Being back at the hotel, making a report to my father on what I had found, really brought back memories of that life I had lived a century ago. When Bella came into the room, I immediately put my plan into action, stuttering slightly and quickly looking away. I hoped to imply, without speaking, that I was tongue-tied by her mere presence.
Later, at lunch, I took a seat next to her, and kept quiet till she spoke to me. She asked how I was and we made small talk, while I acted like the shy young man that I wanted her to think that I was. We got to talking about the food that was on offer in the hotel. Acting on some small prompt from my medallion, I mentioned that they needed to serve cake more often. Apparently, Bella is an avid fan of cakes of all descriptions, and she immediately began to talk at me for some time on the subject. A good start.
I mentioned that I would be requisitioning supplies for next month, as part of the busy work that my father had me doing. We began to discuss the possibility of adding some kind of chocolate birthday cake to the list of food that was required for long hours at the dig site. Already, I have a reason to see her more often, and she likes me all the more. A very good beginning.