After he'd driven away, Juno wondered idly if it was kosher to tip limo drivers.

She grinned, again saying a silent prayer of thanks for Viv for arranging not just for transportation, but for fabulous transportation.

And a fabulous place to stay, Juno thought, looking around at the beautiful furniture and high ceilings of her home away from home for the next few days.

Viv had arranged for Juno to stay in a beautiful bed and breakfast right outside of Nairn. Viv had patiently explained the entire story of Juno's quest to the couple who ran the inn, who delighted in the romantic tale of Juno coming back to try and win Jamie's heart. They had agreed to help Juno in any way they could with her plan, and assured Viv that Juno would have total privacy and comfort, being the only visitor booked for the next few days.

Juno had to keep pinching herself at her good luck as she met the lovely couple and filled them in on the details of the plan, as well as got to know them a bit better. Tom and Betty were both keen to help, and seemed to immediately adopt her into their home. Juno felt instantly at ease as they showed her around the house and the grounds, and they chatted idly about her travels and her work.

After the tour of the house, they had showed her into a beautifully appointed room on the second floor, and told her to just shout if she needed anything at all. Betty had quietly closed the door with a warm smile and told Juno they would be in the kitchen if she needed anything.

Juno stood in the middle of the room, unable to believe her good fortune – and the goodness of her friends.

After a quick glance at the clock, Juno sat on the corner of the queen sized bed and ran her fingers over the feather duvet, dying to crawl underneath it and take a quick nap. Instead, Juno picked up the phone and dialed Viv's cell phone number. Viv naturally picked up on the first ring. "Go." Viv barked, and Juno had to bite back a burst of laughter.

"The eagle has landed. Repeat, the eagle has landed." Juno said in her stodgiest voice, still trying not the laugh.

She heard Viv snort a little on the other end of the line and immediately broke into a grin. "Excellent progress." Viv said. "When will the next phase be implemented?"

Juno took a deep breath. "As soon as my knees stop shaking and the butterflies in my stomach cool it." Juno answered honestly, laying down on the bed and cradling the phone to her ear. "I don't think I've ever been this nervous or keyed up in my entire life."

"Courage, grasshopper." Viv said wisely. "This is the bravest thing you've ever done. I know you can do it. Go find Jamie and knock his socks off." There was a brief pause, and then Viv spoke again. "And anything else he happens to be wearing."

Juno could practically hear the smirk in Viv's voice and she grinned again. "Grasshopper, signing off."

Just before she hung up the phone, she could hear Viv's voice distantly through the receiver. "Good luck, Junie."

I'm gonna need it, Juno thought, taking another deep breath.

**

Juno stood in the middle of her bedroom after she had unpacked her suitcase and carefully put all her clothes away in the chest of drawers or hung them up in the closet.

She wasn't sure what to do next.

It was time to implement the next step of the battle plan, but…

Maybe it was too soon, or maybe she should wait until she'd recovered from jet lag, Juno thought. Or maybe…

Stop being such a chicken, Juno chided herself. You're here, aren't you? Just go for it…

Dress or call? Dress or call? Juno pondered a moment later, beginning to pace up and down at the foot of the bed.

Dress, she thought with finality.

No, call, she recanted a moment later. Find out what Jamie's schedule is like. It's possible he won't even be able to stop by until much later – or even the following day. Yes. Best to call and find out when things might happen.

Pulling Jamie's business card out of her pocket more out of habit than necessity, Juno rang his answering service and waited for someone to answer.

"May I help you?" A man's voice answered after the second ring.

Juno cleared her throat and greeted him. "Um, yes. I'd, um, like to schedule a delivery."

"Of course, madam. When do you require our services and where are you located?" The man asked politely.

Juno felt like screaming 'right now!' but restrained herself. "I'm currently in Nairn – on Upper Carlisle Road. Do you know Ilex End – the bed and breakfast? And, it's not so much a matter of when. I'd actually like to request a particular courier – Jamie Fulham? I've met him before and he was very kind to me. May I request his services again?" Juno rambled before silently telling herself to shut up.

God, Juno thought quickly. It sounds like I'm calling an escort service.

"As you wish, madam." The man replied smoothly. "Jamie is actually in Nairn today, and I'm sure I could arrange for him to assist you within a few hours. Will that be satisfactory?"

Juno let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Yes. A few hours would be fine. Thank you. You've been really helpful."

"Of course, madam." The man replied automatically. "Now. What exactly is it you need Jamie to deliver to Ilex End?"

**

A few hours, Juno thought as she gently replaced the phone's receiver and lay back down on the bed again. A few hours to make myself as pretty as possible, calm my nerves, get dressed in one of these Darcy-approved outfits and sit around to wait until I can pounce on an unsuspecting courier.

Piece of cake, Juno thought to herself wryly, not feeling confident in the least.

At least she'd completed the next phase of the plan, she thought, sitting back up. That had to count for something.

No matter that those butterflies were multiplying by the minute.

1114 / 46232 / 50000

before . after