Chapter 21 One The Same Page
James and Kathrine sat on the couch together as they discussed the conversation they had with their granddaughter just minutes before. James had been anxious to speak to his Baby Girl as he lovingly called his granddaughter, to find out how she was doing as tour guide to her fiancée in London.
To say that he and his wife were shocked by the news that Kami met and had dinner with her father's family would be an understatement.
"Never in a thousand years was I expecting to be told Baby Girl met Michael's family", James said as he shook his head. He continued speaking as Kathrine leaned her body on his side.
"I am happy that Michael's mother allowed Heavenly Father to reach her heart. I am glad she softened over the years and wants to bridge the gulf between Michael and her. But that father! What a piece of work he still is after all these years! I can't help but laugh at what Hills did to him with her Kave Magra move and then wheeling him in the corner like a naughty little boy". James deep hearty laugh filled the room.
After a few moments he looked at his wife who had remained quiet since they came off the phone with Kami. "Kathy, is something wrong? You are unusually quiet".
Kathrine snuggled in closer to her husband before responding.
"I think I am still in shock over the news. I am happy that Michael's mother came to her senses and wants to make peace. As for that piece of protoplasm that is his father, well I do not want to sin my soul to say what I really think of that man!" At these words James threw his had back and gave another hearty laugh, which in turn made his wife chuckle.
When their laughter died down Kathrine continued. "Jay …. there is a little part of me that still feels upset when I remember the hurt Elizabeth and Alastair caused our child. I remember the tears Kalia shed because of the insults leveled at her just because she married their son. Intellectually, I forgave Michael's parents a long time ago. It was easy to forgive when the persons who offended our child, were not around. It was also easy to block them from my mind when I talked myself into believing that they no longer existed. However, when the persons who caused emotional pain are resurrected, when the persons come back front and centre in my line of sight, all the old long forgotten feeling of anger and resentment towards them return".
James listened as he considered his wife's words. "I can relate with what you are feeling Kathy. Even though the mind forgives, the heart remembers".
Taking a deep breath, he continued. "The past is just that … the past. We can't go back there and shield our daughter from the hurtful words and attitudes that were level at her from the Keefers. What we can do is to make sure that this time around, Elizabeth does not hurt her again. But from everything Kami said it would appear that Elizabeth truly wants to make amends. Now the father is a different cup of tea. I would not put it past him to try and still stir up trouble for Michael and Kalia. His attitude to Kami and Hildy is evident of that".
The couple sat for a few more moments of silence before James continued. "First thing in the morning London time I will give the Keefer residence a call and have a word with Michael's parents".
Kathrine immediately sat up on the couch and looked at James. "James Robinson … what are you up to?" Kathrine asked.
"I am not up to anything. I just want to let the Keefers know that they better fly right this time around with my daughter, my granddaughter and my son Michael. He may have been their son initially, but he is my son now".
Kathrine smiled at her knight in shining armor as she leaned in and kissed him.
"James, you don't have their address, you don't have their phone number, how do you plan on accomplishing this honorable feat?"
James smiled as his eyes twinkled, "I have my ways my love, and I have my ways". The older couple laughed as they looked at each other before getting up and heading to bed. It was not late in New York but James planned on getting up very early the next morning to make his London calls.
Early the next morning Hildy sat on the side of the hotel bed applying lotion to her skin after coming out of the shower. She did not want to wake Kami because she knew her lover was worn out. Yesterday was emotionally charged, and her lover needed her rest. When they got back to the Ritz the night before, they lay in bed talking for a long time about everything that occurred that day. Then Hildy made love to her lady over and over and just when Kami did not think she could climax again Hildy pulled more out of her. Eventually they stopped as Kami's body's erogenous zones became overly sensitive to her fiancée's direct touch.
Hildy looked at her lover and smiled; she could not help but feel amazed at how her lady always responded to her touch. Some women would feel smug that they could play their lover's body like a fine instrument. Hildy however, saw the physical compatibility as a gift, as something never to take for granted. As she sat there looking at the peaceful expression on Kami's face, she took a moment to thank Heavenly Father once more for the gift He blessed her with in the form of her lover. Just then Kami's cell phone began to vibrate on the side table. Not wanting anything to wake her lady before she was ready to get up, Hildy answered it.
"Hello Pappy, Kami is still sleeping so I answered her phone", Hildy explained with a smile in her voice when she saw the caller ID on her lady's phone.
"Good morning Hildy", Pappy smiled into the phone. "Do not wake her, I know she is probably feeling both emotionally drained and energized at the same time after yesterday's events, this is why I am calling actually. I want to get the phone number for the Keefer's residence. I want to have a word with the Baroness to ensure for myself that she understands that when she comes for Kami's presentation tomorrow, that she does not do anyhing directly or indirectly to hurt Michael or Kalia. This is not thirty-seven years ago when they first were married, she has to be sure of the effect of her words before she speaks. Then if it is possible I want to speak man to man to her husband".
Hildy raised her eyebrow as she listened to Pappy's plan. "Pappy, I think you will discover that Elizabeth is above board with her intentions. The Baron on the other hand …. I will not hold my breath that you will get through to him if you are able to speak with him. He is an ensufferable man. Part of me feels ashamed that I lost my cool like that, but part of me is not. No one insults my woman and gets away with it", Hildy said with an edge in her voice.
James smiled as he heard the steel in Hildy's voice. "Hildy, you and I are on the same page. I know I do not say this often, but I want you to know that I love you like a second granddaughter. I am happy that my Baby Girl has someone in her life who truly loves, respects, and understands her. I am also pleased that you have a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father. When God is in your life and you allow Him to have first place in everything, then all other areas fall into place. And regardless of the challenged that are allowed to come your way, Father empowers you to meet them successfully".
Hildy's eyes misted over as she listened to the kind words her honourary grandfather spoke to her. "Thank you, Pappy, it means a lot to me knowing you think of me this way".
The rest of the conversation was spent providing James with the information he requested.
Hildy hung up the phone and went back to the bed where Kami was just beginning to wake. Hildy crawled back under the covers as she wrapped her body around her fiancée.
"Good morning sleepyhead", Hildy whispered in her lady's ear as she gently kissed her cheek.
Kami fluttered her eyes open and smiled as she responded with a "Good morning to you too. What time is it? Did I oversleep? Do we have to check out now?"
Hildy chuckled and answered with, "It is 9:10am, no you did not oversleep, and no we do not have to check out of the hotel now".
"Mmm, Ok. I still feel sleepy and I want to cuddle before having to get out of bed", Kami said as she pulled her lady closer.
The next couple hours were spent doing just that before the ladies got up and checked out of the hotel to head for the rail station for their Ipswich train.
James placed the phone call to the Keefer's home and after speaking to the butler was connected to Elizabeth.
"Good day Baroness Keefer, this is James Robinson, Kami's grandfather and Kalia's and Michael's father", James said. He deliberately included Micael's name as his son to send a message to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth immediately understood the message James sent by refering to Michael as his son. Her initial reaaction was one of indignation as she thought to herself, "How dare this man call my son, his son". But as soon as the thought filled her mind, a repremand followed on its heels. "I have no right to be annoyed with Kami's grandfather because he has been a part of Michael's life while I have not". Taking a deep cleansing breath Elizabeth controlled the sob that wanted to break forth from her being as she thought of what she gave up with Michael. The reality that she lost her son because of her foolish choices felt like daggers piercing her broken heart. Pulling on every ounce of control she had, Elizabeth forced her voice to remain calm as she responded to James' introduction.
"Hello Mr Robinson. I must say this is a surprise. How may I help you?" Elizabeth asked in a pleasant and cordial voice.
James noted that Elizabeth sounded willing to speak with him. "Baroness Keefer I will get right to the point", James began but Elizabeth interupted him.
"Mr Robinson, please call me Elizabeth. After the extraordinary day I had yesterday meeting my granddaughter and daring to hope for a second chance in my son's life, I would like to dispense with the formalities".
"Thank you, Elizabeth, you may call me James". Pappy continued in a more relaxed tone of voice.
"As I was saying, I will get right to the point". James had his speech worked out in advance, he was going to be brutally honest with Elizabeth but something in her tone made him pause. It was like she extended her hand to him when she suggested he call her Elizabeth. James, being the kind hearted person he was, decided to modify what he planned on saying. Instead of giving Elizabeth a stark warning, he would give her a 'heads up'.
"Elizabeth, Michael and Kalia were a young newly married couple the last time they interacted with you and your husband. They took the verbal abuse that was showered on them and left with an emotional pain that left a hole in their hearts. Over time the pain stopped, and the hole was mostly filled. The last time this happened, Michael was new to my family, as the years went by I grew to love him as my son, and I won't stand by and let history repeat itself".
James paused for a moment before continuing in a softer voice. "Do not hurt my children Elizabeth. My gracious and generous granddaughter has offered to include you at the presentation tomorrow. I am strongly urging you not to do or say anything that would make my son and my daughter uncomfortable or feel hurt in any form or fashion".
Elizabeth listened to James' quietly spoken firm words of advice or warning, depending on how you looked at it. She knew that if the situation were reversed she would probably say the same thing to Michael's in-laws. She also mentally acknowledged that she deserved the warning because of the events so long ago.
"James. I have had a very long time to regret the wrong I did to Michael and Kalia. I asked God for forgiveness even though I did not forgive myself. When Kami came to my home yesterday, I could not believe it. I knew it was the mercies of God that lead her to me. I know I have been blessed with an opportunity, and I will not allow it to slip by without speaking to my son and my daughter". Elizabeth said as she deliberately called Kalia her daughter, sending a message right back to James.
James slowly smiled before saying "Elizabeth it appears that we both are on the same page and we understand each other. I have every confidence that things will work out tomorrow".
"I hope so James. I am not afraid to say I feel very nervous over the reception I may receive", Elizabeth confided.
"That is understandable Elizabeth. I will be praying for you and our children. I know Michael, and he has a very kind heart, and am sure things will work out. As for Kalia, she is very protective of her husband, as long has he is fine, she will be too", James assured her.
There was a moment of silence, then James spoke again. "Elizabeth, I would like a word with your husband, please". Elizabeth feared that James would make this request. She did not want Alastair to say anything to jeopardize the threads of connectivity that were just established with James. Nor did she want him to call Kami any vile names while speaking to her grandfather.
Elizabeth hesitated as she wondered how to tactfully prevent James and Alastair speaking on the phone. James sensing the reason behind the hesitation, gently reassured her.
"Elizabeth, I already know the Baron says what he wants with no regard to the feelings of others. I just want him to know where I stand with respect to our children".
Elizabeth sighed. "James, I do not mean to be rude, but my husband may not want to hear what you have to say".
By the way Elizabeth spoke, James realized that she felt embarrassed. Being the sensitive man, he was, he did not want to prolong her feeling of discomfort.
"He does not have to speak Elizabeth, just listen. Please put him on the phone. I know his opinion is not a reflection of you". Elizabeth paused as she considered the fallout from this phone call if Alastair became upset as she suspected he would. Then she remembered the pleasure she felt at meeting her granddaughter yesterday, and the excited anticipation she felt knowing that she would be seeing her son soon. It no longer matter if Alastair was upset or not so she told James to hold while she went in search of her husband.
That morning when Alastair woke up he felt physically better than the day before. His arthritis pains were mild, and he was able to walk albeit slowly around his bedroom and then his en-suite as he took care of his toiletries without the assistance of the male nurse who attended to his needs.
Every day that he was mobile without the use of his wheelchair was a good day. Even though he felt better physically, his mind was troubled. As he lay in bed the night before, his sleep was disturbed. The scenes from Kami's and Hildi's visit kept playing on his mind like a loop as he tossed in bed before eventually falling asleep.
That morning, Alastair sat alone at the breakfast table having his meal as he once more re-lived the events from the night before. The thought of what Hildy Mulligan did to him in his own home filled him with rage. He still wished he could have her arrested and charged with assault, but he knew without Harrison and Elizabeth to corroborate his story he would just look like a doting old man. Especially if Harrison made good on his threat to spread a rumor that he was beginning to become senile.
Alastair, had one of the highest conviction rates in London courtrooms throughout his career. He did not achieve that by chance but rather because he carefully selected which cases to take to trial. He abhorred losing, and if a case looked like he would lose he would refuse to try the case. That did not mean he took on easy or simple cases. On the contrary, Alastair often took on cases that from all appearances were a lost cause. He relied on his sharp instinct, to guide him on which cases to take to trial.
Using that same instinct that seldom let him down in court, Alastair realized that it would be prudent to listen to Elizabeth's counsel and 'stand down' as she succinctly put it last night with respect to Hildy's manhandling of him. Even though he wished he could throttle Hildy Mulligan for daring to make him look and feel like a fool in his own house he knew that was a battle he would lose.
As he continued to sit at the table after finishing his breakfast, Alastair continued to think. He knew his wife and children pitied him for his emotionally cold attitude. He knew that they also often disapproved of his sharp tongue and callous words, but he had been that way for so long he did not think he could be any other way. No one would believe that Alastair ever reflected on the impact of his harsh words, but he did. Sometimes he gloated to himself but other times he regretted the hurt he caused but he was too proud to apologize.
He began mentally speaking with himself as he did often.
"This child of Michael has come and stirred up too many memories. Why did she have to come! Why could she not leave well enough alone? Now Elizabeth, Harrison and Lauren are off to Ipswich this evening for that child's presentation tomorrow. I would never admit this to anyone, but oh God how I miss my son! He was the apple of my eye even though I never let on that he was. I admired the way his mind work, the way he questioned why things were the way they were in society. I did not agree with his desire to try and level the class system that makes us who we are, but I admire his independent thinking. I thought he would have eventually come to the right conclusion that society works better when there is structure. When there are boundaries between the classes. But NO, he had to go to the extreme and want to change the world.
Foolish boy.
Ah well, it is too late now. He will never come back and even though I regret that my words caused such a gulf to come between us there is nothing that can be done to bridge it. But I wish …. I wish …, I wish … that things did not get so out of hand. I wish that Elizabeth did not look at me with so much pity. I hate her pity! I hate her for turning away from me … for leaving our marital bed. I hate her. Oh Alastair… you can fool everyone around you but don't start trying to fool yourself old man. You no more hate Elizabeth than you hate Michael. Oh, what I would give for Elizabeth to look at me with love the way she use to".
Alastair kept sitting and staring off into nothing as his mind flooded with thoughts and regret after regret.
Just then Elizabeth came in the room with the land line cordless phone in her hand. She pulled up a chair and sat next to him as she looked at him with a pleading look on her face.
"Alastair, I seldom ask anything of you. I know you will do what you want and say what you want. But I am asking this of you now. Please, do not say anything to the gentleman on the phone that will be hurtful or embarassing to you or our family".
Alastair was surprised by the expression on his wife's face. "Who is it Elizabeth?", he asked.
"It is Kami's grandfather calling from New York City. He is concerned about Kami, Kalia and Michael. He wants us to be cognecent of how we treat them in light of what happened before".
Elizabeth handed the phone to her husband.
Alastair looked at his wife, and his heart clenched in his chest as he remembered the happy times they us to have before Michael left. He remembered how he regreted the moment he verbally lashed out at Elizabeth the day she shed tears over Michael. He remembered how he was too proud to tell the woman he loved that he was sorry. He remembered how his life turned into one emotioanl regret after another from that day to last night.
He sighed and held the phone to his ear as she said, "Good morning".
James, heard muffled voices in the background and assumed Elizabeth was speaking to her husband before handing over the phone. Then a male voice greeted him with good morning.
James decided to jump right in with his monologue without giving Alastair a chance to say anything.
"Baron Keefer my name is James Robinson. I am Kami's grandfather. My granddaughter filled me in on the events of yesterday. Baron, Kami is very loving and kind hearted and has generously invited your family to attend her presentation at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich. I am appealing to you not to do or say anything to her her nor my children Kalia and Michael that will cause upset. It will be emotionally trying meeting your family after all these years. They do not need any negative contact from you to add to the tension that the visit may cause. If you can find it in your heart to forgive yourself for your words in the past, and ask their forgiveness, then you can be a part of a positive future with my family". James took a deep breath and waited for a response from Alastair.
Alastair noted just like Elizabeth did, that James refered to Michael as his son.
"You have given me food for thought Mr. Robinson. I can assure you here and now that I will not be making any negative overtures with your granddaughter nor your children. As for being a part of a positive future …. I think I have burned my bridges where that is concerned".
Alastair's voice sounded even keel but still James detected an unlying regrete in it. He wondered what was really going on uder the surface of this complicated and verbally cruel man. James decided to take an emotional stab in the dark, speaking in a gentler tone of voice, he said;
"Baron Keefer, I firmly believe with every fibre of my being that hope only ends when the last breath is drawn. If there is a part of your heart that would like to make things right, no matter how small that part is …. then there is hope".
Alastair looked at Elizabeth as she in turn looked at him with a curious expression on her face, and his heart felt a wave of sadness. He replied to James by saying, "I fear it is too late for that Mr. Robinson. Thank you for letting me know where you stand, and I assure you that there will be no trouble from me. Have a good morning".
And with those words Alastair disconnected the phone call.
James looked at the phone in his hand for a moment before placing it on the cradle and saying aloud to himself, "Hmm, that was unexpected and interesting. I wonder what is really going on in that man's mind. I feel regret is beginning to eat away at him".
James then left his den and went in search of his wife to fill her in on his interesting phone conversation with the Keefers.