Mrs. Dawkins (The Artful Dodger) [TBS]

Part 15

I pulled back in surprise hearing a loud cough, and quickly moved my hands away from Jack's, as soon as I opened my eyes I saw her.

Miss Hardcastle, stood having approached us in the garden, given the timing of her cough and her... very unhappy look. She had undoubtedly caught us. 

Jack was confused I assume having not heard the cough as he looked disappointed, upset when I had so suddenly ended our kiss and now looked as if I wanted nothing to do with him. But he noticed my eyes and glanced over his shoulder, and he jumped as he saw her there immediately the colour drained from his face as he too realized... 

We're fucked. 

My mind began to spiral in panic, she was the most rule-abiding etiquette-driven person I had ever met, she would surely tell my father and Jack and I would never be allowed near each other again. 

She cleared her throat again and stepped closer, "I think Miss Everset has had enough air now doctor, You best head inside wouldn't want you to miss the party."

"Yes of course." he nodded, He gave me a faint smile before he took his coat and stood up, as he past her she handed him a white handkerchief from the pocket of her dress, clearly for him to wipe my slightly smudged lipstick off his lips, he took it and headed back through the garden towards the house, 

Miss Hardcastle merely stood there watching me, giving me no place to turn. She waited silently until Jack was out of earshot. 

"Y/n."

"Yes miss?"

She moved and sat on the bench in Jack's place, she took my hand in hers. "Was this moment consensual?" 

"What?" I asked,

"Was the moment I just witnessed consensual?" 

"It was," I nodded, I knew it would be worse to lie to her, "It was consensual."

"Was it reciprocal?"

"Yes."

She nodded, 

"Will you tell my father?"

"Tell him what?"

"About what I and Dr Dawkins were -"

"Why would I tell him about the doctor helping you catch your breath?" She asked giving me a small wink "But we should head back now." She said 

"we should," I nodded, 

She helped me up and we walked arm in arm back towards the house, "Mr Dawkins?" She asked, 

"Dr Dawkins," I corrected,

"Ohh I see. Royal College?"

"Ex-Navy."

"Ohhh... Your father will certainly like him."

"I hope so." I blushed, 

"You know his... particular mix of Sandy Cove and Caramel Drizzle does seem, familiar to me." She smiled wickedly 

I blushed to think of the two paint colours I had combined on my painting a few days ago to mix into Jack's hair, 

"From a recent... Easel." 

"Perhaps." I blushed, 

"I see, What shall we entitle this painting then?"

"Jack."

"Jack, I see." She nodded as she returned me to the house and the party,

I did a few more dances with the men who still wanted them, but the evening was mostly dying down, I did spot a nervous Jack being a wallflower to the party and I simply smiled at him which calmed him considerably, until it came time like any party where people seem to leave almost all at once, so father and I stood between my father and Miss Hardcastle close the door and bidding goodbye to many guests, my hand was even getting tired from all the kisses. But I did my best to hide my blush as Jack approached having put his jacket back on and clearly trying to hide his own blush. I did notice as he approached Miss Hardcastle shot me a look almost questionable as if silently asking 

'This the one?' and I nodded in return, 

"It was a perfect evening Mr Everset, I thank you greatly for allowing me an invitation." He smiled 

"Of course, of course, my good man. You took such good care of my Y/n when we visited the hospital, always best to keep a doctor in the good graces." 

"Quiet right sir, but truly I had an amazing time you must invite me to your next event."

"Oh you'll be on our guest list I'm sure" 

Jack then turned his attention to me as politely as he could, "I thank you greatly for inviting me Miss Everset, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was an absolute pleasure to witness your debut and our dance is something I shall truly treasure."

"As will I Dr Dawkins," I smiled, He gently took my hand and kissed it sweetly but as his hand slipped away I realized he had left a note in my hand, I hid it as secretly as I could and luckily Miss Hardcastle was the only one to spot it so as I set my hand to my side she took the note from me hiding it in her pocket so I could use my hand still, 

"Have a lovely evening, Both of you."

"You too Dr Dawkins," My father smiled,

Jack then left and for a moment Miss Hardcastle and I shared a look and had to prevent us both from giggling like schoolgirls.

We bidded goodnight to everyone else of course and once the last guest was gone my father took my hands and kissed my hair, "I do dare say that was a rousing success." 

"I do think so Father,"

"I'm sure you have your list, I know I have mine."

"I do father."

"Very good, but it's late we will talk once you have had the time to mull things over in sleep. But I shall see you for breakfast." 

"Yes, see you for breakfast, goodnight Father."

"Goodnight my sweet." 

Miss Hardcastle then took me to my room and stood me in my mirror to slowly work at undoing my dress for me. Helping me get changed for bed given the various layers and complicated ties. 

"I expect then we shall be seeing more of Dr Dawkins?"

"I do hope so,"

"I won't say a word. But I best not catch this sort of nonsense again."

"Yes, Miss." I nodded 

"Good," She said as finally the dress was off me and I could slip on my nightie "Get some rest," she said as she helped me to the bed tucking me in and she headed me the note from her pocket as she shut off the light and shut the door, 

I giggled as soon as she was gone taking the note still folded tight, I smiled and unfolded it seeing the sweet note clearly written in a rush I even noticed the paper it was written on was merely some ripped paper from my fathers office, 

'Dearest Y/n, 

Tonight has been utterly unexplainable, I wish my words could do you and this evening justice. 

I do hope I didn't cause you too much trouble and can forgive me for getting us caught. 

If you still want to see me, I'll come and wait by our bench in your garden tomorrow once the sun sets meet me there and we will discuss how we shall proceed. 

I cannot wait to see you, and if I don't I shall understand. 

Have a good night, sleep well.

My Darling, My Y/n, My 'hopeful' Future Mrs Dawkins.

Yours affectionately 

Jack X' 

I giggled as I read it unable to hold back my smiles, he wanted to see me again, he wanted us to speak of how to proceed, I was so immensely happy, the mere kiss on the page was enough to make my heart heavy. and I pulled the note to my chest almost rolling around my bed and kicking my feet with joy.

I had not thought about such a thing, but now it was all I could dream of, to one day be Mrs Dawkins.