Mr. Hightower returned and he and Jack went back to their hotel rooms. Jack stayed awake half the night thinking about the girl that he would meet and marry. Slightly before dawn, Jack fell asleep. It was a deep dreamless sleep. When he awoke, it was late afternoon. He sat up and again the room was dark. The shades were drawn and in the corner were the glowing green eyes.
Jack sat very still. He heard the low growling from the corner where the eyes were. He stuck his head under a blanket. Abruptly the growling stopped. He peeked out from under the blanket and there was Mr. Hightower, standing in the doorway to his room.
“My boy, you must get up. It’s way past noon. I have met someone who wants to meet you. Jack got up and got dressed as quickly as he could. By the time he got downstairs there was a crowd in the parlor. Jack went to see what it was. It was the most beautiful young lady he had ever seen. She look at him and smiled.
“And who is this handsome young man?” the young lady asked Mr. Hightower.
“Pamela Pendragon, may I present Jack. Jack, this is Pamela Pendragon,” Mr. Hightower said.
“I am charmed to make your acquaintance,” Pamela said.
“No, it is I that am enchanted,” Jack replied.
Mr. Hightower beamed. “Ms Pendragon has agreed to join us for dinner.” Mt. Hightower explained to Jack. “After which, I have engaged a box at the opera.”
Jack trembled with excitement. “We are honored that you grace us with your company,” he said.
Jack and Pamela had a whirlwind romance. By August Jack had asked her to marry him. They set the date of the wedding for the end of May. It was to be the event of the season. Everyone who was anyone would attend. Mr. Hightower was Jack’s best man. Pamela’s younger sister, Amelia was her maid of honor. Pamela’s father spared no expense. He hired the largest ballroom for the reception and the wedding itself would take place in the cathedral.
Jack was about the happiest man that had ever lived. As his wedding day grew ever closer, he forgot all about Gilbert and the favor that he owed him.
A year and a day after Gilbert granted his favor and a week before his wedding, Gilbert showed up at the cafe where Jack was drinking coffee and reading the news.
“You haven’t forgotten my favor, have you?” Gilbert asked.
“No, of course not. Just name your favor and it is yours,” Jack said.
And name it he did. “Tomorrow, Mr. Hightower will send for the bag from the hotel safe. You will place this entire blue flower in the bag before you bring it to him.” And with that, he disappeared.
[To be continued.]
Sweet dreams, don’t forget to tell the ones you love that you love them, and most important of all, be kind.