Leopold waited anxiously for Kate, eventually sending Otis upstairs to hurry her along. He carefully made a mental list of all the details that needed to be handled in preparation for Thursday. Of course, the most crucial detail was securing the Pastor's time to perform the ceremony. Leopold could not be certain that the minister would even agree to perform the ceremony under this unusual circumstance.
He nervously thought of the wedding night and hoped that Kate would approve of an elegant suite in a nearby inn. A honeymoon would have to wait until travel plans could be made. Leopold was so ecstatic; that not even the sound of his Uncle's grumbling in the dining room could dampen his spirits. In fact, the prospect of marrying behind his Uncle's back was an added bonus. Leopold could not wait for the moment he could announce his marriage to Kate. It saddened him though, that his joyous day would not be shared with the people he loved.
Upstairs, Constance assisted Kate with fixing her hair and reapplying some color to her face. Constance could sense that Kate was in no rush to leave the room and certainly could not blame her. "I don't mean to hurry you along, Miss Kate, but I do believe his Grace is waiting for you downstairs."
"I am sure his Uncle is waiting for me too, don't you think?" Kate responded sarcastically.
"Perhaps he will be in better spirits this afternoon." Constance already knew this was not the case. Otis knocked on the door to Kate's room, informing her that Leopold was anxious for her company. Kate reluctantly obliged and slowly headed down the stairs.
Otis and Constance observed that Kate still wore her engagement ring. Otis had been instructed by Millard to arrange passage home for Kate. He was quite torn as he could not disobey his employer, but yet could not fathom being disloyal to Leopold and essentially break his heart. Otis would have no choice but to broach the subject with Leopold.
Lunch was pleasantly uneventful. Millard chose to ignore Kate, which certainly was a relief to her. After a quick lunch, Leopold excused himself and Kate from the table. As they made their way to the door, Millard nonchalantly reminded Leopold to check Kate's travel plans home, with Otis. Leopold shot a look of disgust at his Uncle and didn't bother to respond. There was no point in even trying. Leopold took Kate's hand and quickly led her from the room, with Otis following behind. Once outside the dining room, Leopold comforted Kate, who was visibly distressed by Millard's comment.
"Your Grace, may I speak with you in private?"
"What is it Otis? Anything you need to say to me you can say in front of Kate." Still infuriated with his Uncle, Leopold's tone was uncharacteristically brusque.
"I do not believe this would be wise, your Grace. It is quite a sensitive matter."
"If this is about securing passage for Kate, you can forget about that little matter, Otis. Tell my Uncle what you wish. In several days, it will no longer matter."
"Do you care to enlighten me, your Grace?"
"Perhaps later, Otis. At this moment, Kate and I have some urgent matters we must attend to." Otis retrieved their coats and tried to imagine what the urgent matter might be. He surmised that they might be planning a wedding, but the idea of an elopement did not enter into his mind.
They walked quietly several blocks away to Leopold's church. Kate stopped suddenly and stared at the magnificent building before them, with a look of astonishment. "Oh my God." Kate words were barely audible.
"It is quite breathtaking, is it not?" Leopold said.
"No, that's not it."
"What is it then, Kate?"
"You won't believe this, but I've been here before."
"To this church? When?" Leopold asked with a puzzled expression.
"Charlie and I came to this church on Christmas Eve."
"Are you certain? This church?"
"I'm positive, Leopold. We took a walk after dinner and as we passed this church, something made me go inside. I had having the strongest feeling that I had been there before. It was so eerie. It was my first time there, I was sure of it." Kate hesitated for a moment, as she looked intently at Leopold. "But, it wasn't my first time, was it?"
Leopold was speechless for a moment. "I think not, Kate. You must have been recalling where our marriage took place."
They stood, shaking their heads in wonder at this most remarkable discovery. If Kate had been harboring any doubts about leaving her life behind, they were now obliterated. Standing before this church was the proof Kate yearned for, that she and Leopold were truly married in 1876. "I wondered if I made a mistake by coming here, Leopold. But, now I know I belong here."
"I never had a doubt of it." Leopold said as he kissed Kate's hand and wiped a tear from her cheek. He smiled at Kate and then looked up toward the church doors. "Shall we?" Leopold asked, as he took Kate's hand and began climbing the long staircase.
The interior of the church was spectacular. Breathtaking stained glass windows lined the entire length of the church. Kate smiled, with mixed emotions, as they passed the very pew she occupied with Charlie. A side door opened and out walked Reverend Daley; the charismatic and well-respected leader of the congregation. He held Leopold in high regard, but his feelings toward Millard were quite the opposite. He was well aware of Millard's intentions to marry Leopold off to the highest bidder. He found Millard's actions to be morally reprehensible and had declined his invitation to last evening's spectacle.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite Duke, and it isn't even Sunday." Father Daley smiled warmly at Leopold. "I understand congratulations are in order."
"They certainly are." Leopold said, as he shook the minister's hand. "Please allow me to introduce you to my fiancé, Miss Katherine McKay."
"Ah, McKay. A fine name." Reverend Daley exclaimed, as he put his hand out to Kate's. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss McKay." Turning toward Leopold, he smiled shyly "I understand a great many hearts were broken last evening, Leopold."
"I see you had an enlightening morning." Leopold responded with some humor, referring to the gossip session which apparently took place after the morning mass.
"You know I rely on the ladies to keep me up to date on all the important news." Reverend Daley chuckled.
Kate smiled as she listened to the exchange between them. She could see why Leopold was so fond of Reverend Daley. He had such an agreeable disposition and infectious sense of humor.
"So, when will the big day take place? I am sure once your Uncle recovers, there will be many plans to be made."
"On the contrary Father, Kate and I wish to be married," Leopold paused for a moment, "on Thursday."
"Thursday?" Reverend Daley reacted with great surprise.
Leopold explained their reasons for marrying so quickly. Although unorthodox for a Duke to consider an elopement, the Reverend could not refuse Leopold. After all, he was a grown man and marrying for love, not money. Nor did the possibility of a backlash from Leopold's uncle personally intimidate him. Millard might be a member of the British monarchy, but after all, this was America.
The Reverend turned his attention toward Kate. "Miss McKay, what is your family situation?"
Kate hesitated for a moment. "My parents both died. I have..." Kate paused. "I had …a brother." Kate said sadly as she looked at Leopold. "But my brother knew Leopold and loved him very much." she added with a knowing smile.
Reverend Daley took a moment to contemplate their request. "Leopold, I must be honest and tell you I am concerned about your Uncle's reaction to an elopement. I have no concern for myself, but he could make life unpleasant for you both." Kate and Leopold turned toward each other, anticipating the worst, as he continued. "However, I believe where there is great love there are great miracles."
"Great miracles you say, Reverend? You have no idea." Leopold said, as he took Kate's hand in his.
"However, it may take more than a miracle for your Uncle to accept this marriage."
"We hope that will not be the case." Leopold sounded rather unconvincing.
"You cannot rely on false hope, Leopold. Be assured that nothing would make me happier than to perform your wedding ceremony. But I must feel confident that this marriage will thrive before I can agree to perform this ceremony. You need to resolve the situation with your Uncle. Then, there will be a wedding."
They certainly could not blame Reverend Daley for his decision. Even so, they had not anticipated leaving the church without a wedding plan. They walked home in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Otis greeted them as they stepped into the foyer. The sounds of conversation and laugher filled the air.
"Do we have visitors, Otis?" Leopold asked, reluctantly.
"We appear to have acquired some dinner guests, Your Grace."
"Why do I have the distinct feeling that I am not going to be pleased?" Leopold braced himself for unpleasant news.
"Apparently, your Uncle invited the Trees to call, before their journey home tomorrow. They have been asked to join us for dinner, your Grace." Otis did not need to say anymore. His expression spoke volumes. The house staff was in a quiet uproar, preparing for their unexpected guests.
Leopold looked at Kate, shaking his head. "Good Lord." He had no idea how this transpired. But no doubt, it was Millard's last ditch effort to marry Leopold off into the vast wealth of the Tree family. The worst part was that Leopold would be obligated to dine with the Tree's, according to social protocol.
"Otis, is that my nephew?" Millard called out from the next room.
Kate was now convinced that Millard would never accept her marriage to Leopold. She heard Millard walking toward the foyer, calling for Leopold. Kate could not fathom being in his presence and quickly ran upstairs.
"Kate, wait!" Leopold yelled as he ran up after her.
Kate quickly closed the door to her room. Her heart was pounding and she literally felt sick to her stomach. She stood looking out the window, trying her best to ignore the sound of Leopold knocking on the door.
"Kate, please open the door." Leopold sounded so desperate; she could not ignore him any longer. Kate opened the door and looked at Leopold with a cheerless expression.
"Kate, please believe me. I knew nothing about this."
"I know you didn't. But, it's clear that your Uncle hates me. So, now what?"
Leopold knew that there was almost no chance that Millard would accept their marriage. It took only a moment for Leopold to know just what they needed to do.
"Kate, I have a brilliant idea. We will move to England and be free from my Uncle. What would you say to that?" Leopold was so sure that this would be the perfect solution and certain that Kate would approve of his proposal. Kate didn't need more than a moment to respond.
"What? Leave New York? I can't leave New York, Leopold. " Kate said adamantly, looking at Leopold as if he just made the most preposterous suggestion.
"Why not?" Leopold looked quite perplexed. This was not the response he was expecting.
Kate could not imagine leaving New York. It was the only thing she had to connect her to the past. She strangely felt home. Kate hesitated for a moment, "I know this might sound crazy to you, but I feel close to Charlie here. We're still in the same city. What if he came here one day looking for me? It could happen, you know."
"It does not sound crazy. But, you know Charles may not even live in New York City. The course of his life will be altered. You will not be there in the time to come."
Kate did not want to hear that and she made a face indicating her displeasure. "And, where would we live, Leopold?"
"In the home I grew up in. It is vacant."
"OK, so let me get this straight. Your family is broke and you still have an empty house in England?"
"Correct."
"So, we move across the Atlantic, with no income and live in debt for the rest of our lives? Gee Leopold, that sounds so tempting."
"It will not be quite that dismal, Kate. I do have a small trust fund in England, reserved for when I marry. It was the one thing my Uncle could not touch. And, then there is the matter of a contract on my invention." Even so, Kate could not consider moving to England. It was all too much, too soon. But, Leopold knew that returning to England would be their only hope to escape Millard's control.
Their conversation was interrupted, when Otis came to retrieve Leopold. "Your Grace; your Uncle has, quite emphatically, requested your presence downstairs."
Leopold turned toward Kate. "I am forced to dine with our guests. Please, you must join us for dinner."
Kate looked at Leopold with a look of disbelief. "You can't be serious. There is no way in hell. I don't ever want to even see your Uncle again, let alone eat a meal with him."
"Kate, I could never forgive myself if you were left alone here."
"There's nothing you have to forgive yourself for. Actually, all I want is to be alone right now. Maybe this was all a horrible mistake."
The look on his face made Kate regret her insensitive comment. Leopold took Kate's hands in his. "No Kate, this is not a mistake. You said so yourself at the church."
"Right now I don't know anything." As difficult as it was, Kate pulled her hands away, closing the door before Leopold could respond. He stared at the door, trying to comprehend what had just taken place. Leopold felt like he had been punched in the gut.
"Tell me Otis, how will I endure this evening?" Otis assured Leopold that the evening would pass quickly. Unfortunately, this would be one of the rare times Otis was mistaken. "Let me get this dreadful evening over with." Leopold looked at the door one last time, in anguish over the day's turn of events.
Kate sat on the bed and cried. She had never felt so utterly alone. She looked about the room for anything to keep her mind off of her new life, knowing there was nothing. No television or music, no telephone or computer. Not even a magazine to leaf through. Kate began to feel imprisoned by the multiple layers of clothing she wore, which just this morning was such an enjoyable novelty. She felt as if she was wearing an elaborate costume, long after the Halloween party was over.
Desperate to be out of her dress, Kate began searching the closet for anything resembling a causal outfit. She longed for her perfectly broken in pair of jeans. As she neared the end of the closet, there hung her beautiful dress. Kate slowly took it out and laid it across the bed. She was overwhelmed with emotions, as she ran her hand over its smooth fabric. Kate looked down and saw the ripped hem. Her hands shook as she pulled out the folded note from Stuart. Kate held the piece of paper, afraid to open it. She wondered what Leopold would think if he knew about the portal being open again. Kate knew that Leopold could never go back. She asked Stuart on the cab ride to the bridge why he made Leopold go home. Stuart told her bluntly and without emotion, that it would "screw the world up." if he stayed.
Kate heard Constance in the hallway. She quickly put the note back into the hem and returned the dress to the closet. Constance had brought Kate some tea and biscuits and could see that Kate was quite distressed. She encouraged Kate to join Leopold for dinner. Kate refused, as Constance expected. She wished to cheer Kate up. "Would it make you feel a bit better, if I told you how miserable Master Leopold is downstairs?"
"A bit. But, it would make me feel a whole lot better if you told me how miserable his Uncle was." Kate managed a slight grin. Constance smiled back, but reserved any comment. She assured Kate that someone would bring her dinner later in the evening and left to assist the kitchen staff.
Time passed painfully slow for Kate. With nothing to do but think, Kate's mind was a blur of treasured memories and fears of a bleak future. For the first time since reading Stuart's note, Kate realized she had a decision to make. She could marry Leopold and move to England, or return to her life and lose him forever. Kate was emotionally exhausted and her only escape would be to sleep. She struggled alone, trying to manage the multiple layers of complicated buttons and clasps. She never imagined that getting undressed would be such a complicated affair. She finally had to request the assistance from one of the maids and changed into the freedom of a white, cotton nightgown. Although it was only 8:00, Kate got into bed and wrapped herself in the plush down comforter. She was quickly fell asleep.
Leopold's evening was filled with feigned pleasantries and forced conversation with their guests and his Uncle. Miss Tree smiled awkwardly at Leopold all night and had nothing of substance to add to the already tedious discussion. He thought of nothing but Kate and could not tolerate another moment without seeing her. Knowing that she was upstairs alone and questioning their future together was more than he could bear. Leopold excused himself to "attend to some business before dinner." Millard had no choice but to remain composed in front of his guests, as he watched Leopold exit the room.
Leopold asked Constance to have Kate meet him in the upstairs study, where he waited anxiously for her. A few moments later, Constance knocked on the study door. Leopold opened the door, filled with nervous anticipation, only to find Constance standing there alone.
"Where is Kate?"
"I am sorry, Your Grace. Miss Kate has retired for the night."
"This early and without dinner?"
"I am afraid so. She is asleep." Constance could see how disappointed Leopold was. She felt badly to leave him there, but had to return downstairs to assist.
Leopold never despised being a member of the monarchy more than he did at that moment. How he envied the common man, able to live an unencumbered life. If only his Aunt were here. She would be overjoyed for Leopold and was the only person whose opinion Millard respected. She would not be back in America for at least another month though. With much resentment, Leopold was forced to return downstairs.
A traditionally late and elaborate Victorian dinner was soon served. Several additional glasses of wine helped to numb Leopold's raw emotions and make the remainder of the evening a bit more tolerable. Finally at midnight, the Trees of Schenectady bid their fond farewells. Leopold prayed to never lay eyes upon them again. As the staff began their massive clean-up, Leopold headed upstairs to retire for the night. He told Otis that his assistance was not needed tonight, preferring to be alone. Leopold stopped in front of Kate's room, straining to hear any sounds indicating that she might be awake. All was silent and Leopold continued miserably to his quarters.
Sleep did not provide the escape Kate had hoped for. Recurring and disturbing dreams prevented her from having a peaceful rest. Hopelessly trapped in mazes of unending hallways and doors leading to nowhere, Kate desperately tried to find Leopold. The final door opened where he waited. As Kate reached for him, she plunged into an endless hole in the earth. Leopold screamed for her, but it was the sounds of her own real screams that woke Kate from her troubled sleep. She sat up in bed with her heart pounding and out of breath. Kate waited for the feeling of terror to slowly fade from her body. Her dreams were so vivid and the feeling of losing Leopold so real. It was a feeling she did not want to experience in reality. She had already lost him once and left her life to be with him. How could she now refuse to go to England? Kate could not hold onto the fantasy of seeing Charlie again. Her life with Leopold was a reality and she had to make a commitment to it. Kate desperately needed to see Leopold at that moment and tell him. She knew she hurt him with the insensitive comments she made. Kate had no idea what time it was or who might see her in the hall. She did not care. Kate climbed out of bed and tiptoed down the long hallway to Leopold's quarters.
Leopold lay awake in his bed; unable to sleep and aching to see Kate. He heard a faint knock on the door. Jumping up from the bed and throwing on his robe, Leopold opened the door to find Kate standing before him in the dimly lit hallway. By current standards she was considered barely dressed, in a simple, sleeveless nightgown. Barefoot and tousle haired, she was a vision of angelic innocence and sensuality at the same time. Leopold could not recall ever seeing anything more exquisite than Kate appeared at that moment. She simply took his breath away.
"Kate, are you alright?" Leopold asked, in a voice barely above a whisper.
"I had to see you. I'm so sorry for the things I said. Do you still love me?"
"Of course, I still love you." Leopold said with great relief, as he took Kate into his arms.
"I want to marry you. And, if it means moving to England, then that's where we'll go."
Leopold was overjoyed and wondered what led to Kate's quick change of heart. She had decided against telling him about her dream, since he knew nothing about the portal being open and she intended to keep it that way.
Despite his joy at having Kate in his arms, Leopold feared that they might be discovered by the house staff, who were up late cleaning. He certainly could not invite her into his quarters, nor could he go into her room. If they were to be found, at least Kate should not be standing in the hallway, uncovered in her sleep attire. Leopold left for a moment, bringing back a small coverlet, which he wrapped around her shoulders.
They stood closely; staring into each other's eyes, awkwardly silent. Leopold was acutely aware of the inappropriateness of standing in the hallway in their nightclothes. He knew Kate should return to her room, but he could not bear to send her back. Leopold took Kate's hands and kissed them softly. The blanket fell from her shoulders, as they quickly were in each other's arms. Leopold's hands moved slowly down Kate's back. There was nothing more than the thinnest piece of cloth between his hands and Kate's body. He could feel the heat from her skin, as he held her closer and they kissed with increasing passion. On the verge of losing himself, Leopold stopped his hands on the small of Kate's back. He knew that any further would be heading into dangerous territory. Leopold broke from their embrace and removed his hands from the glorious feel of Kate's body. Neither of them had ever experienced a level of desire so overpowering. They stood with their eyes fixed upon each other, both breathing deeply.
"Kate, you need to go back." Leopold could barely get his words out.
She looked at him dejectedly. "No, please; can't I stay with you?"
"I want nothing more, Kate. And, we don't have much longer to wait." Leopold picked the blanket up off the floor and wrapped it around her shoulders. He looked into Kate's sad eyes. "Sometimes waiting for things makes them sweeter than they would be, if we could have them when we first discover the desire."
Kate could not help but smile. She was always amused at how poetic Leopold could make anything situation sound. "Alright, I'll go back; but not willingly. But you have to do something for me."
"What is that?"
"I have to get out of this house. I can't stay here another day. I don't want to see your Uncle and I know he doesn't want to see me."
Leopold was not certain of how he could honor Kate's request. She certainly could not stay in a hotel by herself. But, he knew she was miserable and could not blame her. So, Leopold answered in the only way he could. "Tomorrow, Kate."
"You promise?" She actually hadn't expected him to agree so easily.
"I promise."
That was all Kate needed to hear. She had no idea as to where she might be going, but as long as it was out of Millard's home, she didn't care. She gave Leopold a safe kiss on his cheek and walked down the hall toward her room. He took a deep breath and turned back into his quarters, after she disappeared from view. Leopold had a made a promise he intended to keep. He just was not certain how.