Georgia had had a busy day and she was exhausted as she climbed the stairs to her room, thinking about what she was going to wear. Ewan had said that they would be dining somewhere nice but she knew she hadn't packed anything for the type of nice he had in mind.

Moria had said that she wanted to eat somewhere fancy and she had no doubt that Ewan was intent on making it a night to remember. She stopped with the sudden realization that this would qualify as a date. While they had been out and about while traveling they had never done so in London, on his home turf.

She hadn't been nervous before but now she had a strong feeling of foreboding. Ewan wasn't going to take them to some little cheap hamburger joint and a movie, he would go four star all the way. Her thoughts circled back around to the fact that she had nothing to wear. She sighed as she looked at the time on her phone, there would be no chance to go and buy anything either.

Walking into her room and turning on the light, she saw a box on her bed. Instead of racing towards it, she eyed it like it was a venomous snake that would bite her at any moment. After a few minutes of staring at it she set her phone down and moved towards it slowly, pulling it towards her.

When she opened it there was tissue paper hiding what lay within the box and a note. Picking up the note, which she noticed was on Ewan's personal stationary, she opened it with shaking hands.

                                  "My Love,

She couldn't help the smile that spread across her face, it was in Ewan's own handwriting and he had called her his love. Her hands shook more as she continued to read.

                                    Please, don't throw this out the window.

Georgia couldn't help but laugh as she heard his voice saying the words.

                                   Contrary to your words from earlier today, I do not wish to dress you. In fact, I much prefer it when you wear nothing at all. I do however, know how stubborn you are, and you probably have nothing suitable to wear this evening since you only packed your little starched suits. When I saw this, the color of it reminded me of your eyes. If you insist on wearing one of your little suits, so be it, but I will still have you on my arm this evening.

                                   It has been only you and it will always be only you.          

                                    Ewan-"

Georgia's heart was thumping hard, and she thought it would burst from her chest as she felt it expand when she read his last words again. Slowly, she set the note aside and opened the tissue paper.

Nestled in the box was beautiful violet colored dress. It stopped just above her knees and was gathered to one side at the waist. The sleeves were three quarter length and off the shoulder. It was stunning. Also in the box, was a pair of black peep toe heels and a small clutch purse.

A knock at her door made her jump. "Come in," she called. She was hoping it was Ewan and was disappointed to see Ruth.

"Did you get the dress?" Ruth asked as she peeked around the door?"

"I did." Georgia smiled, holding it up for her to see.

"It's beautiful. I hope you don't mind, but Mr. Mailler came to me and asked me what size you wore so I had to peek at some of your clothes." Ruth looked uncomfortable.  She was no doubt remembering the scene with Molly.

"Its fine Ruth, I trust you." Forgetting the words as soon as she said them, her mind going a million miles a minute, she looked up from the dress at Ruth with a look of panic. "My hair! What should I do?"

Ruth smiled and came into the room. "You should wear it down of course." Ruth walked over to the dress and touched it. "It's perfect. He loves you very much doesn't he?"

"Yes," she said in a whisper, hardly believing it herself.

Ruth sighed, a wistful look on her face before she straightened her shoulders and smiled a sincere smile. She wished Georgia only the best.  She would like to find her love one day but until then she would enjoy watching Georgia and Mr. Mailler's romance, after all it was a bit like a fairy tale.

"I have come to deliver a message from Mr. Mailler.  You are to go to his office at seven o'clock sharp." She grinned and then was gone, leaving Georgia to make her preparations for the night ahead alone.

Despite her sudden happiness at the note and dress, she still had a feeling of unease. She would be moving in Ewan's world that evening, and despite her happiness she didn't see how it could end well.

*******

Georgia knocked on Ewan's office door at exactly seven o'clock. Craig answered it with a friendly smile. "Georgia, you look lovely," he said as he stood aside allowing her to enter the room. Ewan was at his usual spot behind his laptop with his phone to his ear.  He looked up when she entered and smiled at her appearance. It took him a few moments to wrap up his phone conversation and close his laptop but when he did he turned to her, his attention focused as he reached out for her.

"I knew you would look lovely in that dress." He pulled her close for a quick kiss then spun her around making her laugh at the suddenness of the action.

"Craig, unless it's serious no interruptions this evening please." He reached behind him and put on his suit jacket.

"Are you ready my love?" He walked towards the door and held out his hand for her to take. Georgia couldn't begin to count the number of times she had had this very moment happen in her dreams. This time it was no dream and the reality of the evening ahead was hanging heavy over her as she reached out to take his hand.

"Are you sure Ewan?" she asked in a whisper.

"I want you to not only walk down those stairs with me to meet Collin and Moria, but I want you to be as close to me as is humanly possible all evening. I intend to make sure that everyone knows that you're mine and that there is no confusion about it. I also plan to dance with you enough to make-up for all of the ones we have missed over the years.

Georgia smiled at the sentiment but the dread didn't dissipate.

Ewan lead the way down the hall with Georgia's hand in his and Craig following close behind like he always did. When they came down the stairs Moria and Collin were waiting in the foyer, their smiling faces looking at them in greeting.  A least these were two friends who had their backs no matter what happened. To them there was nothing wrong or inappropriate with their relationship.

Diana and Carrie were nowhere to be seen, but at the back of the hall she spied Ruth and Cameron watching them as they prepared to leave. Georgia couldn't help but stop short as she remembered what Cameron had said about her being used as an example for the staff that worked among Ewan's friends, friends that she may or may not see that evening.

Ruth and Cameron gave her discrete waves and she smiled back as they turned to leave. Doing her best to focus on their friends and the evening ahead.

*******

The restaurant was at the top of one of the tallest buildings in London and it was smothered in an understated opulence. The lighting was subtle and the tables far enough apart for conversations to be kept confidential. The marble floors and columns reflected the candle light on the tables, making the room appear warm and romantic. 

The hostess was warm friendliness as she greeted Ewan by name and led the foursome to a table in front of the large floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the city below. At the far end of the restaurant a quartet was playing softly and there were a few couples dancing on the dance floor.

Ewan kept his hand in the small of Georgia's back as they crossed the restaurant. Georgia was afraid to look around her and see people's reactions for fear of what she would read on their faces. She did note that Ewan nodded discreetly to a few people that they passed but he didn't stop to talk or shake a hand.

As they sat Georgia looked at Moria who was taking it all in with pleasure. "Ewan, this is perfect," she said with a giggle as she whispered something in Collin's ear.

Menus were presented as was a wine list and after the business of ordering the food was taken care of Ewan rose and held out his hand to Georgia, asking her for a dance. She wanted to stay where she was and not draw any more attention to themselves than was necessary but Ewan would have none of it as he gently took her hand and pulled her to her feet. "If you don't dance with me I might be forced to do something more dramatic like kiss you in front of all of these people."

He stood in front of the table as he whispered this, not moving and drawing the attention of those around them as he bowed his head into her neck. She nodded and this time when he tugged on her arm she followed mutely and let him take her into his arms.

They moved around the dance floor in time to a lovely old song and Georgia was having a hard time meeting Ewan's eyes. She knew if she did she would be gone and everyone in the room would know it.  They danced a few more dances with Ewan holding her close before they rejoined Moria and Collin at their table.

"You two dance so well together. Not including Collin and I, I would say that you are the handsomest couple in the room." Moria raised her glass to them and they all followed suit. The food arrived shortly after that and Georgia was able to forget about everything else as the wine, good food, and good company relaxed her.  Ewan smiled and laughed just like he always did when the four of them were together.

After dinner when Ewan asked her to dance she didn't hesitate, and this time while they danced it was just the two of them. Georgia had forgotten everyone else in the room.

Eventually, a trip to the ladies room was needed for Moria and she asked Georgia to accompany her. They giggled like school girls as they stood in the ornate restrooms with their gilded mirrors, wall sconces, and velvet sofas.

They were looking in the mirror, refreshing their makeup, when the door opened and Isobel Rossini joined them.  It was evident that she had a purpose and she didn't hesitate to ask Moria to leave them.

Moria looked concerned, but at Georgia's calming smile she left the two of them alone.

Isobel looked beautiful in a gold dress that was secured on one shoulder with a diamond broach. Georgia didn't doubt that the diamonds set in gold were real. The dress, which was a perfect foil for her dark hair and honey skin tones, stopped just above her knees and showed her legs to the best possible advantage.

She stood next to Georgia at the mirror and took out her lipstick.  She was in no rush as she started repair her lips. When she was done she looked at herself one more time before closing her purse with a snap and turned towards Georgia.

Georgia had been patiently waiting for her to finish, doing her best to keep her appearance of calm.

"I'll keep this simple, shall I?"

"Are you capable of anything else?" Georgia felt bad as soon as she said it. It had been petty and beneath her. Isobel had either not grasped the insult or had decided to ignore it as she continued.

"If you're honest, and you strike me as the honest sort, you'll admit that you can never fit into Ewan's life. He needs a wife who can move in his circles. One who knows his friends and understands what it means to be a society wife. This is not you." Isobel was attempting to play it cool but the more she talked the thicker her Italian accent became not bothering to hide the repulsion she felt at having to have this conversation with her.

"I don't disagree with you."

"Good, then we're done here." Isobel turned to leave and Georgia probably should have left it at that but she couldn't. This woman in her thousand dollars plus dress, with her artfully done makeup, wasn't any better than her. She loved Ewan and he loved her, and for once she wanted to let someone know how much.

"You're right we're done, but you might want to have this conversation with Ewan, I'm afraid he's very firm on the issue. He would like us to marry and nothing I say seems to be able to change his mind. Perhaps if you tried." Georgia looked almost serene as Isobel started to turn a deep red color.

"He's asked you to marry him then?"

"No, not yet but he has hinted at the fact that he will soon." Georgia couldn't be dishonest, Isobel was right about her in that regard.

Isobel watched her closely for a moment and Georgia held her gaze until she turned and locked the ladies room door. When she turned back towards Georgia the look on her face was one of disgust and anger. It was amazing how such a beautiful woman could look so ugly.

"Let me try another way, since you seem to not understand me. I want Ewan, he and I are well suited as I have already mentioned, and we have much in common. Did you know that my Father and Ewan are in the middle of an important merger, that if successful, will create hundreds of new jobs in one of the poorer parts of my country? They have been working on this deal for over a year and they hope to have the merger complete in the next month."

"That sounds very lucrative for both sides," Georgia said, not getting her point.

"My Father likes me to have what I want and should I not get it I will make sure that the merger fails. This will leave many without jobs and hurt Ewan's bottom line, causing him to potentially have to lay off some of his current employees."

Georgia couldn't believe the woman. Did she care so little for her fellow man; she stood there in disbelief her eyes wide in shock. "Wouldn't it hurt your Father's business as well?"

"Perhaps, but he can absorb the loss. Especially if it means making me happy."

"Ewan can absorb the loss as well."

"Perhaps, but even if he could the people in Italy could not. They are very eager for the boost to their economy."

Isobel turned back towards the mirror and looked at her reflection one more time. As if making sure that her psychopathic personality was not evident; she then turned to her with a pleasant smile on her face as if none of it had ever happened. Georgia couldn't help but wonder if the woman had possibly hurt small animals as a child. "I would like it if we could walk together back to the table. Just to show Ewan that there is no ill will between us." She unlocked the door and held it open waiting for Georgia to proceed her.

Georgia made her way back to the table on automatic pilot replaying the scene that had just happened over and over again in her head. It was one of her worst fears realized.  She knew that if it were just about her and Ewan that none of it would matter but Isobel had confirmed her fears. It would be about so much more than just them. Ewan's business would be affected so would those who worked for him, but added to that was some of his future business dealings. The world the Maillers lived in was very small and it would only take one person to move against him and others would follow.

Georgia reached her seat and sat down in it thankfully as Isobel pulled Ewan into a conversation. It gave her time to gain control of her emotions. She could never let Ewan know what Isobel had said. He would scrub the deal out of anger which would cause the same outcome.

Realizing she had to do something, she leaned over to Moria and began a conversation about the baby and anything else that she could think of so that by the time Isobel had left she had herself under control.