As they walked, Vincent mentioned, “I spoke to Father, about Jennifer, and he said if you feel it is necessary, then you may introduce Jennifer to our world. When you feel it is right, she may come below.”
Not expecting Vincent would ask Jacob so soon about Jennifer, Catherine was completely caught off guard by this news, and needless to say, was thrilled beyond words!
Excitedly Catherine said, “How wonderful. This means Jen will finally meet you, and I won’t have to keep any more secrets from her, and perhaps most crucial of all…"
Catherine giggled as she added, "...Peter will be off the hook!”
Catherine hugged him, and as she looked up into his beautiful eyes, she told him, “You make me so very happy. Thank you for talking to Father for me.”
In his rich velvet voice, he replied, “You are most welcome Catherine.”
As they went on, Catherine could not stop smiling, looking up at Vincent and squeezing his hand. The way Catherine had made him feel, was as if he had just moved a mountain for her. Which he would oh so gladly do.
Vincent turned to Catherine and noticed she was carrying the book she was reading earlier. And so he noted, “I see you are reading, John Keats Biography."
In answer, Catherine nodded, and said, “Yes I am. I hadn't realized what a sad and tragic life he had. His portrait is pictured here and I wanted to show it to you. It conveys an isolation, and yet I find it so beautiful at the same time. I could sit and stare at it forever.”
Over to see picture of Keats
Vincent agreed, as the portrait of John Keats struck him too. Catherine went on, “He was such a kind person Vincent. He cared for his brother who was ill with Tuberculosis, and then shortly after; he himself was diagnosed with it too. And because of his impoverished state brought about by his generosity to others, he was not able to afford proper medical care for himself. It was after he became ill, that he fell in love with a woman named Fanny Brawne. The love of his life, but whom he could never marry.”
Vincent agreed, “Yes John Keats did leave a short woeful life. But still, he managed to leave us many beautiful works. Many say, had he lived a normal life-span, he perhaps would have rivaled Shakespeare.”
Catherine sadly stated, “Yes, but his talents were not recognized back then, he was shunned by the critics, and his peers, and this broke his heart. He died never feeling acknowledged.”
As they walked hand in hand, Vincent looked downward, as he cited one of John Keats Poems, that he had written, while knowing his death was imminent:
When I have Fears
WHEN I have fears that I may cease to be
Before my pen has glean’d my teeming brain,
Before high piled books, in charact’ry,
Hold like rich garners the full-ripen’d grain;
When I behold, upon the night’s starr’d face,
Huge cloudy symbols of a high romance,
And think that I may never live to trace
Their shadows, with the magic hand of chance;
And when I feel, fair creature of an hour!
That I shall never look upon thee more,
Never have relish in the faery power
Of unreflecting love! - then on the shore
Of the wide world I stand alone, and think
Till Love and Fame to nothingness do sink.
Thoughtfully, Catherine asked Vincent, “Isn’t it so sad he knew all he was going to lose by his death? Lose his life and his love.”
Vincent looked at Catherine, and as he caressed the hand he was holding, he passionately said, “But at least he owned them Catherine, and was witness to the joy they brought to his life here on earth. But did he lose them? No Catherine! He never lost her love simply because death came to him.”
Vincent stopped, and looking downward into Catherine’s eyes, he told her, “I want you to always remember Catherine, as it is a truth beyond all we can comprehend, I want you to know the power of these words that Dylan Thomas wrote and believe them:
Though lovers be lost love shall not;
And death shall have no dominion.
Vincent then hugged Catherine to him and cradled her head in his massive hand, as Catherine solemnly promised, “I will remember…”
Catherine then looked up at Vincent as she felt him tremble, and Vincent with his eyes closed increased the intensity of his embrace. He then looked down at his beautiful Catherine, and for a moment their souls touched, as their eyes revealed their love for one another. Vincent took her hand once more as they walked onward.
As they arrived at the Dining Hall, Vincent led Catherine to their seat, next to Pascal and Ronald.
Jacob waited till everyone took their places, and with a prideful smile at Catherine and Vincent, he then presided over the meal with Prayer:
“Let us give thanks for this food that will nourish us, and the helpers above who have provided it for us, and there too Bless William who has prepared It diligently for us to feast. Watch over our helpers above, especially Peter on his trip over-seas. Let us give thanks all is right in our world…as it is growing, and expanding and we are looking to the future, with renewed hope and pride. Let us also give thanks Vincent’s recovery has been a speedy one, And for his Catherine who will soon be making our community her permanent home! Amen!
Everyone gleefully said “Amen” and those who had not heard the news yet of Catherine moving to the tunnels, voiced surprise and delight. Catherine excepted everyone’s well wishes, and as soon as she could, she stole a look in Jacob’s direction, who was still beaming at them. Tipping her head ever so slightly to acknowledge his prayer, she smiled at him, and felt so wonderful by Jacob’s warm smile in return.
They all passed the dishes of potatoes, the last of the stored winter squash, and the main course of roasted beef, as expansion plans were excitedly discussed.
Samantha came up to Vincent and Catherine after she had finished eating, and as she stood behind them, asked, “Catherine you really are going to be living here below with us?”
Catherine looked back at her, and smiled as she told her, “Yes Samantha! I really am! It won’t be for a few weeks though. I must get everything above straightened out, but as soon as possible, yes, this will be my new home.”
Gleefully Samantha squealed as she hugged Catherine, “That is too wonderful! I will love having you here with us!”
Catherine stood to return Samantha’s hug and told her as she giggled, “Thank you for making me feel so welcome.”
Vincent looking on at the two, added, “Then it is settled, it looks as if you have received Samantha’s seal of approval. Everyone must be approved by her you know.”
Samantha looked embarrassingly at Vincent as she said, “Oh Vincent!”
He then handed Samantha her letter, and explained, “Lou brought this letter for you today, it is from Lisa.”
Samantha was so excited she could barely open it! After reading the content of the letter, she squealed, “Lisa writes the first class will still be on Saturday morning at 11:00 just as originally planned, and she would like me to be her assistant! I am to practice our concert with everyone so we may be ready for the encore performance Saturday afternoon, if Father approves that is!”
Catherine praised the young girl, saying, “My goodness Samantha, Lisa must be very impressed by your talent if she put you in charge. That is quite an honor.”
Beaming with pride, Samantha modestly accepted Catherine's assumption, before she excitedly announced, “I must go ask Father for his permission right now!”
Vincent stopped her, and handing her Jacob’s letter he asked, “Please give Father his letter. It is from Lisa as well.”
To which Samantha answered, “OK Vincent. Bye Catherine!”
Vincent turned to Catherine to say, “We mustn’t miss this performance. Will the time be convenient for you to attend?”
Catherine nodded as she thoughtfully replied, “Yes, Saturday will be fine."
She then contemplated the time frame, asking, "Saturday could be a perfect time for Jenny to meet everyone. Is it too soon to bring her here?”
Agreeably, Vincent nodded saying it would be a good time.
Catherine, sat thinking, there is so much to be done to terminate her existence in the world above, and thoughtfully said, “Talking to Samantha about straightening out my affairs above, made me realize the sooner I do, the sooner I can move."
She then optimistically added, "If your recovery keeps progressing so wonderfully, I may go back up and talk to Joe as early as Wednesday to give him my 2 week notice.”
Vincent replied, “The day after tomorrow? You would then come back on Saturday?”
Catherine explained, “Sooner if Joe doesn’t need me the rest of the week.”
Vincent lowered his head, feeling saddened by the thought of Catherine going back up at all. However, realistically he knows she must.
So he answered, “If a 2 week notice, is the amount of time you need to give, then so be it. Perhaps this will allow me enough time to complete the repairs in your chamber, and you may move there then directly.”
Catherine smiled at Vincent and hugging his arm, she told him, “It looks like we actually have a plan then Vincent.”
Vincent nodded, saying, "I believe we do.”
To be continued…
Chapter Twelve
Not expecting Vincent would ask Jacob so soon about Jennifer, Catherine was completely caught off guard by this news, and needless to say, was thrilled beyond words!
Excitedly Catherine said, “How wonderful. This means Jen will finally meet you, and I won’t have to keep any more secrets from her, and perhaps most crucial of all…"
Catherine giggled as she added, "...Peter will be off the hook!”
Catherine hugged him, and as she looked up into his beautiful eyes, she told him, “You make me so very happy. Thank you for talking to Father for me.”
In his rich velvet voice, he replied, “You are most welcome Catherine.”
As they went on, Catherine could not stop smiling, looking up at Vincent and squeezing his hand. The way Catherine had made him feel, was as if he had just moved a mountain for her. Which he would oh so gladly do.
Vincent turned to Catherine and noticed she was carrying the book she was reading earlier. And so he noted, “I see you are reading, John Keats Biography."
In answer, Catherine nodded, and said, “Yes I am. I hadn't realized what a sad and tragic life he had. His portrait is pictured here and I wanted to show it to you. It conveys an isolation, and yet I find it so beautiful at the same time. I could sit and stare at it forever.”
Over to see picture of Keats
Vincent agreed, as the portrait of John Keats struck him too. Catherine went on, “He was such a kind person Vincent. He cared for his brother who was ill with Tuberculosis, and then shortly after; he himself was diagnosed with it too. And because of his impoverished state brought about by his generosity to others, he was not able to afford proper medical care for himself. It was after he became ill, that he fell in love with a woman named Fanny Brawne. The love of his life, but whom he could never marry.”
Vincent agreed, “Yes John Keats did leave a short woeful life. But still, he managed to leave us many beautiful works. Many say, had he lived a normal life-span, he perhaps would have rivaled Shakespeare.”
Catherine sadly stated, “Yes, but his talents were not recognized back then, he was shunned by the critics, and his peers, and this broke his heart. He died never feeling acknowledged.”
As they walked hand in hand, Vincent looked downward, as he cited one of John Keats Poems, that he had written, while knowing his death was imminent:
When I have Fears
WHEN I have fears that I may cease to be
Before my pen has glean’d my teeming brain,
Before high piled books, in charact’ry,
Hold like rich garners the full-ripen’d grain;
When I behold, upon the night’s starr’d face,
Huge cloudy symbols of a high romance,
And think that I may never live to trace
Their shadows, with the magic hand of chance;
And when I feel, fair creature of an hour!
That I shall never look upon thee more,
Never have relish in the faery power
Of unreflecting love! - then on the shore
Of the wide world I stand alone, and think
Till Love and Fame to nothingness do sink.
Thoughtfully, Catherine asked Vincent, “Isn’t it so sad he knew all he was going to lose by his death? Lose his life and his love.”
Vincent looked at Catherine, and as he caressed the hand he was holding, he passionately said, “But at least he owned them Catherine, and was witness to the joy they brought to his life here on earth. But did he lose them? No Catherine! He never lost her love simply because death came to him.”
Vincent stopped, and looking downward into Catherine’s eyes, he told her, “I want you to always remember Catherine, as it is a truth beyond all we can comprehend, I want you to know the power of these words that Dylan Thomas wrote and believe them:
Though lovers be lost love shall not;
And death shall have no dominion.
Vincent then hugged Catherine to him and cradled her head in his massive hand, as Catherine solemnly promised, “I will remember…”
Catherine then looked up at Vincent as she felt him tremble, and Vincent with his eyes closed increased the intensity of his embrace. He then looked down at his beautiful Catherine, and for a moment their souls touched, as their eyes revealed their love for one another. Vincent took her hand once more as they walked onward.
As they arrived at the Dining Hall, Vincent led Catherine to their seat, next to Pascal and Ronald.
Jacob waited till everyone took their places, and with a prideful smile at Catherine and Vincent, he then presided over the meal with Prayer:
“Let us give thanks for this food that will nourish us, and the helpers above who have provided it for us, and there too Bless William who has prepared It diligently for us to feast. Watch over our helpers above, especially Peter on his trip over-seas. Let us give thanks all is right in our world…as it is growing, and expanding and we are looking to the future, with renewed hope and pride. Let us also give thanks Vincent’s recovery has been a speedy one, And for his Catherine who will soon be making our community her permanent home! Amen!
Everyone gleefully said “Amen” and those who had not heard the news yet of Catherine moving to the tunnels, voiced surprise and delight. Catherine excepted everyone’s well wishes, and as soon as she could, she stole a look in Jacob’s direction, who was still beaming at them. Tipping her head ever so slightly to acknowledge his prayer, she smiled at him, and felt so wonderful by Jacob’s warm smile in return.
They all passed the dishes of potatoes, the last of the stored winter squash, and the main course of roasted beef, as expansion plans were excitedly discussed.
Samantha came up to Vincent and Catherine after she had finished eating, and as she stood behind them, asked, “Catherine you really are going to be living here below with us?”
Catherine looked back at her, and smiled as she told her, “Yes Samantha! I really am! It won’t be for a few weeks though. I must get everything above straightened out, but as soon as possible, yes, this will be my new home.”
Gleefully Samantha squealed as she hugged Catherine, “That is too wonderful! I will love having you here with us!”
Catherine stood to return Samantha’s hug and told her as she giggled, “Thank you for making me feel so welcome.”
Vincent looking on at the two, added, “Then it is settled, it looks as if you have received Samantha’s seal of approval. Everyone must be approved by her you know.”
Samantha looked embarrassingly at Vincent as she said, “Oh Vincent!”
He then handed Samantha her letter, and explained, “Lou brought this letter for you today, it is from Lisa.”
Samantha was so excited she could barely open it! After reading the content of the letter, she squealed, “Lisa writes the first class will still be on Saturday morning at 11:00 just as originally planned, and she would like me to be her assistant! I am to practice our concert with everyone so we may be ready for the encore performance Saturday afternoon, if Father approves that is!”
Catherine praised the young girl, saying, “My goodness Samantha, Lisa must be very impressed by your talent if she put you in charge. That is quite an honor.”
Beaming with pride, Samantha modestly accepted Catherine's assumption, before she excitedly announced, “I must go ask Father for his permission right now!”
Vincent stopped her, and handing her Jacob’s letter he asked, “Please give Father his letter. It is from Lisa as well.”
To which Samantha answered, “OK Vincent. Bye Catherine!”
Vincent turned to Catherine to say, “We mustn’t miss this performance. Will the time be convenient for you to attend?”
Catherine nodded as she thoughtfully replied, “Yes, Saturday will be fine."
She then contemplated the time frame, asking, "Saturday could be a perfect time for Jenny to meet everyone. Is it too soon to bring her here?”
Agreeably, Vincent nodded saying it would be a good time.
Catherine, sat thinking, there is so much to be done to terminate her existence in the world above, and thoughtfully said, “Talking to Samantha about straightening out my affairs above, made me realize the sooner I do, the sooner I can move."
She then optimistically added, "If your recovery keeps progressing so wonderfully, I may go back up and talk to Joe as early as Wednesday to give him my 2 week notice.”
Vincent replied, “The day after tomorrow? You would then come back on Saturday?”
Catherine explained, “Sooner if Joe doesn’t need me the rest of the week.”
Vincent lowered his head, feeling saddened by the thought of Catherine going back up at all. However, realistically he knows she must.
So he answered, “If a 2 week notice, is the amount of time you need to give, then so be it. Perhaps this will allow me enough time to complete the repairs in your chamber, and you may move there then directly.”
Catherine smiled at Vincent and hugging his arm, she told him, “It looks like we actually have a plan then Vincent.”
Vincent nodded, saying, "I believe we do.”
To be continued…
Chapter Twelve
| Portrait of John Keats, listening to a nightingale on Hampstead Heath by Joseph Severn, c.1845 |
| All of My Life! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Eleven |
