Chapter 7 Celebrate
"Shall we be off Mrs. Murdoch, and Emily, and George. I have reserved a private room at the Cascades restaurant for the four of us to celebrate. And this event is certainly one that I want to fete."
Julia took his arm. "Yes Mr. Murdoch, let's" she laughed.
Their carriage had waited for them.
When they arrived at the Cascades, they were greeted by the maitre d', who led them to a lovely candle lit room, bedecked with flowers. Several bottles of Champagne were chilling on the sideboard. There was a round table set for four. The room also had a settee, several club chairs, a roaring fireplace, and a baby grand piano in the corner. French doors opened onto a terrace that overlooked the falls.
As they entered, William turned to his companions, "I just remembered something. I won't be gone long." He exited looking for the maitre d'.
"Could you show me to a telephone. I need to make a call to Toronto."
"This way Mr. Murdoch."
William sat at the desk, picked up the receiver and clicked for the operator. "Hello. Yes. Please get me Station House 4 of the Toronto Constabulary."
"Henry? This is detective Murdoch. Could you please put me through to the inspector?"
William waited until Brackenreid picked up and said:"Murdoch, are you having a good vacation?"
"I was until I received this note today. I'll read it to you. 'Hello Detective Murdoch,
Are you happy now? I wonder how long it will last. I'm not dead yet and I feel you and I will meet again.
JG"
For a moment the inspector didn't speak. Then, "Bloody hell. What's that supposed to mean?"
"That's what I was wondering. Gillies is still locked up, isn't he?"
"As far as I know. I'm sure we would have been informed otherwise. I'll check into it. Where are you staying?"
William told him, but then revealed the purpose of his trip.
"It's about time you two tied the knot. Congratulations."
"Thank you, sir. I don't want Julia to know about this Gillies thing just yet, so be discreet when you call back."
"Will do. Now go kiss your bride. I'll take care things on this end."
When William returned everyone was laughing and enjoying the festive mood. He put on a forced smile, trying to hide his underlying concern.
William summoned the waiter who opened the first bottle of Champagne and poured four flutes.
George held his high and said, "as my aunt Primrose always said, Don't marry a person you can live with. Marry somebody you can't live without. May you both be happy forever."
"Thank you George", said Julia. They all sipped their wine.
Then William said, " to my beautiful bride. I thought this day would never come. I love you Julia.
The winds of heaven mix forever,
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In one another's being mingle:-
Why not I with thine?"
"Oh, William. That's Shelley. You remembered. I love you Detective William Murdoch."
They all laughed, shed a few tears and finished their glasses of wine.
Soon they were at the table and dinner was served. The second bottle of Champagne was opened and poured. Everyone was surprised that William kept up, though his flushed cheeks betrayed how unaccustomed he was to drinking.
When the meal had ended, George and Emily stepped out onto the terrace to leave the newlyweds alone for a while.
William rose, came around and pulled Julia's chair out for her. She took his arm and they walked across the room to the fireplace. They stood there looking at the flames arm in arm.
Then Julia said, "excuse me for a moment. I'll be right back." She left for the ladies room.
William walked around the room, stopping by the piano. He tapped a few keys randomly, then sat on the stool. Slowly he started to play a Chopin étude. His damaged right hand ached as he reached for the lower notes. Though slower than normal tempo he was able to remember and play the piece.
As Julia returned, she stopped in awe. "William, you play the piano! How did I never know this!?"
"It's just something I picked up with the Jesuits. I was very good at math and music just sort of followed. I haven't played for years. And my hand slows me down a bit now."
"William Murdoch, you will never ever stop surprising me. And for that I thank god." She kissed him.
As he held her he began to slowly dance her around the room as she hummed softly in his ear. She lay her head on his shoulder and sighed.
"I don't think I've ever been happier."
After a while they joined Emily and George on the terrace, taking in the night, the stars, the moon, and the roar of the falls.
