The London air was filled with laughter and music. Vicki was wrapped around Henry, holding him very close. The thought of Christina close by played in her mind. She was full of emotions when it came to her but wasn't sure which one she would act on. But now that Giles had informed them that she was after pretty much their whole family, that made her decision easier. She would have to kill her somehow, whether Henry wanted to her to or not.
After a lucious dinner of steak, cooked medium of course for both of them, potatoes and gravy, fresh veggies Vicki agreed to try the spotted dick.
After putting the first bite in her mouth, she closed her eyes, moaned and said, "Oh, Henry, this spotted dick," putting emphasis on the word "dick", " is so warm and tasty.." while she continued to moan, say "mmmmm" while rolling it around in her mouth, then finally licking her lips.
"Vicki, stop it." Henry whispered, somewhat amused, yet embarrassed nonetheless.
"You started it by wanting me to try it. You should know better by now." She said smiling wickedly at him.
He shook his head and agreed.
"You're right I should have known better. So, what do you think so far?" He asked her taking her hand in his across the table.
They had eaten at a restaurant called Andrew Edmunds, very romantic. Although usually hard to get a table, Henry of course had no problem. Vicki normally would not condone that, but what the hell, why not she said.
"I love it. Do you miss it, being here?" She asked him.
"Sometimes. But, some of the memories I have here are not the greatest. You know, after we leave here, we can go to the castle, find the room." He was as excited as a child on Christmas morning.
"Henry, aren't the castle's out in the country? It's too late isn't it?"
"A "castle" doesn't always mean a CASTLE." Vicki looked at him sarcastically and said, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"My mother and I lived in a small cottage, near here, we called it our "castle". I"m sure that's what she was referring to. My home, my birth home, is but a shell now."
Vicki understood now. Elizabeth had created her own "castle" and kingdom for little Henry. She loved this woman even more than before.
"Okay, let's go then." Vicki knew that Henry was anxious to find this information and she was anxious to do something about Christina..one thing at a time..
As the two exited the restaurant, Vicki's arm around his waist, his around her shoulders, a woman called out to Henry.
"Henry? Henry Fitzroy? Is that you?" Vicki's head snapped around..who is it this time dammit??
"Another English snack of yours honey?" Vicki smiled up at Henry.
"No," he laughed, "but you will be surprised."
"Yes, Elaine, it's me.." Henry approached the beautiful woman and embraced her in a friendly hug.
"Oh, my, by the gods, I can't believe it. What on earth are you doing here? You haven't been here in well, I can't remember. And who is this hot young number you have here?" The woman herself was hot, or so thought Vicki. She had long straight blonde hair and emerald green eyes. She was tall, at least five foot nine, very slender, but athletic. She had a good-looking man with her.
"This is my, " this would be the first time Henry had introduced Vicki this way, and he was smiling from ear to ear," is my lovely wife, Victoria Nelson, Vicki. We are on our honeymoon."
Elaine gasped,"THE Victoria?? We wondered.." she graciously shook Vicki's hand. "Congratulations!"
Vicki frowned, did everyone but Henry know about her?
As if on cue, Elaine answered.
"How rude of me..that was none of my business. So sorry Henry."
"Vicki, Elaine is also known as Erato," he looked to Vicki to see if she understood.
"The muse, Erato? The muse of poetry," Vicki answered, "Hey I paid attention, sometimes."
Elaine introduced her companion simply as Lars, he looked like a Lars, big muscles rippling from every part of his body, white-blonde hair cut military style, eyes as blue as the sky. He stood there like a greek statue, waiting for his next order from Elaine.
"I have to amuse myself somehow," she said, linking her arm in his.
"We have to get going Elaine" Henry didn't want to be rude, but he was anxious to get to the cottage.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, and Vicki, I saw you looking at me earlier. I apologize, I just wasn't sure. Henry has matured so much, " she said, pinching his cheek like a long-lost aunt. Vicki tried to stifle a giggle, relieved that is was just Elaine she had noticed while they were going to the restaurant.
"Are you going to the cottage Henry?" Elaine asked.
"Yes," he said, surprised," how did you know?"
"Yeah, is there some kind of Immortal CNN at work here?" Vicki was starting to get suspicious again.
"Sort of. We have all banded together, for Elizabeth, to keep Henry safe." she answered truthfully.
"Not that I'm ungrateful but why? Why my mother?" Henry asked.
"Elizabeth saved one of our sisters, Clio, from an evil man. We don't know how, we never asked but we are indebted to her forever.All of the immortals really, we tend to do that, stick together. So we all agreed, as well as her cousin, the one who put the original curse on your father. She agreed to help as well. Of course, we never planned on..." she trailed off.
Henry ducked his head down to hide his eyes which were threatening to tear up.
Vicki took his hand back and interlocked her fingers in it, then put the other hand on his arm, leaning into him.
"Tell you what, how about we follow you in my car. I have something special I would like to give the two of, consider it a wedding gift."
"Uh, sure I guess if that's okay with Henry" Vicki looked to him and he nodded.
"Off we go then." Vicki noticed that Elaine didn't have an English accent, in fact she had none at all, just a generic voice. Out of curiosity, she asked her about this.
"Oh, honey, when you travel as much as I do to find, uh, new things to amuse yourself with, you tend to blend..I like to blend alot." she smiled at Vicki and winked.