DRAGONJULS Storybook
Disclaimer and Acknowledgements: See Part One
Part 12
Chapter Twenty-five
Paul Strong wearily got up from his chair, putting a hand across his brow. 'That woman was the very devil incarnate,' he thought as he'd concluded a very interesting conversation with Clarissa Hudson.
It was late and he wanted to get home and pack, before heading off to LA on a late evening flight. James would be excited at his arrival, it was going to be a surprise and how! Especially, when he told him the whole story. He smiled in anticipation of his partner's response, and picking up his briefcase and switched out the lights as he left his palatial office. On his way down from the thirtieth floor, which was the executive level he mused over his conversation with Hudson.
"Clarissa Hudson speaking," answered the sweet tone of the woman who was anything but.
"Clarissa, this is Strong from Xianthos in New York, have you got a few minutes to talk?" Paul spoke in a brusque tone.
Clarissa started out of her chair in surprise, that the most powerful person in Xianthos, other than the owner herself was calling. 'Now I wonder why?' she smirked as she knew damn well.
"Sure Paul, go ahead," never one to miss an opportunity.
"I have a request from Ms Devonshire. She wished to look at the new documentary by Peter Adamson, prior to it being released."
Hudson smiled, "Now that is an interesting request, this is the first time she has ever taken an interest in UCP, I'm flattered," she said sarcastically.
"Well don't be! We won't beat around the bush, you know as well as I do why she wants to see the tape," Paul snarled into the phone.
"Touchy subject I see Paul, pity she couldn't have come up with a much better disguise to remain anonymous. I'm only the Producer, not the writer or Director of the documentary."
"I think you did a good job in steering them directly into her path."
"Me? No, I suspect she shouldn't have taken one of the team into her home, if she didn't want to feel any repercussions." Clarissa felt quite pleased with herself; this conversation was heading right into her hands.
"So you are saying that Ms Bardley is instrumental in some of the 'facts' on the tape involving the 'Destiny' ranch." Paul was puzzled, he didn't think Jace would give any information, not if she was involved with Catherine on a personal level, but then.......
"Let's just say, Jace knows who pays her salary every month." Hudson stated simply.
"Well, that would be Xianthos then wouldn't it!" Paul answered scathingly.
"Oh, petty point Paul, she works for UCP not Xianthos, she knows that and is very happy with the situation."
"The fact remains that I need you to send me a copy of the tape, when will I see it?" Paul had digested the information.
He heard a faint laugh at the end of the line. "Don't worry Paul, you will see a copy on your office desk tomorrow evening, I will wait for the almighty Ms Devonshire to stick her two pennies in, but then it gets released!"
"Leave it with your secretary tomorrow by lunch, I will get it picked up. Have a good day Ms Hudson." He put down the phone.
Paul contemplated the conversation; he could warn Catherine about the comments made by Hudson regarding Jace and her participation in the tape. Then again, it could be nothing and he would have looked a fool.
The doors opened and he stepped out into the lobby noting the evening sky with its multitude of colours. He smiled and headed out of the swinging doors.
***********
Colin glanced at his boss, who was lounging negligently over the railing to the paddock, watching the two youngsters with their riding lessons.
She looked relaxed and very beautiful, although if you looked deeply enough into her eyes you could see the veiled sadness held there. Not many-dared look into her eyes, so few people would ever see it. He had! At breakfast that morning they discussed the ranch, it's opportunities at length, being interrupted only by the motherly figure of one Doris Gladstone, the woman who was helping out until Grace came home. He had looked at her and seen the sadness there, not very far from the sadness in his own he suspected. Unrequited love was one hell of a burden to carry around, for his part anyway.
"They're doing well Ma'am," he said politely as she glanced around and saw him looking at her.
"Yes, I noticed." She answered quietly and went back to her observation.
"Jake is a natural you know, once he's told, it's as if he's always known how to do the exercise. Were you like that Ma'am?"
Catherine turned to him and bit of an angry retort. "I thought I told you to call me Catherine?" she responded.
He looked flustered and nodded. "You did, guess old habits."
She shook her head, "No, not old habits, just stubborn men I think, and the answer to your question is yes."
He pushed his hat back on his head and regarded the girl on the pony, she had a toothless grin plastered on her face as she tried but failed to catch up to Jake on his larger pony. "Lisa is a little different as you can see." He smiled. He'd been enchanted by the little girl from the first time he'd met her.
"So I see, I wonder how she's stays on the pony?" Catherine also smiled briefly at the sight of the little girl pushing the pony forward but slipping continuously in the saddle.
"Diamond likes her I guess."
"How old is the pony?"
"Oh, he's the eldest one on the ranch, was going to retire him but thought he might like to get to know one more rider before he gets his rest. Not sure now if that was a mistake or not." He laughed at the thought of the old pony and the excited child that first day out.
She'd pulled at his mane and tail as she executed various stages of falling off the pony, he'd even pinched her back at one stage, but she never looked scared and he'd eventually nuzzled her at the end of the session.
"Will he stay the course do you think?" Catherine asked with interest.
"Diamond?' he looked for confirmation and she nodded, 'Oh yes, she has him eating out of the palm of her hand, quite literally." Colin laughed.
"Not the only one she has eating out of her hand I suspect." Catherine levelled him a wry look and moved away from the fence.
Colin turned crimson and pulled himself over the railings to enter the paddock.
"You know something Colin,' she continued without waiting for him to answer but noted that he turned in her direction. "She has the same effect on me too!" Then walked over to the barn and her exercise with Tralargon.
He watched her body swing into action towards the barn, she certainly moved with power and grace; he shook his head from wayward thoughts.
***********
Jace enjoyed the rest of the evening with her family; it had helped to talk to her Father. When she'd been a child it had always been Daddy she went too, even on the most diverse subjects including sex! Her father had never turned her away, always explaining patiently what his daughter needed to know, although his wife had coached him on the questions she'd thrown at him about sex. Jace had been embarrassed, but laughed when he had explained that year she was home from college and they had been reminiscing.
'Now I've openly discussed my love for Catherine Warriorson, funny It hadn't been has hard to say it, as I thought it would be. There again I was only talking to my Dad! Hades she had to approach the subject with Catherine, now that was one wonderful but scary thought.'
Smiling, she contemplated the time in New Zealand and wondered if a phone call would be well received. "Hey, all that can happen is she's out!" Jace said out loud to her empty apartment and picked up her phone and dialled the number.
What seemed to be minutes but was only around thirty seconds the tone changed and she knew it was ringing.
Waiting.
Jace looked at her computer and she thought that maybe it would be better to just send e-mail.
Suddenly the phone was picked up and an unfamiliar voice spoke.
"Warriorson residence, how may I help you?"
"Ha........ I'm sorry, hello this is Jace Bardley is Mrs Warriorson available?" Jace stuttered wondering who the stranger was at the end of the phone.
"Well, I will check. Is she expecting your call?" The woman asked Jace perceived her as being mature she had a motherly tone.
"No, no she's not but I'm sure she will take the call if she knows it's me." Jace almost pleaded with the woman.
"Be right back my dear." The phone was placed on the hall table Jace could just picture it.
Waiting.
She then heard solid footsteps making there way towards the area of the hall the phone was placed down in.
Jace took a deep breath hopefully it was Catherine.
"Hi, Jace?" came a low voice which she immediately recognised and that brought a blush to her cheeks.
"Catherine, hi yourself." She giggled at the other end to hide her sudden nervousness.
"Look Jace, this isn't the best place to chat. Give me a few seconds to get to the study and we will talk, be right back." She placed the phone back down and Jace heard her moving down the hall. Calling to someone called Doris to put the phone back on the hook when she picked it up at her end.
Catherine rushed over to her phone in the study and picked the instrument up and Doris then put down the other phone. Hearing the click, Catherine cleared her throat of its sudden dryness.
'Jesus, was she nervous of talking to Jace? God I really must have it bad.'
"So Jace, what brings about this call? Not that I mind you understand it's great to hear from you! How are you by the way?" Catherine spoke very fast.
"Hey hold on catch your breath I'm fine, and you?" Jace smiled as she tried to picture the woman at the other end.
"I'm good, all the better for hearing your voice." Catherine said it without thinking. Now what would Jace think?
"Glad to hear that because I feel the same. In fact that was the reason I called I wanted to listen to your voice. Stupid I guess." Jace smiled self-consciously.
Catherine smiled brightly at the admission. "No Jace, not stupid but it's going to be costly for you." Catherine laughed to ease the tension.
"Yes, well for my best friend I can afford it."
"Best friend huh? Well best friend I guess that next time I get to call and we waste some of my ill-gotten gains?"
"Sounds good to me what about Sunday, we could talk all day?"
"Please.... Don't you think I have things to do on a Sunday?" Catherine laughed and wanted nothing more than to do just that!
"Ah, almost forgot you have responsibilities. Speaking of which, how are the children doing?"
"Good, both appear to be settling in and they are both learning to ride so they can come for rides with me and Tralargon."
"You spoil them Catherine and I wouldn't wonder if you're not worse now that Grace has gone! By the way when is she coming back?"
"She called yesterday but she wasn't sure, just wanted to let me known that she arrived okay. I worry about her when she drives long distances, the leg gives her some pain from time to time, but she rarely says anything." Catherine said softly.
"You miss her don't you?" Jace was almost jealous, Hades she was jealous, at least Grace was in the same country, she wasn't!
"Yes."
"So, you going to come over and see me anytime soon?" Jace moved off the subject.
"Jace, you ask me on every e-mail and the answer is still the same. But I love the fact that you keep asking me." Catherine answered in a sultry voice.
"Speaking of which."
"Which?" Catherine said puzzled.
"Oh love, I was thinking about love," Jace answered almost absently her train of thought scattering.
"I see. Any reason other than the fact that maybe you might have fallen in love?" Catherine cringed at the thought but asked anyway.
Jace went quiet, how to answer that!
She was so slow in answering that Catherine spoke again.
"So have you?" She went quiet at her end.
"Well, yes and no really." Jace finally answered.
Catherine looked at the phone in her hand almost as if it was burning into her palm and frowned. "It is either yes or no! I'm not sure the object of your desire would like to be on the receiving end of a halfway statement."
"Have you ever fallen in love Catherine?" Jace already knew the answer to that.
"No, well maybe that's not strictly true," and added silently 'Not now anyway.'
"So, you have just used the yes no scenario." Jace laughed at her end.
"I guess I did; do I know him?" Catherine asked quietly.
"Him? No you don't know 'him'," she answered equally as quietly.
"I see. Guess you knew him before you came here?" A sick feeling was building in the pit of her stomach and it was almost a temptation to finish the conversation now.
"I think I've always known the person in my heart, but I fell in love with them almost from the first time I saw their eyes look into mine such beautiful eyes too! No, I met the person in New Zealand," had she said enough, she hoped so.
Catherine tried to digest the information. 'Who on earth had she met here? Was it someone prior to 'Destiny', or was it on the ranch? Who had she responded too?' Catherine was trying to decipher all the signals.
"You gone to sleep on me out there Catherine?" Jace chuckled she could almost hear the wheels turning in Catherine's head.
"What! No Jace, sorry, I was thinking." She said sheepishly.
"Must have been some thought you were having?"
"It was."
"Did you come to a conclusion?" Jace held her breath.
"No," was the plaintiff response.
"When you do let me know will you I'm always interested in your opinion especially about this particular person." Jace smiled and wished she had more time to tweak Catherine, it was late and she had to get some sleep. For someone as worldly wise as Catherine Warriorson, it sure took a hammer and chisel to get her to see the point!
"Oh Jace Bardley, never fear you're top of the list with the comments on the person you have fallen in love with, believe me!"
"I have to go Catherine, it was good to hear your voice."
"Same here Jace, sleep well."
"Behave yourself Catherine, and I lo.....look forward to your call on the weekend," she finished weakly.
"Bye Jace, I....." Catherine had no more words.
"Yes, I know," Jace said softly as she hung up the phone.
Catherine starred at the instrument and became thoughtful.
Jace looked at her apartment and noticed how lonely it appeared, she headed for bed and sleep, which wouldn't come easily tonight. At least she still had Tas to keep her company, but who would keep Catherine's bad dreams at bay she wondered?
***********
Catherine sank back into the depths of the leather armchair behind her desk. Her hand touched the mouthpiece of the phone and she sighed heavily. 'I know you deserve to be happy Jace, but......but I wanted to share that happiness with you! God, how I want that to be part of my new life; I guess creating a new life is okay but getting people to participate in it is quite something else! So my friend, who are you in love with?'
Her head dropped onto the back of the chair and she closed her eyes to contemplate what Jace had said. 'How long were you in New Zealand Jace? Couldn't have been more than a couple of weeks and one of those with me! Her face held a frown as she concentrated.
Suddenly her eyes blinked open in shock. 'Oh God, how could I not see it! She loves ME!' The knowledge not only hit her squarely in the chest, but it made sense out of all the conversations that she'd had with Jace.
'What could she do now? She wanted Jace to be happy; I couldn't possibly let her follow the reclusive life that I feel comfortable with. She's so young and is on the threshold of life, I'm just not the person you take home to the parents as a prospective in-law, hell, did I say that?' Catherine laughed at the thought.
'Jace why me? Why offer me your heart, I could only bring you unhappiness, if only you knew me, how you think you know me! Christ, but I so want to have what your offering me and I would love you for eternity if I could make it happen.'
Glancing at the photos of her parents and brother and then her son she smiled. 'You would want me to be happy, I know something's you just have to sacrifice for the pain you have caused in the past and I've done that for sure, especially to Adam and Maria.'
A single tear trailed down the high cheekbones and splashed on the desk. 'Maybe if I told her everything and Jace decides if she still wants me could I do that? YES!'
That would be the only answer she could ever give, better she was left the lonely one after she told Jace. Hadn't she chosen that particular scenario for herself anyway, now it would just hurt a little more but as with everything she would get used to it. At least Jace would have the chance not to be part of her dubious future, which no matter what always seemed to end in darkness. Now, that darkness potentially had the chance to take the one hope she had seen for a light at the end of her particularly dark tunnel.
"Funny I never saw myself as a noble person before now! That's one thing you have given me Jace, those children out there may thank you one day.'
Once again looking at the family photo she directed her gaze to the older woman. 'You know something Mama, I think I need that hand to hold again about now, any takers?" she touched the framed photo and gently rubbed her finger over the silhouette of her mother.
Then rose out of the chair and left the room abruptly.
***********
Catherine was fuming, her hand smashed down on the desk more times than she cared to acknowledge.
Doris had discretely removed herself from the study, after delivering the package earlier and the tea that Catherine requested, as she ripped open the parcel.
Stalking over to the video recorder, she placed the tape inside and set it running, full running time was sixty minutes, but she was only interested in the footage on 'Destiny', that would be towards the end of the tape she perceived.
The narrator was smooth, had a very cultured voice and made the scenery sparkle with life and information as each segment was described in detail.
Moving to the part depicting 'Destiny' and its owner, the narrative changed, from being a compulsive piece of documentary film to adversarial. The mention of the owner of the ranch being a recluse, the breakdown of communications between the owner and the film crew, leading to them being left in a wild spot without protection on a stormy day and subsequently the illness of one of the party; this showed a picture of an arrogant, selfish landowner attitude to anyone that came within miles of the property. This, along with flashes of the arrogance of the English aristocracy in the previous centuries to colour the narrative, as well as the beauty of the ranch was hidden behind archaic policies and attitudes from its present owner, Catherine Warriorson. The adverse narrative depicted Catherine as a modern day tyrant.
The desk was now a punching bag and when she was finished, she wished she'd just gone down to the gym. Her knuckles were raw and bleeding and the curses streaming from her mouth, enough to keep even the most courageous away from her at the moment.
"What sort of fucking documentary is that supposed to be?" Catherine shouted at the now empty screen in front of her. Walking around her desk she noticed that her tea was spilt and most of her papers she had on the desk had been stained by the beige liquid.
"I can't believe she did this, she knew I would veto it, what the hell is she up too?" Catherine was speaking out loud, although in a much lower tone than when she first started the tirade.
"Jace hadn't given any bloody interview, of this she was certain, Hudson had used certain facts and twisted them to her own ends. Okay I get to clear this up personally Hudson, and not just the video." Catherine almost snarled at the thought of Hudson and her cocky attitude.
"Fuck you Hudson! I'm going to make you pay, and how." She headed out of the door; her hand needed some treatment and about now some hot tea wouldn't come amiss as well.
Thinking as she went to the kitchen Paul would be in his office in a few hours, she was certainly going to enjoy that call.
***********
Paul had always known that Catherine would veto the documentary, but she now wanted it all recycled, not just the piece on 'Destiny' but everything and she wasn't up for any argument.
For the first time in years, he heard her voice take on the demon edge it possessed particularly when she was involved with nasty take-over deals. This wasn't a take-over but it was going to be nasty. He doubted that Hudson would take it gracefully, oh no, not the vindictive Hudson.
Could be an interesting confrontation though one super bitch against another and he knew whom his money would be on!
He smiled as he recalled James' face as he'd explained his new role and where he was going to have the headquarters. If someone had told him that a smile could literally transform a person's face, he wouldn't have believed it until he saw it for himself and he certainly saw that on the face of his partner. He chuckled and looked out of the window of the house that belonged to James, which he also called home, that is when he managed to get the time to visit.
It was Saturday morning and they had decided that today was going to be a day off from work, and they would just enjoy the day. Ending up having a long leisurely dinner at home, their time together was so short that going out was something they didn't contemplate unless it was absolutely necessary.
He wondered about Jace Bardley and considered his options; Hudson had implied things that Jace had said. But Catherine never mentioned any of that when she called, he had been right to ignore her jibes, if Catherine thought something was wrong she would deal with it in her way!
'Well James, I guess I'm going to make that call Monday and watch from a distance, the fireworks should be interesting. Next time we have a dinner party, I think a certain Jace Bardley should be invited, now that would be really interesting!'
He smiled and went in search of his sleeping lover who seldom got out of bed before noon on the weekends!
***********
Sunday dawned bright and early for Jace she was so excited! No, she was more than excited if her stomach was anything to go by.
'Surely Catherine would have realised the identity of her prospective lover by now! Yes, but would she admit it if it wasn't what she wanted too?' Jace frowned at the thought and her stomach did a somersault that had nothing to do with excitement. Walking over to her computer she switched on and waited for the log in prompt. Padding over to the kitchen area she retrieved the items to make coffee and set it up and then went back to log in the computer.
Wading through her messages that she hadn't collected for a couple of days she saw one from Catherine. Quickly opening it she smiled at the contents.
Hello Jace,
Thought I had better give you some indication of the time when I would call. How does ten in the morning to you sound? Okay, I'm going to go for it anyway, in the hope that you're at least awake and if not I get the privilege of being the wake-up call. Not bad for being thousands of miles apart, don't you think?
I have an appointment with the Reverend after our call later today, as it's Monday here already things are in the normal routine. The kids will be in school so I haven't the interruptions; hope you get to read this before I ring.
Catherine
Jace smiled at the message, ever thoughtful, this woman tried to cover all the bases. Now that meant that the call would be in, Hades about now!
Snagging a cup of coffee she managed to get a bagel as well, just as the phone rang. Walking swiftly over to the instrument, she put her cup down and bagel on top of the cup and picked up the phone.
"Hi." Jace spoke softly.
"Hi, yourself Jace. How are you today? Did you get my message?" Catherine spoke in a low gravely voice.
"Catherine I'm fine and you? Oh, and yes I got the message you think of everything." Jace laughed trying to picture Catherine at the end of the line, what would she be wearing? Was she sitting in her chair behind the desk or walking round the room?
"Yes I'm fine too! When did you wake up?" She pictured Jace having just got out of bed and being somewhat tousled and dishevelled.
"About fifteen minutes ago, haven't showered yet, I can do that later." Jace was now sprawled out on the couch with her feet up on the coffee table.
"Sounds good to me, want any help?" Catherine teased from her end.
"What! Help? Zeus Catherine do you know what you're saying?" Jace spluttered at the end of her line and almost kicked the cup of coffee over at the mere thought of the help involved.
"Guess, it wouldn't be a good idea then. Pity I'm very good with a sponge so the kids say anyway." She finished off a wicked smile on her face.
"Jake let's you near him with a sponge?" Jace was incredulous. What was happening here? Whatever it was let it continue on forever.
"Well, no, not exactly. I have to chase him with the sponge sometimes when he comes from the stables. No, Lisa does though she's a really pampered little girl that one." Catherine let out a soft sultry laugh.
Jace grinned and felt her heart beat faster at the sound of the laugh. "Let me get this right. Reclusive C X Warriorson chasesdirty-faced boys around her stables with a sponge, then pampers little girls who can twist her round her little finger with a luxury bath. Does that about cover it?" Laughing at the mental picture it brought up.
Catherine looked out of the window and smiled. "Just about I guess. Only it's not just little girls that can do that now is it?"
"You want to clarify that for me?" Jace asked quietly.
"Oh, I like to think my best friend has a quick intelligence that can work that one out all on her own." Catherine teased.
"Yeah! So, that means me then?" Jace replied.
"Means you what?"
"Means I can twist you round my little finger too!"
The silence that hung in the air was electric.
"Yes." One solitary word that brought about a thousand and one scenarios and possibilities.
Jace sipped from her coffee and cleared her throat. "Have you come to a conclusion after our discussion of the other evening?"
Catherine moved back to her desk and sat down. Trailing a finger over the portrait of her deceased family she smiled sadly at the group that had been held for a split second of time. Had it been so long ago?
Jace waited patiently at her end not wanting to push her into something she wasn't prepared for.
"You know I thought long and hard about what you said and I know the answer. Can't say that I'm impressed with your choice though." Catherine spoke seriously a smile edging her lips.
"What! Catherine you're fooling me! Let me tell you..........!" Jace was spluttering at the other end.
"Hey, hold on Jace, let me tell you something first, you did ask remember?" Catherine spoke with determination.
"Right! Yes I did, carry on, sorry," came the mumbled reply.
"Good! For your choice does feel the same way and is honoured beyond any shadow of a doubt about what you're offering her!" Catherine slowly answered the question.
"Catherine, do you really feel the same?" responded Jace shyly.
"Jace Bardley, I fell in love with you the night you entered my study in those ridiculously large clothes and those bare feet, hell, who wouldn't have fallen for you!" Catherine admitted in a low seductive voice.
"I can't believe this is happening. Why are you so far away from me!" Jace spoke with passion; all she wanted to do was hug and kiss the woman that held her heart.
"Hey, listen Jace, I need to talk to you about lots of things and that can't be done over the phone or on e-mail. Grace isn't back for another few weeks and then I have a couple of business matter to take care of. Then I'm coming over to see you okay?"
"I don't need to talk Catherine, I need to see you, and touch you and let you experience exactly what my love means."
"Jace, talking is important, especially about me! I need you to know everything that I was and what I've done in the past. Then, if you still love me well, I think we can sort something out on a more permanent basis what do you think?" Catherine smiled at the thought of seeing the passion she heard in Jace's voice manifest itself just for her.
"Whatever you tell me Catherine will never shake this love I have for you, that much you have to believe!" Jace spoke with conviction.
"I hope so Jace, because I've never been in love before and this feeling isn't one that I want to lose, ever!"
"I promise you Catherine, whatever, and I mean whatever you have to tell me about your past, I will be there for you after all is said and done, you can count on me!" Jace sounded as if she was trying to convince a child about going to the dentist, but then Catherine was a child in many ways when it came to the romantic relationship area.
"Good, that's one promise I'm going to hold you too! Let me say one thing though Jace it's important!"
"Go ahead I'm listening."
"If you hear what I have to say and then find you can't keep that promise, you have to tell me. Don't let me hurt you as I've hurt others in the past, you have to promise me that!"
"I wont do that to you....." Catherine interrupted her. "Promise me!"
Jace had tears of happiness flowing down her cheeks. "I.....I promise." She answered in a slightly hoarse voice.
"Excellent. Now, what do I get this little wonder kid called Lisa for her birthday next week?" Catherine realised that the emotions were running too high for the present conversation to continue being thousands of miles apart; she went on to more normal conversation items.
"It's Lisa's birthday? How old is she?" Jace knew when the subject had been closed, if only temporarily, she knew why and smiled through the tears.
"Eight on Thursday, Jake will be eleven in three months; so what do you think?"
"I think you should take her shopping and let her chose something herself. Okay, you don't have to take Jake too," knowing Catherine would be putting on a face at her end.
"Oh, that kid will do as he's told or he doesn't get to ride Ruby for a day. That is the only punishment I can meter out the boy understands. He expects to be beaten I think when he rebels, not my style and certainly Grace wouldn't ever lift a hand to them. Guess his parents thought corporal punishment was the answer, at least he doesn't have to go through that sort of abuse again." Catherine meandered off and Jace had to stifle a chuckle as she thought of the stoic woman who most would assume that hitting a kid to discipline them would be right on target for her.
"You know, I think those kids are having a great time now, I know they will miss their parents from time to time particularly Lisa. Catherine you have provided a stable background for them to be brought up in, to be whatever they want to be in the future. You should be proud."
Laughing at the thought she responded. "Let's get them to twenty-one shall we, then we can decide if they have enjoyed living on 'Destiny'."
"Are you asking me to help you raise two children Catherine?" Jace asked, wondering if it was a slip of the tongue.
"Would you if I asked?"
"Yes."
"Then let's get that talk out of the way and we can work on that little scenario, okay?"
"You betcha! So you going to take Lisa shopping or have you something else in mind?" Jace changed the subject this time, although her heart was racing at the mere thought of spending the rest of her life with Catherine.
"Shopping is a good idea, next weekend sounds about right. Did I tell you that she gave me her tooth, which had fallen out to leave for the fairies" Catherine's voice wistful as the memory came to hand.
"She did what!' Catherine explained the situation. "Well, that child sure does love you Catherine to do something like that." Jace said in wonder.
"No! No I think she just felt sorry for me." Catherine spoke absently. 'Had it been love, or was it just a sense of sadness she had felt coming from me? Maybe I will never know for sure, but it made me feel really good.'
"I think she loves you. What did you get under your pillow that night Catherine?" Jace teased.
"I never put it under my pillow," she said solemnly, very much as she had spoken to Lisa that day.
"So you never got to receive a gift that day." Jace said quietly.
"Oh, I got a gift alright Jace but I didn't need to put the tooth under any pillow, the child had already weaved her magic on me! She gave me back another part of my heart that day, a part that died the day my Mother died, she opened it up and I will never forget that again." Catherine said in an almost awed voice.
"Then my love you did indeed get a gift that day," a choked voice answered back.
"Yes, what have you got planned for the next week?" Catherine pushed on into neutral emotionless topics.
***********
Her call to Jace had gone better than she had anticipated. At the end of the conversation, which had lasted about three hours all told, was with emotion, but a promise that held a future or hopefully it did.
'I hope you can keep your promises Jace, something tells me to trust you implicitly, but another part of me is holding back, what if you can't handle what I have to say, what then of Love?'
Her car was heading towards the suburb that held the Reverend's house, he was at home today, but insisted she come to see him there, after all she was doing him a favour. Parking the car in the large drive, she walked quickly to the front door and rang the bell.
Moments later the door was held open by a very distracted Reverend Stott, who looked like he'd been pulled through a hedge backwards.
"Ah, Mrs Warriorson, I'm sorry for my appearance, the dog got out of the garden and I've been chasing him around the neighbourhood, just got him back. Come in, come in." He motioned her forward.
"Thanks." Catherine couldn't help the small grin that appeared and quickly left as the Reverend looked at her immaculate appearance in close fitting black cord pants and a thick twill blouse, her leather airforce jacket slung casually over her shoulder; leather hiking boots in brown soft leather finished off the casual but cool image. Her hair was held in a loose fitting ponytail, which hung in neat precision down the centre of her back. Ice blue eyes held a hint of merriment as she walked into the house.
"This way, Mrs Warriorson, I think my study would be the best place for a conversation. Let me tell my wife you're here and she can bring us some refreshments. What would you prefer Tea or Coffee or.........?"
"Tea is fine, thanks." She followed him to the study and walked inside as he left her to talk to his wife.
She noted the large pine desk, with a green leather bucket chair and a multitude of books in the bookcases or stacked in corners of the room, it looked untidy, but had a comfortable feel about the place.
She walked over to the window and glanced out over the lawn and saw the vegetable patch, with its winter selection taking life, then the birdbath and stand that obviously saw activity at all times of the year. It was a typically average sort of garden really for this part of the world.
The Reverend returned a little more composed and glanced in her direction and smiled. "Do you have a love of the garden?" He asked politely.
"Not really, Grace my housekeeper likes to keep a garden. I'm more for the open spaces myself; the natural wonders of nature have always fascinated me. Although it's nice to see them, reminds me of back home in England," she finished in a reflective mood.
The Reverend, not one to miss an opportunity to know more about a person asked, "Do you miss England?"
Catherine smiled wryly. "Not really. I no longer have family there to make me miss it too much, but sometimes things bring back memories from time to time that are good. Are you a native of New Zealand?"
"No, I came over from South Africa some twenty-five years ago. My family still live in Johannesburg and I have visited occasionally, but, my wife is a true Zealander, she's a Maori. We met about twenty years ago and have been together ever since! Truly a match made in heaven, well, I think so anyway." He chuckled at his descriptive observation.
"Sometimes they can be!" Catherine said and smiled at him.
"So you have a proposition for me, or that's how I viewed our last conversation?"
"Yes, I have started a memorial fund in the name of my son Lucas, I want the funds to be channelled into this project and others like it! I was going to ask if you wanted to be co-executor along with Grace Thornton, my housekeeper. She doesn't know yet, it was rather sudden." Catherine spoke fast and with precision.
Suddenly the door to the study opened and in walked a large homely woman, who clearly was a native New Zealander, her brown eyes looked at her with warmth and her smile was both sincere and infectious.
"Mrs Warriorson, welcome to our home." She held out her hand as she relinquished the tray to her husband.
"Thank You, I'm very happy to meet you!" Catherine responded with a warm smile of her own.
"I better let you get on with your business, if you need anything else please call me," she left the room as quickly as she entered.
The Reverend smiled at the fading back of his wife, as he looked at the woman in front of him, who had offered, what he thought, was a lifeline for his project. "Exactly what would I do in this role?"
"You, and Grace, decide who should benefit from the funds available. It can be in the form of grants to people for caring for the children, or funds to build centres or whatever you feel will benefit the project. I'm not concerned with the details, only the initial scheme of things. I'm sure Grace will be happy to help on that front." She picked up a cup of tea, these small cups never held enough tea for her.
"It's that simple? How much would the fund hold?" He asked pensively.
"Yes it's that simple. Value, well I haven't discussed it with my lawyers, but what is your funding to date?"
The Reverend looked down into his cup and sighed. "Not enough, but at least we are able to help a little and the generosity of people like yourself have made the project take flight." He answered obscurely.
"That didn't answer my question though did it? So, how much have you had in the coffers since the project started?" She continued in that train of thought.
"Just over twenty thousand dollars," he answered quietly.
Catherine looked at him with her ice blue gaze and the look was one of incredulity. "Is that all? Why haven't you asked people like me for donations, it's a good cause?" She finished a little abruptly.
He looked at her sheepishly. "It wouldn't have been right to ask you for money as well as making a home for the children, let's be fair now, you didn't exactly warm to the subject at first."
Catherine smiled at him and considered his words.
"Your right I didn't! Although I have had cause to review my original opinions. Even I can be wrong Reverend, lucky someone came into my life at the right time and showed me the error of my ways."
"Would it be too personal to ask who that would be?" He eyed her cautiously, not wanting to overstep the current good feeling he was getting from the stoic woman in front of him.
"Well, you have met her, she was the American guest I had staying when you brought over the children that day," Catherine said softly.
"Ah, Ms Bardley. Yes such a pity she had to go back home," he looked at her and noticed the tightening of a muscle in her cheek at the mention of her name.
"Mmm, well she made me reconsider things in a big way and it's working out, so her influence helped your cause. If ever you need to thank anyone for my help, she would be the one to thank."
"Will she be coming back to visit?" he asked tentatively.
Catherine smiled warmly at that comment. "Yes I hope so."
They both drank their respective cups of tea. "So when will the fund start?"
"The lawyers will draw up the papers and I need to get Grace onboard, she has my full confidence and she's a friend. My son's name will not be involved in anything underhand if she's involved." Catherine said in a forceful way.
"My dear Mrs Warriorson, I can assure you of my integrity when it comes to handling funds. I have never been involved in anything crooked in my life," he sounded affronted and rightly so.
Catherine realised after she'd spoken exactly what she'd implied.
'Guess my tact went out the window.' Stifling a chuckle she responded. "I'm sorry Reverend no slight implied, it's very important that my son's name is never tarred with any of the feathers that have inadvertently been attached to me in the past," she answered.
"So you have a past?" He looked at her and arched his eyebrow to the left.
"Reverend, I don't know anyone who hasn't reached their mid-thirties without some kind of past," she grinned at him wickedly.
"I take your point Mrs Warriorson. When do you think we will see this extra funding?"
"I should think in a months time; Grace is back at the ranch in a couple of weeks and I can contact the lawyers, the funds are available immediately, it's just a matter of transferring them as you see fit."
"Sounds like a plan. So how are the two children you care for?" He changed the subject.
"Well, that's another reason for my visit actually. You mentioned adoption last time I was here right?" She asked tentatively.
He was surprised at her question. "Yes, adoption is a very good possibility, if they want it too."
"Yes, I was going to broach it to them soon, see how the land lies if you know what I mean.' her face held a look of consternation, almost not saying the next words, "What would be your reaction if I started a relationship during the process? Would there be any restrictions to the adoption?" She knew she was treading a fine line here but what the hell!
"No, nothing that I could see or comes immediately to mind. Are you asking me if there are some relationships that are not welcome by the adoption agency?"
"Yes," came the clipped answer.
"Then I would have to check for you, but I'm not aware of any. If the children are loved and cared for and are happy, what more can you ask for. Would that person equally care for them?" He asked gently.
Catherine got up from her chair and gazed out of the window, her back to the reverend as she spoke quietly, "Oh yes, without a doubt that person would care for them, maybe more than I'm capable of myself. Love would never be a problem for that person, that much I can promise."
The Reverend had an inkling who she was talking about, but you never broached a subject as sensitive as that one without facts and especially not to the party in front of him! "Then my dear, have no fear. I have always believed that love conquers all."
Catherine turned to him, "Thanks." and went towards the door.
Reverend Stott got up from his seat and held out his hand. "Thank you, and I hope you achieve what you seek."
Catherine clasped his hand in a strong handshake. "So do I, will you thank your wife for the tea and I will talk to you later about the adoption, after I've spoken to the children."
She opened the door and walked down the hall with him following behind. Opening the
front door she suddenly turned back and looked at him with a piercing ice blue stare.
"Oh, I forgot to say what the value was, of the fund I mean.' He looked at her
with interest. "I was thinking ten to start with then see how that goes," she
waited for his reaction.
He smiled happily, "Ten thousand dollars sounds good to me."
Catherine never once letting her glance be diverted she once again smiled wickedly at the Reverend as she continued. "No! No not ten thousand! I was thinking more on the lines of Ten Million dollars," she saw his face pale and she laughed. "That's, US dollars not New Zealand. Bye for now Reverend."
She left the clergyman open mouthed at the door; he was still there looking as if he'd been poleaxe as she pulled out of the drive.
"Guess money has its way of muting a conversation from time to time," she chuckled at loud as she turned off the road towards home.
Continued in Part 13
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