shook hands politely with Emily and Mary.
"It's nice to see you again, Bess. I'm terribly sorry about your date at the Hudson Gala. Sarah told me all about Eleanor Vanderbilt," said Emily with a cutting tone. She knew Bess was quite upset over the entire affair.
"I made sure to bring a better date to tonight's formal," said Bess as she patted Matt's hand. "And where is your lucky date tonight, Em?"
"I prefer that you call me Emily, thank you. Mary and I are here together, and we're having a magnificent time."
Bess laughed. Emily didn't like her laugh. It was forced and snobby. "You silly goose. Couldn't rope a gentleman, could you?"
"I could have roped anyone I wanted to, but why spend time with people who bore you completely rather than with someone who you could have fun with?"
"Touché, a very good question indeed. Will you excuse us?" Bess took Matt away to a couple of her friends, who flirted and laughed with him.
Kimmy came up behind Emily, very distressed. "One of you must dance with Charlie Schrader for me. He's been eyeing me all night and I really don't want to dance with him. Graham has yet to ask me to dance, but I don't want Charlie to get my first dance. Please, girls. Do something."
Emily sighed. Mary would have died of shame before asking a boy to dance with her. "Very well, Kimmy. You owe me." Emily walked over to Charlie, who was standing next to Daniel, the boy that Emily was so attracted to. Oh no. Out of all the people he has to stand next to. Deep breath and…
"Good evening, Charlie. How do you do?"
"Very well, Emily. You're looking lovely tonight."
"Why, thank you." Emily looked back at Daniel, who smiled at her. Oh, what a lovely smile he has. "Charlie, do you dance?"
"Yes, I do. Not well, I'm afraid though."
"Oh, what a shame. Would you maybe like to dance with me?" Please, please, don't let him hear me ask Charlie. Emily looked back, but Daniel was gone. Thank goodness.
"Sure. It would be my pleasure." Throughout the entire dance, Emily sighed and hoped for it to be over soon. Charlie really was a horrendous dancer. He constantly stepped on her foot and accidentally bumped into other couples. Emily had a forced smile plastered to her face and wished desperately for someone to cut in. Kimmy smiled at Emily while dancing with Graham, who was so graceful compared to Charlie. And even, Mary was dancing with Robert Blake, a good friend of Emily's. Mary and Robert make such a fine couple. If only he would—OW! My toe. I'll never dance again after this.
"Sorry."
"It's alright." They continued for what seemed like hours and even into a new song until someone tapped Charlie on the shoulder. It was Daniel. Emily thrilled from head to toe.
"May I cut in, Charlie?"
"Oh. Sure." Daniel took Emily's hand in his and placed the other on her back. His touch sent chills throughout Emily. He smiled at her and she blushed wildly.
"Oh, thank you. Your timing is impeccable."
"Your welcome, Emily," said Daniel softly. "I'm afraid we haven't been properly introduced. I'm Daniel Anderson."
"Nice to meet you, Daniel."
"Any plans for the holiday?"
"Just going home and visiting family. We live in Kensington, but we're going to visit my grandmother and grandfather in Glen St. Mary. It'll be lovely, really. I enjoy being with everyone, but my brother won't be home the Christmas, which is really a dark cloud over the entire holiday, but I'm sure we'll manage." Oh, why do I have to talk so much?!? "And you?"
Daniel laughed at Emily's awkwardness. She loved the sound of his sweet laugh. For the first time, she was acutely conscious of his boyish affection and closeness to her, but why? She had never felt quite so shy and timid when around Jeff, but Daniel seemed to make her heart want to jump out of her throat. "I will also be visiting family. My parents live in Quebec, but I'm visiting my grandparents in Four Winds Point—near Glen St. Mary, am I correct?"
"Yes. My grandparents live halfway between Glen St. Mary and Four Winds Point at Ingleside. I've never met anyone from Quebec. What is it like?" asked Emily, eagerly. She hoped that Daniel wouldn't think her a busybody.
He simply smiled and told her. "Oh, busy. Very prim and proper societies. Most people are occupied with work though. Mother stays at home, but Father travels around the world on business often. When I was young, he would come home for just a little while, but every night he'd be out at parties with Mother. Every summer he sends for us to come to Europe with him—"
"Europe! How lovely that sounds! Oh, I've always wanted to go. Please tell me about it." Emily was so fascinated that she completely forgot that she interrupted Daniel during his story. "Oh, I'm so sorry for interrupting, Daniel."
"Don't be, dearest. I'd be happy to tell you about Europe." He called me dearest!!! Emily was completely fascinated with Daniel's stories. He laughed and chatted with her with such ease that they both hadn't realized what time it was. When Emily heard the clock strike, she was thrown back into reality.
"Oh, Daniel. This has been lovely, but I really must go. I have to catch the train home tonight. Thank you for such a wonderful night." Emily moved away from Daniel and looked for Kimmy, but she was on the other side of the room. Daniel saw her look and said, "Here, let me get your coat while you find your friend."
Emily quickly scurried over to Kimmy and Graham, who seemed to be having a marvelous time together. "Kimmy, dear, I hate to take you away, but we'll be late for the train." Kimmy said goodbye to Graham and followed Emily outside, where Daniel was standing. He handed Kimmy her coat and helped Emily put hers on. "Emily, take my car to the station. You'll get there sooner that way. I'll take you if you'd like." Emily hesitated to ask such a favor, but Kimmy answered before she could say anything. "That would be wonderful, Daniel. Thank you ever so much."
The ride to the station was quick. Emily sat with Daniel in the front, while Kimmy sat in the back, admiring the beauty of Charlottetown. They were all quiet. Matt met them at the gates of the station. He ushered Kimmy towards the train and left Emily with Daniel for a moment. Daniel couldn't go in past the "Passenger Only" point.
Emily wanted to say something, but she just couldn't think of any words to say. He took her hands in his and bent down to look in her eyes. Her beautiful pools of allurement.
"Emily, may I visit you at Ingleside?" very hopefully.
"Yes, please do," very tenderly. He kissed her sweetly on her cheek and quietly let go of her hands. All the time, Emily looked down silently. She turned away quickly and left for the train, smiling to herself as it pulled out towards home.
A/N: I have a confession to make. I enjoyed writing the last part of this chapter very much. Hope you like Daniel. Sorry it's been so long since I've last updated, but I hope this was worth it. As always, please review. I have a confession to make. I enjoyed writing the last part of this chapter very much. Hope you like Daniel. Sorry it's been so long since I've last updated, but I hope this was worth it. As always, .