First Impression

Chapter Thirteen

There was a tree on the side of the river bank. They walked closer to it. Aurora gently pushed him up against the tree and kissed him. “To be honest, I have enjoyed myself more in one afternoon with you than with any other man I’ve ever met.

I don’t want it to end just yet.” She said hesitantly. Then she saw the surprise on his face and mistook it for rejection. “Oh, I’m sorry, please forgive me for being so forward.” She ran out into the street and hailed a cab before he could even say two words.

She had dropped her clutch in her haste. He picked it up. It smelled like gardenias. Just like her perfume. He must get it back to her. Maybe it was too late to try this evening, but he was going to try anyway. He was so confused that he didn’t know was happening. He hailed a cab and went to her cottage. No one answered. Aurora couldn’t bear the thought of what had just transpired. She blinked back hot tears. Her mind raced.

What was she going to do? She went to Georgie’s house. She pounded on the door. Cousin Benny answered the door in his bathrobe. Aurora hadn’t even noticed. She marched inside and looked for Georgie who was just coming from the bedroom tying her own bathrobe.

“What on earth is going on?” Georgie said. Aurora turned and finally looked from Georgie to Cousin Benny. And then asked to speak with Georgie in private. “Oh Come now, Dear Cousin, you still don’t trust me after all these years?” Cousin Benny asked pouting a little.

“Sadly no, Sorry Dear Cousin, although I’m grateful for you getting me out a marital arrangement made by my mother, it’s too personal.” Georgie put her arms around Aurora and told Benny to go back to bed. He closed the door. Then Georgie put on the tea kettle for some tea. “Alright now Dearie, Spill it.” Georgie said. “I don’t know where to begin.” Aurora stated.

Hot tears finally stung her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. “How about the beginning?” Georgie coaxed. She got two cups and two saucers, two tea bags, and soon the kettle whistled. She poured the hot water in the tea cups and took them over to the little breakfast nook.

And they both sat down and Aurora started telling of how Mr. Collins came earlier that evening to invite her to dinner and then how the evening was so perfect and how she ruined everything. Fresh tears streaked down her tear stained face.