Subj: Together We Stand-a sequel part 1
Date: 7/10/00 1:25:27 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Julianka
It will be good to see Elizabeth and Eliot. Julia thought to herself. Collinwood was fairly bursting with anticipation. Every one had gathered to welcome home the newly weds. Chris and Sabrina Jennings, newlyweds themselves, were here with Amy. Barnabas, Quentin and Julia had even talked Willie into coming. He had just come home from a visit with his family and had been shocked when they told him of the recent happenings. Roger and Carolyn were keeping a wary eye on Amy and David. The children were having a hard time not sneaking treats from the lavish buffet Mrs. Johnson had prepared for the party. Hallie had made a beautiful banner of Elizabeth's and Eliot's names. Roger and Quentin had hung it over the doors to the drawing room. And the foyer table was stacked high with brightly wrapped and beribboned packages. Elizabeth and Eliot were due to arrive any moment. Julia stood half way between the sofa and the fireplace, contemplating the miraculous cure of her two friends, Quentin and Chris. Smiling she thought Sabrina fairly glows with joy. Thinking he would never have a normal life and fearing, always fearing that he would hurt or destroy his loved ones. He had tried to keep Sabrina at arms length. Well, those days are over , Thank God! Julia mused. Julia was savoring this moment. Just to be near Barn...Ahem.. the people she cared about, with life returned to normal or as normal as life could ever be at Collinwood. " Oh really! You're happy to be near your loved ones? Any particular loved one Julia?" A mocking voice whispered in her mind. Startled Julia turned around, with a gasp. Roger, standing her reached out and took her arm. "Are you alright Julia? You look pale as ghost!"
"I ...I'm fine. Just a chill." She answered.
" Here by the fireplace? I hope your not coming down with something." he said as he patted her arm.
Who had spoken to her? Was it her own subconscience mocking her?
Just then David called out, "Their here! Their here!"
Everyone rushed through the foyer to the front doors David had left agape. "Welcome home!" they sang in one voice.
Elizabeth happily laughed, holding Carolyn in her arms. "I'ts so good of you all to be here to welcome us home."
"I missed you so much, mother." Carolyn said.
"Mrs. Stoddard, Mrs. Stoddard!" Amy was hopping up and down. "We got you presents!"
"It's Mrs. Stokes now Amy." Quentin said as he picked Amy up. "We'll get to the presents and the buffet in good time. Let's let them get their coats off first."
Everyone was hugging and kissing Elizabeth. Eliot was getting hand shook and back patted.
Mrs. Johnson said, "I'm sure you are hungry after your trip. There is a buffet laid out in the dining room."
"Mrs. Johnson, thank-you so much." said Elizabeth.
The party moved to the dining room. Quentin and Roger took charge of the drinks. And everone else filled their plates and went to the table. Carolyn and Barnabas inisting to Mrs. Johnson she must sit down and join them. The next hour passed happily with good food, drinking and laughter. Elizabeth and Eliot told of their honeymoon in Venice. And answered many questions.
"I would love to ride in a gondola, floating down the Grand Cannal! " sighed Hallie.
"Maybe you will one day, dear. Well, if everyone has had enough to eat. We'll go to the drawing room and show you all the snap-shots of our trip." Elizabeth stated.
"But the presents!" Amy reminded."
"I would suggest we give Elizabeth and Eliot the gifts now, or Amy will pop!" Quentin laughed.
Elizabeth and Eliot were escourted into the drawing room and seated on the sofa. Elizabeth said to Hallie, "Hallie dear, did you make that beautiful banner? With all the excitement I didn't get a chance to comment on it earlier. Thank-you dear."
Hallie blushed happily as Eliot too said, "You did a wonderful job, Hallie."
The gifts were carried in and placed on the coffee table. Elizabeth and Eliot cheerfully laughed knowing that they too had brought gifts back from their honeymoon for everyone.
"Where to start." Eliot said eyeing the pile of gifts.
"Mine first!" squealed Amy.
The gifts were opened. Amy's gift was a large gold foil covered box of chocolates. Carolyn's was a large silver framed wedding photo of Elizabeth and Eliot. Mrs. Johnson gave a beautiful set of monogramed towels. David had given a leather bound photo album for their honeymoon pictures. Barnabas gave a card stating that their portraits had been commissioned. Julia's gift was for more smaller silver frames for their dresser, that would be perfect for their honeymoon photos. Hallie gave a silver bud vase to compliment the frames. Chris and Sabrina's gift was engraved stationary. Roger had given several classic music records and a stereo. Quentin gave a case of Elizabeth's and Eliot's favorite sherry. Maggie gift was a beautiful hand made quilt in shades of blue.
"Thank-you so much. We will treasure your thoughful gifts forever." Elizabeth said with tears in her eyes.
Leaning close to Eliot, Elizabeth whispered in his ear. Nodding he rose, saying, "Quentin, Willy lend me your assistance momentarily, please."
"Of course, Eliot." "Yah, sure Professor." they answered.
Eliot,Quentin and Willy left the drawing room.
"What's happening, mother?" Carolyn asked.
"You'll see in a minute." said Elizabeth smiling.
A few minutes later, the men returned carrying several large packages.
Then much to Amy's delight, Elizabeth announced, "We brought gifts for everyone from our trip."
Everyone smiled, as Amy clapped her hands and squealed. Elizabeth and Eliot passed around the gifts. Roger- a first edition of Dicken's Pickwick Papers. Quentin- a case of Venetian brandy. Barnabas- Venetian glass decanter and matching glasses. Amy- A golden charm bracelet with tiny gold charms, a gondola, a palace,etc. Hallie- drawing paper, inks, paints, charcoals and a small canvas. Willie- a snow globe of a scene from Venice. Chris and Sabrina- a small painting of the Bridge of Sighs. Maggie- a small golden pendant with a tiny gondola engraved on it. David- a carved wooden puzzle box. Mrs. Johnson- a set of hand blown glasses. Carolyn- a golden pendant with matching earrings. Julia- a cameo pin.
Julia watched the gift opening and merry- making with a wry smile on her face. Looking at Elizabeth and Eliot, she saw all the little gestures that spoke volumes of a love given and returned.
Later that evening in her room, as she was getting ready for bed, she sat brushing her hair at the vanity. What she saw reflected there startled her. "Face it," Julia thought, "you have often comdemned Angelique for pursuing Barnabas when he didn't return her love. But what are you doing?" The brush slowed and stopped. "The same thing! No, not the same thing! Yes, the same exact thing; hoping he'll suddenly turn to you, following him, adoring him!" Julia's head fell to the vanity top. Sobbing into her arms, she thought, "How much is really love?" Sniffling, she looked up at her reflection. "How much is just habit? You stubborn fool! Wake-up! He doesn't love you. Have I been continuing this crush out of stubborn pride!" Drying her face, she thought, "It's time to let go. I have to move on." In bed she tossed and turned half the night.
To Be Continued . . .