Love, the True Test of Time
Chapter 4
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!




Kate stood up and before taking Leopold's arm as offered, she turned to Uncle Millard, "I would really like to know what is so wrong with marrying someone for love. Obviously, it is an oddity in this day and age and it has me perplexed on why? Could you answer this question for me, your lordship?"

Leopold realized she was about to lose her temper and tried to stop her, "Kate, please, let's be on our way." But she pushed his hand aside.

"Tell me, your lordship, what about you, did you marry for love or money?"

Leopold covered his face with his hand and sighed, "Oh, god, Kate, no." But realized it was too late.

Margaret was shocked, she looked over at her husband, questioning him with her eyes, but she knew the answer. It was something you didn't talk about.

Millard stood up,"Leopold, you and Miss McKay are not welcome at this table. Kindly remove her from the premises immediately. And I will deal with you later."

Kate was ready for a fight, "You aren't going to let him speak to you like that are you?" Leopold took her by the elbow and escorted her out of the dining room, while she struggled all the way. He managed to get the study room door and open and gently pushed her inside, closing the door behind them.

She pulled herself away from him, "Why don't you stand up for yourself? I can't believe you can actually let him speak to you that way."

"Kate, this is not the 21st century. Things are done differently here. You were out of line in there."

"I was right wasn't I? He doesn't love your Aunt Margaret."

"Did you see my aunts face when you made that outrageous display? Did you even think about anyone else in the room or only about the way you felt, Kate? Yes, he married for money. Are you satisfied? My aunt was in love with another man, whom she was not allowed to marry. Her father had already arranged the match between her and my uncle. That was over 30 years ago. She has accepted her place and she loves my uncle in her own way. I am not saying it is right, but it is the way it is. For you to make that remark in her presence was embarrassing and insulting."

He walked away from her and went to the window, his back to her. Kate knew he was mad, and that she had once again put her foot in it. "I am sorry, Leopold. I'll apologize to your aunt. I was just so angry with the way your uncle treated you. I will be more careful next time. I have a lot to learn about 1876, obviously. This isn't easy for me. I have come to a time where the dresses are uncomfortable", she tugged at the neckline of her dress, "nothing is mine, and everything I know and love is more than 100 years in the future. I am overwhelmed. I am going to make mistakes."

He turned towards her, "Not everything you know and love." He smiled at her, and she was glad he didn't plan to stay mad at her. She moved over to him and he wrapped his arms around her, looking into her eyes, "And I know about being overwhelmed. Remember I have been there, at least you had History books, so you had some sort of knowledge what to expect. I don't expect you to fall into my world with ease. It will take time, but we have each other. When I saw you across the room last evening, I knew we were destined to be together. Our love is the true test of time, Kate. You have to believe that. I know that I do."

She kissed him and didn't want to come up for air, when they finally pulled apart he smiled, "Now that is one 21st century custom I thoroughly endorse. Women taking the initiative."

"Really I thought you would disapprove. It isn't a lady's place to do such things."

"This is one 19th century gentleman who will not argue if and when the mood strikes you again, Miss McKay." He had that twinkle in his eye.

"Very well, your grace, I will keep that in mind." She was just about to kiss him again when the door of the study opened, and they both turned.

Margaret stood there, "I am very sorry to disturb you." She started to turn around and head back out the door, but Leopold left Kate's side, and went to his aunt.

"You aren't disturbing us, really, Aunt Margaret. Is everything alright?"

"Your uncle is furious."

Leopold turned to Kate and she slowly walked toward them, "I want to apologize, your ladyship, I really didn't mean to embarrass you. I was out of line."

Margaret took hold of Kate's hands, "Oh, dear sweet, Katherine, we all know the truth, it just has never been spoken. And I want you to know, I am not unhappy. Leopold's uncle has provided for me and in his own way, he has loved me. He isn't always argumentative and stubborn, and he has been a father figure for Leopold since his parents have died. He has always wanted what's best for him, like any father would."

There was a rap on the door and Otis entered, "Pardon me, your ladyship, your grace, Miss McKay, but Madame Marchant has arrived for Miss McKay's dress fitting. I have showed her upstairs to your quarters Miss Mckay."

"Oh, we mustn't keep her waiting, Katherine, she is a very busy woman. Woman dressmakers are very few, and she is the very best. She is on a very strict schedule, everyone in New York wants to own a dress designed by her. Leopold, you will excuse us. "

"Of course, Aunt Margaret. And I think I will make myself scarce, so that I don't have to deal with Uncle Millard's scolding. A ride in Central park might be just the trick, Otis. What do you think? Especially since the ladies, will be occupied for a least a few hours."

"That would probably be a very good idea, your grace, he is in a right state and best to avoid him at every cost. I will have a horse ready for you, your grace." Otis left the room.

By Kate's expression, Leopold could tell she wasn't extremely pleased with the thought of spending the rest of the morning being measured and fitted for dresses. But he gave her a reassuring kiss on the cheek and whispered in her ear, "It will be painless, I promise you and afterwards we will do whatever you please. Maybe a stroll down to the waterfront. I am sure you are anxious to see the New York of 1876."

Kate still couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into. The last 4 days in the future had been undeniably the most incredible days of her life, but everything seemed so strange here. How could she possibly get use to any of this?



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




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