Chapter 6 – Suggestion

Disclaimer:

Same as always.

A/N:

Sorry, took again very long, but I suppose I will be faster from now on since I finished three of four stories I also wrote ;-)

It had been quite a while since Rose had received Cal's first letter and she began to wonder if he had read her answer.

Sighing softly, she picked up her coat from where she had left it after returning home the previous evening and walked to the front door. She badly needed to get outside even if it was just to get rid of her thoughts.

But as she stepped out of the door without even looking, she bumped into someone. Surprised, Rose took a step away from the stranger to get a closer look at his face. She recognised the man as the one who had brought Cal's letter. He was again carrying a small envelope, a document and a pencil, all attached to a pad.

"I'm sorry, Miss," the young man apologized. "Are you alright?"

"Of course," Rose mumbled absently, wondering what the messenger brought her this time. "May I ask what you are here for, Sir?" she asked, straightening out her coat just to have something to do.

"I'm here to deliver another letter that Mr. Hockley asked me to give you. Would you please sign this document? Mr. Hockley would like know if you really received his letter."

"Yes… already knew that…" Rose mumbled barely audible as she signed for the letter.

Back inside, she took the letter out of its envelope.

8th Februrary 1929

Dear Rose

You really surprised me by answering my letter, I didn't actually expect you to do so. But since you replied, I suppose it's alright if I write you another letter, isn't it? I tried this once before, but that letter obviously got lost somewhere along the way.

Before I make a hash of this again like I did last time:

I'm glad that you managed to make a life of your own and from what you have told me about it, it sounds like a very good film, indeed. I never thought that my Rose… excuse me, that Rose DeWitt Bukater, the spoilt little madam belonging to high society would become an actress. But I believe that employment is just the right one for you. But to be honest I regret that I never got to see all those hidden talents you seem to have. I suppose you would have kept on surprising me my whole life… But everything happened as it should have.

Lastly, I want to offer you something. I thought quite a bit about it and I won't be offended or annoyed if you refuse. Disappointed maybe, but nothing more. What I want to ask you is if you would like to come to Pittsburgh and visit me for a few weeks. It's just that I would like to speak to you personally.

Let me now what your answer is. Maybe you could send a telegram – a letter usually takes quite long…

Love,

Cal

Rose continued to stare at the paper long after she had finished reading, not quite believing what Cal had offered. A small part of her wanted to jump up, send him a telegram and take the next train to Pittsburgh, but her rational mind told her to think about it first. After all, Cal was still Cal and although he seemed to have changed, his behaviour towards her could be nothing more than a whim of his. Or worse, some type of trick…

Sighing, Rose thought about the options she had. Of course she could just pay Capricia a visit to ask her for more advice, but she was pretty sure she knew what her friends answer would be.

Capricia had made her opinion very clear the first time she had asked for her advice. She didn't trust Cal, not after all Rose had told her about that man. Capricia was a lot more careful than Rose was, she didn't do something just because a feeling told her to do it.

So that wasn't an option for Rose. She knew her decision wouldn't agree with her friend, so there was no use in upsetting her.

Slowly, a plan formed inside of Rose's mind. It wasn't perfect, but it was a good start. With a small smile on her lips, she took out a piece of paper and a pen and began to write.

12th Februrary 1929

Dear Cal,

It looks like we keep on surprising each other… it's not just me who surprises you…

This time, it was your offer that astonished me. I never expected you to think about such a thing. But I must say that I'm not entirely disinclined.

However, it is not that easy for me to travel to Pittsburgh. I've to learn my role in the next stage-play and take part in its premiere. In addition, such a train ride is quite expensive, I don't know if I can afford that.

Of course I still thought about your offer and now I have a suggestion for you: Why don't you try to visit me? You know my address, you can afford the train ride AND you are able to leave your business, I suppose. I have a small room in my apartment where some of my friends use to sleep if we have a premiere and it's too late to go back into town. You could use that room if you want to, the next hotel is not very near to where I live. So if this option is possible for you, contact me.

Rose thought for an instant before she signed the letter, then decided it would be alright to use the expression she wanted. After all, he had used the same one.

I hope you'll consider what I suggested,

Love,

Rose

Smiling softly, Rose put the letter in an envelope, closed it and pasted it up before standing up to put on her jacket. Moments later, she disappeared through the front door in order to get her letter delivered.

To be continued