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Story Hour
"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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<blockquote data-quote="orchid blossom" data-source="post: 2835797" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p><span style="font-size: 15px">Confessions</span></p><p></p><p>The next morning she dressed in a rose-pink, high-necked gown with a cameo pinned at her throat. Her hair was more elaborately arranged than usual since she again had the help of a maid. She stepped out of her room to see Conrad walking down the hall. Her heart thumped and there was a pretty flush in her face as she said, “Good morning.”</p><p></p><p>“Good morning to you,” he replies. “It appears that I’m beginning to adapt to the change in time zones. You look well rested, that is good, yesterday was a long day for you. I apologize for not seeing you last evening but you and your mother were in the parlor with the doors closed and I did not want to intrude upon your privacy. I did manage to keep busy though, young Charmichael Tannenbaum was kind enough to give me a walking tour of this section of Boston. What a fine historic city you have here.”</p><p></p><p>“There’s no need to apologize. I’m glad you got out into the city for a while. It’s beautiful, and sometimes I miss it a great deal. But you heard Mrs. Oxnard last night; that I don’t miss. In Arizona no one finds it odd that I would rather do something with my time then sit and entertain visitors and gossip about my neighbors.”</p><p></p><p>Kate took his arm and walked companionably with him. “Yesterday was a long day, and I’m not sure everything has hit me yet. I had a very difficult time falling asleep last night, but I’m glad I can fool you.</p><p></p><p>Charmichael has been a friend of Phillip’s since they were children. I’m a bit surprised you and he were out together. Yesterday he seemed.... Forgive my bluntness but jealous would be the correct word. He fancied me when we were young, but I’d thought he’d gotten over that long ago.”</p><p></p><p>Conrad laughs and says, “Oh, he’s still somewhat smitten with you but I believe that when you married Thomas Kale he accepted that fact that you and he would never be a couple. But the young man is still protective of you. He asked me a number of questions during our walk that were clearly targeted towards his finding out if I was a man of good character. Phillip had mentioned to him that my profession was that of a gambler, so Charmichael immediately assumed I was just after the Seagram family’s money. I just played along and answered all of his questions honestly, enjoying the tour and not wanting to cause a confrontation with the boy.”</p><p></p><p>“Thank you for that. You’re right, he’s just concerned. You’re a stranger to them, and Charmichael doesn’t even have the benefit of having read my letters, incomplete as they are. I’m sure you can imagine there are some things I haven’t written about.”</p><p></p><p>Kate squeezed his arm and was quiet for a moment. “I have to talk to my father today and tell him about the more exciting parts of my life the last few months. He knows some of it but it’s still very incomplete. There is so much he needs to understand before I can tell him about the baby. Once Papa understands I can tell the others. I hate having secrets, from Henry especially. I’ve always told him everything.”</p><p></p><p>She stopped walking next to a little alcove and took his other hand. “Perhaps you’d make the arrangements for our trip to New York today? We could leave tomorrow and come back Wednesday.” She stepped closer to him. “It would be nice to have some time together.”</p><p></p><p>He replies, “Indeed it would. From what I have seen Ginnie and Manuel are both very comfortable here, so I do not think that leaving them for a day would be a problem for either of them. I will talk to Mathias about making those arrangements.”</p><p></p><p>“Thank you. They’ve both been here before. I’m sure they will find plenty to entertain them in the library, I’ll have to remind them to eat while we’re gone,” she laughed. “Perhaps we can go for a walk or a drive later and I can show you some more of the city. I think I’ll need to relax later.”</p><p></p><p>Conrad replies, “Very good. I will go make the travel arrangements and will see you at lunch if not before.”</p><p></p><p>“Don’t forget to get yourself some breakfast,” she smiled. Kate hesitated for a moment, then pushed herself high up on her toes and kissed his cheek before she left him there to find her teacher. Her father would be in his study this time of morning, and she wasn’t going to be able to eat until after this was over.</p><p></p><p>Kate found her teacher and walked with him to her father’s study. “Thank you for coming with me,” she said. “I’ll need your help explaining much of the magic; especially the earth magic that allowed Tom to be here.”</p><p></p><p>Manuel patted her hand that was resting on his arm as they walked. “Your father loves you. Whether he believes or not, that isn’t going to change.”</p><p></p><p>“I know,” she nodded. “But there are few things that hurt more than disappointing my family.” They stopped before the open study door for Kate to take a deep breath. “Papa, can I talk to you?”</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>The study door had been closed for the better part of two hours before Kate came to the end of her story. With her teacher’s help she explained what had really happened in Promise City as completely as she could, from the first day, to the meeting with the Cartwrights, and every adventure that followed. They dwelled on her lessons and Storm’s earth magics, and the attention of the deities on Promise City during March.</p><p></p><p>After everything else was told she explained how Tom had come to her and what had happened. “There is no greater gift,” she finished with her eyes shining. “I will revere Diana for her kindness for the rest of my life. We’re under her protection now. I know it’s hard to believe, but you’ll see. When you see your grandson, you’ll know.”</p><p></p><p>A very long period of silence follows during which it is near to impossible to deduce what Mr. Seagram is thinking.</p><p></p><p>Manuel Gonzales breaks the silence by stating, “Sir, I realize that this is a lot to take in all at once and difficult to believe. The honest truth is that I didn’t believe it either at first, nor did Mr. Booth. In fact, we each initially thought...well....that the other was somehow responsible.</p><p></p><p>But we both received the counsel of another, a very powerful and ancient wood elvan woman who knows more about the Earth than nearly anybody around. She convinced us of what had happened. Priestess Minerva Florencia can also shed some light on this subject.</p><p></p><p>My recommendation is that you join Mr. Pickering on his visit to Arizona next month when you can meet and talk with these individuals. Until then, please keep an open mind on this subject and also pray to your deities to show you the truth.”</p><p></p><p>Katherine looked over to her teacher with poorly concealed hurt in her eyes. “I didn’t know that you didn’t believe me,” she said quietly.</p><p></p><p>Manuel says, “I.....I’m sorry. That was wrong of me...I should have. I will never doubt you again Katherine.”</p><p></p><p>Kate stepped over and embraced her teacher. “You did what you thought best at the time, and I needed to be believed. I just... you must have thought I’d finally gone crazy. You didn’t think I’d lied, did you?”</p><p></p><p>Friedrich finally spoke. “I don’t know what to think, Katherine. You’ve been away a long time and your life has changed more than I ever dreamed. Things have happened to you that I wouldn’t have believed. But I also know that you don’t lie. You believe this is the truth.</p><p></p><p>I will keep my mind open and I will pray. And you are right, Mr. Gonzales. I need to come to Arizona and see for myself.”</p><p></p><p>“Papa, there is a man in Philadelphia, Arch-Bishop Dimitrios Tsaldaris. He recently visited Promise City. He knows how this happened. The goddess sent me a message through him, that the baby and I were under her protection. I never told him of my condition, but he knew.”</p><p></p><p>Mr. Seagram rubbed his forehead and looked at his daughter. “Are you happy, Katie?”</p><p></p><p>“I am, Papa. I never thought I would have a child. Diana granted me a miracle. It’s as if somehow someone feels I deserve some happiness in trade for the pain of the past months. Finding Ginnie saved me; she will always be my first child. And this baby fulfills the last dream Tom and I had together. I am very happy.”</p><p></p><p>Friedrich came over and wrapped his arms around her. He was shocked to feel her trembling. “Our first grandson...” he kissed her cheek and held her for several long moments. “I love you, Katie.”</p><p></p><p>He let go and sat down on the sofa next to her. “I wish you would reconsider coming back to Boston. Your life in Arizona... How many times has someone shot at you? The Earps, the Cowboy Gang, monsters... how can you feel safe?”</p><p></p><p>“I think that’s over now, Papa. Morgan is dead, Ringo is dead and the Gang broken. There’s no reason for anyone else to bother the schoolteacher. And now that you know everything, can you really see me living in Boston again? The society rules feel so restrictive now, so unnecessary. They’re like Mrs. King, only there because someone is afraid of what we’d do with our freedom.” She cleared her throat. “Speaking of... Mr. Booth and I will be taking a short trip to New York tomorrow. We’ll be back on Wednesday. He wants to see his father but he doesn’t want to go alone.”</p><p></p><p>“Just the two of you? It has been a long time since you were last in the city and I believe that Mr. Booth indicated he has never been to the Eastern United States before. New York can also be a dangerous place for those unfamiliar with it. If you would like I could accompany you, or I could perhaps send along Mathias.”</p><p></p><p>“Mr. Booth has never been to Boston before, but he has traveled to New York. Considering what I’ve been through in Arizona, I don’t find New York frightening. We’ll be very careful Papa. And we don’t intend to tour the city at all. Just perhaps go to the theater if that’s what we need to do to find Edwin Booth.</p><p></p><p>And would you or Mathias really want to be traveling right now? I wouldn’t think you’d feel much like going anywhere.”</p><p></p><p>“You’re probably right Kate, I was just concerned for you safety. Actually, I’m thinking of letting Mathias have the rest of the week off from his duties. He was closer to Mr. Emerson than any of us.”</p><p></p><p>Kate took her father’s hands and swallowed. “It might be good for him to relax for a few days. I’ve felt rather numb the last few days, as if it hasn’t quite hit me yet. Perhaps when I’m back in Arizona and things are quiet again....</p><p></p><p>Thank you for watching out for me. I understand your concern, but I’ll be careful. I have a lot of reasons to be.”</p><p></p><p>“There is one more thing, Papa.”</p><p></p><p>“Something more? I’m getting old my girl, I’m not sure how much more I can handle,” her father teased.</p><p></p><p>“No, no more news. I just.... I don’t want you to have to keep secrets. And I want Maman and Henry and Phillip to know. But I need your advice on when to tell them. Whatever they believe this baby is still mine. And ours. I even hope that you and Maman might come in December when he’s due. I....” Kate twisted her hands in her lap, betraying her nerves. “I think I’ll want Maman with me.”</p><p></p><p>He replies, “I am certain that it can be arranged. And I plan to visit you next month along with Mr. Pickering as well.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh, good! I so want you to see where I live. You won’t seem so far away anymore after you’ve visited and met everyone.”</p><p></p><p>Kate stayed and talked with her father for a while longer until the strange tension in the room mostly faded away. After a while Kate claimed hunger and the left the men in the study to find some breakfast and then to find Conrad. Once she had left the room Friedrich turned to his daughter’s teacher.</p><p></p><p>“There is a great deal I didn’t know, and most of it shocks me more than her last confession. Three months drinking in Tombstone... I should have come to her there. It sounds as if she came very close to going mad.”</p><p></p><p>“She did sir, but she is far better now. She has the blessings of the Goddess Diana and that will carry her onward. He biggest fear at this point was how you and your family would accept her news.”</p><p></p><p>“I never thought the day would come when she’d be afraid to tell me something. But I suppose this wasn’t any small thing. Give me a chance to absorb it all... Once I get over being shocked I can congratulate her properly. I can’t say I don’t look forward to another grandchild. Amelie will be thrilled after she passes out.”</p><p></p><p>Friedrich Seagram suddenly laughed out loud. “Maybe Katie’s right. I taught her myself it’s your actions that matter, not what anyone else thinks of them. We know what kind of woman she is, that’s good enough for me. Society can say what they want.”</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>Kate found something to eat in the kitchen and asked for the small carriage to be prepared. After she ate she found Conrad and took him on a wider tour of the city, pointing out the historic homes and places well known to any who’d studied the War of Independence.</p><p></p><p>She gradually relaxed as they rode. Often she held onto his hand; although conscious of the open windows she was careful not to sit too close.</p><p></p><p>“I hope you don’t mind if I run a little errand,” she said finally. “Oddly, I feel like going to church.”</p><p></p><p>Conrad replies, “Not at all. I would have thought that you might want to speak to your late husband’s priest.”</p><p></p><p>“No, actually. What could I possibly have to say to him? We didn’t get on with one another when I lived here, I don’t imagine he’ll like me any better now.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh....well, then I’m confused? Why go there? Wouldn’t that Priest be there?”</p><p></p><p>“I don’t need to see a Priest. I just want to say a prayer to Diana. I thought I was prepared for my father to doubt me, but I must have been holding out hope. There is something about being in church that really makes you feel like the gods are listening. I hope she’ll help Papa see. Or if not, help me to accept that he won’t. I just hate the thought of him thinking I’m crazy, or lying.</p><p></p><p>I suppose the priest will be there. I hate giving him the satisfaction of seeing me there, but this is more important.”</p><p></p><p>Conrad says, “Well, why don’t we try a different church instead then, one where you won’t be recognized. I would love to see the Old North Church, where Paul Revere got the signal from his friend to alert the countryside that the British were mounting an attack against the colonial militia.”</p><p></p><p>Kate squeezed his hand. “Oh, that’s tempting. And it makes good sense. We can see something you’d like to, and I can say my prayers without making an extra trip.</p><p></p><p>I suppose I’ll have to face Tom’s priest eventually, but not today.”</p><p></p><p>Conrad says, “Kate, this trip has been stressful enough as it is, there is no need to add any further stress. So let’s head over to that church. I was able to pick up the train tickets. It departs rather early, 7:15 A.M., I hope that won’t be too much of a problem for you.”</p><p></p><p>“Not at all. I’ve gotten used to getting up early. We’ll get there with plenty of time left to enjoy the day and decide what to do in the evening.”</p><p></p><p>Kate rapped on the ceiling of the carriage and asked the driver to take them to the Old North Church. “The ride will take a little while,” she said and pulled the curtains shut, “and we can look on the way back.” Once they were free from prying eyes she settled her head on his shoulder with a sigh and closed her eyes.</p><p></p><p>The ride does take a while and Kate relaxes to a point of nearly falling asleep. Conrad places his hand gently upon her hair along the back of her head. He apparently thinks that she is sleeping as he very softly states.</p><p></p><p>“Rest well darling Kate. During the festival’s last dance I promised that from me you will never receive anything except for my endless flattery, eternal devotion and continuous protection. You suggested that I not make promises that I cannot keep. I hope that you may some day realize the sincerity of my words.”</p><p></p><p>“I do,” she said softly, just loud enough to reach his ear. She laid her hand gently on his chest. “I know you will keep those promises; but you can’t help but break the promise to give me nothing else. I know you will give me much, much more. I only hope I can give you as much.”</p><p></p><p>He is startled a bit to see that she wasn’t asleep but quickly recovers, gently stroking her hair as he says, “Kate....You give me a happiness that I have never known before. I love you.”</p><p></p><p>Kate lifted her face showing the imprint of his lapel on her cheek. Her eyes met his steadily as she confessed, “I love you, too.”</p><p></p><p>His eyes open wide upon hearing that pronouncement. For the first time since she’s met him Conrad appears to be at a total loss for words.</p><p></p><p>She softly lifted her hand to his cheek and lifted her face higher. Much as he had at the festival ball, Kate brushed her lips tenderly against his. “I will say a prayer to Aphrodite as well,” she finally whispered.</p><p></p><p>He replies, “No, allow me to. While you are under the protection of Diana your prayers should be to her alone, and certainly not to her rival.”</p><p></p><p>The carriage soon reaches the church.</p><p></p><p>“As you wish, my dear. You’re right, I owe my allegiance to Diana.”</p><p></p><p>Kate carefully recovered her public face as the carriage slowed and stopped. She checked her hair and dress to make sure everything was in place as Conrad stepped down, then offered his hand to help her. Arm in arm they walked to the church. Kate hesitated a moment when they reached the church door, but took a deep breath and stepped inside.</p><p></p><p>The driver discharged his passengers and then tied up the carriage to a post alongside Salem Street. They entered the large brick building with the large white wooden steeple atop that was the oldest Greek and Roman church building in the city. The steeple itself was not original, having been replaced following the destruction of its predecessor in the hurricane of 1804. But the remainder of the church remained much as it had been since its construction in 1723.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2835797, member: 12815"] [SIZE=4]Confessions[/SIZE] The next morning she dressed in a rose-pink, high-necked gown with a cameo pinned at her throat. Her hair was more elaborately arranged than usual since she again had the help of a maid. She stepped out of her room to see Conrad walking down the hall. Her heart thumped and there was a pretty flush in her face as she said, “Good morning.” “Good morning to you,” he replies. “It appears that I’m beginning to adapt to the change in time zones. You look well rested, that is good, yesterday was a long day for you. I apologize for not seeing you last evening but you and your mother were in the parlor with the doors closed and I did not want to intrude upon your privacy. I did manage to keep busy though, young Charmichael Tannenbaum was kind enough to give me a walking tour of this section of Boston. What a fine historic city you have here.” “There’s no need to apologize. I’m glad you got out into the city for a while. It’s beautiful, and sometimes I miss it a great deal. But you heard Mrs. Oxnard last night; that I don’t miss. In Arizona no one finds it odd that I would rather do something with my time then sit and entertain visitors and gossip about my neighbors.” Kate took his arm and walked companionably with him. “Yesterday was a long day, and I’m not sure everything has hit me yet. I had a very difficult time falling asleep last night, but I’m glad I can fool you. Charmichael has been a friend of Phillip’s since they were children. I’m a bit surprised you and he were out together. Yesterday he seemed.... Forgive my bluntness but jealous would be the correct word. He fancied me when we were young, but I’d thought he’d gotten over that long ago.” Conrad laughs and says, “Oh, he’s still somewhat smitten with you but I believe that when you married Thomas Kale he accepted that fact that you and he would never be a couple. But the young man is still protective of you. He asked me a number of questions during our walk that were clearly targeted towards his finding out if I was a man of good character. Phillip had mentioned to him that my profession was that of a gambler, so Charmichael immediately assumed I was just after the Seagram family’s money. I just played along and answered all of his questions honestly, enjoying the tour and not wanting to cause a confrontation with the boy.” “Thank you for that. You’re right, he’s just concerned. You’re a stranger to them, and Charmichael doesn’t even have the benefit of having read my letters, incomplete as they are. I’m sure you can imagine there are some things I haven’t written about.” Kate squeezed his arm and was quiet for a moment. “I have to talk to my father today and tell him about the more exciting parts of my life the last few months. He knows some of it but it’s still very incomplete. There is so much he needs to understand before I can tell him about the baby. Once Papa understands I can tell the others. I hate having secrets, from Henry especially. I’ve always told him everything.” She stopped walking next to a little alcove and took his other hand. “Perhaps you’d make the arrangements for our trip to New York today? We could leave tomorrow and come back Wednesday.” She stepped closer to him. “It would be nice to have some time together.” He replies, “Indeed it would. From what I have seen Ginnie and Manuel are both very comfortable here, so I do not think that leaving them for a day would be a problem for either of them. I will talk to Mathias about making those arrangements.” “Thank you. They’ve both been here before. I’m sure they will find plenty to entertain them in the library, I’ll have to remind them to eat while we’re gone,” she laughed. “Perhaps we can go for a walk or a drive later and I can show you some more of the city. I think I’ll need to relax later.” Conrad replies, “Very good. I will go make the travel arrangements and will see you at lunch if not before.” “Don’t forget to get yourself some breakfast,” she smiled. Kate hesitated for a moment, then pushed herself high up on her toes and kissed his cheek before she left him there to find her teacher. Her father would be in his study this time of morning, and she wasn’t going to be able to eat until after this was over. Kate found her teacher and walked with him to her father’s study. “Thank you for coming with me,” she said. “I’ll need your help explaining much of the magic; especially the earth magic that allowed Tom to be here.” Manuel patted her hand that was resting on his arm as they walked. “Your father loves you. Whether he believes or not, that isn’t going to change.” “I know,” she nodded. “But there are few things that hurt more than disappointing my family.” They stopped before the open study door for Kate to take a deep breath. “Papa, can I talk to you?” * * * The study door had been closed for the better part of two hours before Kate came to the end of her story. With her teacher’s help she explained what had really happened in Promise City as completely as she could, from the first day, to the meeting with the Cartwrights, and every adventure that followed. They dwelled on her lessons and Storm’s earth magics, and the attention of the deities on Promise City during March. After everything else was told she explained how Tom had come to her and what had happened. “There is no greater gift,” she finished with her eyes shining. “I will revere Diana for her kindness for the rest of my life. We’re under her protection now. I know it’s hard to believe, but you’ll see. When you see your grandson, you’ll know.” A very long period of silence follows during which it is near to impossible to deduce what Mr. Seagram is thinking. Manuel Gonzales breaks the silence by stating, “Sir, I realize that this is a lot to take in all at once and difficult to believe. The honest truth is that I didn’t believe it either at first, nor did Mr. Booth. In fact, we each initially thought...well....that the other was somehow responsible. But we both received the counsel of another, a very powerful and ancient wood elvan woman who knows more about the Earth than nearly anybody around. She convinced us of what had happened. Priestess Minerva Florencia can also shed some light on this subject. My recommendation is that you join Mr. Pickering on his visit to Arizona next month when you can meet and talk with these individuals. Until then, please keep an open mind on this subject and also pray to your deities to show you the truth.” Katherine looked over to her teacher with poorly concealed hurt in her eyes. “I didn’t know that you didn’t believe me,” she said quietly. Manuel says, “I.....I’m sorry. That was wrong of me...I should have. I will never doubt you again Katherine.” Kate stepped over and embraced her teacher. “You did what you thought best at the time, and I needed to be believed. I just... you must have thought I’d finally gone crazy. You didn’t think I’d lied, did you?” Friedrich finally spoke. “I don’t know what to think, Katherine. You’ve been away a long time and your life has changed more than I ever dreamed. Things have happened to you that I wouldn’t have believed. But I also know that you don’t lie. You believe this is the truth. I will keep my mind open and I will pray. And you are right, Mr. Gonzales. I need to come to Arizona and see for myself.” “Papa, there is a man in Philadelphia, Arch-Bishop Dimitrios Tsaldaris. He recently visited Promise City. He knows how this happened. The goddess sent me a message through him, that the baby and I were under her protection. I never told him of my condition, but he knew.” Mr. Seagram rubbed his forehead and looked at his daughter. “Are you happy, Katie?” “I am, Papa. I never thought I would have a child. Diana granted me a miracle. It’s as if somehow someone feels I deserve some happiness in trade for the pain of the past months. Finding Ginnie saved me; she will always be my first child. And this baby fulfills the last dream Tom and I had together. I am very happy.” Friedrich came over and wrapped his arms around her. He was shocked to feel her trembling. “Our first grandson...” he kissed her cheek and held her for several long moments. “I love you, Katie.” He let go and sat down on the sofa next to her. “I wish you would reconsider coming back to Boston. Your life in Arizona... How many times has someone shot at you? The Earps, the Cowboy Gang, monsters... how can you feel safe?” “I think that’s over now, Papa. Morgan is dead, Ringo is dead and the Gang broken. There’s no reason for anyone else to bother the schoolteacher. And now that you know everything, can you really see me living in Boston again? The society rules feel so restrictive now, so unnecessary. They’re like Mrs. King, only there because someone is afraid of what we’d do with our freedom.” She cleared her throat. “Speaking of... Mr. Booth and I will be taking a short trip to New York tomorrow. We’ll be back on Wednesday. He wants to see his father but he doesn’t want to go alone.” “Just the two of you? It has been a long time since you were last in the city and I believe that Mr. Booth indicated he has never been to the Eastern United States before. New York can also be a dangerous place for those unfamiliar with it. If you would like I could accompany you, or I could perhaps send along Mathias.” “Mr. Booth has never been to Boston before, but he has traveled to New York. Considering what I’ve been through in Arizona, I don’t find New York frightening. We’ll be very careful Papa. And we don’t intend to tour the city at all. Just perhaps go to the theater if that’s what we need to do to find Edwin Booth. And would you or Mathias really want to be traveling right now? I wouldn’t think you’d feel much like going anywhere.” “You’re probably right Kate, I was just concerned for you safety. Actually, I’m thinking of letting Mathias have the rest of the week off from his duties. He was closer to Mr. Emerson than any of us.” Kate took her father’s hands and swallowed. “It might be good for him to relax for a few days. I’ve felt rather numb the last few days, as if it hasn’t quite hit me yet. Perhaps when I’m back in Arizona and things are quiet again.... Thank you for watching out for me. I understand your concern, but I’ll be careful. I have a lot of reasons to be.” “There is one more thing, Papa.” “Something more? I’m getting old my girl, I’m not sure how much more I can handle,” her father teased. “No, no more news. I just.... I don’t want you to have to keep secrets. And I want Maman and Henry and Phillip to know. But I need your advice on when to tell them. Whatever they believe this baby is still mine. And ours. I even hope that you and Maman might come in December when he’s due. I....” Kate twisted her hands in her lap, betraying her nerves. “I think I’ll want Maman with me.” He replies, “I am certain that it can be arranged. And I plan to visit you next month along with Mr. Pickering as well.” “Oh, good! I so want you to see where I live. You won’t seem so far away anymore after you’ve visited and met everyone.” Kate stayed and talked with her father for a while longer until the strange tension in the room mostly faded away. After a while Kate claimed hunger and the left the men in the study to find some breakfast and then to find Conrad. Once she had left the room Friedrich turned to his daughter’s teacher. “There is a great deal I didn’t know, and most of it shocks me more than her last confession. Three months drinking in Tombstone... I should have come to her there. It sounds as if she came very close to going mad.” “She did sir, but she is far better now. She has the blessings of the Goddess Diana and that will carry her onward. He biggest fear at this point was how you and your family would accept her news.” “I never thought the day would come when she’d be afraid to tell me something. But I suppose this wasn’t any small thing. Give me a chance to absorb it all... Once I get over being shocked I can congratulate her properly. I can’t say I don’t look forward to another grandchild. Amelie will be thrilled after she passes out.” Friedrich Seagram suddenly laughed out loud. “Maybe Katie’s right. I taught her myself it’s your actions that matter, not what anyone else thinks of them. We know what kind of woman she is, that’s good enough for me. Society can say what they want.” *** Kate found something to eat in the kitchen and asked for the small carriage to be prepared. After she ate she found Conrad and took him on a wider tour of the city, pointing out the historic homes and places well known to any who’d studied the War of Independence. She gradually relaxed as they rode. Often she held onto his hand; although conscious of the open windows she was careful not to sit too close. “I hope you don’t mind if I run a little errand,” she said finally. “Oddly, I feel like going to church.” Conrad replies, “Not at all. I would have thought that you might want to speak to your late husband’s priest.” “No, actually. What could I possibly have to say to him? We didn’t get on with one another when I lived here, I don’t imagine he’ll like me any better now.” “Oh....well, then I’m confused? Why go there? Wouldn’t that Priest be there?” “I don’t need to see a Priest. I just want to say a prayer to Diana. I thought I was prepared for my father to doubt me, but I must have been holding out hope. There is something about being in church that really makes you feel like the gods are listening. I hope she’ll help Papa see. Or if not, help me to accept that he won’t. I just hate the thought of him thinking I’m crazy, or lying. I suppose the priest will be there. I hate giving him the satisfaction of seeing me there, but this is more important.” Conrad says, “Well, why don’t we try a different church instead then, one where you won’t be recognized. I would love to see the Old North Church, where Paul Revere got the signal from his friend to alert the countryside that the British were mounting an attack against the colonial militia.” Kate squeezed his hand. “Oh, that’s tempting. And it makes good sense. We can see something you’d like to, and I can say my prayers without making an extra trip. I suppose I’ll have to face Tom’s priest eventually, but not today.” Conrad says, “Kate, this trip has been stressful enough as it is, there is no need to add any further stress. So let’s head over to that church. I was able to pick up the train tickets. It departs rather early, 7:15 A.M., I hope that won’t be too much of a problem for you.” “Not at all. I’ve gotten used to getting up early. We’ll get there with plenty of time left to enjoy the day and decide what to do in the evening.” Kate rapped on the ceiling of the carriage and asked the driver to take them to the Old North Church. “The ride will take a little while,” she said and pulled the curtains shut, “and we can look on the way back.” Once they were free from prying eyes she settled her head on his shoulder with a sigh and closed her eyes. The ride does take a while and Kate relaxes to a point of nearly falling asleep. Conrad places his hand gently upon her hair along the back of her head. He apparently thinks that she is sleeping as he very softly states. “Rest well darling Kate. During the festival’s last dance I promised that from me you will never receive anything except for my endless flattery, eternal devotion and continuous protection. You suggested that I not make promises that I cannot keep. I hope that you may some day realize the sincerity of my words.” “I do,” she said softly, just loud enough to reach his ear. She laid her hand gently on his chest. “I know you will keep those promises; but you can’t help but break the promise to give me nothing else. I know you will give me much, much more. I only hope I can give you as much.” He is startled a bit to see that she wasn’t asleep but quickly recovers, gently stroking her hair as he says, “Kate....You give me a happiness that I have never known before. I love you.” Kate lifted her face showing the imprint of his lapel on her cheek. Her eyes met his steadily as she confessed, “I love you, too.” His eyes open wide upon hearing that pronouncement. For the first time since she’s met him Conrad appears to be at a total loss for words. She softly lifted her hand to his cheek and lifted her face higher. Much as he had at the festival ball, Kate brushed her lips tenderly against his. “I will say a prayer to Aphrodite as well,” she finally whispered. He replies, “No, allow me to. While you are under the protection of Diana your prayers should be to her alone, and certainly not to her rival.” The carriage soon reaches the church. “As you wish, my dear. You’re right, I owe my allegiance to Diana.” Kate carefully recovered her public face as the carriage slowed and stopped. She checked her hair and dress to make sure everything was in place as Conrad stepped down, then offered his hand to help her. Arm in arm they walked to the church. Kate hesitated a moment when they reached the church door, but took a deep breath and stepped inside. The driver discharged his passengers and then tied up the carriage to a post alongside Salem Street. They entered the large brick building with the large white wooden steeple atop that was the oldest Greek and Roman church building in the city. The steeple itself was not original, having been replaced following the destruction of its predecessor in the hurricane of 1804. But the remainder of the church remained much as it had been since its construction in 1723. [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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