“We will proceed to the kitchen and Chef will prepare them for you. He followed your instructions to the letter. I liked them. Statesman Mellor did not and pulled a face.”
The chef was a little disconcerted with having Principal Katya in the kitchen but found stools for them both to sit up at the counter where he served Alice the hamburger.
Although the lonely, circular creation served in the centre of a plate tasted like a meat pattie, it appeared Chef had only half listened to Alice’s instructions because the meal was again devoid of any accompaniments, suggesting a need to explain the whole thing again but Principal Katya, keen for a verdict, watched as Alice finished the meat pattie.
“It’s good, Principal Katya,” Alice smiled to acknowledge the chef’s achievement.
Principal Katya was not persuaded.
“But you have more to say, I think.” She folded her arms, waiting.
“The patties are never served alone,” Alice pointed to her empty plate, “usually, they’re put with bread and salad and onions and ketchup. That’s what makes it a hamburger.”
“We can do this, can’t we Chef?” Principal Katya turned to Chef.
“Principal Katya,” he raised his hands. “I will have to research ketchup. My aim is to provide a balanced diet for those in the Tabernacle. I would need to investigate to make sure this combination is healthy.”
“Chef’s right, Principal Katya, all things in moderation.”
Chef was grateful for Alice’s support. Principal Katya penchant for trying new things was legendary, particularly regarding food.
“You could serve the meat pattie with veggies and leave out the bread,” Alice suggested.
“What are these veggies?”
“Vegetables, then have a savoury sauce as an accompaniment,” Alice said, hoping this hamburger fixation of Principal Katya’s would not become a minor juggernaut.
“Ah. I liked the hamburgers very much, Alice, but we will have them with veggies next time for the balance. Happy Chef?”
He bowed. “Very happy, Principal Katya.”
“Then we will try again tomorrow, Chef. Hamburgers and veggies with savoury sauce! We will all have this but put another dish on standby for Statesman Mellor, then next day, we will try with bread and lettuce and Alice will show you how to make ketchup.”
Chef bowed to them both, smiling a secret smile at Alice, so much for all things in moderation.
Alice wondered if she should stop telling Principal Katya about the cuisine in the 21st century, her interest in food was unmistakable and she had many rituals which revolved around meal times. Alice was amazed she stayed so slim, but now, thankfully, she didn’t insist on Alice eating anything else, walking instead with her to her suite.
“So, you like the new clothing?” she asked.
“Yes, I love them, Principal Katya, you’ve been unbelievably kind.”
“Not at all. Beautiful things make us feel special. You must feel you belong with us.”
Alice chose loose yellow slacks and a white blouse as the first items to wear. She felt glamorous and elegant, and when she met with Principal Katya earlier, even though she hadn’t commented, Alice had seen her smile of approval.
“In my time, Principal Katya, we went to a shop—a studio—and paid for clothes that were already made. The same for shoes.” Alice decided not to mention charity shops.
“Did this clothing fit?”
“Not always, no,” Alice admitted. “Or they fitted mostly, and sometimes, the shoes rubbed until you wore them in.”
“Then I am glad we have moved on from this practice. This outfit you wear today looks superb. You have splendid taste.”
The compliment thrilled Alice because after seeing Sarah’s portrait, she now took a different view of her appearance. Good taste? Yes, she looked good in the clothes she’d selected, she didn’t care her mother would have been mortified at such a display of pride.
“Sarah made me a gift too.”
“Did she? She is wonderfully kind.”
“She drew me, Principal Katya, and put the picture in a frame under glass. I love it. May I show it to you?”
“Yes, Alice, thank you. Sarah is an excellent artist.”
Alice held the door of her suite open for Principal Katya. The portrait was hung in such a way to become the focal point in the room. Principal Katya approached and stood, admiring and appreciative.
“Sarah has captured all we see in you, child. Your sadness, your innocence, your sweetness and the hope of happiness.”
She reached across and patted Alice’s face, then took her hands and held them in hers, making no attempt to hide her growing affection. “You will have happiness, Alice. Great happiness.”
Alice responded with a small smile and tears welled in her eyes. It was easy to believe what Principal Katya said, for in such a short time, Alice found she admired and liked her perceptive new friend and most importantly, she trusted her.
After Principal Katya left, Alice got ready for bed, searching for the most modest of her new nightgowns to slip into. Unlike the Alice of old, she now preferred to sleep without nightclothes but if she was to go sleepwalking in search of the piano again, she would be doubly sure she wouldn’t be naked!
As she drifted off to sleep, a tune came into her head. An apt tune for a place like this. Pom, pom… Yes, that’s the one, Pomp and Circumstance. Elgar. Yes, Elgar. She snuggled down in bed, too sleepy to consider she had never heard of anyone called Elgar.
Chapter Thirty-Four
The following morning, Alice’s primary task involved checking her nightie was still in place and had the appearance of having been slept in, much to her relief, it was crumpled and ridden up almost to her armpits. The blinds were already open to herald the day and Alice hopped out of bed to go over to the window to look out over the lake—her favourite view. Less tired this morning, she took it as a sign she hadn’t been on any nocturnal quest to the library.
Over the last couple of days, since arriving back on Earth, she stopped wishing she would wake up in her old life. She wanted to stay here. She still didn’t believe she was Alexis Langley and although her memory of her life as Alice Watkins had become a kind of postscript, she couldn’t yet completely discard those memories, because there were times when they still resonated too loudly to ignore. In many ways, and despite her progress with learning and making friends, she was just as simple as she’d always been.
The morning air was crisp and fresh, her new body bursting with energy and, enjoying feeling young and free, Alice twirled around, laughing in celebration of the day, only stopping when she caught sight of her portrait. She tilted her head to one side.
“People see sadness in your face?” she asked the redheaded girl in the frame. “That will change.”
Alice took great care in dressing that morning. Among her new clothes, she found a pair of below knee slacks that fitted easily on her slim waist. Alice loved them, she hadn’t been this slender in her other life, ever. She pulled on the lavender and white top and adjusted it around her shoulders, then looked at herself in the image definer. The purveyor had selected a few items of jewellery and among them, a gold bracelet. Alice liked the effect, but also found a fine chain to place around her neck, to lessen the bareness of her neck and shoulders. Perfume was the next mystery. She had never, ever owned perfume and now she had about ten bottles of varying scents, from floral to spicy. Less is more, she heard someone say once, so she applied it sparingly before taking one last look at the image definer. It was as though she had been called upon to appraise the appearance of someone she was only just getting to know. It didn’t take long because, yes, she approved.
Alice’s happiness at seeing Patrick again made it difficult for her to focus on breakfast. Her excitement wasn’t lost on Principal Katya.
“It is clear to me you can’t wait,” she stood and beckoned for Alice to follow her. “Come, we will go and see if he has arrived.”
They walked
arm in arm out to the great hall. The shuttle was leaving with Patrick already heading for the Tabernacle. As soon as he spotted them, he broke into a run and caught Alice in a bear hug, leaving her speechless and breathless. She hadn’t even said hello, and what about protocols?
“You have never greeted your Principal with such enthusiasm, young Patrick,” Principal Katya sniffed.
“I’m sorry Principal Katya,” he said laughing and kissing her on both cheeks before executing the usual bow. These two were close, that much was obvious, close enough for Patrick to have no worries about showing his affection towards Alice in her presence.
“That is alright, Patrick. I am happy you are here. A year is too long, and we miss having a Patrick in the Tabernacle.”
“I’m glad to be here,” he replied, sending a dazzling smile Alice’s way. Principal Katya, keen-eyed, didn’t miss it.
“Yes, I can imagine. Now, Patrick, I have told you, Alice is on vacation. She will do only what she wishes. You do not give her orders. Her time is her own.”
“Yes, Principal Katya.”
Principal Katya smiled at Alice.
“Go and enjoy yourselves. Alice, don’t let him bully you and don’t forget crochet class this afternoon.”
She left them standing out on the lawn.
Patrick put his arm around Alice’s shoulder and pulled her close.
“Crochet class?”
“It’s a craft we practised in my time,” Alice told him. “Principal Katya is quite taken with it, a few of the statesmen and councilmen have joined in too.”
“Can I come to the class? Principal Katya has instructed that I’m not to intrude upon your time. Obviously, that excludes her taking up your time. But if it’s the only way I can spend time with you…”
“I liked showing them how to crochet, Patrick, although I must admit, I’m surprised it’s so popular. They don’t really need me there, they’ve already turned it into a science.”
“Are you responsible for her hair too?”
“Afraid so.”
“Well, creating quite a stir, aren’t you?”
Alice didn’t know about creating a stir but as they walked down to the lake, she enjoyed telling him all the things she’d done in her short time there.
He drew her into the shade of one of the giant willows and encircled her in his arms.
“Did you miss me, Alice?” he murmured against her hair.
Alice lifted her head and looked up at him. How handsome he looked this morning, running across the lawn, white shirt open, curly hair unconfined and falling to his shoulders, like a scene from a film. He waited for her to answer, blue eyes twinkling, and his mouth lifted into that achingly attractive lop-sided smile. This man, confident, attractive, accomplished, had left the bridge of a mighty starship to be here with her. She leaned her face against him, her hands resting on his chest as she listened to the beating of his heart.
“Yes, Patrick,” she said, wondering why she hesitated after her earlier excitement. “I did miss you.”
They sat together on the grass, in idle conversation, watching the ducks and birds and insects go about their daily business.
“How long are you here for?” she asked.
“Only till the morning,” he kissed her on her shoulder. “I need to visit my mother before I go back to space dock.”
“I’m leaving to be with my new family soon, I’ll be living in the Calamities.”
Alice thought she could become used to the idea of a family, but the concept of the Calamities still troubled her. Patrick however, was delighted with the news.
“Which relatives and which Calamities?”
“I’m not sure exactly, Patrick, and the Calamities are in my homeland, apparently.”
“That’s wonderful, Alice,” he hugged her close. “I spent a year at university in Principality 19, close to the Calamities. It’s pleasant there, you’ll love it. I can take time off, so I’ll visit, as I said, I tend to come and go while we’re in space dock.”
Alice had decided not to research the Calamities on the registry. She was nervous enough without facing the prison-like landscape from her dream. Dr Grossmith had told her it was lovely and now Patrick was saying the same, but she wouldn’t believe it till she saw it for herself.
“I would like it if you came to see me, Patrick. It’s kind of you to make time.”
“Not kind at all Alice, I enjoy being with you.”
Her head was resting against his shoulder, so he used his free hand to lift her face and she closed her eyes. His lips were soft on her cheek, moving down to the side of her neck and she felt his warm breath on her skin. Lying her down gently in the grass, he placed his mouth over hers but instead of being lost in the moment, it occurred to her he was doubtless exceedingly skilled at kissing, given Principal Katya’s remark about a trail of broken hearts across the galaxy. Alice wondered whether he would put his tongue inside her top lip again; he was placing a fair amount of pressure on her lips, so he probably would have to pull back or start again.
Her eyes snapped open, but she quickly closed them again, sure he hadn’t seen that instead of enjoying the kiss, she was carrying out an analysis of the experience! Perhaps, starting a romance at this stage, regardless of Patrick’s dazzling good looks, might be a mistake, especially when her emotions were in such turmoil, even so, to not hurt his feelings when he let her go, Alice tried to behave in a manner she thought someone who liked being kissed, would behave.
“You seem to know this place well,” she said, sitting up and hoping to divert him. “What do you like to do when you are here?”
“My father became 2nd Statesman to Principal Hallam after he was injured in an accident. I lived over there.” He leaned up on his elbow and pointed through the trees to a house on a hill. Neat and well-kept, like the others she had seen, and set within lovely gardens.
“Does anyone live there now?”
“I expect so, I don’t know who, but you asked what I like doing here. First thing? I go swimming.”
“Swimming?” she echoed. It wasn’t the answer Alice expected. “I can’t swim.”
“That’s OK, it’s not deep and not serious swimming. I’ll show you.”
She could complain about cold or something but on such a warm day, it would have sounded like an excuse. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. Alice was going swimming, like it or not.
Chapter Thirty-Five
The pool lay tucked away at the furthermost edge of the gardens, in a clearing close to the rear of the Tabernacle and down a grassy bank. A narrow waterfall skipped over the top of a low cliff, dropping down into the clear water and making little splashlings spray up and sparkle like diamonds in the morning sun.
Alice fell in love instantly with this extraordinary haven for water birds and wildlife, the variety of willows and water grasses, more ducks, and the sounds of birds in the trees. She wondered why she hadn’t discovered it when she explored the gardens.
Patrick sprinted on ahead.
“This is one of my favourite places on the planet,” he shouted back to her. “Any planet!”
As he ran, he shed his clothes, by the time he reached the water, he was stark naked. Alice stopped, shocked, shutting her eyes too late to miss the sight of his bare bottom as he plunged laughing, into the pool.
The excited splashing stopped, and she could tell he was watching but still, she kept her eyes closed.
“What’s wrong?” Patrick’s voice came from somewhere up ahead.
“You haven’t got any clothes on,” she whispered, but he heard her.
“Why would I?” he called back. “I’m in the water. It’s lovely. Come in.”
When she didn’t move, or open her eyes, it was easy for Patrick to work out the reason why she had suddenly become bashful.
“Don’t worry, Alice. I’m pretty much covered.”
“Patrick, I don’t have a cozzie.”
“What’s a cozzie?”
“A
swimming costume. To wear when you go swimming.”
She took a deep breath and opened one eye. Sure enough, he was waist deep—the only problem? The water was like glass. She looked away.
“Is it like clothes?”
“Yes.”
“Why wear clothes when you’re going to get wet?”
“Where I come from, we don’t swim naked.” Alice thought it wasn’t strictly true, she knew people swam and sunbathed in the nude.
“Oh, well, you can come in as you are.” He held out his arms to her.
Alice took a few faltering steps forward, then looked down at her new slacks and top and decided she wouldn’t. She knew she was being a party-pooper.
“If you must wear a swimming costume, Alice, wear one that hides those thighs. And you are lily white. A moon tan. That’s what you’ve got.”- Alice’s mother.
An uncommon trait in women of his time, Alice’s shyness amused Patrick, but it wasn’t his intention to see her struggle.
“It’s OK, Alice, put my shirt on, it’ll be fine.”
She looked at his shirt, lying where it had been discarded, large enough to cover her up so only her lower legs would show. She picked it up and began to slip out of her top, but he was still watching.
“Patrick!”
He laughed and ducked down under the water.
Alice had never stripped so fast; she dragged his shirt over her head, feeling an uncomfortable intimacy wearing his clothes. It was enormous on her and she had to roll up the sleeves and tie the hem around her thighs to stop it flapping about. He bobbed up again just in time to see her pulling the shirt tight to hide her panties.
Of course, he’d peeked, it was in his nature. Patrick had never seen a woman in panties. He knew of their existence but thought they were a garment only for the elderly. Alice was a source of never-ending surprise and standing there on the grass, dipping her toe in the pool, wearing his shirt with those little panties underneath, she was also very desirable. He’d expected her to undress and jump in with him; in this culture, everyone swam naked, it wasn’t an invitation to ogle, although he often did, again, it was in his nature.
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