As the ladies completed the decorating, the men all met within Jacob's chamber to discuss better security measures for the outer perimeters, of the now newly expanded tunnel chambers.
And so after thinking of this measure, Vincent suggested, "Perhaps we could close off some of the seldom used passages...I believe it is the only way to more efficiently monitor the inhabited tunnels."
But because Jacob disagreed with his son, he argued, "Then we are isolating ourselves from our quick accesses to the world above, and too, from our helpers who use those very passageways as well!"
With a nod of agreement, Vincent looked downward knowing his Father was right, and he then listened, as Pascal suggested, "Well, what about more Sentry posts, positioned further out?"
Voicing his affirmation, Vincent thoughtfully replied, "Pascal has a point and this could be an answer, but will it be enough? After all, look at who we are dealing with!"
Thoughtfully Jacob looked back down at the map he had spread out, to recalculate other viable solutions. He then mindfully said, "Very well then...we shall add sentry's here...here...and here, and as per Pascal's suggestion...seal off this tunnel which opens up to the shattered rooms above the stone circle, which I believe to be the tunnel Paracelsus is using."
With a fearful tone, Mouse gasped, "Narcissa uses that pathway!"
To which Jacob calmly said, "We shall notify Narcissa, and she can instead use the tunnel which rises above the catacombs via the petrified crags, in fact it is a much safer route."
Looking at Vincent, Jacob asked, "Will you see to it Narcissa is notified?"
Pleased at the progress being made, Vincent nodded and said, "Of course Father."
After the conclusion of the meeting, and everyone had gone, Vincent privately told Jacob, "Father, I have to wonder if any of these precautions we will be putting into affect, will really protect the tunnels, when it seems as if Paracelsus may be deliberately targeting Catherine! I feel as if he is trying to force me to act!"
Jacob hobbled forth, and with a sage viewpoint, said, "Vincent...listen to yourself, you are playing into his hands! Perhaps he does wish to invoke violence...however...we must rise above his methods...there is no other way, otherwise...everything we have built here, will have proven void and meaningless."
Urgently Vincent expounded, "At whose cost Father...Catherine's?"
Jacob sorrowfully knitted his brow, realizing that yes...he could not deny, Catherine's and others welfare, may be at risk, as they attempt to abide by the passive loving ways of the tunnels.
As Vincent saw the tragic look within his Father's eyes, he bent his head shamefully and apologetically said, "I am sorry Father...I would never purposefully set out to go against the standards you have set for us, it is just I feel so powerless doing nothing to protect Catherine, when Paracelsus so freely enters our world."
Jacob then reminded Vincent, "Catherine said, she didn't feel threatened, and thought he really only wants a picture of Anna."
In reply Vincent rationalized, "Catherine has a good, and a trusting heart Father..."
Laying a comforting hand on Vincent's shoulder, Jacob resignedly said, "Then we must have faith in Catherine's intuition."
As Vincent's fears dissolved into trust, he nodded, and placed his hand over his Father's, huskily saying, "Yes...I suppose we really have no other option."
Meanwhile, Catherine sat on her bed, reading through the next chapter of Wuthering Heights, when at her threshold she heard Jennifer say, "Hi Cath!"
With a welcoming smile, Catherine said, "Hi Jen, oh good, you're early! Come on in, I was just cramming."
Jennifer laughed and said, "That's what I did at lunch, I am all prepared to duke it out with any "Psychotic Bleeding Heart Heathcliffe" lovers tonight!"
Catherine laughed and said, "Oh Jen, I hope you don't cause a riot at Mary's meeting tonight."
Jennifer plopped on Catherine's bed, and as she laid down, and nestled in, she said, "Move over just a little more, I am exhausted! I just want to rest my peepers for about 10 minutes."
With her eyes closed, she then asked, "So tell me...how is Ronny today?"
As Catherine moved over to give Jennifer more room, she explained of how she barely saw him. She had her class with the children, and then spent the day with Mary and Rebecca re-arranging furniture in Peter's future retirement condo.
She then excitedly added, "Wait until you see Peter's chamber Jen, it is really nice, I think he will really love it."
Jennifer then sleepily replied, "I can't wait...hey Cath, if I fall asleep, don't let me sleep for more than 20 minutes! I need time to fix up for Ronny! I was hoping you would help me with my hair, and..."
She then in mid sentence, drifted off to sleep.
Catherine smiled at her friend, and as she took a quilt from her wardrobe, to cover Jennifer, she thought of how Blessed she felt, now being able to share her life, and this magical world with her best friend, who has really been more like a sister to her all through her life.
Just then Vincent came to call on Catherine, asking her if she wanted to take a walk with him before dinner.
Catherine tip-toed to the threshold, and whispered, "I would love to Vincent, I have 20 minutes before I have to wake up Jen."
Vincent charmingly presented his arm, and together as they walked, he thoughtfully brought up the subject of their upcoming nuptials.
So with care, Vincent said, "Catherine...I know we originally spoke of marrying mid-summer, however, as each day comes to its close, I am finding it more and more difficult separating myself from you..."
Catherine hugged his arm as they walked, and said, "And you know how difficult it is for me to let you go..."
She then softly asked, "Vincent, are you wanting to marry sooner?"
With a slight nod of his head, he emphatically stated, "Yes..."
Catherine expelled a sigh, before she asked, "Does this have anything to do with my speaking to Paracelsus yesterday?"
Surprised by Catherine's supposition, he questioned "Paracelsus? What do you mean?"
Catherine seriously answered, "I know Paracelsus's presence within our home tunnels last night, concerned you...and I am wondering if you are wanting to get married sooner, so you can better protect me and the girls."
With a raspy whisper, he confessed, "Perhaps that is part of the reason...yes."
Then with a helplessness, he then added, "I have to wonder, if you are being targeted, because of me."
Catherine carefully explained, "I will ask Jennifer to have a copy made of Anna's photograph for us, and when we give it to him, I truly believe it will be the end of this whole matter."
Vincent angrily replied, "Father has described any interaction with John Pater, as being more like a strategic game of Chess! I am not as certain as you, that he will simply slip away after he receives the photo he requested from you."
Catherine then reasonably said, "Then we must remain one move ahead of him then. And by the way Vincent..."
Lovingly Catherine sweetly changed the subject, as she continued, "...my answer is...yes."
Vincent confusedly asked, "Yes Catherine?"
Smiling, Catherine asked, "Didn't you ask me a question earlier?"
Vincent smiled as he let go a tension filled sigh as he recalled he did ask Catherine if she would agree to move up their wedding date.
Gladdened she was in accord, he then asked, "What day shall we pick Catherine?"
Softly Catherine answered, "Well, June 6th, was my Mom and Dad's wedding day, I think it would be nice to be able to share that day with them in such a beautiful way."
In agreement, Vincent said, "Yes...it would."
He then stopped, and took Catherine lovingly in his arms, and said, "From that day on, I shall never have to leave your side Catherine..."
With a swooning moaning sigh, Catherine whispered, "And I will never have to let you go."
Just then the dinner announcement clanged through the master pipes, and Catherine widened her eyes, as she said, "Oh no! Jenny wanted me to fix her hair before she saw Ronny! I better go wake her, and help her get ready! We will meet you in the Dining Hall."
Catherine gave Vincent an embrace, and then expounded, "I cannot wait to tell her our Wedding day has been moved up a few weeks."
With a smile in his eyes, Vincent stood and watched Catherine as she ran back to her chamber, like an excited little girl, eager to tell her best friend about the change in their matrimonial plans.
William planned a special Dinner this night, knowing both Peter and Jennifer would be joining them.
As the essence of the Italian dish filled the Dining Hall, everyone couldn't help but to comment on the delicious aromas!
Jacob happily greeted Peter, whom he met at the entrance. With a friendly pat on his back, he said, "Peter, we are so pleased you were able to join us!"
With a puzzled look on his face, he told Jacob, "Well thanks for the invite, I did come a little early, wanting to go do a little work in my chamber, but I was practically hog tied and rerouted here by Mouse! He was very pushy Jacob! Is something wrong with the boy?"
Jacob smiled to himself, thinking Mouse must have taken his task too seriously, in making sure Peter did not go to his chamber, before the official planned presentation of his finished chamber after dinner.
So in trying to appease his friend, Jacob stammered a little, as he compliantly told Peter, "Imagine that! Pushy you say? I should have a talk with the boy."
Graciously, he then said, "In the meantime, do come sit at my table Peter! Allow me to pour you a little Apple Cider!"
Rubbing his hands together, Peter said, "After the day I have had, that sounds great! Lead the way my friend."
Sitting at the table, Ronald had a seat all reserved for Jennifer. As he kept watching the entrance, he finally saw Vincent come in, and curiously...he was alone.
Ronald asked him where they were, as he was expecting he would have been escorting the girls!
Vincent subtly smiled, as he answered Ronald's inquiry, saying they were coming shortly.