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Audrey perches near the phone, worrying her bottom lip as she wills the exam room door to open.  The knob suddenly turned, the door jerked open, and Siegfried startles, seeing her there. Audrey straightened and reached for his arm, placing her hand on the sleeve of his white lab coat. “Mr. Farnon,” she stepped towards him, “do you have a moment?”

Siegfried turned fully towards her and nodded.  “You’re a man of science,” Audrey began.

Siegfried relaxed and smiled, “I like to think so.”

Audrey hesitates and then pushes through. “Well, I’d like to conduct an experiment.”  She stares down at the floor, taking a deep breath.  She looks straight into his eyes, “but I need your help.”  She is losing her nerve, “when you have a moment.”

“Of course,” Siegfried motions to the open door.  “I just so happen to have time now.”

Audrey meets his challenge by stepping through the doorway, Siegfried follows close behind.  He shuts the door and locks it with a soft click. He moves toward the other door, “do we need any special equipment?” he asks as he locks the second door, then moves to the third and final door of the exam room.

“No,” Audrey is a little taken back by the locking of doors. “I think we have everything we need.”

Siegfried locks the last door, “well, I am intrigued.”  He is smiling at her now.

Audrey stares past him to the locked door. “Oh that,” Siegfried is shaking his head, “Jimmy is notorious for interrupting,” he explains.  “I would assume your experiment is meant to be conducted in a controlled environment.”  He raises an eyebrow, and she nods in agreement.

“Yes, well I think we should begin then,” Audrey states firmly.  Siegfried is leaning against the doorframe, his hands fidgeting with the buttons of his lab coat.  Audrey steps forward, “please come and stand here.”  She indicates a spot not far from her. Siegfried complies, still fiddling with his button. Audrey steps closer, “now stand still.” Siegfried stands a little straighter, but his fingers are still in motion.  “Stop that,” Audrey says a little more forcefully than she had intended. “Here,” she takes his hands into hers and places them on her waist. 

Siegfried’s eyes widen, “is the experiment starting?” He asks.

“Yes,” Audrey settles before him, “now shush.”  She looks up at him, “please,” she says softly. With that, she places a hand on each of Siegfried’s shoulders.  She lifts a little on her toes and presses her lips to his.

Siegfried remains motionless, More statue than human.  Audrey slowly steps back, “oh.”  She looks down at their feet. “Nothing,” tears threaten to fall.

Siegfried comes back to himself, “now wait.”  He steps towards her, “any good experiment needs to be repeated several times to insure consistent results.”

Audrey looks up at him questioningly, “I didn’t know that.”

“Well, you can’t be expected to,” Siegfried’s eyes twinkle at her. “This is probably one of your first experiments.”

Audrey nods, “well you are the scientist, after all.” Siegfried’s chest puffs a little as he nods. Audrey presses on, “how many times would you suggest we repeat?”  Audrey is worrying her lower lip again.

“I would recommend a minimum of three test.”  Siegfried is grinning from ear to ear, “for the best data.”  He places his hands back on Audrey’s hips. “That should give us enough to properly analyses the results.”

Audrey’s hands return to his shoulders, “here goes test number two.”  She lifts onto her toes again and immediately registers Siegfrieds grip tightening on her hips.  She presses her lips to his and they meld together.  Startled Audrey loses her nerve and backs away quickly.

Siegfried steps back too but does not lose eye contact. “I’d like to catalog the results for this test,” Siegfried looks to Audrey for approval.  She nods in relief. “I noticed a tightening of grip.” He looks for confirmation.  Audrey subtly nods and looks down.  “I also note a softening of lips,” Siegfried continues as he examines his buttons again. “Much more malleable.”

Audrey’s head jerks up, “not the word I would have used.” She is grinning now, “but I agree.”  She steps closer to him, “Shall we go again?” 

He returns her smile. “For the sake of science,” they say in unison. They are grinning at each other as they come together a third time.  This one is soft, tender and lingering.  Audrey relaxes into his arms, as Siegfrieds hand finds its way into the soft curls at the base of her neck.  When they reluctantly separate, Siegfried whispers, “would you like to give your analysis of the third test?”

Audrey leans into his shoulder, with a heavy breath she whispers, “perfect.”

Siegfried chuckles, “not very scientific.” He sweeps her hair away from her face, “but I have to agree.”  He leans back as Audrey looks up at him, “and what did we learn from this series of experiments, Mrs. Hall?”

Audrey wraps her arms more tightly around him, “that practice makes perfect.”

He sits on the porch steps in front of the tiny cottage, staring at the birds while they nibble at the crumbs and seeds, he has sprinkles on the garden steppingstones. He enjoys the birds and the flowers, everything else about his new home, he could do without.  It’s not like he hasn’t been trying.  Ever since the death of his wife, he can’t seem to find his place in the world.  His brother had insisted he move closer to his home and family.  “We will see each other all the time,” he had said. “Grab a pint together,” as he patted him on the shoulder.  Grinning, as he always seemed to be, Tristian had assured him the kids would be dropping by so often that he would have to push them out to find any peace.

Had any of that happened?  “No,” Siegfried grumbles to himself.  “Everyone is so busy.”  That’s what he hears every time he calls his brother’s house.  Charlotte always answers cheerfully, “I’m sorry he’s out but we’ll have you to dinner soon.”  He didn’t want dinner anyway.  Sardines would do him fine.

Siegfried grumbled to himself, “I won’t stay where I’m not wanted.” He’ll sell the cottage and move closer to James and Helen.  They would probably welcome his help with the practice.  Seventy something isn’t too old to be useful.

Another neighbor passes by on the street, trying to get his attention, but he is having none of it.  They were all starting to get the hint.  They would walk past his gate with a wave but never dare to open it without being welcomed first.  It just wasn’t the Yorkshire way.

There are a lot of neighbors out today, which sends the birds towards the sky, only to settle again on the stone and resume eating.  He raises his head quickly as he hears the latch on the gate open.  The birds take flight; Siegfried opens his mouth to yell but quickly quiets himself.  Before him, stands a young girl, 12 or 13 years of age.  She has dark curls, sparkling blue eyes and a dimpled grin on her pale face.  She is tall and lanky, which speaks to her youth.

He realizes he is still sitting there, staring, with his mouth open.  The girl smiles at him, “Hello, I’m Mary.”  She has a covered plate held in her two hands, as she scratches the back of one leg with the opposite foot. 

“She is actually quite graceful,” Siegfried thinks to himself as he stands, putting one hand out.  “Siegfried, don’t ask.” 

The girl places both feet on the ground, takes the plate in one hand and shakes his hand vigorously with the other “That’s an interesting name.” she is still smiling. “Old people have much more interesting names, I’ve noticed.”  She is on the move again.  This time twisting from side to side looking around the garden, “Mary is boring.” She bends to smell a flower without shifting the contents of the plate.  Siegfried marvels.  “I’d much prefer to be an Abagail or a Maria.”  She is staring at him now, “Nann says you’re new.”  She pushes the plate towards him, “so she had me bring you these.” 

Siegfried automatically takes the plate from her though his mind is screaming “don’t do it.”  Mary turns and bounces down the path toward the gate.  Once the gate is open, she turns in the opening, “Nann wants you to come to Sunday lunch after church.”  Siegfried shakes his head. “No” is on his lips but she beats him to it.  “We are three doors down on the right,” Mary nods in the direction. “You can bring the plate back then.”  She turns towards home. 

Siegfried mumbles, “it’s a trap!”  He shakes his head, “how did I not see that coming?”  He lifts the tea towel covering the plate.  “Oh, shortbread,” he tries not to smile.

----------------

Why had she asked him to Sunday lunch?  She stares down at the cold roasted chicken, “of all things.”  She is muttering to herself. 

“That child.”  Remembering Mary’s face as she marched into the kitchen, lacking the plate she had been sent to deliver.  At first Audrey was pleased to see he had taken the treat.  Evey one in the village said he was the most unfriendly man they had ever met.  Audrey had taken that as somewhat of a challenge.  She had dealt with her share of grumpy men in her life.  But then Mary stood before her grinning like a cat and informed her Nann that she had invited him to Sunday lunch by way of saying, “I made a date for you Nann.”  So pleased with herself, she was, Audrey was surprised she wasn’t patting herself on the back.

“He seems so lonely,” Mary went on to say.  She nibbles on a piece of cheese from the table.  “He’s old, like you,” she is still smiling, Audrey is not, “and you’re lonely too.” 

Mary bounces out the backdoor as Audrey says, “I never have time to be lonely.”  But then she smiles.  She is so lucky to have her family under foot.

Audrey chops the chicken, adds celery, dressing and mixes.  It would have to be a cold lunch.  It was too hot to cook.  She wished her family would be home for this.  She had been looking forward to a quiet afternoon.  Everyone had left for Betty’s moms in the morning.  Now she would be entertaining the grumpiest man in town, by herself.  She placed the salad in the icebox, put on her hat and headed off to church. 

-------------

He didn’t have to go.  He’d been telling himself that since the little troublemaker had bounced away from his cottage.  He was a widower, wasn’t that excuse enough? Why did he have to explain himself to anyone? It wasn’t like he was planning to stay anyway. He stares down at the empty plate.  Now clean, with not a trace of the delicious biscuits. It had been years since he had had something so good.  Dorothy was never known for her cooking.  He liked to think he missed her for other reasons, but he was well past that now.  In the end, they were more friends, companions really.  She had been good for him; now he was truly alone.

Siegfried picked up the plate and tea towel, then stepped out the door. “May as well go and see if there is any more shortbread,” he tells himself as he heads down the garden path.  He pauses and cuts a few daisies.  It’s not nice to go empty handed.

------------

She looks down at the salad plates she has just prepared. It seems a meager but who wants a heavy meal on a hot summer day? The fresh lemonade and lemon drizzle will make up for the cold offering, she hopes. 

A knock on the door announces the arrival of her timely guest.  Audrey takes off her apron and glances in the mirror on the wall.  She replaces the pin on a loose curl as she hears footsteps in the hall. “Hello?” coming nearer, “I was invited,” nearly to the door of the small kitchen, “were I not?”  And there he is, clad in tweed, even in the summer heat, daisies in a tight grip. 

Audrey’s breath stops, “Siegfried!” 

His mouth drops open, “Audrey,” he whispers. 

“Where have you been?” Audrey asks. 

Siegfried point out the window, “three doors down.”

someone wrote a short story in which Siegfried had died. The story was well written, very worth reading. I was sobbing in my kitchen at 9:00 in the morning. I'll be devastated, thinking about this for days. There is no one I know that will understand this. Fictional, I keep telling myself. It does little good.

These Two Should Be Paying Rent!

Everyone is sitting around the breakfast table, Mrs. Hall hovering near the stove.  She brings the rack of toast to the table.  Helen looks up, trying to make eye contact, "Everything alright, Audrey?" "Of course," Audrey retreats back to the stove. "You've been very quiet," Helen continues. "Didn't sleep well," she gives the pan before her a quick stir.  "I'll be fine tomorrow." Tristan leans across the table, snagging the last piece of toast. "Looking forward to the Daffodil Ball, big brother?". He grins as he leathers butter on his toast.  "A chance to show the delectable Dorothy your dance prowess." Siegfried glares at him, "I won't be attending." Audrey has moved to the sink. She spins and stares at him.  Siegfried clears his throat, "Dorothy and I are no more."  He states this a little louder than he should but he doesn't want to repeat himself.  Audrey makes eye contact with him. He subtly nods.  She turns back to the sink, a small smile on her lips. "What happened?" Tristan laughs, "did you correct her grammer, curse her dangling participles?" Then seeing the look on his brothers face, his grin disappears.  He reaches over and pats his brother's shoulder. "tough break, Siegfried", he says, " I thought you'd finally snagged a good one, maybe the next one won't get away." Siegfried shurks his brother's hand away, "what makes you think she was the one to end it?" Tristan's eyebrows shoot up, as do all the adults at the table. "Sometimes you just know," Siegfried states softly, hoping Audrey hears. "You just know when something is right and when its not." He pauses before continuing. "it was kinder to end it now."  Audrey stands with her hands in the sink.  She begins to tremble. "The right one is worth waiting for," he continues.  Almost under his breath, "I'm going to wait for the right one." Audrey dries just hands and quickly moves to the hall, "I have laundry to collect," she says to no one in particular as she flees the room.

He is heading up, as she is coming down the stairs with a bundle of laundry in her arms.  They meet half way. "Is she alright?" Audrey searches his eyes. Siegfried nods, "we both knew it wasn't right." He steps up to join her. "It could never work." Audrey steps down to the step below him and nods, "best to end it now, then."  She continues down the stairs willing her shaking legs to carry her away.

Audrey sits on the end of her bed, Rosie in her lap.  She is combing through the child's damp hair.  She smells of lavender bath salts.  Audrey smiles over at Jimmy, tucked into her bed, pillow under his head, starring at the ceiling, picturing the words read to him by his Uncle in the chair nearby. Swashbuckling stories are his favorite, and Uncle Siegfried's reading is especially dramatic. Audrey finishes the two braids she's made in Rosie's hair.  The toddler is nearly asleep.  She gently lifts her and places her next to her brother. Both heads resting on the same pillow.  Siegfried finishes the chapter and quietly closes the book. Rosie sleepily says, " I dance", as Audrey brushes a kiss on  her foreheads. "I know you do, and someday you'll dance at the Daffodil ball" she returns Rosie's smile, "until your feet are sore, just like mum and dad." Rosie whispers, "Aunty Audrey, do you dance?" "Oh, I can't remember the last time I danced." Audrey shakes her head, "I would probably be the one making my partner's feet sore," she grins. "But Uncle Siegfried is wonderful, I hear." Siegfried smiles sheepishly, "but tonight I'd much rather be here." He makes eye contact with Audrey,"with my three favorite people." He leans down and kisses two little foreheads. "Now, we'll be right down stairs, if you need us." The grown ups move to the door as the children's eyes close and their breathing settles.

They each sit in their arm chairs with a book in their hands.  The phonograph plays as their stocking toes touch on the shared ottoman. Audrey has read the same three lines over and over again. She drops her book into her lap and leans back.  Absent mindedly her hand reaches out until it comes to rest on the arm of Siegfried's chair. The back of his hand turns and their fingers intertwine.  They sit in silence for a long time. Slowly Siegfried releases her fingers and rises.  He move to the phonograph and places a new disk. Audrey watches him move around the room. He stands before her and bows slightly, holding out a hand to her. Her feet hit the floors he takes each hand into his and helps her stand. One arm wraps around her waist, the other hand remains in hers, as she places her free hand on his shoulder.  Their feet move to the slow waltz. Audrey surprises that her feet have not once stepped on his. She leans her head on his shoulder, as he releases her other hand, which naturally wraps around his neck.  Both his hands now rest at her waist. "This is..." he begins. She hushes him by placing a finger on his lips. "No words, just actions," she leans into him as they continue swaying to the music.

Siegfried lights his pipe as he sits back in his office chair. Audrey steps into the doorway smiling,  shuffling footsteps above their heads. "Now that my bed is unoccupied, I think I'll turn in." He smiles as he removes the pipe from his lips and stands. "Tristan is still out," he steps towards Audrey. "I think I may wait up awhile." Audrey leans towards him nodding, "thank you for the dance." She lifts onto her toes and places a soft kiss to his lips. He reminds himself not to be needy, so his hands remain at his sides.  He smiles, "anytime," then nods, "sleep well." She turns and slowly climbs the stairs.

"What the bloomin' hell is this?" Audrey stands in the office doorway, laundry basket filled with sheets at her feet, one hand on her hip and the other out in front of her dangling a white lace brassiere.

Siegfried looks up from his desk and smiles around the stem of his pipe.  "I do hope that is a rhetorical question."

Audrey's cheeks burn. "Rhetorical," she glares at him. "I'll give you rhetorical."  She takes a deep breath, while Siegfried raises an eyebrow. "Alright then, who's is this?" She corrects herself.  Siegfried removes his pipe and nods at her with gleeful eyes.  "It's not mine," she responds. 

"Well, it certainly isn't mine," retorts Siegfried.  Then he leans back in his chair and looks towards the ceiling, "although I did have an uncle with a certain proclivity..." 

"Siegfried Donald Farnon!" Audrey interrupts, "are you sneaking women in at night?"  She is whispering; most of the fight is gone.  "I can't imagine I wouldn't hear you through the walls."  She is almost talking to herself, as she folds the garment and holds it in one hand at her side. "I wouldn't think you would be particularly restrained in a moment of passion."  Siegfried sits up and stares at her.

Just then Helen rounds the corner from the kitchen.  She snatches the lace garment from Audrey's hand, "I've been looking everywhere for this."  She smiles, "Where did you find it, Aud?" 

Wide-eyed Audrey puts the pieces together, "It were tangled in the linens." 

Helen giggles, "please tell me it weren't in Tristan's?"  Audrey slowly shakes her head.  "I'm glad to hear that." Helen heads up the stairs, over her shoulder she calls, "I could never live that one down."

Siegfried steps into the doorway, "I think someone owes someone," he points to his own chest, "an apology."  He stands before her grinning. 

"But how?" Audrey can't quite get there.

So happy to find these pictures online...

I’ve spent too much time working on resolving things between Audrey and Siegfried.  I have decided not to focus on that for now. As all shippers believe, it will work out in the end.  That said, we have 2 more Seasons to go.

So here are my predictions for Season 7.  Many have said, and I agree, this Season will be about Tristan and Charlotte, their engagement and wedding. The wedding would make a great CS, lots of parties. Plenty of Joy, which is something the last two CS missed out on. 

I’m also thinking that by then Dorothy will have caught the eye of Charlotte’s father.  (Are you sensing a theme? 😊) Season 7 is again about love and coupling, with a healthy dose of children and animal fun thrown in.

I really want to see Richard Alderson find love too.  He has a big heart, hidden behind a gruff exterior, much like Siegfried.  The charm may be there, but most will have a hard time finding it. I hope Phylis takes a chance on him.  They could be a lovely couple.  She has sons.  Richard would love that and them. Helen and Jenny would be happy for their father and welcome the whole family.  This blended family would thrive.

Also, I worry for Maggie and Albert.  (Yes, I know these are characters… ) They need a strong, kind partner.  None seem stronger or kinder than Tom Chapman.  Can you imagine the joy that would bring into Grace’s life as well?  Audrey and her sitting with their cups of tea, discussing grandchildren.  Siegfried thrilled to see them both so happy. (Okay, I know I slipped that one in.)

Season 8 let’s have Grace find a partner too.  I haven’t decided who it should be yet.  We need a few more strong single males.  One for Mrs. Pumphrey would be nice too.

So, my final prediction might be a little out there.  Jenny settles in Leads after nursing school.  She takes a flat with Doris.  They remain “roommates” for many happy years.

Should they have titled the CS Murkey instead of Comfort & Joy?

Murky is defined as “not fully explained or understood, especially with concealed dishonesty”

So this is where we ended the season.... Perfectly!!!

Audrey stands in the hall with her hand on the knob of the closet door, ready to gather her coat and purse.  She stops as she hears the footsteps above her head.  She looks down at the dress she has been wearing for events for the past 10 years.  She would love a new frock, but there is always something more important.  The navy-blue dress with the spotted white pattern has served her well. It’s been laundered and pressed, and she is comfortable.  “That’s all that matters,” she tells herself as she smooths down the skirt.  She turns away from the unopened closet as Siegfried’s feet announce his arrival to the ground floor. She watches him in silence as he turns towards the office to retrieve his pipe.  Once it is tucked safely in his breast pocket he turns to her.  “My,” the thought escapes her lips before she can think to stop herself, “aren’t you looking dapper.”  He stands in place as if to let her take it all in.  He is wearing his good dark 3-piece suit, with a white shirt and a burgundy tie. A matching handkerchief tucked in with his pipe.  Audrey steps toward him to pull at his cuffs which had bunched up when he pulled on his jacket.  She tries hard not to notice how good he smells.  She steps in farther to straighten his already straightened tie. “Looking forward to the dancing?” she asks as she steps back to assess her work.

“Yes,” he grins then thinks better of it and his brow furrows. “Of course, the Daffodil Ball is a fund raiser for the community.”  He is headed down the hall towards his overcoat.  Audrey is right behind him. He gets to the coatrack, and she reaches around him to grab his coat.  Now she is so near he can smell her bath salts.  It makes him stop in his tracks. 

“I bet Dorothy is really looking forward to being out with you.” She is holding his coat out for him.  As he slips his arms in, she says, “it’s been near a week since you’ve been out for an evening.”

Siegfried pulls his coat around himself, “it’s been a busy week.” 

She nods as she brushes her hand across his back as she always does. “I’ll miss this,” she thinks to herself. 

The doorbell rings, pulling them both from their separate thoughts.  Audrey starts for the door, then turns back to him.  “You better get going,” she smiles.  “You don’t want to keep Dorothy waiting.”  She doesn’t wait for his reply. 

“Come in,” Siegfreid hears her say at the open door.  “I’ll just grab my coat.”  Audrey quickly moves down the hall to the closet, followed by a tall figure dressed in a tattered overcoat. 

“Alderson?” Siegfried’s mouth hangs open. 

Richard stops, leans in and nearly whispers into his ear, “I can’t believe you let this one get away.” He nods toward the open closet door, where Audrey has disappeared to get her things.  She immerges, smiling at the two men. 

“All set,” she steps forward as Richard takes her coat to hold it out for her.  Her smile broadens as she slides her arms in, then turns toward Siegfried.  “We’ll see you there,” she takes Richard’s arm and is out the door before Siegfried can respond.

#

It’s been decades since Audrey attended a dance.  She feels a little shaky as Richard leads her by the hand to the dance floor.  “This might be a little dangerous for you, Richard,” she is smiling up at him as his hand touches lighting on her back.  “I haven’t dance in so long.” She looks a bit worried. “I hope your shoes are made of stiff leather,” she looks down at their feet.

Richard places a finger under her chin, raises her eyes to his.  “I think I’m tough enough to handle your tiny feet.”  He is grinning.  She relaxes a little as they start around the dance floor.

#

Siegfried nearly pushes Dorothy through the door, pulling her coat from her arms and throwing his and hers towards the coat check.  He doesn’t wait for the ticket before pulling Dorothy onto the dance floor.  As he slips his arms around her, he searches the room.  He and Dorothy see them at the same time. “They actually make a lovely couple,” Dorothy smiles at him.  Siegfried is frowning but can’t look away.  “It’s a wonder they haven’t gotten together before,” she continues.  They fall silent. 

Dorothy’s thoughts turn inward. “This could never work,” she has known this after only a couple of dates with Siegfried. On their last date, she lost count of how many times he brought up Audrey in conversation.  “She is the only thing on his mind,” she reminds herself silently. 

Dorothy had brought it up in the car.  She had told him, “This isn’t going to work out.”  He hadn’t even fought her when Dorothey continued, “she is the only thing you can focus on.”  She tried to smile as he turns his head slightly toward her, “and I can’t come second.”  She had taken a big breath, “it’s just not in me.”  They rode the rest of the way to the dance in silence.  As Siegfried was rushing her through the door, she said, “you have to tell her.”  As he pulled her out of her coat, “tonight!”  On the dance floor he gave her a quick nod before scanning the room for Audrey.

#

Audrey is surprised to find herself so comfortable in Richard’s arms, as they glide through the crowded dance floor.  She is hardly thinking about her feet as she takes in all the couples.  Of course, everyone she has expected were there, Siegfried and Dorothy, James and Helen, and Tristian and Charlotte.  Charlotte’s father is leaning against the bar.  They had introduced her to him when she and Richard arrived.  Charlotte had thought it would be good for him to get out and be part of the community.  She had told him, “It will be fun.”  As he stands staring into his drink, Audrey doesn’t think he is having fun.

Audrey smiles when she sees Maggie dancing with Tom.  She turns her eyes to Richard again.  “That’s an unexpected but perfect match.” 

Richard looks over at the couple, “Aye, that’s been brewing for some time.”  His eyes twinkle a bit, “there may be wedding bells soon, as our Helen tells it.”

Audrey laughs, “That would be wonderful!”  Her eyes continue to drift around the floor.  She giggles a little as she spies Phyllis dancing with her son, Billy.  “I heard he bought their tickets and insisted on her coming.”

Richard’s smile brightened, “He’s a good son.”  He moves them closer to the couple.

“Let’s switch partners”, Audrey surprises him, “shall we?”  Richard nods.  “Is he being shy or grumpy?” Audrey wonders, like Siegfried, it’s hard to tell with some men.

Richard speaks first, “how’d ya do?”  Phyllis smiles as the four stop. “Shall we switch partners?” Richard directs his question to Billy.  Phyliss looks at Billy as well.  Billy nods his approval, as Phyllis replaces Audrey in Richard’s arms.  They quickly lose them into the crowd. 

Billy stands awkwardly starring at Audrey.  “I could use a refreshment.” Billy sighs in relief. “How about you?” Billy nods his head as they move toward the bar.

#

Siegfried expression softens for the first time this evening as he sees Audrey standing at the bar with Billy, of all people.  She is chatting with him and the General.  What a strange combination, he thinks. They are all smiling as Billy speaks enthusiastically, then Audrey and the General laugh.

“Here’s your chance,” Dorothy takes the lead and maneuvers them towards the bar. When they arrive at the small group Dorothy announces them a little too loudly, “I’m gasping.”  She nods to everyone, “lovely evening, isn’t it?”  Siegfried busies himself ordering their drinks. 

The conversation interrupted, Audrey looks out onto the dance floor.  “It is a lovely evening,” she nods at Dorothy.  “One of the best I’ve had in a long time.”  She smiles again, “everyone is so happy.”

Dorothy raises her eyebrows as she receives her drink from Siegfried, “and love is in the air.”  She stares at Siegfried, then motions towards Audrey.

Audrey is starring at her feet, “well isn’t that springs way?”

Dorothy sets her half-drunk glass on the bar and turns to the General, “I’m Dorothy.”  She offers her hand; he takes it. “Shall we?” She motions towards the dance floor.  They come together quickly, leaving Audrey alone with Siegfried.  “Where has Billy got off to?” she thinks to herself.

They both set their drinks down at the same time.  Siegfried catches her eye, without a word, Audrey tucks her arm into his, as they head to the dance floor.