Love, the True Test of Time
Chapter 11
by
Lady Jane T



All characters in this fan fiction are the property of Miramax. . . this is all in good fun and I hope you enjoy. This is dedicated to all those women out there hoping that their Leopold will come riding in on a white horse, swoop them off their feet and live happily ever after. Keep believing!




Leopold didn't go straight back to his room. He took a stroll out on deck. It was quiet; passengers were still finishing their dinner and would be gathering in the ballroom shortly. He hadn't eaten anything and his stomach rumbled, but he ignored it. He had hoped he would've been strolling the decks with Kate, gazing at the stars; but, it wasn't meant to be. He was having doubts. Not doubts about his love for her, because there was no question in his mind how he felt about her. Doubts about how they were going to live a life together. Maybe he was naive in believing love was all that mattered. Her careless remarks about his sexuality or lack thereof concerned him.

She had made him feel like a fool. He had chosen to save himself for the right woman at a very young age. It hadn't been an easy choice, Millicent had wanted him desperately. And, he could still remember the night in the stable when he had been seventeen and they had been roughhousing in the hay. Millicent had been willing, but Leopold knew that it could possibly ruin her life. He had no intention of marrying her; he knew he wasn't ready, but he cared for her deeply. No man would have taken her for a bride if he had had his way with her. That had only been the beginning, women were constantly throwing themselves at him. He was one of the most eligible bachelors in England, considered an extremely good catch. He despised their advances. He found it unlady like and extremely unattractive. He preferred hiding in his laboratory and working on his inventions. He was an oddity, often being called reclusive. Millard had even arranged for a prostitute on his twenty-first birthday. Leopold was more interested in finding out about her background and he ended up teaching her how to play cards. Now he had found the woman he wanted to spend his whole life with, a woman who had a past. Could she ever really be happy with him and his 19th centuries values? He was beginning to wonder.

He was broken from his thoughts by his Aunt Margaret. "Leopold, your uncle has been looking for you."

"Well, you found me."

"How is Katherine?"

"Asleep. I want to apologize for her behavior, Aunt Margaret. It was out of line and I will make sure it doesn't happen again."

"Leopold, don't be too rough on her. I admire her openness. I often feel we could all learn something from her."

"She embarrassed you."

"She will learn, just as you are learning."

He gave her a questioning look. "I don't know what you mean."

"Love isn't as easy as we are led to believe. There will be times when you question why you married this person, how could you possibly live the rest of your life with them. Those are normal thoughts. It won't always be perfect."

"It is far from perfect now."

"But you love her and you will work through it."

"Are there times you regret your decision to marry Uncle Millard?"

"Many times. But then there are those moments when we are sitting across the room from one another and he will glance my way, and he will have that twinkle in his eye and he will smile, and I know then that I made the right decision. Of course, it was different for me, I was chosen to be his bride. It wasn't my choice, so we had many difficult times at the beginning. You, on the other hand, have chosen the woman you want to be with. It will be a lot easier for you."

He gave his aunt a hug. "I hope you are right."

"I have no question in my mind; She loves you deeply. You have to be patient."

"I think it's the other way around, aunt. She will have to be patient with me."

She was about to question him when Millard stormed onto to the deck. "There you are. I was just about to knock down Miss Katherine's cabin door, assuming that is where you would be."

Margaret touched his cheek. "We will talk in the morning." She then walked past Millard, "Please be kind. He is having a rough evening."

"And what kind of evening do you think I am having?"

"I will be waiting, so please don't be long." Margaret had always been so forgiving. He watched her leave and wished he could be join her.

Leopold turned his back on his uncle and looked out on the dark sea. It was ominous but alluring at the same time and he felt a calm come over him. He didn't feel like fighting.

"Are you going to give me an explanation for Katherine's behavior this evening?"

"I have no explanation, Uncle. She had too much champagne and she was feeling apprehensive about the journey. Anything other than that you will have to ask her yourself."

"This little episode has not caused you to rethink your marriage to her?"

"No, it has not."

"And what if I told you she has admitted to a past."

"We all have a past, dear uncle."

"That is very funny, Leopold." He said angrily. "You know what I mean."

"I do know what you are implying and I am fully aware of it."

"That is all you are going to say on the subject? It doesn't concern you?"

"It doesn't concern you, Uncle. It does concern me, yes."

"No one has to know, I suppose. She doesn't have a past in England unless there is something else she hasn't told us. As long as we keep it under the mat everything should be fine."

He turned to his Uncle, amazed at his train of thought. "That is all you are concerned about, what people think of you?"

"I am concerned about you, Leopold. If people should find out, it could be disastrous for you."

"You know I have never been concerned about what people think of me. In your eyes, I have never done or said the right thing. If I had, I would have been married years ago. I would have given up my aspirations to be an inventor. I would be lord of the manor, with a dozen children running around the garden, and I would be sitting back while my dutiful wife bowed and scraped to my every whim. I told you before, I would give up my title. It isn't important to me."

"I will not hear that kind of talk from you."

"You would become Duke, uncle. That would suit you."

Millard was quiet; he had been keeping a secret from Leopold, one Leopold was bound to find out at some point. If he did give up his title, it would be a disaster. He changed his tone, realizing this discussion would just make Leopold more determined.

He patted Leopold's back. "It won't have to come to that I am sure. We will get through this together."

"And will you be supportive?"

"I will try."

Leopold wasn't so sure. "I don't want to argue with you Uncle. I have high expectations about the life I will make with Kate and I admit I am starting to question a lot of things. I need you to be supportive, not fighting me every step of the way. I need you to try and make amends with Kate. It is going to be difficult enough as it is once we arrive at Balinor. Otis has informed me Edgar is back from England. Had you heard this news?"

Millard was shocked. If he had known of Edgar's return, he would never have agreed on returning to England.

"Uncle, obviously this is news to you, and you aren't pleased."

"He is trouble, Leopold."

"I know exactly what he is." Millard looked concerned, Leopold had no idea what he was. "But I am hoping that he has grown up and that he can be civil. Otis seems to think he will cause problems for Kate. It is in his nature to hurt and destroy anyone who I have ever cared about."

"I am sure you are right about his growing up. We must give him the benefit of the doubt, but it might be wise to warn Katherine about him."

Leopold continued to look at Millard with concern. Something was wrong. He was acting peculiar. What was it about Edgar that had him so infuriated? Leopold would find out soon enough.

"Uncle, I really think I will retire for the evening. I know Aunt Margaret is waiting for you." The way he said it, there was sadness in his voice.

"Maybe you shouldn't be alone. Go into the ballroom, have a waltz with a few elderly matrons. . . "

Leopold smiled. "Elderly matrons?"

"Well, they would definitely take your mind off thoughts of Katherine."

"I think another night."

"Aunt Margaret was fairly sure you would be in Katherine's cabin this evening."

"I was. Briefly. You don't have to worry; I will not make a spectacle of myself. You probably have visions of me coming and going from her cabin at all hours because that is what you would've done in my shoes."

"Leopold, really."

"I have remained a gentleman, and I plan on remaining a gentleman despite the temptations I am being faced with. You can be assured of that. I am sorry to disappoint you, Uncle."

"I am not disappointed."

"You cannot fathom my honor. You have always been disturbed by the fact that I am not like you."

"You are like your father, Leopold. He was always true to his heart and stood by what he valued. He would be proud. I am proud of you. I am proud you have stuck by your convictions and you will make a good husband. Better than I could ever be."

"Don't underestimate yourself, Uncle. Aunt Margaret loves you despite your hotheaded temper. She accepts your flaws. I am hoping Kate will accept mine. Goodnight, uncle."

~*~


The following morning a storm was just beginning. Everyone seemed to be staying put in their cabins, but it didn't faze Leopold. The rocking motion of the boat was something he accepted and he carried on the day like he would have done if there hadn't been a storm. Margaret joined him for breakfast.

"Isn't Uncle Millard joining us for breakfast?"

"He really does not like the rocking. He is lying in bed and hoping it will go away. He can be such a big baby. And I did go check on Katherine."

He looked up surprised, "And.."

"She is suffering from the effects of the champagne; the rocking of the ship is not helping matters. She plans on staying in bed this morning. I told her I would come and see how she was later. I am surprised, Leopold, that you didn't check on her yourself."

"I was going to after breakfast. But now that I know she is fine, I will let her rest."

"You are avoiding her."

He buttered a piece of toast and looked innocently at his aunt. "I am doing no such thing." He took a bite.

"Well, whatever took place between the two of you has to be settled. Do not leave it to long."

"Did she say something to you?"

"No. Leopold, won't you confide in me. I might be able to help."

"No, this is something I will have to deal with on my own. I just need some time."

"Does it have anything to do with Millicent and the news she and Edgar are back in England?"

"I wish it was as simple as that, Aunt."

"So how do you feel about their return to Westlake?"

"Mixed feelings, I'm afraid. I am anxious to see Millicent again. On the other hand, seeing Edgar is not something I am looking forward to one bit. And how do you feel about it?"

"I always loved Millicent. She was such a pleasant child; I could not believe that she would ever consider marrying Edgar. I hope he hasn't taken away her spirit. She was always so lively. I remember the two of you riding horses and chasing each other through the garden. I would have loved to have seen the two of you married."

"Aunt Margaret. . . "

"I know it is ludicrous for me to even dwell on such things. What is past is past. She married Edgar, they have a beautiful bonny daughter, I am told, and expecting another. I am truly hoping she is happy and that Edgar has been good to her."

"I know what you are thinking; she married Edgar because I was not ready to make a commitment. I was still a boy, Aunt Margaret. I was hardly ready to make the leap into marriage. And I really do not believe she was ready either but she accepted Edgar's proposal, there really wasn't anything I could do. I know Edgar always fancied her and even though I find his manner arrogant and crude, he deeply cared about her. I have to believe he has been good to her."

"Well, we will soon find out won't we." She took a sip of her tea.

Leopold was deep in thought. He had bad feelings about the state he would find Millicent in and deep down he felt responsible. He had basically thrown her into Edgar's arms and he had never felt good about that at all. But right now, there were other things on his mind. He had not forgotten the scene in Kate's cabin and the tone in her voice. It had replayed in his head over and over. Margaret was right; he needed to settle this with Kate. He needed to find out what she really felt and how they were going get through this time together. Right now they seemed to have separate thoughts and desires and he wondered if they really could have a life together.

~*~


Kate had fallen back to sleep after Margaret had checked on her. When she finally woke up, the storm was still raging outside her cabin. The rain hitting the side of the ship was extremely loud and she wondered how she had slept through it. She had no idea of the time since she didn't have a watch and since the cabins were below deck there was no porthole. Her head was still throbbing but she was hungry, so she managed to put on one of the day dresses that had been made for her and decided to make her way up on deck, no matter how bad she felt. Last night was a blur to her; she remembered Leopold being in her room, but not much else. The empty bottle of champagne sat on the dresser and she rolled her eyes. What had she been thinking when she did that?

With the boat rocking, it was an unsteady walk up to the dining room, which was very quiet. She saw waiters setting tables and even though she was not up on the table settings of this time, she assumed they were preparing for dinner, since the tablecloths seemed fancier. She then noticed the clock on the wall. . . 5:30. She had slept the whole day. A waiter approached her.

"Can I help you, Miss? I am afraid you are a bit early for dinner."

"I missed lunch. Is there any way I could have a sandwich or a piece of fruit. Anything?"

"It is strictly against regulations, Miss, but I will see what I can do."

"Thank-you."

He wasn't gone long and came back with a napkin, tied like a parcel. "Bread and cheese. I hope that will be sufficient."

She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You are life saver."

He blushed, not used to ladies kissing him.

She went back down to her room and stopped at the door, gazing down the hallway towards Leopold's room. She knew that it was inappropriate to visit a gentleman's room, but she hadn't seem him all day. She decided to risk it and found herself knocking on his door.

Otis opened the door. "Miss Katherine." He seemed surprised.

"Leopold isn't here I take it."

He was silent and then she heard his voice from behind the door. "It's all right, Otis. You can let her in."

He opened the door to reveal Leopold sitting at a table with a chessboard in front of him, contemplating a move. He didn't even look up at her.

"You're playing chess."

"Very observant, Kate." He said sarcastically. Otis decided he should excuse himself.

"We can finish the game later, your grace."

"Maybe I would like to finish the game now."

Otis and Kate exchanged glances. "I am sorry I interrupted. I will see you at dinner."

She started to head out the door and was about ready to cry. When he spoke.

"No, No, No. . . stay. I have no reason to snap at you. That was uncalled for. I didn't sleep well last night and I shouldn't be taking it out on you."

He motioned for Otis to leave, and Leopold finally looked up at her. She looked vulnerable and he could tell on the verge of tears. He stood up and moved toward her. Part of him wanted to take her in his arms, but the other part was angry and wanted nothing to do with her.

"Whatever I did, I am sorry."

"You don't remember a thing about last night?"

"It is a blur, I'm afraid. Do you want to fill me on? Did I put my foot in my mouth again? Oh, Leopold, I am not very good at the 1876 thing. "

He took her in his arms and wiped the tear from her cheek. "You are doing fine. I think it might be a good idea if Otis and myself gave you some tips. Just a few things to help you get by with everyday occurances." He couldn't bring himself to even mention last night.

"That sounds like a good idea. I just don't want you to be mad and I don't want to do anything else to embarrass you and your family."

Leopold noticed the napkin. "What's this?"

"Lunch. I slept all day and I am starving."

"Come sit down, I will pour you a cup of tea."

She sat on the love seat and unfolded the napkin in her lap. She ravenously tore at the chunks of bread, stuffing them into her mouth. Leopold set a cup of tea on the table and started to laugh. "You were hungry."

"I know I'm not very ladylike. I will use the right fork at dinner and only speak when I am spoken to."

"You don't have to go that far."

"Are you going to tell me what I did last night?

"You finished off a bottle of champagne on your own."

"I remember that much."

"You and Millard had it out once again in the dining room."

"Oh, my god, what did I say?"

"I wasn't there, I don't know, but Millard was extremely appalled by your behavior. Otis and myself managed to get you out to the deck before you were sick. I put you to bed and that's about it." He was quiet and she looked at him.

"You are leaving something out."

"It's not important and it can wait. Dinner is in a half hour." He looked at his pocket watch. "I need to get changed, as well do you."

He stood up and offered his hand to her. She took it, all the while looking into his eyes, seeing something hidden behind them. He kissed her cheek. "Let's forget about the events of last evening and start afresh tonight."

"It's a deal." She kissed his lips. "So, is it really naughty for me to be in here?"

"Yes, extremely naughty. Gossip travels fast. This is not a big ship and everyone knows everyone's business."

"They would think you were having your way with me."

"I suppose they would." He turned silent again.

"I am making you uncomfortable, aren't I?"

"This isn't the time to discuss this, Kate; I will escort you to your room now."

He was silent all the way back to her room and as he walked away, she watched after him. Did she come on to him last night; was that what this was all about? Whatever it was, he was in a right state about it. Being very abrupt with her and distant. She decided to leave it for the time being. It was best for her not to press him; he would talk about it when he was ready. Kate was hoping he wouldn't wait too long; she hated the awkward silence between them. She wanted it to be like it was in 2001. It wasn't as complicated. He had warmed up to her and now there was distance between them. A distance she couldn't bear.



CHAPTERS:   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13




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