by Rikki Dyson
The month, of September was passing rapidly. The last Saturday of the month, Shane and Stacey had a dinner function to attend. It was being held in the ballroom of the Savoy. Once again, it was a benefit for the neurology wing of the hospital. It was finished and would open next week. Doctor Fein and Shane both were to speak. Shane was going to speak about his grandfather having Parkinson’s disease and how far the neurological field had progressed in the past few years.
Stacey had been to Mrs. McGraw’s, to have a new evening gown made for the occasion. “I have gowns,” Stacey told Shane. “I have not worn the pink one we bought in Rome while on our honeymoon.”
“Yes, I remember the pink. It is quite lovely, but nevertheless, I insist you have a new one. You know, sweetheart, you are the first woman I’ve met that isn’t interested in spending money.”
Shane knew they didn’t live lavishly on the ranch, but did live more than adequately. He assumed her frugality stemmed back to her early years of ranch life when it was necessary to economize. He remembered with a smile, how they had almost had a quarrel after they were married the first time over him wanting to put money into her bank account each month. She had finally given in and let him have his way. Now once again she had given in to him.
Shane was dressed in his tuxedo and standing across their bedroom watching Stacey putting the finishing touch to her make-up. She removed her robe and stepped into her evening gown. The gown was stunning. The fabric was reddish orange chiffon with four gold chain links that held the bodice to a gold chain around the neck. Shane came to her to help zip up the dress and hook the clasp of the gold chain as she held her hair out of the way. He leaned over and kissed her neck. Stacey turned, put her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Shane whispered to her, “Maybe we should just stay here and forget about the dinner.”
Stacey put her finger to his lips and with a giggle said, “No, you handsome rake, I can’t dally with you now. My husband is giving a speech and I don’t want to be late.
Shane stood chortling as she put in her gold looped earrings and stepped into her gold high heeled strapped sandals. Shane asked as they went out the door, “Do you think you might fancy to dally when we return?”
Stacey said quite coquettish, “Well sir that depends, if my husband is home.”
Shane chortled once again and said, “Oh, Madame, you are a saucy minx!”
When they arrived at the Savoy, the ballroom was crowded. Their table was near the front. Hugh, Annie, Nigel, Megan, Ian and Rachael were already there. As everyone was greeting them, Stacey heard her name called. She looked around and to her surprise there was Aunt Lora and Richard sitting two tables over with two other couples. She and Shane walked over to say, “Hello.”
“How did you know about this dinner?” Stacey asked.
“A little birdie told us, so we wangled an invitation.”
Shane shook hands with Richard and kissed Aunt Lora’s cheek and said, “Excellent, all of you are most welcome here, except the group at that table over there. The word is out that they plan on heckling me. I dislike this speech making as it is.”
Aunt Lora assured him, should they do so, she and her table would pelt them with olives and tiny onions from their drinks. Richard chortled and the whole table agreed.”
Shane had noticed the table where Doctor and Mrs. Fein were seated along with Doctor and Mrs. Wilkerson. The other couple was Miles Strayhorn and Miranda Cox. There was no way around it, he needed to introduce his wife to these influential people.
Doctor Wilkerson had asked Doctor Fein and his wife Molly along with Molly’s son, Miles Strayhorn and his friend Miranda Cox, to stop by for cocktails before going to the Savoy for dinner; speeches and thank you, to the wealthy benefactors for their patronage of the neurological wing.
The subject came up concerning Doctor Fein’s brilliant young neurosurgeon, Doctor McLeod and his recent marriage. Doctor Wilkerson spoke up and said, “Well, actually, it wasn’t so recent. Do you remember the incident last spring when Doctor McLeod was called to Paris on a delicate matter? Well, to make a long story short, this beautiful young woman came to my office demanding I find her husband. She showed me a marriage license that certainly looked authentic to me. Of course, I called Doctor Grant and received confirmation that the marriage license was valid. A few days later Doctor McLeod contacted me and explained the importance of keeping their marriage a secret. I must say; that young woman has a formidable presence. I was impressed by her tenaciousness.”
“I knew it,” Miranda said. “I knew he was lying to me, however, I never dreamed he was married.”
Miles smiled to himself; now he knew why she had said, she was a Mrs. His mother smiled at him as she took his arm and whispered to him, “The mystery is solved son, now get her off your mind.”
Shane and Stacey walked over to the head table to say, ‘Hello,’ and for Shane to introduce his wife. He saw that Miranda was with Miles. He had not expected to see her here, however, it couldn’t be helped. Stacey was polite and charming to each as Shane introduced her. When he introduced Miranda and Miles as if they were a couple, Stacey smiled and said, “Hello, so nice to see you again.” Miranda glanced from Shane to Miles. During these many months, Miles had never said a word about having met Shane’s wife. Now she wondered what other secrets he was keeping.
Molly Fein to the rescue said, “Yes, of course, last spring at the Ritz tearoom. You were with Sir Richard Heath, as I recall.”
Stacey didn’t know what all the secrecy was about, but she went along with it. She was sure Miranda Cox was one of Shane’s old girlfriends. When Miranda was introduced, she made it a point to say, “Oh, so nice to meet you at last. You know Shane and I have known each other for years. We are old, old friends.”
Stacey had, had, just about enough of Shane’s old girlfriends and this one she was instinctively wary of, so she said, “Yes ma’am, I can see you are.”
As they walked away to go to their table, Stacey knew she had made an enemy, but she really didn’t care. Miranda was so angry, she was about to hyperventilate.
Miles leaned toward her and said, “Pull your claws in Miranda, you asked for that.”
“That tall, skinny provincial is going to regret her actions. I won’t forget this insult,” Miranda said.
The dinner had three speakers. Shane was the last. He assured his audiences he would be quick about it and not carry on too long. He knew they fancied their expensive dinner for which they had paid dearly.
Listening to Shane, there was no doubt he was passionate about his work. He spoke about his grandfather’s Parkinson’s disease and its terrible debilitating conditions as well as many others that originate from nerve, spinal cord and brain and the monumental research being achieved today that is giving hope to millions. He orated magnificently and received a standing ovation when he was finished. Stacey was so proud of him.
Shane had asked her on their honeymoon, if she would like for him to transfer to the states so she would be closer to her family? She had told him, ‘No,’ then and was more sure now. This was where he belonged and she belonged wherever he was.
The evening, was going smoothly with dining and dancing. Stacey was enjoying herself immensely dancing to a waltz when her aunt and Richard danced by and they changed partners for a few turns. A few dances later, Annie and Stacey went to the ladies room. As Stacey, washed her hands and freshen her lipstick, Miranda walked up to her, sneered and said, “Well, breeding always tells. You and your, fresh out of the bottle, red headed aunt have made quite a spectacle out of yourselves tonight. You both should understand; you are out of your depth here among civilized people.”
Stacey had turned, as she saw Miranda’s reflection in the mirror. When she finished her malicious maligning of Aunt Lora and herself, Stacey walked close to her and calmly said, “Listen to me good, dip-shit, because I’m only gonna tell you this just once. You can say whatever you want to about me, but if my aunt’s name ever pas
ses your lips again, I’m gonna brad them to your teeth. Do I make myself clear, because that’s how us uncivilized people communicate with you well bred, rude dip-shits.”
Annie was holding her breath hoping this meeting didn’t escalate. As she followed Stacey out the door she turned to Miranda who looked a bit shaken and informed her, “You got off lucky this time. You really should mind yourself.”
Stacey saw Miles and Miranda dancing and then they left. Stacey, was a bit surprised by Miranda’s hostility. Also she wondered why the secrecy about sharing a cab. She decide not to think about it, it was not her problem.”
Before they knew it the time had come for Shane to fly to Dallas. He would be gone for two weeks and this would be their first separation since their second marriage. Stacey drove Shane to the airport and waited until his plane had taxied down the runway.
She knew she would be busy with school and hopefully time would pass rapidly. Aunt Lora and Richard were in the south of France with Hyacinth and Simon Warwick.
The first weekend Shane was gone Stacey found herself more lonely than she had expected. The phone rang, it was Professor Ethan Howard. He was in London with the twins Damon and Deirdre.
“Please come over,” Stacey said. “You couldn’t have picked a better time.”
When they arrived, Stacey told them about Shane being in Dallas, and her aunt and Richard being in France and her best friend and her husband were visiting his family.
“Right,” Ethan said. “Then there’s nothing to keep you from joining us on a wee trip. We thought it time to visit our distant relative, Miss Leona Fitz-William.”
“Yes, I would love to join you. Give me a minute to pack a bag.”
An hour later, they were on a train bound for Northampton. Stacey had not seen Miss Leona since the middle of September, when she and Shane a made a weekend trip up to see her. This would be the twin’s first visit. Stacey enjoyed talking with them. They were typical eighteen year olds. They were both fascinated hearing about America, Texas and the ranch.
Miss Leona was happy to see her guest. Damon and Deirdre were excited to meet her. They both were full of questions and they all had a pleasant visit. When Stacey and Miss Leona were alone for a few minutes, she told Stacey, “I see many children around you.”
Stacey took her hand and said, “I know you are clairvoyant, tell me, what you see?”
Miss Leona patted Stacey’s hand and said, “My visions are not always clear and sometimes they become misty. I’m never sure if it’s the past or the future I’m seeing with regards to you my dear.”
Stacey didn’t want to push her. She had watched, her before when she was having a vision. It was very arduous and seemed to leave her exhausted both physicality and mentally. When she and Shane had visited before, they had discussed the phenomena of hers and Shane’s resemblance to the earl and countess of Dun-Raven. Miss Leona told her that was a mystery she had no answers to, unless it was a throw back of genes somehow since they both were descended from the same people. Although, that theory seemed a little far fetched when the time frame was so far apart.
Stacey had confided to her about her feeling of being visited by the old countess in Scotland and again at Sir Richards’s home one night last summer while viewing a portrait of Cassandra, the youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Dun-Raven.
Miss Leona asked, “Have you confided in your husband about this feeling of being possessed?”
“No,” Stacey said. “I don’t want him worrying about me, and possessed seems too strong a word for what I feel. If I carry the old countess’s spirit in me somehow, and I’m not at all sure I do, then I believe she is a benevolent spirit that means no harm. Only good has come into my life since my dream.”
Leona Fitz-William, held Stacey’s hand for the longest time, and then told her, “I see you in the mist, but I can’t reach you. If only we knew the countess’s name or from where she came, we could solve this mystery.” Miss Leona sat still holding Stacey’s hand, then said, “I don’t want to alarm you my dear, but I see a great sadness in your future.”
A bit shocked, Stacey asked, “Do you see where or when? Is there anything you can tell me to help me prepare for this?”
“No child, I can’t,” Miss Leona said. “I wish I could. Don’t agonize over this. You are young and your life will be long so of course, there will come a time when there will be sadness, but much happiness too. Life has a way of balancing it out, so live child, enjoy the life the creator has given you. What happens will happen.”
Chapter-35
The Announcement
Stacey had overslept this morning. Knowing Shane was arriving back in London today, she had not been able to get to sleep last night, so she got up and took a hot shower and then worked on her studies. It was around two a.m. when she finally fell asleep. She was in a hurry so she grabbed jeans, boots and a brown suede fringe jacket. She had just been in the British airways part of the terminal a few minutes when she saw Shane coming towards her. She ran to him and was in his arms at once.
Stacey was so glad to have Shane home, she just couldn’t let go. A young man walking by said, “Get a room doll!”
Stacey turned and said, “No need, I’m taking him home with me.”
The young man gave them a thumbs up, chortled and said to Shane, “I envy you man.”
Shane gave him a thumbs up back and said to Stacey, “He’s rather a cheeky chap.”
On their way home, Shane was sharing with Stacey the highlights of the separating surgery of the conjoined twins. Shane had gone to Dallas to the children’s hospital a few days early to observe the pre-surgical preparations. A special operating table had been constructed to accommodate the intricate and unique operation. The actual surgery was performed on Saturday, October the eleventh. The surgery took thirty-four hours. There were five principal surgeons and fifty assisting ones. Doctor Kenneth Shapiro was the primary surgeon. All the doctors volunteered their services. Shane felt honored to be a part of and to meet some of the top neurosurgeons in the world. Shane stayed on a week after to observe the postoperative procedures.
Stacey love listening to Shane talk. He was so passionate about his profession and the strides being made in the field of neurology. Her heart was full of love and admiration for this man. After they arrived home, Stacey was unpacking Shane’s bags as he showered. She found a plastic bag full of underwear and socks. When he came from the bathroom wrapped in a towel, Stacey asked, “Why didn’t Aunt Tracy do your laundry?”
“I didn’t ask it of her,” Shane said with a devilish smile, “Isn’t that one of your wifely duties?”
Stacey gave him one of her raised eyebrow looks and said, “You’re so right husband, I’ll go do them right now,” as she picked up the bag, Shane picked her up in his arms and kissed her. Stacey innocently asked, “Oh, do you have other duties in mind sir?”
Shane kissed her again and said, as he was hastily removing her clothes, “No, miss minx, I have pleasure in mind. Lots and lots of pleasure. I’ve been gone near a month. I fancy to make up for lost time.”
After Stacey and Shane had make love, she was lying with her head on his shoulder and with her hand caressing his chest, when softly she said, “Shane, I must tell you something. I think I may be falling in love with a younger man.”
Shane put his hand over her moving hand, raised up, looked at her and said, “Explain yourself lass,” When he looked at her he knew she was teasing him from the twinkle in her eyes.
Stacey asked, “Would you mind terribly if a young man came to live with us?”
Shane was a bit baffled then asked, “Are you pregnant lass?”
Stacey smiled, nodded her head and said, “I think so, I did a pregnancy test and it showed positive.”
Shane held her tight and said, “Sweetheart, I didn’t think I could love you more than I do already, but this is more than welcome news. My heart is full of you and this wee one. Have you seen the doctor yet?”
; “No,” she said. “I have an appointment on Thursday.”
“We have an appointment,” Shane said. “We’re in this together.”
On Thursday, Stacey and Shane visited the obstetrician. She confirmed Stacey’s pregnancy. Doctor Shaw estimated Stacey was six to seven weeks pregnant. Two very happy people walked from the doctor’s office. Stacey called her mom, dad and Mr. Chen to tell them the news. Stacey’s mom told her this news was not unexpected and that both she and Stacey’s dad were looking forward to being grandparents.
Mr. Chen told her he would be seeing her in a matter of weeks that he would be in London for Thanksgiving.
“Thanksgiving is an American holiday. They don’t celebrate it here.”
“Nevertheless little daughter, I will be there.”
On Friday night, they flew to Scotland to share their news with Shane’s family. Andrew and Elizabeth were overjoyed. They didn’t expect this to happen so soon, however, was very happy that it had.
Grandmother McLeod told Stacey, “Thank you my darling. You can’t imagine how much I’m looking forward to seeing a great-grandchild before I pass on.”
Stacey hugged her and said, “Remember when you helped us, and I told you then you would never be sorry. Shane and I have decided if it’s a boy, we will name him Patrick.”
Grandmother McLeod, hugged them both and said, “My darlings, I knew from the beginning I would never be sorry.”
Stacey and Shane flew home Sunday around noon. Their friends met them at Hugh and Annie’s to receive the news. Rachael who had always been a little standoffish apologized and told both Stacey and Shane how happy she was for them.
When Rachael had a chance to talk to Stacey alone, she told her, “I was so afraid you would dazzle Shane with your youth, and leave him by the wayside. I’m so sorry how I acted in the beginning. I hope you will forgive me.”
Stacey hugged her and said, “There is nothing to forgive. Shane is very lucky to have friends who have his best interest at heart.”