London, England
Abbey Bartlet tried to act casual as she strolled into a swanky London bar/restaurant, but the Secret Service agents trailing behind her made it very difficult, to say the least. She had expected heads to turn from every direction when she walked in. Since becoming First Lady of the United States, she had become used to it. People recognized her whereever she went. However, that didn't seem to be the case in England. While at first the lack of attention that was paid to her surprised Abbey, she quickly found herself at ease. As she continued through the restaurant, she was relieved when a few heads turned to observe her-heads that belonged to males. It was nice to know that they weren't staring at her because of her status, but they were staring at her because of her appearance. It was thrilling.
Not only that, but it was nice to be at a quiet, yet classy little restaurant. Since becoming President, Jed had rarely taken her out. Mostly because he didn't have time, but sometimes because of Secret Service regulations and complications. Now, strutting her stuff in an elegant little club in the heart of London, Abbey felt a bit like those promiscuous girls on 'Sex and the City.' She had watched the show a few times. That was where she got a lot of her fashion tips, which she had certainly put to good use that night especially. She was wearing a little black halter dress with a plunging neckline that tied at the back of the neck.
Her agents walked a few feet behind her as she scanned the bar for Sir Anthony Prescott. She found him sitting at the end, nursing a scotch. She took a deep breath, smiled to reassure herself, and pushed onward.
"Tony?"
He looked up and his jaw dropped slightly at sight of her.
"Abbey!"
Tony stood and gestured for her to sit down in the chair beside his.
"I was beginning to think you weren't going to show," Tony said.
"Well, the Service is always on edge when we're in foreign countries. They wanted to check everything out first."
"And is this to their satisfaction?"
"I believe it is!"
"I wanted to pick something out of the way. I didn't think you'd want to be recognized."
"Good call," Abbey replied, grinning. "I don't think anyone's recognized me yet."
"Where are your agents?"
"They're lurking in the shadows nearby, I'm sure."
"Yes. So, can I order you a drink?"
"Oh, um, how about a…vodka martini?" Abbey said.
"Dry?"
"Yes. Thank you."
Tony called the bartender over and placed Abbey's order for her. The bartender stared at Abbey for a fleeting moment, trying to figure out where he had seen her before. Then he shrugged it off, assuming she was just another regular.
"You look ravishing, by the way," Tony observed. "That dress is stunning."
Abbey blushed.
"Thank you. I just picked it up today."
"For me?" Tony asked, wryly.
"No," Abbey answered, quickly. "Zoey and I went on a little shopping spree at Harrod's and…"
"Ah, I see. Well, it's stunning anyway."
"Thanks."
"You know, I can't tell you how glad I was that you agreed to meet me. Because, really, just hearing your voice over the phone doesn't do you justice."
"Oh. Well, I was glad to. It's nice to go out. The only places I ever get to go are state dinners and other pre-approved gatherings of various world-reknowned political minds or Nobel Laureates. And believe me, it gets tedious after awhile," Abbey said.
"I know exactly what you mean. For me, it's garden parties at Buckingham Palace and assorted galas…and it most certainly is tedious. Although I don't live in quite the fishbowl you do. I can't imagine what that must be like."
Abbey laughed quietly.
"Well. It's no walk in the park, I'll tell you that."
He nodded.
"Abbey."
"Hmm?"
"Do you mind if we cut the small talk?" Tony asked.
"Small talk?"
"That's all we've ever done on the phone. I think we're past that now, don't you?"
"Okay…well, what do you want to talk about then?"
"Anything you like."
"Well. What about your wife? You mentioned that you were divorced," Abbey said.
"Oh. Yes. My wife, former wife that is, was also from a prominent English family. We were arranged because of it," Tony said.
"Oh, wow. An arranged marriage. I didn't think people did that anymore."
"I don't think either of us minded at the time, to be honest. We were young and only interested in moving up in the world. Elizabeth was only interested in bettering her social status, and I was completely focused on my career.
Abbey smiled.
"Elizabeth. That's my eldest daughter's name."
"Oh, yes. That's right. How old is she now?"
"She's thirty-two."
"You have grandchildren, yes?" Tony questioned.
"Mmm-hmm. Two. Annie is almost fifteen, and Gus is five."
"How about your middle child? You have three children, don't you?"
"Yes. Ellie. She's just turned twenty-eight. She recently got her medical degree from Johns Hopkins, and she went to undergraduate school at Yale," Abbey said.
There were few things she enjoyed more than boasting the accomplishments of her three daughters.
"That's very impressive."
"We're incredibly proud of her."
"And Zoey's just graduated from Georgetown?"
"Yeah, pre-law. I think she's going to start at Harvard Law next fall."
"Also impressive. What about Elizabeth? Did she go to college?"
"Oh, yes. She has a B.A. in English and a masters in American History, both from Dartmouth."
"Three Ivy Leaguers, hmm?"
"Those are my girls! What about your children? You haven't told me a thing about them," Abbey pointed out.
"Daphne and Oliver."
"How very…British," Abbey giggled.
"Well, naturally. It comes with the territory." He winked at her.
"So tell me about them."
"Well, Daphne is twenty-five. She's a graduate of Leeds University, and she studied biochemistry. Though she hasn't exactly done anything with her degree yet. She's actually just gotten married and seems to have no interest in working, or doing anything at all really. Takes after her mother," Tony stated, bitterly.
"Hmm. Well, what about Oliver?"
"Oliver recently graduated from Oxford with a degree in sociology. He's just turned twenty-two."
"Ironic, Zoey will be twenty-two in December."
"We should get those two together!"
"I'm sure it'd be interesting, to say the least," Abbey said.
"Another martini?"
"Sure."
Washington, D.C.
"Leo, I have to do something."
The President was pacing around the living room of the Residence restlessly. He hadn't been able to focus on his work since Ellie and Liz had paid him a little visit. Normally, they would have stayed the night at the White House. But instead, they went back to Baltimore and Liz stayed with Ellie for the night. At first, Jed was insulted by this. Then he realized it was for the best. He needed to think. They had done their part.
Leo McGarry sat on the couch, watching his best friend stride back and forth in front of him.
"What are you gonna do?"
"I don't know. But Liz and Ellie were right. She's not just gonna change her mind and come back to me. I have to make a grand gesture of some sort," Jed said.
"Like what?"
"That's where you come in."
"The last time I planned a grand gesture, my wife left me. I don't think you want my advice on this one."
"Well, you were five votes down," Jed said, mocking what Leo's excuse had been five years earlier when Jenny had left him.
"Thank you for that, sir."
"I think I should go to London."
Leo shook his head.
"We don't have time for that, sir."
"Make time, Leo. I want to go to London."
"And then what? You're in London. What do you do?"
"I, um…damnit, I don't know! I get down on my hands and knees and beg her to take me back! I don't care. Whatever it takes. I just need a day, Leo. Give me a day."
Leo reluctantly gave in.
"Ok. But we're not gonna be able to go this for at least two more weeks."
"They're still in London then, aren't they?"
"I believe so."
"Okay, good. Two more weeks 'till I have my wife back."