Chapter 9 - Merry Solstice Eve

Chapter 9
Merry Solstice Eve
In Which Aidan Comes Upon a Mystery, Emmeline Comes Clean,
A Trio of Wandering Minstrels Comes for Dinner, and Jack and Aleister Come a Cropper when they Underestimate the Fair Sex (Again!)
Emmeline rode to work on the trolley alone. Alice was taking some time off for the midwinter holidays. She noticed that although the car wan't crowded, several young persons sat sprawled across the front seats, which were normally reserved for elderly and infirm passengers. Kids nowadays, she thought,no respect!
As the car filled, Em became more agitated to see an older Asian woman was made to hobble with her cane past the front seats still occupied by the sprawling young men and one clueless girl. Em sat well towards the rear, as usual.Why doesn't the driver mention something about the rules? As she exited, she enquired on her way out, 'I thought the front seats were to be used for the elderly or infirm? Have things changed now?'
The driver ducked his head, not looking at Em. 'It's merely a standard we try to observe, not a set rule. With the gangs becoming more violent of late, I worry about getting home to my family in one piece, Miss.'
Emmeline took her leave and marched toward the library, now free of picketers for a change. What was the world coming to? It was more and more someplace she did not want to be.How she longed to simply get away from it all! She recalled with painful sentiment, of England and how civilized and more polite even!-it seemed,in comparison to the rough ways of her countrymen.How she missed hearing 'No worries, luv!' from the Cockneys in London, or 'Mind your step,ducks!' from the northerners.There were toughs about in the UK, of course, but
she somehow didn't think their rude ways would extend, en masse,to the discomfort of old ladies .
She headed for the staff room upstairs and pouring a cup of tea, sat down with the Courier as she had arrived early for work.Yes, more agitation and altercations among the youth gangs of late. Lately, with the economy on the downturn, things had gotten more racially divisive. Poncey Winebar had made some comment about limiting immigration, especially Asians. Oh, they could come and endure hardships building the railroads and then
back home with you!--so it sounded now. Was that what had caused the blatant rudeness on the trolley this morning?
Emmeline thought about that. What if people knew of her Indian heritage? True, she was mostly Welsh/Swedish, for some reason the Erik the Red of her father's side won out over the dark hair of her mothers Welsh/French/Cherokee genes.She'd taken her mother's maiden name of Page herself, as her Swedish name didn't roll off American tongues and she had felt the need to distance herself from her absent father, not really wanting to be reminded of him.
But, if people knew she was part Cherokee, would they suddenly begin treating her differently?  She had always assumed so. But, how much so? And was that what mattered?  Emmeline thought of her recent conversation with Jack and Aleister, and how they assured her they would not disclose the fact of her  Indian blood to the public.
Emmeline recalled a saying her aunt had told to her. Although her mother never mentioned their heritage, feeling perhaps some secret disapproval from her father Em guessed, her aunt would pipe up occasionally with bits of information gleaned from their grandmother:
'Do not put one foot in the red man's canoe and one foot in the white man's boat since the ancestors foretold that a great wind would come and tear the canoe and the boat away from each other.Those people with one foot in the canoe and one foot in the boat will fall into the river and no power this side of creation can save them.'
She felt regret then, thinking of her comment, 'I'm hardly DAR.' And what if she wasn't? She was still a fine, upstanding citizen, and a taxpayer, wasn't she? She deeply regretted her attempt to gloss over her genetic makeup. Was she trying to 'pass' as the Afrikan-American community called it? Why shouldn't she let the world know? Oh, Emmeline, what a hypocritical fool you have been. Whatever happens, I can't live with myself if I don't have the courage of my convictions, she decided. 'I'll write a letter!' she said.
'Eh, what's that Miss Page?' Oh, wonderful...here was Director Dickman hovering hard by. Well, no time like the present!
'Oh, Mr. Dickman, good morning! I was just perusing the Courier, and I thought I might write a letter to the Editorials page. The problem of the youth gangs seems to be rather increasing in scope of late.'
'Yes, yes,'Dickman dithered,'Nothing seems to help, although we certainly tried!' The bloody games, Em knew that was his version of putting a bandage on a bullet hole. 'But do have a care Miss Page, no mention of where you work now!'
'No, sir, I mean for it to be altogether personal in content. I have noticed some local racial tension of late. I wish to call attention to the fact that here in America, we are a melting-pot and we should be proud of our diversity! I myself am part Cherokee, you know!'
At this, Dickman spat out a laugh.'Ha! That's a good one! Our
ginger lass an Indian Maid!Miss Page, you are a corker!'
Emmeline wasn't having any of his bad manners just now,'It's true, sir! On the distaff side! And I'm not ashamed to speak of it.Excuse me.' With that she spun on her heel and took her exit, leaving Dickman to ponder that bit of intelligence.
                             . . . .
Later that day, she noticed a new position posted on the bulletin board. Circulation Supervisor, it read, open to all who have been employed a minimum of 5 years by Pankhurst Public.
That's me, thought Em. She had always wanted more of a say in how the library was being managed, here was her chance! Tonight will be a busy one, she decided, I'll apply for this position, it would pay more as well!... And also pen that letter to the Courier.
                           . . . .
That evening was a chill one. As it was nearly Solstice Eve, that was as expected. Em sat at her desk, pleased with her finished application and the letter to the editor. Ah, just one more thing...
Just then, Alice poked her head around Em's open door. 'Busy still, Em?'
'Not so much! I was just going to ask, Alice--shall we invite Jack and Dr. Parsons to our Solstice Eve gathering?'
'But of course!'Alice agreed.'Let's see...how many will that be? I did ask Mrs. Smith from the theatre guild, you remember her from Gertrude's lecture?' Em nodded.'And your sister and
her husband and our Aidan will be there, won't they?'
'Oh, yes, that's a cert! How good it will be to see them! I haven't seen Aidan in so long! I wish I'd more time off, so that we could visit more often...his father's diplomatic office keeps them all so busy as well. I'm glad he's home now for the holiday season.'Her sister had married a Thai ambassador, when she was teaching English in Thailand for years. Their son Aidan was born in Thailand and enjoyed a multi-cultural upbringing. Although they were Buddhists, they participated enthusiastically in his aunt's Druidic celebrations.
'Well, we'll make it a jolly evening, so we shall! Just a
intimate supper here, then we're meeting the Druids later for Solstice Caroling.Aidan always enjoyed that.'
'He does. The bonfire in the Grove's backyard, and presents after are a favorite of his as well as stopping for cocoa on our caroling route when we come to the Hearthstone!He was so pleased the year he was chosen to bear the Returning Sun Shield at the head of the procession!'
'...so that makes six, but we're ready for whomever else may happen by. One never knows! I've been busy baking all day...triple-treat gingerbread, Russian tea cakes, Swedish cardamom braid...'
'Alice, you are the best! Don't worry, I'll be busy with my cranberry-orange relish and Roquefort spread, stuffed mushrooms, and savory pasties...'Em seemed to be menu-planning as she spoke.'I may suggest the men bring a bottle of wine or cider.'
'Excellent! And Mrs. Smith is bringing potatoes au gratin, as well as pumpkin pie! And your sister contributes something delicious always! With the main dish and fresh baked yeasted rosemary rolls, I think we shall be feeding well enough!'Alice decided.'How was work today, then?'
'Oh, Al, I haven't told you! I decided to apply for the opening of Circulation Supervisor!' Em declared proudly.
'Truly, Em! Well, you would be an excellent choice for the job.
It will be more responsibility...I fear I won't be seeing you here at home as much. But I wish you bon chance!' Alice laid her hand lightly on Em's shoulder.
'Yes, lately I have been wishing for more of a say in things at work. And I don't mind putting in the hours. I want to be more involved, Al, in the library and in my community. There's alot of work to be done.' Emmeline looked over her application, and the letter she'd penned to the paper. 'I wrote a letter to the Courier as well. Nothing inflammatory, don't worry! It's rather tame really, simply calling for more tolerance, and a sincere wish for our community to celebrate it's American legacy of diversity.'
'Sounds about right, indeed it does.'Alice agreed.'Yes, do write to our gentlemen friends and...shall we invite them to go wassailing with us after?'
'Of course!' Emmeline picked up her pen and smoothed out the 'special' stationery that she had saved from her last trip to England;thin sheets of crackling A6 letter paper.'I wouldn't want them to miss out!' She turned and spared a wink in Alice's direction.
'Somehow, I don't think those two will be much astonished.Leaving you to it, then.' and Alice trotted downstairs to where a leaping 'wuff'-ing MacGregor awaited his evening walk.
Emmeline had a special nib for her pen that produced a fine calligraphic point. 'Join Us In A Special Solstice-Eve
Celebration' she began...well, perhaps, she thought, just perhaps things weren't altogether rotten on this little whirling planet she decided. One can but try one's best and put forward all the good-will one can muster, and just maybe the universe will respond in kind...
It was rather late when Emmeline at last heard Alice and MacGregor coming up the walk. 'Where have you two been? I was
getting worried!' she asked when they entered the parlor. MacGregor's nose was like an ice-cube when he sniffed her hand.
'Oh, Em! Just listen! I happened to run into Mrs. Smith, Patricia, out walking her wee bulldog at the park. We fell to discussing plans for the Solstice, and well, the upshot is, we have 2 more guests!' Alice stood near the fire, rubbing her hands.
'Sooo...? Don't keep me in suspense Al!'
Alice turned to her and smiled, her hands behind her back and rocked abit on her feet. 'Oh, wouldn't you just like to know, then?' Em made as if to throw a pillow at her. 'Alright! Don't go tossing furniture about!' She came and sat next to Em on the sofa, grabbing the pillow from her.
'Well! Patricia works with a couple of gents who play in community theatre here, and  they have gone on the road as it were, in some traveling productions, musicals mostly...I believe we saw them last summer in Shakespeare in the Park, although I truly can't recall them now.'
'Actors, are they? Well they're certainly welcome to come join us. I'm sure they have some interesting tales of behind the scenes...?'Em enquired, eyebrows raised optimistically.
Alice smiled like a Cheshire Cat.'Not just actors, Em! That's just what they play at on their own time. They both work as chefs at Chez Colbert!'
Emmeline was now all ears. 'Oh, Alice! You don't suppose...'
'Yes!'Alice squeezed the pillow to her chest in glee.'Patricia said they would  be sure to bring something  yummy to our table. Oh, Em! Actors-- singers and dancers even! And they can cook! It's too divine...' Alice sighed and leaned back, contemplating a vision of the two men, dancing into her dining room, each bearing a tray of toothsome and delectable comestibles. singing arias from 'Carmen'.
'That's wonderful Alice! It will be a Solstice to remember, and no mistake! I believe the weather will be clear, but cold. Just right for caroling.'
'My goodness, that's right! Professional singers we'll be bringing!. hopefully they can drown out my own caterwauling.'
Em smiled at her friend. 'It's the spirit of it that counts, dear. Together, we all make a Joyful Noise...remember the year that Keithcliff could come a-wassailing with us? Not a bad voice he has. It will be good to see him again. And Mr. Orez.
Too bad they shall miss our Solstice Eve gathering. Oh, by the way, I have our train tickets, and our names are on the will-call list at the box office at Mendation's Theatre. I can't wait to see something other than the inside of a library for a change!'
Alice eyed Em then. 'Well, you'll have abit less time off you know, should you get that supervisor's position, missy!'
Emmeline sighed.'True. But I think it will be worth it, if we can work to make the library a more viable and beneficial part of the community, then I won't feel so at odds against it! It's worth a try.'
Alice leaned her chin on her hand.'We shall see!' she said.

                        . . . . .
The temperature continued to drop by degrees as the days grew shorter and the Solstice drew near. Emmeline usually loved the outdoors, but even she felt driven by the weather to rush inside and heave a sigh of relief whenever she closed a door  against the inclement forces of nature.
She was thus hurrying home from the trolley-stop when she happened to pass by a couple of ladies she recognized from the Friends of the Library Committee. She wished them a hearty 'Good evening!'as she passed;a greeting which was promptly ignored. Em thought nothing of it, although she remarked to herself that the weather wasn't all that was chilly this evening.
Her front door looked most welcome as she approached then, and as she entered, she was met with quite a warm reception by MacGregor, his tail wagging delightedly.'There's a love!' she said, bending to scratch behind his ears as he stretched and bowed to her with his customary greeting. '"I think I could turn and live with animals,they are so placid and self-contained,'" she quoted, hanging up her coat and hat, and headed into the kitchen, to find Alice busy with tea.
'Ah, Em dear! How goes the battle, then?'
Emmeline sat at the breakfast nook and glanced through the mail lying upon the table.'Oh, Alice, you may as well know...I didn't get the job. Actually it was an appointment. And Director Dickman simply decided to withdraw all applicants and simply take it upon himself to appoint someone.'
'What!?' Alice paused mid-pour as she filled the kettle. 'I can't believe that! He just decided to issue an edict and name someone himself?'
'That's about right, Al! Dictator Dickman does it again!'Em
sighed and threw down the mail. 'Guess who is our new supervisor.'
Alice's face reflected the look of resignation on Em's.'Whoever it is, it won't be good news. Alright, out with it then.'
'Regina Halfwaffle.'
'Oh, Lord and Lady!' Alice cast her eyes heavenward.
'Halfwaffle!'Half-witted' more like! As long as someone has a loud mouth and is a boastful blowhard with an authority fixation, that's all it takes to win Dickman over! Well merry
solstice indeed!' Alice thumped her kettle onto the burner.
                         . . . . . .
The two friends sat down to tea together over some of Alice's excellent tea cakes. Em had collected herself somewhat and again began to shuffle through the mail.Alice poured for them both and handed Em a steaming cup.
'Well, it isn't all bad news. There's a reply to your invitation, from Mr. Van Horn. I suspect it's in the affirmative,' Alice ventured, dabbing  powdered sugar from her lips.
Emmeline isolated the envelope in question and opened it. 'Indeed, Alice! Got it in one!'Em smiled. 'Both he and Aleister will be most pleased, he writes, to join us for a Solstice-Eve Supper, and wassailing after! Well, there's always a bright spot on the horizon, I suppose.'
'And it will be growing brighter soon.'Alice agreed.'Sol Invictus!' she held up her teacup to Em for a toast.
'To the return of the Sun King!' Emmeline replied,' Sol Invictus!'
'Whuff!'agreed MacGregor as he gave a half-leap up on his hind legs, and the ladies laughed, the cares and the chills of the day forgotten for a moment as evening closed softly about their cozy retreat.
                         . . . . .
Emmeline was back at work the next day, hurrying through her tasks as she had taken the last hour of the work day off to head home and begin her preparations, for tonight was Solstice
Eve at last!
Back at the book drop, Em and one of the other library assistants, Arnold, were busy checking in the piles of books. Arnold was a good kid, but you had to keep one eye on him, or both, for--
'Heads Up!' Arnold yelled, tossing a pulp her way.It landed
on the counter next to her head, but only just.
 'Arnold, really! You nearly hit your mark: me! If you muss my chignon, I'll have your ears in a twist!'Em wasn't in the mood for hijinks just now.
'Read your letter to the editor in the Courier, Em. I thought you Indian maids were great hunters and stalkers,then.'
Arnold's entire face grinned at her.
'Oh, Arnold, will you leave it? I'd no idea people would fixate on differences so! I meant for it to be more of a plea for us all to focus on what we have in common, despite our diversity!'
Arnold hefted a rather larger pulp and leaned back as if for the wind-up. 'Oh, no you don't!' Emmeline threw a handy dust cloth at him, which he neatly ducked and caught. 'Miss me, Em? --Didn't know you cared!'
'Ohh, you little...'Em took the pulp he'd thrown at her and tossed it back at him. 'Throwing the book at me now, eh?'Arnold was in his element with cliche'd one-liners, alas.
'Ah-hemmmm!' Just then they both turned around to find Director Dickman standing in the doorway.'Miss Page! Mister Schadenfreund! Is this a library or a batting cage? I believe you both have work to do!'
'Yes, Mr. Dickman.' they both answered in tandem. That was just what Em needed! Bloody Arnold! That kid was more trouble than he was worth...she couldn't see his backside soon enough, she decided.
                            . . . .
Finally the work day ended, as interminable as it had seemed, and Emmeline arrived at home, fairly in one piece. 'I'm home!
Alice, are you about?' MacGregor answered for Alice with an affirmative 'whuff!' as he trotted forth for his greeting from his 'auntie' Em.
'Where's your mum, then?' Em asked him as she scooped him up and ruffled his fur. She found Alice in the kitchen making last-minute preparations to the dinner.
'All goes well, Al?' Emmeline asked, setting MacGregor down and washing up.
'Well and good, so it is! Oh, Em, this will be quite a night, I'm thinking!' Alice looked rather fresh, though flushed, from all her hard work. 'What time do you expect your sister then?'
'Actually, in about an hour, I believe. I'm so glad I was able to get abit of time shaved off the workday! I'll just run up and change, then set the table, shall I?' Alice nodded, humming to herself. It was a song from 'Carmen.'
Emmeline changed into a red dress,trimmed in small jet beads, in keeping with the seasonal colors as well as heralding the sun's ardent return. Although her hair was a rather bright red, it looked well with her scarlet gown and didn't clash abit, she decided.
She headed downstairs, while MacGregor watched her, smoothing the lace tablecloth as she set the centerpiece in the middle. Poinsettia, pomegranates and lady apples featured brightly and were laced through with aromatic cedar, fir and pine boughs with sprigs of holly. Silver candlesticks with tall crimson tapers were set on either side. Red napkins on the white tablecloth made a fine contrast, she decided, and had just finished setting the silverware, when a knock sounded at the door and MacGregor whuffed! an arrival.
'Amelia! Aran!-- and this can't be Aidan!' Emmeline welcomed her sister and her husband inside, followed by, Em was surprised to see, a rather tallish and handsome young man who could only be her nephew--but wasn't he just a young boy? Oh, dear! It had been far too long, she realized! 'Aidan, I hope your remember your Aunt Em! You are so tall and fine, I rather didn't recognize you!'
Aidan took her hand in his. 'Of course I remember you, Aunt! How have you been?' Oh my, and so polite too. Well, as an ambassador's son, so he would be, she thought. But it made him seem far too grown-up already! Where did the years go?
'Here they are at last!'Alice entered from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. 'Do come in, dears, and warm up! So glad you could come!'
There were hugs and handclasps (and wags and pets)all around, then the company drifted toward the fire in the parlor. 'Ummm, what's that marvellous smell?'Amelia breathed in the many contrasting aromas of freshly brewed coffee, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.' Oh, Alice, Em, here's something for your table!'
Alice took Amelia back to the kitchen.'Oh! Lovely! Curry!'Alice called over her shoulder to Em.'I so love a good curry, it's just not the holidays without it! Thank you!'
'Aran made it.'Amelia said with a fond smile at her handsome husband. They were a fine looking family,if I do say so myself, Em admitted. Her younger sister Amelia, a fine illustrator, favored her mother though and had her hazel eyes and thick dark tresses. 'I hope it isn't too hot!'
'Never too hot,'ventured Aran, accepting the cold glass of beer Em had offered. Em knew from past toothsome experience that he was a fine cook, indeed, as was Amelia.'I don't think it will be too pungent for western tongues.'
'Oh, we'll have an interesting company tonight! Just you wait!'Just then there came another knock at the door.'Ah, speaking of which--!'and Emmeline headed off MacGregor who was wuffing his way down the hall, to open the door to Jack and Aleister who stood offering a large felt bag tied with ribbon, and a dual 'Happy Solstice!'
'Aleister, Jack, how good to see you! Oh, thanks very much!'
Em accepted the gift, and a buss on the cheek from Aleister, as well as a whispered, 'Sol Invictus!' from Jack and a kiss rather near the side of her mouth.
Blushing, Emmeline peeked inside the sack.'Oh, marvellous! Champagne! And wine and ciders as well! Oh, Alice, we're set, thanks to these gentlemen! Do come in and meet my family...'
Introductions were made all round and soon everyone was settled in the parlor with a beverage of choice. Em couldn't stop looking at her nephew, this much taller lad with whom she tried to reconcile the baby boy of her memories...he seemed so grown-up nearly! Still, although he had a puckish, ready smile, he seemed to be a rather serious lad. She recalled that even as a baby, he would eschew his colorful toys and head straight for an open tool chest with wrenches and drills, as if ready to set straight to work!
His earnest gaze now seemed to settle on Jack, Em noticed, curious as to why.'Tell me Aidan, what are you studying in school? Any favorite subjects?'she enquired as she handed her nephew a cup of hot cocoa.
'Thank you, Aunt. I enjoy all my subjects, but I'm really rather keen on history, and science of course!' He took a cautious sip. 'I've been reading alot of H.G,Wells and Jules Verne, you know. In books such as Mr. Wells's 'Time Machine',
there's a brilliant blend of history and science, you see.'
Aidan finished bending his head over his drink, but Em noticed his eyes were giving Jack a sidelong glance.
'Indeed?'Emmeline now saw another view of her enigmatic nephew.
She enjoyed abit of speculative fiction herself, and was glad that his practical turn of mind also had a more fanciful side.
'I just finished Mr. Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea! I actually found myself rather in sympathety with Captain Nemo, in spite of the fact that he was hardly an upstanding citizen of any known civilization. A most curious character, indeed.'
'Yes, Aunt,'continued Aidan,'I've yet to read that particular book, but it is on my list!'He bent to scratch MacGregor's head, to the dog's great pleasure.
'Oh, I must take Mac out for a bit!'Alice began to head for her coat.
'I'll take Mac out, if you like, Mrs. Stein!'offered Aidan. Alice allowed as how that would be most agreeable. 'Don't keep him out too long now! Dinner will be soonish!' Aidan agreed,
suited up for the outdoors,and snapping on Mac's leash they ran off into the misty night.
                         . . . . .
Outside was a peaceful contrast to the bright hub-bub of his aunt's house thought Aidan as he and MacGregor walked in and out of the pools of light made by streetlamps. There were a few people out, here and there, but the chill weather kept most of Pankhurst well indoors. They circled the block together, then Aidan decided to come around to the back door, as the ground was a bit muddy and he thought perhaps they shouldn't tread dirt in through the front.
As they approached the corner of the house, MacGregor suddenly set up a low growl.'What is it Mac?' The little dog stopped and made a low muffled 'whuff!'Aidan trusted in Mac's instincts and bending low to the ground,  crept silently against the wall of the house. As he reached the corner, he put a warning hand on Mac's head, and peered cautiously about.
His gaze met with an oddity, for there seemed to be a sortof greenish cloud hovering over the back yard. Mac growled again. 'Hush, Mac.'he whispered. What was that thing? he thought. The cloud traveled along the ground and then came to rest in a corner of the yard where it then began to change colors from green to a soft pinkish hue.
Just then, there was a swelling of the noise inside and someone was banging out the opening bars of a song on the piano. The
strange cloud then darkened and appeared to grow misty, eventually disappearing entirely. Aidan stood and approached the corner where it had settled. He bent down but couldn't see anything in the dark. MacGregor though was busy sniffing the ground and growling still.'C'mon, boy, let's go inside.' He
took up Mac's leash and wiping both his feet and the dogs, headed in the kitchen door.
'Ah, Aidan!'Alice greeted him.'You're just in time for dinner! Wash up now, and join us!'
'Mrs. Stein!'Aidan turned to wash his hands at the sink,'Mac and I saw something odd in your backyard! He's been growling at it, but I couldn't see what it did, it just disappeared!'
'What's that dear?'Alice knew better than to dismiss children's observations, as they didn't seem to miss much, she'd noticed.
'What did it look like, then?'
'Well, it looked like a cloud! Really, Mrs. Stein, you must believe me! Mac saw it too. He seemed to smell it more, though, and he didn't like what he smelled!'Aidan dried off on a towel, turning to her earnestly.'It was a cloud that moved. I know it sounds odd...'
Alice sighed. Lord and Lady, not tonight! she thought. She put a hand on Aidan's shoulder, just as Em entered the kitchen.'I believe you dear.' She looked at Em. 'Our 'cloud' is back, Em.Perhaps we could pop out and take a quick look!'
Emmeline cast a glance back at the guests enjoying a song around the piano. 'A quick inspection would be prudent,' she agreed, taking the lantern from wall.
They approached the far corner area that Aidan pointed out as the resting place of the ambulatory cloud phantom. Em held the lamp over the ground upon which they now could discern an outline of a circle, this time there were 3 triangles inside it, one inside the other. 'So, our mystery sigil-maker is back,'observed Alice.
'Yes,'sighed Em.'Now is not a good time to call attention to this, Al. Let's keep it between ourselves, for now. Jack and Aleister needn't know, at least. I would like to discuss it with the family later however, Aidan. Can you keep it a secret, just until the other guests have left for the evening? Then we'll tell you more of what we know of the phenomenon. I'd like to hear what my sister and your father would make of it.'
'Of course, Aunt. You may trust me implicitly!'Aidan assured them.
'Quite the Solstice, eh, Em?' Alice said, as they headed back into where the party awaited.
Aidan noted the presence of some new arrivals since he'd been out with MacGregor. Seated on the piano bench were two gentlemen, who swayed in unison as they sang 'Solstice Bells,'
a song to which all joined in lustily. Behind them with a hand on each of their shoulders stood a tall grey-haired woman who added a fine contralto to the company's performance. Aidan joined in as well, with Alice and his aunt adding a graceful harmony. As the song ended softly and with a tinkling flourish of the keys, Alice announced: 'Time for dinner, then!'
All gathered around the dining room table as Emmeline, Alice and Aleister took a hand in setting a vast array of various steaming, aromatic dishes around, to the 'Oh's!' and 'Yum's!' of the hungry guests. When all had been set, they joined hands and asked the blessing of the Lord and Lady of the Wood, and gave thanks to Great Mother Gaia for this bountiful repast. Jack brought the champagne forth from the ice in which it chilled, and popping the cork, (which made Mac about half mad chasing)poured for all, (with apple cider for Aidan), they raised their glasses and toasted the Winter Solstice with a hearty 'Sol Invictus!'
As everyone fell to with gusto, Emmeline made tardy introductions of the new arrivals:'Aidan, I would like you meet Mrs. Patricia Smith, Mr.Stephen McClellan and Mr. Ian Fry--my favorite nephew Aidan!'
Aidan smiled,'Your only nephew, Aunt! Pleased to meet you all, sirs, madame!'
'Oh, just call me Patti, do,'said Mrs. Smith,tucking in to the curry with a will.
'And it's Stephen and Ian, with us, so it'tis. Pleased to meet you as well, young sir!'
'I very much enjoyed your song,'Aidan added. Emmeline noted that his plate somehow consisted mostly of desserts, already.
A boy still. The thought reassured her. Well, it is a special occasion...
'Ah,thank you Aidan.'Stephen said,'We try our hand at musical theatre whenever we are offered a part that suits our fancy.'
Em was curious about this aspect of her guests avocation.'Indeed! Have you played in San Francisco at all?'
'Oh, yes, many's the time!' Ian warmed to the subject,'The Curran, the Castro,'he glanced at Stephen,'...even Mendation's!'
'No! Never Mendation's!' Emmeline grinned, looking at Alice.
'Oh, I know you fine ladies of the library wouldn't be knowing about that...'Ian smiled.
At this, Alice and Patti began to giggle. 'What now?' said Ian dryly,'You're having us on about something, 'tis plain!'
Alice 'fessed up:'Actually...just betwixt us and the gatepost, Em and I have tickets for Jackie Changeling and the Internationales, at Mendation's--tomorrow night!'
Jack shot Aleister a pained look. No one else took notice, however, they were all laughing so heartily.
'Ah, Jackie,now! There's a show and no mistake!'Stephen and Ian
winked in concert, and began to croon:'"I...want a girl, just like the girl, that Daddy Nev-er Had...!"'they finished, laughing. 'You'll have quite a time at Jackie's show, ladies!
He never disappoints! Indeed, there's quite much more to ah, him, than meets the eye!' Ian put a finger aside his nose, 'Say no more!'
Jack spoke up then. 'I'd no idea you ladies were off to the City for the Solstice! Aleister and I had rather hoped you might have been persuaded to come for a country drive with us. But, that rather pales to a night out in the big city!'
Em glanced at Alice.'Oh, we appreciate your thinking of us, Jack! But, yes, we've been looking forward to this for some time. We're also meeting friends of ours for luncheon before the show. Aidan, you remember Captain Keithcliff?'
'Oh, yes, Aunt!' Aidan looked at Jack. 'He's a real sea-captain, sir! With a steamer with sails, and everything! We all got to come on his boat once, in the City! It's a grand ship!' Aidan made clear his admiration for the Captain, Jack noticed.
'Lads do enjoy the romance of the sea, you know,'his father added.'Will Mr. Orez be in attendance as well?' The whole family had met them both in San Francisco last summer.
'Indeed,'Alice said, trying some of the chef's wonderful pate'.
'They will both be in port only briefly though. But time enough for a bite at Neptune's Palace.'
'That's a grand place so it 'tis,'said Ian.'Seafood you can trust, and done to a turn! How do you like the pate' then?'
'Melts in the mouth, dear sirs!'Alice closed her eyes in bliss.
'But you must try some of Aran's curry!' and so the dinner party continued with the guests well satisfied, excepting Jack and Aleister who were rather quiet then suddenly, and preoccupied with the business of eating. No one noticed however, except perhaps for Emmeline's young nephew, who decided he had better keep an eye on this Mr. Van Horn, whom he wasn't too sure of as yet. He knew and approved of Captain Keithcliff, but Jack was a cypher still;an unknown...like that odd drifting cloud in the backyard. His aunt's house, and his aunt, held a few secrets as well. He decided he needed to be on his toes, despite the genial company. He noticed MacGregor was
also on the alert, sitting at the parlor's entrance, looking through the kitchen at the back door attentively. A night to keep your eyes open, he told himself.
                        . . . . .
'Aidan's asleep,'Emmeline said to her sister, later that evening after they had returned from the wassail. 'He's had quite a full evening of it!'
'Indeed. It has been a full and lovely evening.'Amelia said. As she gathered their things together, Em couldn't quite bring herself to broach the subject of the night's strange recurring phenomenon. It was  so out of place with the holiday celebrations...perhaps it was best to wait until later to mention the subject.
She saw her family off to the Pankhurst Inn, with promises of
meeting again soon, making sure they had plenty of solstice leftovers to tide them over on their trip back home. Ian, Stephen and Patti had all departed after caroling with hearty holiday spirit, heading off then to the Towne Tavern to meet with some other late-night merry-makers from the local theatre.
Jack and Aleister also caroled with gusto, recovering abit of holiday cheer in the good company of the Druids, but left directly afterwards also, Jack seeming rather subdued, she thought, for some unknown reason.
She felt abit guilty about keeping secret from them the second glyph on the lawn that Aidan had pointed out to them, but she figured it could surely wait until later. She didn't want anything to interfere with their Solstice plans.  Really, they had waited so long for a bit of a break from work, and the cold ,dark days of winter. Nothing was going to stand in the way of their little holiday excursion, she decided, as she stood in the doorway, waving her family off into the misty Solstice night.
But, it was only Solstice Eve, and the Solstice was still yet to come...