Subj: Together We Stand chapter 1
Date: 7/10/00 1:15:49 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Julianka
What a delightful evening this turned out to be! Eliot thought to himself. And to think he hadn't wanted to come at all! It wasn't any wonder,after the day he had had. His students had seemed more obtuse than usual, and that deadly dull faculty meeting ended his school day on a painful note. Eliot had been bored; well, face it man, he was lonely. The few people who held any interest for him seemed to guard their secrets like a miser with his gold. But here he was enjoying himself immensely. The dining room at Collinwood, while extremely elegant, was not so opulent as to impede comfort. From the crystal chandelier to the cherry wood sideboard and dining table genuine antiques all and in excellent taste. The conversation had been witty, the company delightful. How good it did his heart to see Hallie had settled down and seemed at ease here at Collinwood. He had despaired that she never would, after the tragedy of her parents death. Not to mention the terror she experienced with the ghost of Gerard. Yes, Eliot thought, leaning back and looking at his fellow diners, I am very glad I came. What a marvelous meal! All of his comfort foods from the Beef Wellington to.... yes, Mrs. Johnson was carrying in Floating Islands now! Well, credit where credit was due. "Mrs. Johnson, my compliments on an excellent dinner. The Beef Wellington was superb and Floating Island is one of my favorites."
Mrs. Johnson replied as she continued serving dessert," I thank-you for the thought Professor, but Mrs. Stoddard prepared the food. If it twas' me,I would have boiled the beef like as not."
"Uncle Eliot", Hallie spoke up," Mrs. Stoddard asked me what your favorite meal was. She said you seemed to need cheering up. You are all right, aren't you Uncle Eliot?" she finished with a concerned look at her Uncle.
"I am fine, dear. And I feel truly blessed to be in such good company with you beside me, my dear. Well Elizabeth, my thanks to you for the wonderful dinner."
"Not at all Eliot, I'm just happy that you could join us," Elizabeth replied with a slight blush on her face for the compliment. " Would you all like to have coffee in the drawing room now?"
"Can't tonight, Liz, I have reports that I have to go over before tommorrow's board meetings." Roger apologized.
"Really Roger, that makes four nights this week!" Liz complained.
"Sorry my dear, but this is our busy season. If you will excuse me." He said as he left the room.
Me too, Aunt Elizabeth. Hallie and I need to work on our homework. Maggie said we could write our themes together." David added with a glance at Hallie.
Hallie, looking doubtful said,"Please excuse us Mrs. Stoddard."
"Of course you are excused. Run along children, and don't stay up too late."
Just as Roger and the children left the room, Carolyn chimed in,"Mother, Maggie and I are also leaving you. We promised to meet Joe at the Blue Whale, and if we don't leave soon, we will be dreadfully late!"
"Off with you then!" Liz laughed. "Have a good time."
"Thank you, Mrs.Stoddard and good evening Professor, Julia." Maggie said as she left the dining room.
"Well," Elizabeth said turning to Eliot and Julia, "It looks like it's just the three of us. I can't imagine what happened to Quentin."
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry, but I promised Barnabas that I would come to the Old House right after dinner. He has discovered a box of letters in the attic and wants me to go thru them. Eliot, I know Barnabas particularly wanted you to see the letters. Will you join us?" Added Julia.
Eliot had been watching Elizabeth's face as Julia spoke. It seemed to pale slightly and a kind of weary acceptance came over her eyes. Was she, too, feeling lonely? When he had arrivied this evening and saw her, she smiled as she greeted him. At that moment, the loneliness, the weariness had faded away as if they had never been. Eliot was split in his decision. How odd, he thought, I usually know exactly what I want to do! Could it be that Barnabas and Julia were going to share one of their secerets, maybe finally include him in the whole picture? They would be surprised to learn just how much he had surmised for himself. Perhaps there is some new trouble that they need his help and advise with. But he loathed leaving Elizabeth just now. He had always been impressed with this lady. For a lady she is, intelligent, caring, and slightly sad. How he longed just to sit and talk with her.
"Elizabeth, if I am not too long with Barnabas and Julia, may I return for that coffee?"
Liz looked up into his eyes, a hint of sparkle returning to their crystal blueness.
"Please do, Eliot. I would enjoy continuing out conversation."
"Well then Julia, let us be off. Mustn't keep Barnabas waiting," he added with a bow to Elizabeth.
To be continued.........