Chapter 17 Harrison, and Elizabeth

Kami, Hildy and Harrison sat on plush, comfortable chairs off to the side, next to beautiful ornate standing lamps.

Harrison looked at the couple as a gamut of thoughts crossed his mind. Finally, he broke the silence by saying;

"To say that I am shocked would be the understatement of the year".

Kami gave him a small smile as she replied; "Believe me when I say shocked does not begin to describe how I feel sitting here across from you. Please excuse me, this is so surreal that I forgot my manners. Lord Keefer may I introduce my fiancé Hildy Mulligan. Hildy, this is Lord Harrison Keefer. Kami's uncle reached over and shook Hildy's hand before settling again in his seat.

"Kami…. may I call you Kami?"

Kami looked at him and nodded.

"Kami, I do not believe in coincidence, so ….. why are you here now? I have not spoken to Michael in over thirty maybe even thirty-five years. I have never met you before in my life yet here you are today in my domain asking about my mother. As far as I am aware you have never made contact before. This leads me to only one conclusion in light of what has been happening at home lately. Mother has either found a way to contact you herself or she has roped Lauren into contacting you. What I do not understand is why come to me? Why not go directly to my mother?"

The ladies looked at each in confusion. Hildy did not appreciate the tone Harrison used on Kami but she kept silent for now to allow her lady an opportunity to respond to her uncle before she spoke up on Kami's behalf.

Kami looked at her uncle and saw that he really looked serious in his belief that she had deliberately sorted him out. "Lord Keefer, I do not know what you are speaking about. I can assure you that your mother has not contacted me. I do not know anyone named Lauren and I am not aware of what is happening in your home lately", Kami told him earnestly.

"Oh, come on. Do you really expect me to believe that?" her uncle asked incredulously. Kami looked at him and realized how unlikely the entire situation seemed. She in all honesty could not fault her uncle for being skeptical.

She leaned forward in her chair and did her best to reassure him as she said; "I know this situation looked unbelievable, but I assure you that I did not come here because someone contacted me and asked me to do so". The silence settled again for a few more seconds before Harrison spoke. "Then why are you here? Why now?"

Kami looked at Hildy as her lover give her a reassuring smile before turning back towards her uncle and saying, "I am presently living in New York City, but I am back home in England to make a presentation at The University of Suffolk. Hildy has never been to Britain so we decided to stay over in London for a few days to do a bit of sightseeing before heading to Ipswich. While we were riding around in the buses this afternoon we passed in front of the Parliament building. Hildy showed an interest in seeing inside of Westminster Palace, that is why we ended up coming inside. I did not expect to see you here".

Harrison looked at her for what seemed like a long time before saying in a tone of voice that still was not quite convinced; "It still does not make sense. How did you know that I was related to you? We have never met, we do not know each other".

Hildy, was getting a bit annoyed that Harrison was reluctant to believe his niece. She decided to reiterate what her lady was saying. "Look, I know this all sounds like it is coming at you from left field", to which Harrison raise his aristocratic eyebrow at her American slang. Hildy pointedly ignored his facial expression and continued "As I was saying, I understand that this situation is totally unexpected, but I assure you it was unplanned. As for how Kami knew she was related to you? I don't know you, but I know her father and you look like an older, heavier version of Michael".

At those words Kami looked in her small shoulder bag and reached for her card holder in which she kept a few photos. She passed one of her parents together, one with her Dad alone and one with her and both her parents which was taken about ten years after the trip to Italy. Harrison looked at the photos for several moments.

"Kami….. this feels so strange…. I am addressing Michael's daughter while sitting in the Parliament building. A daughter I never met before and barely knew existed". As he spoke those words Harrison stared at his niece with an odd expression on his face. Kami held his stare before saying; "I met you once before. Well not met you but saw you, my grandmother and another woman, a pretty woman with brownish red hair and a gentle smile".

Harrison's stare immediately became intense as he leaned forward in his chair and spoke in a steely voice. "What are you talking about? You just described my wife. What are you up to ….Kami Keefer?"

Before Kami could respond Hildy leaned forward and in a voice that matched Harrison's steeliness and added a good measure of deadly to it, she said "Do not take that tone of voice with her". Harrison shifted his gaze from Kami to Hildy as he assessed her. After what seemed like an eternity he leaned back in his chair. Three seconds later Hildy did the same. Kami looked at her fiancé and could not help but feel a rush of love, and want for her woman who defended her. Hildy in protection mode always made Kami's body respond physically in a way that caused immediate pleasure.

Turning her attention back to her uncle she related the time she saw him, her grandmother and the lady who was his wife in the restaurant in Italy. She explained that her mother told her who the Baroness was after they went back to their hotel room. Harrison eyes took on a faraway expression as he went back in his memory to the time Kami spoke of. When he refocused his eyes on her, his expression was notable different.

"I remember the incident at the restaurant because Mother acted very strangely afterwards. She was notably upset and when I pressed her on what was wrong all she kept saying over and over was 'my sins of the pass have damned my present'. Later that evening she insisted that we either leave for London the next day or change our vacation plans. She suggested that we visit another part of Italy because she refused to stay in Rome any longer. Needless to say, we left Rome the next day. I never knew for sure that upset my mother, but I did wonder if it had something to do with the family in the restaurant whom the waiter said shared our name. It never occurred to me that the family was Michael's family, but I thought that maybe the name trigged some sort of melancholy in my Mother, I thought maybe the family made her longed for she did not have".

Harrison raised his right hand and rubbed the back of his head in a gesture that was so reminiscent of Kami's father that she softly gasped before looking at Hildy who also recognized the similarity in gestures.

Harrison's entire demeanor changed before their eyes, it was as if he came to a conclusion on the matter and decided to take a step of faith. Looking once more at Kami he said; "To answer your initial questions from several minutes ago, yes your grandmother is alive and in reasonably good health for her age".

At this point Kami cleared her throat and asked, "And what about your father?"

"He is also alive but not in as good health as Mother. He has arthritis and walking is difficult for him at this point in his life. so, he uses a wheelchair to get around on days when the pain is particularly challenging. The doctors have recommended hip replacement surgery but thus far he is refusing to agree to the operation.

"Oh, I am sorry to hear that", Kami politely said. This was followed by a few moments of silence.

Kami as curious about something so she asked; "Earlier you used the words 'in light of what has been happening at home lately' what did you mean?"

"My mother has become more and more…. preoccupied with looking at old photographs lately, especially pictures of Michael when he was a child. This was why I thought somehow she found a way to contact you".

Harrison looked at Kami intently as if the wheels in his mind were turning.

"Kami what are your plans for this evening?"

Kami looked at Hildy who gave a slight shrug, then turned her eyes back to her uncle as she said "We do not have any plan for the evening".

Harrison looked at Hildy who only a few moments earlier as willing to harm him in the lounge of the British Parliament to protect his niece because she disagreed with the tone he used on Kami. Harrison wondered what would happen when Hildy met his father. His father was a very difficult man to deal with on a good day much less if he was in a foul mood.

Turning back to Kami he said: "I will like to invite you and your fiancé to dinner at six pm at our London family home. This way you will have to opportunity to meet your grandparents".

When Kami saw Harrison stand to make his presentation earlier that afternoon it never occurred to her that she might get to meet her grandmother let alone her grandfather. When Hildy offered up a prayer to Heavenly Father in the foyer, she wondered if God really did want her to be the catalyst in the mending of the broken relationship that existed between her father and his family. Now hearing her uncle offer her an invitation to dinner, it was confirmation that this was what God had planned all along.

Kami once more looked at Hildy who gave her a small smile and a gentle nod. Turning to her uncle she said;

"We accept your invitation".

The next hour was spent with the ladies rushing back to their hotel, to have a quick shower and then get dressed. Kami was uncharacteristically nervous about what she was going to wear to dinner. Eventually she selected a simple burgundy dress that stopped just below her knee. Hildy wore a black pants with a light pink shirt. Both ladies looked elegantly casual and very attractive.

Their hotel arranged for a car to take them to the exclusive Kensington neighbourhood where her Dad's family lived.

The ladies looked out the car's window as they approached the Kensington area. Turning back to Kami, Hildy squeezed her hand, and asked "How are you feeling?"

Kami looked at her with eyes that reflected a bit of anxiety, "I feel a little bit nervous … actually I feel more than a bit nervous".

Hildy squeezed her hand again and said "It is going to be alright. Who would have thought that today would have turned out like this? You have nothing to lose by meeting your Dad's family Kami because you do not have a relationship with them. Things will either stay the same or get better. And somehow I believe that things will improve after tonight."

Kami nodded her head as she agreed with Hildy's assessment.

"Do you think I look okey, Hills?" Kami had a flair for style, and she looked good in just about anything. But tonight, she wanted to look her best at this impromptu dinner because it was the first time she would be formally meeting her grandmother, and the first time she will be seeing her grandfather.

"Sweetheart you look beautiful. That dress accentuates your gentle curves, but more importantly, you will win them over with your warm smile and loving heart.

"Here we are". the elderly driver said as he slowed the car to a stop in front of one of the elegant homes on Egerton Crescent. The driver turned over his shoulder to the ladies and smiled before continuing to speak, "I do not want to appear improper or speak out of turn, especially in this day and age of being politically correct in just about everything one says. But I would just like to say that you both look lovely, and I wish you a pleasant evening".

The ladies returned his smile because the driver was sincere. They both thanked him as Hildy reached in her pocket to pay him the fare, however, he shook his head and refused payment.

"This ride is on me. Just have a lovely time". They thanked him again and bid him a good evening.

"That was very nice of him", Kami remarked as they walked up to the front door of her uncle's home. Before Hildy could reply the front door opened and a man greeted them.

"Ms Keefer, Ms Mulligan?", the man enquired.

"Yes, we are", Kami replied as they were ushered into the lovely foyer of the house.

"I am Miller, Lord Keefer's butler. If you would follow me please, Lord Keefer will be with you momentarily". The man escorted them to the sitting room and smiled as he asked if he could get them something to drink. Both ladies declined, and Miller egressed the room.

"Wow, a real live butler", Hildy smirked. "I wonder if his job is anything like Downtown Abbey?"

Kami snorted and shook her head. "I doubt that very much". Kami looked around the tastefully decorated room. Every item looked like it was chosen to add to the overall effect of the room. Turning to her lover she softly said; "I would not be surprised if this room was featured in one of those House décor magazines".

"I would not be surprised either. Everything in this room looks perfect but it does not have the warm feel to it like Nana's and Pappy's home, and their house is as beautifully decorated as this one", Hildy whispered back. Kami tilted her head on the side and concurred as she looked around the room again.

Just then they heard voices outside the door and a moment later Harrison entered and said "Kami, Hildy, I am please that you could make it".

Kami stood up and Hildy taking her cue from her lover did the same. "Thank you for having us over for dinner".

"Well, yes…this has turned out to be an extraordinary day", Harrison replied. Then they all just looked at each other for what felt like a short eternity before Harrison took a deep breath and gave them a ghost of a smile.

"This could turn out to be a most uncomfortable evening or one of the most interesting we have had in a long time ….. personally, I would prefer the later", Harrison said as he looked at his niece.

"I would prefer the later also", Kami said with a soft smile that made her eyes twinkle.

"Well then, I think we could adjourn to the family room, it is more comfortable than this one. I should have told Miller to show you there instead of leaving it up to him. He is a stickler for propriety". Harrison smiled then lead them through the spacious house to an area towards the back of the first floor where the furniture looked more comfortable and the feel was homier. They all sat down, Harrison on the love seat and the ladies on the couch.

"How did your mother react when you told her you met me, and invited us to dinner". Kami asked.

Harrison considered the question before answering. "I would describe her reaction in three words … shocked …. disbelief…amazed".

Harrison remembered the conversation with his mother from just a little over an hour ago.

Harrison entered his home and immediately began calling out to his mother. She answered him from the back garden where she sat on a stool in front of her potted plants that were placed on her work table by one of the maids.

"Mother I need to speak with you", Harrison greeted his mother with an urgency in his tone as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. Their mother son relationship had improved tremendously through the years, gone were the days of their superficial greetings, and feelings towards each other. They both had Lauren to thank for this, a fact that neither took for granted.

"What is it Harry?" Elizabeth looked up at her son who began pacing back and forth and he rubbed the back of his head as he was wont to do at times when he was anxious about something.

Elizabeth continued to look at him expectantly before pursing her lips and saying. "Come on Harry, do not dawdle".

Harrison pulled up another stool and began his tale of his extraordinary afternoon. Elizabeth expression slowly morphed from shocked, to disbelief, to finally amazement when Harrison recounted Kami's memory of the restaurant in Rome. Elizabeth sat there stunned for several moments not saying anything. Harrison remained quiet allowing his mother the space she needed to process the shocking news. Finally, she looked her son in his eyes and asked, "How did she sound Harry?"

"How did she sound? I do not understand what you mean Mother". Elizabeth eyes took on a hopeful yet fearful expression. "Did her tone have the slightest hue of bitterness or anger when she spoke with you? Michael and Kalia were hurt by the unkind things Alastair said the last time we saw them. I was so caught up on appearances back then. Prestige and status were my god and I pushed my child away because he did not want what I wanted. I have lived to regret what I did. I have asked Heavenly Father to forgive me time and time again for what I did. But I could never bring myself to contact Michael and ask his forgiveness".

Harrison listened quietly to his mother's confession. "I am not as deeply into the Bible as you and Lauren are now, but I do believe that God answers prayers Mother. I do not believe in coincidence, I feel there is a reason Kami's path crossed mine today. Maybe God is giving you a second chance to make things right Michael because who knows what tomorrow holds for any of us".

Elizabeth looked at her son and said, "I hope you are right Harry".

"Mother should be joining us shortly. My wife Lauren called me just as you were arriving, she should be here any minute from her charity work. Father will not be joining us as he had a challenging day today with his arthritic pains".

The ladies and Harrison engaged in small talk for the next two minutes before a door was heard opening and closing and a voice calling out to Harrison. Lauren entered the room and smiled at the ladies. She walked forward to Kami who stood to meet her and said. "When Harry told me about meeting you, and about the restaurant in Rome all those years ago, I could not believe it. It is a pleasure to meet you Kami". Lauren said as she reached out and took Kami's hand in hers giving it a squeeze before turning to Hildy. Kami introduced her fiancé to Lauren and was about to sit back down when Baroness Elizabeth Keefer entered the room.

Elizabeth looked at Kami and Kami looked at Elizabeth for almost an entire minute as everyone stayed silent. Elizabeth looked intently at Kami, she saw eyes that looked so much like Michael's and her own. She searched for anger in Kami's eyes and saw none. She looked for bitterness fueled by hurt and she saw none. Instead she saw acceptance and compassion. Elizabeth walked forward to her granddaughter as her eyes filled with tears.

She reached out and gently cupped Kami's cheek and softly said;

"I am so sorry for all the hurt I caused. Please forgive me".

The last thing Kami expected when she accepted the invitation to dinner that afternoon was an apology and a request for forgiveness. She looked into her grandmother's eyes that were the exact shape and colour of her father's and her heart felt pity for the old woman who had carried guilt for so long. She gently drew her grandmother into a hug as softly said;

"All is forgiven"