(a/n - oh, Emmett, you charmer! *sighs* no wonder Liz is so smitten by him. And now I really, really want coffee. Badly.)

Chapter 4

"Coffee, Elizabeth?" he asked, but when he asked it, I felt like a proper lady. I felt like this was how I should be treated. When Hyacinth said it, I felt like she was talking down at me in a patronising way, as if I wasn't entitled to coffee, really. When he asked it, I felt as if I was allowed to drink all of the coffee in the world. He was a real gentleman, pulling out my chair, taking my coat, offering to order for me. He kept apologising that I had had to drive us to the coffee shop, since he had never bothered to get his licence. He walked or got the bus. I internally wondered if that was how he got his fine figure.

In actual fact, the drive had been most pleasant. We had exited the hall, and he had locked up. I had then looked at him, and he I. He smiled awkwardly and shuffled about a bit, before confessing that he didn't drive. I didn't mind; I was happy to have him in my car. We got in, and he directed me to a lovely little coffee shop, or tearoom, as its name informed us. Either way, it was lovely. He got out and had opened my door for me before I had even finished turning off the engine. I giggled slightly at his gentlemanly attitude.

Once in, we had a marvellous time, and the conversation never seemed to end.

"So, Liz, have you ever worked in a theatre company before?"

"No, I am afraid I never found the opportunity. I am so glad I saw this one, though! I can't believe other secretaries left, what with all the coffee you provide!" I laughed nervously. He smiled at me.

"I have to say, you're the first secretary to get coffee from me, Liz," I internally danced at his words.

"Really?"

"Yes, the others just weren't as... Well, splendid as you are," he smiled again. Then quickly asked "so, you're single?" I laughed at his nervousness.

"Quite single, and yourself?"

"Single, though hopefully not for much longer, if I get what I want," he took my hand over the coffee pot. "Elizabeth, would you care to go on further dates with me, if I may call this our first?" I smiled at him.

"Of course!" I was amazed at how composed I was around him, and how calm he made me feel. And he wanted me! I honestly couldn't have been happier.

After our first date, I smiled and drove him home. It surprised me that he rented a small flat above a carpet shop. I walked to his door with him and he grimaced slightly.

"Sorry, Liz, I know the man is meant to walk the lady home."

"No, that's okay, walking me home could cause complications with my neighbour," I sighed, the dread of Hyacinth finding out filling my mind.

"Well, sorry my flat is such a disappointment. I should get around to living elsewhere, but there's just no need, I suppose," he shook his head. "See you at work, Elizabeth."

I drove myself home and tried to tone down the smile that was stretching from ear to ear on me, in case I bumped into Hyacinth. I am not sure I completely managed it.

"Hello Elizabeth! What brings you home so late?" she trilled; she had clearly been hiding in wait behind her door.

"Oh, erm, hello, Hyacinth! I, er, well, had a d... D... Doctor's appointment!" I laughed nervously.

"Nothing serious I hope, I couldn't have you round if there was anything that could stay in the air and harm my Sheridan when he visits his Mummy, he has such a sensitive immune system does my Sheridan..." and she was off. I nodded politely before heading inside. Completely over the moon. I was even more in love than before.