FOR MY LADY

by PearlAnn SnowStar

My boat sails stormy seas, Battles oceans filled with tears …

Vincent was nervous as he packed his small suitcase. He recalled months ago that he was doing this very same thing and was talked out of going with Catherine to that special cabin in Connecticut. That cabin by the lake. Was he going to be stopped again? Seems like it, as he saw Mouse by the entrance to his chamber.

“Vincent?” Mouse waved his hands. “No, no stop…just be careful. Jacob needs his parents.”

Vincent sighed. “It’s just…” He looked at his friend. “That last time, you, as well as Pascal and Jamie and we must not forget Father, talked me out of this. This is one thing I can do for Catherine. And…”

Mouse walked up to Vincent and gave him a hug. “Mouse understands. Never got a chance.“ Mouse let go of Vincent. “Then sad time. Maybe no more Catherine. Now back.”

Vincent nodded. He could not speak, as he recalled that time and the deep feeling of loss and hurt.

“Catherine wants to go. Show Vincent sky.” Mouse straightened up. “Ok good. Ok fine. Mary watches Jacob. I watch Father.”

Vincent gave him a questioning look.

“Father might yell again. You and Catherine need this.” Mouse walked quickly away.

Vincent had to keep up his courage. Catherine wanted to go there for the fifth anniversary of their meeting and their first wedding anniversary. And so, they were going. Last year they had a joining ceremony for their fourth, and now it’s the cabin for their fifth.

Yet, there was fear in his heart. What if something did happen? What if someone once again takes his Catherine? She had, for the most part, stayed Below since her return, only going up briefly and always with a Helper. Vincent could not lose his beautiful precious Catherine again. Never again.

This time, we will have our dreams. This time, we will live long and die together.

* * *

Catherine was waiting with Lin in the store. The store that Lin’s grandfather owned. Henry was at the counter.

Would Vincent be talked out of it again?

“Catherine?” Catherine turned and looked at Lin. “It’s going to be all right. Vincent and you must do this. To have a special dream.”

“Lin, so many things have happened. I’m a little scared. Luckily, with the help of Peter, I got the brownstone so Vincent and I can have privacy, away from Below.”

“As well as to stay connected now and then to your life above.” Lin nodded her head. “I can still remember when you met Joe, your former boss, here. He was shocked as we all were.”

Catherine nodded her head. “I told him I was in Witness Protection.”

Lin smiled. “Sort of the truth, in a way.” Lin touched Catherine’s arm. “Vincent and you must do this. You both need to become brave enough to reach out to life and grab whatever dream you can.”

“Now that I truly realize how precious and short life is.” Catherine felt the tears starting to form. “I missed Jacob’s first steps, his…”

Lin embraced her. Looking at her, she said, “That was in the past. You are back. You healed and now you are celebrating. Happy first wedding anniversary.”

Catherine had a melancholy look on her face. “Something I thought would never happen.”

“But it will.” Vincent stood by the back of the store.

Catherine noticed his suitcase. She walked quickly over to him. Vincent met her halfway and put the suitcase down to hug her.

Catherine looked at him. “The van is in the back.”

“Going to get the van now!” Henry called out as he ran out the door.

Lin smiled and walked up and gave Vincent a hug. “I am so glad Catherine and you are doing this. You both need to do this.”

Vincent nodded. “We have to face our demons.” He picked up his suitcase.

“My suitcases are already in the van,” Catherine said.

“Actually, four suitcases are in the van.” Lin grinned, as Vincent looked at Catherine whose face was getting red.

“Just not sure what to bring,” Catherine whispered.

“It’s only going to be four days,” Lin said. “But I would do the same.”

Henry walked into the store. “Ok, let’s do this quickly. No one is around to see. Come, Vincent.”

Vincent followed Henry out of the store into and into the back of the van. He looked at Catherine’s suitcases.

Catherine got into the driver’s seat. “Want to sit up here, with me?”

“No, I feel safer back here.” He started to chuckle.

“What?” Catherine looked back at him.

“Lin was right. Really, Catherine?”

Catherine turned around. “Yes, I need…things.” She heard his quiet laughter. “You just wait and see.”

She turned the key and the van pulled away.

* * *

‘At last my port’s in view, now that I’ve discovered you’*

They had left at dawn and now the morning had begun. Sitting in the back of the van, looking out the front window, Vincent could see the blue of the sky. The clouds.

“It’s still in the forties.” Catherine looked at him via the rear-view mirror. “But no rain. We have one more hour.”

“One more hour.”

“That’s a somber tone if I ever heard one.” Catherine took a deep breath.” But, I…understand. We are going to be all right, Vincent. We must be. We deserve this.”

“Catherine, I am trying…”

“To be brave. I know. That is why I asked you to do this yesterday and not say a word to Father this time. And I am glad when I asked Mary last night to watch Jacob, that she agreed and that she would not speak to Father until we were gone.”

“Still, Mouse found out.” Vincent paused, then continued, “Father is going to be enraged that we did not discuss this with him.”

“We will deal with him when we get back.” Catherine looked ahead. So few cars were on the highway. A good sign. “I will call Peter, and Henry and Lin, and let them know we are safe once we get to the cabin.”

“Catherine…”

“Yes?”

“The sun’s warmth is coming through the windshield.”

Catherine glanced in the rear-view mirror and noticed he was glowing. It warmed her heart. She said nothing; she wanted him to savor the sun. She could also feel an intense feeling of peace. He was finally in a space where he was free. Totally free.

* * *

Vincent was so happy, so free and grateful that Catherine understood. The hour had passed so quickly and the cabin was in view. He almost stopped breathing. The trees had young green leaves starting to emerge. Blossoms, too. The sky was so blue. He felt like a child in a candy store.

When she stopped the van, he jumped out of the back and took a look around. He heard her laughter and looked at her.

Chuckling, she grabbed his hand. “We can unload some of the things, like the food in the cooler for our supper. The rest, we can take in later.”

He nodded. He was speechless. If this was a dream, he did not want to wake up.

They quickly got the food into the cabin. The ice had melted in the cooler. Catherine put a towel on the counter and placed the food on the towel. She drained the cooler of water and put the food back in, but left it open. She placed the food into the fridge.

He looked around. This was a cabin? It was more like a mansion. The kitchen was huge. Amazing. William would have loved it. The living room had a huge curved couch and a recliner next to it. They surrounded a fireplace. There was another space with a smaller couch and a TV and a stereo in front of it.

“Well…” Catherine walked up to him. “Shall we take a walk before we get the suitcases in?”

He nodded.

“Vincent?” Catherine looked at him. “You are so quiet.”

“Catherine,” he whispered, “this is all so magical.”

“I never thought of it that way.” Her eyes sparkled. Her hair had highlights from the sun.

“A little walk.” His dream of walking with her in the sun was coming true.

She nodded and took the hand he offered willingly. Together they walked out of the cabin. They walked around the van. He noticed that the driveway was like a road. He could not see the end of it. They walked around the cabin. He noticed each tree, each shrub, and even the wildflowers starting to appear.

They walked to the back and found a path.

“We can see the beach, which is to the right, later.” She looked up at him. “I want to show you my special spot.”

“And perhaps see some deer?”

She laughed. “I don’t know, but we shall see.”

* * *

‘Oh, I’d give my life so lightly, For my gentle lady, Give it freely and completely, To my lady’*

Catherine was tired from the walk. He could sense it. “Catherine, let me get the suitcases and place them in the bedroom upstairs. Just sit on the couch and take a rest.”

She looked at him. “You don’t mind?”

“No, now rest. I’ve had the most amazing afternoon.” He noticed the sun had come through the windows and seemed to shimmer, not only with the sunlight, but as if a fairy had touched them with a magical glow. The sun illuminated the living room. She went over to the couch that surrounded the fireplace and laid down. She was a vision, even with jeans and a long white sweater.

He went to work. Five suitcases would be no problem. He took two at once and went upstairs. Then back down the stairs to get the other two. Quickly he took those upstairs. He paused. Her suitcases were heavy. What did she pack? But he would find out what was in them later. He went downstairs to get his suitcase.

He went to the van and got his suitcase, locked the van and went inside. He quickly glanced her way. She had fallen asleep. As quietly as he could, he went upstairs, placed his suitcase next to hers, and came back downstairs.

He stopped. All he could do was stand there and marvel at his angel. So beautiful. She was a goddess. A vision. How could she love him? How could she accept him? But she did.

If the first day was this magical, what would the next three days be? He prayed that there would be no dangers to come. That this weekend would be suspended in a time of peace and love.

He went over to the phone. Catherine had placed her purse by it. Next to the purse was a notepad. He opened it and found Henry and Lin’s number as well as Peter’s. He knew that he should call them. They were probably wondering what was happening. He would let them know they were ok and let his lady sleep.

* * *

Catherine woke up and for a moment forgot where she was. She looked around. The sun was beginning to set. Suddenly she remembered she should call Henry and Lin, as well as Peter.

“Oh, my God.” She jumped up.

“Catherine, it’s all right.” She turned and saw Vincent wearing only a white turtleneck and pants and not tons of clothing. “I called Henry and Lin and let them know we had taken a small walk when we got here, after we put the food away. Peter did not answer his phone, so I left a message on his answering machine.”

He walked over to her and gently kissed her forehead. “I put the steaks in the oven just now, as well as the potatoes.”

“Oh, you can cook.” She looked at him with a mischievous grin. “I am so glad I married you.”

“Want to set the table?”

“Sure.” She sniffed. “Oh, you can definitely cook. That smells wonderful.”

“Hungry?”

She felt the butterflies in her stomach. Quietly, she said, “Yes and not just for food.”

He looked at her and his puzzled look had her laughing.

They walked into the kitchen. She was so happy. This was what it was like to have a normal life with a normal meal with her husband. Her husband. The dream had finally come true.

* * *

‘As life goes drifting by, Like a breeze she’ll gently sigh, And slowly bow her head, Then you’ll hear her softly cry.’*

Later that night, Vincent and Catherine laid in the huge bed upstairs. They were looking at the stars in the night sky through the skylight windows above the bed. She turned every now and then to give him a kiss on the cheek.

“We’d best get ready for bed.” She had a naughty look in her eyes. “Want to make love under the stars?”

She did not wait for his reply but started to move her hands under his turtleneck.

“Catherine!” He felt her…lust?

“Don’t be so modest. After all, only cupids are watching us from above.” She got up and started to remove her clothes. “Or are you too tired?”

The tone of her voice. He was not going to refuse her. He removed his turtleneck and took off his boots and pants. He placed his boots at the front of the bed. When he turned, she was not tucked into the sheets. She was naked on top of the bed and patted the spot next to her.

Taking a deep breath, he still could not believe that this was happening. That she loved him. Him! And she was driving him crazy with her feelings of desire. Which only added to his.

“I see we are already getting aroused,” she purred.

He got on the bed and before she could do anything, he was on top of her, kissing her all over. She sighed as she moved her hands up and down his back.

No interruptions. Just him and his lady. He will treasure this memory, this night. He wanted to give her as much pleasure as she could possibly take, but he wanted to be gentle.

She whispered into his ear, “Vincent, I won’t break. Love me, love me completely.”

He gave her a kiss so filled with desire, it left her breathless. That my lady, will be no problem.

* * *

‘Oh I’d give my life so lightly, For my gentle lady, Give it freely and completely to my lady’*

He did not want to wake up as he felt his lady lying in his arms. Slowly he opened his eyes.

“You are still purr-growling.” Her gentle voice. Her love. Was he getting gluttonous? He wanted to find as much time as he could to hold her, love her, please her. And such times were so few.

He looked at her. Yes, she was still there. He reached over and gave her a passionate kiss, which left her breathless.

He gave her another one.

He was going to give her a third one as he mounted her, but she gently placed her hands on his chest “Much as I don’t mind staying in bed making love all morning, I, for some reason, am hungry.”

“Well, what happened last night,” he teased.

“Are you blushing? That is so adorable.” She kissed his cheek.

“You, too, are blushing.”

“Actually, I’m in the afterglow of love.” She had a passionate look on her face.

He gave her another passionate kiss, then reluctantly got out of bed. “Breakfast, then perhaps, we can listen to a special song.”

She sat up. “Song?” She had a quizzical look on her face.

“Yes, I found an old tape and I played it on the tape machine in our brownstone apartment. From someone called Moody Blues.”

She started to laugh. “That’s a band, not a person and that tape is from college and I think Nancy gave that to me.”

“There is a song, it’s like a beautiful poem, it resonates with my heart, as if someone knew how I feel about you.”

“Now I am curious. And surprised. That is a rock band.”

“A rock band with an orchestra.”

“Huh,” she got out of bed. “I haven’t heard that band in a long time. So, until tonight, what do we do?”

“Walk, eat, read to each other, enjoy each other’s company.”

She did a little dance. “Don’t forget lovemaking. God, Vincent, you are so good. Can’t believe we wasted our first two years.”

He felt flustered. She actually thinks I’m that good?

* * *

Catherine was walking with Vincent toward the beach and observing his reactions. She could feel his excitement as well as curiosity. He probably could spend all day examining every single leaf on each tree.

He reached out to her and pointed toward the sky. The clouds were not dark, but white and fluffy.

“I see a puppy!” Catherine was excited. It had been a long time since she noticed the clouds forming various shapes.

“And there,” he pointed to her left, “is a bird?”

“No, that’s a rabbit.” She laughed “Rabbit bird!”

They laughed and hugged each other. The wind blew and it got chilly.

“Catherine?” He moved to take off his cloak.

“No, it’s just a spring breeze.” How long has it been since she felt this alive, this free?

She felt his hand on her cheek and she realized that a few tears had started to fall from her eyes. They looked at each other with deep love. Carefully and gently he wiped the tears away, then gave her a kiss.

He looked at her. “’Oh I’d give my life so lightly, For my gentle lady, Give it freely and completely to my lady.’” *

“Who wrote that?”

“It’s the song I wanted you to hear. It’s how I feel about you, Catherine. Take my life, my all.”

She melted. This was so like when they joined in marriage in front of the others. “Vincent, you are my life.”

They embraced. He tightened his hold on her and she closed her eyes. I’m in heaven or close to it.

* * *

Vincent could not have asked for a more perfect day. The afternoon was spent exploring the area by the beach, back into the woods and then back to the cabin for a light supper. Catherine had started a fire in the fireplace and he pushed the couch back, so they could sit on a blanket together on the floor in front of the warm fire.

She rested her head on his shoulder, as he read How Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barrett Browning to her. She, in turn, read Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116, ‘Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds.’

“Oh, this has been such a perfect day.” She looked up at him and stroked his cheek, noticing the softness of his furry face. Not at all scratchy like some beards.

He looked deep into her eyes. “Would you like to hear that special song?” 

She nodded yes.

“I placed the tape by the tape machine.”

“Ok, a rock band, this is interesting.” She slowly, reluctantly got up. “Should I fast forward to the song?”

“We can listen to the two songs before that song comes on. They, too, are…interesting.”

She chuckled. “It will only take a few seconds, but okay.” She shook her head.

“What?”

“I never took you for a lover of rock music.”

“They are much more than a rock band. They combined classical music with rock music.”

“Ok.” She walked over to the table, picked up the tape cassette and placed it into the tape player and then hit play. While the first song played, she made her way back to him and sat down next to him, placing her head on his shoulders. He was right. The two songs that played had meaning and depth to them.

“Now.” He looked deeply into her eyes. He gently held her as the song played. He felt how moved she was by the words.

Gently he kissed her on the top of her head as the song was coming to its end. 

‘Words that you say when we’re alone, Though actions speak louder than words. But all I can say is I love you, so drive away all my hurt. Oh I’d give my life so lightly For my gentle lady. Give it freely and completely To my lady. Set sail before the sun. Feel the warmth that’s just begun. Share each and every dream. They belong to everyone.’*

He smiled at her as he sang the last verse. “’Oh I’d give my life so lightly For my gentle lady. Give it freely and completely To my lady.’”

She looked at him with such passion before she tackled him and started to kiss him and remove his clothes, while he started to remove hers.

This was definitely going to be a passionate weekend. Thank you, Moody Blues.

____________

Songwriter: Ray Thomas

For My Lady lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

My boat sails stormy seas
Battles oceans filled with tears
At last my port’s in view
Now that I’ve discovered you
Oh I’d give my life so lightly
For my gentle lady
Give it freely and completely
To my lady
As life goes drifting by
Like a breeze she’ll gently sigh
And slowly bow her head
Then you’ll hear her softly cry.
Oh I’d give my life so lightly
For my gentle lady
Give it freely and completely
To my lady
Words that you say when we’re alone
Though actions speak louder than words
But all I can say is I love you so
To drive away all my hurt
Oh I’d give my life so lightly
For my gentle lady
Give it freely and completely
To my lady
Set sail before the sun
Feel the warmth that’s just begun
Share each and every dream
They belong to everyone.
Oh I’d give my life so lightly
For my gentle lady
Give it freely and completely
To my lady

For My Lady (Moody Blues) Seventh Sojourn is the eighth album by the Moody Blues, released in 1972.