As Soft Wings Unfold Chapter Six Every raindrop that touches your face is blessed, Would that my hands could be as soft – Brushing your hair, touching your cheeks, Glistening on your eyelids like unshed tears. No dewdrop sleeping on an early morning rose Could know such beauty as I see in you. Truly I am blessed, Raindrops and dewdrops can only reflect heaven But I hold it in my arms each time I hold you. Reading his written word upon his journal Vincent smiled. He had never felt so happy. Catherine lived Below now and though they still had many things to confront, he found that just being able to talk about them put his fears at rest. With Catherine and Rachel living some distance from the home chambers he hadn’t yet ventured there. Not that he couldn’t but he thought it best to be invited first. Rachel, he knew, was still accustoming herself to life Below and hadn’t as yet encountered any other living soul but Catherine. Yet just knowing that Catherine was safe and close made him unbelievably happy. Father too had noticed the change. Standing in the entrance of his son’s chamber he scrutinised his son for long moments before entering and asking, “Would you care for a game of chess Vincent?” Vincent rose, and walked over to his parent, to help him to the nearest chair. Father’s hip played up dreadfully during the long winter months. “Perhaps a little later Father. There is something I should like to discuss with you first.” “Is it a Catherine thing?” Father’s eyes twinkled. “I must say Vincent I am happy to find that you are so relaxed with her being so close. What then is the problem?” Vincent sighed, he had been thinking ever since it had been brought up of ways to word it, but there wasn’t much he could think of. It was a delicate matter, but one he didn’t want to linger too long with, the sooner he got it out in the open and removed the better. Knowing Catherine was so close had heightened his desire and he didn’t know for how much longer he could find the strength to resist making love to her. Father waited patiently, knowing full well that with Vincent time would lapse before he was comfortable with whatever he needed to say. Finally he spoke, “Father you well know that I would never want to reproduce a child that might look like me?” Vincent raised his eyes to his parent, though he longed to look away. Father held that gaze, his mind reeling, this was nowhere near what he had expected. He nodded, “Yes Vincent, though you have rarely spoken of it, and though we do not know if you could even be fertile, I do know how you are against such a thing.” Now what to say? Vincent’s heart thudded painfully in his ears. “Catherine and I…” he began, suddenly colouring up. Fortunately Father understood at once, “You are ready to embark upon a deeper, more intimate relationship?” “Yes Father.” Vincent sighed thankfully. “And you are happy with this? It’s not one sided?” “No Father I want this too, but I don’t want to give Catherine a child like me.” “I can understand that Vincent.” Vincent let out a long sigh of relief, “Catherine has explained that certain contraceptives have detrimental effects on her, and she is reluctant to pursue this method, which leaves me…” his voice trailed away, and this time he could not meet Father’s gaze. “So you have discussed it?” Father could imagine how Vincent had felt about that at the time. Acutely embarrassed no doubt. “Yes Father. Catherine has told me that there are things that I could wear…” he hesitated before looking up, a small smile gracing his mouth, “Father I never told Catherine this, but I would be surprised if those things were made large enough for me.” Father chuckled, he couldn’t help himself, “Oh I wouldn’t be so sure about that Vincent. As I remember when I was at university my fellow students and I used to place one end of a condom over a tap and fill them with water until they were incredibly long.” Vincent’s eyes opened wide, and Father chuckled, “We would tie a knot in one end, and use them as water bombs. If I remember rightly Vincent, they were tough too, it took several bounces before they burst.” Vincent chuckled trying to picture the sight. “Surely balloons would have been better?” “Perhaps, but not so much fun. You imagine Vincent the laughter we would derive from seeing those things stretch to a foot or more. Why as I remember one actually made it to fourteen inches before bursting in the sink.” “You measured it?” “Absolutely. Another student held a tape measure. We told ourselves it was a part of our studies.” Father chuckled at the memory, and wiped away a tear of mirth, “so I guess what I am trying to say Vincent, is that they would fit you admirably. You really have no worries on that score.” Vincent sighed, “Can you get some for me?” “Well yes, but surely Catherine…” Vincent blushed. “Oh I see. Yes I can understand Vincent. Asking your nearest and dearest to get some condoms in extra large size could be a trifle embarrassing.” “Just a bit.” Vincent gulped. Father chuckled, “How soon did you want them?” Vincent shook his head, he wished for this conversation to be over. “This week, next week?” Father teased his son mercilessly. “Yesterday?” Vincent blushed scarlet. “Vincent?” Father took pity on his son, “Why don’t you just marry the girl?” he spoke softly, gently, causing Vincent’s head to whip around and stare at him avidly. Wide eyed Vincent exclaimed, “Marry Catherine!” “That’s what I said. It’s obvious if you are thinking of loving her in that way, that it would be the next step. Why don’t you do it in the correct way, marry her first, and save this experience for your honeymoon?” Slowly Vincent shook his head from side to side, not in denial but in disbelief, “I’ve never considered it…never thought of it.” “Then you should. I think we can safely say that Catherine is here to stay can we not?” Vincent swallowed with difficulty; “I would like to hope so.” “Well then, marry her Vincent. Believe me it would make the pair of you feel so much better and contented. And give us the excuse for having the biggest party we have ever seen Below.” His eyes twinkled with merriment. Slowly Vincent nodded, his eyes lighting up. Marry Catherine? It would be wonderful, but to have her beside him for the rest of his life? Would she accept that? “Don’t have doubts Vincent. The pair of you have acted very responsible over the contraception so now do likewise over your future. Let these things go hand in hand in the correct manner of things. Believe me I know what I am talking about Vincent. To marry the woman you love and then experience these joys on your honeymoon, nothing even surpasses it. It will make the both of you so happy.” “But Catherine does have a life Above Father, even if she is giving it all up for two years.” “There are no buts Vincent. If she can give up two years of her working life for a child, she would give up more for you, I am sure of it, however if you would not allow this, then there is no reason why she cannot commute. Millions of people do from one place or another and still be married.” His heart thumping wildly, Vincent felt a rush of happiness and hope sweeping through him. “Might I suggest a candle-lit dinner for two, a romantic evening and a ring for you to present her with? I’m sure we could work on the ring thing quite discreetly without her ever being aware of it. Mary would love to help. Give it a month or so, let Rachel become accustomed to being with the rest of us, and you and Catherine take the night off somewhere…” Father could just picture it. Vincent could not. “Father a candle-lit dinner would not present much of a surprise since it is the way we live down here.” Vincent reminded him dryly. “So we do Vincent. Then might I suggest that you take Catherine to her apartment and do it there? You have a key do you not?” “Yes I know where to find one.” “Then let’s do it shall we? You go to the apartment one night, and let William in with one or two helpers. They will stay the night, prepare the place and the food, and you will come back the following night and wait for someone to usher Catherine there, blindfolded if you like?” Vincent chuckled, “No I think we can dispense with the blindfold. Just asking Catherine to close her eyes would suffice.” Father smiled, Vincent was getting caught up in it now. “And you would be inside waiting, not out on the balcony. Or the effect would be lost. When Catherine is ushered into her apartment, Mary and whomever is with her will discreetly leave, and the two of you will be left there alone together. The rest dear boy is up to you.” Slowly as Vincent begun to picture it in his mind, the possibility excited him. “You think it will work Father?” a sudden flash of Catherine refusing him shot forth, he couldn’t bear it. “Trust me, it’ll work, and Catherine will love it.” Slowly Vincent nodded; he liked it, “all right.” He told his father, “I’ll do it.” Father patted his hand, “I’m so happy for you Vincent. Catherine is a beautiful woman.” *** *** *** Several days later, and standing alone inside the large chamber during a temporary absence of Catherine, Rachel surveyed all around her. It was nothing like Rachel had ever seen or ever imagined and she had to pinch herself just to believe that it was real. That never ending journey down those long tunnels when first she had been brought below had frightened her, and for the first time she had really relied on Catherine for the strength to put one foot in front of the other. Only Catherine’s warm smile and assurance that they were going somewhere wonderful kept her going forward. Even now since her arrival she had been unable to summon the courage to go outside of the large chamber. The experience of being there and sleeping beneath all the rock terrified her, but to go back into those never ending tunnels again was something Rachel dared not do. So in Catherine’s absence Rachel wandered around the large chamber looking at things but not daring to touch anything. Though Catherine had told her this was her home now, and everything inside the cavern could be hers too, Rachel could not help thinking it was all some kind of trap. She loved Catherine, but there were other people living here, she knew that, though she was yet to meet any of them, and she felt that even though she was alone a thousand eyes watched her from high upon the ceiling from the many cracks and crevices there. Though the flickering candles cheered her a little. Their ever-present dance against the trailing wind that came from somewhere delighted her. She could picture them as ballerinas upon a large stage dancing to a tune in front of an audience. One of the things most noticeable about the chamber was the amount of books that lined the shelves that were secured to the walls. Books spilled over and Rachel loved to sit beside Catherine and watch as Catherine flicked through their pages, and though Rachel could only read a little of the odd words that jumped out at her, she longed to know what the books were about. Catherine had promised to read every single one of them to her. The thought delighted Rachel. There were hundreds of books, representing hundreds of days that she would live there. For despite the eerie tunnels and the lack of windows to an outside world, Rachel felt cherished and loved for the first time in her life and sensed that she was going to be happy. Catherine returned just as Rachel was busy thinking these things, her smile as ever warm and friendly. “Rachel I’ve brought you some cookies, they are still warm from the oven, and also some milk, I hope you are hungry?” Rachel eyed the plate of cookies with delight, glancing up at Catherine just to be sure they were all for her. “Yes go on, take them, eat as many as you can. They are delicious, all the children love them.” Rachel reached for the first cookie, and bit into it, her smile spreading as the delicious flavour of hazelnuts tantalised her tongue. “Good eh?” Catherine smiled, “William knows just how to make treats for the children like these.” Rachel swallowed before speaking, “Is William the cook?” It was the first time in three days that Rachel had asked about anyone Below. Catherine smiled, “He sure is. And he is looking forward to meeting you.” Rachel frowned, a cloud passing over her face. “What is it honey?” Catherine knelt down to the child’s level, something Rachel had always appreciated from Catherine. Everyone else in her life had spoken down to her. When Rachel could not reply, Catherine went on, “In time sweetheart you will meet everyone that lives down here with us, and you will play with the other children, and learn to forget all the horrible things that have happened to you in the past. There are other children here that have suffered as you have, and they will become friends with you.” Rachel’s eyes widened trying to take it all in, she could not imagine being friends with anyone. “I only want you.” She told Catherine. “And I only want you.” Catherine told her sincerely, realising it was true. Though of course Vincent did not come into that equation, she wanted him more than any one, but suddenly it dawned on her that her love for Rachel had grown so deep, that she really didn’t mind any longer if she were never to have children of her own. It was quite a revelation to her and not entirely unpleasant. Rachel continued to wolf down the cookies, until the whole plate was empty, and then followed it with the glass of milk. “Would you like to come with me to return these to the kitchen?” Catherine indicated the plate and cup. Wide-eyed Rachel shook her head. “You can bring Vinny.” Catherine nodded towards the cuddly toy placed upon Rachel’s bed. “Will your Vinny be there?” Catherine smiled. “He might be. Would you like to meet him?” Rachel looked at her cuddly toy, remembering the things that Catherine had told her about her protector. He looked like a lion but he was a man. “Does your Vinny love you?” Rachel asked, surprising Catherine by the question. Catherine nodded slowly, “Yes very much.” A decision was made, Rachel ran to collect the cuddly toy and returned to Catherine’s side, “Then we want to come with you.” She clutched at Catherine’s free hand sending a bolt of pleasure through her. This was advancement, though Catherine was a little perturbed. It had to be a first that a new member of the tunnel community expressed a desire to meet Vincent before they had met any of the other tunnel dwellers. Catherine could only hope and pray that the meeting would go well for all of their sakes. However the tunnels were unusually busy for a change, something to do with the aroma of William'’ cookies Catherine presumed, and Rachel gripped Catherine’s hand tightly, hiding behind her as best she could as they walked and met one person after another. “Here comes Olivia.” Catherine told her as the first person they were to meet approached them. Olivia smiled as she reached their side, and stooping down to Rachel’s level spoke to her very kindly, “Hello you must be Rachel. I’m very pleased to meet you.” Rachel said nothing, and Olivia knowing the story as they all did smiled, straightened and went on by. Next Jamie and Mouse rounded the corner deep in conversation, “Hello Catherine” they greeted her in unison, then catching sight of the little girl Jamie called a greeting, “Hello Rachel it’s very nice to meet you”. Mouse stared at the newcomer making Rachel a little more afraid than usual, and then he smiled and directed his question at Catherine. “If Rachel wants she can come and see Arthur.” “Thank you Mouse.” Catherine smiled warmly, “Maybe Rachel would like that.” The pair smiled at her then said Cheerio and went on their way. “Who’s Arthur?” Catherine stopped walking to bend down to Rachel, pleased that she had asked. “Arthur is Mouse’s pet racoon.” “Mouse?” Catherine laughed at the perplexed expression upon Rachel’s face. “Yes that was that young man’s name. He’s a very nice person, and gets into a lot of mischief and makes people laugh.” Rachel smiled, immediately warming to the fellow. It seemed fun that a grown up could get into mischief. Next along the tunnel they met Father, his face creased into a warm welcome as he saw the child holding tightly on to Catherine’s hand. “Hello young lady, you must be Rachel. Welcome my dear. “ His smile warmed Rachel, and she listened while Father directed his next question to Catherine, “Are you looking for Vincent?” “No Father, we’re just returning the crockery to the kitchen. However Rachel has expressed a desire to meet Vincent.” Father was surprised and obviously pleased to hear that and bent down as Olivia had done, so that he was able to speak to the child on her level. Rachel was impressed. She could see it pained the old man to stoop so low. “How are you liking it here Rachel?” Rachel could not find a reply to that, but desperately wanted to say something for his trouble, “I like the cookies.” She replied with honesty. Father laughed loudly, “You and me both my dear.” He straightened, grimacing as he did so as his joints complained. “I was just on my way back for a refill.” “Father you’ll get fat.” “What is life if I can’t indulge once in a while.” Catherine cocked her head to one side, making him chuckle, “well all right maybe I am gaining weight but what’s a few pounds between friends?” “Maybe your bones wouldn’t creak if your legs had less weight upon them.” Catherine laughed, surprised when Rachel did too, hiding the giggle behind her hand. Just then Mary came along the tunnel, “there you are Jacob, I wondered what was taking you so long. Since you ate my share of cookies along with your own I am starving you know.” Then as she caught sight of Rachel, she too bent down level with the child, much to Rachel’s obvious delight, “And you must be Rachel. I do hope that you are settling in here. My name is Mary. If there is anything that you need and Catherine can’t get it, just come and see me okay? And maybe I can help you.” Rachel smiled; warming to the kind lady immediately and using her fingers to count she bent back a fifth one. Other than Catherine, she now liked Olivia, Jamie, Mouse, Father and Mary and they all seemed to like her. “We were heading for the kitchen Mary, would you like to join us?” “Is that wise my dear? I understand there are a lot of people in there right now. William’s delicious cookies are going like hot cakes.” Mary laughed at the expression, and Father added his input. “If you are looking for Vincent why don’t we take the crockery back to the kitchen for you, and you two go straight to his chamber?” Mary frowned, glancing at Rachel, Catherine and Father in turn. “It’s all right Mary.” Catherine smiled, “Rachel would like to meet Vincent.” Mary nodded and smiled warmly again. Rachel missed nothing; she sensed their concern. “I have my own lion.” She held up the toy for them to see, “Catherine bought him for me.” Father looked at the features that resembled Vincent very much save for brown eyes over blue. “His name is Vinny.” Rachel proudly told Father making the corners of his lips twitch even more. “Rachel’s Vinny protects her even as Vincent protects me.” Catherine felt the need to explain, and Father nodded understanding at once. “Vincent protects all of us Rachel and he will protect you too. So you mustn’t be afraid of him when you see him.” “I won’t be.” Rachel assured them brightly. “I’ve explained.” Catherine added, as Father and Mary went towards the kitchen. Though deep down inside she hoped that Rachel would not be afraid. She needn’t have worried. The moment she and Rachel stepped into Vincent’s chamber with one look at him Rachel felt she had come home. For a few moments she stared at him, and he stared back. Half of him a little perturbed at Catherine bringing the child to him like this without warning, the other half pleased and growing happier by the second by the child’s natural acceptance of him. He bent down onto her level holding open his arms. And with only a moments hesitation Rachel let go of Catherine’s hand and walked into Vincent’s embrace as if she had known him all of her life. A deep sigh of pleasure escaped Vincent as his eyes met the misty eyes of Catherine’s over Rachel’s shoulder, and he told the child sincerely, “Welcome Rachel. Welcome to my world.” *** *** *** For many days afterwards Rachel could only put her calm acceptance of Vincent down to the fact that he reminded her of Vinny. That and the fact that she knew that Vincent protected Catherine, and Rachel loved Catherine very much. But for Catherine and Vincent the fact that Rachel had readily gone to him, was nothing short of a miracle. That evening when Rachel had gone willingly into his arms, Vincent had met Catherine’s gaze over Rachel’s shoulder with a look of incredulous joy in those stunning blue eyes. There was also something else. Something that Vincent did know of that Catherine as yet didn’t. If he were to marry Catherine, then he would become father to Rachel as Catherine became mother to her. And that filled him with a great sense of belonging. It was a good feeling. And a new feeling, because while he had belonged in a sense to an extended family all of his life he still felt very much alone. Until with Catherine and now with Rachel he felt a commitment to two people that really needed him, and that felt right and complete somehow. ,br> In Vincent Rachel felt something solid that she had found nowhere else. Not only that he was different but he was also the image of Vinny and Vinny to her had become her very special friend while the friendship she now shared with Catherine had been developing. In Vincent she found an overlarge Vinny, and at once a protective spirit had settled around her heart the moment those firm arms had closed around her tiny body and Rachel had felt that nothing could ever hurt her ever again. Her adoration for Vincent also made her transition to tunnel life that much easier. With the chamber she shared with Catherine being so far away from Vincent’s and with Rachel wanting to see Vincent as often as possible, as the days passed Rachel conquered her fear of moving through the tunnels in order to visit him. And that often entailed meeting other people along the way. In no time at all it seemed Rachel opened like a flower, or as Vincent preferred to call it, like a young bird unfolding its wings and soaring into carefree flight. Catherine had told Vincent everything that she knew about Rachel. Much of it making Vincent very angry and dreadfully sad, and he vowed that if it took the rest of his life he would make certain that Rachel was forever happy and hoped that he and Catherine could help to erase the bad memories from Rachel’s mind. He knew of the incident when Catherine had mentioned secrets to Rachel, but secrets were a very important part of life Below just as they were to children’s dealings with one another. Very often one child would confine a secret to another child hoping that secret could be kept. One day when they were alone together and Rachel fingered items of interest around Vincent’s chamber, Vincent decided to ask her a question. “Rachel?” Something in his tone made her look up at him sharply with a question in her eyes. “Yes?” Kneeling down to her level, and then pulling his legs from under him to sit upon the floor, Vincent looked into her eyes. He knew his perception of the way Rachel viewed things was crucial. They were in the centre of the room, well away from the bed, and well away from any shadowed corners. Vincent had chosen to settle himself down where the candle light was at its brightest, and in a voice that was loud enough not to be worrying and low enough not to be overheard he asked her, “Rachel, please don’t be afraid, for I would never hurt you. Know that. I think you are a wonderful friend to have, and I would like to ask for your help.” Her eyes wide, Rachel said nothing but nodded just a little. She wanted to trust Vincent. He had done nothing so far that had given her cause to fear him. “I don’t ever want to remind you of your past Rachel, but on this one occasion I want you to know that if you should ever wish to speak of those things then Catherine and I will always be available for you to talk to us. And do you know why we will always be there for you?” Rachel shook her head. Something in her was a little afraid, but still she trusted Vincent. All the children loved him and he harmed no one. Taking a deep breath Vincent told her, “Rachel I have a secret.” He stopped upon seeing Rachel’s eyes fill with fear, sorrow, and disbelief, and Vincent swallowed hard hoping against all hope that she wouldn’t run away from him. “In many respects this place where we live is a secret.” He hurried on; “It is the biggest secret any of us living here have to keep. If we were to tell anyone that didn’t understand, our world here could be destroyed by bad people from Above.” Wide-eyed Rachel nodded. This she understood, for Catherine had already explained it to her. Gently Vincent continued, “But my secret is different. It is nothing bad and it will not hurt you, but I need your help to carry it through. Let me tell you about it before I ask if you will promise to keep it.” With her eyes still wide with apprehension Rachel nodded a little reluctantly. Vincent felt distressed that Rachel’s parents had robbed their own child of believing in the magic of such an innocent thing as a secret and it filled him with anger. Nonetheless he had her attention which was already more than he’d hoped for so he continued, “You know that I love Catherine very much?” Rachel nodded, her eyes brightening. Encouraged Vincent went on, “Well I am hoping that Catherine will marry me.” Rachel gasped, her eyes dancing with delight and unable to keep in her joy she blurted out, “then you will be my father!” Vincent nodded, “Yes Rachel, and I would like that very much, but you know you can never tell anyone from Above about me. And so that is one secret that you have to promise to keep forever.” He watched her closely, as her eyes told him of her firm acceptance and she nodded just a little, feeling the seriousness of this. “But I need to ask Catherine to marry me first. And to do that I need a ring to present to her when I ask.” He hesitated watching Rachel carefully, and continued gently, “Far below us is a cavern filled with stunning gemstones.” Rachel gasped, “Like the one Catherine wears around her neck?” “Yes, like that one. I brought that stone back for her from that very place, and I would very much like to take a stone for her ring from there, but I want Catherine to choose it. There are so many gemstones in the cavern, and Catherine might choose a stone different from one I might choose for her. But I don’t want her knowing it is to make a ring with, because until I ask her to marry me that has to remain a secret.” “Will you be taking me with you to find the gemstones?” Rachel asked breathlessly. A chamber of glittering gemstones would be wonderful to see. Vincent nodded, “If you wish you may come with us. It is a long way and we will go very deep into the earth, but it is an adventure you will love, and besides if you get tired either Catherine or I can carry you.” Vincent watched her reaction as she absorbed this piece of information. She was still a little wary of anyone picking her up and taking her anywhere. “Or you could stay with Mary and the children here and wait until Catherine and I return.” “How long will you be gone?” “About four days.” Rachel thought about it hard. “Is it dark down there?” That was the worst of living below, because Rachel already hated the dark. Vincent nodded, “Yes, but we will be carrying lanterns, and the crystal cavern gives off a natural light that is breathtaking.” “I would like to see the gemstones Vincent…” her voice trailed away as she bit her lip nervously, tugging at the tender flesh there with her teeth. Vincent searched her eyes drawing them into his own, willing her to know that he would never hurt her, that no one would hurt her ever again, not while he had breath in his body. “No one will hurt you Rachel ever again. Know that. You are safe here. And you will be safe with Catherine and I on our journey, but the reason for our going there is a secret from Catherine, you mustn’t tell her or it will ruin the surprise.” “What’s a surprise?” Vincent searched Rachel’s eyes, he could not believe that Rachel did not know this and that no one had ever told or shown her. “It’s when you have wanted something for a very long time and then someone comes along and gets it for you, but waits until a very important occasion to give it to you. Then you are so delighted because you didn’t know it was coming and it surprises you into feeling happy. Do you understand?” Rachel remembered the feeling she had had when Catherine had come to visit her for the first time, and had given her Vinny. Yes that feeling had felt so good and Rachel realised with joy that that feeling had a name. Surprise. Smiling happily Rachel nodded and Vincent returned the smile, “So you won’t tell? You’ll not tell Catherine anything, and this will be our secret?” he held his breath hoping that Rachel would not feel frightened by what he asked of her. Rachel struggled with words her mind conjured up, flashes of memory that had caused her pain, secrets her father had told her to keep from her mother. Her young mind sorted through those memories while Vincent’s trusting blue eyes looked at her with such hope and love. Here then was the difference. Vincent would never hurt her. The word secret to Vincent meant something wonderful, not pain and soreness and fear. A smile twitched the corners of her mouth, and Vincent expelled a long deep sigh when he saw it, his eyes encouraging her further. Rachel was warmed by that smile, encouraged, and her own smile lit up her whole face. “Catherine is going to be so happy isn’t she Vincent?” “I hope that she will.” “Oh she will Vincent, Catherine loves you very much.” It surprised Vincent to hear the child say it with such conviction, being that she hadn’t known them long. “Then you will keep the secret?” Vincent had to know. He didn’t know what he would do if she didn’t. When he had began to tell her, he knew he didn’t need to do, but he felt it would help the child greatly to be entrusted with something so important. Now as he waited he held his breath again. Her eyes bright Rachel nodded, “Yes I promise. When are we going?” Vincent exhaled a sigh of pure relief; “You want to come?” “Oh yes.” She hesitated as if she meant to say more and dare not. “What is it Rachel? Remember you can tell me anything” Vincent spoke softly. An impish smile chased itself across Rachel’s face, followed by a tender chuckle that warmed Vincent through and through, “Will you find a gemstone for me to wear around my neck too?” “Tell you what, you can take a small bag with you and fill it with as many gemstones as it will hold, then you can come back and take them to Mouse and he will make anything from them that you wish, how about that?” Rachel gave a whoop of delight and threw herself at Vincent without hesitation, her eyes dancing with joy. Catherine chose that moment to enter the chamber, and her eyes lit up when she took in the scene before her, “What’s this?” she asked happily, surprised when Rachel pursed her lips together, winked at Vincent and boldly replied, “I can’t tell you, it’s a secret.” Before throwing herself at Catherine’s legs and delighting her by giving Catherine one of the biggest hugs ever. *** *** *** The journey to the crystal cavern was an adventure every step of the way. Vincent had asked Rachel if she minded some of the other children accompanying them, and when Rachel shyly agreed to this, Vincent had chosen children who had asked to be taken to the crystal cavern on numerous occasions. So it was quite a party that walked the twisting tunnels, and lay upon their bellies to shuffle through the crawl ways when the tunnels sloped to almost ground level. Catherine it seemed was very quiet amid the joyous chatter of the half dozen children they had taken with them, but Vincent could not discern anything untoward with her and hoped she would tell him what was on her mind in time. Catherine could not bring herself to tell him that the reason for her silence was the fact that she was having uncharacteristic thoughts about the whole adventure. It wasn’t like her to begrudge the children an adventure, least of all Rachel, but when Vincent had first mentioned this trip, she had for one moment assumed that it would be just the two of them going. And it still rankled that they were joined by so many. Since their very frank discussion of the sexual matter, nothing more had been said about it. Catherine was reluctant to bring it up, but had hoped that this trip away might present a wonderful opportunity to put unsaid words into practice. But with Vincent leading the way and Catherine bringing up the rear, at no time did an occasion present itself when she could be close to him. In her minds eye she conjured up all manner of ways to let him know in no uncertain terms how much she wanted him. Holding tight rein on the Bond Catherine sought through the delicious thoughts warming her to the core. But as the journey went on and Vincent seemed to be avoiding her for reasons known unto himself, Catherine thought she would let loose her thoughts which via the Bond Vincent would find no escape from. Her lightening emotions hit him just as he was about to duck beneath a low tunnel, and rather than put another step forward, he grasped the rocky outcrop before him, holding on for dear life. Inside his heart was filled with the most delicious barrage of desire he had ever known, and the thoughts that accompanied it thrilled him to such an extent that his arousal was instant. “What’s the matter Vincent?” The children cried almost in unison. “Yes what’s the matter Vincent?” Catherine mimicked them saucily. “I need to rest.” Vincent told them, releasing his hold upon the rock before him to gather his cloak firmly around his body. He turned slowly, dropping his gaze unable to meet Catherine’s and dropped to his haunches before settling himself down upon the dusty floor. The children were concerned. Vincent’s stamina sometimes amazed them. It was most unusual for him to need to rest. ”Are you sure you are all right?” Rebecca asked, coming forward to place her hand upon his brow just as she had seen Father do on numerous occasions when Vincent had been unwell. He did feel hot, but the child had no way of knowing if the temperature of Vincent’s body was normal or not. “I’m fine Rebecca, don’t worry about me. Take advantage of the rest, we still have a long way to go.” Catherine had never left off watching him closely, but now as he raised his eyes to look in her direction, she dropped her gaze, settling it instead to her hands tightly clenched upon her lap. Vincent took that as an opportunity to watch her closely, and though Catherine felt his eyes upon her, she refused to look up, though a soft smile played around the corners of her mouth, as she resumed her thinking. Having Vincent’s rapt attention, and feeling his wary probing along the Bond, Catherine let fly the imaginings of her mind, stunning him afresh with the things that she wanted to do to him, and have him do to her. His sharp intake of breath caused Catherine to smile triumphantly and coyly she stole a look in his direction. Unprepared for the look upon his face Catherine felt a thunderbolt strike her as she saw his eyes darken with passion, and barely heard him utter, “you would do all those things to me?” so softly that the words were almost inaudible. Catherine blushed but nodded nonetheless, whispering, “all those things and more Vincent.” Vincent found it difficult to breathe. His lungs felt suddenly starved of oxygen and he could do nothing but sit and stare at her with incredibility written all over his handsome face. Catherine felt like laughing. Her adorable man was lost for words, and that was so unlike him. They were several yards apart and the need to be close was so desperate that Catherine trembled. It was difficult to tell him anything with six children sat round about, three of which were sat between them. But Vincent and Catherine communicated with their eyes, and Vincent was left in little doubt that this trip to the crystal cavern to select a stone for Catherine’s ring was one of Father’s brighter ideas. Just at that moment Vincent closed down on the bond just to be sure that Catherine did not read his thoughts and uncover his secret and thus spoil his surprise. He needn’t have worried, for Catherine’s perception of the Bond his way was somewhat lesser especially in view of the flash flood of emotions that were riding high throughout her body just for the mere sight of him. It was taking all of her attention just to hold tight her emotions before she disgraced herself dreadfully in full view of everyone. Keeping a tight rein on the moan that threatened to erupt and trying to stop her limbs from exploding into a mass of quivering desire took all the strength that she possessed at that moment. Suddenly with one accord just as if they had been told the three children sat between them moved. A big empty space just begging to be filled stood between Vincent and Catherine. They both looked at it longingly, each willing the other to sidle across and fill it. And though for long moments time seemed to stand still, suddenly in one fluid synchronised movement each made the decision to do just that. Thus pressed close to one another Vincent was able to feel firsthand the trembling of Catherine’s limbs, intensified now out of control by the mere touch of his side pressed close to hers. “I love you.” Catherine whispered, with her gaze firmly upon her hands again, looking up at him to add, “so much.” Vincent swallowed. He knew full well their predicament and if not for the children then nothing would have stopped him making her his right at that very moment. He almost cried with the frustration and the relief of that fact, yet all the same surprised Catherine with words she never expected to hear him utter, “Catherine I want you desperately.” They erupted from deep within his soul, surprising even him and his eyes darkened and his passion swamped her until she drowned in them. Her lips parted while she panted for breath, and Vincent felt he had never seen anything so delicious in all of his life. He wanted at that precise moment to lose himself in her warmth. To be enfolded in her arms and to stay there until he fossilised. Catherine was trembling; a fresh rush of desire travelling through her limbs as her heart and soul drank in his words. Gingerly Vincent placed his arm around her shoulders drawing her against him, and for long moments fought down the desire to take her somewhere while on this trip below and to hell with the consequences. If ever he had doubted her need to love him, he no longer doubted it now. Every fibre of her being screamed to him to make love to her, and though he was inexperienced in this, the Bond told no lies. Through their connection he knew her acceptance and knew she trusted him explicitly. That thought alone filled Vincent with joyous rapture. “Are you coming now Vincent?” The words spoken so innocently by Rebecca shocked Vincent to the core given the state of his arousal and his thoughts at that moment. He blushed beet red giving Catherine an indication of all he had been thinking, and she laughed gaily if somewhat shakily. The more she thought about it the more it made her laugh, until Vincent joined in with her thus easing the electrifying tension between them. Still shaking both Vincent and Catherine stood using the wall behind their backs for support, and as Vincent found Catherine’s hand within his own he felt reluctant to release it. He needed the contact with her. Just telling his feet to step forward to take up his place at the foot of the queue was almost impossible. His body and his brain did not function with one accord. That much was obvious to Catherine as she too felt the same. “Do you want to rest some more?” Geoffrey asked them watching them avidly, which to Vincent’s chagrin all the children now did. Vincent wanted nothing more than to rest until he had brought his body in control with his mind, but he knew the children were excited and in all honesty so was he. The sooner Catherine unwittingly chose her gemstone the sooner they could return and the sooner he could put the rest of his plan into action. The future, bright and rosy filled Vincent’s mind, and looking down at Catherine his eyes adored her remembering the vision they had shared at Lin and Henry’s wedding two years past. Reluctantly he let go of Catherine’s hand, his eyes telling of his turmoil in doing so, and telling himself just to breathe he took up his place again at the head of the group, while summoning the strength to reply. Finally he spoke, “No Geoffrey I am all right for the moment, let’s go shall we?” and with one timid backward glance and a smile for Catherine, Vincent led the remainder of the way down to the secret world of dancing lights deep beneath the catacombs. To be continued in chapter seven.