Heart of Stone

19. The Group

Robbie and Mary returned from riding at a little after four. Mrs. Bennett was wearing a simple black dress with a white lace collar and cuffs when she greeted them in the back hall. She let Robbie know that the others had started arriving. He led Mary up the back stairs, past Rose and several maids she hadn't met before. Each was wearing the same black dress that Mrs. Bennett wore, and they wore starched white aprons as well.

Mary bathed and dressed and tried to keep her nerves under control. Aiden spent a few minutes with her after she first got out of the shower, but then he left her to get ready while he hunted. Finally, she was standing in front of the full-length mirror, her hair piled in curls on top of her head, her make-up perfect, the black silk spaghetti strap dress hugging the curves of her upper body. The hem of the full skirt fluttered just below her knees. She looked critically at the simple gold cross around her neck and decided to leave it there. In all the time she took to find the right dress she never considered what jewelery she would wear. She pulled on the short, nearly opaque shrug, stepped into her heels and walked out into the sitting room. To her surprise Robbie was waiting there with Aiden.

“You are beautiful.” Aiden said softly, his eyes sweeping over her from her head to her toes.

“He's right.” Robbie said. She was surprised to see him wearing a tuxedo. “That dress is perfect for you.”

“Thank you both.” She felt a blush warm her cheeks. “I was worried it would be too much, or not enough.”

“I thought you might still be a bit nervous, so I brought you something.” He held up a platinum necklace in an Edwardian style. The pendant was made up of two wreaths, one smaller than the other, both were held together at the top by a diamond encrusted bow. The wreaths themselves were accented with diamonds and pearls with a single, larger diamond suspended in the center. The overall look of the pendant was lavish and fragile at the same time. “It was my mother's. She would wear it whenever she was especially nervous about a gathering. She always felt it brought her confidence. I was hoping you might wear it tonight, and whenever you feel the need.”

Mary looked at the glittering pendant and shook her head slightly.

“I can't.” She glanced at Aiden. “It's beautiful, but I couldn't take something like that from you.”

“Why not? I have no children of my own, nor am I likely to at this stage of my life, and I've grown very fond of you over the past few weeks.” He smiled, but Mary could tell that her refusal of his gift had hurt him.

“Because-” Mary searched for the right thing to say. She glanced at Aiden.

“Mary,” Aiden moved closer to her, his hand rested lightly on her waist. “Females of my kind often mate outside of their clan of birth. When that happens they construct kinship ties within the new clan. You need those ties as well, child.”

“I wouldn't be taking anything away from your family, would I?” Mary asked, walking forward. Robbie smiled.

“My mother was quite a collector. I have more than a few relatives who'll get far more than they deserve.” He chuckled and unclasped the necklace and held it up. “May I?”

“Just a minute.” She reached behind her neck and took off the gold cross and then turned around. Robbie clasped the chain around her neck. The pendant rested on her sternum so that the bottom of it barely grazed the hint of cleavage she was showing. She adjusted the collar of the shrug and turned to face the two men.

“What do you think?” She asked, a little smile on her lips.

“It suits you, dear one.” Aiden stroked her cheek softly.

“He's right.” Robbie smiled. “We should get down there, Veronica is probably waiting for us already.”

“Are you sure you don't want to come now Aiden?” She asked, hesitating.

“Even if I wished to, I could not. My hunt earlier was not a success and you know I am less than pleasant when hunger overwhelms me.” He kissed her forehead lightly. Mary nodded and walked out into the hall with Robbie and tried to keep her knees from shaking.

“How many of them stay here?” Mary walked a little more slowly than usual down the wide stairs.

“Everyone except for Andy and Nigel Pressman, they're the only two in the general area. Sometimes they stay as well, when we adjourn late.” He opened the drawing room door and Mary stepped through to see a tiny, elderly woman accepting an equally tiny glass of sherry from Bennett. Her shockingly white hair was sharp contrast to the black dress she wore.

“You must be Mary Beeson.” She set the glass aside and took Bennett's arm.

“Yes.” Despite her best efforts, Mary's voice sounded uncertain.

“Robbie, what have you been telling this girl?” Even though she needed help to get up she moved across the floor lightly. Robbie took her hands and kissed her cheek lightly.

“Only good things, I assure you Veronica. She's just a bit nervous.” Robbie answered. “How's Jackson doing these days?”

“Jackson is my husband.” Veronica explained to Mary. “He's completely senile and enjoying every minute of it from what I can see. Almost makes me jealous sometimes. Enough about me, I'd like to know more about you.” She took Mary's arm and led her to a quiet corner.

“Give me your hand.” Veronica said. Mary held out her hand to the older woman. Mary felt Veronica's fragile skin and the vibration of power that pulsed just under it. The white eyebrows twitched and she smiled. “Now stop holding back.” Mary did her best to relax.

“Sorry.” She murmured.

“Robbie was right, you are quite something.” A lively conversation could be heard just outside the door, Veronica smiled and let go of Mary's hand. “Be certain you let the others see it.”

As if on cue, the rest of the group entered the room en masse, making Mary think of a chattering murder of crows. As a group, they fell silent and stared at her.

“My goodness,” Veronica said. “I wasn't aware I was so fetching this evening, though I do thank you all for the compliment.”

“Forgive us.” A man of about sixty stepped forward, his smile was genuinely warm and welcoming. He held out his hands and Mary offered hers. “I think we were all a bit surprised at how lovely you are. I'm Quentin Phillips.”

“I'm pleased to meet you.” Mary said, noticing the differences in the vibration she was feeling. It was a bit stronger, but there was something else too.

“The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. If our host doesn't mind I'll make the introductions.” He offered his arm and Mary took it.

He introduced her to David Milbourne first. Her intended dinner companion seemed uncertain how to react and to Mary that didn't bode well. He looked from Andy to Robbie and then to Quentin, he was polite, but didn't warm to her. Mary wondered if he was even more nervous than she was. Most of the others were split in exactly the way she had imagined. Andy greeted her coldly, as did Stuart, Alex and Ron. Ramona Ramsay, Nigel Pressman, and Gordon Barnett greeted her with genuine warmth. Caroline Finch – Mary learned that she had dropped the 'Griffon' from her name – was a conundrum. She kept her distance from Mary, but only because Andy seemed to be glaring at her the entire time.

Once the introductions were complete, Mary felt more at ease and she began to notice more about the others. The ones who were members of the group wore only black, except for the men's white shirts. Their companions and spouses wore at least a splash of bright color. The companions seemed to have their own little clique and apart from introductions they largely ignored Mary.

“It's all rather overwhelming your first time isn't it?” Ramona appeared at Mary's elbow. Ramona was one of those women whose age was impossible to tell from a casual glance. Her short, dark hair and fine features suggested that she was perhaps in her mid-thirties. The wisdom in her eyes gave a different impression.

“Is it that obvious?” Mary felt a blush heat her cheeks.

“Well, that depends on who you ask. My particular skill is reading and directing emotional energy, so, to me, yes.” Mary laughed and so did Ramona.

“Robbie mentioned that everyone had different skills, but he didn't tell me what those skills were.” Mary felt herself starting to relax. The rest of the group had fallen into polite “cocktail party” conversation and she no longer felt like she was the center of attention.

“Of course not, Robbie's a dear but there are times he would forget his head if it weren't always on his shoulders.” Another easy laugh between the women. Mary could almost ignore the glances Andy's faction were casting her way from time to time. “Veronica and Caroline deal with all things temporal, past, present and even a bit of the future sometimes, though unfortunately for Caroline she has never been able to see her own future very well. Quentin and I are empaths. Alex and Ron exert some control over the elements, meaning earth, wind, fire and water. Neither of them is very powerful though so maybe I should say influence instead of control. Nigel and Gordon are herbalists.”

“You mean as in healing herbs?” Mary asked.

“Not quite. Certain combinations can add and extra boost to the will of the practitioner.” Ramona took a full glass from Rose's tray.

“Seems as if I have more reading to do.” Mary handed her empty glass to one of the maids she hadn't met.

“Don't worry about it, magic is like medicine. You could set out to read everything written on the subject and never get there because there's just too much material. Each family has built their library around their own particular skill.” Ramona sipped her wine and continued. “Robbie and David are alchemists, though from what I understand the whole 'base metals into gold' idea was abandoned long ago. Stuart and Andy are lexicians, word snobs is what I call them. For them it's all about syllables and structures and the feeling behind it goes out the window.”

“It seems I'm out of place.” Mary glanced around as she said it, and caught Caroline looking at her as if she wanted to come over and say something.

“No, your family is kind of the glue that holds the whole enterprise together. Without your unifying power our abilities can't reach their full potential.” Mary's eyes widened. “You'll learn how.” Ramona assured her. Mary noticed that Caroline was making her way over to where she was standing. She almost made it before Andy's wife Jean intercepted her and shooed her back to the other side of the room.

“I don't mean to ask you to gossip, but what's going on there?” Mary asked.

“That's not gossip, it's common knowledge. You know about why Esme was for sale?” Ramona asked.

“The bad marriage?” Mary responded.

“Are you two discussing Caroline's marriage?” Veronica asked.

“Yes.” Ramona answered. “Were we being that obvious?”

“No, but I did see her almost escape from that harpy Andy calls a wife. Then when I heard Mary mention marriage I put two and two together.” She turned to Mary. “I thought you knew the story of that mess.”

“I did, but I was wondering why she's so tied to Andy.” Mary said.

“She's been staying with him since she moved out of Grantam House, unfortunately Andy thinks of anyone living under his roof as his personal property.” Veronica ended with a derisive snort. It was becoming clear to Mary that this group might have been unified in a common purpose, but there were some deep divisions between them personally.

“The sad part is that Caroline believes she needs him.” Ramona added.

“Dinner is served.” Bennett announced. Everyone found their companions and made their way into the dining room.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dinner was easily the most lavish meal Mary could have imagined. Six courses that were artfully plated, perfectly prepared and in most cases composed of foods combined in ways she never would have expected. Her companion's conversation was less than sparkling, though he did manage to knock his wineglass over in her general direction and accuse her of clumsiness. Luckily it was nearly empty at the time. She spent most of the evening talking with Gordon about herbs, music and gardening. Mary was surprised to learn it was a hobby he had taken up only recently. Apparently the herbs he used had to be gathered from natural places at certain times of day or night and certain rituals had to be adhered to.

Once the dessert plates had been taken away Bennett opened the dining room doors and announced that the meeting would begin in twenty minutes in the library, and that other guests were welcome to use the drawing room for as long as they liked. Bennett stopped Mary as she was leaving the dining room. Robbie waited with her until everyone else had filed out.

“Aiden is waiting in my office, I thought the two of you might like to enter together, and have a few minutes alone in the bargain.” His smile was reassuring.

“Quiet sounds like a little bit of heaven right now.” Mary said.

“I can tell you they're all impressed, even the ones who are trying not to let it show.” Robbie said.

“Maybe, but that was the easy part. All I had to do was be polite.” Mary laughed quietly, hoping to dispel some of her nervousness. “Which door is it?”

“Follow Bennett. I keep it locked during these gatherings. I'll knock to let you know we're all gathered. See you soon.” He touched her arm lightly and walked down the hall. Mary turned to Bennett and he let her into Robbie's office. She had seen it briefly on the tour he had given her of the house. It was the same unusual but pleasing blend of the very modern and the antique that she had seen in all the rooms he spent a great deal of time in. This one leaned more toward the modern. Aiden rose as soon as she entered.

“That door,” Bennett pointed to a door on the right side of the room. “leads to the library. At the moment, it's bolted from the inside. Mr. Barnaby asked that I lock the outer door behind myself, if you're comfortable with that, Miss.”

“Yes, that's fine. Thank you Bennett.” Mary waited for the butler to close the door, then walked too meet Aiden as he crossed the room to her. His arms and wings wrapped around her and Mary hid against his chest for several long, quiet minutes.

“Come, let me hold you for awhile.” He sat down again and let Mary arrange her dress so that she could settle against his chest. Just being close to him made her feel better. He stroked her carefully, almost hesitantly, because of the silk dress.

“Were you able to eat?” She asked, her voice only barely above a whisper.

“Yes.” He kissed the top of her head. Mary shivered pleasantly and pressed closer against him. “What are the others like?”

Mary told him about her conversations with the others and what she thought of them. Mostly though, they were both silent.

“Are you nervous?” Mary asked.

“I would not say nervous. I dislike feeling like I am on display, like I am nothing more than a new beast in a menagerie, but I see no other way to do this.”

“No one will think of you as an animal.” Mary looked up into his eyes.

“I am not human.” He reminded her gently.

“I know that, but you're not an animal either.” Mary responded.

“In your world there is nothing between the two, at least not anymore. One is either human or one is less than human.” His arms tightened around her. Mary wanted to tell him that the others wouldn't see him as less than human, but she knew that wasn't entirely true. There were some in the group who would never think of him that way and there were others who might never think of him as anything else.

“I never saw you as less than human.” She said finally. “I can't be the only one in the world who thinks that way.” She felt him smile against her head.

“No, you never did.” He held her gaze for a long moment. A knock at the door shattered that moment. He kissed her lightly. “We should go.”

“I can tell Robbie you've changed your mind, if you want.” She stood again.

“No, child. This must be faced, and it is better faced now than postponed.” He rose and followed her.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When they entered the library, chairs and sofas were arranged in a circle, with Aiden's large chair and the one next to it still empty. Mrs. Bennett and Rose were serving coffee and tea to those who wanted it, Bennett served brandy. Once everyone who wanted something to drink had it, the servants left quietly.

The reactions to Aiden's appearance were as Mary might have expected. Some were shocked, some awed, some momentarily frightened, and some took great care not to react at all. Robbie began to make introductions, but Veronica interrupted him.

“I think we should all introduce ourselves.” She said.

“Good idea.” Gordon said. There was a general murmur of agreement.

“Alright.” Robbie agreed. “Do you think thirty minutes will be enough time?”

“I think so.” Veronica said. “Though, since this is all about meeting Aiden, if it takes a little longer that shouldn't matter, should it?” Robbie looked thoughtful.

“I had hoped to open the floor for discussion about going forward.” He answered. Mary could see why he was so good at leading the group. He gave them the impression that they governed themselves.

“Probably a good idea.” Veronica admitted. “Half an hour it is.” Robbie rose and offered Veronica his arm. She leaned heavily on him to stand, then crossed the room in her graceful way. Aiden stood uncertainly and let the tiny woman take one of his large hands in both of hers. Mary touched his arm and retreated to where Robbie was sitting. This was probably the best thing that could have happened, but something was making Mary uneasy. Robbie read it on her face.

“You could stand there with him, I'm certain no one would mind.” He said.

“That would look like I'm his handler.” Mary sat down and tried to quiet her mind. “Besides, he doesn't really need me for this.”

“He's much more charming than I would have thought. The recorded history of the gargoyles that I've come across doesn't do their diplomatic side justice.” Robbie admitted, the drone of conversation filled the room. She heard Quentin's easy laugh followed by Aiden's rumbling chuckle. “That's not what has you so nervous though.”

“Honestly I don't know what it is.” She watched Andy hold court with his faction at the opposite end of the room. They had all acknowledged Aiden's presence and then promptly moved away. “Maybe it's just my nerves.”

“Maybe,” Robbie smiled. “Though it's never a good idea to completely ignore intuition.”

“What hold does he have over them?” Mary wasn't looking at Andy, but it was clear who she meant.

“I wish I knew.” Robbie said. “I suppose you'll find that sort in every crowd though. Did someone tell you about Caroline's predicament?”

“Ramona and Veronica.” Mary noticed that Caroline looked like she wanted to spend more time talking to Aiden, but once again, one of Andy's minions interceded. “They didn't tell me what possessed her to go to him though.”

“He went to her.” Robbie responded.

“He doesn't seem the warm, caring type.” Mary couldn't hide the surprise in her voice.

“He isn't, but he does have an impeccable sense of who's vulnerable and how he can turn that vulnerability to his advantage. He told Caroline what she needed to hear at the time she needed to hear it and now she feels like she owes him.” Robbie explained.

“No one's tried to intervene?” Mary asked. Robbie smiled sadly.

“Sometimes it's best to wait in matters like this. When she's ready to reach out, she will find a great deal of support.” He looked over the room. “It seems like everyone's been introduced.”

Mary glanced over and was struck with the strangeness of the picture. Aiden towered, nearly naked and savage-looking as always in the middle of a circle of formally dressed men and women. Despite the physical differences they spoke and smiled and laughed together as if they were all old friends with no incongruity between them.

“I know you're right, it's just hard to think of it that way sometimes. Would you excuse me?”

“Of course.” Robbie smiled. Mary approached the small knot of people and hoped she looked confident.

“Where did you disappear to?” Nigel asked.

“Just having a chat with Robbie.” Mary replied with a smile. “Besides, you've already met me.”

“If I might have everyone's attention.” Robbie started, a hush fell over the room. “Thank you. I trust that everyone has had a chance to meet Aiden.” There was a general murmur of agreement. “Good. If everyone would take their seats we'll begin.”

People found their places, Mary made herself comfortable next to Aiden in a brown leather wing chair. She could tell from the way he watched her that he would rather have her closer, even though she agreed with him they would both have to wait a bit longer.

“Veronica was right when she said this meeting was about Aiden, so I propose we dispense with the usual formalities of reading the minutes and old business and move straight on to more pressing matters.”

“Agreed.” Ramona said.

“Second.” Andy said. There was no dissent so Robbie continued.

“You've all met Mary and Aiden and you all know that Mary is the one who awakened Aiden-”

“I don't know that for certain.” Stuart spoke up in his nasal voice.

“Neither do I.” Alex said, one of his fat fingers traced around the rim of his brandy snifter. “All we know for certain is that she was present when he woke.”

“And what? You think she just happened to be there at the right place at the right time?” Ramona asked.

“It's a logical conclusion.” Alex said. “She's untrained. It's much more rational to think that Ambrose created a spell that worked on a time schedule.”

“If Ambrose could wake Aiden, why would he hold off until so many years after his death?” Mary asked. “That doesn't make any sense.”

“It certainly doesn't.” Veronica said. The way she clanked her coffee cup against the saucer made it clear that she was angry. “We've worked for years to accomplish what Mary managed naturally-”

“You keep saying that, but where's your proof?” Andy asked. “She certainly hasn't been able to do it again, Esme is still frozen.”

“Jealousy is an ugly thing.” Gordon said. “We all know that Ambrose modified Aiden's enchantment as much as he could. If he had been able to release him, he would have done it.”

“And even though Mary lacks formal training she still has more ability than Ambrose had.” Quentin said.

“More natural ability than anyone sitting in this room.” Gordon added. Mary felt a blush heat her cheeks.

“Well then, she shouldn't have any problem proving it.” Andy sipped his brandy as if he had just commented on the weather.

“Agreed.” Alex smiled coldly and turned to stare at Mary.

“Absolutely NOT!” Ramona said. “We've never required anyone to demonstrate anything.”

“And we are not about to start now.” Nigel punctuated his statement by striking the arm of the chair with his fist. From there it degenerated into a cacophonous argument. Mary was surprised both at the staunch and unbending support she had earned in such a short time, and the intense venom of the others, who had known her for an equally short time. When the others were occupied with their sniping Aiden stroked the back of Mary's hand softly. She looked over at him and tried to force a smile. When the insults began to get personal Robbie ended it.

“ENOUGH!” He shouted above the noise. Mary jumped, she had never heard Robbie raise his voice. “There will be no parlor tricks or vulgar displays. Whatever you claim to believe, Mary IS the one who awakened Aiden. If you want to debate further in your own time, feel free. Right now the topic that's before us how to awaken the rest of the gargoyles.”

“May I?” Mary said.

“Of course.” Robbie smiled.

“Some of you are right when you say I'm untrained. I don't really know how you all work together or what my place is in that. I think before we attempt to wake the others I need the chance to practice.” Mary could hear her heart pounding in her ears in the silence that followed.

“A very wise idea.” Quentin said finally.

“Absolutely.” Robbie nodded. “Though I've seen how naturally this comes to you, I have absolute faith in your ability. Any thoughts on what order we should begin waking the others, Aiden?”

“I would like to say that order does not matter, but I think we must consider clan affiliations when making our plan. There are some clans that are enemies themselves but can interact with others as intermediaries. Until the situation is understood fully I think it is wise to let allies speak to allies. Because of that, Esme should be wakened first. My clan is tied to hers through many matings.”

“So you propose we wake each one individually.” Veronica said.

“Yes.” Aiden said. “I know that I would have been very disoriented if I had awakened alone in a strange world.”

“I'm certain that this will be shouted down,” Andy started. “But has anyone considered how the world will react to its new residents?”

“Expand on that idea.” Gordon said. All eyes were on Andy and he was enjoying every minute of it.

“Well, we human beings can't seem to get along with each other and you all want to add in a whole other race of creatures that look completely different and behave completely different from us and yet are sentient beings. That seems to me to be a recipe for disaster.” The room was so silent Mary could clearly hear the ticking of the mantle clock.

“Much as I hate to admit this, he has a point.” Ramona finally said. No one was able to look at Aiden. “A face of a different color or different set of beliefs sends some people over the edge.”

“What would you have us do?” Veronica asked.

“Leave them as they are. Centuries have passed, they're likely to have given up all hope anyway.” He said. Mary thought she saw just the barest hint of a smile on his face.

“That is perhaps the coldest, cruelest thing I've ever heard anyone say.” Quentin said. Mary was surprised to see all the color had drained from his face and he was gripping the arm of the chair so hard his knuckles were white.

“Nonetheless, the rest of you are powerless without me.” Andy was as calm as ever.

“I don't know that.” Mary said. “Isn't one of the main components in what we do belief?”

“It certainly is.” Ramona said firmly.

“My only concern is how Aiden and his kind will fit in to today's world.” Andy said. “What will they do for work? Where will they live? I'm only trying to think of this reasonably.”

“We can't just leave them like that.” Caroline said softly.

“I'm sorry? I don't think I heard you correctly.” Andy hissed.

“I said it's wrong.” Caroline's voice was trembling, but she was standing her ground. “It was wrong to start with. We can't change the past, but we have the chance to fix it. We can't ignore that because it's just easier to leave things as they are.”

“Truer words were never spoken.” Gordon said. A murmur of agreement filtered through the room. From that moment on there was no more talk of leaving things as they were, but no agreement could be reached on the question of trying a new ritual or recreating an old one. At nearly three in the morning everyone was exhausted and conversation was beginning to run in circles. Robbie gave everyone a month to gather their thoughts on the matter and present them at another meeting. It was also decided that Mary's practice would take place then. Robbie adjourned the meeting and wished everyone a good night's rest.

Mary hurried over to Caroline before she could leave.

“Thank you, for what you said.” The others were saying their goodnights and filing out, Mary returned those good wishes but remained where she was. She soon found herself alone with Aiden and Caroline.

“It was the right thing to do.” Caroline smiled a little. “I don't suppose you know of someone who needs a maid or a companion for their ailing mother. I have the feeling I'm about to need a new situation.”

“No, but there's plenty of room at Beeson Hall for friends.” She smiled.

“You would do that? I was so nasty to you earlier.” Caroline looked like she was overwhelmed.

“I tend to think that wasn't entirely your doing.” Caroline smiled a little wider at that. Mary glanced around and saw the room and saw they were alone except for Aiden. He approached the two women slowly. “Before you say yes though, there's something you have to understand.” Mary glanced over at Aiden.

“You mean your relationship with Aiden?” Caroline blushed a little when she said it and Mary knew she understood completely.

“Is it that obvious?” She thought she had been so restrained.

“All things temporal, as Ramona says.” She smiled a little. “Veronica probably knows too, but I doubt any of the others do, unless you told them.”

“It does not offend you?” Aiden laid one large hand on Mary's shoulder. “Or make you think less of Mary?”

“Why should it?” Caroline looked up at Aiden. “You're not exactly the boy next door, but if you and Mary love each other, what's wrong with that?”

“You have my protection, for as long as you need it.” Aiden said. Mary could hear the smile in his voice.