Chapter 59
The next few weeks were filled with wonderment and amazement for Alex as Duncan took her to many of the places he had been promising. It was still early as Alex sat on the couch reading when Duncan walked into the room after his shower tying his hair back.
"Well are you ready?" he said as he held out his hand to her. Alex smiled and put down the book she had been reading and placed her hand in his. "There can't be many places you haven't already taken me too"
"I've been saving the best ones until last," Duncan said as he led her towards the door picking up his coat on the way. As they left the barge Duncan's eyes roamed the bank but he could see nothing out of place. He hadn't sensed the unknown Immortal for over two weeks but he hadn't been able to relax. Alex had seen the tension in Duncan's face every time they left the barge. This time she couldn't stop herself asking the question.
"Is every thing all right?" Alex asked as she followed Duncan down the gangplank towards the car. Duncan paused at the bottom before turning to her "Everything's fine. Now come on we have to get going if we're to fit in all I have planned for today".
Alex didn't ask anything more but a feeling deep inside her told her that trouble was around. She had learned to listen to those feelings they had served her well over the years. His dismissing her concern just confirmed that she was right.
As Alex got out of the car she looked up at the building "A museum?"
Duncan walked round to her putting his arm around her shoulders "This isn't just any museum it's the Louvre"
Duncan dropped his arm taking hold of her hand "Come on you'll enjoy it"
Alex smiled weakly she wasn't convinced and reluctantly followed Duncan inside. Most of the paintings didn't hold her attention for long but there was a few that Duncan found her staring into "I can't believe someone actually painted them, the detail is amazing"
As Duncan took her through antiquities galleries that held objects from several eras from history, Duncan could see the amazement in her eyes as he explained many of the stories behind the objects she was looking at. His words made things feel so real from the Egyptian rooms through the Greek to the Romans and then the medieval rooms.
"How is it you know so much about all this isn't it a little before your time?" Alex whispered. Duncan laughed "Just a bit before my time but I've met some who have lived through it and having been in antiques for so long you get a feel for things. Now this more my era"
Duncan led Alex towards Napoleon's apartments "Don't tell me you knew him?"
"Not exactly we were on slightly different sides," Duncan said smiling. The rooms had ornately carved wall panels that where gilded with gold. The ceilings were high framed by the gilded carvings with painted panels. There were heavy red velvet curtains at the windows and all the furniture was upholstered in the same shade of red as the curtains with gold gilding on the wood. Magnificent chandeliers glittered as they hung down from the ceiling. "Wow, I bet they take some cleaning"
"If you want I can ask them to let you have a go" Duncan said with a large grin on his face. Alex playfully hit him on the arm "Don't you dare".
As they walked out of the Louvre Alex noticed a strange look come over Duncan and she took hold of his arm "Duncan what is it?"
All Duncan could see in front of him was a sea of faces but he knew somewhere out there was an Immortal. It took him a few moments to realise that Alex had spoken to him. "It's nothing, just think how to get us to the next place on my list".
Alex didn't follow as Duncan started to walk away, he didn't get far when he realised and walked back to her "What?"
"Duncan I know when something's wrong" Duncan put his arm around her pulling her close. "Honestly, it's nothing for you to worry about."
He then kissed her lightly on the lips before taking her hand and Alex knew that he wasn't going to tell her any more. The next place on Duncan's list was the Pompidou Centre.
"So what's here?" Alex asked as Duncan paid the entrance fee "I thought we had seen the old we should see some of the new things Paris has to offer".
Some of the exhibits were a little strange to Alex as she tried to make out exactly what they were. "Stop trying to make sense of them. Then you might get to like them"
"Yeah right" Alex laughed as she walked away from Duncan towards another exhibit made from what she could tell of coat hangers and old drinks cans "Even this.?"
It was then that Alex realised that Duncan wasn't with her, as she looked around she couldn't see him in the room so she walked down the corridor to the next room. As she entered she could see Duncan standing by the tall silver metal exhibit in the centre. Alex moved closer it was then that she saw Duncan's eyes glistening in the late afternoon sun. There was pain and sorrow etched into his face, unsure why she moved closer standing beside him but Duncan didn't seem to know she was there. Alex's eyes looked down at the name card of the artist.
Tessa Noel 1958 - 1993
"Did you know her?" Alex asked quietly giving Duncan the option not to acknowledge she was there. Duncan swallowed hard and bit his bottom lip as he fought his emotions. He hadn't known that her work would be here. He closed his eyes for a moment and her smiling face filled his mind. As he opened his eyes he realised that part of who she was would be forever imbedded in each piece of metal she crafted. Seeing one of the pieces she had made while they were together had taken him by surprise. He smiled to himself what did he expect she had been a talented artist it's only fitting that her work would be displayed for others to enjoy and his sadness was replaced with pride. "Yeah, I knew her. We were."
"It's all right you don't have to explain I understand" Alex said as she slipped her hand into his.
"Come on we have to get back to the barge to change for the grand finale" he said not taking his eyes from the exhibit in front of him.
"Duncan, if you would rather we don't have to go anywhere else" She hadn't seen Duncan like this before and she knew that Tessa must have been someone special in his life. He turned to face her putting his arms around her brushing her hair back from her eyes "Tessa was a big part of my life and I lost her. There is nothing I can do about that. I've had to move on and it's good that others can see and enjoy a part of her. It's just this is the first time I've seen her work displayed since she died it just took me by surprise. I'm more proud now than upset. Honestly, I'm fine."
"Ok only if you're sure" Alex said as she looked into his eyes.
Duncan smiled "I'm sure,"
He then put his arm around Alex's shoulder as they walked back to the car.
Duncan wouldn't tell her where they were going that evening only that she should dress up. Alex had taken time to do her hair and select the dress and she hadn't let Duncan see it as she took it into the bathroom. Duncan had already showered and dressed and was stood out on deck, he had his back to her as she came up the steps from inside the barge.
"Is this all right?" Duncan turned round at the sound of Alex's voice it was then that she could see what he was wearing under his coat, black trouser, a white polo neck and his dark blue jacket. Alex was wearing an emerald green silk cocktail dress the beads on the bodice seemed to shimmer in the lights from the bank. For the first time since he had known her she had her hair up with just a few strands framing her face. He walked across to her his hand moving one of the strands back from her face.
"You look beautiful," he said as he took her coat from her arm and held it so she could easily slip into it.
"Thank you. Are you going to tell me where we're going now?" Alex had felt a little uneasy getting so dressed up, she couldn't remember the last time she had taken so much care of her appearance.
"And spoil the surprise" Duncan said as he led her towards the waiting cab. Alex had hoped that Duncan would have to tell the cab driver their destination but he must have already done that before she came out on deck as the driver just put the cab into gear and drove off. As Alex watched the scenes of Paris in the early evening drift past her window Duncan signalled to the driver to stop. "Are we here?"
Duncan took hold of her hand "No, not yet. Do you trust me?"
As Duncan took hold of her hand she looked into his eyes searching them for the reason behind the question "Yes, of course".
Duncan smiled warmly "Then I want you to close your eyes and not open them until I tell you. No matter where I lead you"
"How long will it take to get there?" Alex asked she wasn't used to giving over this much control to anyone. Duncan knew this would be hard for her, to trust someone enough to let them lead you where ever they wanted. In some way this was his way of testing the progress she had made over the past weeks. The terrifying nightmares were almost gone now only occasionally did he wake to find her sitting on deck unable or afraid to sleep. "It's not far now but I want you to keep your eyes closed after we get out of the cab as well. Can you promise me that you'll do that for me?"
Inside part of her was screaming not to do it she had trusted this voice to keep her safe all these years but something else inside pushed the voice back and see found herself saying "Ok".
Duncan leant forward and tenderly kissed her "Thank you"
Alex smiled as she closed her eyes. Duncan knew this was hard for her letting go and trusting another person so completely. When he was sure that Alex wasn't going to change her mind he signalled to the driver to continue their journey.
While the cab was moving Alex didn't find it hard to keep her eyes shut but when the cab stopped again some time later she really struggled not to open them. Alex listened as Duncan paid the fare and opened the door taking hold of her hand helping her out. "No peeking"
The sound of people talking and walking past her was making the voice inside louder as it demanded for her to take back control. When someone pushed past her it was only Duncan squeezing her hand that kept her from breaking her promise. When Alex heard the sound of sliding doors and felt the ground move she realised that they must be in an elevator and she hoped that they didn't have much further to go. As the doors opened the cool evening breeze gently moved the wisps of hair that framed her face "Not far now"
As Duncan walked her out of the elevator the aroma of food whirled around in the evening breeze. Duncan then moved behind her folding his arms around her "Ok open your eyes".
As Alex opened her eyes the sight in front of her made her take a deep breath. Way below her the lights of Paris seemed to spread out endlessly. "Oh Duncan it's beautiful".
He leant forward and lightly touched his lips to the top of her head. "Hungry?"
They hadn't really eaten since breakfast so Alex nodded "I've starving"
Duncan then turned her round and stepped aside and there all lit up was a restaurant. Alex's eyes scanned the room it was crowded with every visible table was occupied, the walls were black and so was the carpet making the white of the linen tablecloths seem to float. Alex couldn't find any words and so just followed Duncan as he walked over to a tall black haired man dressed in a dinner jacket.
"Arr, Monsieur MacLeod it is so good to see you again. I have your usual table just the way you ask" the man warmly shook Duncan's hand.
"Thank you Claude. It's so good of you to fit me in at such short notice. The place is looking really good".
"This way please." Claude said as he gestured to a small table by the window "It took a little bit of work after that unfortunate incident but I think we have actually improved".
Alex wondered what the incident could have been to need them to redecorate an entire restaurant but she thought she would save that question for another time. Alex sat down in the chair Claude had pulled out for her and she couldn't hide the glow she was feeling inside. Duncan couldn't help but smile as he saw the glow in her face.
"This is the Eiffel Tower isn't it?"
"Yes, I thought you would enjoy the view with your meal" Duncan replied as he tasted the wine Claude had brought to them.
"I didn't know there was a restaurant up here," Alex said as she picked up the glass that Claude had just filled with wine.
"Actually, there are two. One on the first level called Altitude 95 as it's 95 meters above sea level and this one Le Jules Verne one of Paris's best restaurants" Duncan noticed the way Claude was glaring at him "Sorry the best restaurant".
By the time they had finished their meal they were the last people left and after paying the bill Duncan helped Alex on with her coat before guiding her towards the elevator. Alex went over to the railings looking out at Paris as it sparkled below her. Duncan placed his hands on her shoulders and Alex turned to face him.
"Thank you Duncan this has been the most perfect day" before Duncan could reply the elevator doors opened. The cab was waiting for them when they reached ground level and Alex snuggled close to Duncan her head resting on his shoulder.
Once they were back at the barge Duncan hung up their coats while Alex pour them each a glass of brandy. As he approached he took hold of the glass Alex was holding out for him and sipped the amber liquid. He then looked into her eyes there was a sparkle of life in them now it had been an ember yesterday but now it was blazing. He took hold of her glass putting it down on the cabinet beside them. He then ran his hand down her face before cupping it gently round her neck pulling her towards him. Their kiss lasted for a few moments before Duncan swept Alex off her feet and carried her towards the bed.
It was still dark when Duncan's eyes sprang open as he felt the presence of an Immortal, in one smooth movement Duncan was on his feet pulling on his trousers. As the feeling became stronger he picked up his sword from where he had placed it by the bed. He looked down at Alex's face that was just visible in the faint moonlight and he was grateful that he hadn't woken her, he then creped outside.
The next few weeks were filled with wonderment and amazement for Alex as Duncan took her to many of the places he had been promising. It was still early as Alex sat on the couch reading when Duncan walked into the room after his shower tying his hair back.
"Well are you ready?" he said as he held out his hand to her. Alex smiled and put down the book she had been reading and placed her hand in his. "There can't be many places you haven't already taken me too"
"I've been saving the best ones until last," Duncan said as he led her towards the door picking up his coat on the way. As they left the barge Duncan's eyes roamed the bank but he could see nothing out of place. He hadn't sensed the unknown Immortal for over two weeks but he hadn't been able to relax. Alex had seen the tension in Duncan's face every time they left the barge. This time she couldn't stop herself asking the question.
"Is every thing all right?" Alex asked as she followed Duncan down the gangplank towards the car. Duncan paused at the bottom before turning to her "Everything's fine. Now come on we have to get going if we're to fit in all I have planned for today".
Alex didn't ask anything more but a feeling deep inside her told her that trouble was around. She had learned to listen to those feelings they had served her well over the years. His dismissing her concern just confirmed that she was right.
As Alex got out of the car she looked up at the building "A museum?"
Duncan walked round to her putting his arm around her shoulders "This isn't just any museum it's the Louvre"
Duncan dropped his arm taking hold of her hand "Come on you'll enjoy it"
Alex smiled weakly she wasn't convinced and reluctantly followed Duncan inside. Most of the paintings didn't hold her attention for long but there was a few that Duncan found her staring into "I can't believe someone actually painted them, the detail is amazing"
As Duncan took her through antiquities galleries that held objects from several eras from history, Duncan could see the amazement in her eyes as he explained many of the stories behind the objects she was looking at. His words made things feel so real from the Egyptian rooms through the Greek to the Romans and then the medieval rooms.
"How is it you know so much about all this isn't it a little before your time?" Alex whispered. Duncan laughed "Just a bit before my time but I've met some who have lived through it and having been in antiques for so long you get a feel for things. Now this more my era"
Duncan led Alex towards Napoleon's apartments "Don't tell me you knew him?"
"Not exactly we were on slightly different sides," Duncan said smiling. The rooms had ornately carved wall panels that where gilded with gold. The ceilings were high framed by the gilded carvings with painted panels. There were heavy red velvet curtains at the windows and all the furniture was upholstered in the same shade of red as the curtains with gold gilding on the wood. Magnificent chandeliers glittered as they hung down from the ceiling. "Wow, I bet they take some cleaning"
"If you want I can ask them to let you have a go" Duncan said with a large grin on his face. Alex playfully hit him on the arm "Don't you dare".
As they walked out of the Louvre Alex noticed a strange look come over Duncan and she took hold of his arm "Duncan what is it?"
All Duncan could see in front of him was a sea of faces but he knew somewhere out there was an Immortal. It took him a few moments to realise that Alex had spoken to him. "It's nothing, just think how to get us to the next place on my list".
Alex didn't follow as Duncan started to walk away, he didn't get far when he realised and walked back to her "What?"
"Duncan I know when something's wrong" Duncan put his arm around her pulling her close. "Honestly, it's nothing for you to worry about."
He then kissed her lightly on the lips before taking her hand and Alex knew that he wasn't going to tell her any more. The next place on Duncan's list was the Pompidou Centre.
"So what's here?" Alex asked as Duncan paid the entrance fee "I thought we had seen the old we should see some of the new things Paris has to offer".
Some of the exhibits were a little strange to Alex as she tried to make out exactly what they were. "Stop trying to make sense of them. Then you might get to like them"
"Yeah right" Alex laughed as she walked away from Duncan towards another exhibit made from what she could tell of coat hangers and old drinks cans "Even this.?"
It was then that Alex realised that Duncan wasn't with her, as she looked around she couldn't see him in the room so she walked down the corridor to the next room. As she entered she could see Duncan standing by the tall silver metal exhibit in the centre. Alex moved closer it was then that she saw Duncan's eyes glistening in the late afternoon sun. There was pain and sorrow etched into his face, unsure why she moved closer standing beside him but Duncan didn't seem to know she was there. Alex's eyes looked down at the name card of the artist.
Tessa Noel 1958 - 1993
"Did you know her?" Alex asked quietly giving Duncan the option not to acknowledge she was there. Duncan swallowed hard and bit his bottom lip as he fought his emotions. He hadn't known that her work would be here. He closed his eyes for a moment and her smiling face filled his mind. As he opened his eyes he realised that part of who she was would be forever imbedded in each piece of metal she crafted. Seeing one of the pieces she had made while they were together had taken him by surprise. He smiled to himself what did he expect she had been a talented artist it's only fitting that her work would be displayed for others to enjoy and his sadness was replaced with pride. "Yeah, I knew her. We were."
"It's all right you don't have to explain I understand" Alex said as she slipped her hand into his.
"Come on we have to get back to the barge to change for the grand finale" he said not taking his eyes from the exhibit in front of him.
"Duncan, if you would rather we don't have to go anywhere else" She hadn't seen Duncan like this before and she knew that Tessa must have been someone special in his life. He turned to face her putting his arms around her brushing her hair back from her eyes "Tessa was a big part of my life and I lost her. There is nothing I can do about that. I've had to move on and it's good that others can see and enjoy a part of her. It's just this is the first time I've seen her work displayed since she died it just took me by surprise. I'm more proud now than upset. Honestly, I'm fine."
"Ok only if you're sure" Alex said as she looked into his eyes.
Duncan smiled "I'm sure,"
He then put his arm around Alex's shoulder as they walked back to the car.
Duncan wouldn't tell her where they were going that evening only that she should dress up. Alex had taken time to do her hair and select the dress and she hadn't let Duncan see it as she took it into the bathroom. Duncan had already showered and dressed and was stood out on deck, he had his back to her as she came up the steps from inside the barge.
"Is this all right?" Duncan turned round at the sound of Alex's voice it was then that she could see what he was wearing under his coat, black trouser, a white polo neck and his dark blue jacket. Alex was wearing an emerald green silk cocktail dress the beads on the bodice seemed to shimmer in the lights from the bank. For the first time since he had known her she had her hair up with just a few strands framing her face. He walked across to her his hand moving one of the strands back from her face.
"You look beautiful," he said as he took her coat from her arm and held it so she could easily slip into it.
"Thank you. Are you going to tell me where we're going now?" Alex had felt a little uneasy getting so dressed up, she couldn't remember the last time she had taken so much care of her appearance.
"And spoil the surprise" Duncan said as he led her towards the waiting cab. Alex had hoped that Duncan would have to tell the cab driver their destination but he must have already done that before she came out on deck as the driver just put the cab into gear and drove off. As Alex watched the scenes of Paris in the early evening drift past her window Duncan signalled to the driver to stop. "Are we here?"
Duncan took hold of her hand "No, not yet. Do you trust me?"
As Duncan took hold of her hand she looked into his eyes searching them for the reason behind the question "Yes, of course".
Duncan smiled warmly "Then I want you to close your eyes and not open them until I tell you. No matter where I lead you"
"How long will it take to get there?" Alex asked she wasn't used to giving over this much control to anyone. Duncan knew this would be hard for her, to trust someone enough to let them lead you where ever they wanted. In some way this was his way of testing the progress she had made over the past weeks. The terrifying nightmares were almost gone now only occasionally did he wake to find her sitting on deck unable or afraid to sleep. "It's not far now but I want you to keep your eyes closed after we get out of the cab as well. Can you promise me that you'll do that for me?"
Inside part of her was screaming not to do it she had trusted this voice to keep her safe all these years but something else inside pushed the voice back and see found herself saying "Ok".
Duncan leant forward and tenderly kissed her "Thank you"
Alex smiled as she closed her eyes. Duncan knew this was hard for her letting go and trusting another person so completely. When he was sure that Alex wasn't going to change her mind he signalled to the driver to continue their journey.
While the cab was moving Alex didn't find it hard to keep her eyes shut but when the cab stopped again some time later she really struggled not to open them. Alex listened as Duncan paid the fare and opened the door taking hold of her hand helping her out. "No peeking"
The sound of people talking and walking past her was making the voice inside louder as it demanded for her to take back control. When someone pushed past her it was only Duncan squeezing her hand that kept her from breaking her promise. When Alex heard the sound of sliding doors and felt the ground move she realised that they must be in an elevator and she hoped that they didn't have much further to go. As the doors opened the cool evening breeze gently moved the wisps of hair that framed her face "Not far now"
As Duncan walked her out of the elevator the aroma of food whirled around in the evening breeze. Duncan then moved behind her folding his arms around her "Ok open your eyes".
As Alex opened her eyes the sight in front of her made her take a deep breath. Way below her the lights of Paris seemed to spread out endlessly. "Oh Duncan it's beautiful".
He leant forward and lightly touched his lips to the top of her head. "Hungry?"
They hadn't really eaten since breakfast so Alex nodded "I've starving"
Duncan then turned her round and stepped aside and there all lit up was a restaurant. Alex's eyes scanned the room it was crowded with every visible table was occupied, the walls were black and so was the carpet making the white of the linen tablecloths seem to float. Alex couldn't find any words and so just followed Duncan as he walked over to a tall black haired man dressed in a dinner jacket.
"Arr, Monsieur MacLeod it is so good to see you again. I have your usual table just the way you ask" the man warmly shook Duncan's hand.
"Thank you Claude. It's so good of you to fit me in at such short notice. The place is looking really good".
"This way please." Claude said as he gestured to a small table by the window "It took a little bit of work after that unfortunate incident but I think we have actually improved".
Alex wondered what the incident could have been to need them to redecorate an entire restaurant but she thought she would save that question for another time. Alex sat down in the chair Claude had pulled out for her and she couldn't hide the glow she was feeling inside. Duncan couldn't help but smile as he saw the glow in her face.
"This is the Eiffel Tower isn't it?"
"Yes, I thought you would enjoy the view with your meal" Duncan replied as he tasted the wine Claude had brought to them.
"I didn't know there was a restaurant up here," Alex said as she picked up the glass that Claude had just filled with wine.
"Actually, there are two. One on the first level called Altitude 95 as it's 95 meters above sea level and this one Le Jules Verne one of Paris's best restaurants" Duncan noticed the way Claude was glaring at him "Sorry the best restaurant".
By the time they had finished their meal they were the last people left and after paying the bill Duncan helped Alex on with her coat before guiding her towards the elevator. Alex went over to the railings looking out at Paris as it sparkled below her. Duncan placed his hands on her shoulders and Alex turned to face him.
"Thank you Duncan this has been the most perfect day" before Duncan could reply the elevator doors opened. The cab was waiting for them when they reached ground level and Alex snuggled close to Duncan her head resting on his shoulder.
Once they were back at the barge Duncan hung up their coats while Alex pour them each a glass of brandy. As he approached he took hold of the glass Alex was holding out for him and sipped the amber liquid. He then looked into her eyes there was a sparkle of life in them now it had been an ember yesterday but now it was blazing. He took hold of her glass putting it down on the cabinet beside them. He then ran his hand down her face before cupping it gently round her neck pulling her towards him. Their kiss lasted for a few moments before Duncan swept Alex off her feet and carried her towards the bed.
It was still dark when Duncan's eyes sprang open as he felt the presence of an Immortal, in one smooth movement Duncan was on his feet pulling on his trousers. As the feeling became stronger he picked up his sword from where he had placed it by the bed. He looked down at Alex's face that was just visible in the faint moonlight and he was grateful that he hadn't woken her, he then creped outside.