The bar area of the hotel was no less elegant, dark woods paneling the bar and the cabinets behind, and a couple of men who dressed in the same white as many chefs did stood behind that bar and seriously poured drinks for the customers. There was a quiet level of chatter, several empty places at the bar, and tables a bit away from the scene as well.

On the way to the Savoy bishop kept his eyes peeled for any one suspicious. But could not help sparing a glance at Rosalie. Refocusing it was only when they reached the hotel that he let his mind drift.

Arriving at the hotel, Stanley had let Leo get a little ahead as they walked into the lobby. Turning to Rosalie, Stanley asked "After all that coffee I'm in the mood for a drink. Would you care to join me for one at the bar?"

Rosalie offered Stanley a gentle smile.  "Of course.  Sounds like just the thing for a good night's sleep."  She'd had a spot of tea in the lounge and was pleasantly full from the wonderful meal at the Blue Pyramid, but did enjoy a nightcap now and again.  The service and quality at the Savoy were unparalleled.

She called ahead to Leo, "Uncle, we're stopping for a nip at the bar.  See you at breakfast?"

Leo turned to look at Rosalie and smiled at what she had to say. "Certainly, Rosie. I'm going to go check in with Avery, read a bit, and then turn in. Enjoy your evening with Stanley, and I'll see you at breakfast."

Leo nodded over to Stanley and then took his leave of the pair.

Stanley returned Leo's nod and then lead Rosalie to the Sovoy's American Bar. The bar had seen a recent influx of American bar tenders following the passage of probation. They had introduced a number of American style cocktails to London.

The American Bar was decorated in a warm Art Deco design, with cream and ocher walls, and electric blue and gold chairs. The walls featured the photos of various famous guests. A pianist was playing American rag and jazz on a baby grand piano in the center of the room.

"Almost like home. I think I even recognize one of the barman from New York."

"I do like the music," she noted.  She gestured to an open table, situated far enough from the piano where they could still enjoy the music, but not close enough that it drowned out the conversation.  Shrugging out of her coat, she draped it over one of the end chairs and took a seat adjacent to Stanley's.  She didn't want to be shouting over the table at him, after all.

She began removing her gloves as the waiter came over to take their order.  "Good evening," she offered with a polite smile.  "I'll have the Hanky-Panky.  And you, Stanley?"  Her expression was perfectly innocent as she turned toward the detective, though she couldn't hide the impish twitch at the corner of her mouth.

Bo waves goodnight to Stanley and Rosalie and continues on with Leo.

Stanley had pulled out the chair and helped Rosalie off with her coat. Once she was seated he had removed his own coat and taken the seat across from Rosalie.

Stanley had planned on ordering a round of Hanky Pankies as well. Hearing Rosie order he smiled and added "Hanky Panky? That suits me just fine."

Removing his cigarette case from his jacket he offered one to Rosie, took one for himself and lit them both. As cool as he was trying to play it looking at Rosalie he could feel his heart up in his throat. It was during these moments with her that he could actually feel the lump of coal that normally passed for a heart.

When the drinks suddenly arrived, Stanley wondered how long he had been staring at Rosalie. Quickly raising his glass for a toast "To Prohibition being an Ocean away .. and you being here with me."

She chuckled at his easy acceptance, took the cigarette with a nod, and leaned in close so he could light it for her.  Her eyes flashed to his face as she straightened with a smile, taking a quick drag before knocking away a bit of ash into the tray on the table.  Resting her chin on her free hand, she turned her attention to the room, fascinated by the social interaction.  If he was staring, she either didn't notice or didn't seem to mind.

When the drinks arrived, she raised her glass and tapped it lightly against his to acknowledge the toast.  "I can drink to both of those," she assured him.  "Nothing like London to free the spirits."  It was a pun, and a horrible one, but she couldn't help herself.  Taking a drink, she made a noise of approval and licked her lips.  "I'm afraid there is far too much Harding in me to give up the liquor, prohibition or not.  My mother's family has always been quite liberal with their intake."

"Try not to let me drink too much, will you?  I tend to get a bit too friendly when I've had a few." Hard to imagine Rosalie ever allowing herself to relinquish control to that extend, so she was probably just teasing him.

At Leo's door, Walter wishes him pleasant dreams and continues along to his room.

He undresses down to his socks and underwear, dons his robe and slippers and settles back in the armchair under the reading lamp. He fills and lights his pipe, then opens Sélections de Livre d'Ivon to his marked page. His French-English dictionary and a notebook rest on the table under his ashtray.

"I think we deserve a bit of fun." Stanley said ordering a boyish smile and sipping his drink. It had been a long time since he had felt like he deserved a bit of fun much less happiness.

"Music, drink and the company of a beautiful girl. I'm a lucky man." Stanley said still smiling.

"Beautiful?"  She arched one eyebrow in skepticism.  "I'd say it was the drink talking, but you've barely had any at all."   She smiled.

"Honestly, I didn't think you noticed such things.  You're a very serious man, too serious sometimes, and hard to read.  It is good to see you letting loose a bit," she said with the greatest sincerity.

"I think you're right.  With everything that's happened recently... we definitely deserve a bit of fun.  So, how liquored up are you going to have to be for me to get you out on the dance floor?"

Stanley sipped his drink as Rosalie spoke. It was true, his character had grown dark after the Great War and the death of his wife and child. But it was not always that way.

"I was not always so grim." Replied sheepishly. It was true, in his youth he was a fun loving young marine.

Before Stanley could slip back into his dark cave, Rosalie brought up dancing Stanley took another sip and smiled"I'd say at least one more."

"One more, it is."  She smiled and sipped from her glass.  "So, what can we talk about that doesn't involve death or bloody cults or all the other unpleasant things going on right now?"   She leaned on the table, resting her chin in her palm as she gazed across the table at him.

Stanley made a motion for two more drinks "None of that. Let's take a moment to enjoy ourselves."

Once the drinks arrived he offered a silent toast. Once the two had finished their drinks, Stanley stood and offered a hand before leading Rosalie to what would serve as a dance floor.

As the piano player saw the duo and transitioned to something slower, Stanley drew Rosalie close and wished he would never have to let go.

They had danced before, so she knew he was lighter on his feet than she looked.  Taking his hand, she followed him to the floor, not at all shy when he drew her in.  His embrace felt comfortable and safe.  Glancing up at him, she smiled softly and fell into step, swaying in time with the music.  "This is nice," she murmured, closing her eyes as she rested her cheek on his shoulder.  "Can we pretend for a while that this is just another evening out?  A night on the town?"

Stanley loved the way his hand felt on her hip as they made the way slowly across the makeshift dance floor."I'm way ahead of you beautiful." Stanley said as he leaned in an kissed her. As he did everything else fell away. The music, the people, the bar all were gone for that moment it was just them.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:47, Thu 30 June 2016.

It was a welcome distraction to the reality they were facing, but a touch bittersweet.  If Jackson hadn't died, it probably never would have taken place.  Rosalie drifted from those thoughts, losing herself to the moment and the tiny details she'd later cherish.  Sight and sound faded into the background, leaving her alone in his arms.  She could barely feel the floor beneath her feet and forgot the steps entirely.  There was only the feel of his warm hand pressed against her hip, the strength she could feel beneath her fingertips where they rested upon his shoulder, and the firm press of lips to hers.  She closed her eyes, an almost involuntary response, and drifted with him in moment frozen in time.

When the spell ended and the world came rushing back, it left her dizzy and breathless.  She opened her eyes to look up at him, the sparkling blue depths dancing with amusement.  "I had no idea you were such a romantic, Stanley Bishop."

"It surprised me too." Stanley replied sheepishly.

"As crazy as may sound at this moment I am the happiest I have been in years." Stanley said with a smile. Pulling Rosalie close he took a deep breath and felt dizzy as her perfume filled his head.

His smile was infectious.  She rested her cheek on his shoulder again, thinking of happier times and happier things.  Just for a moment, she could almost forget why they were in London and their reason for leaving home in the first place.  Almost.

When the song ended, she finally pulled back a fraction, lifting her eyes to meet his.  "I would suggest we visit one of the Orpheans or Savana Band while we have the chance, but I don't feel much like quick stepping.  Soft and slow is so much nicer."

Glancing briefly across the dance floor, she smirked.  "Are you at all worried about what my uncle would say if he caught us necking?"

Bishop smiled and laughed at the question "Not at all."

"We are both consenting adults."

"But more importantly I think Leo would want something good to come out of all of this. I can't think of anything better than two people he cares about finding happiness, and you make me very happy .. Rosie."

A mischievous smile crossed his face for a second as he quickly leaned in and passionately kissed Rosalie.