S1 E8 – Adieu Aidan

Catherine cries on Richard's shoulder the next day, "Oh, Richard! Why didn't you tell me he was a bad man?"

"Blimey, Catherine, I didn't know until an hour beforehand."

"But Camille says you are the 'magic man'! You always know."

"Well, she's not wrong but, perhaps, she overestimates my abilities?" He smiles hesitantly and offers one of his inexhaustible supply of snowy-white cotton handkerchiefs.

Taking it, dabbing her eyes, Catherine gives him a penetrating look. "Yes, sometimes you can be very slow."

A puzzled pause, she can see him ticking over facts in his head, sorting, searching, coming up empty. He shrugs then comes back to himself, "Are you feeling better now? Only… it's just that my jacket is damp..."

She whisks it off him before he can react. She smooths out his shirt and tie. The feel of her hands

skimming over his shoulders gives a most pleasant and alarming frisson. Is there some secret that only French women know? he wonders, recognizing the shiver from previous contacts with Camille.

Trying to lighten the mood, he offers, "Cheer up, Catherine. If it helps, I believe Aidan truly had feelings for you. He stayed on the island much too long because he didn't want to leave you. He could have used you as a human shield but he didn't. I'm sure he really loved you… in his own way. Will you be all right?"

She smiles ruefully, "I'll be fine. It isn't the first time my heart has been broken and it won't be the last, I hope. French women love completely. Totally. Sometimes without reason. Which is why we must guard our hearts so jealously. I will tell you a secret…" She leans forward, dropping her voice. He leans in to better hear. "Men are our greatest enemy… and our greatest weakness. I worry for Camille. I fear she is in danger of making a grave mistake in this regard. Can you please watch over her? Guard her from the bad men?"

Knowing that he is utterly unprepared and ill-equipped for such a task, Richard is suddenly determined to save Camille from 'the bad men'. He places his hand over his heart, "I will do my utmost, Catherine."

She taps his hand, "You will protect her with your bravery?"

"Yes."

"And your heart?"

"If I can."

"And your name?"

"Um… "

"And, finally," lowering her voice to a whisper, "with your body?"

"Oh… ah… well..."

She straightens, beaming, claps her hands, "Then, by the laws of ancient lore, you are betrothed!"

"Steady on, Catherine!" His eyes are wide… Where has this come from? Why is the conversation never about what I think it is about? Why are French women allowed out in public?

She places a hand on his forearm… Mmm, so firm. "I know I can count on you, Richard. You will make Camille a fine husband!"

He can't think of a single thing to say to rescue himself, to stop this charade, to halt Catherine's chatter.

An incoming cell phone call from Fidel saves him from a fate worse than death… planning his wedding to Camille! As he flees La Kaz, sweat drying on his brow, he vows NEVER to talk to Catherine again! About anything!

Watching him fly out the door, Catherine smiles with satisfaction. There! The seed has been planted. With any luck, it will sprout and grow and crowd out any foolish plans that man has about NOT marrying my daughter.

Unfortunately, she has to take into account the sheer stubbornness of the British.

Fortunately, she could count on the sheer determination of the French.

Love will win out in the end. She is sure. And if it doesn't, there are other means to her end.

Opening the small cupboard beneath the bar, she lights her daily candles to Erzuli, makes her offering, and says her prayers once more.

END – S1 E8 – Adieu Aidan