Mrs. Dawkins (The Artful Dodger) [TBS]

Part 26

I smiled wider than I had in days, Once dinner had been finished we retired to the parlour my father sitting by the fire drinking with a smile as he kept his eye on us. I sat on the sofa with Jack beside me, our hands gently connected on the sofa we were being watched heavily of course but this was out one outlet to hold each other's hands and stroke our fingers across each other. We chatted of course with each other and with my father about the usual basic business, of the garden, the weather, of Jack's hospital work. 

But of course, in our sneaky ways, we had found ways to communicate in front of my father secretly. As we held one another's hands our fingers stroking one another hands, using our fingers to draw letters across one another's hands. Making little words to each other often having to hide our giggles.

The clock on the mantle began to chime its tune and my father spoke up,

"Well then, is that the time? Goodness, You need to get to bed My Sweet." He said, "And I'm sure you need to be getting back Doctor Dawkins, you must have lots of hospital business to get along with tomorrow." 

"Yes, yes of course." Jack nodded, even if we both felt a little sad that he had to go. "Thank you very much for letting me come to dinner Mr Everset,"

"You're very welcome."

"And Thank you for the pleasure of your company Miss Everset, It was truly marvellous and I'm sure the rest of our courtship will be as sweet."

"I'm sure of it Doctor Dawkins," I smiled, 

He gave my hand a sweet soft kiss and a tight squeeze before regrettably letting my hand go, He shook my father's hand and left the parlour being led by the maid out to the door. 

"you happy my sweet?"

"Very happy father." I smiled,

"Good, go on, up to bed," he said,