Chapter 4

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That morning was a fashion show with a late lunch afterwards. Then they went straight to the salon where Diana had a massage and a facial before having a pedicure and a manicure. Finally, she had her hair done for the black tie affair that she and her brother were attending that evening.

Not another word was mentioned about James to Georgia as she stayed close to Diana all day, keeping track of her and her personal belongings while adjusting her schedule as needed.

Her job was hectic at times, but for the most part she was paid well to stand by Diana and help her when needed. She was almost a modern day version of a ladies maid except that Diana dressed herself.

By the time they returned to the house her headache was beyond the description of painful and had moved into the territory of blinding. As they entered the main hall of the house they caught Craig as he was coming down the stairs.

He looked from Georgia to Diana and then back to Georgia.

"Miss Mailler, Mr. Mailler wanted me to tell you that he will meet you here at a quarter to eight. May I have a moment of Ms. Dawson's time?" he asked formally.

Diana waved her hand in dismissal as she continued up the stairs as if nothing had been said, not bothering to give Craig the time of day. As Georgia turned to Craig she noted that he didn't look the least bit concerned by her overt rudeness.

"Are you feeling alright Georgia?" He looked at her closely, taking her face in his hand as Ewan had done earlier but she felt nothing of what she felt when Ewan had touched her.

"I have a bit of a headache but I'm alright." She forced a weary smile.

"Come, let's get some tea, that will make you feel better." He took her arm and started to move her towards the end of the large hall and the kitchen entrance. They descended the stairs to the kitchen which was located on the bottom level of the house.

"Ms. Levitt, Ms. Dawson needs a cup of tea and something to eat. I believe she feels a little peeked."

The longtime cook of the house looked over at Georgia, taking in her appearance with a look of dismayed concern.

"Coming right up Mr. Parks." She busied herself putting together a quick sandwich and a cup of tea. Ms. Levitt knew better than to ask what had happened. There was little doubt that she had already heard about it from the other staff.

Craig left her in Ms. Levitt's capable hands and returned to his evening's tasks.

Georgia sat in silence, much to weary to converse about anything. Halfway through her tea and sandwich the door to the kitchen opened and in came Molly and another maid named Ruth. Ruth was silently listening to Molly who was chattering; oblivious of the fact the Georgia was sitting at the table.

"I swear she has designs on him. She was so jealous when I dared to mentioned that he might so much as look at me," Molly was saying.

Georgia had no doubt that she was talking about her.

"If you ask me, I think she was only giving you some wise advice," Ruth returned, her face turning red as she caught sight of Georgia sipping her tea.

"I don't think so. You should have seen the way he took her face in his hands and looked at her. There's something there I tell you-," just then Molly turned and caught sight of Georgia sitting at the the table calmly sipping her tea.

If Georgia wasn't feeling so poorly she would have laughed at the look on her face.

"Oh, Ms. Dawson." Molly forced a smile as if she hadn't just been talking about her.

"It's Mrs. Dawson, Molly." Georgia smiled back sweetly, not saying another word as she picked up her sandwich and took another bite.

The maids finished up their chores quickly and silently and then made a hasty departure.

The whole episode had hit a little to close to home. If Georgia was honest with herself she was actually very anxious that people would start to take Molly seriously. Georgia had little doubt that Ewan would end their affair quickly if it was close to being revealed.

"That new girl won't last long. She's too big for her britches if you ask me." Ms. Levitt was quiet for a moment, shaking her head. "You and Mr. Mailler having an affair of all things. No offense, but that man has some of the most beautiful and exciting women in world chasing him."

Georgia forced herself to laugh. "Hmmm, yes and I am just a lowly four eyed widowed secretary."

"That's not what I meant. You're a lovely creature and if you would just put a little more effort..." she trailed off realizing that she was not helping herself.

"Ms. Levitt, I have had the great romance of my life. I was lucky enough to marry mine." Georgia couldn't help the sad smile that came to her face or the tears that followed.

She had loved Scott Dawson and when he had died she had thought her world had ended. Then she had met Ewan who had excited her and challenged her all at once and she came alive again, but she and Ewan would never have what she and Scott had had together because as much as she loved him he didn't return that love. Georgia didn't doubt that he had respect and a little affection for her and he also trusted her, but none of that meant he loved her. She drained her tea cup and gave a shaky smile.

"Thank you for the delicious tea and sandwich." She rose and at the stricken look on Ms. Lovett's face she walked over to her and gave her a hug of comfort.

Georgia was a naturally warm and nurturing person and she hated to think that she had made someone feel bad. "I'll feel ten times better tomorrow, once I get rid of this pounding headache. I normally don't feel so sorry for myself."

Ms. Levitt pulled back and looked at her. "If you ask me Mr. Mailler couldn't do better than you. You're a real lady."

"No, not really." She laughed again as she pulled away. "Goodnight." Georgia left the kitchen and slowly started up the stairs. There suddenly seemed to be a lot of them. She would love to lay down and take a nap but she still had to see Miss Diana off to her party.

She reached the top of the stairs and Craig was suddenly standing in front of her.

"Mr. Mailler would like to see you Georgia." He sounded very serious so Georgia had little choice but to follow him wearily down the hall.

Georgia had regained some of her composure as she entered his office.

Ewan was standing next to his desk looking down at his laptop as he typed something.

He was half dressed for the party. His white dress shirt was buttoned and the cuffs done, his slacks looked well pressed, and his bow-tie was hanging around his open collar. Georgia could just make out the top edge of the scar.

He looked up his eyes betraying nothing as they took in her wan appearance and heavily bruised face. "The maid?" he asked, wanting to be filled in on the situation. He looked back down at his computer.

"It seems she is convinced that you and I are having an affair since you deemed to touch me this afternoon. She was only convinced I was jealous this morning but now she has grown that idea into much more."

Ewan looked at her then at Craig who seemed shocked by the news.

"I haven't had time to tell Craig. I just had a run in with her in the kitchen where I caught her trying to spread her gossip to Ruth. Forgive me Craig, I'm not on my A game this evening."

Craig looked at her with concern.

"What did you say in response?" Ewan leaned back against his desk crossing his arms in front of him.

"I simply reminded her that it was Mrs. Dawson not Ms."

Craig eyes widened in response. "Even Craig is surprised by that one." Georgia smiled.

Ewan looked over at Craig not really concerned by his reaction. "Would you please give us a moment Craig?" It was the first time that he had ever been asked to leave them alone. If he was surprised by it he was able to hide it better than she was.

Craig exited into Ewan's private room, closing the door behind him.

They were both silent for moment.

"Come here Georgia?" He motioned for her to rise and with a sigh of resignation she did. She walked over to him and stood just inches in front of him as he reached up and removed her glasses setting them next to him on his desk.

Her heart jumped at his closeness she wanted to lean in and feel his arms around her. She could do with a hug. Instead of a hug he prodded her cheek where the bruise was and she hissed and winced. Her headache getting much worse.

"It's not broken. What have you taken for it?" He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Not able to take the contact she reached for her glasses with a shaking hand and stepped away from him. "Nothing, I haven't gotten that far yet." Her voice was a little harsh even to her own ears.

"Nothing?"

"No, I was rushed out the door before I could even take a painkiller much less put some ice on it." It wasn't like her to complain but she was feeling very sorry for herself just at that moment.

"Georgia." He reached for her.

"No." It was barley a whisper as she took another step back.

"I'm feeling decidedly sorry for myself right now. I know it is just pain and exhaustion but you're offering me what I very much want, comfort." She cleared her throat as she put her glasses back in place. "Don't break our deal now Ewan. If you did I would be waiting for it to happen again and when it didn't I would become..." She licked her lips. "Please, just call Craig."

Ewan watched her for a moment before he rose and walked over to the door Craig had disappeared behind and opened it.

Georgia had sunk back into her chair.

"I think we need a scene," Craig said as he entered. "Mr. Mailler needs to reprimand you in public some way, as if you are the one that had started the rumor."

"Well, in a way I did."

"I'll just fire the girl? What's her name? Molly?"

"No, that would appear as if what she was saying was true and that you and Ms. Dawson are having an affair."

"So?" Ewan said as he moved to the mirror to start on his tie.

There was a sudden tenseness in the room or maybe it was just Georgia. After all she and Ewan did have an affair once a year. She listened silently as Ewan and Craig continued to discuss the matter and after a few more minutes, unable to take it, she rose.

"I'll let it be a surprise, shall I? That way it will seem more authentic. May I go now?"

Ewan just waved her away as he and Craig continued talking.

Why had Ewan said that? Normally, he didn't care what other's thought but he had told her at the beginning that their affair would have to remain private and if there was ever a hint of it he would have to end it. He had insisted. Why was he changing the rule all of the sudden? Maybe he was done with her? Maybe this was his way of creating an excuse to end it? Pushing the thought from her head she continued to Diana's room. There was no way she wanted to think about that, especially in her current state. She might just run back to his room and beg him not to end it.

When Georgia knocked on Diana's door and entered she found Molly helping her fasten her necklace. Molly and Diana both looked at her in the mirror, leaving little doubt that she had been under discussion before she had entered.

Molly had been spreading her rumor here as well.

Keeping her face blank she reminded Diana of the time, waited as Molly was thanked, and watched as she exited the room.

"I assume you're aware of her..." Diana searched for the right word, "theories?"

"Yes, she is telling them to anyone who'll listen."

Diana nodded as she held up two different earrings trying to decide.

"The diamonds look stunning." Georgia offered her opinion as she usually did and then she watched as the diamond earring was set aside and the pearl one used.

Georgia knew then that she was in trouble. Diana almost always listened to her advice.

"Did you get a chance to talk to Ewan about James?"

Georgia felt Diana's eyes watching her in the mirror and she met her direct look with one of her own.

"Yes."

"And?"

"And he wants me to watch out for your interests as I always do."

"That's all?" She looked suspicious.

"Yes."

"What does that mean?"

"I think it means to let you know if I think he's pretending."

"But he's not," she wailed, suddenly the little girl again.

"I'm not saying he is. I haven't even met him yet. You hired me Diana, I have only ever told you the truth when you ask and I always will."

"Are you having an affair with my brother?"

The question was so quick it felt almost as if Georgia had been led to it.

"No." Georgia's response was just as quick.

Diana weighed her response.

"When would I have the time Miss Diana?"

Technically, Georgia felt that she was not having an affair with Ewan she had had an affair with Ewan. It was always over almost as soon as it began. She knew she was using semantics to get out of a lie but she loved Ewan and her loyalty would be to him first and Diana second.

"You could find the time." She insisted.

Georgia grinned, even through her pain her sense of humor was tickled by Diana's response.

Diana returned her grin.

"Even if I did find the time I doubt your brother could."

"You're probably right about that, but you've thought about it?"

"Of course, I am a widowed woman who sleeps alone every night and your brother is a very handsome man," Georgia answered truthfully.

"Well, if you ever want to have an affair, but not with my brother," she added quickly. "I'll give you a few tips. I do know how to make the time."

"I'll let you know." Georgia smiled again, feeling it in her pounding head.

"When Ewan finds out that the rumor is out there he's going to be livid. He's fired girls for less."

"I know," Georgia said softly.

"I'll back you up. After all, you work for me not him."

"Thank you Miss Diana." Georgia looked at her watch. "You're officially late."

"Yikes." She jumped up taking one more look at her reflection. She shook her head. "Your right, as usual." Diana removed her pearls and put on the diamonds.

"Will James be there this evening?" Georgia asked as she followed her out of the room.

"Yes." She smiled dreamily. "I can't wait for you to meet him."

They were silent as they walked down the stairs.

Craig and Ewan were waiting impatiently in the hall. Ewan looked magnificent in his tux which fit him to perfection.

As was the custom, a maid was strategically placed to report back on what Diana was wearing. Georgia had always assumed that they liked to have the news before the rest of the world; it made them feel like they had the inside track.

As they grew closer, Georgia could see Ewan's jaw muscle working. A sure sign that he was in a temper. His face, however, was a blank mask.

He waited patiently as Diana was helped into her coat by Craig.

"Mrs. Dawson, tell me do you enjoy your job?"

It was a tone she knew well. She had heard it many times when he was about to lead someone into a trap. She had never had that tone directed at her and it made her pale immediately.

"Yes Mr. Mailler, I do enjoy my job."

"So why, if you enjoy your job, are you putting it at risk by spreading malicious gossip?"

"I don't know what you're talking about Mr. Mailler? I haven't spread any gossip."

"So you haven't been telling people that you and I are having an affair?"

She blanched at his directness.

"N-," but he cut her off before she could even get the word out. His face stayed bored as he laid into her. He didn't raise his voice, he never did. Words had always been his weapon of choice. "I have fired people for less. Tell me why I shouldn't fire you right now. All you are is a simple secretary who I can replace with a simple phone call."

The words cut Georgia to the quick. She had expected it. She knew it was coming, but it still hurt and he wasn't done.

"If you sleep with dogs you wake up with fleas Mrs. Dawson. I do not have affairs with the hired help."

Georgia felt sick. It was all she could do not to hurl right there in front of him.

He waited for a moment in the tense silence that filled the hall.

"Answer the question!" His abrupt voice in the silence made her jump.

"I tried but you wouldn't let me get the answer in would you!" she all but yelled back.

She watched as his eyes narrowed at her tone but he didn't say anything.

She slowly raised her head and met his eyes, taking a deep breath. "I have never said we are or have ever had an affair and I never would. If someone has told you I said this then they are lying."

"She works for me Ewan and what you're accusing Georgia of is outrageous. She has worked here for over five years and she has never spoken out of turn and there has never been a word said against her by anyone."

She turned to Craig. "This is all your doing, isn't it?"

Craig remained expressionless and silent.

Ewan turned away from Georgia, "Fine, but this is the only warning I'm giving you. On your head be it Diana." He reached for his coat and started for the door, Diana hot on his heels.

*******

He climbed into the waiting car with Diana climbing in after him.

"Was that really necessary?" she hissed at him as the door closed behind her.

"Yes. I will not be the subject of lewd gossip."

Diana snorted. "Georgia is anything but lewd. You should be so lucky."

Yes, he would have too be very luck to earn her forgiveness after that bloody show. She had looked like he had hit her.

"It's that Molly girl. She's up to no good. I'll fire her tomorrow. She actually came to my room and tried to convince me that you and Georgia were having an affair."

"The new maid?" Ewan asked, trying to sound somewhat surprised. All he felt was self-loathing and he wanted to chase after Georgia and kiss her and beg her forgiveness. He owed her so much. She had made him feel human again. She had brought him back to life.

"She actually had me believing it for a moment," Diana continued.

Ewan just remained silent knowing his sister needed no encouragement.

"I asked her outright and she denied it saying she didn't have the time and even if she did you didn't. But she has thought of it, she did tell me that. She said she was a lonely widow who slept alone at night and you were a handsome man."

Diana sighed. "I feel a little sorry for her really, she is so alone."

She turned to look at Ewan who was looking out of his window. "You were really mean to her and without cause. You must say you're sorry to her tomorrow. I can't lose her."

"Fine," he stated in a bored tone.

"Really?"

"Really, I will apologize to Mrs. Dawson tomorrow."

Diana fell into silent shock, allowing Ewan to be alone with his thoughts.

The fact that she thought of him while she was alone at night did something to his gut. He was under no illusions about their relationship. For her, he was just a way to scratch a convenient itch. She had made it very clear that she was still in love with her husband and always would be.

In the beginning that had been ideal. He had felt no guilt about their relationship so he had taken a chance. A big chance since she worked for him. It could have gotten very ugly but he had never wanted any woman as much as he had wanted her.

She had made her stance clear and he had made his. He was a wealthy man

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