Chapter 10
"What if it is? What will it change? Catherine is still out of my life!" Vincent declared as he rose from his chair and began to pace about the chamber.
"Because Catherine is a loved and trusted member of this community now! That is why I always advise caution in relationships, because if they do end, there is always a disruption or rift in our community. Catherine is not only a Helper these days, she is a loved and respected part of our family! You, as one person, cannot tell her she is not allowed down here any longer! In essence, you have banished her! This must be corrected Vincent!"
"No, Father! Catherine does not belong down here! Let her live her life Above where she does belong!"
"Is that your final word on the subject?" Father asked grimly.
"It is!" his son replied firmly.
Shaking his head in disbelief, Father slowly made his way out of Vincent's chamber and back to his study. He sent word over the pipes that there would be a general meeting that evening right after dinner and everyone was to be present.
When their meal was over and everyone was sitting around speculating on what the meeting was about, Father reluctantly got to his feet and called for silence. As they all settled down Father began to speak, "It has come to my attention that a great wrong has been committed against one of our dearest Helpers and friends."
Vincent stiffened in his seat as Father talked and frowned at him as if daring him to continue. Looking directly into his son's eyes, Father continued, "Vincent and Catherine have broken off their relationship. However while I consider that a tragedy in itself, the wrong occurred after that."
As Father paused before announcing what Vincent had done, the whispers in the community had grown to almost a roar. They were all speculating on the reason for the break-up. Father held up his hands and said, "Please everyone! There will be time enough for gossip later if that is how you choose to waste your time! I have called you here for a grave purpose! While it is a couple's right to begin or end a relationship, it is also a matter of privacy among them if they do not wish to share the reasons. Unfortunately, what Vincent has done is not such a matter. I received a note from Peter Alcott telling me that Catherine had been asked not to return Below!"
A collective gasp circled the room and all eyes turned to Vincent. Some were sad, some worried or concerned. There were also accusatory glances and some were outright angry. Once again the volume from the group rose as everyone had a thought or comment to share.
As anyone with children, or someone who has been around them a lot knows, the voice of a child, or in this case a child-like voice can rise above any level of noise in a room. "Why, Vincent? We love Catherine too!" Mouse was heard to say.
Vincent quietly answered, "Catherine doesn't belong down here, she belongs Above, where she can have a bright and promising future."
"What's wrong with the future she could have down here Vincent?" Jamie demanded.
"Catherine is a woman of the light, she shouldn't be here," he answered.
"Did you ever ask her if she wanted to be here?" William questioned.
It was at that point that Father stepped in, "While all your questions have validity, they are not the reason that you were all asked to stay after dinner this evening. Vincent has taken it upon himself to tell one of our Helpers that she is no longer welcome here Below. That is something no one person can do! Something like that must be put to a vote of the Council. Since that has not happened, nor do I have any reason for bringing such a vote, there is only one option," he paused and looked around the room before letting his eyes once again come to rest on his son.
To be continued….