Who: Jenny and Ichabod What: Some romantic advice from Ichabod. When: Later, the day after her nightmare Where: The library Rating: TBD Status: Closed
Jenny got dressed, but didn't leave to get breakfast for a while. The last thing she wanted to do was run into Mike in the kitchen. She couldn't think straight. After eating she just walked, randomly turning corners and trying to get things straight in her head.
The tablet beeped in her bag as she walked, and she pulled it out, not sure if she was disappointed or happy to see it wasn't Mike. It was Crane, and, as usual, it was the length of a novel.
Miss Jenny,
Please accept my apologies for my earlier behaviour. I neglected to think of how my constant presence would grate on your nerves. I understand you need solitude, and will endeavour to give you all you need. I do hope, however, we can still spend some time together. I count you as a dear friend and ally, just as I count your sister.
Might I also take the time to offer my congratulations. I happened to see Mr Warren this morning, and his appearance and location lead me to believe that your relationship may have taken that step from friendship to deeper affection. He is a fine gentleman, and truly worthy of your affections. You, in turn, deserve every happiness.
Until we may speak again in person, I remain,
Your friend, Ichabod Crane, Esq.
Jenny rolled her eyes, tapping out a reply quickly.
hold it, Crane. Don't start picking china patterns yet. it's not like that, and it probably won't be.
Miss Jenny,
This is not good news. I humbly offer the hand of friendship and a sympathetic ear should you be having romantic troubles.
I'm fine.
The offer has been extended. I will not be offended if it is not accepted.
Jenny didn't reply for a while, but the fourth time she passed the library she gave in.
Are you in the library?
I have gone to procure refreshments. My books are on the fourth table to the left hand side. I shall bring extra provisions
He was true to his word, arriving with a tray of tea, coffee and cookies after a few minutes. He didn't speak as he poured her some coffee, with some tea for himself.
"Tea, Crane? Not very patriotic of you."
He smirked. "This was not taxed by the Crown. And it is quite delicious." He folded his ridiculously long limbs into a chair and leaned back, his fingers cradling the cup. He raised an eyebrow expectantly.
She sighed. "God, it's a mess, Crane."
"In what way? He left your room this morning in his undergarments, which I took as a very good sign. Was that step taking too precipitously?"
"There was no step. I had a nightmare - no don't worry, I'm okay," she hurried. She explained it to him - the nightmare, Mike staying over, the kiss and his confession.
"So I don't know. He's a cop. I thought - god, I really liked him. He's not my usual type, really, but - I wasn't expecting this."
Ichabod sipped his tea, his brow furrowed thoughtfully. "He deceived you. That was very wrong of him."
"Right? He shouldn't have lied."
Ichabod tilted his head. "He says it was to maintain his 'cover'. I can see why it may be necessary. Though... have you considered he told you without prompting and before he could have used your ignorance in favour of your suit?"
Jenny nodded. "He said I should know who I was kissing. But do I? I mean, he's a cop."
"I understand your hesitance to trust officers of the law. He has always seemed to me to be a genuinely good fellow, and I do not think that was an act."
Jenny shook her head. "I don't know. That's the point. It's a trust thing. I don't trust cops, and now I don't know if I can trust him."
Crane's eyes flickered down, and he gave a short nod. "And trust and honesty are necessary for any union." He sipped his tea, looking almost pained.
"Crane? Everything okay?" She blinked. "Wait, are you and Katrina having problems?" Crane adored his wife, to a ridiculous level.
He shook his head. "I will not burden you with my troubles, but I will share the wisdom they have given me. Honesty is, as I have said, vital. Trust is built on honesty. Mr Warren was dishonest, initially, and let his deception linger. But not - not when it became clear your heart was becoming engaged. When you took that step he was honest, despite the potential risk to his profession. Not to mention the risk that he would be denied your favour. I saw enough in the past few days to know he dearly wished to be closer to you."
Jenny sighed, letting her head fall back against the chair. "That does earn him brownie points, I'll give you that. If he'd waited ten more minutes we'd have -" She cleared her throat. "Most guys would have waited until after."
Ichabod shook his head distastefully. "Not all men behave like gentlemen, unfortunately. Clearly, your Mr Warren is."
Jenny nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, that's a good point. And he's such a boy scout. Like, seriously. He's ... I don't think he's one of the bad guys."
Ichabod shook his head. "Definitely not."
Jenny nodded again, more to herself than anything else. She'd fix it. But first, Crane had just been a solid friend. "All right, what happened with Katrina?"
He sighed. "Well, it seems that where Katrina is concerned, neglecting to tell me of her status as an undercover agent was the least of her deceptions."
Jenny reached over for his cup, pouring him more tea. She'd listen to Crane for a bit, and then she'd go find Mike. "Spill, Crane. It's my turn to be the shoulder."