Mrs. Lansbury was surprised and impressed by Miss. Spencer's selection of evening attire. She would never say such a thing. She was simply impressed. The latest news surrounding her paramour, Mr. Morgan, was the highlight of the summer and she read as much as she could on the subject. Fascinating. She was not sure the purpose of this dinner but she also knew it was not her business.
"Miss. Spencer, Mr. Cassidine waiting for you in the Conservatory. This way, please."
"Thank you, Mrs. Lansbury."
Caroline stepped in on the balls of her feet because Mrs. Lansbury did not announce her. There were only three reasons for that and she knew Mrs. Lansbury was well versed in Cassidine etiquette so it was no slip. It did not matter. She took the time to silently access the man standing near the window because she could. Caroline was certain that since he was aware of her presence, he was projecting exactly what he wished. The point of the exercise was lost on her. As if reading her mind,
"Because you wished for equal time."
They both knew he was referring to his inspection of her on her last visit.
"But it defeats the purpose if you project. How am I to know your true face?"
He was not expecting that. He was not sure what that meant. He was in good company because she had no clue why she said it. Why would she want to know his true face? That could be fatal to anyone standing in the Cassidine light but a Spencer might burst into flames.
Stefan had still had not turned around so she was speaking to his profile. That didn't bother her and it was not considered rude by either of them.
"You should be careful what you wish for, Caroline."
"Perhaps. I hope that was not your attempt to frighten me away."
He smiled. She was a Spencer but her style was all her own.
"Why would I wish to do that?"
She stopped playing the game for a moment as she stood silently contemplating that. She could not understand her reaction to the man. The vibe was different and it screamed seek and investigate. That was something that kept her alive in her line of work. When she got the vibe she always went with it.
"I don't know yet."
Something in her tone made him turn around to study her. She was serious and she was looking at him seriously. That intrigued him. He could not put his finger on what it was about her but there was something there. Something less threatening than there should be. Oh, she was still just as dangerous as he suspected on their first meeting in this room. She was just as threatening as always. That display in the hospital with Monica Quartermaine was nothing but confirmation to him. But there was something different...off about the situation. Something that called to him. He did not understand this woman and that disturbed him. Stefan Cassidine did not like to be disturbed.
"Yet? You almost make it sound as if you intend to study the matter seriously."
He was only slightly teasing. Her answer surprised him, yet again, as he watched her closely.
"Because I think I will."
She had no clue what it was about him. She watched him just as carefully as he watched her. He was just as confused. This was confirmation that she was not crazy. Something was definitely—there or missing. She could not decide yet.
Caroline took that moment to step further into the room since she had not crossed the threshold during their conversation. She moved gracefully but it was like a panther. Not yet about to strike, simply sizing up a potential prey. He motioned for her to have a seat.
"I am an ungracious host. You have been here almost 15 minutes and I have not offered you a drink yet. Or complimented your appearance."
She laughed.
"I am told that is something all gentlemen feel compelled to do for delicate ladies."
Stefan laughed as well. This was fun.
"Would I offend you if I implied you were no delicate lady. A lady yes, but delicate...."
"It would be a compliment. As for the drink, whatever you are having is fine."
She really wondered what it was about Stefan Cassidine that made her smile in his presence and not feel ill at ease. That was not normal. Nor was her demeanor and she did not like that. She was unsure how she felt about it but she was certain she should not like anything about the situation. She was also positive that the family would go through the roof.
What happened next changed things dramatically between them.
Stefan moved to pour them both a glass of Sherry. After handing her, her glass he held his up for a toast. He rarely entertained so he was feeling more obliging and she put him a little too at ease. He offered up an old toast in Russian.
"To life in the hour of our making."
She responded with the second part of the toast in Russian as well.
"To prevent the hour of our taking."
It was reflexive. She did not mean to give that away. Nor did she realize she had. Unsure if she was somehow familiar with that saying or if she actually did speak Russian, Stefan endeavored to find out immediately. He had no idea why that piece of information was crucial but he knew that not knowing anything about a Spencer was definitely dangerous. Even something so innocuous as their language skills. He addressed her in Russian,
"You are fluent in my native tongue, or simply familiar with such an archaic saying?"
She responded in Russian as well. The game just got more interesting and the stakes higher.
"Both. But you are aware of that now, aren't you?"
He set his glass down but his movement was smooth and his demeanor gave nothing away.
"Who are you, Caroline Spencer?"
"Do you often invite unknown guests to dinner?"
"I am a Cassidine. I have had many unknown guests to dinner."
"Perhaps. Though I suspect many of those were Cassidines as well."
They studied each other silently then smiled. It was true. Stefan never met a relative who was exactly what they appeared to be.
"True. My family is...colorful. Accepting a dinner invitation from some could prove...unwise."
She laughed softly. He was fun.
"You aren't saying anything to encourage me to drink the Sherry or remain for the meal."
They both laughed.
"You are completely safe, Miss. Spencer. That caveat only applies to Cassidines."
"Well, I do live dangerously at times. But I'm glad you mentioned that."
She held the glass at her lips for just a second too long for effect before taking a sip. He smiled and raised his glass as well. Stefan decided to pursue her comment.
"Danger is relative. The reports from the island were...interesting."
"Will we dance or spar this evening?"
"Perhaps a little of both. We are Cassidine and Spencer. We should keep up appearances."
"Alright. But I'm much better with a sword than glass slippers."
"More comfortable I suppose."
"No, just better."
Stefan nodded thoughtfully then the devil on his shoulder demanded a part in the conversation.
"Dr. Quartermaine might agree."
She didn't even bother asking which Quartermaine or how he knew.
"Did you catch the matinee or simply read the review?"
"5th row center."
"I hope you don't expect some apology because you will be waiting a long time."
"I do not. I found the entire scene most entertaining and educational."
"I'll let that pass without comment or inquiry. Though an explanation would probably help me."
That confused him. She lost him somewhere in the conversation.
"Help you? In what way?"
"Further my studies."
"You have me at a loss, Caroline. Your studies of what?"
"Of you, Stefan. I thought we settled that earlier."
"Indeed we did. I apologize for my lack of attention."
"You are forgiven. Just don't let it happen again."
Then she smiled at him with an arched eyebrow and he laughed before responding.
"What shall we discuss now?"
"Are you ready to spar?"
"Not particularly but I suspect that is where the most interesting portion of our conversation will lie."
"Its your choice. But, you will probably enjoy it more if there were less sparing and more sharing."
"Ah, you wish to share? I do believe you are rapidly becoming my favorite Spencer. On your last visit you came bearing gifts of delightful information. What have you brought for me this evening?"
"Questions, Stefan. Many, many questions."
Mrs. Lansbury was intrigued. She did as Stefan instructed and slipped away without announcing Caroline. She understood his reasons though he did not share them with her. When she returned to inform them that dinner was ready, she did not expect to hear them carrying on a friendly conversation, let alone in Russian. It surprised her into doing something she never does. Something that is unwise and unhealthy for a member of staff at any Cassidine household to do. Particularly those in the service of this Cassidine. But she just could not help herself! Nor could she interrupt earlier. Mr. Cassidine seemed to be enjoying himself. She wouldn't disturb that. Now seemed the perfect time, so she took it.
"Excuse me, Mr. Cassidine. Dinner is served."
"Thank you, Mrs. Lansbury. We shall be along directly.
She said nothing else and slipped away.
Stefan rose and stood next to Caroline's place on the valet then offered his arm.
"Caroline?"
She stood and accepted his arm.
"Thank you."
Dinner was a long formal affair but not the least bit boring. It surprised them both to realize they mutually and unconsciously opted for sharing instead of sparing sometime during the first course. Perhaps its was the food, the wine or the company, neither was sure, but something set them both a little too at ease with the other. And neither seemed to find it the least bit strange that they carried on their conversation throughout the evening entirely in Russian since Stefan's toast.
Caroline had to admit that she was enjoying herself. Afterward, they adjourned to a parlor for drinks and more serious discussion. Though somehow a story or two from Stefan's childhood arose. He noticed that she did not speak for hers. She spoke little to nothing of her past and he suspected it had a great deal to do with what he is certain is her profession. Instead, she mentioned a few things that were general likes or preferences and she spoke openly of her opinion on subjects he which surprised him. Art, music, poetry, literature, the classics. He isn't sure why he should be surprised that she is complex. Learning the reason for her fluency in Russian shouldn't have surprised him but since she lulled him by her other interests he was caught off guard.
"I found it essential to continued good health to learn the language of certain business associates I encountered many years ago."
Stefan said nothing but shook his head at her. Russian mafia, of course!
"Don't judge Stefan and don't look disappointed in something that was neither your concern nor your responsibility. The association has passed but the fluency remained."
"I apologize. I did not intend to make a judgment. It is merely a reaction to knowing the... . Not all associations are pleasant ones. Or healthy for a young woman. That is all."
She immediately sees that he was genuinely concerned for her safety and nothing more.
"True. Life is about growth and change. We are the sum of our parts but we're more than that. Every experience in my life has helped define who I am but it has also allowed me to adjust the lens through which I look at life and those around me."
Her words were thoughtful in delivery though clear. He accepts that.
"How do you adjust the lens?"
"That is a complex question and I can't really give you a definitive answer which will assist you in any future plans to manipulate me or utilize any of the wealth of information you have gathered this evening on my psyche in order to bend me to your will, I am sorry. But, you could consider the lens a prism. It just depends where the light bends."
Stefan nodded.
"Please do not think the insult or the compliment woven into your answer escaped me."
She smiled brightly.
"But Stefan, we're old friends now. That's one of the perks, didn't you know?"
"I shall take your word for it."
Something in his tone changed. And it upped the stakes again.
"Why are you here?"
"I beg your pardon?"
The shift in the conversation was abrupt. She lost him on that last question.
"In Port Charles, Stefan. Why here?"
"You sound like your uncle. He demanded an answer to that very question soon after I arrived."
"But you didn't give him one."
"Not one that he found satisfactory. I suppose I should have simply informed him that I came to exact revenge on all Spencers with some dastardly Cassidine plan, then continue with my diabolical plot to take over the world."
"It would have shocked him into a heart attack if you had said it."
"Where were you when I needed counsel and advice?"
"Stefan......He is my uncle."
"Well, we cannot choose our relatives. I know."
That caused them both to smile but she saw it did not touch his eyes. She gave him warning.
"Stefan, I am about to offend and insult you. After that, I do not believe you will consider us old friends anymore."
"Never have I been given such explicit and careful preparation before. I await your oration with anticipation. Please, Caroline, the floor is yours."
His tone was mocking but she could tell that her warning was not welcomed.
"Children do not suffer the sins of the parent. They have no responsibility to atone for the misdeeds of others. I have to believe that or my son will be condemned to a life of penance for nothing more than having me for a mother."
He wanted to lash out at her first words but his discipline prevented that. He was simply angry at himself for giving that much away. How had he allowed his mask to slip in her presence? He contented himself with knowing she did not see all. But then he kept listening. He heard the rest of what she had to say. And he heard her tone. She was not apologizing for her occupation but she was apologizing for much of her behavior and especially for the Carly Roberts persona. He waited silently as he measured everything she said with what he felt.
"Why did you come to Port Charles?"
No one ever asked her that question.
"To find my mother."
He said nothing, just raised an eyebrow. It was the classiest 'no duh' she'd ever seen in her life.
"Its true. You did not ask my why I wanted to do that."
"I should think it was obvious."
"Really, Stefan, you are searching for your mother just as carefully as I am. She was off the island when we arrived. She has not returned. Why do you want to find her?"
He sat back and exhaled. This conversation was not one he wished to have.
"Helena is not Barbara."
"Why?"
She does not know why she feels compelled to play the part of intervention leader. Only that he needs to say it and there isn't anyone else around who he can say it to. Staff might get it but only a Spencer would understand. She also knows he's risking a great deal with her and in answering the question.
"You know the answer."
"Why?"
Caroline has no idea what she is doing or why. Stefan has no clue why he is allowing her to do it.
"Very well. So that I may know from which direction she intends to fire the gun."
She took no pleasure in that. She has no desire to see him hurt.
"I am sorry."
"Do not apologize now. You wished to hear it, you have."
"No, I didn't want to hear it. I wanted you to say it. Don't ask me why, I don't know. I just felt you needed to say it."
"Have you any idea what it is like to know that your mother would kill you if she could? Without the slightest crisis of conscience or reservation if she thought you would interfere in one of her plans or schemes?"
Caroline was quiet. Too quiet. Of course she did not know. Barbara Spencer was many things but she was no Helena. She wouldn't dream of hurting her child. As if reading his mind,
"I wasn't always Caroline Spencer."
Realization hit him. He saw the truth. Whomever raised her was not kind. Caroline sat without moving and he did nothing to try and drag her from the flood of memories rushing over her. He knew what that was like. The storm would build and rage, then it would pass. Only then could the memories be locked away again in the most secure vault. He waited. It only took a few moments so he understood that she was as much a professional in this area as he. She turned her head slightly.
"Another brandy, Caroline?"
"Thank you."