Jewel

Chapter 5: An Arm's Length

Linus cursed himself under his breath as he pulled Clement out of the kitchen and back toward the study. The very night that he set his mind to pursue his feelings for Eileen, he had put his foot in his mouth and caused her to be angry with him.

Clement tugged free from Linus's grasp, but he willingly followed him back into the office.

"Gah!" Clement blew out a frustrated breath, his elbows connecting with his desk as he plopped into the chair. "She is the most stubborn woman! She doesn't realize... how can I make her understand?!"

Linus was silent a few moments. He strode around the desk slowly and took a seat opposite his friend.

"She is used to having her freedom," he finally answered after some thought. "Before she came to live with you, she was able to go where she pleased when she wasn't... working." Linus always found it a bit awkward to discuss Eileen's previous life. He never judged her for it, but he felt that it was a sensitive topic, especially with Clement.

"I just want her to live the best life I can offer," Clement muttered, more to himself than to Linus.

"Perhaps," Linus ventured cautiously, "for Miss Jones... what you offer isn't the best life. I- I mean... for her, working is the best life. She needs... purpose."

Purpose. It suddenly dawned on Linus that his fascination with Eileen had something to do with her drive. He could sense a certain restlessness about her. She didn't want to be taken care of or sheltered. She wanted to fly. After all that she had been through, Linus hoped that she would do just that.

Clement didn't respond, rubbing a hand over his chin as he sat dejectedly.

"Clement, you know that I hold you in the highest regard," Linus attempted again. "I understand your concerns over her wellbeing. However, if you continue like this, don't you worry that you will only push her away?"

"Of course I worry. I worry all the time. I worry that she's safe. I worry that she will return to her old life. I worry that she will despise me. I worry that she will leave Elmsdale without a single word and disappear somewhere I can never find her agai-"

Clement's voice cracked on the last word, and Linus saw his eyes mist over before Clement could cover his face with his hands.

The fact that Clement worried Eileen might abandon Elmsdale never to be heard from again made Linus's heart drop into his stomach. He didn't believe that Eileen was capable of treating Clement in such a callous manner, but the thought was distressing nonetheless.

Linus felt deep sympathy for his friend. Although he believed that Clement was overbearing, he understood why he acted the way that he did.

"Clement," he finally said, "that is an awful lot of worry. You're exhausted by it. I've seen it all year long."

Clement nodded, still hiding his face. "I-if it weren't for Els-sie," he croaked, "I don't know if I-" his voice broke again.

"You cannot do this, Clement. You cannot continue to worry about her. I realize that's easier said than done, but you cannot manage Miss Jones the way that you manage financial accounts for your clients. There is no sense in worrying about something that is out of your control."

Clement finally looked up, his eyes bloodshot. "You think I am in the wrong."

It was a statement, not a question.

"I am of the opinion that Miss Jones is going to make choices for herself regardless of your wishes," Linus spoke carefully. "Since that is the case, it would be better if you stepped back. She knows that you will be here if she needs you."