Meantime, a little while later, things became a little hectic inside Vincent's
chamber...
A shirtless Vincent told Jacob, "Honestly Father, my tunic and suit coat, fit just
fine! One from me, so she can make some alterations!"
With an astute tone, Jacob explained, "Evidently, Mary felt your garments
required a little more tweaking. She only wants you to look your absolute best
Vincent...albeit to the point of expansive obsession, however she means well."
Expelling a helpless sigh, Vincent expressed, "I know she does, however I am
becoming concerned about the time."
Vincent then asked Rebecca, "Has Lisa arrived?"
Informatively Rebecca replied, "Not as yet, but there's time Vincent, I wouldn't
worry..."
She then remembered that though Lisa left the party saying it was late, both she
and Mary thought she looked a bit pale when she left Catherine's Bachelorette
Party, and before she thought better of mentioning it, she lamented,
"...although..."
With concern, Vincent asked, "Although what?"
And because Rebecca hated to cause any undo concern about Lisa's health, it
was too late now, she HAD to! So hesitantly she said, "Well, Lisa DID leave
Catherine's party looking a bit peaked the other night. So assuming nothing is
wrong, then I am sure she will be here today."
Caringly, Jacob then asked, "What do you mean peaked?"
To which Rebecca explained "Well, Lisa really didn't say anything was wrong,
only that she suddenly got up to leave, and both Mary and I thought she looked
pale."
Just then, Ronald quickly entered the chamber with Vincent's freshly prepared
shirt and said, "Mary will be right over with your suit coat Vincent, but she said
this is ready for you to put back on."
Gleefully, Vincent responded, "Outstanding!" As he slipped on his tailored white
tunic, he thanked Ronald for his help, and then asked Pascal, "What about
Narcissa? Did you hear anything from her this morning?"
In reply, Pascal apologetically said, "Yes I did. I shoulda told you right away,
but she sends both you and Catherine her sincerest best vibes, but she will not
be coming to the ceremony. She said you would understand."
Nodding Vincent said, "I do..."
In response, Jacob knowingly acknowledged, "I did doubt she WOULD come
today Vincent. I hope this does not disappoint you."
With sincerity, Vincent repeated, "As I said Father, I DO understand."
And so with a knowing tone, Jacob continued on as if he had not heard Vincent,
and added, "After all, it is not Narcissa's nature, or Elizabeth's either for that
matter, to come and mingle amongst US within the community, let alone an
additional crowd including the helpers. So do not let this dampen your spirits."
Heaving a heavy sigh, Vincent repeated, "I am not disappointed Father...I above
all people DO understand Narcissa. I had no expectations to the contrary."
Just then Mary dashed in with Vincent's suit coat, and after he slipped it on,
Mary stepped back to get a better perspective. Well after giving Vincent a nod
of approval, she then requested he also slip his cloak on, and then asked, "Give
me a twirl Vincent, so I can see how the cloak flows..."
Wincing at the image of himself, twirling, he distastefully replied, "I do not twirl
Mary!"
After realizing perhaps her request was a little out of line, but still wishing that
he would, Mary said, "Very well then...DON'T twirl! All the same, after the
additional tuck here and there...well, NOW it is a perfect fit. And you...YOU
look so handsome Vincent, just as I imagined!"
Upon thinking he would only wear the suit coat, without the cloak, Vincent
hesitantly mentioned, "I was actually thinking of going without the cloak Mary..."
However, as Mary continued to adjust his Groomsman's cloak, she didn't even
hear Vincent state his wardrobe change, because a loose thread caught her eye!
And so she summoned, "Rebecca, the scissors please! There is a thread hanging
from where the hood meets the sheath!"
Anxiously Rebecca asked, "Shouldn't I finish the other task you gave me first?"
So because Rebecca seemed frazzled, Jacob commandingly offered, "I will get
the scissors Rebecca...you continue buffing Vincent's boot wear."
Just then, Mouse rushed into the chamber, and said, "Vincent! Here is
Catherine's Wedding ring!"
To which a perplexed Vincent, asked, "You have Catherine's ring? But I gave it
to Pascal!"
Pascal reached into his pocket, and said, "You did! I have it right here!"
Suspiciously Vincent looked at Mouse, and asked, "Mouse? What ring do you
have?"
Guiltily he shuffled his feet, as he said, "This ring. I like it better, and Catherine
will too."
As everyone circled around Mouse to inspect HIS ring of choice, they saw it
was an antique ring. One he must have snitched from the treasure chest, they
had found earlier that year.
Defensively, Mouse said, "It matches the necklace I gave to Catherine."
Kindly Vincent reminded him, "Catherine put that necklace back Mouse, she no
longer has it."
And then Jacob added, "Yes we all put back our treasures..."
To which Pascal sternly said, "Apparently everyone but Mouse!"
And then Pascal folded his arms, as he asked, "Mouse?"
Walking backward a few steps he confessed, "Guess I kept a few
things..."
Upon hearing this breach, Mary gasped, and then demanded, "Explain yourself
Mouse!"
Poor Mouse stammered a bit before he said, "Well...Catherine liked the
necklace so much, I snuck it out when no one was looking...and this ring too,
cuz it matched."
In response, Pascal incredulously spewed, "I don't believe it!"
With a frown, Jacob reprimanded Mouse by saying, "Mouse! You deliberately
went against the decision made by the common counsel! I honestly do not know
what to do with you..."
In an attempt to diffuse the situation, Vincent put his hand on his Father's
shoulder to calm him, and then serenely intervened, "Father is right Mouse. We
all decided it would be best to rid our community of monetary treasures such as
these."
In his own defense, Mouse sincerely argued, "But Catherine smiled so big when
I gave her the necklace! It made her happy!"
Vincent warmly said, "She was happy because it was a gift from you Mouse.
Any gift you gave to her, would make her smile."
And so Mouse then asked, "Then I hafta take these up top too?"
Insistently, Father said, "Yes Mouse...you do. They have much more need of it
above, than Catherine will have here with us."
Meanwhile, Pascal, who was looking at the actual Wedding ring Vincent
intended for Catherine, said, "Besides Mouse, this ring will mean so much more
to Catherine, because it used to be Anna's."
With a new perspective, Mouse said, "OK Good, I will give this to the convent
tomorrow."
With affection, Vincent told Mouse, "Thank you my friend for looking out for
Catherine. I know you had only the best of intentions."
Humbly Mouse looked downward, and shyly said, "Not only that, but I meant
well too."
Everyone exchanged stifled smiles, after Mouse made his blissfully innocent
reply, when next, Rebecca gaily handed Vincent his boots. Playfully, she
curtsied and said, "These are ready for you sire!"
Bowing at the waist, Vincent regally said, "Thank you fair maiden. That will be
all for now."
Meantime, Lisa who had been standing at the threshold, witnessing the
camaraderie within, stayed silent for a moment more. She loved everyone here,
and was so happy to be a part of the community again.
And even though her heart was breaking, because of her shaky relationship with
Elliot, she was happy to know Vincent, had found true love with Catherine.
After all, Catherine could marry a millionaire if she wanted! But over everyone
else...she chose Vincent.
And Lisa, besides Catherine herself, now knew the full scope of Catherine's
love for Vincent...She also realized, she would have to keep this knowledge to
herself. She could not even confront Elliot to pin him down about his feelings
for Catherine without bringing Vincent into it. So she decided it would be best to
let things between her and Elliot die away. Another case in her life, of a love not
meant to be...
Wiping a tear away, Lisa summoned up a smile, and cheerfully said, "So this is
where everyone is!"
Gracefully Lisa greeted everyone, and they each gave her a loving response in
return, before she approached Vincent.
Looking fondly up at him, she said, "You look perfect Vincent! Just as a happy
groom should look."
Huskily, in reply, Vincent said, "Lisa...I am pleased you are here."
Coyly she cautioned, "Just try to keep me away..."
Turning to Jacob, she said, "...after all, this is my home...and you are my
family."
Affectionately, Jacob answered, "Indeed my child."
Thinking of his long lost son, under his breath, he sadly said, "If only all those
who had left these tunnels as children felt that way..."
Vincent disappointed too about Devin's absence from their lives, patted his
Father's shoulder. As Jacob turned to smile at him for this commiserating
gesture, he then turned back to Lisa, and in a fatherly tone, asked, "Rebecca
tells us she and Mary were concerned you were not feeling well the other night
at Jennifer's...was anything wrong?"
Guardedly, Lisa replied, "I'm not sure....something just came over me, and I
thought it best I left. The important thing is I am fine, in time for Vincent's
wedding."
To which Jacob protectively replied, "Yes, I agree that is important, however
we mustn't neglect your overall health. Perhaps I should take a look at you
tomorrow."
Lovingly, Lisa hugged Jacob's arm, and said, "You are a Dear for worrying,
however believe me Father, I am fine. Being here with all of you is the best
medicine I could ask for."
Silently Vincent looked on, worried too about Lisa's welfare, and when she
looked his way, they exchanged a smile, both feeling the contentment of being
united this day above all others. Because it meant they truly had healed their
wounded hearts from events of days gone by.
With a sense of urgency, Mary broke through the moment by saying, "Hold still
Vincent...Lisa help me!"
And so Lisa pulled the thread away from his hair, and Mary then snipped the
wild thread that was dangling from the cloak, and said, "Oh my thank you Lisa!
I am so nervous, I envisioned accidentally cutting off a lock of Vincent's hair!
Wouldn't that have been a crime!"
To which Lisa agreed, and said, "Oh yes it would have been a terrible crime
Mary!"
Lisa then fondly adjusted Vincent's silken mane that flowed down upon his
shoulders, and said, "Allow me to comb your hair for you!"
Excitedly Mary said, "I knew there was something else! Vincent's Hair! Yes,
please take care of his hair Lisa, and I will mark that off my check list!"
Vincent began to say he had already smoothed his hair, when Lisa, playfully
pulled him along, pleading, "Please Vincent Please! Let me do this for you? Just
like when we were kids, and I would help you get ready for either Winterfest, or
for one of our concerts we would put on..."
Reluctantly, Vincent went over to the chair as directed, and self-consciously sat
as Lisa finger combed through his hair.
Pleased that Lisa was taking care of that item, Mary looked down at her
checklist, and said, "Now let's see what else do we have to accomplish before
the nuptials?"
As she noticed a very important task that had yet to be executed, she nervously
erupted, "Oh my Goodness! REBECCA!!!"
Darting immediately to Mary's side, Rebecca asked, "What is it Mary?"
Handing Rebecca the buffer, she screeched, "We haven't buffed out Vincent's
nails yet!"
To which in reply, Vincent irritatingly said, "Really Mary, is this necessary?"
Raising her hand, Mary presented, "Tut Tut! Now Vincent, we all know how
much focus is on the hands during a wedding ceremony! So BUFF Rebecca,
BUFF!"
Rebecca discretely raised a brow, as she exchanged smiles with Lisa, and out of
the side of her mouth said, "See what I have been dealing with?"
Commiserating, Lisa gave her an understanding nod, and then both Lisa and
Rebecca, continued to groom Vincent.
Just then, two of the children, excitedly came dashing into the chamber ahead of
Brooke, who was bringing Vincent his boutonnière, and Kipper eagerly
announced, "Vincent! Rosa is here with all the flowers, and she gave your
flower to Brooke. She should be here with it any minute now, but Samantha
and I beat her. Brooke is as slow as molasses!"
Vincent warmly acknowledged the children, by saying, "Ah, I see. Thank you
both for the information."
As Lisa too greeted the children, Samantha said she was so happy she was here!
And after giving Samantha a hug in return, Lisa stepped back and bit, and said,
"May I say you both look very nice."
In a very mature manner, Samantha said, "Thank you Lisa...Jennifer gave me
this dress, and Catherine said, it fits as if it were made for me."
And proudly, Kipper noted, "And this used to be Michael's vest, but now it fits
me!
Olivia said I look as fine as any prince!"
With an approving nod, Lisa kindly said, "And she is right...you do Kipper...you
look very fine."
Finally, an out-of-breath Brooke, arrived! Huffing and puffing, she said, "You
two little rascals! I can't believe you beat me!"
Brooke then breathlessly told Vincent, "Here is your boutonnière."
To which Kipper butted in and said, "Remember what Rosa said Brooke?
Vincent is supposed to pin this on...and it has to be on the...hmmm, right side?"
Samantha corrected him, by saying, "No Sir! It goes on the left side...over his
heart! Weren't you listening?"
With a nod, Brooke agreed with Samantha, as she pinned the flowers on
Vincent for him, in accordance to etiquette.
After Brooke stepped, back, Mary barged in, to re-adjust the boutonnière, when
Vincent suddenly stood up, and said, "I thank you all for your help and
attention, however, I don't believe the Queen of England goes through this
much preparation!"
Upon hearing his son, Jacob began to chuckle as he said, "Although...as a
charitable deed...perhaps the Queen should increase her prep time!"
Realizing he shouldn't dis the Queen, Jacob cleared his throat, and then added,
"However, Vincent is right you know, he has endured a lot of fussing over his
appearance!"
After finding his calm, Vincent apologized and said, "Forgive me...I do
appreciate everything everyone is doing for me, however I am used to doing all
these things for myself. And all this attention is making me a little nervous."
He paced a few steps before he made a wide sweeping turn, to say, "Now, do
not mistake my nervousness...as trepidations dread! I profess to you that I have
no second thoughts about getting married, I have no doubts, I am just feeling a
little anxious."
Everyone began to speak at once, telling Vincent, a little nervousness was
completely normal, but Mary, because she had wanted Vincent to twirl earlier,
couldn't help but comment, that when he turned just then...his cloak DID have
a nice twirl to it.
To which Vincent removed his cloak, and stated once more, "Mary, I know you
like the flow of the cloak, however, as I told you earlier...I am going without!"
Upon thinking this was a major change to her vision, Mary stammered, "Well
I...well I just thought that..."
And all the while they were going on and on, Jacob stood watching.
Thoughtfully he scratched his chin, and began to survey the situation. He looked
about at all the people in Vincent's chamber. At the moment, there was Mary,
Rebecca, Lisa, Mouse, Ronald, Brooke, Samantha, Kipper, and Pascal...not to
mention himself.
And so wisely Jacob, calmly suggested, "Come, come! Perhaps we should give
Vincent a little time to himself...before we accompany him to the Great Hall."
To which Ronald anxiously said, "Yeah, and its time I go and meet Peter at the
entrance anyway. He should be coming any moment with Catherine and Jenny."
Jacob then turned toward Vincent and said, "We will not be far should you need
anything."
Everyone hugged Vincent as they left, and said they would meet him shortly in
the Tunnel Main when it was time to go.
Vincent warmly expressed his gratitude, but stopped Jacob as he was about to
depart, and asked, "Father? Could you stay?"
A fleeting smile invaded Jacob's lips, before he replied, "Of course I will. I was
afraid you wouldn't ask!"
Meanwhile, Peter proudly escorted the Bride and her Maid-of-Honor below for
the ceremony, and as they arrived at the north tunnel entrance, Ronald was
there to greet them.
Happily, Ronald told them everything was ready, and everyone was heading for
the Great Hall. He then stepped up to Catherine to say, "Cathy...you look so
pretty."
Catherine said thank you for the compliment, and then eagerly asked, "How is
Vincent doing?"
With a reassuring nod, he said, "He has survived everyone's fussing over him
surprisingly well! This wedding ceremony will be a piece of cake compared to
what he has been through this morning!"
Peter rolled his eyes, and said, "I can only imagine!"
Ronald looked at Jennifer and softly told her, "Jenny...I am speechless...you
look so beautiful."
In reply, she said, "Thanks...and you look really great in your wedding garb too!
Isn't all this gothic-chic style clothing fun to wear?"
Laughing out loud, he said, "I never thought of our way of dress down here in
the tunnels as gothic...but yes, I guess you are right. Awe, the way you see
everything, never ceases to amuse me."
Ronald looked around at everyone and said, "I think we should go."
Peter offered his arm to Catherine, and asked, "Are you ready?"
Elegantly, Catherine accepted his guidance, and said, "Oh yes...I am ready."
The pipes were alive with messages as they traveled the tunnels toward the
Chapel in the Great Hall. Sentries all along the way, reported the Bride-To-Be's
whereabouts, as she passed by their stations, adding to the excitement of
Catherine and Vincent's Wedding Day.
To be continued
Chapter Forty-Three
chamber...
A shirtless Vincent told Jacob, "Honestly Father, my tunic and suit coat, fit just
fine! One from me, so she can make some alterations!"
With an astute tone, Jacob explained, "Evidently, Mary felt your garments
required a little more tweaking. She only wants you to look your absolute best
Vincent...albeit to the point of expansive obsession, however she means well."
Expelling a helpless sigh, Vincent expressed, "I know she does, however I am
becoming concerned about the time."
Vincent then asked Rebecca, "Has Lisa arrived?"
Informatively Rebecca replied, "Not as yet, but there's time Vincent, I wouldn't
worry..."
She then remembered that though Lisa left the party saying it was late, both she
and Mary thought she looked a bit pale when she left Catherine's Bachelorette
Party, and before she thought better of mentioning it, she lamented,
"...although..."
With concern, Vincent asked, "Although what?"
And because Rebecca hated to cause any undo concern about Lisa's health, it
was too late now, she HAD to! So hesitantly she said, "Well, Lisa DID leave
Catherine's party looking a bit peaked the other night. So assuming nothing is
wrong, then I am sure she will be here today."
Caringly, Jacob then asked, "What do you mean peaked?"
To which Rebecca explained "Well, Lisa really didn't say anything was wrong,
only that she suddenly got up to leave, and both Mary and I thought she looked
pale."
Just then, Ronald quickly entered the chamber with Vincent's freshly prepared
shirt and said, "Mary will be right over with your suit coat Vincent, but she said
this is ready for you to put back on."
Gleefully, Vincent responded, "Outstanding!" As he slipped on his tailored white
tunic, he thanked Ronald for his help, and then asked Pascal, "What about
Narcissa? Did you hear anything from her this morning?"
In reply, Pascal apologetically said, "Yes I did. I shoulda told you right away,
but she sends both you and Catherine her sincerest best vibes, but she will not
be coming to the ceremony. She said you would understand."
Nodding Vincent said, "I do..."
In response, Jacob knowingly acknowledged, "I did doubt she WOULD come
today Vincent. I hope this does not disappoint you."
With sincerity, Vincent repeated, "As I said Father, I DO understand."
And so with a knowing tone, Jacob continued on as if he had not heard Vincent,
and added, "After all, it is not Narcissa's nature, or Elizabeth's either for that
matter, to come and mingle amongst US within the community, let alone an
additional crowd including the helpers. So do not let this dampen your spirits."
Heaving a heavy sigh, Vincent repeated, "I am not disappointed Father...I above
all people DO understand Narcissa. I had no expectations to the contrary."
Just then Mary dashed in with Vincent's suit coat, and after he slipped it on,
Mary stepped back to get a better perspective. Well after giving Vincent a nod
of approval, she then requested he also slip his cloak on, and then asked, "Give
me a twirl Vincent, so I can see how the cloak flows..."
Wincing at the image of himself, twirling, he distastefully replied, "I do not twirl
Mary!"
After realizing perhaps her request was a little out of line, but still wishing that
he would, Mary said, "Very well then...DON'T twirl! All the same, after the
additional tuck here and there...well, NOW it is a perfect fit. And you...YOU
look so handsome Vincent, just as I imagined!"
Upon thinking he would only wear the suit coat, without the cloak, Vincent
hesitantly mentioned, "I was actually thinking of going without the cloak Mary..."
However, as Mary continued to adjust his Groomsman's cloak, she didn't even
hear Vincent state his wardrobe change, because a loose thread caught her eye!
And so she summoned, "Rebecca, the scissors please! There is a thread hanging
from where the hood meets the sheath!"
Anxiously Rebecca asked, "Shouldn't I finish the other task you gave me first?"
So because Rebecca seemed frazzled, Jacob commandingly offered, "I will get
the scissors Rebecca...you continue buffing Vincent's boot wear."
Just then, Mouse rushed into the chamber, and said, "Vincent! Here is
Catherine's Wedding ring!"
To which a perplexed Vincent, asked, "You have Catherine's ring? But I gave it
to Pascal!"
Pascal reached into his pocket, and said, "You did! I have it right here!"
Suspiciously Vincent looked at Mouse, and asked, "Mouse? What ring do you
have?"
Guiltily he shuffled his feet, as he said, "This ring. I like it better, and Catherine
will too."
As everyone circled around Mouse to inspect HIS ring of choice, they saw it
was an antique ring. One he must have snitched from the treasure chest, they
had found earlier that year.
Defensively, Mouse said, "It matches the necklace I gave to Catherine."
Kindly Vincent reminded him, "Catherine put that necklace back Mouse, she no
longer has it."
And then Jacob added, "Yes we all put back our treasures..."
To which Pascal sternly said, "Apparently everyone but Mouse!"
And then Pascal folded his arms, as he asked, "Mouse?"
Walking backward a few steps he confessed, "Guess I kept a few
things..."
Upon hearing this breach, Mary gasped, and then demanded, "Explain yourself
Mouse!"
Poor Mouse stammered a bit before he said, "Well...Catherine liked the
necklace so much, I snuck it out when no one was looking...and this ring too,
cuz it matched."
In response, Pascal incredulously spewed, "I don't believe it!"
With a frown, Jacob reprimanded Mouse by saying, "Mouse! You deliberately
went against the decision made by the common counsel! I honestly do not know
what to do with you..."
In an attempt to diffuse the situation, Vincent put his hand on his Father's
shoulder to calm him, and then serenely intervened, "Father is right Mouse. We
all decided it would be best to rid our community of monetary treasures such as
these."
In his own defense, Mouse sincerely argued, "But Catherine smiled so big when
I gave her the necklace! It made her happy!"
Vincent warmly said, "She was happy because it was a gift from you Mouse.
Any gift you gave to her, would make her smile."
And so Mouse then asked, "Then I hafta take these up top too?"
Insistently, Father said, "Yes Mouse...you do. They have much more need of it
above, than Catherine will have here with us."
Meanwhile, Pascal, who was looking at the actual Wedding ring Vincent
intended for Catherine, said, "Besides Mouse, this ring will mean so much more
to Catherine, because it used to be Anna's."
With a new perspective, Mouse said, "OK Good, I will give this to the convent
tomorrow."
With affection, Vincent told Mouse, "Thank you my friend for looking out for
Catherine. I know you had only the best of intentions."
Humbly Mouse looked downward, and shyly said, "Not only that, but I meant
well too."
Everyone exchanged stifled smiles, after Mouse made his blissfully innocent
reply, when next, Rebecca gaily handed Vincent his boots. Playfully, she
curtsied and said, "These are ready for you sire!"
Bowing at the waist, Vincent regally said, "Thank you fair maiden. That will be
all for now."
Meantime, Lisa who had been standing at the threshold, witnessing the
camaraderie within, stayed silent for a moment more. She loved everyone here,
and was so happy to be a part of the community again.
And even though her heart was breaking, because of her shaky relationship with
Elliot, she was happy to know Vincent, had found true love with Catherine.
After all, Catherine could marry a millionaire if she wanted! But over everyone
else...she chose Vincent.
And Lisa, besides Catherine herself, now knew the full scope of Catherine's
love for Vincent...She also realized, she would have to keep this knowledge to
herself. She could not even confront Elliot to pin him down about his feelings
for Catherine without bringing Vincent into it. So she decided it would be best to
let things between her and Elliot die away. Another case in her life, of a love not
meant to be...
Wiping a tear away, Lisa summoned up a smile, and cheerfully said, "So this is
where everyone is!"
Gracefully Lisa greeted everyone, and they each gave her a loving response in
return, before she approached Vincent.
Looking fondly up at him, she said, "You look perfect Vincent! Just as a happy
groom should look."
Huskily, in reply, Vincent said, "Lisa...I am pleased you are here."
Coyly she cautioned, "Just try to keep me away..."
Turning to Jacob, she said, "...after all, this is my home...and you are my
family."
Affectionately, Jacob answered, "Indeed my child."
Thinking of his long lost son, under his breath, he sadly said, "If only all those
who had left these tunnels as children felt that way..."
Vincent disappointed too about Devin's absence from their lives, patted his
Father's shoulder. As Jacob turned to smile at him for this commiserating
gesture, he then turned back to Lisa, and in a fatherly tone, asked, "Rebecca
tells us she and Mary were concerned you were not feeling well the other night
at Jennifer's...was anything wrong?"
Guardedly, Lisa replied, "I'm not sure....something just came over me, and I
thought it best I left. The important thing is I am fine, in time for Vincent's
wedding."
To which Jacob protectively replied, "Yes, I agree that is important, however
we mustn't neglect your overall health. Perhaps I should take a look at you
tomorrow."
Lovingly, Lisa hugged Jacob's arm, and said, "You are a Dear for worrying,
however believe me Father, I am fine. Being here with all of you is the best
medicine I could ask for."
Silently Vincent looked on, worried too about Lisa's welfare, and when she
looked his way, they exchanged a smile, both feeling the contentment of being
united this day above all others. Because it meant they truly had healed their
wounded hearts from events of days gone by.
With a sense of urgency, Mary broke through the moment by saying, "Hold still
Vincent...Lisa help me!"
And so Lisa pulled the thread away from his hair, and Mary then snipped the
wild thread that was dangling from the cloak, and said, "Oh my thank you Lisa!
I am so nervous, I envisioned accidentally cutting off a lock of Vincent's hair!
Wouldn't that have been a crime!"
To which Lisa agreed, and said, "Oh yes it would have been a terrible crime
Mary!"
Lisa then fondly adjusted Vincent's silken mane that flowed down upon his
shoulders, and said, "Allow me to comb your hair for you!"
Excitedly Mary said, "I knew there was something else! Vincent's Hair! Yes,
please take care of his hair Lisa, and I will mark that off my check list!"
Vincent began to say he had already smoothed his hair, when Lisa, playfully
pulled him along, pleading, "Please Vincent Please! Let me do this for you? Just
like when we were kids, and I would help you get ready for either Winterfest, or
for one of our concerts we would put on..."
Reluctantly, Vincent went over to the chair as directed, and self-consciously sat
as Lisa finger combed through his hair.
Pleased that Lisa was taking care of that item, Mary looked down at her
checklist, and said, "Now let's see what else do we have to accomplish before
the nuptials?"
As she noticed a very important task that had yet to be executed, she nervously
erupted, "Oh my Goodness! REBECCA!!!"
Darting immediately to Mary's side, Rebecca asked, "What is it Mary?"
Handing Rebecca the buffer, she screeched, "We haven't buffed out Vincent's
nails yet!"
To which in reply, Vincent irritatingly said, "Really Mary, is this necessary?"
Raising her hand, Mary presented, "Tut Tut! Now Vincent, we all know how
much focus is on the hands during a wedding ceremony! So BUFF Rebecca,
BUFF!"
Rebecca discretely raised a brow, as she exchanged smiles with Lisa, and out of
the side of her mouth said, "See what I have been dealing with?"
Commiserating, Lisa gave her an understanding nod, and then both Lisa and
Rebecca, continued to groom Vincent.
Just then, two of the children, excitedly came dashing into the chamber ahead of
Brooke, who was bringing Vincent his boutonnière, and Kipper eagerly
announced, "Vincent! Rosa is here with all the flowers, and she gave your
flower to Brooke. She should be here with it any minute now, but Samantha
and I beat her. Brooke is as slow as molasses!"
Vincent warmly acknowledged the children, by saying, "Ah, I see. Thank you
both for the information."
As Lisa too greeted the children, Samantha said she was so happy she was here!
And after giving Samantha a hug in return, Lisa stepped back and bit, and said,
"May I say you both look very nice."
In a very mature manner, Samantha said, "Thank you Lisa...Jennifer gave me
this dress, and Catherine said, it fits as if it were made for me."
And proudly, Kipper noted, "And this used to be Michael's vest, but now it fits
me!
Olivia said I look as fine as any prince!"
With an approving nod, Lisa kindly said, "And she is right...you do Kipper...you
look very fine."
Finally, an out-of-breath Brooke, arrived! Huffing and puffing, she said, "You
two little rascals! I can't believe you beat me!"
Brooke then breathlessly told Vincent, "Here is your boutonnière."
To which Kipper butted in and said, "Remember what Rosa said Brooke?
Vincent is supposed to pin this on...and it has to be on the...hmmm, right side?"
Samantha corrected him, by saying, "No Sir! It goes on the left side...over his
heart! Weren't you listening?"
With a nod, Brooke agreed with Samantha, as she pinned the flowers on
Vincent for him, in accordance to etiquette.
After Brooke stepped, back, Mary barged in, to re-adjust the boutonnière, when
Vincent suddenly stood up, and said, "I thank you all for your help and
attention, however, I don't believe the Queen of England goes through this
much preparation!"
Upon hearing his son, Jacob began to chuckle as he said, "Although...as a
charitable deed...perhaps the Queen should increase her prep time!"
Realizing he shouldn't dis the Queen, Jacob cleared his throat, and then added,
"However, Vincent is right you know, he has endured a lot of fussing over his
appearance!"
After finding his calm, Vincent apologized and said, "Forgive me...I do
appreciate everything everyone is doing for me, however I am used to doing all
these things for myself. And all this attention is making me a little nervous."
He paced a few steps before he made a wide sweeping turn, to say, "Now, do
not mistake my nervousness...as trepidations dread! I profess to you that I have
no second thoughts about getting married, I have no doubts, I am just feeling a
little anxious."
Everyone began to speak at once, telling Vincent, a little nervousness was
completely normal, but Mary, because she had wanted Vincent to twirl earlier,
couldn't help but comment, that when he turned just then...his cloak DID have
a nice twirl to it.
To which Vincent removed his cloak, and stated once more, "Mary, I know you
like the flow of the cloak, however, as I told you earlier...I am going without!"
Upon thinking this was a major change to her vision, Mary stammered, "Well
I...well I just thought that..."
And all the while they were going on and on, Jacob stood watching.
Thoughtfully he scratched his chin, and began to survey the situation. He looked
about at all the people in Vincent's chamber. At the moment, there was Mary,
Rebecca, Lisa, Mouse, Ronald, Brooke, Samantha, Kipper, and Pascal...not to
mention himself.
And so wisely Jacob, calmly suggested, "Come, come! Perhaps we should give
Vincent a little time to himself...before we accompany him to the Great Hall."
To which Ronald anxiously said, "Yeah, and its time I go and meet Peter at the
entrance anyway. He should be coming any moment with Catherine and Jenny."
Jacob then turned toward Vincent and said, "We will not be far should you need
anything."
Everyone hugged Vincent as they left, and said they would meet him shortly in
the Tunnel Main when it was time to go.
Vincent warmly expressed his gratitude, but stopped Jacob as he was about to
depart, and asked, "Father? Could you stay?"
A fleeting smile invaded Jacob's lips, before he replied, "Of course I will. I was
afraid you wouldn't ask!"
Meanwhile, Peter proudly escorted the Bride and her Maid-of-Honor below for
the ceremony, and as they arrived at the north tunnel entrance, Ronald was
there to greet them.
Happily, Ronald told them everything was ready, and everyone was heading for
the Great Hall. He then stepped up to Catherine to say, "Cathy...you look so
pretty."
Catherine said thank you for the compliment, and then eagerly asked, "How is
Vincent doing?"
With a reassuring nod, he said, "He has survived everyone's fussing over him
surprisingly well! This wedding ceremony will be a piece of cake compared to
what he has been through this morning!"
Peter rolled his eyes, and said, "I can only imagine!"
Ronald looked at Jennifer and softly told her, "Jenny...I am speechless...you
look so beautiful."
In reply, she said, "Thanks...and you look really great in your wedding garb too!
Isn't all this gothic-chic style clothing fun to wear?"
Laughing out loud, he said, "I never thought of our way of dress down here in
the tunnels as gothic...but yes, I guess you are right. Awe, the way you see
everything, never ceases to amuse me."
Ronald looked around at everyone and said, "I think we should go."
Peter offered his arm to Catherine, and asked, "Are you ready?"
Elegantly, Catherine accepted his guidance, and said, "Oh yes...I am ready."
The pipes were alive with messages as they traveled the tunnels toward the
Chapel in the Great Hall. Sentries all along the way, reported the Bride-To-Be's
whereabouts, as she passed by their stations, adding to the excitement of
Catherine and Vincent's Wedding Day.
To be continued
Chapter Forty-Three
| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Forty-Two |
