Chapter 6 – The Honours
"Emma, this is Archie. Archie, this is Emma Knight, the CEO of Knights Industries." Helen acknowledged to this tall young man, dark hair, his suit, tailored in the delightful design of the time.
"Ah, pleased to meet you Miss Knight." His hand extended in pleasantries.
He began explaining the whys, and wherefores of his workings in Forensics, and latest technology in testing available.
Not the least a bit interested in his conversation, I slowly sipped at my champagne. I could not stop thinking of the next conversation with Steed, all I could picture was the way he spoke. The shock in his eyes, also filled with joy at being in my presence.
All of a sudden, MP Lord Percy Arkington, a man of immense proportion, tall, a greying moustache, and hair to match, slowly tapped on his champagne flute to reach the attention of the party guests.
"Attention, Attention. Ladies and Gentlemen. It is my pleasure to announce the return of three brave agents from the far depths of Provincial France. Mr John Steed, Purdey, and Mike Gambit." As he spoke, they all appeared from the crowd, and stood in front of Lord Percy.
As soon as Steed came into view, I could not take my eyes away from him. He stood, straight and tall, as if on parade.
Lord Percy's aid, a smaller, younger man appeared from his left, opening a large wooden oak box, to reveal three gleaming medals.
"To, Mr Steed, the 'Cross of Valour'." Lord Percy announced. He took the red cross from its box, and gently opened the red ribbon strap, and placed it delicately over Steed's head, at its rest on his chest. He shook Steed's hand, in acceptance.
"To, Mr Gambit, the "Star of Courage'." The blue and red ribbon was taken from its place, and Lord Percy positioned himself in front of Gambit, opening the ribbon he lifted the medal over the young man's head. Taking his hand afterward, although the young man grimaced as he shook his hand, a slight redness to his hand and scarring, another injury I assume.
"To, Purdey, the 'Medal of Bravery'." The young woman, smiled egarly, as the medal was hung over her head. Holding his hand out in gesture, she took it, and he shook it in gratitude.
"Thank you, ladies, and gentleman. Most kind. Now I would like you all to raise you glasses, in thanks of these agents. To Steed, Gambit, and Purdey." Lord Percy announced, raising his glass, and sipping it in toast.
"Three cheers everyone. Hipp, Hipp…Horray! Hipp, Hipp…Horray! Hipp, Hipp…Horray!" Lord Percy bellowed out, as the audience of guests cheered, and clapped at the honours.
"Horray!" I joined in with the celebrations, clapping along with the others, over-whelmed by Steed receiving a medal, and I was experiencing a very important moment in Steed's life. I've seen him with his medals from the war, but not the "Cross of Valour". The trip to Paris must have been more dangerous than I had imagined.
Steed peered down at his cross, a smirk crossed his face, as he took in the applauds he was receiving. He eyes scanned the room, in his search for my own. At once his smirk turned to a grin, then a large smile, and his eyes gleamed up at mine. My whole body tingled at the sight of his smile, in turn I shot a glance back at him, which made him chuckle, as if we were read each others minds.