Leopold -- He is who he says he is

Leopold handwrites Kate a personal note inviting her to meet him on the rooftop for dinner. When she arrives, the scene is set for romance. There is a violinist playing soft, melodious music. The table is set with a white tablecloth, fine dishes, wine glasses and silverware. In the center of the table is a small delicate bouquet of flowers that Leopold has specifically selected. He has chosen each flower, stem by stem, to create a bouquet that delivers the perfect message, as he knows each flower’s meaning. Even the small trees are strung with twinkling white lights.

He is not the only one who has taken care to prepare for the evening. Kate had gone to her closet to choose something to wear. She reaches into the back – way into the back – and pulls out an elegant black dress. It has a decorative lacy neckline that will drape provocatively from collar bone to collar bone. The dress itself speaks romance. We know it has never been worn because the tags are still attached. Perhaps she bought this dress in the hopes of having an occasion to wear it, or the right someone to wear it for. Perhaps she bought it for the life she wished she had, rather than the life she was actually living. In any case, she adorns herself in the dress and goes up to meet Leopold.

And there he is. Resplendent in his best attire. They have a beautiful evening together, and Leopold takes her hand for a dance. Everything seems perfect. Except for one thing. Even though Kate admits she’s inspired she says she is not ready to take the emotional leap that love requires.

Why?

Because she is not convinced that he is who he says he is. Understandable? Perhaps, since his claims certainly seem outrageous. However, she does eventually accept the truth about Leopold for several reasons.