"No, Paddy. We're keeping a lower profile. Robbie is running a small table side show at Murphy's Pub in the village. Erin is happily on the farm with a brand new babe, and my lovely wife to be is here with me. I promised her a tour of the theaters we worked in, and a show before we move on to our next destination."

"The continental tour then? Paris, Vienna, Venice? Perhaps even Berlin even though there's such strife there with the wall?" Paddy sounded excited for them.

"That's the plan," Gaia said.

"Well then, the Gaiety is running a vaudeville variety show, and Smock Alley is doing Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew at the moment. Let me know if you are going to visit any of the others, and I'll find a way to visit backstage there as well. Give me till tomorrow and we'll have you a pass for Smock Alley." Paddy placed menus in front of them with a flourish.

"Earl Grey tea for both of us," Harry requested.

"I'll be right back." Paddy departed and disappeared through an open archway.

Gaia studied her menu, and asked, "The apple cinnamon scones look divine. Will we come back for dinner afterward?"

"Of course, love," Harry answered. "The beef Wellington is amazing, and we can afford to enjoy ourselves a bit."

"How much of a success was your magic show? Paddy seems to be very well acquainted with you."

"He is. He adopted us the day we first sat down to eat our breakfast. I have no idea why, or if it's just because he is such a caring man." Harry flipped through the menu, looking for his favorite pastry.

"What are you searching for?"

"Chocolate eclairs. I have a weak spot for them."

Gaia chuckled. "I think anyone with magic in their bones has a weak spot for chocolate of any sort."

Paddy returned pushing a service cart. He placed a painted teapot on their table, and Gaia immediately discovered the lovely scent of bergamot in the air.

"It's been a long while since I've had a good cup of this tea," Gaia said.

"I'll let the staff know," Paddy said.

"Thank you. We'll be back after the show at Smock Alley. Shakespeare's comedy will be a delight. How long till the curtain rises?" Harry asked.

"You have an hour and a bit. More than enough time to enjoy your tea. I take it you want the eclairs? Chocolate, right?" Harry nodded. "And you, miss?"

"Apple cinnamon scones, please."

"Fine choice. I'll be back in a moment."

Gaia pulled the teapot toward herself. Lifting the lid, she peeked inside and decided to let it steep a while longer. "Do you miss the stage and performing magic?" She needed to know if she was stopping a life calling.

"It was fun, and I thought it would be something I could do for a lifetime when we first arrived. But no. I don't miss it. I don't miss the makeup, the terror of being discovered as a wizard. I'm far happier transporting small packages for our kith and kin. For our magical friends. Rogan O'Dell has become a regular client. Even if we must use telephones to coordinate. I wish we had a better way."

"At least you can get pictures delivered by mail before you move things. And your trip to Rogan's workshop was helpful."

Harry studied her face, and she squirmed a little wondering what he was thinking.

"Now that we have decided we will marry, my love, it's what we build together that matters. What came before isn't important to me anymore." His green gaze stayed steady on hers.

"You mean it, don't you?" Gaia felt her silly fears melt away. "What did I do to deserve you in my life?"

"You are. That's the end all and be all for me. The second I laid eyes on you in the pub, I knew you were my destiny. Don't ever doubt it, Gaia. We are stronger together, and I love you beyond reason."

Gaia pulled the tea steeper ball from the teapot as Paddy slipped two plates in front of them.

"Two of each so you can share. Enjoy. By the way." He pulled a couple of tickets out of his jacket pocket, "Tickets for The Taming of the Shrew, and." He reached into his other pocket, "A handwritten note to meet the actors. The producer is staying here."

"Paddy, you're a gem. Thank you." Harry's voice deepened and Gaia knew exactly how deeply he was touched.

She rose from her chair and grasped the waiter's hands. "Thank you." Leaning forward, she kissed both his cheeks.

Paddy blushed bright rose. "A gift to celebrate the marriage to come. Harry is family."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Gaia's cheeks were rosy from the walk back to their hotel, and Harry wished he could have a portrait painted to catch the excitement and pleasure her eyes reflected in the wavering gas lit streets.

"Thank you!" Her hand squeezed his tightly as she tugged him toward a display window at a jewelry store.

"Look, I thought I saw this as we walked to the theater earlier," Gaia exclaimed.

Harry gazed at the rings displayed on fluffy white cushions between ropes of pearls.

"Which ones caught your attention, love?"

"The ones with the tiny emeralds caught between the circles of a Celtic knot. I think that is what I want for my wedding band, but would you wear one like it?" Gaia asked.

"We'll come back tomorrow. Yes, yes, I would wear it with pride for the rest of my life," Harry declared. "Look at the craftsmanship. The gold looks exactly like a rope. Someone spent hours perfecting the details."

"The label says Rogan O'Dell is the goldsmith. Don't you have a business deal with him already?"

"Aye, but I had no idea he worked in gold. Most of the things I've been transporting for him are crystal amulets and necklaces. The occasional bracelet and ring too. He's been holding out on me. I told him we were looking for something special for our wedding ceremony."

"Looks like he had them already. I hope they fit," Gaia kissed two of her fingers and pressed them to the glass.

"If they don't, I can get him to size them for us. After all I already know where to send them," Harry said wryly.

Gaia stooped and kissed him in the middle of the street, and her sweet lips drew fire through him. Harry framed her porcelain skin with his hands, wishing they were already in their room. It wouldn't be long before their feelings overwhelmed their restraint.

He broke away from their kiss reluctantly. "Let's get our dinner and thank Paddy. The play was excellent and meeting the actors afterward an unexpected pleasure."

"Do I tell Baptista his dear departed daughter has never blamed him? Neither his wife. The man who played him --- I never caught his name."

"Archibald Shields? They were lucky to get him. He's acquired some fame in Hollywood. Film actor of some importance from what the program said."

"They wander close to him. He cannot let them go." Gaia's eyes darkened with sympathetic tears.

"Don't cry love."

"Not tonight. I promise. I can't help them all."

Harry opened the hotel door for her, and they hurried toward the restaurant. As he headed toward his familiar table, he saw the reserved card sitting in the center beside a fat, squat vanilla scented candle with a flickering flame. A red rose bud graced the pinwheel crystal vase beside it.

"Harry! Who's the magnificent lady?"

The young woman who spoke was a trim blonde with a short cap of hair.

"Claire! You're still here?"

"Working here when it's busy, but I have a regular part at the Gaiety. Matinees only, but it's a start. Taking voice lessons too now that I have a stage manager and producer who say it's worth it. But who's your lady?"

"May I introduce Gaia Murphy, love of my life since I first laid eyes on her?"

"She's the one?" Claire asked. "I always thought she was a figment of your imagination.

Gaia pinched her arm with exaggerated care. "I don't think so."

Claire shook her head. "Don't worry. Harry never gave in to our teasing. He never took a girl out in the time I knew him. Said his heart was already taken, and we never were able to persuade him to stray. You're a lucky woman."

"I guess I'm pretty transparent," Gaia said.

"You'll never have to worry," Claire responded. "Now, beef Wellington for two is coming right away. Have a seat, I'll be right back."

"Why the worries, love?" Harry was concerned.

"I suddenly feel like I'm the awkward girl from the country. Like I'm just not quite good enough for you or the city." Gaia gathered her hair and pulled it over her right shoulder.

Harry pulled out a chair for her and ran his hand through her glorious red waves as they fell toward her waist. "No one will ever compare with you, love. Even the most exquisitely dressed, is a dull mote compared to you Gaia. You are and always will be my personal goddess."

He watched her worried eyes clear as he spoke and kissed her upturned mouth. No meal could compare with it or sustain him like her love.