We Are Gathered
Here – Part 3
Saturday 10th
December
The Waldorf
Astoria
4.30 pm
“Well, you
looked amazing up there.”
Sandra smiled
as she and Maddie made their way to where Emma was standing with a tall
gentleman, dressed in a tailored suit, pale blue shirt, and blue tie.
“Well, I am
glad you said that,” she said as they shared a kiss, “and I see you found Emma
as well.”
“We had an –
interesting conversation over the meal, comparing Prince and Dylan to Mozart
and Gilbert and Sullivan. You must be
Maddie – Stephen Court.”
“So, you’re the
mysterious man who has conquered Sandy’s heart?” Maddie looked him up and down, before she said,
“have we met before?”
“Possibly in
passing,” Stephen said with a smile, “So when do I get introduced to the bride
and groom?”
“When they
circulate round to us, I suspect,” Sandra said as she watched Shirley and John
walking round. “Come on – let’s get a
drink…”
“Tatiana,
darling – it is such a pleasure to see you again.”
“And you
Diana,” the two women said as they kissed each other on the cheek. “May I say, you look as if you are recovering
fully.”
“I certainly
hope so,” Diana said with a smile as they looked at Abby and Tony talking to Jo
and Clint. “So – wedding bells for your
daughter?”
“Some way off,
I think,” Diana said as she sipped her champagne. “Do not get me wrong – they are very much in
love, but both Abigail and Anthony are focused on their studies, as is Joanne
when it comes to the relationship between her and Curtis. But some day – yes I can see that.”
They both
looked over to where Olga was standing with Kit, Eve and Liz. “Your daughter is growing to be a beauty as
well.”
“Indeed – both
Yuri and I agree on that, and it is sadly one of the few things we do agree
on.”
“Have you seen
him?”
“Not here – he
is being kept busy I suspect…”
Kay glanced to
the doorway, and then said, “excuse me for a moment,” leaving Ray with Donald
as she made her way into the lobby.
“Is there a
problem,” she whispered to the blonde.
“I am not sure
– I heard rumours that the proposed takeover of NorStar is off.”
Kay raised an
eyebrow, as she said “it is? Where did
you hear this?”
“I’m watching
at least one young model, in a room of models - rumours travel fast.”
Kay glanced
round, and then said “I will see what I can pick up – be vigilant in the
meantime. Anything else?”
“Yes – have you
seen my two old friends who are here?”
Kay nodded as
she said, “I understand they know Shirley for some reason.”
“Indeed – but
for what reason?”
“Let us hope
you do not find out…”
“Congratulations,
Mrs Hammond,” Juliette said as she kissed Shirley on the cheek. “How do you feel?”
“As if I am on
cloud ten,” Shirley said with a smile. “I
truly never believed this day would come. and yet, here we are.”
“Congratulations,
my friend,” Klaus said as he shook John’s hand, “so where do you repair to from
here.”
“Sorry – I
don’t want anyone to know until we are on our way, and I trust Maisha to say
nothing…”
“This is
amazing,” Miley said as she and Laura stood with Aggie. “When you and Dad marry, will the reception
be at Ardray like for Sue and Colin?”
“Oh yes –
Sheilagh and Tam insist on it,” Aggie said with a smile as she looked round,
and then smiled again. “Augie – I had
the final decision from the TorWare board yesterday.”
“And your
advice was invaluable on that,” Augie said with a smile, “so the family are
here?”
“Indeed, they are…”
“Hello Brooke.”
As Brooke
turned round, she was surprised to see Tom Morse standing behind her.
“Tom – how are
you?”
“Glad the
recess is coming up – next year is already going to prove a very different
affair,” he said as he sat down, “but I want to know how you are?”
“Well, I seem
to have got over…”
“Brooke, I
know.”
She glanced
round, before she whispered “how do you…”
“One or two of
the sinners know – they’re forming a support bubble for you, and Clare is one
of them. I’m just glad you’re facing
your demons and conquering them with any luck.
“That is all we
can ask for,” Tom said as he squeezed her hand.
“Now us, on the other hand…”
“How is
Bobbie?”
“Well- we’re
going to spend Christmas with Simon’s parents, and then they are coming over
for New Year…”
“Mamma, can we
dance?”
“Soon Judith,”
Carina said as she stood with her oldest daughter, “once Aunt Shirley and Uncle
John have had a dance.”
Mags and Rudi
were looking round the room as Annie and Ingrid held them, fascinated by the
lights and the sounds. The tinsel on the
trees seemed to eb especially attracting their attention.
“They like the
lights, Mommy.”
“They do seem
to,” Annie said with a smile, “they do seem to…”
Yuri glanced
into the room, smiling as he saw his daughter and wife there. He wanted to see them, to talk to them, but…
“Mr Markov?”
“Madame La
Marchesa,” Yuri said as he turned to see Francesca behind him. “I trust the ceremony went well.”
“It did – did I
understand your text correctly?”
“In terms of
business yes – I am instructed to tell you that the takeover bid has been
rescinded.”
“And your
quote?”
“Ah – you must
read into that what you will, Madame La Marchesa. May I offer another quote from the Bard of
Avon – one I find has been most motivational for me?”
“And that is?”
“By the
pricking of my thumbs…”
“Something
wicked this way comes. Mister Markov, do
you need to talk to anyone?”
“No – but
perhaps you should,” Yuri said as he felt his phone vibrate, and looked at the
message. “I must go – stay safe and
well.”
“And you,”
Francesca said as Yuri walked off.
“Mama?”
As she turned,
Francesca saw Charlotte standing with Frances in her arms.
“Find Liz and
Leader,” Francesca whispered quietly, “I am suddenly very fearful.”
“I can imagine
– Karen is here as well…”
“Good afternoon,
Ladies, Gentlemen, guests – we are Ladydown, not sure if any of you have heard
of us?”
There were
claps and cheers as Emma Cromwell smiled.
“Well, you may have seen there is a film about us that is coming out
soon, and we have a greatest hits album released as well – plug over. Today, however, it is our pleasure and
privilege to be here to help celebrate John and Shirley’s wedding, and I want
to invite them to come onto the dance floor now, to dance to their song.”
There was more
applause as John led Shirley onto the floor and took her in his arms.
“Ready, Mrs
Hammond?”
“Ready, Mr
Hammond,” Shirley said with a smile as the Andi Morecambe started to play,
Maddie smiling as she recognised the tune.
Close your eyes, give me your hand, darlin'
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Maddie led the applause as they started dancing, the
others watching
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame?
“May I?”
“You may,” Maddie said as John Jacobs offered her his
hand, Stephen taking Sandra onto the floor as Jack led Catriona on.
I believe it's meant to be, darlin'
I watch you when you are sleeping
You belong with me
Do you feel the same
“May I have this dance?”
“You may,” Ama said as Alex led her on, Maisha taking David
Fitzstuart’s hand as they joined the others on the floor.
Am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame?
Say my name
Sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling, oh
Klaus and Juliette joined Aggie and Donald on the
floor, as others stood and watched.
Say my name
Sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling, oh
Close your eyes, give me your hand
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame
Close your eyes, give me your hand, darlin'
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame
Close your eyes, give me your hand, darlin'
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming, ah
An eternal flame
Close your eyes, give me your hand, darlin'
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming, ah
Is this burning an eternal flame
Close your eyes, give me your hand, darlin'
As the band
stopped, the room burst into applause as John kissed Shirley, and then led her
to a side table as she sat down.
“I am so glad,
that is out of the way,” she said with a smile, “now the others can have their
fun.”
“So, I see,”
John said as he handed her a glass of champagne, and they watched Carina dance
with Judith, while Penny and Helen went onto the dance floor.
“She appears to
be completely happy,” Cathy said as she stood with Missy.
“I believe she
is,” Missy said with a smile, “I believe she is.”
“And you, Missy
– how are you now?”
“Recovered –
and glad Rhenia is doing such a good job of managing everything else,” Missy
said with a smile.
The President
watched on a closed-circuit camera as the dancing continued.
“When do you
plan to implement the test, Sir,” his assistant said as he stood by his side.
“Not yet –
Markov and Byushin are still in the hotel?”
“They are –
Markov went for a walk into the lobby and spoke with the Marchesa di
Cambrello.”
“On the NorStar
bid?”
“We believe so,
yes.”
He nodded as he
said, “it would be – imprudent to do anything to disturb the happy couple
before they leave.”
“Imprudent?”
“Miss Shirley
Xavier is not a woman to cross,” he said quietly, “as I well know. No -once they have gone, we invite the target
to join us.”
“So, these are
the so-called Saints and Sinners,” Stephen said as he sat with Sandra, sipping
from a glass.
“Indeed – a
very diverse group,” Sandra said as she looked round.
“And if I was
to ask who know Shirley professionally?”
“I would not answer
– but you recognise some of her staff, I am sure.”
Stephen nodded,
as he said “true – and it may not be a prudent thing to ask at any… George?”
The bearded man
stopped as he was about to walk past, and turned, smiling as he said
“Stephen? So, you are the mysterious
other Sandra has fallen for?”
“Indeed – I
heard you had settled here – George Sanders, right?”
“Indeed – I
work for Caroline Jameson as her number two now, having retired from other
things.”
“Well, it
certainly seems to suit you,” Stephen said with a smile. “I’ll pass on your good wishes.”
“Yeah, do that
please,” George said with a nod as he started to walk round again. Sandra looked at her partner as she said, “I
am so glad you helped get him out.”
“Hey – despite
what is written about him, he’s one of the good guys,” Stephen said with a
smile.
“Doctor Lucia –
I trust you are well?”
“I am Karen –
and it is good, if a little worrying to see you again.”
“In what way,”
the Umlimo said as she sat next to the doctor.
“Because when
you appear, it is for moments of great importance,” Lucia said as she looked
round. “While this is a momentous
occasion, is it the only reason you are here?”
“I go where I
am needed,” Karen said with a smile, “but at the moment, I am – unsure. Let us see what happens…”
“You’ve done an
amazing job, Nessa – as you always do,” David McIlory said as he sat with his
partner.
“Well, Shirley
is a very close personal friend,” Nessa said with a smile, “so there was,
forgive me, no way on this earth anyone else was going to do this for
them. And yes, I do think I have done an
exceptional job today.”
“You have,”
David said with a smile. “So, you will
spend Christmas with the family?”
“It is the only
way to spend Christmas,” Nessa said with a smile. “I’m also glad that you are going to be able
to join us as well.”
“It’s my
pleasure,” David said with a smile as he looked at the dance floor. “Who is that dancing with your
granddaughter?”
“Nick? He is young Ama’s boyfriend.”
“Ah – and
George?”
“Talking with
his own girlfriend,” Nessa said as she looked at where he was sitting with
Katy. “Strange – it is not so long ago
they were little children, teasing each other, and now they have become young
adults almost overnight.”
“Time is the
great leveller,” Nessa said with a smile.
“If we allow it
to be.”
“Kylie, you
have done an amazing job,” Doc said as she, Nikki and Pepsi stood with the
young designer.
“I do think so,
darlings,” Kylie said with a smile.
“You most
certainly did, Kylie,” Ama said as she and Maisha came over.
“So where will
you be staying while your parents are away, Maisha?”
“In the
apartment – they are returning there form the honeymoon,” Maisha said with a
smile, “we will spend Christmas and New Year here this year. But Caroline and others will drop in every
day.”
“So will we,”
Kylie said with a smile. “So – are you
going to tell us where the happy couple are going?”
“No…”
“Well now, if
it isn’t Shirley Hammond,” Juliette said with a smile as the bride sat with
her, Diana, and Sandy.
“I will get
used to that – eventually,” Shirley said with a smile, “Diana, you look –
happy?”
“Strangely, I
am,” Diana said with a smile, “and it is a – very different feeling, I will
freely confess. So has John revealed any
details of where you may be going?”
“Not a
thing. And I confess, the mystery is
intriguing me.” She looked over at John
as he stood talking to Abby and Grace.
“With Penny looking after Maisha, however, I can be secure knowing she
is safe.” She then saw the look on the
face of the other ladies, before she laughed and said “all right, you have a
point there. She is, however, looking
forward to going to the lodges with her next weekend.”
“So,” Maddie
said as she sipped from her glass, “both Shirley and I are hitched – who’s
next?”
“Oh no,” Cat
said as she shook her head, “not me.
What about you, Sandra?”
“It’s early
days – and besides, Stephen and I have a professional connection as well.”
Cat raised an
eyebrow as she looked at Maddie, who shook her head and said “don’t ask…”
Sharon smiled
as she watched her brother and sister talking to some of the other children,
and then looked at Olga as she sat at another table, laughing with Kit, Eve and
Liz. They were happy, but why did Sharon
and George say it was important to keep an eye on her…
“Forgive me,
but why are you paying so much attention to Olga Marakova?”
Sharon turned
her head to see the tall blonde looking at her.
“Please, forgive me as well, but may I ask who is asking,” she said with
a smile.
“Angela
Gresham-Fox – I am a teacher at Benenden, and I am here to keep an eye on that
little group over there.”
Sharon nodded
as she said “Well, my boss asked me to keep an eye on all four of them – their
parents are well known, and she had security concerns.”
“Your boss?”
“Caroline
Jameson – you must be the escort sent to make sure Eve and the others kept out
of trouble.”
Angela turned
and looked at the tall blonde, nodding as she said “Jameson Security – of
course. Angela Gresham-Fox. So, this lady is one of your staff?”
“Sharon Kennedy
– my apologies if I stepped on your toes,” Sharon said with a smile.
“Not a problem,
I am assured security is paying close attention,” Angela said as she walked
off, Sharon raising an eyebrow as she looked at Caroline. “Boss, is there something about her that
makes you think twice?”
“Oh yes – and I
think I know the people to talk to…”
“COME!”
As the door
opened, he looked over to see Oleg Byushin walk in, waiting as his aides patted
him down before the door was closed.
“Comrade
President – everything is ready, and we begin on your word.”
He wiped his
lips with a napkin, and then nodded as he said, “where is Marakov?”
“In his room –
but we intercepted an invitation to him from Prince Klaus von Furstenheim, inviting
him to join the celebrations downstairs.”
“Very well then
– wait until the bride and groom have left, and then begin.”
Byushin nodded
as he turned and left the room, the aide closing the door as he looked over.
“Be ready to
instigate the test when he begins – we need to answer the question tonight.”
“So, another
week and we are home?”
“Indeed,” Jo
said as she sat with Carina. “They are
certainly getting bigger.”
“Good feeding,”
Carina said as she looked at Mags and Rudi as Judith spoke to both of
them. “So, we come home and head for the
lodges?”
“We do – with
our latest members and one very special guest.”
“Maisha?”
“Indeed – it
will be her first time on skies as well.”
“Well, that
should be – entertaining…”
“Has Ju…”
“No – she’s
being so busy with her book and Aunt Fiona’s, everything else has been put on
hold…”
Yuri looked
nervously round as he stood in the doorway, before Klaus came over, a broad
smile on his face.
“Yuri – come
in, have a drink.”
“Are you sure I
am not intruding?”
“Of course not
– John, Shirley, may I introduce Yuri Markov, an old friend from Paris. Yuri, the bride and groom.”
“A pleasure,”
Shirley said as he took her gloved hand and watched him kiss it, John raising
an eyebrow as he looked at Klaus. “I
have heard your name – one of my business interests is a youth modelling agency
with ties to NorStar.”
“Ah – then you
will have heard the client I represent has withdrawn his offer to purchase the
agency?”
“Indeed – I
also know he is in this hotel. He will
not be joining us?”
“He is not
invited,” Klaus said quietly, Shirley nodding as John said “Forgive us, but we
need to take care of something.”
“Oh – and that
is?”
John just
smiled as he steered Shirley away, Nessa watching and then following them from
the ballroom.
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