Gabriel's Promise (Gabriel's Inferno)

by Sylvain Reynard

  He gazed down at the pajamas that Julianne had gifted him the night before—green tartan flannel with images of moose imposed on them. “Father Christmas is an environmentalist this year and paying tribute to the moose population.”

  “I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m still on Oxford time and have been awake for hours. I took the liberty of assembling an English baked omelet for everyone. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all.”

  “I left out the tomatoes because some people don’t like them.” She refilled her china teacup from the teapot next to her. “I’m grateful you allowed me to invite myself for Christmas. I’ve grown tired of my extended family and their shenanigans. Did you know my cousin rang me back in November to say they were having a vegan Christmas dinner? I tend toward vegetarianism but even for me, that was a bridge too far. I knew you’d have the good sense to serve something other than Tofurkey.”

  “Ah, yes. Julianne and Rachel are cooking a genuine turkey.”

  “Excellent.” Katherine pursed her lips. “I had an interesting conversation with your sister on the way from the airport.”

  “Oh?” Gabriel sat near the fire and leaned forward, resting his forearms over his knees.

  “Yes, oh. What’s this about your house being robbed?” Katherine’s blue-gray eyes pierced Gabriel’s.

  “An intruder disabled our house alarm and broke in. He didn’t take anything, but we surprised him and chased him from the house.”

  “It’s a wonder you weren’t hurt! Thank goodness. And Julia and Clare are all right?”

  “Yes. We’re having the security system upgraded and decided not to return to the house for a while, in case the thief comes back.”

  Katherine clucked her tongue. “That’s terrible.”

  “Yes.” Gabriel rubbed the back of his neck.

  “Your sister also told me that Julia isn’t going to Scotland with you.”

  Gabriel avoided Katherine’s peering eyes. “Julianne met with Cecilia after we returned from Edinburgh and asked if she would approve a semester abroad. Cecilia refused.”

  Katherine frowned. “What was her reason?”

  “She said Harvard was better than Edinburgh. She said she would look weak if she sent Julianne abroad and that the administration was already complaining about her, wondering why she hadn’t been asked to deliver the Sage Lectures.”

  “Ah.” Katherine placed her china teacup and saucer on her lap. “I’m sure my recruitment to Harvard pricks pride as well. But what Cecilia doesn’t know is that Greg Matthews has been recruiting me for years. I think I surprised him when I said yes. Have you spoken with Cecilia?”

  “No. Julianne didn’t want me to interfere.” Gabriel tugged at his hair in exasperation. “She’s hoping Cecilia will change her mind. She wants to broach the subject during the workshop in April.”

  “Graham Todd is a first-rate scholar, so Cecilia can’t object to him on scholarly grounds. Although she could argue that the Edinburgh courses aren’t a good fit with Julia’s program.”

  “She can’t argue that at the moment because Edinburgh’s fall schedule hasn’t come out yet. Graham was going to send it to Julianne.”

  “Indeed.” Katherine finished her tea, staring off into space.

  “What would you recommend?”

  Katherine smothered a smile. “Your sister seems to think I’m Wonder Woman. I find the comparison rather amusing.

  “As tempting as it may be for me to interfere, that wouldn’t be prudent. I imagine Cecilia now thinks of you, me, and Julia as a confederacy of sorts. She won’t take kindly to me sticking my nose into things.”

  “Right.” Gabriel’s body deflated. “I had thought the same.”

  “Greg made it perfectly clear I was being hired to supervise graduate students, which means if Cecilia drops Julianne, I’ll gladly take her on. But I can’t do so until my appointment begins.”

  “Thank you.” Gabriel ran his fingers through his hair distractedly. “I know Julianne will appreciate it.”

  “This should be her decision. She should decide who her supervisor is and she should decide whether she takes a semester abroad. Cecilia shouldn’t force her hand.”

  Katherine paused, leaning forward in her chair. “Don Wodehouse is impressed with Julia’s mind. If she wanted to transfer to Oxford, Don would take her.”

  “Oh.” Gabriel tugged at his hair. A move to Oxford might be good for Julianne, but it wouldn’t be good for their marriage. He didn’t want to commute across an ocean. He didn’t want to live apart from Clare.

  “But there’s no reason for Julia to leave Harvard. Not while I’m alive and kicking.”

  It was almost imperceptible, but Gabriel flinched.

  Katherine waved her hand in his direction. “Go ahead. Out with it.”

  “Of course Julianne would be eager to work with you. But she’s concerned about the optics if Cecilia drops her and . . .” Gabriel trailed off, looking very uncomfortable.

  “And she’s terrified I’ll die in the middle of her dissertation.”

  “Katherine, losing you would be a great personal loss.” Gabriel gritted his teeth. “Damn the dissertation.”

  “I have no intention of dying.”

  “Good, because I forbid you to die.”

  Katherine’s eyes widened. “Would that it were that easy—Gabriel Emerson forbids one to die and one is therefore immortal. I don’t think the universe operates that way, although I appreciate the gesture. I had thyroid cancer. I was diagnosed and treated back in Toronto and didn’t tell anyone but Jeremy Martin. I didn’t think it was anyone’s business.” Katherine’s tone was matter-of-fact. “That was several years ago. I’m in excellent health and looking forward to moving to Harvard. I won’t last forever, but I should live long enough to supervise Julia’s dissertation.”

  “I didn’t know you had cancer, Katherine. I’m so sorry.”

  “I’m fine. I’m just rounder than I used to be. Obviously my weight isn’t a barrier to being Wonder Woman, so I can’t find it in me to care.”

  Gabriel lowered his head and chuckled.

  “Yes, it’s possible Cecilia could make noises about Julia and her abilities and it will look odd if Cecilia refuses to be a reader on the dissertation. But Julia is already making a name for herself based on hard work. So a semester abroad will be a good opportunity for her, even if Cecilia decides to be petulant. I will do my best to neutralize the gossip, and if Julia continues to impress Don Wodehouse, he will as well.” Katherine straightened in her chair. “And we are not to be trifled with.

  “Now, since we’ve spoken of academic policies, cancer, and death, I’m going to invoke the privilege of an old woman and I’m going to tell you something.” Katherine placed her teacup aside, her expression growing serious. “Gabriel, you must be careful not to sabotage your career.”

  He began to protest but Katherine interrupted by lifting a single finger.

  “Look back at your life with an objective eye, and you’ll see that I’m right. You got yourself into a predicament in Toronto, which ended all right but could have derailed your career. Now you find yourself in a potential conflict with Cecilia, and I know you must be thinking how you can get out of the Sage Lectures so you can keep your family together.”

  Gabriel shut his mouth firmly.

  Katherine wagged her finger at him. “I knew it. Cecilia is threatening Julianne. You’ve had your house broken into and you’re worried it will happen again. Now you’re regretting your acceptance of the Sage Lectureship and thinking you’ll fall on your sword in order to protect everyone.

  “You made a promise, and you have to keep it, no matter what happens with Julia and Harvard. Backing out of the Sage Lectures, except in the case of death, will derail your career. As much as you and Julia are equally scholars and equally important, the t
ruth of the matter is she is a student. She can find a new supervisor, she can transfer to a different graduate program, but you can’t regain the respect of the academic community if you insult the University of Edinburgh. So before you do something that can’t be undone, I want you to listen to what I’m saying.

  “Julia has agency and she needs to make her own decision about who her supervisor will be. I can’t speak about the security of your house but knowing you, you’ll install a security system that will rival that of Buckingham Palace and no one will dare trouble you again. But you are going to Scotland next year, and that’s that.” Katherine brushed her hands together, as if she were ridding them of dust.

  Gabriel was silent.

  “It’s far too early to be so morose.” Katherine went over to him. “I’ve overstepped, I’m sure. But I care for you. In many ways, you and Julianne are my children—my academic children. Any legacy I have, academic or financial, will be passed to you and to my goddaughter.”

  Gabriel swallowed against the lump that formed in his throat. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “You don’t need to say anything. You have forbidden me to die, and I have forbidden you to turn down the Sage Lectures. Provided we each keep our end of the bargain, all will be well.”

  She patted him on the shoulder. “Cecilia will likely get over her fit of pique by April. And if she doesn’t, Julia can study with me and I’ll gladly send her to Scotland. When I have a chance to speak with her privately, I’ll tell her. And I’ll stress my good health.”

  “Thank you.” Gabriel’s tone was carefully polite.

  Katherine squeezed his shoulder. “Now, Wonder Woman is going to make breakfast, wearing as your sister puts it, an age-appropriate pantsuit.”

  She chuckled to herself and continued to the kitchen, leaving Gabriel to mull over her words.

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas.” Old St. Nicholas himself (formerly known as Richard) entered the living room.

  He wore a full white beard and a white wig beneath a red hat. His Santa suit was red velvet and trimmed with white. He carried a set of sleigh bells, which he jingled heartily.

  He greeted Aaron and Rachel, who was taking pictures, and Katherine and Gabriel. Scott and Tammy were spending Christmas with Tammy’s parents in Philadelphia and would travel to Selinsgrove a few days later.

  As Father Christmas approached Julia and Clare, the baby burst into tears.

  Richard stood back, stunned.

  “Oh, dear,” said Julia, holding her crying daughter. “I didn’t expect this.”

  “I did,” said Rachel. “Clare has no idea who he is. He could be an ax murderer.”

  “Really?” Gabriel gave his sister a censorious look. “An ax murderer?”

  Richard moved the sleigh bells somewhat anemically. “Merry Christmas.”

  Clare continued to wail and turned her face into her mother’s chest.

  Richard lowered his arms. “I’m sorry.”

  “I’m not.” Katherine stepped forward. “You’re a very good Father Christmas. Authentic costume, hearty laugh. Well done, sir.”

  “Thank you.” Richard didn’t sound convinced.

  “Rachel, play some music,” Katherine commanded. “Something peppy.”

  “Um . . .” Rachel pulled out her cell phone and scrolled through the songs. She swiped across the screen and music began to play: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” performed by Brenda Lee.

  The music distracted the baby, who paused crying long enough to see Katherine put her hand on Father Christmas’s shoulder and draw him into a dance.

  After Richard overcame his initial shock, he tossed his sleigh bells aside and placed his hand at Katherine’s waist, and the two seniors began to swing dance.

  Gabriel stood by the fireplace, staring.

  Rachel increased the volume of her cell phone and grinned at Julia, putting her fingers together to form the letter W.

  Wonder Woman, she mouthed, before whistling at the dancers.

  Clare forgot her crying and watched as Santa Claus and a prominent Dante specialist from All Souls College, Oxford, rocked around the Christmas tree.

  It was, as Julia would tell Gabriel later, the best Christmas present ever.

  * * *

  “Ah, here you are.” Katherine breezed into the kitchen later that afternoon, after Gabriel had put Clare down for a nap.

  Rachel had gone with Aaron to his parents’ house for lunch and to open Christmas presents. Julia was starting on the turkey.

  “Can I help?” Katherine peered around the kitchen.

  “I was just going to peel the potatoes.” Julia pointed to a large bowl in the sink. “They’re washed and scrubbed. I’m making mashed potatoes.”

  Katherine pulled up a stool to the large island in the center of the kitchen and held out her hand. “Give me a peeler.”

  Julia obliged and the two women sat side-by-side, peeling potatoes and transferring them from one large stainless steel bowl to another.

  Katherine held her potato peeler aloft. “Richard is very nice. He’s handsome and a true gentleman, and certainly the man can dance. But as much as I appreciate younger men, I’m not getting involved with him.”

  Julia’s mouth dropped open.

  “So please tell Rachel.” Katherine circled her potato peeler in the air. “She’s a good girl, but remarkably persistent.”

  Julia almost choked. “Uh, I’ll mention it to her.”

  “Now, I want to talk to you about Cecilia Marinelli.”

  Scheisse, Julia thought but did not say.

  Katherine continued peeling her potato and lowered her voice. “Tell me what happened.”

  Julia stared into the bowl of potatoes and gathered her thoughts. When she was ready, she recounted the conversation that had occurred in Cecilia’s office.

  “Codswallop,” said Katherine. “So how were things left?”

  “I didn’t want to argue with her. I told Gabriel I’d like to speak to her again when I have the list of courses from Edinburgh. Maybe Cecilia will be more receptive then.”

  Katherine efficiently finished her potato and began working on the next one. “You have to decide what you’re going to do, of course. I will take you on as a doctoral student, if you wish.”

  “Thank you,” Julia said quickly. “I’d hoped to have you and Cecilia on my dissertation committee.”

  “That may not be possible, if Cecilia is stubborn. But, Julia, Gabriel can’t turn down the Sage Lectures.” Katherine fixed her gaze on Julia.

  “Of course not.” Julia reacted in horror. “He isn’t going to.”

  Katherine lowered her potato. “Are you certain?”

  “He hasn’t said anything.”

  “That’s what I thought. It isn’t my business to psychoanalyze him. He’s a grown man and a friend. But there is something in him that’s self-destructive. And I fear even now he’s contemplating throwing the invitation to Edinburgh away, just so he can stay in Boston with you.”

  Julia looked stricken. “He can’t do that. It would be a scandal and he knows it.”

  “He had a scandal in Toronto and as much as I’ve forgiven both of you for keeping me in the dark, I’m still put out.” Katherine’s expression was one of irritation.

  “Katherine, I am so sorry. We never meant to—”

  Professor Picton interrupted her. “You are going to have to work out this situation with Cecilia. Otherwise, your husband is going to find himself all alone in a dark wood, having strayed from the sure path.”

  The Dante reference was not lost on Julia. She nodded quickly.

  Katherine lifted her potato peeler and held it like a scepter. “Cecilia is a friend but that doesn’t make her infallible. She’s punishing you and Gabriel because she’s jealous, and that is a p
oor look for anyone. You need to take control of the situation and not be manipulated like a marionette.”

  “I will.” Julia’s tone was resolute.

  “Good. And for the record, I am in good health and have no plans to expire.” Katherine recommenced potato peeling with new vigor, leaving Julia’s potato-peeling skills far behind.

  * * *

  “Come upstairs,” Gabriel whispered to Julia, after dinner. His blue eyes sparked with promise.

  “What about our family?” she whispered back.

  “Everyone is fine.” Gabriel gestured to the living room.

  Diane, Julia’s stepmother, was chatting with Rachel, who was playing with Tommy.

  Tom, Julia’s father, was doting on Clare and sitting with her on the floor.

  Katherine, Aaron, and Richard were sipping sherry that Katherine had brought from Europe.

  “Okay, but only for a few minutes.” Julia relented. “Otherwise, they’ll notice.”

  Gabriel took her hand in his and escorted her upstairs. When they entered the master bedroom, he locked the door.

  Julia stood expectantly, waiting for him to kiss her.

  But he didn’t.

  Instead, he entered the walk-in closet, switched on the lights, and emerged shortly thereafter, holding a tacky plastic pink flamingo that looked startlingly familiar.

  Julia laughed. “Did you go back to the house and dig that out of the snow?”

  “I removed it the day I met with the security company. And yes, I washed it.” He handed it to her, his lips twitching.

  “What am I supposed to do with it?” She took the flamingo dubiously.

  “Open it.” Gabriel pointed to an envelope that was strung artfully around the flamingo’s neck.

  Julia placed the lawn ornament on the floor and removed the envelope. “What is it?”

  “It’s your Christmas present.”

  “You already gave me my Christmas present.” Julia gestured to the boxes and tissue that were strewn across the bed. Gabriel had insisted she open her gifts privately, and she was glad he had. He’d bought her underthings of various sorts, ranging from the elegant to the erotic.