A New Beginning

Chapter 65: Duchess in the Bar

Chapter 65: Duchess in the Bar

"And what is her name again?" Mr. Calvert asks, taking notes on a pad of paper.

"Wendy, unfortunately, I don't know her last name," Rose says. She sits in the office of Mr. Calvert in the police station to explain what she wants him to do for her. She did get a glimpse of the board that he had used when he was tracking down her, which he intended to throw away. It made her slightly uncomfortable with all the detail that this private investigator had collected about her, Jack, Emma, Peter and even Sybil. "You might want to ask my mother about that."

"I will and don't worry, I'll have this woman found before your wedding."

"Thank you," Rose says with a small smile. She doesn't really want to look at Mr. Calvert that much, considering that he is courting her mother, but when she does, his gentle blue eyes look at her sympathetically. It's as if he knew she was uncomfortable because he asks...

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Rose says, not really looking up.

"You shouldn't have to lie to me, Rose... Is it about me courting your mother?"

Rose bites her lip and doesn't really respond, which sort of answers his question for him.

"I understand that you must feel very upset about this whole situation, but I assure you my intentions are completely honourable."

"I know that," Rose says. If they were still rich, she would be concerned that the man was a fortune hunter and after their wealth, but since neither of them lived in a fancy mansion anymore or had expensive things, she could relax.

"Is it because you think I might be replacing your father?"

Rose gazes into Mr. Calvert's eyes. This man was remarkably perceptive to basically put into words how she felt. Then again, that was his job to observe and note important things. The young woman simply nods as a response.

"Ah, I see. Well, I think the only thing I can do for you is not trying to act as your father and give you some time to get used to me. I never want to replace Mr. DeWitt Bukater. He was a fine man from what your mother has told me about him and it is clear that you loved him very much."

"I did," Rose says, trying to fight tears.

"Change and adjustment is very hard my dear, I can understand that completely. I recently lost my father as well and nothing can ever numb that pain of losing someone who you are close to."

The young woman nods and wipes her tears away with the back of her hand. Mr. Calvert leans forward and offers the handkerchief from his breast pocket to her. She accepts it with gratitude and wipes her eyes gently.

"Thank you," she whispers quietly.

"I think the best thing for both of us is to merely see one another as friends. If we get to know each other better that is. I will always call you Rose, or Mrs. Dawson, whichever you prefer and you can always call me Mr. Calvert. Does that sound fair?"

Rose rolls the piece of cloth in her hands and straightens herself up a bit. She thinks that this is a good idea and that they could make this work as friends. It's not likely that they will ever be family. But perhaps, one day she could see him as a guardian; someone who would look out for her and take care of her mother. Besides, Rose was going to be getting married soon and with a baby on the way, she had to forge a path for herself, something that high society and her mother had denied her for quite a long time.

"Yes, I think that could work," Rose says, giving a small smile.

"Well, I'm mighty glad," Mr. Calvert grins from ear to ear, with a genuine smile that made Rose feel all warm inside. It was clear that her mother had picked a respectful man, one with cordiality and kindness. He wasn't like her father, but the way he smiled reminded her of him... just a little bit.