I'll Be Seeing You {RadioDust}

Chapter 62

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Sunday, August 12th, 1923
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As Rosie rejoined the party in the dining room, she noticed that the only one finished was Samuel; the man standing from his seat beside Madeline.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll just be outside having a quick gasper."
He said as he leaned down, kissing his wife on the forehead before taking his leave.

Rosie nodded, appreciating the gesture. She didn't much like having people smoking in her house. It certainly didn't help her lungs with healing.

"I'll take the cake to the kitchen."
Rosie stated to no one in particular considering the four remaining women were immersed in some sort of conversation.
Taking the crystal cake platter, Rosie exited the dining room so that she wouldn't have to listen to any more foolishness.

It was the very moment that both Samuel and Rosie left the room, that Madeline leaned forwards on the table, gathering her friends' attention. Of course, it seemed that Bernadette was already looking to Madeline, knowing about the rumors and all. However, from their confused looks, it also seemed the other two women weren't as informed.

"Bernadette, I'm telling you; I don't think it's true. I was speaking with Anthony for ages and in regards to the questions I had asked him, I really do think he wants a woman. I mean, he's young, attractive, and doesn't have anyone, according to him."
She spoke, but it seemed that Bernadette didn't look convinced in the slightest.
"Alright then... perhaps we need to look at a different approach then. We need to prove this."

"Prove what exactly? You haven't explained any of this to Paulette and me."
Doreen spoke up now, itching to know this secret of sorts that she was out of the loop from.

Bernadette looked at Madeline for a moment and then at Paulette with a raised brow. She had an idea.

"Oh, well, I thought you saw the eyes Anthony was giving you while we were all sitting in the lounge."
She replied in a matter-of-fact sort of tone.
"We were going to see if Anthony would gain the courage to perhaps ask you. That's probably what's taking so long for the other two men to join us. Alastor is most probably giving Anthony something of a pep talk so Anthony might just ask you on a date of sorts."

"I... didn't see anything."
Paulette said with a small shake of her head.

"I hate to tell you this but Madeline and I know what we saw. Perhaps your eyes are going?"
Bernadette suggested as she cut a small piece of her cake with her fork and took the small bite.

Madeline was confused for a moment but quickly caught on to what Bernadette was saying. Perhaps if Paulette did try to make a move on Anthony, then that would for sure confirm any sort of suspicions that pointed towards Anthony not liking women. After all, only a fool would pass up someone like Paulette. Even Madeline would admit that the woman was quite stunning. It was a wonder how she hadn't been snatched by a strapping young man yet.

"Yes... that's right."
Madeline nodded confidently, smiling as she reached across the table to take Paulette's hands.
"And when I was talking to him upstairs... he did mention you a few times. I know this is the first you've ever seen of him, but love at first sight is a completely plausible thing, is it not?"
Pausing, her smile wide, Madeline looked around them before leaning in some more.
"If I were you, I'd push your pride aside and give him a chance."
There was much on the line here after all. If things were proven to be true between Anthony and Alastor? Well, Madeline felt as if her reputation would be ruined too.

Paulette leaned in as well, looking between the other three.
"But he's from New York. Surely something with so much distance wouldn't last."

Bernadette shook her head.
"Oh, come now. Even if it does end up just being a fling, at least you can say you've had your fun while you're a single woman. Where's your sense of adventure? Anthony is quite the looker. Bright eyes, handsome young face."