The Devil Wears Prada: Science of Fashion Part 18
Miranda had swirled around when she had heard the familiar voice. Standing there in shock and looking at the younger woman, taking in her flushed appearance after her ride. Her hair was swept back from her face into a French braid, without any trace of make-up the scar on her right cheek was more prominent than ever and gave her an exotic look. She wore a dark blue polo shirt, white riding trousers with black riding boots. Leaning on her cane for support her eyes had focused on Miranda the instant she detected the other woman in the room.
Unable to tear her eyes from the older woman, Andy inhaled sharply at the sight of Miranda. She was as beautiful as ever or even more so, her black skirt and white blouse under a grey blazer suited her perfectly and complemented her figure exceptionally. The customary silver lock had fallen over her eye when she had turned around. Her cheeks flushed like Andrea’s, her blue eyes piercing. Andy fell in love all over again with this stunningly gorgeous woman.
“Hello Miranda“, Andy greeted softly.
“Good afternoon, your Grace.“
Wincing at the icy tone in Miranda’s voice, Andy knew the editor was angry at her for omitting this part about herself and rightfully so.
“Hi, Emily!“ Andy smiled ruefully at her friend.
“Hey“, Emily smirked. “Duchess, huh? You are something else, Sachs, I have to give you that.“
“Yeah, well“, Andy scratched her neck, feeling embarrassed.
“Why don’t I show Emily her room before George returns with tea?“, Sophia butted in to reduce the tension in the room. “Come on, dear! I believe you will like it.“
When the door closed behind her grandmother Andy looked at Miranda, knowing she owed her an apology. Miranda had her arms crossed over her chest, feeling like a fool.
“So tell me, your Grace, how does it feel to have fun on my expense?“ Miranda was furious and hurt.
“I am not having fun on your expense. I didn’t even know you were coming. It was all nonna´s idea. I would have stopped her if I knew, believe me.“
“Why am I here, Andrea? Sorry, your Grace.“
“Miranda, please“, Andy sighed, “forget about that stupid title. And I think you are here because my grandmother wanted to meet you. She will be happy to have someone to talk to about fashion.“
“And what about you, Andrea?“ Miranda softly asked.
Gazing into Miranda’s tender eyes, Andy swallowed hard. Mesmerised at what she found in them. Clearing her throat Andy forced herself away from those eyes, it wouldn’t do any good anyway.
“Welcome to Edgewood Hall, Miranda.“ Andy turned and left the editor standing there alone, wondering when Andrea would tell her what was going on. Why she kept running and pushing her away.
Andy exited the house and guided her steps towards the stables. It was the perfect time, for everybody was having their afternoon tea, therefore nobody would be bothering her. She entered the building and found a secluded spot to hide. Sinking down on one of the bales of straw at the far end of the building Andy leaned back against the cool wall and closed her eyes. She knew she should have stayed and explained but the look in Miranda´s eyes had been too much to bear. Andy needed to get her act together before she returned to the main house. Maybe her grandmother was right and it wasn´t too late. Wishful thinking again, Sachs?
When Sophia and Emily returned to the drawing room they found Miranda in front of the French windows looking out over the garden. Before any woman could utter a word George arrived with tea and coffee. Although Sophia tried her best to lighten the mood the tension was nearly unbearable. After finishing her tea Emily thought it best to excuse herself and leave the two women to themselves knowing that they had a lot to talk about. With a grateful sigh the redhead climbed the stairs to her room to unpack and take a nap to get a hold on her jet lag.
Sipping the last of her coffee Miranda watched the Contessa over the rim of her cup, wondering why she had thought it necessary to meddle in her affairs. It was´t that she was angry, she just wondered what had brought it on. Certainly not Andrea´s wish to meet again that much was clear after her recent departure.
“May I ask what prompted you to invite me here?” Miranda finally gave in to her own curiosity.
“Andy.” Sophia calmly stated as if the one word explained everything.
“Of course”, Miranda snorted, “she was thrilled to see me.”
Sighing at the tone Sophia delicately put her tea cup back on the table in front of her, folding her hands neatly in her lap the Contessa straightened her back to look into the editor´s eyes before she started to explain what had caused her to invite the other woman.
“Although my granddaughter is the main reason why I summoned you, so to speak, there is also another one. The other reason are your daughters.”
“What ...” Miranda started with icy fire in her eyes but stopped when Sophia raised her hand.
“Please, let me explain!”
“Very well.” Miranda relaxed only marginally.
“I happened to answer Andy´s mobile one day when she was out riding and to my surprise I was talking to your daughters. They are delightful girls, if I may say so.”
Miranda couldn´t help but smile at that. Her babies were her joy and pride. Her unconditional love for her children showed on her face causing the Contessa to smile knowingly.
“As I said we were talking and they told me about you and Andy. They love you and they want you to be happy. According to your girls my stubborn granddaughter is the one person who could do that. And what is more your daughters seem to love Andy as well. So I promised them to take matters in my hands and here you are.”
“My little devils adore Andrea. When she passed the spider test and took them to the zoo she had won them over. Andrea wouldn´t get tired at answering all their questions without being condescending. She never treated them like something she had to put up with in order to spend time with me. They enjoyed it and it helped forging an independent relationship between the three of them.” Miranda explained with a smile.
“Now you know why I promised to help them”, Sophia defended her actions.
“Your granddaughter seemed anything but happy about that though”, Miranda pointed out.
“She is scared to death”, Sophia said softly, leaning forward in her chair, “what she feels for you scares her so much she reacts the only way she knows, she keeps running away.”
“I know about Sarah.”
“It´s not just Sarah.” Sophia´s expression and voice turned sad when she thought about Andy´s late wife. The Contessa had taken an immediate liking to the young artist the first time they had met. How could she not? Sarah had put back the smile on Andy´s face after the disaster with Elizabeth Pennhurst and her grandfather´s death. Sarah was like a fresh breeze, gentle, warm, full of laughter and life. Her death was something Sophia thought Andy would never recover from. But now it seemed as if she was on her way back, if what Miranda´s girls have told her was true. Who would have thought that Miranda Priestly could do it? On the other hand, why not? Cassidy and Caroline were the best proof that only Miranda could do it. Miranda the woman was the right person to bring back the spark in her granddaughter´s eyes.
“What do you mean?” Miranda inquired.
“There were too many losses, too many heartaches and too much hurt in her life already.”
“I know about loss and hurt”, Miranda said ruefully.
“I know you do. And by the look on your face when you saw Andy coming through that door I also know you are willing to do anything to make her trust again. All I ask of you is to be patient but insistent because Andy´s feelings for you took her by surprise.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Now that you are here she has nowhere to run anymore. Just be there when she is ready to talk to you.”
“I will try.” It was a promise Miranda intended to keep more than anything else.
“That´s all I ask.”
Dinner was a quiet affair, Andy was miffed at Sophia for springing Miranda on her like this and kept to monosyllabic answers. Miranda was polite but distracted, her mind still on the conversation she had had with Sophia while Emily, too afraid to embarrass herself in front of anybody, just stayed mute.
Sophia tried her best to keep the conversation running and was relieved when they had finished. Thanking anybody who would listen for this ordeal to be over. She knew she had to apologise to Andy for what she did if only to appease her granddaughter because she didn´t in the least feel sorry for what she did. Because it was bloody obvious that they loved each other even if Andy was to pigheaded to admit it.
After a night cap in the library Miranda and Emily excused themselves and retired to their rooms, leaving Sophia and Andy on opposite ends of the couch studying the last remnants of their drinks.
“I apologise for not telling you about the invitation”, Sophia couldn´t stand the silence any longer.
“Why did you do it in the first place?” Andy turned her head to her left looking at her grandmother.
“Because somebody had to. You love her and she deserves to know the whole truth. Tell her everything, tell her about the past but most of all tell her that you love her. And then let yourself be open for what she so desperately wants to give you.”
“How do you know that?”
“I have eyes and I see how she looks at you, cara mia.” Sophia scooted over to sit next to Andy. Putting a warm palm against Andy´s cheek Sophia looked at her granddaughter with understanding eyes.
“Please, cara mia, tell her!”
Andy was lying in her bed, sleep was eluding her as the days events kept playing in her mind, the knowledge that the woman she loved was only sleeping down the hall didn´t help either. Nonna was right, Miranda deserved the truth as much as she deserved an apology. This was getting her nowhere, with a grunt she drew back the covers and got out of bed. Stepping into her slippers, she shrugged into her robe and gripped her cane to go down to the kitchen for some tea.
Walking through the silent house only the thud of her cane and the creaking of the wood could be heard.
In the kitchen Andy headed for the drying board where their cook had placed the kettle to dry, filling it with water she placed it on the stove waiting for the water to boil. Rummaging through the cupboards she found her favourite tea and prepared a cup when she heard soft footsteps behind her. Andy knew without a doubt who the steps and the distinct scent belonged to and this knowledge brought a smile to her face.
“Couldn´t sleep? Me neither. Care for a cup of tea?” She asked without turning around.
“Yes, please”, Miranda´s soft voice drifted over to the stove.
Soon after the strenuous affair of dinner Miranda had bid her goodnight and retired to her room. Her things had been unpacked which gave her the opportunity to take full advantage of the bathroom with it´s decadently wonderful tub. After a long flight and an emotionally draining day like this she hoped the water would relax her enough to fall into bed and let sleep take care of the jet lag.
The memories of her conversation with Sophia were running wild. The older woman had spoken of loss and heartache Andrea had suffered. Miranda wondered what it was in Andrea´s past that made her so frightened of another relationship. She herself was no stranger to such things. There were things about her past not even her husbands knew. It had never felt right to tell them, to tell anybody. With Andrea though Miranda wanted to share. Wasn´t that what a relationship was all about? For once in her life Miranda Priestly felt ready to do everything, no matter the cost, to make it work. To open up, to let somebody in and to give in return without holding back.
When she returned to the bedroom and slid under the covers she hoped for sleep that wouldn´t come. She kept tossing and turning before she gave up with a disgusted sigh. Miranda put on her robe, put her feet into her slippers and left her room in search for the kitchen and a decent cup of tea.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs Miranda followed the soft sounds coming from her left glad that somebody else was obviously in need for something to help getting calm to find sleep. Glad that she didn´t have to roam the house in search for the kitchen she finally saw the light from the room fall onto the floor and lengthened her steps. Stopping at the sight in front of her Miranda had to smile when Andrea offered her a cup of tea without even turning around to confirm who it was she was talking to.
“Milk, sugar?”
“Milk, please. How did you know it was me?” Miranda was curious.
“Ah”, Andrea finally turned, smiling at the older woman, “first your steps and then your unique scent. I told you I would recognise it anywhere.”
“Oh.” Miranda blushed. This was ridiculous, she hadn´t blushed since, well, never. Ridiculous.
“Sorry”, Andy put the cup in front of Miranda, “I didn´t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“You didn´t.”
“Good.” Andy got her own tea before she took a seat opposite Miranda.
They sipped their tea in silence before Andy gathered her courage. Now was as good a time as any to talk to Miranda and what was even better there would be no interruption. Everybody else was asleep, so it was just the two of them.
“Would you like to go somewhere more comfortable?” Andy asked shyly.
“Why not? Lead the way Professor! I´ll take our tea.” Miranda sensed that something was on Andrea´s mind and went along with the suggestion.
“Thank you.” Andy tightened the belt on her robe and led them to her grandfather´s study, her favourite place in the house. Turning on two lamps that basked the room in a warm glow she went over to the large couch in front of the fireplace where Miranda put the tray with their tea on the coffee table before she sat down next to Andrea but with enough distance between them to not crowd the other woman.
“I want to apologise”, Andy started their much needed conversation. “It was not fair that I didn´t tell you about this.” She made a sweeping gesture around the room with her hand. “I didn´t tell you about my title because I thought it didn´t matter.”
Miranda couldn´t hold back the snort. How could it not matter? Andrea was born into a social class which was out of her league. Miranda Priestly would always be the social climber to people like Andrea´s peers. The poor Jewish girl from the back streets of New York.
“I know”, Andy relented, “it´s just that my title isn´t something I´ve worked for, something I gained by my own hard work. It is something I inherited from my mother just like my brother inherited his from our grandfather. I´m not that naïve to believe it has never helped me along every now and then, because it did.”
“Andrea”, Miranda sighed, “I don´t hold it against you. I was just hurt that you haven´t told me. I felt like a fake. Miranda Priestly the poor Jewish girl, social climber and self appointed Queen of Fashion tries to be more than she really is. I felt like a fool.”
“I´m sorry”, Andy scooted closer, carefully taking one of Miranda´s hands in her own and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Let me tell you that you are neither a fool nor a fake. You, Miranda Priestly, are the most accomplished and extraordinary woman I´ve ever met and I admire you greatly for all the things you have achieved through hard work.”
“Andrea”, Miranda whispered with embarrassment colouring her cheeks. Only to be stopped by Andy´s gentle finger over her lips.
“No, please, let me finish. I´m merely a heiress of a title and social standing I have done nothing for. Just luck of birth. What I have accomplished through my own hard work is my academic reputation. This doesn´t mean I´m not proud of my family because I am, more so for what they did with the means at their disposal than their nobility. It´s always been that way. That´s why we don´t care for such things as titles in this family. Unlike our staff.” Andy smirked at the last sentence.
“All right”, Miranda acquiesced, “but that doesn´t explain why you keep running away from me. I asked you once and I´ll ask you again. Am I such a dreadful person to be with?”
“No, of course not”, Andy whispered hoarsely at the hurt look in the older woman´s eyes.
“Then what?”
Instead of an answer Andy struggled to her feet and started to pace in front the fireplace. Unsure how much she should and could reveal without chasing Miranda away. When she stopped and took a look at the other woman she was surprised and relieved at what she found in her face. Trust, caring, tenderness and longing. Andy felt her resolve crumble the longer she looked into those blue eyes filled with warmth and not a hint of ice.
“My parents died when I was eight, the first woman I fell in love with left me for a man who could give her money and a title. My grandfather died when I just started to settle in my position at the NYU and only three years ago my wife and child died in an accident. I thought I could never feel anything remotely like love again without losing it. Then I met you and what I feel for you scared the shit out of me.” Andy felt tears uncontrollably run down her cheeks. She didn´t even try to hold them back there was no need to. Now it was all or nothing.
“Oh, Andrea”, Miranda chocked. Feeling her own eyes tearing up and her heart going out to the hurting woman. She got up and started towards the younger woman but was stopped by a raised hand.
“No, let me finish.” Andy wiped at her tears before she continued. “Before I knew it I was head over heals in love with you. Then you invited me to the reception at the end of Fashion Week where you danced with this Carlyle guy and I was so jealous. I wanted it to be me who danced with you, who held you in her arms and swayed to the music.”
“I wanted it to be you as well”, Miranda gently reassured her.
“You did?”
“Very much. Is that the reason why you left without a word?”
“Partially”, Andy admitted. “You two made such a dashing couple and after what Nigel said...”
“Nigel”, Miranda growled angrily at the mention of her art director´s name reminding her of his betrayal.
“Well, I thought he was right and even more so when you turned up with Carlyle at the cocktail party.”
“I didn´t mean to, he just invited himself when he showed up at the office when I was leaving. I´m sorry.” Miranda was taking a step towards Andrea. “I heard what he said to you.”
“Oh, yes, well...”, Andrea mumbled.
“It was your answer I can´t forget. I was trying to reach you when you left, but your taxi was already driving away.”
“I saw you standing on the stairs”, Andy admitted, “but I just couldn´t stop. I had to go, I had to leave. It all became too much.”
“What became to much?” Miranda took another step.
“My feelings, my wanting you so much it hurt, my being afraid.”
“What are you so afraid of, Andrea?” One last step and Miranda was standing right in front of Andy, reaching out and holding her left hand, bringing it up to cradle it against her chest.
“I can´t.” Andy whispered with fresh tears in her eyes.
“Yes, you can, Andrea. Please, say it.” Miranda was wiping away the tears with her thumb.
“I love you, Miranda and I´m afraid to lose you just like everybody else.” Andy sobbed.
“I love you, too.” Taking the younger woman in her arms Miranda felt Andrea´s sobs racking her body. Andrea´s arms were tightly wound around her neck, when she had taken the half step into Miranda´s arms she let go of her cane sure that Miranda would catch her if necessary.
Holding on to each other while Andrea cried with her head in Miranda´s neck the editor held on to her for dear life whispering reassurances into her ear.
When Andrea´s trembling in her arms became less violent Miranda guided them back to the couch never letting go of the other woman.
They sat with Miranda´s arms around Andrea´s shoulders and Andrea´s head still buried in her neck.
After a while Andrea drew back with slight embarrassment. Miranda put her palm against Andrea´s cheek and wiped her thumb under her tear swollen eye.
“I love you, Andrea and I have every intention of never letting go. I can´t promise you that you will never lose me because we both know that life is too unpredictable. But it won´t happen as long as I have a say in this. I have to warn you though, my relationship track record isn´t the best.”
“Can we... can we just take it slow?”
“Aren´t we already?” Miranda asked with a smirk. “I feel like you have been courting me for quite a while now.”
“I guess I have. Do you mind?”
“Not in the least. I´m enjoying it tremendously. Nobody ever made me feel the way you did.”
“So, would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow evening?”
“I would love to.”
“Good. I could show you the estate in the afternoon and tell you more about my family, my parents.”
“That sounds wonderful, Andrea.”
“We have a date then.” Andrea smiled a full smile, taking Miranda´s breath away only to make her laugh heartily when the smile turned into a yawn.
“Sorry”, Andy was blushing profusely.
“That´s quite all right. It´s rather late or early and I´m beat myself.”
“Let´s go to bed! Where is my cane?” Andy was looking around.
“Over there, I´ll get it”, Miranda was already up and retrieving it from where it had fallen to the floor when they had hugged each other.
She handed the cane to Andrea who felt like an invalid for having Miranda get it for her. Miranda sensed Andrea´s discomfort and sudden sullen mood. This needed to be taken care of right at that moment. With a finger under the biologist´s chin she lifted her head to make Andrea look at her.
“Hey, none of that. You are the most beautiful woman I´ve ever met. Warm, loving, caring, full of life, charming, sophisticated, smart. This cane”, Miranda held up said item to strengthen her point, “doesn´t distract from anything that makes you the wonderful person you are. And if getting up to get hold of it for you to help you get on your feet and walk around is what it takes I will do so gladly.”
“Thank you.” Andy breathed at Miranda´s passionate words.
“You are welcome. Now come on, we should get a few hours of sleep before exploring this estate and me taking you up on your promised dinner.”
“Yes, ma´am.”
Climbing the stairs together Andrea felt a soft smile steal itself on her face. She accompanied Miranda to her room where the editor kissed her cheek before she closed the door behind her. With an even bigger smile Andy returned to her own room where she slid under the covers. As soon as her head hit the pillow she fell into a blissful sleep.
A few doors down the hall Miranda had shed her robe to get back into bed. Her last thought before she fell asleep was of Andrea, the little girl who had lost her parents and the woman who had lost her wife and child. Way too much for one human being. No wonder Andrea was so terribly afraid and it would take time and patience on her side to make Andrea believe in what they could build together. Miranda knew without a doubt that Andrea was the best thing that had ever happened to her and she was determined to make it work and get them what they both deserved.
TBC
Unable to tear her eyes from the older woman, Andy inhaled sharply at the sight of Miranda. She was as beautiful as ever or even more so, her black skirt and white blouse under a grey blazer suited her perfectly and complemented her figure exceptionally. The customary silver lock had fallen over her eye when she had turned around. Her cheeks flushed like Andrea’s, her blue eyes piercing. Andy fell in love all over again with this stunningly gorgeous woman.
“Hello Miranda“, Andy greeted softly.
“Good afternoon, your Grace.“
Wincing at the icy tone in Miranda’s voice, Andy knew the editor was angry at her for omitting this part about herself and rightfully so.
“Hi, Emily!“ Andy smiled ruefully at her friend.
“Hey“, Emily smirked. “Duchess, huh? You are something else, Sachs, I have to give you that.“
“Yeah, well“, Andy scratched her neck, feeling embarrassed.
“Why don’t I show Emily her room before George returns with tea?“, Sophia butted in to reduce the tension in the room. “Come on, dear! I believe you will like it.“
When the door closed behind her grandmother Andy looked at Miranda, knowing she owed her an apology. Miranda had her arms crossed over her chest, feeling like a fool.
“So tell me, your Grace, how does it feel to have fun on my expense?“ Miranda was furious and hurt.
“I am not having fun on your expense. I didn’t even know you were coming. It was all nonna´s idea. I would have stopped her if I knew, believe me.“
“Why am I here, Andrea? Sorry, your Grace.“
“Miranda, please“, Andy sighed, “forget about that stupid title. And I think you are here because my grandmother wanted to meet you. She will be happy to have someone to talk to about fashion.“
“And what about you, Andrea?“ Miranda softly asked.
Gazing into Miranda’s tender eyes, Andy swallowed hard. Mesmerised at what she found in them. Clearing her throat Andy forced herself away from those eyes, it wouldn’t do any good anyway.
“Welcome to Edgewood Hall, Miranda.“ Andy turned and left the editor standing there alone, wondering when Andrea would tell her what was going on. Why she kept running and pushing her away.
Andy exited the house and guided her steps towards the stables. It was the perfect time, for everybody was having their afternoon tea, therefore nobody would be bothering her. She entered the building and found a secluded spot to hide. Sinking down on one of the bales of straw at the far end of the building Andy leaned back against the cool wall and closed her eyes. She knew she should have stayed and explained but the look in Miranda´s eyes had been too much to bear. Andy needed to get her act together before she returned to the main house. Maybe her grandmother was right and it wasn´t too late. Wishful thinking again, Sachs?
When Sophia and Emily returned to the drawing room they found Miranda in front of the French windows looking out over the garden. Before any woman could utter a word George arrived with tea and coffee. Although Sophia tried her best to lighten the mood the tension was nearly unbearable. After finishing her tea Emily thought it best to excuse herself and leave the two women to themselves knowing that they had a lot to talk about. With a grateful sigh the redhead climbed the stairs to her room to unpack and take a nap to get a hold on her jet lag.
Sipping the last of her coffee Miranda watched the Contessa over the rim of her cup, wondering why she had thought it necessary to meddle in her affairs. It was´t that she was angry, she just wondered what had brought it on. Certainly not Andrea´s wish to meet again that much was clear after her recent departure.
“May I ask what prompted you to invite me here?” Miranda finally gave in to her own curiosity.
“Andy.” Sophia calmly stated as if the one word explained everything.
“Of course”, Miranda snorted, “she was thrilled to see me.”
Sighing at the tone Sophia delicately put her tea cup back on the table in front of her, folding her hands neatly in her lap the Contessa straightened her back to look into the editor´s eyes before she started to explain what had caused her to invite the other woman.
“Although my granddaughter is the main reason why I summoned you, so to speak, there is also another one. The other reason are your daughters.”
“What ...” Miranda started with icy fire in her eyes but stopped when Sophia raised her hand.
“Please, let me explain!”
“Very well.” Miranda relaxed only marginally.
“I happened to answer Andy´s mobile one day when she was out riding and to my surprise I was talking to your daughters. They are delightful girls, if I may say so.”
Miranda couldn´t help but smile at that. Her babies were her joy and pride. Her unconditional love for her children showed on her face causing the Contessa to smile knowingly.
“As I said we were talking and they told me about you and Andy. They love you and they want you to be happy. According to your girls my stubborn granddaughter is the one person who could do that. And what is more your daughters seem to love Andy as well. So I promised them to take matters in my hands and here you are.”
“My little devils adore Andrea. When she passed the spider test and took them to the zoo she had won them over. Andrea wouldn´t get tired at answering all their questions without being condescending. She never treated them like something she had to put up with in order to spend time with me. They enjoyed it and it helped forging an independent relationship between the three of them.” Miranda explained with a smile.
“Now you know why I promised to help them”, Sophia defended her actions.
“Your granddaughter seemed anything but happy about that though”, Miranda pointed out.
“She is scared to death”, Sophia said softly, leaning forward in her chair, “what she feels for you scares her so much she reacts the only way she knows, she keeps running away.”
“I know about Sarah.”
“It´s not just Sarah.” Sophia´s expression and voice turned sad when she thought about Andy´s late wife. The Contessa had taken an immediate liking to the young artist the first time they had met. How could she not? Sarah had put back the smile on Andy´s face after the disaster with Elizabeth Pennhurst and her grandfather´s death. Sarah was like a fresh breeze, gentle, warm, full of laughter and life. Her death was something Sophia thought Andy would never recover from. But now it seemed as if she was on her way back, if what Miranda´s girls have told her was true. Who would have thought that Miranda Priestly could do it? On the other hand, why not? Cassidy and Caroline were the best proof that only Miranda could do it. Miranda the woman was the right person to bring back the spark in her granddaughter´s eyes.
“What do you mean?” Miranda inquired.
“There were too many losses, too many heartaches and too much hurt in her life already.”
“I know about loss and hurt”, Miranda said ruefully.
“I know you do. And by the look on your face when you saw Andy coming through that door I also know you are willing to do anything to make her trust again. All I ask of you is to be patient but insistent because Andy´s feelings for you took her by surprise.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Now that you are here she has nowhere to run anymore. Just be there when she is ready to talk to you.”
“I will try.” It was a promise Miranda intended to keep more than anything else.
“That´s all I ask.”
Dinner was a quiet affair, Andy was miffed at Sophia for springing Miranda on her like this and kept to monosyllabic answers. Miranda was polite but distracted, her mind still on the conversation she had had with Sophia while Emily, too afraid to embarrass herself in front of anybody, just stayed mute.
Sophia tried her best to keep the conversation running and was relieved when they had finished. Thanking anybody who would listen for this ordeal to be over. She knew she had to apologise to Andy for what she did if only to appease her granddaughter because she didn´t in the least feel sorry for what she did. Because it was bloody obvious that they loved each other even if Andy was to pigheaded to admit it.
After a night cap in the library Miranda and Emily excused themselves and retired to their rooms, leaving Sophia and Andy on opposite ends of the couch studying the last remnants of their drinks.
“I apologise for not telling you about the invitation”, Sophia couldn´t stand the silence any longer.
“Why did you do it in the first place?” Andy turned her head to her left looking at her grandmother.
“Because somebody had to. You love her and she deserves to know the whole truth. Tell her everything, tell her about the past but most of all tell her that you love her. And then let yourself be open for what she so desperately wants to give you.”
“How do you know that?”
“I have eyes and I see how she looks at you, cara mia.” Sophia scooted over to sit next to Andy. Putting a warm palm against Andy´s cheek Sophia looked at her granddaughter with understanding eyes.
“Please, cara mia, tell her!”
Andy was lying in her bed, sleep was eluding her as the days events kept playing in her mind, the knowledge that the woman she loved was only sleeping down the hall didn´t help either. Nonna was right, Miranda deserved the truth as much as she deserved an apology. This was getting her nowhere, with a grunt she drew back the covers and got out of bed. Stepping into her slippers, she shrugged into her robe and gripped her cane to go down to the kitchen for some tea.
Walking through the silent house only the thud of her cane and the creaking of the wood could be heard.
In the kitchen Andy headed for the drying board where their cook had placed the kettle to dry, filling it with water she placed it on the stove waiting for the water to boil. Rummaging through the cupboards she found her favourite tea and prepared a cup when she heard soft footsteps behind her. Andy knew without a doubt who the steps and the distinct scent belonged to and this knowledge brought a smile to her face.
“Couldn´t sleep? Me neither. Care for a cup of tea?” She asked without turning around.
“Yes, please”, Miranda´s soft voice drifted over to the stove.
Soon after the strenuous affair of dinner Miranda had bid her goodnight and retired to her room. Her things had been unpacked which gave her the opportunity to take full advantage of the bathroom with it´s decadently wonderful tub. After a long flight and an emotionally draining day like this she hoped the water would relax her enough to fall into bed and let sleep take care of the jet lag.
The memories of her conversation with Sophia were running wild. The older woman had spoken of loss and heartache Andrea had suffered. Miranda wondered what it was in Andrea´s past that made her so frightened of another relationship. She herself was no stranger to such things. There were things about her past not even her husbands knew. It had never felt right to tell them, to tell anybody. With Andrea though Miranda wanted to share. Wasn´t that what a relationship was all about? For once in her life Miranda Priestly felt ready to do everything, no matter the cost, to make it work. To open up, to let somebody in and to give in return without holding back.
When she returned to the bedroom and slid under the covers she hoped for sleep that wouldn´t come. She kept tossing and turning before she gave up with a disgusted sigh. Miranda put on her robe, put her feet into her slippers and left her room in search for the kitchen and a decent cup of tea.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs Miranda followed the soft sounds coming from her left glad that somebody else was obviously in need for something to help getting calm to find sleep. Glad that she didn´t have to roam the house in search for the kitchen she finally saw the light from the room fall onto the floor and lengthened her steps. Stopping at the sight in front of her Miranda had to smile when Andrea offered her a cup of tea without even turning around to confirm who it was she was talking to.
“Milk, sugar?”
“Milk, please. How did you know it was me?” Miranda was curious.
“Ah”, Andrea finally turned, smiling at the older woman, “first your steps and then your unique scent. I told you I would recognise it anywhere.”
“Oh.” Miranda blushed. This was ridiculous, she hadn´t blushed since, well, never. Ridiculous.
“Sorry”, Andy put the cup in front of Miranda, “I didn´t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
“You didn´t.”
“Good.” Andy got her own tea before she took a seat opposite Miranda.
They sipped their tea in silence before Andy gathered her courage. Now was as good a time as any to talk to Miranda and what was even better there would be no interruption. Everybody else was asleep, so it was just the two of them.
“Would you like to go somewhere more comfortable?” Andy asked shyly.
“Why not? Lead the way Professor! I´ll take our tea.” Miranda sensed that something was on Andrea´s mind and went along with the suggestion.
“Thank you.” Andy tightened the belt on her robe and led them to her grandfather´s study, her favourite place in the house. Turning on two lamps that basked the room in a warm glow she went over to the large couch in front of the fireplace where Miranda put the tray with their tea on the coffee table before she sat down next to Andrea but with enough distance between them to not crowd the other woman.
“I want to apologise”, Andy started their much needed conversation. “It was not fair that I didn´t tell you about this.” She made a sweeping gesture around the room with her hand. “I didn´t tell you about my title because I thought it didn´t matter.”
Miranda couldn´t hold back the snort. How could it not matter? Andrea was born into a social class which was out of her league. Miranda Priestly would always be the social climber to people like Andrea´s peers. The poor Jewish girl from the back streets of New York.
“I know”, Andy relented, “it´s just that my title isn´t something I´ve worked for, something I gained by my own hard work. It is something I inherited from my mother just like my brother inherited his from our grandfather. I´m not that naïve to believe it has never helped me along every now and then, because it did.”
“Andrea”, Miranda sighed, “I don´t hold it against you. I was just hurt that you haven´t told me. I felt like a fake. Miranda Priestly the poor Jewish girl, social climber and self appointed Queen of Fashion tries to be more than she really is. I felt like a fool.”
“I´m sorry”, Andy scooted closer, carefully taking one of Miranda´s hands in her own and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
“Let me tell you that you are neither a fool nor a fake. You, Miranda Priestly, are the most accomplished and extraordinary woman I´ve ever met and I admire you greatly for all the things you have achieved through hard work.”
“Andrea”, Miranda whispered with embarrassment colouring her cheeks. Only to be stopped by Andy´s gentle finger over her lips.
“No, please, let me finish. I´m merely a heiress of a title and social standing I have done nothing for. Just luck of birth. What I have accomplished through my own hard work is my academic reputation. This doesn´t mean I´m not proud of my family because I am, more so for what they did with the means at their disposal than their nobility. It´s always been that way. That´s why we don´t care for such things as titles in this family. Unlike our staff.” Andy smirked at the last sentence.
“All right”, Miranda acquiesced, “but that doesn´t explain why you keep running away from me. I asked you once and I´ll ask you again. Am I such a dreadful person to be with?”
“No, of course not”, Andy whispered hoarsely at the hurt look in the older woman´s eyes.
“Then what?”
Instead of an answer Andy struggled to her feet and started to pace in front the fireplace. Unsure how much she should and could reveal without chasing Miranda away. When she stopped and took a look at the other woman she was surprised and relieved at what she found in her face. Trust, caring, tenderness and longing. Andy felt her resolve crumble the longer she looked into those blue eyes filled with warmth and not a hint of ice.
“My parents died when I was eight, the first woman I fell in love with left me for a man who could give her money and a title. My grandfather died when I just started to settle in my position at the NYU and only three years ago my wife and child died in an accident. I thought I could never feel anything remotely like love again without losing it. Then I met you and what I feel for you scared the shit out of me.” Andy felt tears uncontrollably run down her cheeks. She didn´t even try to hold them back there was no need to. Now it was all or nothing.
“Oh, Andrea”, Miranda chocked. Feeling her own eyes tearing up and her heart going out to the hurting woman. She got up and started towards the younger woman but was stopped by a raised hand.
“No, let me finish.” Andy wiped at her tears before she continued. “Before I knew it I was head over heals in love with you. Then you invited me to the reception at the end of Fashion Week where you danced with this Carlyle guy and I was so jealous. I wanted it to be me who danced with you, who held you in her arms and swayed to the music.”
“I wanted it to be you as well”, Miranda gently reassured her.
“You did?”
“Very much. Is that the reason why you left without a word?”
“Partially”, Andy admitted. “You two made such a dashing couple and after what Nigel said...”
“Nigel”, Miranda growled angrily at the mention of her art director´s name reminding her of his betrayal.
“Well, I thought he was right and even more so when you turned up with Carlyle at the cocktail party.”
“I didn´t mean to, he just invited himself when he showed up at the office when I was leaving. I´m sorry.” Miranda was taking a step towards Andrea. “I heard what he said to you.”
“Oh, yes, well...”, Andrea mumbled.
“It was your answer I can´t forget. I was trying to reach you when you left, but your taxi was already driving away.”
“I saw you standing on the stairs”, Andy admitted, “but I just couldn´t stop. I had to go, I had to leave. It all became too much.”
“What became to much?” Miranda took another step.
“My feelings, my wanting you so much it hurt, my being afraid.”
“What are you so afraid of, Andrea?” One last step and Miranda was standing right in front of Andy, reaching out and holding her left hand, bringing it up to cradle it against her chest.
“I can´t.” Andy whispered with fresh tears in her eyes.
“Yes, you can, Andrea. Please, say it.” Miranda was wiping away the tears with her thumb.
“I love you, Miranda and I´m afraid to lose you just like everybody else.” Andy sobbed.
“I love you, too.” Taking the younger woman in her arms Miranda felt Andrea´s sobs racking her body. Andrea´s arms were tightly wound around her neck, when she had taken the half step into Miranda´s arms she let go of her cane sure that Miranda would catch her if necessary.
Holding on to each other while Andrea cried with her head in Miranda´s neck the editor held on to her for dear life whispering reassurances into her ear.
When Andrea´s trembling in her arms became less violent Miranda guided them back to the couch never letting go of the other woman.
They sat with Miranda´s arms around Andrea´s shoulders and Andrea´s head still buried in her neck.
After a while Andrea drew back with slight embarrassment. Miranda put her palm against Andrea´s cheek and wiped her thumb under her tear swollen eye.
“I love you, Andrea and I have every intention of never letting go. I can´t promise you that you will never lose me because we both know that life is too unpredictable. But it won´t happen as long as I have a say in this. I have to warn you though, my relationship track record isn´t the best.”
“Can we... can we just take it slow?”
“Aren´t we already?” Miranda asked with a smirk. “I feel like you have been courting me for quite a while now.”
“I guess I have. Do you mind?”
“Not in the least. I´m enjoying it tremendously. Nobody ever made me feel the way you did.”
“So, would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow evening?”
“I would love to.”
“Good. I could show you the estate in the afternoon and tell you more about my family, my parents.”
“That sounds wonderful, Andrea.”
“We have a date then.” Andrea smiled a full smile, taking Miranda´s breath away only to make her laugh heartily when the smile turned into a yawn.
“Sorry”, Andy was blushing profusely.
“That´s quite all right. It´s rather late or early and I´m beat myself.”
“Let´s go to bed! Where is my cane?” Andy was looking around.
“Over there, I´ll get it”, Miranda was already up and retrieving it from where it had fallen to the floor when they had hugged each other.
She handed the cane to Andrea who felt like an invalid for having Miranda get it for her. Miranda sensed Andrea´s discomfort and sudden sullen mood. This needed to be taken care of right at that moment. With a finger under the biologist´s chin she lifted her head to make Andrea look at her.
“Hey, none of that. You are the most beautiful woman I´ve ever met. Warm, loving, caring, full of life, charming, sophisticated, smart. This cane”, Miranda held up said item to strengthen her point, “doesn´t distract from anything that makes you the wonderful person you are. And if getting up to get hold of it for you to help you get on your feet and walk around is what it takes I will do so gladly.”
“Thank you.” Andy breathed at Miranda´s passionate words.
“You are welcome. Now come on, we should get a few hours of sleep before exploring this estate and me taking you up on your promised dinner.”
“Yes, ma´am.”
Climbing the stairs together Andrea felt a soft smile steal itself on her face. She accompanied Miranda to her room where the editor kissed her cheek before she closed the door behind her. With an even bigger smile Andy returned to her own room where she slid under the covers. As soon as her head hit the pillow she fell into a blissful sleep.
A few doors down the hall Miranda had shed her robe to get back into bed. Her last thought before she fell asleep was of Andrea, the little girl who had lost her parents and the woman who had lost her wife and child. Way too much for one human being. No wonder Andrea was so terribly afraid and it would take time and patience on her side to make Andrea believe in what they could build together. Miranda knew without a doubt that Andrea was the best thing that had ever happened to her and she was determined to make it work and get them what they both deserved.
TBC