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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: 2845328" data-attributes="member: 12815"><p><span style="font-size: 12px">A Little Time Alone</span></p><p></p><p>"I'm hungry, it's been a long time since lunch," Kate said quietly. "Or perhaps more correctly he's hungry. I think I'll have something sent up. Do you want anything or are you too excited to eat?" she asked Conrad.</p><p></p><p>"I will always take the time to share a meal with you Kate. I believe that I saw a small French restaurant just two doors down from here if you are in the mood for it."</p><p></p><p>"As long as it isn't far," Kate said. The two turned around and walked past the confused doorman as he again opened the door for them. "It's been a long day and I'm getting tired. And there is a beautiful bathtub I intend to make full use of this evening. But food first."</p><p></p><p>They find the restaurant. It is a small, casual place presently with patrons at only three of the twelve tables. The entire menu is in French, which also appears to be the only language that the waiters can speak. Conrad says to Kate, "You'll have to help me out here."</p><p></p><p>"Of course, I'll take care of everything."</p><p></p><p>Kate explained what the dishes were, and when the waiter came over she said confidently, "Nous commence voudrions que le Soupe Bonne Femme, avec l'asperge avec un ail rôti Vinaigrette. Pour le plat principal, Boeuf à la Bourguignonne, et pour finir un plat de fromage et de fruit. Merci."</p><p></p><p>"I hope you'll like it," Kate said to Conrad after the waiter left. "It's potato and leek soup, asparagus with a garlic dressing, a beef and mushroom dish cooked in wine, and then just some cheese and fruit. Quite a lot for this time of night, but I really am hungry," she said, slightly embarrassed.</p><p></p><p>The meal goes quickly. Conrad also is hungry. There is minimum of conversation between the two. Afterwards Conrad pays the check and they walk back to the hotel.</p><p></p><p>While walking along the street Conrad says, "I noticed that you were gone with Mr. Booth for a while, twenty-three minutes to be exact. What did he wish to talk to you about?"</p><p></p><p>"You know exactly how long I was gone? You seemed rather busy to be noting my absence with that kind of precision," she teased, trying to be light.</p><p></p><p>"Kate, when have details escaped my notice? Of course I noted your departure. It was shortly after he gave my birth certificate to my half-sister and they spoke for six minutes in what appeared to be a rather animated conversation. I really should learn to read lips at some point, it would make things much easier to figure out."</p><p></p><p>"He wanted to tell me that he had confirmed my identity. And to caution me against... believing in you too blindly," Kate said.</p><p></p><p>"Ah, that does not surprise me at all. But I won't fret over that and neither should you. Tonight went far better than I could have ever imagined. This will take time but I should be able to eventually convince him of my good intentions."</p><p></p><p>"I'm afraid I have a tendency to fret. As soon as I collected myself I realized that you likely knew he would continue his own investigations and reserve judgement and would not be surprised, as I was. I think I was most shocked that he had thought I might be working with you to fool him. But you will convince him, helped along by his own inquiries, I'm sure.</p><p></p><p>I am too inclined to trust, I suppose, terribly so if a stranger felt the need to warn me." She sighed softly. "But he doesn't know everything I do, all the reasons I have to believe in you."</p><p></p><p>The reach and enter the hotel, the doormen again holding the doors for them. As they approach the elevators he says, "Thank you Katherine. I was sincere in what I told him tonight, even if he had rejected me again your faith in me counts for far more. Thank you for coming here to New York with me. I won't say that I couldn't have done it without you, but it would have been far more difficult."</p><p></p><p>"I didn't do much but sit quietly while you talked." She paused and then smiled. "And enjoy a couple very good meals, a lovely room, and the chance to meet some very interesting people. I'm glad you found what you were looking for here, or at least the path to it."</p><p></p><p>They get on the elevator and tell the elevator operator their floor. The ride up takes a while, during which Conrad is quiet. Once they leave the elevator and are alone in the hallway he says, "You did far more than you give yourself credit for. You spoke your mind and stated your beliefs. That is far more than most women are willing to do these days, especially here in high society. I think that you will make an excellent teacher for Promise City." He escorts her to her door.</p><p></p><p>"Thank you, I hope so. It must be the freedom of the west getting into me. The children there, boy or girl, will all have to know how to stand up under their own strength."</p><p></p><p>They stood in front of her door for a moment while Kate hesitated. "I should go inside if I intend to get that bath before I fall asleep. What time is the train tomorrow?"</p><p></p><p>He replies, "I haven't purchased the return tickets yet. I did however glance at the schedule when we arrived. Morning trains leave for Boston at 6:35 A.M., 8:15 A.M., 9:55 A.M., and 11:20 A.M.. There are also afternoon trains but those would get us in rather late."</p><p></p><p>"Let's take the 9:55. I have the feeling we could both use a little extra time for sleep." Kate took his hand and squeezed it, hesitating again. It seemed strange that they should separate now, but it had to be. She stretched up on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Good night, my dear."</p><p></p><p>He takes her hand and kisses it stating, "And good night to you as well my dear. Sleep well." He waits in the hallway until she has entered the room and locked the door behind her before heading over towards his adjacent room.</p><p></p><p>Kate was good to her word and set to filling the luxurious bathtub with steaming water. There were any number of oils and soaps provided, and she seasoned the water liberally before slipping in. It took time, but eventually the water soaked away the last of the dark feelings she'd had since she'd spoken with Edwin Booth.</p><p></p><p>Of course she could understand his reluctance. But the idea that Conrad might be trying to con her had never before crossed her mind, and it felt soiled for having passed through. She sighed and let them pass out of her and into the water to float away with the steam. They were replaced by more pleasant thoughts of what her future might be like, although there were certain ones she kept strictly reined in.</p><p></p><p>Once the water started to chill Kate finished up, rinsing out her hair and then slipping into her pale blue dressing gown. She sat up for another hour and a half quietly reading and letting her hair dry. A fire crackled cheerfully in the fireplace and Kate enjoyed the rare sensation of solitude until she slipped gratefully into the comfortable bed and went to sleep.</p><p></p><p>Wednesday, May 3rd, 1882, 6:15 A.M.</p><p></p><p>Kate quickly discovers that she has gotten used to the quiet of a small town when the noises of the busy city awaken her, despite being on the upper floor of one of the largest buildings in the city.</p><p></p><p>It wasn't that long ago that she'd gotten used to noise, the stamping mills in Tombstone starting up before dawn, but in Promise City the reverberating crunching sounds did not usually begin until the reasonable hour of 8:00 A.M. Boston had been noisier than Promise City, but was nothing like the hustle and bustle of New York with the carriages, bells, yelling of vendors and cascade of other noises coming from the street below.</p><p></p><p>"Oh, you can't be serious," she muttered and pulled a pillow over her head.</p><p></p><p>The pillow muffled some of the sounds, but she was already too disturbed to go right back to sleep. Before long she gave up and padded out of bed to look out the window at the busy street below. She undid her braid as she watched the busy world and pulled on her dressing gown and slippers as she lost the warmth she'd had under the covers.</p><p></p><p>It wasn't going to get any quieter and her stomach was beginning to rumble, so Katherine went into the front room to ring the bell pull and order some breakfast.</p><p></p><p>Kate hummed to herself under her breath as she ate the eggs, toast, and fruit she had ordered and read the newspaper. Although it wasn't what she was usually interested in, she even read over the society pages.</p><p></p><p>The society pages in the paper make reference to the Emerson funeral and those of society who attended. There are some kind remarks made in reference to her father's eulogy for their friend.</p><p></p><p>Towards the end of the meal there is a knock on the door. The bellhop has returned with a Bell Telephone message taken for her. It is from George Washington Whitman, indicating that he has received a telegram invitation from Mr. Seagram and will be heading up to Boston on Friday with several other Union officers. One officer, a Brigadier General Henry Pleasants, wishes to meet with Kate and Conrad. He offers to accompany them on the train ride to Boston if at all possible. A telephone number is left to get in touch with Pleasants with a response, be it either positive or negative.</p><p></p><p>"Would you have the gentlemen contacted please? Tell him we would be happy for his company. We plan to take the 9:55 train back to Boston, and he can meet us in the hotel lobby at 9:00. Also, let Mr. Booth know about the message I received and my reply. Thank you."</p><p></p><p>The bellhop nodded, and Kate closed the door. She still had about two hours, but she dressed herself and took special care fixing her hair and packing her things. By eight o'clock that was done and she sat quietly in her room reading and waiting for it to be time to leave.</p><p></p><p>The bellhop returns with a message from Pleasants indicating that he will pick them up at the hotel shortly before 9:00 AM. Conrad arrives at her room at a quarter past eight. "So, we'll have some company I see," he exclaims. "Should be an interesting ride, Pleasants being a war hero and all. Are you familiar with the Battle of the Crater? He was decorated for his valor there. If memory serves he was captured there and spent the remainder of the war in a Confederate prison."</p><p></p><p>"Yes, I'm familiar with it. Such a sad thing, and no reason he should have been captured if the soldiers had just followed their orders. To think, they spent weeks digging that tunnel, the explosion went off perfectly, and then they tried to go through the hole instead of around?</p><p></p><p>I'm no soldier, but even I know it's always better to have the high ground. No matter what else happened, General Pleasants acquitted himself well that day."</p><p></p><p>Kate poured herself another cup of tea and sat down. "It seems we've met a great many people on this trip. I probably should have warned you about that," she laughed lightly. "People who know my father will often stop to speak with me, but usually not nearly so many."</p><p></p><p>Conrad replies, "Well, I expected we would meet quite a few given how well known Emerson was. This should be an interesting train ride back, although in truth I had hoped for some more time alone with you. I suppose that we should call for a bellhop to come get our bags."</p><p></p><p>"It can wait a few more minutes," she said and moved over to sit next to him on the sofa. Kate took his hands in her own and squeezed them. "It's always hard to get that time alone. So many people around and no where to hide but the grove." She paused. "What would you have done with that extra time alone?"</p><p></p><p>He replies, "We could have spoken about the future. Now don't misunderstand me, I don't mean marriage. I still have that idea in the back of my mind but you're not ready and as I said before, the emotional turmoil of this trip is such that neither of us should be making permanent commitments."</p><p></p><p>He takes her hand in his and says, "But our futures will be linked in many ways which we should discuss. Your son, Ginnie, what role would you like me to play in their lives? And the school, how can I help to get it started? I was thinking, while we're back east we should probably visit with some textbook publishers and make arrangements for what you need to be shipped out to you. And lastly, well, I was wondering if we could talk to Mr. Gonzales about....well.....never mind."</p><p></p><p>"The school is almost ready. Ginnie and I had planned to do some shopping in Boston and get a few things we couldn't in Promise City. I've already ordered quite a few textbooks, but your idea is a good one. It will allow me to get texts on some of the more exotic subjects I'd like to offer. I'm not sure what I'll need for help, beside a strong back to help get the room set up.</p><p></p><p>With Ginnie, I believe she trusts you. Before we left Arizona she 'approved' you," Kate laughed. "She's a very independent girl, and I've tried to let her do as much for herself as possible. Just keep being a friend to her, listen if she wants to talk, help her as you can. After that it must be up to her.</p><p></p><p>As for my boy.... I intend for him to know who his father is as soon as he's old enough to understand. But his father can't be here, and I don't want him to grow up without that. I want you to be family to him, of what sort I'm not sure yet. The question may answer itself before he's old enough to ask," she said with a light blush. "Ah, what did you want me to ask Mr. Gonzales? Don't be shy."</p><p></p><p>"Well....um.....Kate, this is so unlike me, being at a loss for words. Okay, this will sound odd, given how afraid I am of magic, but I was hoping that he could maybe teach me some...."</p><p></p><p>"It's not odd, wanting to understand something you fear. How else do you conquer that fear?" She was quiet for a moment. "I'm not sure what he'll say, but we should ask him. I don't know that he would take you for an apprentice; he seems to have a fondness for young ladies when it comes to that, but he might agree to teach you the basics and a few simple spells. And he may surprise me and agree to more. He does things for his own reasons that I don't always understand.</p><p></p><p>I knew you feared the traveling spell, but most people do the first time. I've never seen you be uncomfortable when I've given us privacy, and that day Johnny Ringo chased us.... You don't.... I've never frightened you, have I?"</p><p></p><p>"Oh no, you don't frighten me because I trust you implicitly. And things like the Traveling spell will always scare me. I'm tempted to take the train back to Arizona. But there are some things I would like to learn. That armor spell you did, it saved my life, that would be handy to know. I'd also be interested in learning slight-of-hand and misdirection magic, and not just to help my card playing. I've found that information can sometimes save and protect, and information can be obtained easier when not being watched where you don't want watched."</p><p></p><p>"I would keep away from using any kind of magic in your card playing. You never know who might have an idea of what you're up to.</p><p></p><p>I haven't used my skills to glean information, that's more Ruby's area, but I do believe it can be done. So you are just looking to know a few specific things, not become a permanent student? I think the chances of convincing him to teach you just a few things are much better.</p><p></p><p>We can talk more about the other things back home. There's the grove, and we could always go for a drive, or even try our luck at another picnic," she laughed.</p><p></p><p>"And now we probably should call the bellhop. But there is one thing I wanted to do with our last bit of time alone." She laid her hand softly against his cheek and met his eyes before drawing his head down and softly kissing him.</p><p></p><p>He returns the kiss, the lips barely touching but applying a constant pressure as his head moves slightly to the side. As the kiss continues she feels his hand gently stroking her hair just above the back of her neck.</p><p></p><p>Katherine's heart suddenly beat hard in her chest. Her hand slipped down from his cheek to rest on his shoulder, the other lying lightly on his side. For a few moments she forgot everything else but the feel of his lips and his hand stroking her hair. Her body reluctantly obeyed when she pulled back just far enough to sigh, "We really should call the bellhop now."</p><p></p><p>Conrad replies, "Yes, I suppose we should before I suggest something that I shouldn't." He stands up and straightens out his clothing despite the fact that they are barely wrinkled. He then summons the bellhop.</p><p></p><p>"And before I lack the will to refuse," she whispered. Kate checked to make sure her hair was still tidy and put on a straw, bonnet-like hat that tied under her chin while they waited.</p><p></p><p>A pair of bellmen help them downstairs and bring the trunk and suitcase outside to the curb while they wait for the carriage. The Whitman family carriage soon arrives and off from it step George Washington Whitman and another well-dressed man with dark hair that was only beginning to show gray in some spots. He wore a thin mustache and goatee. He had a robust build, apparently keeping himself in good shape.</p><p></p><p>Whitman gestures to Kate and Conrad and says, "Katherine Seagram Kale, Conrad Booth, may I present to you Brigadier General Henry Pleasants." Pleasants says, "Oh come on George, you know I never served as anything higher Lieutenant Colonel."</p><p></p><p>Whitman replies, "Henry, the promotion was earned for your bravery, bestowed upon you years after the war by President Johnson. And I do recall you put on your uniform again and stood proudly at the White House when you were so honored." Pleasants shrugs his shoulders and says, "Well yes, if the government wishes to award me a higher pension than I rightfully deserved who am I to object. At that point I needed the money for my farm. But enough of me, let's help get these people going, we have a train to catch."</p><p></p><p>The bellmen help to get the luggage secured to the carriage and the four get seated inside for the short ride to the railroad station.</p><p></p><p>"Mr. Whitman, I didn't expect the pleasure of seeing you today as well, although I should have. I'm so pleased you'll be visiting us.</p><p></p><p>And you, General. My father has spoken highly of you, although he doesn't often speak of his time in the army. He has great respect for your skill as an engineer."</p><p></p><p>Pleasants smiles and says, "Why thank you. And I truly appreciate your allowing me to accompany you on this trip to Boston."</p><p></p><p>"You're most welcome. I'm sure the trip will pass swiftly with such good company."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="orchid blossom, post: 2845328, member: 12815"] [SIZE=3]A Little Time Alone[/SIZE] "I'm hungry, it's been a long time since lunch," Kate said quietly. "Or perhaps more correctly he's hungry. I think I'll have something sent up. Do you want anything or are you too excited to eat?" she asked Conrad. "I will always take the time to share a meal with you Kate. I believe that I saw a small French restaurant just two doors down from here if you are in the mood for it." "As long as it isn't far," Kate said. The two turned around and walked past the confused doorman as he again opened the door for them. "It's been a long day and I'm getting tired. And there is a beautiful bathtub I intend to make full use of this evening. But food first." They find the restaurant. It is a small, casual place presently with patrons at only three of the twelve tables. The entire menu is in French, which also appears to be the only language that the waiters can speak. Conrad says to Kate, "You'll have to help me out here." "Of course, I'll take care of everything." Kate explained what the dishes were, and when the waiter came over she said confidently, "Nous commence voudrions que le Soupe Bonne Femme, avec l'asperge avec un ail rôti Vinaigrette. Pour le plat principal, Boeuf à la Bourguignonne, et pour finir un plat de fromage et de fruit. Merci." "I hope you'll like it," Kate said to Conrad after the waiter left. "It's potato and leek soup, asparagus with a garlic dressing, a beef and mushroom dish cooked in wine, and then just some cheese and fruit. Quite a lot for this time of night, but I really am hungry," she said, slightly embarrassed. The meal goes quickly. Conrad also is hungry. There is minimum of conversation between the two. Afterwards Conrad pays the check and they walk back to the hotel. While walking along the street Conrad says, "I noticed that you were gone with Mr. Booth for a while, twenty-three minutes to be exact. What did he wish to talk to you about?" "You know exactly how long I was gone? You seemed rather busy to be noting my absence with that kind of precision," she teased, trying to be light. "Kate, when have details escaped my notice? Of course I noted your departure. It was shortly after he gave my birth certificate to my half-sister and they spoke for six minutes in what appeared to be a rather animated conversation. I really should learn to read lips at some point, it would make things much easier to figure out." "He wanted to tell me that he had confirmed my identity. And to caution me against... believing in you too blindly," Kate said. "Ah, that does not surprise me at all. But I won't fret over that and neither should you. Tonight went far better than I could have ever imagined. This will take time but I should be able to eventually convince him of my good intentions." "I'm afraid I have a tendency to fret. As soon as I collected myself I realized that you likely knew he would continue his own investigations and reserve judgement and would not be surprised, as I was. I think I was most shocked that he had thought I might be working with you to fool him. But you will convince him, helped along by his own inquiries, I'm sure. I am too inclined to trust, I suppose, terribly so if a stranger felt the need to warn me." She sighed softly. "But he doesn't know everything I do, all the reasons I have to believe in you." The reach and enter the hotel, the doormen again holding the doors for them. As they approach the elevators he says, "Thank you Katherine. I was sincere in what I told him tonight, even if he had rejected me again your faith in me counts for far more. Thank you for coming here to New York with me. I won't say that I couldn't have done it without you, but it would have been far more difficult." "I didn't do much but sit quietly while you talked." She paused and then smiled. "And enjoy a couple very good meals, a lovely room, and the chance to meet some very interesting people. I'm glad you found what you were looking for here, or at least the path to it." They get on the elevator and tell the elevator operator their floor. The ride up takes a while, during which Conrad is quiet. Once they leave the elevator and are alone in the hallway he says, "You did far more than you give yourself credit for. You spoke your mind and stated your beliefs. That is far more than most women are willing to do these days, especially here in high society. I think that you will make an excellent teacher for Promise City." He escorts her to her door. "Thank you, I hope so. It must be the freedom of the west getting into me. The children there, boy or girl, will all have to know how to stand up under their own strength." They stood in front of her door for a moment while Kate hesitated. "I should go inside if I intend to get that bath before I fall asleep. What time is the train tomorrow?" He replies, "I haven't purchased the return tickets yet. I did however glance at the schedule when we arrived. Morning trains leave for Boston at 6:35 A.M., 8:15 A.M., 9:55 A.M., and 11:20 A.M.. There are also afternoon trains but those would get us in rather late." "Let's take the 9:55. I have the feeling we could both use a little extra time for sleep." Kate took his hand and squeezed it, hesitating again. It seemed strange that they should separate now, but it had to be. She stretched up on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Good night, my dear." He takes her hand and kisses it stating, "And good night to you as well my dear. Sleep well." He waits in the hallway until she has entered the room and locked the door behind her before heading over towards his adjacent room. Kate was good to her word and set to filling the luxurious bathtub with steaming water. There were any number of oils and soaps provided, and she seasoned the water liberally before slipping in. It took time, but eventually the water soaked away the last of the dark feelings she'd had since she'd spoken with Edwin Booth. Of course she could understand his reluctance. But the idea that Conrad might be trying to con her had never before crossed her mind, and it felt soiled for having passed through. She sighed and let them pass out of her and into the water to float away with the steam. They were replaced by more pleasant thoughts of what her future might be like, although there were certain ones she kept strictly reined in. Once the water started to chill Kate finished up, rinsing out her hair and then slipping into her pale blue dressing gown. She sat up for another hour and a half quietly reading and letting her hair dry. A fire crackled cheerfully in the fireplace and Kate enjoyed the rare sensation of solitude until she slipped gratefully into the comfortable bed and went to sleep. Wednesday, May 3rd, 1882, 6:15 A.M. Kate quickly discovers that she has gotten used to the quiet of a small town when the noises of the busy city awaken her, despite being on the upper floor of one of the largest buildings in the city. It wasn't that long ago that she'd gotten used to noise, the stamping mills in Tombstone starting up before dawn, but in Promise City the reverberating crunching sounds did not usually begin until the reasonable hour of 8:00 A.M. Boston had been noisier than Promise City, but was nothing like the hustle and bustle of New York with the carriages, bells, yelling of vendors and cascade of other noises coming from the street below. "Oh, you can't be serious," she muttered and pulled a pillow over her head. The pillow muffled some of the sounds, but she was already too disturbed to go right back to sleep. Before long she gave up and padded out of bed to look out the window at the busy street below. She undid her braid as she watched the busy world and pulled on her dressing gown and slippers as she lost the warmth she'd had under the covers. It wasn't going to get any quieter and her stomach was beginning to rumble, so Katherine went into the front room to ring the bell pull and order some breakfast. Kate hummed to herself under her breath as she ate the eggs, toast, and fruit she had ordered and read the newspaper. Although it wasn't what she was usually interested in, she even read over the society pages. The society pages in the paper make reference to the Emerson funeral and those of society who attended. There are some kind remarks made in reference to her father's eulogy for their friend. Towards the end of the meal there is a knock on the door. The bellhop has returned with a Bell Telephone message taken for her. It is from George Washington Whitman, indicating that he has received a telegram invitation from Mr. Seagram and will be heading up to Boston on Friday with several other Union officers. One officer, a Brigadier General Henry Pleasants, wishes to meet with Kate and Conrad. He offers to accompany them on the train ride to Boston if at all possible. A telephone number is left to get in touch with Pleasants with a response, be it either positive or negative. "Would you have the gentlemen contacted please? Tell him we would be happy for his company. We plan to take the 9:55 train back to Boston, and he can meet us in the hotel lobby at 9:00. Also, let Mr. Booth know about the message I received and my reply. Thank you." The bellhop nodded, and Kate closed the door. She still had about two hours, but she dressed herself and took special care fixing her hair and packing her things. By eight o'clock that was done and she sat quietly in her room reading and waiting for it to be time to leave. The bellhop returns with a message from Pleasants indicating that he will pick them up at the hotel shortly before 9:00 AM. Conrad arrives at her room at a quarter past eight. "So, we'll have some company I see," he exclaims. "Should be an interesting ride, Pleasants being a war hero and all. Are you familiar with the Battle of the Crater? He was decorated for his valor there. If memory serves he was captured there and spent the remainder of the war in a Confederate prison." "Yes, I'm familiar with it. Such a sad thing, and no reason he should have been captured if the soldiers had just followed their orders. To think, they spent weeks digging that tunnel, the explosion went off perfectly, and then they tried to go through the hole instead of around? I'm no soldier, but even I know it's always better to have the high ground. No matter what else happened, General Pleasants acquitted himself well that day." Kate poured herself another cup of tea and sat down. "It seems we've met a great many people on this trip. I probably should have warned you about that," she laughed lightly. "People who know my father will often stop to speak with me, but usually not nearly so many." Conrad replies, "Well, I expected we would meet quite a few given how well known Emerson was. This should be an interesting train ride back, although in truth I had hoped for some more time alone with you. I suppose that we should call for a bellhop to come get our bags." "It can wait a few more minutes," she said and moved over to sit next to him on the sofa. Kate took his hands in her own and squeezed them. "It's always hard to get that time alone. So many people around and no where to hide but the grove." She paused. "What would you have done with that extra time alone?" He replies, "We could have spoken about the future. Now don't misunderstand me, I don't mean marriage. I still have that idea in the back of my mind but you're not ready and as I said before, the emotional turmoil of this trip is such that neither of us should be making permanent commitments." He takes her hand in his and says, "But our futures will be linked in many ways which we should discuss. Your son, Ginnie, what role would you like me to play in their lives? And the school, how can I help to get it started? I was thinking, while we're back east we should probably visit with some textbook publishers and make arrangements for what you need to be shipped out to you. And lastly, well, I was wondering if we could talk to Mr. Gonzales about....well.....never mind." "The school is almost ready. Ginnie and I had planned to do some shopping in Boston and get a few things we couldn't in Promise City. I've already ordered quite a few textbooks, but your idea is a good one. It will allow me to get texts on some of the more exotic subjects I'd like to offer. I'm not sure what I'll need for help, beside a strong back to help get the room set up. With Ginnie, I believe she trusts you. Before we left Arizona she 'approved' you," Kate laughed. "She's a very independent girl, and I've tried to let her do as much for herself as possible. Just keep being a friend to her, listen if she wants to talk, help her as you can. After that it must be up to her. As for my boy.... I intend for him to know who his father is as soon as he's old enough to understand. But his father can't be here, and I don't want him to grow up without that. I want you to be family to him, of what sort I'm not sure yet. The question may answer itself before he's old enough to ask," she said with a light blush. "Ah, what did you want me to ask Mr. Gonzales? Don't be shy." "Well....um.....Kate, this is so unlike me, being at a loss for words. Okay, this will sound odd, given how afraid I am of magic, but I was hoping that he could maybe teach me some...." "It's not odd, wanting to understand something you fear. How else do you conquer that fear?" She was quiet for a moment. "I'm not sure what he'll say, but we should ask him. I don't know that he would take you for an apprentice; he seems to have a fondness for young ladies when it comes to that, but he might agree to teach you the basics and a few simple spells. And he may surprise me and agree to more. He does things for his own reasons that I don't always understand. I knew you feared the traveling spell, but most people do the first time. I've never seen you be uncomfortable when I've given us privacy, and that day Johnny Ringo chased us.... You don't.... I've never frightened you, have I?" "Oh no, you don't frighten me because I trust you implicitly. And things like the Traveling spell will always scare me. I'm tempted to take the train back to Arizona. But there are some things I would like to learn. That armor spell you did, it saved my life, that would be handy to know. I'd also be interested in learning slight-of-hand and misdirection magic, and not just to help my card playing. I've found that information can sometimes save and protect, and information can be obtained easier when not being watched where you don't want watched." "I would keep away from using any kind of magic in your card playing. You never know who might have an idea of what you're up to. I haven't used my skills to glean information, that's more Ruby's area, but I do believe it can be done. So you are just looking to know a few specific things, not become a permanent student? I think the chances of convincing him to teach you just a few things are much better. We can talk more about the other things back home. There's the grove, and we could always go for a drive, or even try our luck at another picnic," she laughed. "And now we probably should call the bellhop. But there is one thing I wanted to do with our last bit of time alone." She laid her hand softly against his cheek and met his eyes before drawing his head down and softly kissing him. He returns the kiss, the lips barely touching but applying a constant pressure as his head moves slightly to the side. As the kiss continues she feels his hand gently stroking her hair just above the back of her neck. Katherine's heart suddenly beat hard in her chest. Her hand slipped down from his cheek to rest on his shoulder, the other lying lightly on his side. For a few moments she forgot everything else but the feel of his lips and his hand stroking her hair. Her body reluctantly obeyed when she pulled back just far enough to sigh, "We really should call the bellhop now." Conrad replies, "Yes, I suppose we should before I suggest something that I shouldn't." He stands up and straightens out his clothing despite the fact that they are barely wrinkled. He then summons the bellhop. "And before I lack the will to refuse," she whispered. Kate checked to make sure her hair was still tidy and put on a straw, bonnet-like hat that tied under her chin while they waited. A pair of bellmen help them downstairs and bring the trunk and suitcase outside to the curb while they wait for the carriage. The Whitman family carriage soon arrives and off from it step George Washington Whitman and another well-dressed man with dark hair that was only beginning to show gray in some spots. He wore a thin mustache and goatee. He had a robust build, apparently keeping himself in good shape. Whitman gestures to Kate and Conrad and says, "Katherine Seagram Kale, Conrad Booth, may I present to you Brigadier General Henry Pleasants." Pleasants says, "Oh come on George, you know I never served as anything higher Lieutenant Colonel." Whitman replies, "Henry, the promotion was earned for your bravery, bestowed upon you years after the war by President Johnson. And I do recall you put on your uniform again and stood proudly at the White House when you were so honored." Pleasants shrugs his shoulders and says, "Well yes, if the government wishes to award me a higher pension than I rightfully deserved who am I to object. At that point I needed the money for my farm. But enough of me, let's help get these people going, we have a train to catch." The bellmen help to get the luggage secured to the carriage and the four get seated inside for the short ride to the railroad station. "Mr. Whitman, I didn't expect the pleasure of seeing you today as well, although I should have. I'm so pleased you'll be visiting us. And you, General. My father has spoken highly of you, although he doesn't often speak of his time in the army. He has great respect for your skill as an engineer." Pleasants smiles and says, "Why thank you. And I truly appreciate your allowing me to accompany you on this trip to Boston." "You're most welcome. I'm sure the trip will pass swiftly with such good company." [/QUOTE]
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"Here There Be Vampires" A Promise City, Arizona Story Hour
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