The Skeleton Key

PT.12

Patrice invited Eduard to come to LaRouge Manor to dinner after they discussed his idea to merge the families businesses, seeing they both dealt in furs, wines and champagne. Patrice did not know that Eduard figured on getting control once they married.

Patrice returned to the manor all excited, thinking this was a wonderful Idea and that she could talk Aunt Constance into this. Or, she could at least put the wheels in motion for the time when she would take over. Quickly, she gave Reginald and Cee-Cee instructions on what she wanted.

Kitty and Matt entered the kitchen. "Well now, sounds to me like a party in the making." Kitty looked at Patrice with a twitching smile.

"Oh, yes, Kathleen. Big changes. Big, big changes are going to happen around here."

"Is that so? Would it do any good to ask?"

"You'll find out soon enough. Eduard is coming to supper with his family and we will tell Aunt Constance," now tossing her head, "and you I suppose, then."

The following evening, Cee-Cee and the staff were preparing for the supper Patrice had planned.

Matt and Kitty made a point of being at this special supper. Kitty wanted to make sure she kept her eye on every move Patrice made and what she was up to. With everything going on now, and not being sure what she and Matt were looking for, she didn't trust anything going on.

Although she and Matt continued searching and talking about what they were looking for, they took time out to be present to meet Patrice's guest.

While Patrice was still dressing, Reginald announced Eduard and his guest had arrived.

Matt and Kitty were in the library when Reginald entered. "Miss Kathleen, Mister LaRue is here."

Nodding, 'Show him in."

As Eduard entered, "Miss Russell. Nice to see you again."

"Mister LaRue."

"Ah, Eduard, please."

"Ok, and I'm Kitty and this is Matt Dillon." The two shook hands, then Eduard turned.

"Kitty, Matt, allow me to introduce my grandfather." Suddenly all three men stopped, noticing Kitty staring at the elderly gentleman.

"I'm sorry is something wrong, Kitty?" Eduard asked.

She said nothing at first. Matt placed his hand on her shoulder. "Kitty?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's just… Please, excuse me."

"I was saying this is my grandfather." Edward continued but Kitty was still staring. Eduard again asked, "Kitty, you seem distracted?"

Offering her hand to the elderly gentleman, "It's nice to meet you. I must say, that's an interesting tie piece."

Nodding, "Yes, Ma'am, it's very special. It's my own design. Very old indeed. I designed it for a very special lady in my life."

Smiling, "Your wife?"

"Yes, you might say that."

"I'm sorry, I interrupted you before Eduard gave us your name."

Just then, the doors opened to the library and the soft voice at the doorway, said, "Benjamin?"

Quickly, Kitty yelled out, rushing forward, without thinking. "Grandmother!" As Constance's body went limp and she collapsed to the floor.

Kitty was now on the floor beside her, holding her upper body. "Matt?"

Matt quickly lifted her up to the settee. Eduard rushed to get Reginald for water. Kitty gently wiped her face with a cool cloth as she began to come to. "Ssshhhh, you're alright now. You'll be fine. I'm right here."

As she focused, Constance looked past Kitty, seeing the man standing there. The face. He was there. He was still there. He was real. How could he be? As she spoke, Ben-ja-min? Is that you? How could it be? It can't be. Your… They told me you were…"

As he came closer, sitting closer, slowly, Kitty moved.

He took her hand in his. Their eyes locked. "Benjamin?"

Slightly, his smile appeared. Tears met tears. "MY IVORY ROSE!"

TBC