The James and Sophie “episode” didn’t last very long.
At first, James had restrained himself to being a helpful, but constant presence for Sophie. Always there to offer company, or just a cup of tea; always on hand to help with a difficult translation of foreign text, or unravelling Brian’s messy handwriting.
Hunter watched his friend’s progress with a detached interest. After all these years, had impulsive, coarse James finally learnt tact and charm? It was almost disappointing to see things go so smoothly between him and Sophie. The sensible part of Hunter thought that it would be best for James and Sophie to have a mature relationship that wouldn’t compromise their work. Unfortunately, this sensible part was dwarfed by a hope that Sophie would get out her claws as soon as James made his move, regardless of a happy working environment. For entertainment purposes only, of course, Hunter had no other reason to not see his two companions together.
The results of James efforts came to fruition one very normal afternoon, a fortnight after Sophie had joined them in Astley Manor. Hunter had just had a long, detailed conversation on the phone with someone at the MMC. They’d wanted to know (in an indifferent manner) how Miss Murphy was settling in, whether she’d remembered anything more from the night Brian had died. Hunter had dutifully filled them in on her state of recovery and that they had taken her to visit her mother - neatly failing to mention Brian’s parting gift.
The droning voice on the other end of the phone had given Hunter a headache. Oh well, nothing cured a headache like staring at a load of musty old books!
As Hunter walked down the corridor, Sophie exited the library in a hurry, slamming the door behind her, then scowling and marching purposefully in his direction.
“Did you put him up to it?” She demanded, eyes blazing.
“Did I - what?” Hunter stuttered, taken aback.
“James, did you encourage him to…” Sophie broke off, too furious for words. “And I was foolish enough to think he was being kind for kindness sake. Can no one in this bloody world see me as a witch-hunter, rather than a girl that needs to be partnered off?!”
Her question was rhetorical and she was already storming off by the time she’d finished ranting. Hunter smiled grimly as he heard the front door clanged shut as Sophie left the Manor. He had a notion why Sophie was so mad.
Curious as to the particulars, Hunter resumed his short walk to the library. True to form James had his head in a book - at least he looked busy.
“James?” Hunter asked mildly. “What have you done?”
“Nuthin’.” He grunted in reply.
“Of course. So Sophie is raging for no reason.”
James looked up, his face was flushed red with either embarrassment or anger, Hunter couldn’t tell which.
“It were nuthin’. I just asked Sophie out for a drink an’ she said no.” James replied with an overly nonchalant shrug.
Hunter watched him sceptically. “And what else did you say to upset her so badly?”
“Nuthin’.” James repeated.
“Very well, if you’ve said nothing to offend Sophie, I’ll have a word with her, get her to apologise for her temper.” Hunter replied innocently.
“I-I may’ve been a bit rude.” James finally confessed. “I mean, she had no reason to be so abrupt, not when I’d been so nice to her an’ everything. So I might’ve called ‘er a tease - a vicious tease. And I might’ve said she were shallow an’ arrogant.”
Hunter shook his head, he wasn’t sure whether he found it all too funny, or too upsetting. “You’ll have to say sorry.”
“Hey, she gave as good as she got.” James argued.
James seemed to miss the point about being a charming gentleman, it wasn’t the looks and confidence that was valuable, it was being the first to apologise, and the last to say an unkind word.
“Why did you get so wound up?” Hunter asked, thinking that this was bad even for James.
James shrugged and looked away. “Dunno. There’s just something about her. I liked her, and after all that effort she didn’t feel the same way. Said she weren’t interested in no-one. But I figure she’s lying, probably just waiting for a better offer than common ol’ me.”
Hunter tried to ignore the bitter, hurt tone in his best friend’s voice. It was hard enough hearing this unusually open confession. But James would get over it, Hunter selfishly hoped that it wouldn’t affect his work.
The final insinuation made Hunter frown, it seemed like everyone expected him to swoop down on the beautiful Sophie.
“Well, I can promise you that the ice bitch isn’t going to get a better offer in this house.” Hunter replied with slightly forced humour.
James smiled and relaxed, made a little happier with Hunter’s promise.