Chapter 9

Vincent sat there inwardly shaking as Catherine just stared at him. She said nothing, but her eyes got wider and wider as she looked at him.

He was all and more than she had been imagining. Struggling to find words that would do him justice, she felt as if she were drowning in the azure blue depths of his eyes.

Unable to stand it any longer, Vincent finally spoke, entreating her, "Catherine, please don't be frightened."

Her answer rocked his world, "Vincent, I am frightened." Her pause was just long enough for his heart to sink. "I'm frightened that I won't be able to find the words to convey to you how magnificent I find you!" she whispered in awe at the wondrous being in front of her.

"Oh my dear!" Mary sighed, and hugged Catherine's shoulders from behind. She was clearly too choked up to say more.

Both Catherine and Vincent had forgotten that Mary was even in the room and each reacted with a small start of surprise.

Having gotten no answer from either of them, Mary added, "We all think that Vincent is very special indeed, but he has a hard time believing us."

"All he has to do is look in a mirror to see that!" Catherine exclaimed.

Vincent quietly, but firmly stated, "I don't have a mirror. I don't like them."

With a sigh, as what had happened to her came flooding back, her hand went to her cheek and she said, "That's probably a good thing as far as I'm concerned right now."

Vincent felt her fear through the Bond and came closer so he could sit on the edge of the bed. Taking her free hand in his, he said, "The scars won't be so bad once they have had a chance to heal, Catherine. Father is very good at what he does and given time I am sure they will hardly be noticeable."

A weak smile was all she could mustered as she replied, "Let's hope so then."

Realizing the moment had passed when his fear of how his appearance would affect her, the two of them shared an awkward smile before Mary quietly offered them a cup of tea and some cookies William had sent from the kitchen. "Maybe when you are finished you could take Catherine for a short walk Vincent."

Unthinkingly, Vincent protested, "But Father didn't want Catherine to know much about our world!"

"You leave Father to me," she answered. "And the two of you enjoy your walk," with those words she left them alone together.

"Why doesn't your father want me to know about where you live?" Catherine asked.

"People come here for many reasons, but all must agree to keep this place a secret. When I found you in the park you were too badly injured to be asked to make any promises. He is naturally concerned about that."

"Vincent, I would never willing put you or your family in any danger! Please assure him of that!" she insisted.

"I know that Catherine, and I will tell Father at my first opportunity. Now if you have had enough cookies we could take our walk."

Catherine guiltily looked down at the plate between them and felt shame that she had eaten so many. She was about to apologize when Vincent stopped her by holding up his hand. "Don't feel guilty Catherine, I have to admit that I ate more than you did."

Relief washed over her as she realized she hadn't disregarded her mother's teaching about sharing and being a little lady. "Oh good," she sighed as she started to get to her feet.

Vincent was quickly at her side, putting a hand under her arm to make sure that she was steady on her feet. He helped her put on a warm robe that Mary had left for her and then offered her his arm for her to lean on. "We won't go far since this is your first time up. Be sure to tell me if you feel at all tired or weak."

They walked slowly with frequent stops for Vincent to introduce Catherine to people and explain what was going on wherever they were. There were many places he wanted to take her, but they were too far for her first time out. They did stop by Rebecca's candle making shop, paid a short visit to Mary's quilting circle, but as much as he wanted to show her the Mirror Pool, or Chamber of the Winds, he could sense how tired she was getting, so led her back to his chamber.

To be continued….