While numbers for the new game began to be called he sat contemplating his new found feelings for Ana Marie, and also remembered the pain in Cecily's face.   He rather looked forward to dealing with Johnson personally.   However, for now... he had to finish out his evening at this blasted game parlor when what he wanted more than anything was to be at Ana Marie's side, making sure she was not in need of help of some kind.   

 

He'd seen her get into enough minor skirmishes the short time he'd lived in the township to know that that woman definitely needed looking after.   Trouble seemed to shadow her to no end.   And the memory of her recent episode that landed her in a puddle of mud face down had him break out into a laughter that had the others at his table looking at him with great consternation.   Or was it worry that he had gotten the numbers that were being called.

 

He absently glanced down at his card and noticed he did indeed have quite a few numbers marked.   What was the object of this infernal game anyway he wondered ... his mind had been distracted when the announcer was explaining the rules.   Something about getting five numbers in a row.   By george... he had four.  Imagine that.   Suddenly the patrons at his table also noticed he needed only one more to win and the atmosphere intensified tremendously as word traveled from table to table in hushed tones of anxiety.  

 

Of course there were no hushed tones when word reached Dame Gwen... an avid game player who professed to win at every thing she ever put her hand too.   The possibility of being outdone by someone less than her equal left her feeling displeased... to say the least... as her high pitched  "What????" was heard across the room.  

 

Mismerelda.... growing quite amused by the turn of events forgot all about her card and focused more intently on Lord Gregory's... because she did so hope Dame Gwen would be put in her place tonight.   What a thrill that would be.   She was only sorry Ana Marie and Cecily would not be here to see it.   She wished the night to be soon over so she could see to her friends on the way home.

 

"B......  15"... the announcer called in his deep, long drawn out voice that oft had the listeners wish he didn't drag out the number so long.... 

 

"You've won!! You've won!!"  Misermelda exclaimed excitedly to Lord Gregory..... who at the moment was off somewhere else in his head and was not watching his card at all.   He came back to the present... glanced at Mismerelda and blankly said... "What?"..... and she proceeded to show him that he had B 15... the number he needed to get five in a row.   Not  thinking it was that much of a thing to be amused about he casually said... "So I have.  Good, we can get out of here!" and proceeded to start to stand up.   Until Mismerelda grabbed him sharply by the arm.  "NO!.. you have to holler out the winning word... BINGO... so everyone know's you've won, silly man!"  

 

With a roll of his eyes and a definite air of impatience he finalized the game with his totally unenthusiastic barely shout of BINGO.... and Dame Gwen threw a fit of disbelief like none ever heard!  

 

"NO!.... I only needed one number young man!   I was to win this game, I'm sure of it!   Caller!!  I challenge this man's game!   Check his card thoroughly.... he can't be correct.   Why he hasn't even been paying full attention to his duties of this game.   I've seen him just sitting idly staring into space on more than one occassion this evening!   THIS IS MY GAME!... I just know the next number was going to be the one I needed to win...."

 

Lord Gregory sat staring in disbelief at Mismereld as Dame Gwen continued to rattle on to any who would pay her mind.... the expression on his face clearly asking... "is this woman for real???"   And Mismerelda, unable to contain herself any longer broke out in a roar of laughter, that soon had the rest of the room following suit.    As the winning card was confirmed amidst the laughter,  Dame Gwen could be heard getting up loudy from her table, scattering game pieces and cards about everywhere....leaving the gaming parlor declaring it a totally ridiculous game and not one that people of her standing should play anyway.

 

As the people around him grew more jolly by the minute.. all Lord Gregory could think of was leaving and meeting Johnson outside if the opportunity presented itself.   He looked over at the table to attempt to make eye contact with the man... and was dismayed to find his seat already empty... and no sign of him as he glanced around the room.  

 

But then his heart did a double beat as he turned and saw Ana Marie coming toward their table.   He had not expected to see her again tonight and was overjoyed.   However when she got closer and he saw a tear in her eye... his joy soon plummeted to fear that something had happened to her.  Before he could say or do anything Mismerelda was there and was talking excitedly with Ana Marie.   All Lord Gregory had to hear was the name Johnson.   And his blood boiled with rage and concern.    With great gentlemanly restraint, so as not to bring any embarrasment to the ladies,  he calmly stepped closer to them and asked... "Are you in need of any aid Miss Ana Marie?"  

 

Ana Marie's eyes spoke volumes....for his tenderness and concern made it impossible for her to hide her true feelings for this man any longer.   Mismerelda, witnessing the exchange between her friends was inwardly delighted.   She had thought all along they'd make a splendid couple.   But for now... other matters had to be attended to.... one Samuel Johnson to be exact.   She proceeded to speak up and fill Lord Gregory in on the cause for Ana Marie's concern.  

 

After hearing the full story, they proceeded to make their way out of the room to get to Cecily who was in the ladies waiting room.    Getting to his carriage, and after the driver helped the ladies in and all we seated Lord Gregory's mind began to run in all directions.   He would wait until the women were safely at home, and then he would concern himself with specifics on how best to deal with this Johnson fellow.   

 

For now.... he only hoped the carriage ride to Ana Marie's home lasted as long as possible.  For he did not want to leave her presence anytime soon.   After leaving Cecily safely at her home,  Lord Gregory thought to himself that it was a good thing for Ana Marie that Mismerelda was still with them.  Without her presence ....  well... he didn't want to think too much on that right now...on what he'd like to be doing if he was alone with Ana Marie in this secluded carriage.   Why torture himself tonight.   Their time to be together would come soon enough.   Hang society's proprieties.

 

And when they at last arrived at her home, Lord Gregory  stepped out of the carriage to then help the ladies down.  As Ana Marie's hand went softly into his, he could have sworn sparks lit the night and that time stood still.  Their first physical contact with each other... and as they stood momentarily by the carriage, they both knew, it most definitely would not be their last.