Chapter 10

It took very little discussion for the Council to decide that along with Father, Mary and Pascal should be the other two on the committee. Catherine and Vincent both suspected that this was Father's way of giving the Pipemaster something other that his beloved pipes to focus on. William had been willing to serve, but at Father's suggestion of Pascal, he quickly decided that he would be too busy with Winterfest coming up in just a few months to be able to take the time away from his kitchen.

Pascal looked a bit dazed to find himself on the committee, but when Mary and Vincent added their urgings that he was needed, he agreed. Catherine then laid out the plans and said that she would take care of letting Peter know he would be on the committee too.

Father reminded Catherine that the tunnel group needed to see whatever building was being considered for purchase for the clinics. She said she would remember and Pascal recommended that they take Mouse along when looking at any property to determine the best tunnel access.

As Father was about to protest at the young man's unsuitability for such an important task, Vincent spoke up saying that this would be a wonderful learning experience for Mouse, and that he would also be there to help with anything that was needed. Seeing Mary's smile of approval to this new duty for Mouse, Father remained quiet, reassuring himself that if Vincent was there to oversee things it should be okay.

Once everything had been finalized, William and Pascal had drifted back to their duties Father looked at his son and said, "Vincent, there was something that I've been meaning to talk to you about. Could you please stay for a while?"

Sensing Catherine's disappointment to this further delay to their time alone together, Vincent still knew that if he didn't talk to Father now, the elder man might come looking for him later or have him sent for. It would be worse to interrupt what might be going on then than to delay it a bit longer now. "Catherine, if you will wait for me in my chamber, I'll be along as quickly as I can."

"All right, Vincent," she said as both she and Mary rose to leave the study.

"I'll walk with you, Catherine. I'm going that way as well."

The two women were well out of earshot before Father spoke, "Vincent, I know you're in a hurry to leave, so I'll come right to the point, what is going on between you and Catherine?"

"What do you mean, Father?"

"I've seen a change in you in the last few days, Vincent, and I'm sure it has something to do with Catherine. Tell me."

"We are moving cautiously forward in our relationship, Father."

"And what exactly does that mean, Vincent?"

"Father, I am an adult! When and if I need advise, you can be sure that I will consult you."

"Vincent, if you are contemplating a…physical relationship…"

"Father! Whether Catherine and I have a physical relationship or not, is a personal matter! Now if there was nothing else Catherine is waiting for me."

Vincent got up and started out of the study when Father called after him, "I will see you for dinner, Vincent…"

His son paused at the top of the stairs and just turning his head, looked Father right in the eyes and said, "No, Father, you won't. Catherine and I are going to be away until tomorrow night. I will see you at breakfast on Monday."

"Vincent, that's not wise!" Father protested to his son's retreating back. Vincent just kept on walking. Father knew this was all Catherine's fault! Vincent had never been this defiant before Catherine entered his life. He would certainly have a good long talk with Vincent on Monday…if it wasn't too late by then!

Vincent could feel Catherine's agitation as he approached his chamber. He could tell she was worried that Father would change his mind about their time together. He needed to reassure her that nothing would get in the way of their love ever again. Vincent was determined to do his best to fulfill all of Catherine's dreams.