AN: This drabble is of the HS May challenge. It is a rewrite of Rosemary's advice scene at the begining of S7e7, "Heart of a Writer". The asteriked line is taken right from that episode. This is Rosemary being a better friend, which is what Elizabeth needed to not go down the dark path like she did on the show...
As the newlyweds followed the men carrying their luggage toward the café, Rosemary turned to see Elizabeth walking toward her. She could tell immediately that something was troubling her friend.
"Hello, Elizabeth," Rosemary greeted her friend.
"Rosemary," Elizabeth greeted, rather distractedly. Something was on her mind and Rosemary wanted to know what it was.
"You know you're going to tell me whatever it is eventually, *" Rosemary replied.
Elizabeth sighed. "Have you ever been tempted to do something that your conscience tells you is a bad idea?"
"Well, I got kidnaped because of my thirst for fame in Hollywood so, I would say that is a yes. So, what has got you asking the question."
Elizabeth gave another sigh. Rosemary wasn't sure when the last time she had seen her friend so troubled with. "Lucas stopped by with tickets for the Virginia Wolf reading in Union City. Two tickets," she said. "The reading is in the evening, which means staying overnight. It isn't appropriate but a part of me really wants to go," she confessed.
"Hmmhmmm," Rosemary said, seeing the implications that might arise from such an outing. "Let me ask you this, Elizabeth, why do you want to go? Is it for the reading, Lucas' company, or a combination of both?"
Elizabeth took a moment to think about the question. "If I am being honest, the draw is the reading. It would be nice to hear an author like Virginia Wolf speak and have a night away from home. However, I don't have feelings like that for Lucas. He is just a friend. I fear a trip like this would give him and others the wrong impression."
Rosemary reached out and took one of Elizabeth's hands. "I think that is your answer, Elizabeth. Is one night, no matter how fun, worth that?"
"You're right," Elizabeth said with a nod. "I will go give Lucas my regrets now."
"Good," Rosemary said. "Though you do deserve a little time away from home and responsibilities. What do you say I find you someone to look after Jack tomorrow and I ask Lee for the car and we go to Benson Hills for diner and look at the shops? I know I am no Virginia Wolf but I will try to keep you entertained and no one will say anything sordid is going on."
"Rosemary, you don't have to. I will be okay."
"I know you will be, but I also know you have been feeling down. It is my duty as a friend to try to cheer you up. It will be good for both of us."
"Then I accept," Elizabeth told her. "Thank you."
"Anytime."
Elizabeth glanced in the direction of the saloon.
"I can talk to Lucas for you if you want," Rosemary offered, thinking of a few things she would like to tell the man.
"No," Elizabeth said quickly, as if she knew where Rosemary's thoughts were going with the offer. "I will take care of it myself but I appreciate knowing you are in my corner."
"Always," Rosemary replied, giving Elizabeth's hand a squeeze before letting it go. She stood and watched her friend walk toward the saloon, wishing she could do more for her.