Chapter 4

Veronica, dressed in her finest dress, was waiting for the car to pick her up; Sandra looked at her from where she was doing her homework.

"Wow Mom, you look smashing. Who's the lucky guy?" She asked,

Veronica felt herself blushing at Sandra's words, "It's just a dinner date with Sir Bartholomew and Joyce, I don't know who else will be there and so I thought I'd better look nice." Veronica said.

Sandra nodded and rolled her eyes, "Nice? Humph, well you don't look too gaudy... If I was pushed I'd say you were knock-down gorgeous, you're not making a play for this Sir Bartholomew are you? I wonder what it would be like to live in a posh house?" She added thoughtfully.

Veronica laughed, "I think Sir Bartholomew is a happily married man, and that isn't why I'm going to dinner!" She tried to sound annoyed, but Sandra's giggle let her know that she was kidding as well.

Precisely on time the car pulled up outside and a man got out of the passenger seat, he walked up the footpath and rang the bell. When Veronica opened the door she found she was looking at Timothy.

On seeing him Veronica's face dropped, "Do you think this is a good idea?" She asked him.

He glumly shook his head, "No, but father is right, we have to maintain tradition." He said stiffly.

Veronica didn't reply, although her eyes flashed with anger.

Timothy noticed this and sighed, "Mrs. Coleman, please, I don't like this but it is what the family has always done."

Veronica shook her head, "No Timothy, the times have changed and we must learn to change with them! Find a different way."

"There isn't any other way; she has to show that she's ready to fight for the family, that she's strong." Tim said.

"She's strong enough without having to risk her life for you, you know she might lose, and you'd never forgive yourself!" Veronica said

"I know! But without tradition we forget our roots and why we're doing what we are doing!" He said as if it was a creed.

Timothy escorted Veronica to the car and held the door open for her. After she was in the car and comfortable Timothy sat beside the driver and the car smoothly drove away.

When they arrived at Joyce's house, it was the driver who got out of the car, leaving Timothy sitting in the passenger seat, looking forward.

Joyce was escorted to the back seat and positioned behind the driver, she smiled at Veronica, "Well this is nice, isn't it Veronica?" Joyce said excitedly. "I've never heard of anyone being invited to the big house for dinner before, I suppose you've done this a lot?" she asked.

Veronica smiled, in spite of her feeling, "No, in fact this is my first real dinner appointment with him, I'm not sure how I'm going to react." She looked towards the passenger seat where Timothy was still looking straight ahead.

"I really don't know why he's invited me, and he spoke to me personally, wasn't that nice? Normally he has his people to pass on the messages, I'm so excited." Joyce was almost gushing in her speaking but she was taking glances at the two men in the front seats and a slight frown was on her face.

"What do you know about Sir Bartholomew?" Veronica asked.

"Well... not too much, he doesn't talk about his family to people; I tried to look him up in who's who. He married a Maureen Wyse, which was a bit of a shock to some people as several wealthy women were frequently associated with him." She said.

"Any children?" Veronica asked but then a telephone beside her started to chirp, she picked up the handset and a voice spoke to her.

"Now, now Veronica, I don't want Joyce to think about my family just yet, and Timothy is under strict orders not to make himself noticed by Joyce either." Sir Bartholomew said and then the phone went dead.

"Who was that?" Joyce asked interested.

Veronica thought fast, "That was the main control, they wanted to know if everything's alright" She found herself saying.

"Oh,..." Joyce said and then went back into silence. Veronica watched Joyce from the corner of her eye. She could see Joyce looking towards the front of the car, and then she opened her mouth in shock.

"What's the matter?" Veronica asked.

"Tha... That man in the front. He looks like... No he is Tim! But... it can't be! He told me he'd be out of the country... it was a special assignment!" She said confused.

"Maybe that man just looks like Timothy; there could be hundreds of reasons why he looks like that." Veronica said trying to sound reasonable but also wondering why she was going along with this strange affair.

"No... he looks too much... It is Tim!... But why didn't he phone? He should have..." Joyce knocked on the partition separating the front from the back of the car. The driver picked up a microphone and there was a click inside the car.

"I'm sorry Miss, but my colleague is under strict orders. I can only say that Sir Bartholomew will be able to answer any questions you may have." The speaker clicked off.

Joyce pounded on the glass with no answer for several more minutes before Veronica pulled her back into the seat.

"Joyce, they won't answer, they must be under orders to just drive us to Sir Bartholomew's, we won't find out anything until we get there." She said.

Joyce shook her head, "But he hasn't even looked at me!" She sobbed out.

"Perhaps he's not allowed to? Maybe it's all something to get you angry with both him and his family. How do you feel for Tim?" Veronica said but she wasn't sure why.

Joyce looked at Veronica, tears showing in her eyes, "I adore him; I worship the ground he walks on. I'd do anything to keep him." Joyce said.

Then the world went grey for Veronica she heard her voice whispering, "What if you were told to fight for him, but there was another way? They will defend themselves if forced, what if you don't force them? Would you try that?"

Joyce looked at Veronica who was now shaking her head and answered in a whisper "If it would prove my love for Tim, then I would walk naked into a fire for him, I won't hurt his family when I don't need to! Would that help?" She asked

But Veronica could say nothing as she held onto Joyce, she was still wondering why she had said what she had.

The car arrived at an imposing building and stopped, Joyce's door was opened by Wilson. "Miss Joyce, if you will come with me please." He said and extended his hand to Joyce.

"NO... no I need to talk to Timothy first, I have to know..." Joyce said.

"Miss, you will be given a complete explanation inside, please come with me." Wilson said.

"Go with Wilson, Joyce, I'm sure everything will be alright," Veronica said.

Joyce, sobbing, allowed herself to be taken out of the car. Once Wilson had taken Joyce into the building Timothy got out of the passenger seat and was opening Veronica's door.

She looked at his face, seeing the wetness on it as the tears were falling down his face. "So! You're not immune." She said.

Timothy shook his head, "The ordeal is for both of us, I'm not allowed to help her, I have to watch her suffer! He said.

"Rot! Just because your ancestors said so it doesn't mean that you have to follow them! Just think about it!" Veronica said as she allowed Timothy to help her out of the car.

"But... what can I do?" He asked her as they walked up the steps to the house.

"Smile at her! Encourage her! You know love and marriage is a partnership, two people trying to obtain the same goal. That's what love is all about!" The rest of the walk was continued in quiet contemplation.

"Veronica, it's so nice to see you again, may I introduce you to my long suffering wife, Lady Maureen." Sir Bartholomew brought forward a woman who greeted her warmly.

"How do you do, Lady..." Veronica started but was waved off.

"Oh I don't bother with that rubbish, I'm Maureen." She was told sweetly.

It was difficult for Veronica to have any mistrust in Maureen, no matter how hard she tried! She knew that there was a kindred spirit in the woman before her.

"Sir Bartholomew why was Timothy in the car? And why couldn't he talk to me? They said you would tell me." Joyce asked.

Sir Bartholomew gave Joyce a good natured pat on her arm, "And so I will, but later. I invited you to dinner and afterwards we'll have the entertainment." He said.

Joyce was puzzled, "Entertainment? What entertainment?" She asked.

"It's a surprise Joyce; you don't want to ruin it." Maureen said.

Wilson entered the room, "Dinner is served Sir, Ladies." He intoned gravely.

"Just in time." Lady Maureen said gaily.

"Allow me," Sir Bartholomew said extending his arm to Joyce who accepted it gracefully.

"Why don't we walk together?" Maureen said to Veronica. She allowed Sir Bartholomew and Joyce to get ahead of them and spoke quietly to Veronica.

"Please don't interfere with things Veronica. It's bad enough that I have to try to stop her, I really do like the girl, but it's all part of the traditions of the family." Maureen said.

"So change it! Traditions are alright, but they can be a straitjacket to family life and block out what is needed." Veronica hissed.

Maureen blinked as if uncertain how to accept Veronica's words.

They entered a large hall-like room which had a small table and four chairs; somehow they seemed out of place in the room. Wilson seated Lady Maureen and Veronica as Sir Bartholomew did the same for Joyce.

Maids came in carrying plates and a large tureen from which Wilson ladled out soup with a practised hand.

Joyce tasted the soup and smiled, "This is my favourite flavour soup, how wonderful." She said smiling.

Maureen returned her smile, "I know, in fact all the dishes have been devised with you in mind." She said making Joyce feel special.

However Veronica couldn't help but think, 'The condemned ate a hearty meal!'

During the dinner the talk was light and obviously designed to put Joyce at her ease.

It was the sweet course that things changed, a large covered dish was placed before Joyce and Maureen.

"Wha... what is this?" Joyce asked amused.

"Well my dear, I'm afraid this is where the dinner is over, we have a more serious problem to deal with." Sir Bartholomew said as Wilson removed the covers, revealing a selection of large knives.

Joyce looked at the knives and then around the table. "I don't understand." She said mystified.

"Prepare yourself Joyce Jones; show that you are worthy to court my son!" Maureen said.

Joyce looked up in surprise, "Your son?... But I don't..." She said and then gasped as a man shaped cage was lowered into view, inside the cage was Timothy.

Maureen looked back and the turned to face Joyce, "That is my son, Roger George Timothy, 23^rd baronet to be. Now Joyce Jones, if you want him you need to unlock the door to his cage, or be cast away from this family forever!" Maureen said anger now audible in her voice.

Joyce got up from her chair to run towards Timothy, but Maureen, in spite of her apparent age, was between her and her target.

"You'll have to get past me, and you'll need the key, the one I keep around my neck." Maureen said holding a long knife in her hand.

Joyce looked to the cage, "Tim, Tim, what can I do?" She shouted out.

"Be quiet girl, he's not allowed to help you, only you can help yourself. Now decide pick up your weapon and fight me for your love!" Maureen said, but at the same time Timothy was calling out.

"Mother doesn't want to hurt you, but will try to stop you; if you're armed she can attack you... Joyce I love you!" He said.

"Err... Veronica; did you have something to do with that?" Sir Bartholomew said, "Timothy knows he shouldn't help her!" he added.

Veronica gave a small smile, "No, but there was nothing to say he couldn't encourage her, he does love her as much as she loves him, and together their love will overcome any obstacles in their way." She said.

And indeed Joyce looked beyond Maureen to her boyfriend and she smiled and mouthed 'I love you too.' Before closing and opening her eyes and walking towards Maureen.

"What are you doing Joyce; I'm going to kill you!" Maureen said, but there was a quiver in her voice.

"Are you Lady Maureen?" Joyce said in a warm, calm voice, "And what will Timothy do then?" Maureen looked back to her son who was now standing and watching the pair of them.

"Be careful Joyce, remember I do love you." Timothy then called out.

"And I love you Tim, but I trust your family more, I won't fight your mother to get you... I love her for bringing you into the world." And so unarmed Joyce walked slowly on to Maureen, her arms outstretched.

Maureen backed away from Joyce, fear showing in her face, she had expected Joyce to pick up one of the knives, to fight for her love just, as a few of decades ago, she had fought Bartholomew's mother. But this was unnerving; she looked to Sir Bartholomew, "Barty? What do I do?" She said.

Veronica felt her body go cold, and then she heard a voice speaking, and was astonished to hear it was hers "Joyce has chosen her weapon, Maureen has to fight her with the same weapon!"

Sir Bartholomew looked at Veronica, "What weapon? She's unarmed." He said.

Veronica felt her head move to face him, "Grand Marshal, she is using the ultimate weapon she has, Love. Is there anything greater that can stop it?"

Sir Bartholomew looked at... no, not Veronica but the person standing in her place, and said, "Hate?"

Veronica felt her head shake, "No, Grand Marshal, hate is only another form of love; this is the thing to realise." And then Veronica's body grew warm again and she slumped down to the ground, or would have done if Sir Bartholomew hadn't grabbed hold of her limp body.

Unheeding of Veronica's state Joyce was getting closer to Maureen.

"No... please... stand back... I don't want to... to..." Maureen said and then she threw the knife away, "I can't do it, I'm sorry Barty but I can't!" and began sobbing.

Joyce was now with her and she embraced Maureen, "You see... mother... I knew you wouldn't hurt me." She said and then gently removed the key from Maureen's neck.

"How did you?..." Maureen asked confused.

Joyce shook her head, "I don't know! There was a part of me that wanted to take a knife and attack, but I realised there was always another way." She said.

Maureen took Joyce's hand and together they walked to the cage holding Timothy.

Maureen smiled at her son, "Timothy I give you your bride to be, she has overcome obstacles to remain with you and so I approve of your choice." She said as Joyce unlocked the cage holding her lover. Joyce held Timothy's hand and then turned to see Sir Bartholomew who was struggling with an unconscious "Veronica!"

There was a cool wet cloth being held over her head, Veronica stirred, "What happened?" She asked.

Maureen smiled down at her, the cloth still in her hand, "You fainted, I'm sorry." She said.

"Sorry? Sorry for what?" Veronica said, "You weren't the one who fainted." She said feeling stronger now, "Where's Joyce and Timothy?" She asked.

"Recovering and relaxing upstairs... was that your suggestion?" Sir Bartholomew's voice said from the other side of Veronica.

"No, it was her own choice... I did say you'd have to change your tradition." Veronica said and tried to rise, but the slight dizziness decided that she was better lying down.

"Change them! Change them! My dear Veronica they are completely shattered! But anyway what do you remember?" he asked her.

"Barty, Veronica needs to rest, not to be interrogated as if she's done something wrong!" Maureen said disapprovingly.

But Sir Bartholomew shook his head, "You don't know Maur, she channelled! Something took over her body, that's why she collapsed." He said so that only Maureen could hear.

"Oh... I'm sorry dear, I didn't know." Maureen said and stood back.

"Please Veronica; I need to know, what do you remember?" He repeated again.

"I... I was cold, so cold. Something was... using me... speaking, it didn't hurt; it was just as if I was a passenger." She said

"And what do you remember?" Sir Bartholomew pressed her.

"I'm not sure, only the term Grand Marshal... what does that mean?" She said looking at Sir Bartholomew.

"It's an old term from years ago, I... inherited it! How do you feel?" Sir Bartholomew sounded concerned as Veronica started to turn white.

"I'm okay, just a little bit... bit..." Veronica blacked out again.

Sandra heard the phone ringing and picked it up, "Hello?" She said.

"Miss Coleman? My name is Wilson; I am Sir Bartholomew's butler." Wilson said in his unhurried voice.

"Oh I'm sorry Mr. Wilson, but mommy's not back home yet!" Sandra said slightly anxious.

"No Miss, which is why I am calling. I'm afraid your mother is slightly indisposed at the moment and Sir Bartholomew thought it would be better if she remained here overnight." Wilson said calmly.

"You mean she got squiffy?" Sandra asked in a high pitched voice, she couldn't see her mother getting so drunk that she couldn't get home.

"Squiffy?... Err, no Miss. I can sincerely say that your mother is definitely not... Squiffy. She was taken unwell shortly after dinner and Lady Maureen decided that it would be better for her well being to remain where she can get attention if needed. However his Lordship was concerned that you may be worried or require some company overnight..." Wilson said getting into his stride.

"A babysitter? I don't need one of those I can look after myself!" Sandra exclaimed with all the force that a young teenager can muster.

"I am pleased to hear that Miss Coleman, however should you require any aid during the night I have a number you can call and you will be looked after." Wilson then gave Sandra the number and after ensuring she would be okay, he hung up.

What Wilson hadn't said was that there was a surveillance team already watching the house, just in case, and that they would be with her immediately she called.

Veronica knew she was sleeping, but there was a man standing before her, he bowed. "Delightful to meet you at last dear lady," He said and took her hand.

"Who are you?" Veronica asked slightly confused.

"Ah! Yes, I'm a friend... that's right a friend, and I've come to introduce you to someone you already know well." The man said and began to walk.

Veronica knew her legs were moving but nothing seemed to move, "Where is this?" She asked.

"Nowhere really, it's just an idea of a place, that's all. Somewhere so that you can relax." Then an old style study was surrounding them, large Chesterfield armchairs were arranged around an open fire. "I think this will do." The man said and escorted Veronica to a chair.

She sat down and then noticed that the man had vanished. "Hello?... Is anyone there?" Veronica said and then felt slightly annoyed at herself for saying that. She received no answer, she looked around again and saw that a table had appeared, and on it was a glass of something?

She took the glass and sipped the liquid inside it, the taste brought her memories of her marriage, she thought of her husband, William, and began to cry.

"Hey now lass, I don't think you'd do that!" An old familiar voice said Veronica looked up to the, now occupied, chair in front of her.

There, dressed in his sergeant's uniform, was her husband. "I'm dreaming this; I must be... Oh William, why am I seeing you?" She asked in tears.

"Hey lass don't fret yourself, yes you're dreaming. It's the only time we can meet at the moment. Oh Ronny you don't know how sorry I was to leave you and Sandra like that... I'm sorry lass." William said and Veronica could see tears in his eyes as well.

"But you didn't mean to!... It was something that just happened, I know that!" She protested trying to project her love to her husband — she found that she couldn't leave her chair.

"I know that, I've tried to watch you, but listen lass, I haven't got much time at the moment, and things are going to happen... good things, something wonderful." William said a smile on his face.

"What? I don't understand Will, what is going to happen?" Veronica asked.

"Just you watch out for a George Douglas, he's going to be important... or rather his children will be... try to help him as much as you can!" William said and then he seemed to fade.

"William... No... please don't go, I need to talk to you!" Veronica pleaded.

There was a 'ghost' of a smile on William's lips, "You do lass, I hear you and I'll see you again, don't worry love." William said and then faded completely from her sight.

"WILLIAM!" Veronica said and sat upright... To find herself in a strange bedroom and a maid opening her curtains.

"Are you alright ma'am?" The maid asked in a concerned tone.

Veronica looked around, "Oh, yes, it was just a dream." She said.

The maid bobbed a curtsy, "I'm sorry if I woke you ma'am, but Sir Bartholomew thought you'd be alright now." The maid said and then added in a normal mode of talking said, "You were in a right state last night, I'm glad you're better now. There's breakfast in the dining room and Sir Bartholomew is already there." She said.