“We are. Or rather, we’re not going to be enemies. I don’t see what that has to do with Declan, though.”
“Philippa, quit being obtuse. You know what I’m saying. Richard’s father thinks you’re the perfect woman for him. You, yourself, are very attracted to him.” He finally managed, “I thought the two of you might have decided to give it a go.”
Pip sighed, “That’s a ridiculous conclusion. Richard made no romantic overtures toward me. He’s neither said nor done anything to indicate he’s even marginally interested. Therefore, moving forward with anything other than civility seems to be a bit of a fantasy on your part.”
Bertram accused, “But you said you’d host him for dinner if he called the next time he was in London.”
“And so I shall,” she replied. “But I’m not going to ditch Declan and put my life on hold on the off chance Richard will come to London for dinner someday. Bertram, he’s not interested. You need to give it a rest already and let me carry on with my life.” She added, “Which is something you should be encouraging me do, as my happy ending is in direct correlation to yours.”
Bertram decided to quit pushing Pip directly. She was being too hardheaded to listen to a thing he said. Of course, that didn’t mean he was going to sit back and let her make the biggest mistake of her life. He was simply going have to get busy and work another avenue, if the end was going to be a satisfactory one for both of them.
After leaving Pip, Bertram pondered why people made their lives so much harder by purposely ignoring the voices of their angels. He knew if he ever got back into his body, he was going to listen intently whenever his intuition told him what choice to make, which person to love, and which risks to avoid. After all, intuition was nothing more than the great beyond whispering in a body’s ear to help him find his way through the chaos of life.
Philippa and Declan spent every free moment together after she returned from America. Hours passed at dinner, at the cinema, at the art museum. Time flew as they took long walks on the Heath and talked about anything and everything that came to mind.
Pip continued to give her messages to whoever Bertram instructed her to, and Declan looked on encouragingly. He believed in her ability and the good it brought others. He supported her and made her feel like a worthy member of society, instead of an outcast.
One woman, in the park, was so angry by a message Pip shared, she threw a half full cup of coffee at her. Pip managed to jump back in time not to get splattered, but it hadn’t made the scene any less dramatic.
Declan witnessed it and immediately went over to where Pip was talking to the woman. He stood between them and in a very kind tone said, “You’re only angry because it’s hard to believe what you’re being told. But just for a moment, put your doubt aside and accept it as truth. Now what do you feel?”
Pip and Declan watched as the woman’s face seemed to morph before their eyes. First, all the anger drained out, almost like a living thing slithering out of her. Then her eyes filled with tears, and not too many moments later, a new energy animated her features. It was happiness.
She looked at Pip full of guilt and gratitude and apologized, “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
Pip nodded and assured her it was all right. But when she and Declan walked away, she asked, “How did you know what to say to her?”
“I just thought of what my reaction would be if we didn’t know each other and you had a message for me.” He continued, “I think at first I’d feel accosted, almost angry that someone I didn’t know would have personal information about me. Then I’d feel doubt because how could a stranger know such things? Then I think the two emotions would blend together and form a storm of their own.” He deduced, “Rage would be the logical result.”
Pip had never really thought about it like that. Yet somehow Declan was able to pinpoint the exact thing most people probably experienced. It went beyond disbelieving in her abilities. It was about feeling vulnerable and exposed by someone they didn’t know, someone who, by all rights, shouldn’t know so much about them. It was definitely something to ponder.
After a take-away curry, Pip and Declan cuddled up on his couch and watched an old Bogart film. They snuggled under the afghan his grandmother had knitted for him when he graduated from law school. Declan offered, “It’s hard to believe all of these actors are dead, isn’t it?”
Pip declared, “Not really. This film was made in the early forties. It would be more surprising if any of them were still alive.”
“I guess,” he replied. “Have you ever passed on any messages from dead celebrities?”
Laughing, Pip answered, “I can’t tell you that. Remember all the rules and regulations I have to follow.”
“It’s kind of nice to know there are rules even after we die, isn’t it? I mean, I like order and it’s a comfort to know that doesn’t go away.”
Pip shrugged, “I guess. Although, truth be told, I’d like to think when I die I’ll get to take a break from the rules, at least for a while.”
The couple sat in silence watching the film, when Declan asked, “Pip, how would you like to go away with me this weekend? I thought we might take a mini-break and head off to Leeds. We could stay at one of the little cottages they let at the castle.”
Pip loved the idea. Things were progressing very nicely with Declan and she thought a getaway was be exactly what they needed to take their relationship to the next level. So she responded, “That sounds wonderful.” Then she sealed the deal with a long and lingering kiss that promised more to come.
Philippa realized how nice it was going to be to have a beau during the holidays. She hadn’t had that in a very long time. They decided to wait until Christmas break to meet each other’s families. By then, it would be a good time to officially consider themselves a couple.
Skating On
Chapter 37
Richard was very happy to discover that Chantal didn’t want to go off the books and commit to another man until she’d first had another date with him. Rachel called to set up something for Thursday night after he got back from Chicago. He thought ice skating at Rockefeller Center, followed by dinner somewhere warm and inviting, would be a wonderful way to further their connection—not to mention the romantic aspects.
Richard still thought about the woman from London, but made a conscious decision to quit obsessing over her. Why waste precious time focussing on someone who clearly wasn’t interested in return? He was going to start living in the here and now instead of chasing some unattainable fantasy.
He decided the holidays were the ideal time to take stock of his life and see what was working and what wasn’t. It was the perfect opportunity to reflect on where he’d been and where he was going. Richard wanted a mate. He wanted a partner to share the joy of family with. He wanted someone to grow old with.
He realized it was time to stop thinking a grand passion was the means to that end. Perhaps a slow-growing love had more longevity than some fiery lust sure to burn itself out. He was almost forty-two years old, he reminded himself. It’s more than possible it was time to quit letting his hormones dictate his choices.
Richard sat at the ice skating rink feeling full of hope and possibility. Chantal arrived and stood on her tiptoes to greet him. Kissing him on both cheeks, she greeted, “I’m glad you wanted to see me again.”
He assured her, “I enjoyed our first meeting very much. I’m sorry I had to go out of town so quickly afterwards.”
She answered, “I understand. Thanksgiving is a big holiday for you Americans, no?”
“It is. In fact, it’s probably my favorite holiday.”
“Mine is Easter,” she relayed.
That took Richard by surprise. He wouldn’t have thought Easter as a contender for favorite holiday. As far as religious celebrations went, Christmas was the grand poobah of festivities. So he asked, “Why Easter?”
Chantal replied, “It’s epitomizes the full story of life. Betrayal, death
, grief, resurrection, new life, and finally, new promise.”
It was a beautiful way to summarize both the holiday and the journey of life. Richard realized this woman had clearly been hurt in the past, but she wasn’t wallowing in it. Whatever had happened was gone. Perhaps they would find a new life together.
Ice skating in New York City at night was such a magical experience, Richard mused it should be included as one of the wonders of the world. Laughter and romance surrounded them and he felt himself getting pulled further and further into the promise of a new beginning.
Over dinner, he learned that both of Chantal’s parents were dead and that she’d moved to New York to start fresh. He asked about past relationships. Had she been married? Was she on the heels of a break up?
She answered, “Both. My husband and I realized quite soon after our marriage we didn’t suit and we separated without incident. That was years ago.” She was quiet for a long moment before adding, “I met Jacob the first year I was in New York. He’s an artist.”
When she didn’t continue right away, Richard prodded her, “What happened with him?”
She sighed, “We were together for two years. I wanted to get married and he didn’t. So I gave him an ultimatum. I told him that if he didn’t commit to me in the way I wanted him to, I would leave.” She looked up sadly and smiled, “And I did.”
“I’m very sorry,” Richard offered. “It’s difficult to have feelings that aren’t returned in the same way.”
Chantal replied, “Oh, the feelings were returned. He was devastated I was going. He begged me to stay. He eventually said he’d consider marriage if I’d stay.” She smiled sadly and continued, “But I learned long ago you can’t force someone to act against their beliefs. They’ll only come to resent you for it.”
“He didn’t believe in marriage?” Richard asked.
“He did not, but it went deeper than that. He didn’t believe in God. He felt no need to pledge our love to one another in front of what he called a mythical father with no heart. He felt a world so full of sadness and evil couldn’t possibly be the result of a benevolent creator.”
Richard asked, “What do you think?”
She smiled, “I think life is full of hope and wonder. It’s full of love and mercy. Life is the ultimate thrill ride and the only thing that keeps me from flying off into the abyss, is the belief that there is a God. Every emotion I have, whether it’s sadness or joy, is a gift from my God and I embrace them to the fullest.”
Richard had never found out so much about a woman’s core belief system so early on in the dating process. Chantal was a deep thinker, a profound feeler, and a devoted believer in a higher being. In short, she was so much more than met the eye, and he liked what he saw.
Richard shared a lot of his life with Chantal, as well. He told her about his brief marriage. He shared his frustrations of finding someone to move into the future with. He even disclosed the details of his troubled relationship with his father.
She asked, “Have you forgiven him yet?”
“Forgiven him?” He replied, “I guess. I mean, he’s dead. It’s not like we can sit down for a heart-to-heart and he can apologize so I can forgive him.”
“Why not?” she asked. “I talk to my parents all the time. I tell them I love them, I ask for their advice, and I thank them for everything they’ve given me. I thank them for making me a strong person.”
Richard offered, “But you had a good relationship with your parents. My relationship with my father was always troubled. He never made time for me. He didn’t show any interest in my life.”
Chantal wondered, “Why do you assume the relationship with my parents was good?”
“Because you grieve for them,” he replied.
The Frenchwoman reached across the table and took Richard’s hands. “Oh Richard, you’re grieving more than I ever have. You’re mourning for your childhood and your family, and most of all you’re grieving for your father.” She continued, “You couldn’t possibly feel so much betrayal and anger if you didn’t first feel the same degree of love.”
Richard was stunned by her words. He knew she was right and that realization hit him like a blow to the heart. He did love his father. In fact, he’d worshipped him as a child. He was angry at him for not spending time with him, but mostly he was mad that he’d died before finding peace with his son.
Richard asked, “How do your parents talk to you?”
“They send scents, bluebirds, songs . . . they talk to me in a million ways. I just have to make sure I’m listening. Richard,” she added, “parents don’t stop parenting once they die. In fact, sometimes they do it more so because they aren’t distracted by earthly pursuits. Believe me, your father is talking to you every day. You just have to release your anger and listen.”
Richard smiled reflectively, “Thank you, Chantal. I can’t tell you what this conversation has meant to me.”
She replied, “I think we’re kindred spirits, Richard. We’ve both been hurt, but neither of us has been defeated.”
Over dessert, Richard said, “Rachel told me you had a third date recently and you were interested in a fourth. I hope you’ll put that date off until we can see each other again.”
She nodded her head in response, “I’d like that, Richard. Very much.”
Leeds
Chapter 38
True to his word, Bertram stopped trying to get Pip to walk away from Declan. In fact, the lad was starting to grow on him. That didn’t mean he thought he was right for Philippa, but he recognized him as a fairly decent chap, nonetheless.
While Pip packed for her mini-break, he said, “You need to be heading back to America very soon.”
Pip accused, “Are you still trying to set me up with Richard? Bertram, you have to stop it already. Declan and I are really clicking.”
Bertram replied, “Nah, nothing like that, love. In fact your Mr. Bingham seems well on the way to falling in love with someone else.” He advised, “You need to go see your brother and his wife. Mimi’s got some troubles coming her way and she could really use your help.”
Two emotions hit Pip rather hard. The first was jealousy. Richard had found someone else, had he? Clearly, their kisses hadn’t meant as much to him as they’d meant to her. Maybe he was just some lunatic who liked first kisses and didn’t have the fortitude to take things further. How dare he toy with her heart like that? Twice, even!
Of course she realized if he was half-way in love with someone else that meant he was sticking to it with the other woman. So maybe it was just her he didn’t want. That thought hurt more than it should considering she was supposedly half-way in love with Declan.
The second feeling to hit Pip was worry. What kind of troubles could Mimi possibly have coming her way? And why were those troubles just hers and not Elliot’s? She asked, “Is there something wrong with the baby?”
“No,” Bertram replied. “She’s just going through a lot and she could really use your support.”
Pip still wasn’t certain if Bertram was trying to manipulate her or not, so she declared, “I don’t want to leave Declan. I mean really, Bertram, I’d think you’d want me to stay, as well. After all, the sooner we get together, the sooner you get back into your body.”
He sighed dramatically, “While I would normally agree with you whole-heartedly, it seems my concerns aren’t the only ones that matter here. Apparently, there are other souls in the universe in need of assistance other than myself.”
“Will I have to be there long?” she asked.
“I can’t say,” he replied. “But if it turns out it’s longer than expected, it would be the perfect opportunity to have Declan visit America and meet your brother.”
Pip wasn’t quite sure why Bertram had given up on his negativity about her new beau, but he was right. She would love for him to meet Elliot. So she asked, “Can it wait until after New Year?”
“I should think so, but don’t wait too much longer. Mimi really is c
oming into a rough patch.”
Philippa agreed to purchase her ticket and let them know she would be visiting soon. She wasn’t looking forward to leaving Declan, but at least they had a couple of weeks together before she had to.
On their way to Leeds, Pip said, “I need to go back to America for a time after New Year.”
He asked, “Whatever for? You were just there.”
She told him all about what Bertram said about Mimi needing her help. Then she added, “Maybe you can get away and join me for a few days.”
A bright smile overtook his face, “I’d like that very much. I’ll put in for the time as soon as we get back to London.”
Mimi replied, “Why don’t you email work as soon as we get to Leeds? Then you’ll be that much more likely to get it.”
Declan reached over and squeezed Pip’s hand, “That’s a wonderful idea. Of course you know I might not be able to take as much time away over the holidays if I’m going away right after.”
She smiled, “That’s okay. I think it’d be worth it just knowing you’re going to meet Elliot.”
Declan declared, “Philippa, have I told you lately how glad I am that Liam and Sephra set us up?”
“You haven’t,” she laughed. “But I feel the same way. It’s kind of a miracle things turned out so well.”
Over dinner at Leeds Castle, Declan exclaimed, “I love this place. I swear I must have had a past life here. Maybe I was even the original Saxon owner, Chief Leed himself!”
Pip playfully asked, “You’ve been here before, have you?”
She didn’t know quite how to read his reaction to her question. First he looked startled, and then he behaved rather nervously. He fumbled around to grab his wine glass, but only managed to overturn it and spill bordeaux all over the white table cloth. He jumped up to avoid getting it on his trousers when the waiter came over to assist and replace their table setting.
Kindred Spirits: A Romantic Comedy About Love, Life, and the Afterlife . . . Page 18
