Kindred Spirits

Rating: Teen

Standard Disclaimer: Foyle's war quite rightly belongs to Anthony Horowitz, its genius creator and the brilliant cast and crew who brought it to our screens and I'm only borrowing some of the characters for fun.

Summary: Andrew returns home from the war to heal an estrangement with his father and Sam, only to unexpectedly run into another woman from his past. Parings: Foyle/Sam, Andrew/OC. Borrows canon characters, dialogue and plotlines from Eagle Day, Bleak Midwinter and All Clear.

Authors Note: Once again, thank you to all of you who have been reviewing especially the more eagle eyed of you who've been spotting the small but significant fragments weaved into the tale. Canon never explains precisely when Parkins takes the A/C's job prior to Casualties of War so I'm guessing it was March 43 when that episode is set and thus in December 42 it's still his rather corrupt predecessor from A war of Nerves.

Chapter 4: May 1945/December 1942: Auld Lang Syne

'Unbelievable,' gaped Andrew, 'utterly unbelievable, Christ, no wonder you both… Now when I think about it, everything fits together perfectly. Now I really feel like an idiot for missing it.'

Foyle's eyebrow rose as he grinned at Andrew, 'wwell, you were busy Andrew, couldn't have expected you to notice everything at going on at home while Goering was still doing his best to blow us up and shoot you out of the sky.'

Andrew couldn't help but agree and laughed when Sam added, 'head too high in the clouds to notice what was happening on the ground.'

'Pretty much, so what happened next? I take it dad caught the chap who did it?'

'Yep, bit of a gangster wannabe, tried to rob a bank by breaking a hole through the wall in the basement of the adjoining hairdressers before trying to blow open a safe. Unfortunately for him, what he thought was nitro glycerine turned out to be Glycerol and I was able to arrest him without having to fire a shot even after he tried to smash it and blow us both and his hostage up.'

Sam fixed Foyle with a look of disapproval, 'a little more warning that you knew the explosives weren't real might have been nice Christopher. I was worried sick, honestly, going in alone to arrest a serial killer.

Sam shivered in remembrance and Foyle drew her close against him before he said.

'Wwell, considering what we knew about him and the fact he had a hostage made backup too much of a risk. I do agree it was reckless, but it was the best option out of the few I had that day.'

Sam sighed knowing he was right, 'alright, but Christopher, you really shouldn't keep these things to yourself. It's dangerous out there and what would Andrew, me, and our girls do without you.'

Andrew couldn't help but feel touched as he watched his father and Sam in their affection but cleared his throat after a few minutes to let them know he was still in the room and asked.

'So what happened next? After you'd got him.'

Sam's eyes misted in happiness, 'your father and I started walking out, we never flaunted it while we were on duty and we were able to keep things under our hats. Everyone at the station probably knew though considering what Paul admitted. Just after I came back from Lyminster, I stared getting a little bit suspicious when I noticed your father popping out on "errands" more often than usual, though I was quite blown out of the water on New Year's Eve when I finally realised what he'd been up to.'

Foyle's eyes twinkled, 'didn't want to be too predictable my dear and I vividly remember that you certainly enjoyed it, as did the Reid's and their other guests.'

Sam giggled and kissed him, 'I'll say.'

31st December 1942:

Foyle smiled to himself as he exited the jewellers shop, tucking the little box he'd just been to collect into his coat pocket and beginning his walk home. While Sam had been in Lyminster for Christmas he'd begun the first of a few discrete errands and inquiries and the little box represented the culmination of the last of them. He knew that he wanted nothing more than to have Sam in his life, and he also knew of her determination to have him. The pair spent had been spending the evenings leading up to Christmas eve and New Year's snuggled before the fire together at Steep Lane happily discussing their future together and enjoying the simple pleasures of their love. It became harder and harder for Foyle to restrain himself from dishonouring her and risking the combined ranks of the Stewart family descending on him for retribution.

'No point waiting for the grass to grow, not at my time of life.'

He'd been amazed at how well the Stewart family had accepted the idea of them marrying when he'd secretly taken a day trip to Lyminster to ask the Iain for his daughter's hand. The memory of his answer still quite vivid in his mind.

'…Now I consider it, I should think that the Lord has been showing me the signs of the match since she was a girl. She grew up listening to my stories of how I had met Fleur while I was in the army and then lost her, only to find love again when I took up my calling here and met Mary. Most of Sam's letters home are full of news about her work with you and I could tell quite early on that she admired and cared for you. I never told Sam, but the main reason I came to take her was because I was worried that you would not return her feelings. That the heartbreak might be too much for her to bare and as a result she might fall prey to those who would take advantage of her. Samantha, like her mother has always been quite self-determined and independent and I knew that sooner or later she would tell you her feelings. When you came to reason with me to allow her to stay I could soon tell that even if you didn't return her feelings you would never allow her to be hurt. The fact she was helping to solve crimes involving the destruction of such beautiful artwork really was just an added benefit. So, when I consider my own past and the circumstances of your shared history I can only say to go with god and may his blessing shine on the pair of you. As a gentleman I'm sure I can trust you to look after her and to never mistreat her.'

Hugh Reid had invited him to his annual New Year's party and told him to bring Sam as he had expressed his wholehearted approval of them while the pair had met for a drink on Christmas Eve after he'd seen Sam onto the train back to her parents.

'..The woman's perfect for you Christopher, lord knows how she did it but I don't think I ever saw you looking quite so chipper since you lost Rosalind after she turned up. The gossiping matrons might disapprove of her age but to be frank you deserve your happiness man. You've given you're all to this job and Andrew for years. About time you put some thought to your own life. Why not bring her when you come for New Year's, Elaine will be pleased you've found someone, she's been quite despairing of you for years.'

'Couldn't agree more Hugh. But I will need to ask you a small favour….'

Sam had been delighted when he'd asked her to join him, and now as he adjusted his suit in preparation for the evening he could only pray that it would represent the beginnings of a brighter future for both Sam and himself.

It was a chilly night and Foyle certainly didn't want Sam catching cold and so reached into the cupboard drew out the soft fur coat which had once been Rosalind's.

'Looks about Sam's size.'

He walked downstairs, drew his own coat on and met the taxi he'd ordered and bade the driver to head for Sam's billet. She met him at the door before ushering him inside, Foyle admiring the exquisite vision of loose curls and a beautiful blue dress he remembered her wearing once before.

'You look absolutely exquisite my dearest, isn't that the same dress you wore when you met Benito's son Tony?'

Sam beamed and kissed him, looking him up and down with an approving eye.

'Yes, and thank you for remembering, you look very handsome Christopher. Blue is definitely a good choice for you, brings out your eyes.'

Foyle smiled, 'best not keep the taxi waiting.'

Sam made to protest, 'my coat, it's rather chilly tonight.'

Foyle draped the soft fur over Sam's shoulders and helped her into it as she breathed, 'Christopher! You shouldn't have, this must have cost you an absolute fortune. Where on earth did you even find it? I haven't even seen a coat like this since before the war.'

Foyle took her hand and led her to the car and once they were settled and the car began moving he shrugged.

'After I lost Rosalind, I ended up giving most of her things to the jumble sale but I kept a few of the things she'd loved the most as well as all of her jewellery. Thought I'd keep them for whenever Andrew decided to grace me with a daughter in law. I put the jewellery in trust with my solicitor and gave him clear instructions for its dispersal, but the rest of her things are still stored at home. Considering his service record to date, I doubt he'll be bringing me home a bride to be anytime soon. If you find anything that you like, then you're more than welcome to take it.'

Sam giggled and leaned into him as she breathed, 'oh Christopher, thank you.'

'Never think that I see you as a mere replacement Sam, you are your own woman and I love you for what you are in yourself. Not for the memory of what I have lost.'

'She'll always be a part of you Christopher, she and any other lovers you had shaped you into the wonderful man you are now.'

The taxi driver soon dropped them off outside Hugh's house and after he settled the fare Foyle offered Sam his arm and led the way inside where the party was already in full swing.

Elaine and Hugh met them at the door and greeted them eagerly. Elaine was a motherly looking woman with bright red hair and sharp eyes, eyes that bore a knowing look as they swept over Sam.

'Christopher glad you made it, and good evening to you Samantha.' Hugh reached over to shake his hand before reaching over to kiss Sam's cheek.

'Let me take those coats,' offered Elaine as she stepped over and offered her cheek to Christopher who bent to kiss it.

Foyle found Hugh dragging him into a conversation with a few senior police officers while he noticed that Elaine had taken Samantha's arm and spirited her away. Sam soon found herself at the buffet table with a glass of punch in her hand while the kindly woman asked.

'Where did you ever find such a lovely coat Miss Stewart? I must admit you make me feel rather envious.'

Sam blushed, 'it was a gift from Christopher.'

Elaine had a conspiratorial look, 'I know, I distinctly remember Rosalind wearing it. He bought that for her as an anniversary gift not long after he'd been made a Detective Inspector and they moved to Steep Lane. The fact he would give you something that would otherwise be such a poignant reminder of her shows just how far you've brought him and how much he loves you.'

Sam's eyes widened, 'I had no idea.'

Elaine continued, 'Rosalind was an excellent woman, self-determined, understanding, dedicated to what she believed in, compassionate and a devoted wife and mother. I'm not sure Christopher ever really got over his grief despite the calm front he put up at work. Considering what he'd suffered over the years and I'm not just talking about Rosalind I really can't blame him for his choices. Life delivered some very harsh blows to Christopher when it came to the lists of love. He has a very loving and amiable nature and I and Mrs Howard, we both paraded a procession of widows past him over the years as we both thought that a man such as he deserved all the happiness in the world. While he was always polite, he never showed real interest, we were quite despairing as Andrew really needed a more permanent mother figure in his life and Christopher needed the companionship and support that a wife could give him.'

Sam felt her eyes mist and dabbed at them with her handkerchief, 'all these years and I had no idea.'

'There are few alive that do dear, I won't betray confidences, but I'm sure Christopher will tell you more in time. He's always been a noble and honest man, and I very much doubt he'll marry you without telling you what he thinks he should. You've given him back the light that Rosalind's death shrouded in his soul Samantha and that's all that matters. So give each other all the happiness in the world and don't let anything or anyone stand in your way.'

Sam nodded and Elaine soon led her back towards Christopher and said to him.

'She's an absolute angel Christopher, you'll do splendidly together and so I shall be very displeased if I don't see an engagement announcement in the Chronicle soon.'

Sam was pleased to see Christopher take what on the surface was quite an impertinent remark with his usual calm equanimity and noticed the twinkle in his eye as he smiled at her.

'Wwell, proposals do take some planning Elaine, I'd need to get the good Reverends permission first and find a ring. I've already given Roz's to Andrew for when he finds me a suitable daughter in law and actually tells me about it.'

Elaine laughed before heading off to mingle with a few of the other guests while Foyle commented admiringly.

'Elaine is quite taken with you, it isn't often I see her so open in her admiration of those she's just met. She's quite a formidable woman and has no tolerance for nonsense. Marrying her was probably the best thing Hugh ever did.'

Sam drew close into Christopher's side, 'she was very kind to me, told me about how much she's always admired you.'

'Elaine and Helen, that's Charles's wife have always been close friends, grew up in the same village actually. They've certainly done their best to look out for Andrew, bring some balance to his world. Nnnever liked their attempts at matchmaking though, as well intended as they were.'

Sam's eyes were teasing him, 'yes, Elaine told me that too.'

The party continued with Foyle and Sam enjoying the food, drink and conversation until the clock began to tick quite closer to midnight. Husbands and wives drifted together as the count began and Foyle discretely steered Sam away from the main throng of guests and discretely palmed the ring in his pocket.

'Ten, nine, eight….'

The countdown began around them and as the chorus of, 'happy new year!' erupted from the assembled guests Foyle swept sam into his arms and kissed her lovingly before he took her left hand and whispered into her ear.

'Samantha Eve Stewart, will you do me the greatest honour of becoming my wife?'

Sam's eyes widened and tears welled as she breathed, 'of course I will Christopher, I'd marry you like a shot.'

With a twist of his hand he gently pushed the ring onto her finger and Sam gasped as she examined it. It was quite a beautiful piece, made of yellow gold with a central diamond surrounded by small sapphires.

'But Christopher, I thought you just said… Unless,' Sam shot a slightly suspicious look at her fiancée.

'So this is what you've been doing with all those errands, you crafty fox.'

His raised eyebrow was enough confirmation as she threw herself into his arms, sobbing joyfully as Foyle held her close.

'Wwell, no point waiting any longer if we've both wanted this as long as we have. Your father certainly agreed and was quite keen when I spoke to him.'

Sam couldn't help but ask, 'when did you speak to dad?'

'Boxing day, you were out with your mother visiting parishioners while I dropped in to the rectory office. Hugh ran me there and back as a favour. I've been speaking to a few others as well, and reading a lot of rather antiquated police rules and more recent wartime regulations. The A/C thought I was off my rocker to even be considering it, but after I reminded him of his rather inglorious actions of recent times and the shortage of personnel. Hhe somewhat begrudgingly gave us special dispensation for you to keep your post after our wedding provided we "can maintain professional objectivity while on duty".'

Sam giggled as she imagined the conversation, 'oh Christopher my darling, you always did know how to surprise people.'

Elaine had come over to them and gently chided, 'do stop skulking dears and come join us for a drink, oh wait a minute Samantha, is that…?'

Suddenly she beamed, 'oh, congratulations. I didn't think you'd take my suggestion quite so literally Christopher, but this is wonderful news.'

Elaine blinked away tears as she dragged the happy couple forwards….

May 1945:

Andrew was amazed, 'you actually proposed in the middle of Aunt Elaine's living room dad? During her and Uncle Hugh's new year's party, that's incredible.'

'Nnno real reason to wait when we both knew what we wanted and since I already had Iain's blessing… Elaine and Hugh were both delighted, said it was the highlight of the night.'

'I can imagine, but dad, did you really keep things of mums to give to a daughter in law?'

'Seemed like the best use for them and I always thought that your mum would have approved. Next time do let me know in advance so I don't have to learn her character while I'm at work interviewing her as a witness to a murder case.'

Andrew winced at the memory of Violet, 'I will dad.'

'Well now the wars over you can stop rushing these things Andrew,' Sam commented.

Andrew couldn't help but agree, 'I might have been given a second chance today, don't want to waste it.'

'Is that the end of the story?' asked Andrew.

'Nnno, but it is getting late Andrew and you look tired. The girls are both good sleepers, luckily, so they shouldn't bother you too much. Ask Sam tomorrow, I'm sure she'd love to tell you more of our story.'

Sam quickly agreed. 'Your room's ready, we tidied it up the other day when the demobs started coming back into Hastings.'

Andrew got up and walked towards the staircase, 'thanks Sam, goodnight.'

'Goodnight Andrew,' they both chorused

After the exhaustion of the last few weeks and the relief of finally unburdening his soul, Andrew fell asleep almost immediately. Glad to finally be back home, ready like Pandora before him to grasp the ray of hope he had found.