Untitled Prompt

A/N: This is my response to a guest reviewer's request. It didn't turn out at all as I expected, and it just barely addresses the prompt, if you squint. I hope you all enjoy it.

Seth considered himself a mature man, dignified, of women. He'd always been fascinated by the secret world of women and, as a young husband, he'd enjoyed any opportunity to discover more of Ruth's hidden depths. He was delighted to have a daughter, and, while he didn't hold any Victorian notions regarding the fairer sex, still he took delight in Margie's naturally feminine interests.

Ruth had been dead for several years by the time the women's lib movement had taken off in earnest, but he knew she would have been pleased, albeit a little shocked, by the boldness of those brash young women. Although he missed some of the conventions of his youth (though he would never admit it), he was proud of Margie and the young woman she was becoming. He knew Ruth would've been, too.

Seth wasn't a prude; he and Ruth had had a deeply satisfying intimate life that arose from the great love and trust they had for one another. When Ruthie died, his anger and grief burned for the better part of a year. His nurse, a kind, forthright woman, became the catalyst for his eventual recovery. Though he wasn't proud, necessarily, he wasn't ashamed, either. He wasn't averse to indulging in the pleasure of a woman's company if she were willing, but he did bemoan the casual nature of sex even as he benefited from the looser mores of the time. Regular sexual intercourse was healthy, and he didn't feel shame-not exactly-but of course he wasn't making love with these women. He understood that a certain amount of biological freedom was necessary, even advantageous, for women, and yet he hoped the young people growing up in such a different culture could develop some discernment. Even discounting the small sample size of his patient base, he could see that was an unlikely happenstance.

His grief for Ruth settled into a comfortable ache that pained him briefly from time to time: holidays, milestones, the occasional rainy afternoon. Ruthie always loved a good summer thunderstorm.

He grew older, and older still, and he often mused on what Ruth might look like had she lived, what she might be interested in, how she might fill her time in the Cove, had she consented to move there. He had a soft spot for the town of his birth, but she'd never developed a taste for it. No, had she lived, they'd have stayed in Portland. He could hardly bear to visit there, even now, and only if Jessica needed him.

Jessica. He'd done his damnedest not to fall in love with her, but he could more easily have put out the sun. She was the sun, and he orbited around her, helpless and lonesome. He rather suspected she knew he carried a torch for her…an absurd phrase…but she was too kind to acknowledge it. Pity. The one emotion he didn't want her to feel for him.

He kept up with her exploits. Certain townsfolk made a point of letting him know where she was, who she was with, but Jane was the one who truly kept him supplied with information. She saved all the papers for him and discreetly alerted him to any articles or photographs that she knew would interest him. Jane was a good egg. Why couldn't he love her? Because she was dark where Jessica was fair, angular where Jessica was curvy, mild where Jessica was bracing. He just couldn't help himself.

His 58th birthday was coming up, and while he didn't consider himself an old man, not yet, he could feel himself slowing down. He couldn't do what he could ten years ago. Five. At least there was one area of his life that appeared to be in good working order, not that he was gaining any benefit from it. He was tired of sleeping alone, tired of being alone. He couldn't have Jessica. Alright. Maybe it was time to let the fantasy go and find someone comfortable. And comforting.

Seth's birthday was coming up, and Jessica was at a , she knew exactly what to get him, but she'd been traveling the past few months and hadn't had many opportunities to catch up with Seth. Her conscience pricked her; she knew how loyal, how devoted he was, and she'd begun to take him for granted. She decided to bike to the market and pick up the ingredients for one of his favorite meals.

The air was crisp and, though Seth would tease her endlessly, she did smell just a hint of snow in the air. Her nose was not to be trifled with. She was smiling as she entered the market, pausing to collect a hand-held basket. Cynthia greeted her cheerfully.

"Hullo, Jessica!"

"Hello, Cynthia!"

"Didn't realize you were back in town."

Jessica nodded. "I've been back for a few days now."

Cynthia eyed the basket. "Not shopping for much, are you?"

Jessica laughed. "I only need a few things. I thought I'd make a cottage pie* for dinner tonight."

"Sounds cozy. Anything special?"

"It's Seth's birthday."

"It's the doc's birthday. Really?" Jessica nodded. "Have you…seen the doc lately?"

"He picked me up in Portland Monday."

"Did he..."

Jessica was beginning to grow annoyed. She made a point of being polite to everyone, and she sincerely tried to behave charitably to everyone whose path she crossed, truly she did, but she was finding Cynthia's somewhat smug behavior not only rude, but perplexing. Jessica was no fool. She could feel Cynthia's almost overwhelming desire to tell her something. And Jessica sensed it was something hurtful. Her desire to treat others with respect didn't dull the blade of her intellect. She drew herself to her full height and looked Cynthia in the eye. "Yes?""

To her credit, Cynthia looked chagrined. "Nothing, Jessica. It's nothing. Only…" Jessica continued to stare. "It's only that I've been hearing things." Jessica raised her eyebrows. "About the doc. He's been keeping company with…"

Jessica's eyes closed and she drew in a breath. She hadn't expected this. Or had she? She opened her eyes in time to see Cynthia's pitying glance. "Is he?" she said quietly.

"I think so, Jessica. I'm sorry. I thought…we all thought.."

"Yes?"

"We all thought you didn't want him. That you didn't feel that way about him. And now he's…"

Jessica plastered a smile on her face. "It's alright, Cynthia. But I don't think I'll be needing this anymore." She turned and put the basket on top of the others.

"Jessica—"

Jessica threw a quick wave in Cynthia's direction. "I'll be back, Cynthia. Thank you."

Cynthia watched as Jessica hopped on her bike and pedaled away. "Oh dear," she said aloud. No one thought Jessica cared for the doc in that way. They'd been friends for years, and both were very quick to point out that they were good friends, and only friends. Course no one believed the doc when he said it. He had to, to save face! Anyone with eyes could see he was head over heels for Jessica. But Jessica always played her cards close to the vest. You didn't ever know what she was thinking. Still, Cynthia was surprised by her reaction. Cynthia exhaled sharply. If she did want him, she'd better not let any more grass grow under her feet. The Lord knew no other woman would.

Jessica was mortified. She'd made a terrible assumption about Seth, and it revealed an aspect of her character that she found distasteful. She'd been taking Seth for granted. Seth. The man who chivvied her, cooked for her, drove her anywhere she asked and was there to greet her with a smile at the end of all her many travels. He looked after her home, her bird. He put up with her moods, her schedule. Everything was about her. And she liked it that way. She could take off anywhere she liked, safe in the knowledge that Seth was waiting for her. Pining for you, more like. And you've known for awhile now, Jess. For years. And you've taken all he had to give. Her face grew warm as she thought of all the ways Seth had shown his love for her and all the ways she'd studiously ignored that fact. But she couldn't be in love with Seth. She couldn't be! He was Seth. Her Seth. She felt tears prick her eyelids. But it was too late. If Cynthia knew he was keeping company with some other woman, then it had to be serious. Seth wasn't a cad. He'd clearly given Jessica every opportunity to show her feelings for him, and she hadn't. Or at least not outside the ICU.

Of course he'd assume she wasn't in love with him. Just like everyone in Cabot Cove, Seth thought Jessica was planning to remain a widow for the rest of her life. Hadn't Jessica thought the same? Wouldn't she still if Cynthia hadn't told her…she still couldn't bring herself to say it.

It was midday, and she felt like going upstairs and pulling the covers over her head. What was she going to do?

Jessica answered the front door. "Beverly! What are you doing here?"

"May I come in?"

"Oh yes, of course," said Jessica as she stepped back, flustered.

"Thank you," said Beverly primly.

A terrible thought struck Jessica. "Is Seth…is he?"

"The doctor's just fine, Jessica. Physically, that is. May I sit?"

Jessica gestured to the couch where she sat heavily, a hand to her heart. "I'm relieved to hear it."

"Are you?" asked Beverly archly.

"Of course I am! How could you think otherwise?"

"You missed the doc's birthday."

"What?"

"Last week. You missed the doc's birthday. He didn't say anything. He's just been moping about all week."

"Moping?"

Beverly huffed impatiently. "You must know how important you are to him. How could you, Jesscia?"

"How could I…"

Beverly eyed Jessica sharply. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing."

"Don't lie to me, Jessica Fletcher. Something caused you to ignore the doc's birthday. That's not like you, and it's nearly broken his heart. Out with it."

"Cynthia said..s" Jessica took a breath. "She said Seth had been keeping company with another woman while I was gone." Her face flushed. It sounded absurd when she said it aloud. Jealous over another woman. That was teenage behavior.

"That malicious old so-and-so. Oh, I could just slap her face! Do you know who he's been supposedly squiring about town? Jane. Jane, his friend." Beverly stared intently at Jessica. "Gossip's so bad in this town two old friends can't even get together for coffee or dinner without the whole town going to pieces." Beverly snorted. "Of all the fool…When did she tell you this?"

Jessica felt so foolish. "On Seth's birthday. I was in to pick up ingredients for the meal I'd planned to make for him."

"Why that old besom…I'll deal with her later. Why didn't you go to him, Jessica?"

"I couldn't…we don't have that kind of—"

"Don't you?" asked Beverly quietly. She took in Jessica's stricken face. "The doc's as miserable as you are, Jessica. He's at home right now. Call him."

"What?"

"Call him and invite him over. Do it right now. I'll leave as soon as you do. Otherwise…" Beverly let the threat hang in the air. With Jessica's imagination, Beverly didn't need to do any heavy lifting.

"But how can you be sure—"

Beverly rolled her eyes. "I'm sure. Go on, now."

She was pleased when, after a scant few minutes, Jessica got up and telephoned the doc. Those two needed a swift kick in the pants, and she'd see to it that Cynthia got what she deserved. Satisfied that the doc was on his way, she stood and walked to the door. "Jessica, that man loves you. Loves you the way many a woman in this town dream of being loved. Don't waste this opportunity." She turned on her heel and let herself out.

For all her vaunted intelligence, Jessica Fletcher could be quite dumb about the simplest matters. Why, if the doc had shown any interest in her at all, Beverly would have had everything sewn up as neatly and efficiently as the doc stitched up his patients. She didn't look back at Jessica. She heard the door close behind her, then she got into her car and skedaddled. Later, the doc might appreciate what he referred to as her meddling. But first they needed to get sorted, and Beverly was confident they didn't need any more help from her.

Jessica dithered between the front door and the back, uncertain which Seth would choose. If he came in the back door, she could consider fences close to mended. If he came in the front, well. She'd have her work cut out for her.

She was in the kitchen when she heard the doorbell ring. "Oh dear," she said and hurriedly made her way to the front door.

Seth stood on the front porch, a mutinous look on his face. "I'm here, woman," he said as he barreled on through.

She swallowed her ire. After all, he didn't know why she'd ignored his birthday. "I'm glad you're here, Seth. I want to apologize."

He grunted. "For what?"

"Won't you sit down?" She gestured to the couch. Seth nodded and they sat down together. "For missing your birthday, Seth. I'm sorry."

"S'alright. Must've been important."

"It was a misunderstanding, I think."

"You think? What misunderstanding?"

"I got some unpleasant news at the market on the morning of your birthday."

Seth's eyebrows knitted together. "What unpleasant news?"

"I was informed that you were keeping company, regular company, with someone else. That you were involved with someone, Seth."

Seth's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "Of all the…who told you that?"

"That's not important."

"It is to me!"

"Well. Perhaps I'll tell you later, but the important thing is, I should have spoken with you directly, Seth." She took a deep breath and took his hand in hers. "I'm sorry."

Seth looked down at their joined hands. His mind was racing. "It's alright, Jess. I understand."

"Do you? Because it took an unfounded rumor for me to understand."

"Understand what?"

"To understand that I love you. That I'm in love with you." Seth's head jerked up and her heart clenched at the disbelief and the hope in his eyes. "I love you." She leaned forward slowly and kissed him softly.

Seth broke their kiss. "Are you…are you sure, Jessica? Do you mean what you're saying?"

"I do, Seth. I love you, and I know you love me. I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to admit it, and I'm terribly sorry I missed your birthday. It was shameful of me."

Seth drew her hands to his lips and kissed them. "No, Jess. I'm sorry. I should have known only something important would have kept you from acknowledging my birthday." He shook his head. "I should have called you."

Jessica smiled. "Let's agree to disagree, then, about where the fault lies. I rather think we have some making up to do." Jessica laughed as Seth drew her in his arms and peppered her face and neck with kisses.

"Seth, I wanted this just as much as you did."

"I shouldn't have—"

"You didn't," said Jessica firmly. "We made love. Together."

"The night you tell me you love me, and…"

"I've loved you for a long time, Seth," said Jessica patiently. "It didn't make sense to wait any longer."

"But…"

"But what?"

Seth turned away from her. "I don't see how you could want me," he said quietly. "I don't measure up to those other…well. Anyone else you could be with, Jess. I'm not good enough."

Jessica gently turned his face to hers. "Oh, Seth. Why would you think that?"

"I know what I see in the mirror."

"And?"

"And? Jessica, I'm 58 years old! I'm not the man I was even five years ago."

"That's true. I'm not the woman I was then, either."

Seth snorted. "You're like a fine wine, Jess. You improve with age."

Jessica stroked his cheek. "That's very flattering, dear, and you won't hear me argue. Or dismiss a compliment."

Seth hung his head. "I'm just trying to be…"

"Honest?" Jessica lifted his chin. "Are you accusing me of lying?"

"Certainly not! I just…you're very kind, Jessica. You always have been."

"Seth." She picked up his hand and placed it above her breast. "Feel my heartbeat." He tried to pull his hand away, but she held it against her firmly, and took a deep breath. "Feel my heartbeat," she murmured.

Seth closed his eyes and felt the strong, steady rhythm of her heart. He felt himself relax, and he fancied that soon his heart would regulate its beat with hers. He nearly scoffed, then remembered where he was. He opened his eyes slowly and met her gaze. "Point taken," he said softly and smiled in response to her grin.

"Now do you believe me?" She tightened her grasp on his hand. "The body doesn't lie, does it, Doc. I could tell that you were attracted to me. I know you could feel that I was attracted to you. I couldn't fake that." She fixed him with a steely glare. "I wouldn't." She sighed. "I love you, Seth. I love you." She let go of his hand and trailed her fingers along his chest and stomach, smoothing her hand across his stomach. "All of you," she said pointedly.

Seth put his hand on top of hers. "It's a little hard to believe."

"Believe it," she said archly. "In any case, I think we'll have plenty of fun as I persuade you." She laughed at Seth's shocked expression. "Oh, I do love you," she said and leaned up for a quick kiss.

Seth moved to grasp her shoulders as he deepened their kiss. "I love you, woman," he murmured against her lips.

They kissed for a few pleasurable moments, Seth delighting in the feel of her hands caressing him in the places he felt most vulnerable. Jessica was right. He could feel that she loved him. It was in the warmth of her touch, in the silky feel of her tongue against his, in the way she pressed herself against him. He wasn't going to waste another moment fretting as to whether she loved him as much as he loved her. He was just going to love her as well as he could for as long as he could.

A/N: To find the recipe, just google Angela Lansbury cottage pie recipe. I really thought Jessica was going to make it...until she ran into Cynthia.