A/N: Alright, this one takes place two weeks after the last chapter, so please keep that in mind as you read. I was having some trouble with the last part, when someone new comes in. You'll know it when you see it. So hopefully I didn't screw it all up too badly! Please let me know what you thought of this chapter! :D
Nosside: Thank you so much! Santana's got quite a bit up her sleeve, not so much in this chapter, but she definitely intervenes in the next. I think you'll like it :)
alinah100: There is definitely some Puckleberry evolving! It's moving faster than Noah and Rachel expected, so I hope you enjoy that.
LastToFirst: Thank you so much! The details of what occurred between Noah and Quinn will be gradual, and it'll take him a while to let his guard down enough to talk to Rachel about it, but when it happens...you'll love it. And as for the rival idea...well, I'll just let you read this chapter ;D
Noah was in the middle of trimming a hedge when Sarah snuck up on him. She ran across the lawn with the light and easy stride of a five year old on a mission. He was whistling, trimming the hedge without a thought to anything else, completely absorbed in his work. Then, all of a sudden, Sarah was shouting his name loudly from right behind him. Noah jumped and started to swear, catching himself at the last second and playing it off as some ungodly noise that made Sarah laugh hysterically.
"I scared you!" She said triumphantly, and Noah nodded, thanking God that he hadn't clamped down on the clippers and messed up the hedge he'd been working on.
"You did," he admitted, dropping the shears onto the ground and turning to squat down so they were at eye level, smiling at her. "You know, not many people can scare me, Sarah." He told her with a grin. "You should be very proud of yourself."
"I am!" Sarah laughed, and then she reached out and touched his arm firmly. "Tag, you're it!" She yelled, taking off running.
Noah shook his head and chuckled, looking around to make sure the head gardener wasn't nearby. Satisfied that his boss wasn't watching him slack off, Noah headed after the little girl, running to her and grabbing her, swinging her up into the air and catching her before setting her back down. "You're it, Sarah!" He said teasingly, moving away from her.
They played tag for a while, then Sarah got bored and wanted to play hide and seek. Noah obliged, and counted out loud to 30 before going to find her. He cheated very obviously to make her squeal with indignant laughter, putting her hands on her hips and berating him. She looked like her older sister when she did that, and it made Noah smile.
He was in the middle of hiding from her for the third time when Rachel found him. "Noah?" She asked, confused, as he ducked behind a bush. He grabbed her hand and pulled her down with him, almost knocking her over. Rachel adjusted her weight quickly and then glared at him, still confused. "Why are we hiding?" She whispered.
Noah fought back laughter, thankful that she was keeping her voice down, as his hiding spot was obvious and Sarah didn't need anymore help finding him. But before he could answer, Sarah came walking past, calling out his nickname and saying she was going to find him soon. Noah held a finger to his lips and looked at Rachel, who nodded, smiling. They squatted behind the bush silently, and Rachel was very aware of the fact that his hand was still around her wrist. His thumb moved absently across her wrist and Rachel turned towards him. Noah turned and looked at her as well, their eyes meeting and locking. They couldn't look away for a second, and slowly, Noah stilled his movements. Rachel's lips parted and she started to whisper something, but before any sound could get out, Sarah's head poked over the top of the hedge they were behind.
"Found you!" She yelled happily. Then she frowned. "Rach? What are you doing here?" She asked, and Rachel laughed.
Noah let go of her wrist quickly and the two of them stood up, making their way out of the hedge quickly. "I was looking for you, sweetheart." Rachel told her little sister, bending down to hug her tightly and kiss her cheek. "Daddy's wondering where you ran off to."
"Oh, Papa can wait." Sarah said flippantly. "I was playing hide and seek with Puck!"
Rachel giggled, looking back at Noah before turning to her sister again. "I can see that. But you need to get back inside now, okay, Sarah?" Rachel asked, smoothing her sister's dress and plucking a leaf from her hair affectionately.
Sarah grumbled but did as she was asked, waving goodbye to Noah and Rachel before running to the house. Rachel straightened up and brushed some dirt off the skirt of her dress, smiling fondly at the little girl. She turned back to Noah after a moment, still smiling.
"I see you've met my sister." Rachel said, fighting back a laugh.
"Sarah's been beating me at tag for months now, Rachel." Noah said with a grin, moving back to the hedge he had been working on. Rachel followed him and moved among the rows of plants, plucking flowers here and there. It had been two weeks since what Rachel was now calling "The Gazebo Incident", and they had been talking to one another every day since. After about three days, they had settled into a rhythm. Noah would work on whatever section of the garden needed work that day and Rachel would sit in the grass with a bunch of flowers and weave a daisy chain. They would talk while they worked until Noah had to move on and Rachel had to go back inside for her singing lessons.
Rachel finished plucking the flowers she wanted and sat down gracefully in the grass, arranging her dress around her out of habit before setting to work on her flowers.
"What color today?" Noah asked conversationally, snipping at the hedge.
Rachel smiled, reaching for his tools before stopping herself. "May I?" She asked, and Noah rolled his eyes. "Rachel." He said, looking at her over his shoulder.
It was a common occurrence, but it never ceased to remind him of the differences between them. He had told her more times than he could count that she didn't need to ask to use one of his tools, but Rachel just brushed him off and politely asked each time.
Sighing, Rachel raised an eyebrow at him and he raised one back. She giggled at his expression, her laughter as free and unrestrained as ever, and plucked the smallest knife out of the box with delicate fingers. She used it to slit open the stem of the daisy she was holding, going back to work quickly.
"What color today?" He asked again, going back to the hedge he was trimming.
"Pink," Rachel said, smiling to herself as she continued. "It's your sister's favorite, isn't it?"
Noah blinked, surprised that she had remembered. "Yes, it is." He said, glancing back at her as she tucked a curling strand of hair behind her ear. Rachel's hair was loose and curling, and with her dress spread out about her and flowers strewn on the fabric, she looked like a princess from one of the fairy tale books his mother read to Abigail before she went to bed.
"I hope she likes it." Rachel said idly, looping the daisies together with swift motions. She was getting a lot better than she had been when they first started these little chats. "Fairy crowns are a little harder than the chains, but she can wear it like a princess."
Noah smiled, watching Rachel work and listening to her continue to ramble about whether or not his sister would like the crown she was weaving out of daises. "She will love it, Rachel. Thank you." He said simply, watching her features light up with an innocently genuine smile. He turned back around quickly, snipping more branches and steering the conversation away from his family. Noah had been getting dangerously close to thinking about bring Abigail with him the next day to meet Sarah and Rachel. He knew that Sarah and Abigail would get along and could play, and that Rachel would adore his little sister. But Noah didn't want to think about that. There was no way he'd introduce his sister to Rachel. He wasn't going to get attached. They were friends. That's it. She was just someone to pass the time with for an hour or so every day.
So when Rachel mentioned that she would be attending the coming out party of her friend Tina Cohen-Chang, he didn't think anything of it. She spoke about how her father was hoping that she would be able to find at least one potential suitor, as the last one - Finn - clearly didn't work out the way things were supposed to. Noah snorted a little, but didn't comment. He wasn't jealous. Not at all. Not of those prigs who would be dancing with Rachel and trying to charm her. He glared a little and snipped a branch harder than strictly necessary before reminding himself that he wasn't jealous. Rachel finished the daisy chain, woven so tightly that there was no space between each flower, and admired her handiwork.
"I think that Daddy will be disappointed." She confided finally. Her voice was soft and Noah perked up his ears. They had a rule with one another that Rachel was not allowed to censor herself. He made it clear to her that she could speak her mind with him without fear of judgement or chastisement, and Rachel had been growing more and more comfortable with that each day. He could tell by her tone of voice that this was one of those moments, and he needed to be careful here. "Why?" He asked slowly.
He was surprised that he felt the need to be careful, that he was taking so much time to get close to her and let her into his life. He was surprised that he was grateful to be a part of hers. Before he could dwell on that, though, Rachel spoke again, and Noah turned to sit on his ladder, watching her and listening.
"I just think that the suitors won't be...interested. Not in the likes of me." Rachel said with a shrug, her eyes downcast. "My father is influential but not the same way as many other men, and I..." Rachel hesitated, biting her lip.
"You're what, Rachel?" He asked softly, furrowing his brows.
Rachel laughed humorlessly, her voice soft. "Well, just look at me, Noah. I am...nothing special. Not to them." She said, standing up and handing him his knife, then the crown for his sister. "I will see you tomorrow?"
She didn't wait for a reply, merely walked back to the house, leaving him sitting there. That was the first time Noah had ever heard her say anything about herself that led him to believe she was insecure. It was also the first time he'd ever heard her say anything bad about her social class. It wouldn't be the last.
"Rachel..." Santana said, arranging the smaller girl's hair. "I don't know about this."
Rachel rolled her eyes, forgetting for a moment that she wasn't supposed to do that. It wasn't ladylike or proper, and her grandmother would have told her as such, had she been outside of her room. "It is a coming out party, San. I have to be there; Tina is my friend." Rachel hesitated, dabbing a bit of color on her lips. "Besides...Grandmother's right. I need to start thinking about a husband. You and Finn will be married before the end of the year, Santana, don't argue that. It's true." Rachel stared at her friend in the mirror.
Santana blinked, wondering where this had come from. Rachel's grandmother and her father must have talked to her. She swore mentally, cursing Rachel's family for their meddling. Her plan was going to need to be adjusted now.
"It isn't like I have my pick of the gentlemen, Santana, look at me. I need this." Rachel said, her eyes flicking back to Santana's in the mirror. "Do you know how mortifying it is to be 17 years old and not be engaged yet? I do not even have any prospects right now. My last suitor dropped his intentions towards me to pursue my maid. You know how happy I am for you and Finn, Santana, really, but do you honestly think I don't hear what people say about me when they think I am not listening?" Rachel blinked against sudden tears, her voice desperate. "I can assure you, San, that I want to be married about as much as a chicken wants to be fattened up and killed for dinner. My life will be over when I marry, if I don't wed someone who understands me, someone who is...like my father." Rachel sighed, biting her lip. "But I...I'm running out of time, Santana. This is my best option right now."
Santana stared at her employer and best friend with eyes full of sympathy. "Rachel..." She murmured, but Rachel shook her head, shrugging off Santana's hands.
"I have to go. Daddy's waiting for me." She said, standing up and heading for the door. Rachel was halfway down the stairs, adjusting her elbow length silk gloves, when she was stopped by Sarah.
"Sarah, darling, not right now, I-" Rachel started, then stopped when Sarah handed her a small bouquet of flowers.
"Puck told me to give these to you, Rach. You look like a princess. Is Puck going to be your prince tonight?" Sarah asked with all the wonder of a five year old as she looked at Rachel's elegant dress and jewels.
"No, Sarah...He won't be there tonight." Rachel said distractedly, staring at her sister and the bouquet curiously. "Did he say that?"
Sarah shook her head. "No, I just wondered." She told her sister, kissing her cheek quickly before going back upstairs.
Rachel stared at the flowers, aware that Santana was standing at the upstairs landing, and her father was waiting for her in the foyer. The bouquet was small, only seven or eight flowers, and tied with a bit of string. "Red daises..." Rachel murmured aloud. "And a bellflower." She blinked. Red daises meant 'beauty unknown to the possessor' and bellfowers meant 'thinking of you.' She couldn't imagine that Noah didn't know that; he was the gardener, and as such, he needed to be well versed in the language of flowers. Rachel studied the bouquet, confused. 'What did he...?' She wondered, and then blinked when he father called her name.
"I will be there in but a moment, Daddy!" She called back, hurrying to Santana and handing her the bouquet. "Put these in the vase next to my desk. Dump the cala lilies. Put them in Sarah's room, if she wants them. I have to leave. Thank you, Santana. I will see you in a few hours."
Rachel hurried back downstairs and out the door, and Santana stared at the flowers in her hand, blinking. She did as Rachel had asked, going down to the kitchen to get something to eat. As she ate her dinner, Santana marveled at how easily Noah had been able to see what Rachel needed and wanted to hear from someone. Not only that, but he had acted on it, which was unusual for Noah, to say the least.
Maybe Santana wouldn't need to get as involved as she thought she would. With that happy thought forefront on her mind, she finished her dinner and settled into a card game with some of the other maids, waiting for Rachel to come home.
Rachel sat down at the table, glancing around the room as she did. After a quick glance at her dance card - which was startlingly empty for a girl of her rank and age - she reached for her glass, taking a quick sip. She watched her friends dance and laugh, trying not to sigh. She knew the next dance was a waltz, and that she didn't have a partner for that one, either. For a girl who longed to be in the spotlight, being pushed out was mortifying. Rachel scanned the room, her eyes lighting upon Finn, who was dancing across the room with Brittany Pierce, a young woman their age. He caught Rachel's eye and gave her a sympathetic smile, which she returned with a tilt of her glass, as if in salute.
She was about to take another sip when a young man took the seat next to her, angling it so he could face her. Rachel raised an eyebrow at him, confused as to what he was doing. He looked a few years older than her, nothing major, and he was very good looking. He had wavy hair that was almost curly, blue gray eyes, and a pleasant smile. He had a look of confidence about him, and the way he carried himself spoke volumes about his social standing.
"Miss Berry." He said, bowing slightly in his seat. His voice was soft, and had an almost musical quality to it. Rachel idly wondered if he could sing, then she realized he was still talking to her. "I'm Mr. Jesse St. James." He said, holding out his hand, palm up.
Rachel placed her hand in his, watching him as he kissed the back of her hand through the silk of her glove. "Lovely to meet you." She murmured demurely.
"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Berry." He replied. Rachel blushed lightly, her lips curving into a smile. "Do you have a partner for the next dance?" He asked conversationally, and Rachel shook her head.
"No, my dance card is rather...lacking, tonight." She informed him, and he smiled.
"Well, I believe I shall have to remedy that, then, Miss Berry. A young woman as beautiful as you, if I may be so forward, should never be alone during a waltz."
He stood up fluidly, bowing again, and offered her his hand once more. Rachel glanced from him to his hand, and then took it, allowing herself to be swept out to the dance floor as the music started.
He was charming, she'd give him that. He'd made her laugh more than once, and a blushing smile had been her default expression all night. Finn had come to dance with her near the end of the night, having made sure he was on her dance card early in the evening. When he saw the look on Rachel's face, he frowned, confused.
"Who is that?" He asked, twirling Rachel and nodding at Jesse. Rachel followed his gaze as she completed the spin effortlessly, making sure to go slowly for Finn's poor dancing skills.
"His name is Mr. Jesse St. James." She murmured, leading the dance. Rachel knew how comical they must look: the tiny brunette girl leading the tall and broad male, but she didn't care. Finn couldn't dance well, and Rachel refused to let that stop her from dancing to the best of her ability.
"St. James...why does that name sound familiar?" Finn wondered aloud, stumbling a little on Rachel's dress. "Sorry, Rach."
"It's quite alright, Finn." She said with a smile, and changed the subject quickly. "How are things going with your parents...do they know of your intention to court Santana?"
Finn smiled broadly. "Yeah, yeah, they do. I spoke with them about it last night. I'm going to speak with her family in two days."
Rachel had to bite back a laugh of pure joy. "Finn, that's wonderful!" She said, fighting to keep her voice down. "I'm so happy for you!"
The dance finished all too quickly, and before Rachel knew it, she was in the arms of Jesse St. James again, and he was twirling her to the fast pace of the new song.
"Mr. St. James, this is highly improper!" She protested, fighting a smile as he continued to dance with her. "I am supposed to dance with Mr. Rutherford for this dance."
Jesse smirked at the way she protested, yet fell into step easily with him. "My apologies to Mister Rutherford." He told her smoothly.
Rachel shook her head, smiling again, and let him pull her a little closer when a couple stepped on the hem of her dress. It was improper, and she told him as such, to have his hand on her hip like that instead of her waist. He moved his hand to her lower back, and Rachel laughed softly, trying not to attract attention. "That's not much better, you know." She told him, and he grinned cheekily, looking like a little boy who was all too proud of himself.
"Ah, but it is a little better, and that is what matters." He told her mischievously, and then spun her around again before she could answer.
Rachel was being swept off of her feet, and she knew it. But she was enjoying herself immensely, and she hadn't been able to do that in such a public setting, recently, so she just shrugged off any misgivings she was feeling. Finn, meanwhile, was watching them with a confused expression on his face. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Jesse was smiling at Rachel, but when the brunette girl wasn't paying attention, the smile disappeared off of his face, and he glanced around the room almost darkly. Finn blinked. 'Something's not right here. Something's wrong and I need to tell Santana...this won't end well.' He thought to himself, thanking God when the night ended and everyone trickled out of the Cohen-Chang household.
Then Jesse approached Mr. Berry, and Finn blinked again. A few of Noah's choice swear words leapt unbidden into Finn's mind, and he jumped up, getting his coat and moving to his mother. Mrs. Hudson saw the look on his face, confusion and anger in a dangerous mix, and quickly made excuses to the woman she was talking to. She asked Finn what was wrong as they made their way out, but Finn just shook his head, muttering something about 'adjusting the plan.'
"I need to talk to Santana." He said once they were in the car. "If you or Dad need me for any business transactions in the morning, they can be pushed into the afternoon. This is important."
His mother blinked and nodded, and Finn ran a hand through his hair, looking at his feet. There was no way that this Jesse St. James kid could swoop in and ruin what he and Santana had been working for. Noah needed Rachel, and Rachel needed Noah. It didn't matter if the two of them couldn't see it yet; it was clear to Finn and Santana from the way the two Jewish teenagers looked at one another. This needed to be stopped.
Finn sat back in his seat as they made the journey home, wondering again to himself why the name St. James sounded so familiar.
As always, thank you for reading! Please review, let me know what you thought and how I'm doing!
xoxo,
Meyx