Chapter 244 – Lunch on a Stormy Day
Father Mark left Jack and headed back upstairs. The twins were in the sitting room and joined him.
"Where are Doug and Nathan?" Father Mark asked.
"Showering." Maddie said.
"Okay." Father Mark said. "There is plenty to do, looks like it is going to rain on and off most of the day."
"We have homework and piano practice this afternoon." Missy said.
"Well, we will be around to help you." Father Mark said. "Can I ask you both a favor and give Jack some space today. I know you probably want to talk to him about the horses, but please don't. Not today."
Both girls looked at Father Mark and realized he was being sincere and they saw the worry in his eyes.
"We can do that." Maddie said.
"Yeah." Missy agreed.
"Thank you." Father Mark said.
They continued upstairs. The girls immediately sat down in the front room with their tablets to look at homework. Father Mark went to the kitchen to see if there was anything they needed.
When Father Mark had gone down to see about Jack, Elizabeth looked at the stairs. Frank came over.
"Let Father Mark talk to him." Frank said. "I know that you love Jack. But right now, whatever is going on is better left to Father Mark. I know that he will tell Jack that he needs to open up to you, if he doesn't I will make sure that Jack knows that. Sometimes it is hard to see the one you love struggle. What I will say is that Jack is probably so used to being in control and the strong one that he is seriously questioning everything he knows now that he is the one that is struggling. From what I have seen, Jack has a hard time expressing his emotions sometimes, which isn't all that uncommon for young men. I would say that a lot of that is from the way that Jack was raised.
Anyway, now that he is struggling to control his emotions, I am sure that he is feeling many things that he doesn't know how to deal with. I have seen it before. He probably feels like his world is spinning out of control and he has no control over anything. That is not true, but it is how Jack is feeling. We need to be patient with Jack as he works through these emotions that he probably has never dealt with. I understand that you might not understand, but please trust me. Things might be hard for a few days, but we can all help you through it. We will help you and we will help Jack. Just take your cues from Jack."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I will try. I was hoping to spend some time with him today, I know that we need to talk. He just doesn't seem to want to talk to me."
"That is not true." Frank said. "He is just struggling. He is not used to sharing his feelings. I think that he is also struggling physically around you. He is a young man and you are an attractive young woman."
Elizabeth blushed.
"I didn't mean to embarrass you." Frank said. "But I have watched Jack around you and I know what happens to young men. Also from what I understand, Jack has never felt like this about anyone. Given that along with all the other changes that have happened in his life over the last two months or so, I can see why he feels like his life is spinning out of control."
Elizabeth just looked at Frank. He took her arm and led her over to sit down.
"I am not trying to tell you how to live your life." Frank said. "I am trying to explain things as someone who has lived a bit longer and experienced things. I remember being eighteen and thinking I would conquer the world. Then nine eleven happened. I might have been in Kentucky, but I felt the pain of the people of New York. I sat there crying as I watched the coverage. The next day I went and enlisted in the Army. Two weeks later, I shipped out to boot camp. That was a hard couple of months. I thought I knew everything and then when I realized that I didn't, it was hard. There was an instructor at boot camp who realized what I was going through. He talked to me and he helped me a great deal. He was the one that inspired me to help other service members as I got older and there were younger members with me."
"I just want Jack to talk to me and tell me what he is feeling." Elizabeth said. "I know that he is getting better about keeping me filled in on and in the loop when it comes to business and things about our future together. But I feel like there is a wall between us and I don't feel comfortable getting married until we can have open, honest conversations between us. It was Jack that suggested that we get married in August if we can meet all of Father Mark's conditions and get approval from the Bishop. We got the approval. We just need to meet Father Mark's conditions. I just don't see how we can do that if Jack can't be open and honest with me.
I get why Jack wanted a faster wedding date, I get that he is struggling physically around me. I just don't think that is a good enough reason to get married sooner if he can't be honest with me. We have this connection, but it also feels like there is a piece of him that he won't let me have access to. I have laid my soul bare with Jack and told him things that I haven't shared with anyone. Yet, he keeps me at a distance emotionally."
"Then you need to talk to him about that." Frank said. "I can sit and moderate the meeting or I am sure that Father Mark would be willing to do that. Or if you want, you can talk to Jack alone."
"I will try that." Elizabeth said. "I will ask Jack about maybe talking later today or tomorrow. I know that tomorrow is a holiday, but we need to get this figured out. I don't want to drag this out. We need to talk and not just about our emotions. I need to talk to Jack about some other things. We are getting into the more intense, deeper lessons of the marriage prep and if Jack isn't opening up to me, there is no point in continuing them. I am trying and I am doing this Catholic marriage prep, because it is the only way that we can be married by Father Mark, which is one of the only things Jack wants."
"I agree." Frank said. "Let's check in with Father Mark and see how Jack is doing. Like I said before, I don't know what happened last night, but it had to be intense. I heard Father Mark praying last night. He was praying in Latin, so I didn't catch it all, but the little that I made out was enough to know that he was pouring his heart out to God for whoever he was praying for. I would assume that it was Jack and/or you. I have only ever seen one other person pray with that intensity. It was the padre in our camp in the Middle East. He learned that his brother's team was missing after what was supposed to be a routine patrol. He prayed in the Chapel set up. I found him lying on the ground in front of the Blessed Sacrament. He was also praying in Latin.
Long story short, the missing team was found and the only one not injured was the padre's brother. The other members of the team said it was like there was some sort of protection around the man. The patrol said that they felt like they were led to where the team was being held. They had been going in a different direction and then suddenly they felt the strongest urge to move in the other direction. I truly believe that the padre was praying for his brother and the safety of the team. We all believe the team searching was led by God to the missing team and was able to bring them back safely."
"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I know that prayers work. I have been a charismatic revival before, so I have seen God move people."
"I don't doubt that." Frank said. "So you see what I mean when I say whatever happened last night was intense on different levels."
Elizabeth nodded.
"Good." Frank said. "The other thing is that when someone prays like that, it can take a lot out of them physically as well as mentally. That is why I am asking you to be careful. I have already seen the signs of being drained in Father Mark's eyes. I have a feeling that Jack was doing a similar type of prayer last night and might also feel drained. When someone is feeling drained as I believe that they do, doing complex tasks can be hard. I have seen it with soldiers. The best thing is to follow the person's lead. I will help you try to read Jack."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "I will see how Jack is before I ask to talk."
"That is all I am asking." Frank said. "I will be here to talk if you want."
Elizabeth just nodded. Frank got up and headed back to the kitchen. He was going to give Elizabeth a bit of time to think. He knew he might have been a little too brutally honest with her, but he felt she needed to hear it. He didn't know much of her background, but the little that he had seen and heard, led him to believe she didn't have a lot of support growing up which can lead to adults who are not equipped to handle real life. He just hoped and prayed he was wrong because he really did like Jack and he wanted their marriage to work out because they were so determined to get married. What concerned Frank was that he thought he had heard doubt in Elizabeth's words and in her voice.
When Father Mark got upstairs, he spoke to Gran to let her know that Jack was okay and he would be up to have lunch. He also told her that yes Jack was struggling and no he didn't want to talk at the moment. Gran nodded that she understood.
Next, Frank stopped Father Mark and they spoke for a few moments, with Father Mark looking over at Elizabeth a couple times. She figured Frank was relaying the gist of his conversation with her. She didn't mind. She was worried about Jack and wanted to help him, but wasn't sure how.
Just as Father Mark was heading over to speak to Elizabeth, Jack came up the stairs, looked around and made a beeline to Elizabeth.
"Hey, Sweetheart." Jack said.
She smiled at him as he leaned down and gave her a quick kiss.
"We need to come up with a better nickname." Elizabeth teased.
"If that is what you want." Jack said.
Elizabeth nodded. Jack and Elizabeth sat on the couch, holding hands as Elizabeth filled him in on the morning.
"Sounds like you have been busy." Jack said. "Thank you for seeing that things needed to be done while Gran was gone."
"Of course." Elizabeth said. "She shouldn't have to clean up after us. Besides, it was my laundry that needed to be washed, so I figured I would see if there was any other that needed it."
"Well, thanks." Jack said.
"So you slept alright?" Elizabeth asked.
"I guess." Jack said. "Still just feel drained. Not so much physically, but mentally. Actually glad for the rain today. I don't think it would have been a good idea to ride a thoroughbred today, especially a temperamental one."
"I am glad that you recognize that." Elizabeth said.
She leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Jack was going to say something, but before he could, his grandfather came in and looked at him sitting on the couch with Elizabeth while most everyone else was gathered around the kitchen/dining room area.
"So you decided to get up." John said.
"Sorry, Sir." Jack said, standing. "I didn't realize how tired I was."
"Well." John said. "You might try sleeping instead of running over ten miles at midnight."
Jack just ducked his head.
"I am only saying something, because I am concerned." John said.
"Yes, Sir." Jack said. "I will try to do better, but I think it is going to take some time."
"As long as you are trying." John said. "You other grandparents and I just want what is best for you. Let us know if there is something that we can do to help."
"I will." Jack said.
John just nodded.
"If you gentlemen are done." Trish said. "We are ready to sit down. James called and said he was on his way up, but to not wait for him."
"Okay." John said. "I am hungry. Didn't really have breakfast, but did get a lot done."
People started taking their seats around the table. There were smaller platters of the fruit and veggies on each end of the table. There were also baskets of warm biscuits and smaller ones with some crackers in them. The table was set with smaller plates and large soup bowls. Nathan and Frank each carried one of the Dutch ovens over and set them on the cast iron trivets that Gran had put down to protect her table. Once they were all seated, minus James, Gran looked at Father Mark.
"In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen." Father Mark prayed. "Lord, be with us this afternoon as we go on with our various endeavors. Please watch over those that are outside or working with the horses. We know that we need the rain, but that doesn't mean that we all like thunder and lightning. Please help keep everyone safe. Thank you to those that stepped up this morning to allow Jack and I to sleep in as it was much needed. Help to restore all of us to You. I ask that you bless this food to our bodies and please bless the hands that worked to prepare it. Amen."
"Amen." Gran and others said.
James sat down after Father Mark had finished praying. He had come in during the prayer, but didn't want to disturb the group.
"I spoke to Chief Burke." James said. "There looks like a window for him to fly up around four. He is going to keep an eye on the weather. If he can take off earlier, he will. I have already had someone check the lights on the landing pad, so they are working. I also called Saratoga airport and they know that if needed the helicopter can land there and we will arrange for the Chief to get to the ranch."
"Thank you." Trish said. "So things are good for him to fly back on Thursday morning?"
"Yes." James said. "As long as the weather cooperates, he is scheduled to take off from here at about eleven Thursday morning."
"Thank you." Doug said. "I know that I wanted him to stay for this weekend, but he said he would be here for next weekend and just couldn't take that much time off, especially if he is coming back in August."
"I would rather have him here so he can see us all jump next weekend." Maddie said.
"Me too." Jack said.
The group had a nice lunch of hearty beef stew and biscuits. They talked about various plans for that afternoon and the next day. They also talked a bit about the plan for the rest of the summer, but in general terms. They didn't get into specifics. They knew that they would sit down Friday and probably Sunday nights and go over things in detail. As they finished, the older adults went back to their work. John and Peter were the first to excuse themselves. James wasn't that far behind. He promised to be up there when the Chief came. Once Jack was finished, he started to clear the table. Since he had not helped that morning, he felt he shouldn't have to be told or asked to help clean up from lunch. Father Mark wasn't that far behind Jack in cleaning up.
As they were finishing, there was a knock at the door. Trish got up and went to get it. She came back with two flat packages and an envelope that everyone quickly realized was from Thomas's law firm. She walked over to the twins first.
"Girls." Trish said. "Here are your new piano books. I figured you needed to push yourselves a little this summer. Missy if this gets too easy for you, please let me know. I just wanted you to start with this one."
"Of course Mom." Missy said. "I noticed that Uncle Jack has several harder books up in the music room. I might just grab one of those if I need, since I will be here."
"Either way, please let me know." Trish said.
Missy nodded. Maddie had opened the package and saw two intermediate piano composition books. She had quickly flipped through hers and saw that it was going to push her, she wasn't near as good as her sister.
"Mom." Maddie said. "I don't know about this one for me."
"Please try." Trish said. "You are better than you think. Just because others are better, doesn't mean that you are not good as well. Piano might come easier to your sister, but your drawing is better than hers. All I am asking is that you challenge yourself a little bit. You are a great pianist and if you would push yourself just a bit more, you could be even better."
Father Mark saw that Maddie was struggling.
"Hey." Father Mark said. "How about you and I work on the book together? I could use some practice. I have only been playing things I know and not trying new pieces."
Maddie looked up and smiled.
"I guess I can do that." Maddie said.
"Good then it is settled." Father Mark said. "You and I have a date with the piano this afternoon."
Doug made a snickering sound. It earned him a sharp glare from both Father Mark and Trish.
"It appears that it will be a trio of you working through piano composition this afternoon." Gran said. "I personally would love to listen."
Doug just nodded his head. He knew that he had gone too far and as much as he hated playing piano, he refused to cross his mother and Gran at the moment. Trish then walked over to Jack and handed him the other package.
"Jack." Trish said. "I thought you might like this. It will challenge you with your playing. This is an advanced college composition book. I know that you are more than capable of playing it, given a little time. These are some hard pieces. Most pianists don't play these, even for an advanced solo certificate. I just thought you might like something different. What Trish wasn't saying was that only the most dedicated, professional pianists played those pieces and most still needed the music in front of them while doing it. Jack smiled and took the package.
"What came from Dad's firm?" Jack said.
"It is addressed to you and John." Trish said.
"I will take it." Jack said. "I will go see what it is with Grandpa John."
"Let us know if you need anything." Lee said.
"I will." Jack said. "I have a feeling I know this is, but I might be wrong."
"Well." Gran said. "No point in standing around guessing."
Jack took the second package. He left his piano book over by the piano and then went to speak with his grandfather.
Author's Note: Here are the recipes for the Beef stew and Biscuits
Hearty Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Ingredients
For the meat:
3 pounds whole boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5 inch chunks
1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Olive oil
Stew
1 medium yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
½ cup red wine - or beef broth
¼ cup all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
4 cups beef broth, plus more as needed
3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
2 dried bay leaves
Chopped parsley
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Frozen or fresh green peas - optional
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Season beef chunks with 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper. Heat some olive oil over high heat in a large Dutch oven or a heavy oven-proof pot, and sear beef on all sides until nicely browned. Do this in batches to not overcrowd the pan and to prevent steaming. If you notice that it begins to steam up, remove the excess liquid and continue browning.
Transfer the browned meat to a plate and set aside. It will not be fully cooked at this point. Leave the brown bits, don't wipe the pot clean.
Over medium heat, add some olive oil, onion, garlic, and carrots to the same Dutch oven and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh thyme, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, and cook until slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Add red wine, scraping the browned bits, and cook until reduced, about 3 minutes. If you don't want to use wine, you can use beef broth. Quick tip: use a wooden spoon to avoid scratching the Dutch oven or pot.
Add flour and stir to coat. Add 4 cups of beef broth, and stir until the flour is incorporated and starts to thicken. Add the seared beef, cubed potatoes, and bay leaves. If too thick, add more broth as needed. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for 5-7 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at this point if needed.
Cover with an oven-safe lid. Finish cooking in the oven at 325 degrees F for about 1 hour and 45 minutes until the meat is tender. If desired, stir in peas 10 minutes before the cooking time is up.
Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve with some chopped parsley. Enjoy!
7 Up Biscuits
INGREDIENTS
2 cups baking mix (Jiffy or Bisquick)
1⁄2 cup sour cream
1⁄2 cup 7-Up soda (any clear carbonated drink will work)
1⁄4 cup melted butter
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Cut the sour cream into your biscuit mix. "Cutting in" is simply incorporating your sour cream, butter or shortening into your dry baking mix without using a mixer. You can use a fork, knife, pastry cutter or the tools God gave you, your fingers. You just want to make sure that each portion of your {wet} ingredient gets coated with the dry mix.
Stir in 1/2 cup 7 Up. The dough will be very soft, don't worry.
Sprinkle additional baking mix on to your counter, about a 1/2 cup seems to work just fine.
Knead and fold dough until coated with your baking mix. Pat dough out, (no rolling pin needed) and cut biscuits using a round biscuit/cookie cutter. Don't have one, no problem, you can certainly use a glass or empty soup can to cut out your biscuits. Where there's a will, there's a way! Improvising is fine.
Melt butter in a 9 inch square pan. I stick my pan and butter in the oven for a few minutes. Just a few though, the butter will burn, so watch it.
Place cut biscuits on top of melted butter and bake for 12-15 minutes or until brown.
