Protector of my Heart! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Eight _________________________________________
Catherine then gracefully shifted the conversation to the homey feeling of Jacob's chamber, and as she looked about, she said, "The first time I came here...we had just gotten back from Florida ourselves, and I was struck so by all of the books you have here."
To which Jacob proudly smiled, and said, "Yes! Today, we shall delve into my private collection!"
As Jacob settled in at the table with Catherine, he gleefully said, "Shall we get started?"
Vincent sat too, and assisted Jacob, as he reached for the preselected stack of his most prized tomes.
Meanwhile, Catherine anxiously watched, as Jacob sifted through, and read some of the titles, "What have we here, let's see...an Early Edition of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, First Edition of The Elephant's Child by Rudyard Kipling, First and Second Editions of Paradise Lost by John Milton, of which I would recommend reading the first edition, because it is in it's purest form, before some editor got his hands on it, and let's see, A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, The Decay of Living by Oscar Wilde, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Lord of the Flies by William Golding and E. L. Epstein..."
Jacob chuckled as he took a deep breath, and said, "Oh my these are only a few. Is there one that peaks your interest Catherine? One I could lend you?"
Excitedly, Catherine looked at Jacob, and without hesitation she said, "Oh yes, if I could, I would very much like to read "Paradise Lost" First Edition of course due to your recommendation."
An answer, to which Jacob nodded, and noted, "Interesting choice Catherine..."
And then he asked, "...had you ever read it?"
In reply, Catherine humbly admitted, "No Jacob, I never had."
In an informative manner, Jacob explained, "The poem's value lies, in its examination of social, political, philosophical and theological issues. I found that I seem to agree politically with Milton, as he championed the absolute freedom of the individual. However, though this was his political proclamation, ironically his view of women was...shall I say a bit unbalanced? It is his view of women, that I will be most anxious to receive your feedback on Catherine."
At this comment made by Jacob, Vincent looked down smiling, as he was very much familiar with Milton's views on woman!
And so, upon seeing Vincent's smile, Catherine suspiciously asked "What? What's so funny?"
To which Vincent shifted in his seat, as he looked knowingly at Jacob, and surmised, "I believe Father, in his subtle way, is trying to assess if you are a feminist Catherine."
Wanting to correct Vincent, Jacob held up his hand, and noted, "Now, now Vincent, Catherine's opinion of Milton, will or will not conclude if Catherine is a feminist! It will only mean, Catherine's view point is...well perhaps..."
Jacob then abruptly ended his sentence by slyly saying, "Perhaps we have said too much Vincent."
As he looked at Catherine, he stifled his smile, as he said, "I don't wish to influence your maiden voyage into John Milton's "Paradise Lost" any more than what we already have Catherine."
At that, Jacob then stood, and asked, "Well then, shall we have some tea?"
To which Vincent quickly stood as well, and offered, "Allow me Father."
Aa Jacob sat back down, he thankfully said, "Very well then Vincent."
And then Jacob desirously added, "Oh wouldn't some of those Sweet Potato Scones from breakfast go deliciously with our tea Vincent? I happen to know the extras are hidden...err rather in the bottom shelf of the bread storage box."
After giving his shifty Father a sideways glance, realizing he must have been saving them for later, Vincent graciously nodded, and compliantly said, "I would be happy to get them from the kitchen Father."
To which Jacob urgently added, "Oh, and don't forget some sweet whipped butter as well, so we may top the scones."
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent noted, "Very well Father."
And so Vincent turned to Catherine, as he asked, "Won't you excuse me?"
To which, Catherine sweetly replied, "Of course."
And so, as Jacob and Catherine sat together, they talked of many things, and Jacob then inquired about her decision to change careers, as he curiously asked, "Working for the D. A. Hmmm? That will be quite a change will it not?"
To which Catherine proudly replied, "Yes, it will. I along with my Dad deal in corporate law, and his Dad did too before him."
And as they ventured into this territory, Catherine realized this was a perfect opening to ask Jacob if he remembered her Granddaddy!
As she took a deep hesitant breath she inquired, "Jacob, my Granddaddy before he started the firm, did his apprenticeship for the D. A. years ago, back in the early 50's. I have to ask you...do you remember him? His name was James Chandler."
As Jacob looked downward, he expelled a shaky breath, and admitted, "Yes Catherine...I remember him. It had been a long time ago."
To which Jacob then relayed, "In fact, it had occurred to me yesterday, or perhaps it was the day before, that you may be related to THE James Chandler I knew."
As he looked back up at Catherine he carefully asked, "So you know all about the hearings."
In reply, Catherine respectfully nodded and explained, "My Dad only just now discovered the connection too. He found some old clippings in Granddaddy's scrap book."
As they spoke about this time in Jacob's life, Catherine could see how talk of this event troubled Jacob still, and so she said, "It was a noble thing you did. And you had been completely exonerated."
Thankful for what Catherine had said, Jacob humbly smiled, and then seriously said, "It is a time that is difficult for me to speak about. That whole experience reshaped my life. My career had suffered, my faith in the system was shaken, and...I lost the love of my life because of it."
To which Jacob informatively continued, "As you must know Catherine, even though you are exonerated of an accusation such as communistic ties, those things follow and haunt you. Most people assume where there is smoke...there is indeed fire. Yes, yes...the stain of doubt remained with many who should have known me better."
Acknowledging her Granddaddy, Jacob then smiled at Catherine, as he inserted, "I did have two of the finest attorneys working for me. Your Grandfather James, and Allen Taft, and together...they DID legally clear my name."
To which Jacob expounded, "In retrospect, I know it all happened for a reason. This community would not have been developed, if my life in the world above, had not been shaken, and hence...there would not have been a refuge for Vincent. There's no other place where he could have lived so privately, and freely like he has here."
As Catherine heard Jacob's words, she realized her dreams of a free open life for Vincent, were already a reality. He has the tunnels, and the tunnel community, who whole - heartedly love and accept him.
In reply, Catherine then dreamily said, "Yes Jacob, and you have created a beautiful world for him, for everyone here."
Seeing Jacob a bit misty eyed, Catherine then apologetically said, "I am sorry if talk of the hearings upset you Jacob. Maybe I shouldn't have brought the subject up, but I hated not sharing with you that I had knowledge of it."
In reply, Jacob nodded, indicating he understood, and then he nervously asked, "Did...did you tell Vincent about my association with your Grandfather?"
Assuredly, Catherine softly said, "No Jacob, I didn't."
To which Jacob heaved a relieved sigh, and said, "Good. I had not discussed these events openly with him, I don't know why...as I said I am not ashamed, but it is of a time in my life that pains me still. Perhaps, it is time I do share this with him, share more of my past with him."
And because Catherine knew Vincent's feelings of Jacob not sharing stories of his top sider life with him, Catherine nodded, as she warmly urged, "I think he would like to hear."
Meanwhile, as Vincent returned, he picked up on the pall about the chamber, and inquired, "Is everything all right Father?"
To which Jacob stood, to assist his son, and as he fondly looked to Catherine, he said, "Yes Vincent, everything is fine. Catherine and I are just getting to know one another better...and I suppose our delving has left me reflective, that's all."
And so upon eyeing up the tray Vincent was carrying, Jacob rubbed his hands together, and shifted the conversation, saying, "Now this does look delicious! Shall we?"
Firstly, Vincent served Catherine, to which she appreciatively said, Thank you, and after a taste, she said, "William's culinary talents seem to know no bounds. These scones are as fine as you find in any Manhattan bakery."
To which Jacob exclaimed, "True, true my dear, and guaranteed to put lead in your pencil! Oh my! I suppose I should not reference a phrase my father would taut after having a good hearty meal! I was never quite sure what it meant...but I dare say I have my suspicions! Ahh, my Father would come up with some gems."
After a shared chuckle, Vincent looked over at his pensive Father, and because he has been getting small glimpses into his Father's past boyhood days of late, it left him wanting to hear more. And so, as Catherine advised, he would start asking questions to open the dialogue about his Father's past. And so with care, Vincent noted, "I've not heard you speak of your Father before..."
In reply, Jacob looked at Vincent, and thoughtfully said, "Yes I realize this Vincent...and am not sure why I don't...in truth this was the very subject Catherine and I were just having while you left for the scones."
And with a glint in his eyes, Jacob pledged to his son, "I would like to open up more, and promise in the future, I shall. For now what I will share with you is, my Father was a fine man, with a comical touch of whimsy."
Knowing a little head way was made this day, Vincent nodded, and with a smile in his eyes, lightened the mood as he asked, "I suppose one may say, the nut did not fall too far from the tree Father?"
To which Jacob chuckled, as he replied, "Yes, yes indeed! If I may be so bold to agree with your assessment, I suppose one might say that!"
The three shared a laugh, and afterwards, Catherine sat back feeling so happy. And as she looked up and around her, she could not believe that just a short month ago, she was broken-hearted, and yearning for Vincent. Now here she was with him and his Father, having tea.
And...Vincent must have had the same thought, as he at the same time, looked at Catherine, and shared a contentment they were both aware of.
The remainder of the time they spent with Jacob, was lighthearted and pleasant, and then Vincent expressed his desire to take Catherine for a walk, before she had to leave.
To which, Jacob in reply, waved his hand, and urged them to run along, saying, "Yes, and I believe I may lie down for a bit."
Upon hearing his Father's reply, Vincent with great concern asked, "You are tired again this afternoon Father?"
And so Jacob in reply, noted, "Oh just a little. The thought of resting these tired eyes sounds quite inviting right now."
Turning to Catherine, Jacob graciously said, "Come see me again soon will you?"
After saying she would love to, Catherine picked up the book Jacob was lending her, and after a hug goodbye, she said, "And thank you for the loan. I promise to take good care of your book."
As Vincent lead Catherine up the steps, and after they walked a few steps down the tunnel main, Vincent stopped, and worriedly, looked back to Jacob's threshold.
Because Catherine wondered why Vincent stopped, she softly asked, "What is it?"
To which Vincent explained, "Father seems so tired lately. I am concerned there may be something wrong. I wonder if Peter has time to give Father a check up before he leaves?"
And so Catherine looked to her watch and said, "Well I think there is about four hours until their flight. If I go to Dad's now to pick up Peter, we should be back in an hour or so."
Thinking about this solution, Vincent realistically said, "Catherine that may not be enough time."
And so Catherine then asked, "Well, do you think Jacob would agree to going to my Dad's to see Peter? That would definitely save some time."
In reply, Vincent tipped his head and said, "There is one way to find out Catherine. Please wait here."
As Vincent walked back into Jacob's chamber, he saw his Father stumble a bit as he approached his bed. And so Vincent hurriedly ran to his side, and assisted him the rest of the way.
Surprised that Vincent came out of nowhere to assist him, Jacob with wonder asked, "I thought you were taking Catherine on a walk."
In reply, Vincent nodded and said, "I was, however I began to grow more and more concerned about your increasing fatigue."
And then Vincent delicately approached the subject of a medical checkup and said, "Peter is going to be gone for quite a span of time, and because of this, there will be no one for us to contact if you should need medical attention."
Vincent then asked, "Catherine will take you to her Father's, so Peter can give you a checkup. Would you agree to this?"
And because his dizziness caused even himself some concern, Jacob for the welfare of himself, and for the community, he agreeably said, "Give me a moment to prepare myself Vincent."