A/N: Here I am again! Did you miss me? Sorry it's been so long, but hubby
and I had a fight not too long after I posted the last chapter and I
haven't been in the mood to write about happily married people. Now that
everything is sunnier and happier in my world I can write about a happy
marriage (Fear not. My marriage is happy, but not without it's little
bumps).
Meg - Appreciate your suggestion for the kitten's name. Not sure yet whether I'll use it. I guess we'll see what the kitten wants to be named in this chapter. (Any cat lover knows you can't just GIVE a cat a name. They have to choose one for themselves.) And you can find the tune to 'Cliffs of Doneen' on www.eirefirst.com. I guess I should have mentioned that in the last chapter. No copyright infringement intended.
Silverfish - I never said the honeymoon was over, now did I? (Winks slyly). Of course, the trip itself is over, but the 'honeymoon' shall continue.
Ruby Gillis - I am glad you're doing a fanfic on Marigold. She really was a delightful character and it's too bad more people haven't read that book (Hint to those uneducated in the wonderful realm of Marigold Lesley). I have read 'Scarlett' by Alexandra Ripley, and I did like it. Sort of. I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to 'Gone With the Wind'. I guess you could say it's my sacred cow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following morning was full of goodbyes, several of them rather tearful. Taryn, to Pat's amazement, was fighting tears as she said goodbye. There were promises to write from both sides and a gift from Sean and Keelin to Hilary and Pat.
"'Tis an auld Irish wedding blessing," said Keelin. "No doubt Judy would've given ye the same. Or somethin' like it."
The blessing in question was hand written in beautiful calligraphy over a scene of the Irish coast and framed in a richly hued wood frame. At the top of the frame, there was a figure carved out and Hilary asked what it was.
"A claddagh," answered Katie. "A symbol av friendship, loyalty, and love. The two hands are a symbol of friendship. They hold the heart which, av course, symbolizes love. And the crown on top av the heart symbolizes loyalty. It's a traditional Irish symbol."
Pat's eyes filled with tears as she read the blessing out loud.
"May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward."
And Hilary, who had hoped the tears were over with, refrained from rolling his eyes as Pat wept fresh ones. There were hugs all around, for the third time, and, somehow, they found themselves back on the boat headed for England.
Once on British soil, the company parted ways. Hilary and Pat returned to the hotel to make sure everything was ready for their journey home. Katie and Parker were going home to put their younger children down for much needed naps. They all planned to meet up again at the docks to say their final goodbyes.
Pat was full of mixed emotions as she checked and double checked their bags while Hilary was downstairs taking care of the bill. On one hand, she couldn't wait to get home. To tell Father and Mother about the Plums, to see her new home with Hilary, and to settle into an everyday routine. Pat thrived on routines. But on the other hand, she had enjoyed roaming about with Hilary. She had grown to love Judy's relatives and had found a lifetime friend in Katie Bowen. What if Hilary's firm decided not to hire Parker? She and Katie might never see each other again. The thought was not a welcome one and Pat, to her everlasting irritation, found that she was crying again. She looked at herself in the mirror with a stern expression.
"Patricia Gordon, you stop that right now," she told the reflection. Her reflection complied easily enough, but, inside, Pat fought the terrible urge to keep crying her eyes out. What was wrong with her anyway? Why was she so emotional all of a sudden?
Hilary came bursting into the room at that point, nearly scaring Pat out of her skin. His eyes settled on her for a moment and they darkened to a stormy grey. Pat wasn't sure if she liked this expression too much. Turning, he locked the door to their room and Pat backed away from him a little.
"Hilary, I'm not sure what I've done to make you angry, but I'm sure we can discuss this rationally."
He came towards her still, those stormy eyes fastened on her. Pat was sure she had never seen Hilary like this. He seemed..angry? No, not angry. Not even upset. Looking closer at her husband, Pat soon realized what he had in mind.
"Hilary, we've a million things to do before we leave this afternoon. I need your help to make sure everything is done and ready to go."
"We've barely had a moment alone together since we first met Parker and Katie. They're wonderful people, Pat. I won't deny it. But now we're all alone, on the last day of our honeymoon-."
"Actually, the honeymoon isn't over until we get home," Pat interjected. Hilary ignored her interruption as he put his arms around her waist.
"Actually," he finally said in response, "this honeymoon is never-ending. Our marriage is a honeymoon, Pat. You will always be my bride. No matter how many rough times we have, no matter how many children are running around at our feet, you are forever a bride to me."
His tone was low and caressing and Pat felt herself melting away before his lips even touched hers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Pat and Hilary left the hotel that afternoon, they were stopped by the desk clerk. (A/N: Is that the appropriate title? Having never stayed in a fancier hotel than the 'Holiday Inn', I wasn't sure.) He handed Hilary a slip of paper and then scurried off. Pat watched him for a moment, thinking with more than a little amusement that he looked exactly like a little squirrel. What the similarity was, she couldn't be sure, but she knew it was there. When she looked back at Hilary, his face had lit up.
"What is it, Hilary?"
"It's the firm. They're reserving a ticket for Parker next week on a ship. They've decided to hire him, Pat! Parker and Katie will be living near us!"
Right there in the lobby, Hilary picked Pat up and swung her around. Most people smiled as they walked by, chalking it up to 'newlyweds'. But Pat's Gardiner sensibilities soon took over.
"Hilary Gordon," she whispered viciously, "you put me down this instant."
He set her down, but refused to look properly chastised. Pat straightened the hat on her head and smoothed out the imaginary wrinkles in her skirt, muttering about 'for all the world to see' and 'no sense of decency'. But, secretly, she was terribly happy and Hilary knew it. They hurried down to the docks, eager to share the news with their friends.
Katie and Parker were overjoyed to hear the glad tidings, though Pat saw that Katie had a few misgivings. Leaving her family would be hard, Pat knew. So she cheered her with stories of Canada and of Silver Bush and with the thought that they wouldn't live too far apart. The fact that they would see each other again didn't make the parting much happier, though. Pat and Katie both cried. Little Keelin looked a little glum. Bryson wouldn't let go of Hilary unless Pat took him. Then he wouldn't let go of Pat. From the deck, waving her handkerchief, Pat could see Bryson still crying and Parker trying desperately to calm him. She felt a little lonely until a warm hand covered hers and she looked up into Hilary's eyes. Prospects became brighter then and they went to explore the ship.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
COMING HOME
Mary Gardiner was sitting in the 'parlor' sewing on a delicate little baby garment to send to her youngest daughter. Long Alec sat in the chair beside her, reading the newspaper. Sid was in the kitchen, rustling around for a 'liddle bite'. May had gone to bed early, complaining of a headache, though everyone knew she had nothing of the sort. Unfortunately, things had not changed much with Sid and May. There had been improvement for a while, but it seemed to have reached a plateau. Now, instead of arguing, they simply didn't speak to one another.
A sudden, urgent knocking at the door got everyone's attention. Sid bounded out of the kitchen with unusual energy and opened it to reveal his little sister.
"Pat!" he cried before enveloping her in a fierce hug. The name brought everyone to the door. Mother was laughing, Sid was grinning, and Dad, his usual reserved self, smiled at his daughter and son-in-law. Soon, Pat was telling them all about England and Ireland and, more specifically, the Plums. But there wasn't time for long, drawn-out stories. Being a mother, Mary Gardiner soon packed her daughter and son-in-law off to bed. They had had a long trip and she wasn't going to have them collapse from exhaustion in her home. Pat felt, as her head hit the pillow, that now she was truly home.
The next morning dawned bright and clear. Pat was up with the sun, back into her old routine. She practically skipped down to the kitchen and began making breakfast for everyone. Mother came in not ten minutes later and gently scolded Pat for not being in bed where she was supposed to be.
"I'm not sick, Mother," Pat protested. "I haven't really had a chance to cook since the wedding. Please let me do this."
Mother relented, but insisted on helping. Sid and Dad were down next, followed by May, who hadn't come down the night before. She greeted Pat cordially before sitting down at the table. Hilary, characteristically, was the last one at the table. He sat down just as Pat was finishing the breakfast.
Breakfast was a bit rushed for Dad and Sid. Pat or no Pat, there was work to be done on the farm. They left as soon as they were done. Hilary finished soon after, then went to help them. Pat knew he was glad to be doing something as well.
"What would you like to do today, Pat?" asked Mother as they washed the breakfast dishes. Pat shook her head.
"Nothing frivolous," she replied. "Do you have any chores I could do?"
"Darling, you're a guest!" laughed Mother. "Don't tell me you want to do chores!"
"But I'm not a guest. I'm family. Family doesn't count as guests. Now, what do you need done?"
Mother could see that Pat would not back down.
"Well, I suppose, after we're done with the dishes, you could help me with the washing."
"And after that?"
Mother was silent. She didn't want her daughter to work on a house she didn't live in. Pat pursed her lips.
"I'll tell you what, Mother. Why don't you go see Winnie today? Visit with her and the children. I'll take care of everything here. May has gone to her mother's and there's no sense in you doing everything around here today. I hereby give you the day off."
A small argument followed, but Pat emerged victorious. Mother went to Winnie's and Pat went to work. She did the washing, the floors, the windows. The silver was polished within an inch of it's life. She dusted and wiped every knick-knack, every corner. Pat was in her element. Lunch was ready when Hilary, Sid, and Long Alec came in and then Pat went back to work. Mother got home in mid-afternoon and was greeted with a sparkling house and rather dirty daughter. Pat was sent to clean up while Mother cooked dinner.
Pat came down from her room refreshed. Hilary marveled at the sparkle in her eyes and hoped that sparkle wouldn't disappear when he got her to their home. Dinner included Winnie, Fred, and their children. There were presents for all. Pat and Hilary wove tales of their travels well into the night. Everyone was amazed that they had met Judy's relatives and no one wanted to leave. But Winnie's children had to get to bed. Dad and Sid had work to do in the morning, as did Mother. And May, once again, had a headache. Hilary and Pat settled into their last night at the Bay Shore. Tomorrow, they would be home for real.
A/N: Poor little kitten! I still haven't got a name for it. Only two more chapters, I think, and that's all for this story. I'm working on a new one in my mind. Who wants me to continue? You must review. I can't see your hands raised.
Meg - Appreciate your suggestion for the kitten's name. Not sure yet whether I'll use it. I guess we'll see what the kitten wants to be named in this chapter. (Any cat lover knows you can't just GIVE a cat a name. They have to choose one for themselves.) And you can find the tune to 'Cliffs of Doneen' on www.eirefirst.com. I guess I should have mentioned that in the last chapter. No copyright infringement intended.
Silverfish - I never said the honeymoon was over, now did I? (Winks slyly). Of course, the trip itself is over, but the 'honeymoon' shall continue.
Ruby Gillis - I am glad you're doing a fanfic on Marigold. She really was a delightful character and it's too bad more people haven't read that book (Hint to those uneducated in the wonderful realm of Marigold Lesley). I have read 'Scarlett' by Alexandra Ripley, and I did like it. Sort of. I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to 'Gone With the Wind'. I guess you could say it's my sacred cow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following morning was full of goodbyes, several of them rather tearful. Taryn, to Pat's amazement, was fighting tears as she said goodbye. There were promises to write from both sides and a gift from Sean and Keelin to Hilary and Pat.
"'Tis an auld Irish wedding blessing," said Keelin. "No doubt Judy would've given ye the same. Or somethin' like it."
The blessing in question was hand written in beautiful calligraphy over a scene of the Irish coast and framed in a richly hued wood frame. At the top of the frame, there was a figure carved out and Hilary asked what it was.
"A claddagh," answered Katie. "A symbol av friendship, loyalty, and love. The two hands are a symbol of friendship. They hold the heart which, av course, symbolizes love. And the crown on top av the heart symbolizes loyalty. It's a traditional Irish symbol."
Pat's eyes filled with tears as she read the blessing out loud.
"May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward."
And Hilary, who had hoped the tears were over with, refrained from rolling his eyes as Pat wept fresh ones. There were hugs all around, for the third time, and, somehow, they found themselves back on the boat headed for England.
Once on British soil, the company parted ways. Hilary and Pat returned to the hotel to make sure everything was ready for their journey home. Katie and Parker were going home to put their younger children down for much needed naps. They all planned to meet up again at the docks to say their final goodbyes.
Pat was full of mixed emotions as she checked and double checked their bags while Hilary was downstairs taking care of the bill. On one hand, she couldn't wait to get home. To tell Father and Mother about the Plums, to see her new home with Hilary, and to settle into an everyday routine. Pat thrived on routines. But on the other hand, she had enjoyed roaming about with Hilary. She had grown to love Judy's relatives and had found a lifetime friend in Katie Bowen. What if Hilary's firm decided not to hire Parker? She and Katie might never see each other again. The thought was not a welcome one and Pat, to her everlasting irritation, found that she was crying again. She looked at herself in the mirror with a stern expression.
"Patricia Gordon, you stop that right now," she told the reflection. Her reflection complied easily enough, but, inside, Pat fought the terrible urge to keep crying her eyes out. What was wrong with her anyway? Why was she so emotional all of a sudden?
Hilary came bursting into the room at that point, nearly scaring Pat out of her skin. His eyes settled on her for a moment and they darkened to a stormy grey. Pat wasn't sure if she liked this expression too much. Turning, he locked the door to their room and Pat backed away from him a little.
"Hilary, I'm not sure what I've done to make you angry, but I'm sure we can discuss this rationally."
He came towards her still, those stormy eyes fastened on her. Pat was sure she had never seen Hilary like this. He seemed..angry? No, not angry. Not even upset. Looking closer at her husband, Pat soon realized what he had in mind.
"Hilary, we've a million things to do before we leave this afternoon. I need your help to make sure everything is done and ready to go."
"We've barely had a moment alone together since we first met Parker and Katie. They're wonderful people, Pat. I won't deny it. But now we're all alone, on the last day of our honeymoon-."
"Actually, the honeymoon isn't over until we get home," Pat interjected. Hilary ignored her interruption as he put his arms around her waist.
"Actually," he finally said in response, "this honeymoon is never-ending. Our marriage is a honeymoon, Pat. You will always be my bride. No matter how many rough times we have, no matter how many children are running around at our feet, you are forever a bride to me."
His tone was low and caressing and Pat felt herself melting away before his lips even touched hers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Pat and Hilary left the hotel that afternoon, they were stopped by the desk clerk. (A/N: Is that the appropriate title? Having never stayed in a fancier hotel than the 'Holiday Inn', I wasn't sure.) He handed Hilary a slip of paper and then scurried off. Pat watched him for a moment, thinking with more than a little amusement that he looked exactly like a little squirrel. What the similarity was, she couldn't be sure, but she knew it was there. When she looked back at Hilary, his face had lit up.
"What is it, Hilary?"
"It's the firm. They're reserving a ticket for Parker next week on a ship. They've decided to hire him, Pat! Parker and Katie will be living near us!"
Right there in the lobby, Hilary picked Pat up and swung her around. Most people smiled as they walked by, chalking it up to 'newlyweds'. But Pat's Gardiner sensibilities soon took over.
"Hilary Gordon," she whispered viciously, "you put me down this instant."
He set her down, but refused to look properly chastised. Pat straightened the hat on her head and smoothed out the imaginary wrinkles in her skirt, muttering about 'for all the world to see' and 'no sense of decency'. But, secretly, she was terribly happy and Hilary knew it. They hurried down to the docks, eager to share the news with their friends.
Katie and Parker were overjoyed to hear the glad tidings, though Pat saw that Katie had a few misgivings. Leaving her family would be hard, Pat knew. So she cheered her with stories of Canada and of Silver Bush and with the thought that they wouldn't live too far apart. The fact that they would see each other again didn't make the parting much happier, though. Pat and Katie both cried. Little Keelin looked a little glum. Bryson wouldn't let go of Hilary unless Pat took him. Then he wouldn't let go of Pat. From the deck, waving her handkerchief, Pat could see Bryson still crying and Parker trying desperately to calm him. She felt a little lonely until a warm hand covered hers and she looked up into Hilary's eyes. Prospects became brighter then and they went to explore the ship.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
COMING HOME
Mary Gardiner was sitting in the 'parlor' sewing on a delicate little baby garment to send to her youngest daughter. Long Alec sat in the chair beside her, reading the newspaper. Sid was in the kitchen, rustling around for a 'liddle bite'. May had gone to bed early, complaining of a headache, though everyone knew she had nothing of the sort. Unfortunately, things had not changed much with Sid and May. There had been improvement for a while, but it seemed to have reached a plateau. Now, instead of arguing, they simply didn't speak to one another.
A sudden, urgent knocking at the door got everyone's attention. Sid bounded out of the kitchen with unusual energy and opened it to reveal his little sister.
"Pat!" he cried before enveloping her in a fierce hug. The name brought everyone to the door. Mother was laughing, Sid was grinning, and Dad, his usual reserved self, smiled at his daughter and son-in-law. Soon, Pat was telling them all about England and Ireland and, more specifically, the Plums. But there wasn't time for long, drawn-out stories. Being a mother, Mary Gardiner soon packed her daughter and son-in-law off to bed. They had had a long trip and she wasn't going to have them collapse from exhaustion in her home. Pat felt, as her head hit the pillow, that now she was truly home.
The next morning dawned bright and clear. Pat was up with the sun, back into her old routine. She practically skipped down to the kitchen and began making breakfast for everyone. Mother came in not ten minutes later and gently scolded Pat for not being in bed where she was supposed to be.
"I'm not sick, Mother," Pat protested. "I haven't really had a chance to cook since the wedding. Please let me do this."
Mother relented, but insisted on helping. Sid and Dad were down next, followed by May, who hadn't come down the night before. She greeted Pat cordially before sitting down at the table. Hilary, characteristically, was the last one at the table. He sat down just as Pat was finishing the breakfast.
Breakfast was a bit rushed for Dad and Sid. Pat or no Pat, there was work to be done on the farm. They left as soon as they were done. Hilary finished soon after, then went to help them. Pat knew he was glad to be doing something as well.
"What would you like to do today, Pat?" asked Mother as they washed the breakfast dishes. Pat shook her head.
"Nothing frivolous," she replied. "Do you have any chores I could do?"
"Darling, you're a guest!" laughed Mother. "Don't tell me you want to do chores!"
"But I'm not a guest. I'm family. Family doesn't count as guests. Now, what do you need done?"
Mother could see that Pat would not back down.
"Well, I suppose, after we're done with the dishes, you could help me with the washing."
"And after that?"
Mother was silent. She didn't want her daughter to work on a house she didn't live in. Pat pursed her lips.
"I'll tell you what, Mother. Why don't you go see Winnie today? Visit with her and the children. I'll take care of everything here. May has gone to her mother's and there's no sense in you doing everything around here today. I hereby give you the day off."
A small argument followed, but Pat emerged victorious. Mother went to Winnie's and Pat went to work. She did the washing, the floors, the windows. The silver was polished within an inch of it's life. She dusted and wiped every knick-knack, every corner. Pat was in her element. Lunch was ready when Hilary, Sid, and Long Alec came in and then Pat went back to work. Mother got home in mid-afternoon and was greeted with a sparkling house and rather dirty daughter. Pat was sent to clean up while Mother cooked dinner.
Pat came down from her room refreshed. Hilary marveled at the sparkle in her eyes and hoped that sparkle wouldn't disappear when he got her to their home. Dinner included Winnie, Fred, and their children. There were presents for all. Pat and Hilary wove tales of their travels well into the night. Everyone was amazed that they had met Judy's relatives and no one wanted to leave. But Winnie's children had to get to bed. Dad and Sid had work to do in the morning, as did Mother. And May, once again, had a headache. Hilary and Pat settled into their last night at the Bay Shore. Tomorrow, they would be home for real.
A/N: Poor little kitten! I still haven't got a name for it. Only two more chapters, I think, and that's all for this story. I'm working on a new one in my mind. Who wants me to continue? You must review. I can't see your hands raised.