Chapter 3: A Second Chance

Bertie Pelham was beginning to miss his life as a simple agent. While he didn't blame Peter for dying too early, he had made his life rather complicated. As a Marquess, there were all sorts of rules and regulations that had to be adhered to and it was rather bothersome to him. He had grown up a simple man with no real goals or ambitions and it had suited him... but, now... he could only imagine the list his mother would have waiting for him when he arrived home. If only he had someone at his side that could guide him down this complicated road. Someone like Edith... his eyes fell on his journal and he picked it up and flipped forward a few months until that fateful day in late March.

I know I should be sleeping, but I am way too exhilarated. I can not believe my luck... I had stopped at my favorite bookstore yesterday and was perusing the titles trying to find one to read on the long train ride home and I spotted someone who looked familiar to me. I haven't seen her since that fateful day at Brancaster, but I haven't forgotten her. It was her... Lady Edith Crawley.

I admit, it does seem, she had forgotten me. I suppose it could have also been the stress of her magazine "The Sketch" may have been her focus. She was very quick and savvy to remind me that she owned one... not that I had forgotten. My mail deliverer was quite surprised to find "The Sketch" as part of my mail delivery after her visit, but I passed it off as the cook had requested a copy. That was a total lie, I'm ashamed to admit, for I devoured it searching for anything about or by Edith Crawley...

Bertie smiled at the memory. He hadn't ended the subscription after they had become official. In fact, the copy they had worked on was carefully preserved in his office- a cherished memory. He had thoughts of presenting it to her as a anniversary gift to remind her of when he had fallen hard for her. But, now that was just a distant past thought... or was it?

We agreed to meet for drinks at seven that night. I admit my mind wasn't on my errands the rest of the day. Several of the meetings I can't recall what I did or said. I may have to straighten things out when I get home.

Bertie smirked at the last line. He had quite a few things to straighten out when he arrived home. One of the men had told him that he was normally quite dependable to be correct and a perfectionist and it had surprised him when it wasn't! Bertie had apologized for the mistake, but chalked it up for a good reason.

When she arrived at Rules, I was at first annoyed that she couldn't stay for drinks. I had hoped to extend it to dinner halfway through, but then I heard her tale... and I knew I had to help her. I just can't stand to see a lady in need, and when it's a lady as lovely as Lady Edith, I have to help. When she mentioned the lines of pouring coffee and carrying bits of paper around, I immediately volunteered to do so. I may be a lowly agent, but I can do that!

Once again, Bertie sighed at the changes in his life. Now, someone would be at his beck and call. It was almost as if when he became the Marquess of Hexham, he had left Bertie Pelham behind. But no, no matter what, he would stay the same person on the inside. His life and wealth had changed dramatically, but if he could stay true to himself, he could and would remain happy... or as happy as a man could be without the love of his life.

The rest of that evening passed in a whirlwind. I did as I was told and answered questions as needed. But mostly, I observed. I watched as Edith directed the rest of the people around her. Instead of balking a woman boss, these people accepted her. They trusted her. I couldn't help but admit that she inspired me later... and its true. She has an idea about what to do with the rest of her life, and here I am a lowly agent. She makes me want to be a better person, a better man... one who could possibly be worthy of this wonder of a woman.

As he read that last line, Bertie realized that it was true. He was a better person and a better man when he was near her. Something about Edith made him want to be the best person he could be- her drive, her passion for life, her ability to bounce back- all inspired him. And he had closed the door... but was it permanently?

Author's Note: What do you know... another chapter...

I have no idea why or how I can write so well in the voice of Bertie. I guess he's a character that I can so identify with and wish to know in real life, that I can take him on with my words.

Reviews, suggestions and comments are a life source to this writer. Also, if you have a pretty good idea of timeline I would love to read it!