Working on Cottageverse now. Here's a couple of other drabs to enjoy while you wait. I wrote these for the Battleship on the LJ community of lovebelowstairs. No, there isn't more than this two (before you ask!), but never say never. ;)

Charles patted down his hair, tugged his jacket into place, and attempted to suck in his stomach before sighing resignedly. She probably never even gave his looks a second thought.

The register was already open to today's date, and even though she had a regular booking each week, he still ran his finger along the names to check she was listed.

Mrs Elsie Hughes, table for two.

He blinked. Two?

"Good evening, Mr Carson."

His head shot up at the sound of her lovely Scottish accent.

"Mrs Hughes. How are you this evening?" he asked, stepping forward and taking her jacket.

"Well, thank you."

The door opened again and a short, red-faced man entered.

"Joe," she greeted him with a hug.

He felt his temper flare as Joe openly looked her up and down, and then smiled, obviously finding her simple yet elegant evening dress as pleasing as he did.

He cleared his throat, retrieved two menus from behind the counter, and held his hand out to lead the way to their designated table.

His mind was whirling. She always dined alone. He had always presumed she was a widow, or a divorcee. He had never once imagined her still married.

He asked Anna to wait on their table.

"But, you always-"

He cut his head waitress off with a wave of his hand and stomped away to help behind the bar.

At one stage, he gave into temptation and allowed his attention to wander to her table. Joe was acting very familiar with her.

With a heavy heart, he mixed more cocktails and poured more wine, trying to convince himself that Joe could always be her brother.

But the next time he looked up again, all hope was dashed.

A brother wouldn't be offering his sister an engagement ring.