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Date Posted: 18:43:11 06/07/09 Sun
Author: Hannah
Author Host/IP: bas21-toronto12-1242559298.dsl.bell.ca / 74.15.243.66
Subject: Northern Woods, Chapter 170
In reply to: Hannah 's message, "Northern Woods, Chapter 168....Thank you..." on 23:28:06 05/18/09 Mon

Chapter 170

Madeleine watched the tender display before her and smiled sadly. ‘It’s so good to see him happy again. If anyone deserves the joy I can see on his face right now… it’s him. Father Philippe is right… he’s a wonderful person. It was difficult for him to be away, I’m sure… but ultimately it was the best decision he’s ever made! He wouldn’t have met her if he hadn’t. Unfortunately, his long absence from his company might mean working a lot of long hours to catch up. I wonder how she’ll cope?’

On the other side of the room, Robert paused briefly in his quest to catalogue the beautiful couple; mentally preparing himself for what he knew would occur when he submitted this night’s work for publication. Although he knew the resulting photographs were sure to be superlative, he also knew that Louis was not likely to praise them accordingly.

Louis could be extremely difficult and that trait made him annoying to both journalists and photographers alike. However, his insistence on meeting certain prerequisites also made him good. Very good. That was the reason the paper’s owners had put him in charge of the daily operations of the place to begin with. No one snuck anything into the paper that lowered it’s standards, whether it was the editorial chief or any of the board, if Louis has anything to say about it.

Robert knew this, and he respected that fact. The thing that bothered him was the constant criticism Louis subjected him to. The man was constantly provoking him to strive for higher standards than he had ever achieved before.

‘The man’s a writer… a reporter! He’s been critical of my work ever since I’ve worked for the paper! Humpphh! What does he know about photography? It’s an art! There’s no comparison!’ he thought as his hurt pride dwelt on his supposed artistic suppression. ‘How very insulting! He pretends to know about the basics of photographic composition… but if he knows *anything*… it’s all theoretical! How *dare* that hack of a philistine criticize my work! I’m good at my job! I *deserve* more respect and a raise! The fact that he’s provided neither shows that he has no idea what he’s talking about!’

‘It doesn’t matter.’ A stubbornly determined Robert thought with a flash of temper. ‘Either he acknowledges me in a tangible way after tonight’s work....after *these* pictures… or I’m going to apply to one of our competitors. I’m also going to make sure that lovely woman over there gets a copy of what I’ve photographed tonight. No artist could have a lovelier muse and after all she’s gone through tonight, it’s the least she deserves! If Louis doesn’t like *that*… he can go straight to Hell.’

Robert sighed, as his thoughts continued and he glanced periodically at his date. ‘Louis has been hard on Gabrielle too. Unfortunately, she’s deserved it! He was right about the story she ‘wrote’ earlier about Monsieur Samuelle. It *was* nothing but gossip and speculation. Gossip columns allow for those things, but real journalism does not. I know she tried.. but calling what she wrote a story doesn’t make it so! No, real journalism requires facts! I hope the lecture he gave her has taught her what to write… or better yet… what *not* to write.’

Even though Robert wouldn’t consciously acknowledge it, his superior’s uncompromising standards were not a personal reflection of Robert’s worth, but were instead a refusal to allow anyone to submit substandard work. The paper had in effect, become a reflection on his dream of what journalism should be, and Louis was determined not to let that dream die.
~~~~~~~~~~
“We are gathered here tonight to meet Michel’s wife.” Father Philippe began quietly as the three stood under the pink rose and white orchid garlanded wrought iron arbour a few minutes later.

“I understand that the *real* ceremony has already taken place, but Michel has asked me to officiate this evening for this ‘renewal of vows’ in front of all you… his friends and business associates.”

Father Philippe knew that was not his young friend’s real motivation in asking him here tonight. He was well aware that this ceremony was in reality a ‘territory marking’ ceremony and he was determined to use this opportunity to teach both the debutantes and his young friend a valuable lesson.

‘I’m sure you wanted to give your bride an elaborate party and a public acknowledgement of your feelings for her Michel, but I’m not entirely certain of your motivations either.’ He thought sadly. ‘I intend to find out though both through your reactions and theirs.’

Someone in the elegantly appointed assemblage politely coughed, and the cleric quietly continued.

“For those of you who did not know this, I was a friend of Michel’s parents. I married them, and I officiated at his baptism. I also confirmed him when he was older. Michel is also one of my parishioners, so I am therefore delighted to participate in tonight’s ceremony.”

“Thank you Father.” Michael said quietly. “This means a lot to me.”

‘That is so sweet.’ Nikita thought as she gazed at her husband lovingly. ‘That’s why it was so important to him for this man to perform our ceremony. He’s known him all his life! I hope the good Father is still with us when the baby arrives. It would be wonderful if he could christen the baby as well!’

“I’m also pleased to meet you Nikita.” The elderly cleric continued, smiling gently at the lovely young woman in front of him. ‘She is indeed lovelier up close! Oh I pray Madeleine’s right and her looks do not hide a malevolent nature! Michel doesn’t deserve that… not again!’ “I’ve heard many good things about you tonight young lady. I’m pleased to meet you and I’m sure Michel’s parents would have liked you.”

In the midst of his trepidation for his young friend, Father Philippe had been pleased to hear the small details of his new life. He had also been impressed to learn that Michel’s bride had not wanted the finery she was wearing tonight. Michel’s rendition of presenting his wife with the glittering jewels she was wearing had touched his romantic heart, but what had really entertained him had been his young friend’s version of his command to ‘buy a dress’ for the evening.

‘He claims she was worried about splurging on a dress… and he’s worth billions!’ the priest thought, grinning inwardly at the irony of the situation. ‘Oh… my! It’s just too funny…’

Most young women of his acquaintance who had the opportunity to buy a designer gown would not have hesitated the way Michel claimed she had. The lovely young woman in front of him had an open and guileless face too; and now that he was closer to her, he was pleased to see that her love for his young friend appeared to be authentic.

As he remembered the details of his earlier talk with Madeleine and Michel, the cleric re-evaluated the things he’d heard with what he was presently seeing.

He’d met many brides since being ordained and he couldn’t detect anything about the lovely blonde before him that seemed deceitful or insincere. All his sharp old eyes could see was a pleasant contrast between this lovely lady and the arrogant Muslim socialite who had been Michel’s first wife.

‘Either this Nikita is an accomplished actress… or she really *does* love him! Time will tell! All I can do for him right now though is bless the two of them and pray that he’ll be happy with her!’

Father Philippe shuddered again, sighing as he remembered Michael’s first wife. ‘That woman! What *did* he ever see in her? Her lack of class hurt Michel… I know it did! Poor Michel! She was rude, condescending and hateful! How can those traits be indicators of someone who loves you? He tried… oh how many times did I see him try? Many. His pain was evident every time she said something hateful. It was horrendous to witness! Her words and actions never showed her love… I can’t even begin to remember how often she ridiculed what Michel and I believe even though we never said anything against her beliefs! Oh…I had hoped and prayed that her heart would be softened… that she would eventually convert for Michel and Adam’s sake, but she refused! That was her choice, but even if she couldn’t bring herself to do that she could have at least been a good wife to Michel… that would have been enough! Then she took Adam from him… and that was the beginning of his fall! He fell into a shocking lifestyle! At least my petition for his redemption from *that* appears to have been answered!’

The priest watched the lovely lady who now stood before him closely. The lovely blonde was a physical opposite of her predecessor. ‘Was that the attraction? That she was Elena’s opposite physically? Oh I hope not!’ Then he focused his attention on his young parishioner. ‘He’s been transformed! Perhaps it *is* love he’s found with her! I pray it is! And he came to the church earlier this week and made confession! I cannot believe that he hadn’t done that since before choosing the abominable lifestyle he became part of! I will continue to say prayers for him… and I think this lady’s love with those petitions will help a lot!’

Nikita smiled brightly, pleased that the elderly man would say such a nice thing. “Thank you Father. I wish I could have known Michael’s parents too. They raised a wonderful son and I love him very much.”

‘Michael.’ The old man thought, noting that the lovely woman before him had anglicized his friend’s name. ‘Ahhh… no matter. There’s a gentleness in her eyes, and a calmness I sense about her spirit…. as long as she doesn’t try to change him otherwise…Dear Lord…that smile!’ he thought; overwhelmed by the beautiful spirit he saw revealed in the lovely countenance before him. ‘No wonder he fell in love with her!’

“I see that you do.” The slightly smiling senior replied; now thoroughly enchanted by the lovely woman standing before him. “Shall we begin?”

Both Michael and Nikita smiled and nodded their heads in agreement.

“Beloved…” the priest began, closing his eyes in prayerful supplication. The couple before him took their places and reverently bowed their heads in imitation of his own stance, “we are gathered here tonight to witness the reaffirmation of the vows these two people made joining them in Holy Matrimony. Before I begin, I pray that God will grant me words of wisdom to impart and that this young couple will gain an both an understanding of them and acceptance of the principles behind them. I also hope they will apply these things to their lives and they will find themselves blessed for having done so.”

Michael and Nikita quickly glanced at each other and happily noted the determination in each other’s eyes to listen attentively to what was about to be imparted. Michael especially knew that the old man he’d invited to speak to them had been a trusted friend to both his parents as long as he could remember. As a result, he had no doubt that he would have the best of intentions towards Nikita and him.

“I will not replay the ceremony this couple has been through.” The old man began quietly. “They have made their vows and in my opinion, to repeat them verbatim would be pointless. I will, however expand on them, with their indulgence.”

Several members of the crowd cast curious glances at both the person next to them and then back at the priest.

‘What does he mean?’ Lakeisha thought; frowning and glancing at Madeleine in concern. However, Michael’s attorney was totally focused on the ancient cleric standing before them. ‘This is supposed to be a vow renewal…. oh dear… this *ceremony* is supposed to be the whole *point* of this party! What *is* going on?’

Michael and Nikita both looked up at the priest quizzically. Nikita looked at her husband next in mute inquiry, but Michael didn’t look her way. Instead he said nothing and remembering that the old man before him had his trust, he decided to focus on that instead.

“I’m sorry Michel, but once you hear what I have to say, I hope you’ll understand.” Father Philippe said quietly.

Michael nodded silently and patiently waited to see what would be said next.
~~~~
“The two of you have already promised Our Lord that you will love, honour and cherish each other all the days of your lives. That in itself is what the marriage ceremony is about, but it is so much more.”

Both Nikita and Michael listened then in fascination to what the cleric was expounding.

“While it may seem *romantic* to some to repeat promises of this nature, I am of the opinion that doing so does not strengthen them. And as much as romance may flourish in the media and in literature, it has little to do with real life. Everyday life. I’m sure all of us like to hear words of appreciation, but it is my belief that expressing feelings without backing them up with actions shows that those feelings are counterfeit. Real life bears this out. Sometimes we are thoughtless… rude and just plain uncaring to those we are supposed to be most committed to.” the priest commented. “We *know* we shouldn’t be that way… but we are. Our *words* do not match how we behave.”

At Michael’s questioning look, Father Philippe, smiled slightly and continued.

“What I’m trying to say, I suppose, is that I believe that to repeat your vows verbatim would in essence reduce them to mere words. Marriage vows are more than that. They are sacred promises made before God of faithfulness and commitment. These things, once stated, should not *need* repeating, but should instead be demonstrated in actions.”

‘Interesting concept.’ Madeleine thought before refocusing her attention on her old friend again. ‘I wonder where he’ll go from here.’

“You may ask why I’d say that.” The old man continued. “It is my belief that words of commitment are not to be taken lightly, and saying them repeatedly is not a magic incantation that strengthens them. In fact, it is my belief that it cheapens them.”

‘Talk about being blunt.’ Marie thought as her lips twisted in a wry grin. ‘This priest obviously isn’t going to be subtle. I wonder what else he has to say?’

“What *is* a necessity,” the old man continued, “ is turning those promises into action. Actions, as the saying goes, speak louder than words. Without such actions too, words in and of themselves are of no value.”

‘Michael’s actions spoke louder than any words he might have said when we met.’ Nikita thought, agreeing with the priest’s words completely. ‘I’ve already told him that. I wonder what else Father Philippe is going to say. I can’t wait….’

‘Nikita told me that after I found out what happened to Adam.’ Michael thought. ‘I wonder what Father Philippe means?’

Michael and Nikita looked at each other and nodded. The priest had a valid point. They *had* made their vows and neither wanted to devalue them in any way. Turning again to the cleric standing before him, they nodded acceptance of his words, and Michael motioned to him to continue.

“Marriage is not something to enter into lightly either.” Father Philippe continued boldly, “From what I have been pleased to learn tonight from my conversation with Michel, I know this couple realizes this. I wish more couples were as devoted.”

Michael smiled slightly and reached for Nikita’s soft hand. Once he had it firmly in his grasp, he squeezed it slightly and felt her return the pressure on his.

“God, in His plan for Christian marriage unites a man and woman in both spirit and flesh; a "one-flesh" intimacy. This union is interpreted as a new relationship bound by an unbreakable mutual oath. Few these days would acknowledge this, but it is also a covenant that is to be considered just as *sacred* as the New Covenant. A covenant is by definition is a unbreakable public commitment, made between both God and man. The marriage covenant should be one of ultimate loyalty and lifelong devotion to each other above all others.”

Michael smiled slightly as he felt his wife increase the pressure of their grip. That alone told him she agreed with what they were hearing.

‘In other words…’ Maurice thought as he listened attentively, ‘a couple should be faithful to each other to the exclusion of all other people. Veronique can’t seem to wrap her mind around that simple concept. That’s why she continuously focuses on married men. She has absolutely no concept of the seriousness of marriage… nor how immoral her actions are!”

Michael gripped his wife’s hand a little more tightly, caressing it with his thumb as they both silently continued to listen.

“Unlike the current fashionable view the world holds in regard to marriage, God views the personal aspect of marital love and faithful responsibility as *permanent and binding*.” Father Philippe continued, “In addition to that, the physical or sexual union between a married man and woman is to symbolize the beginning of a *union of souls*; a spiritual and psychological intertwining of persons. This sexual intimacy is a spiritual expression of the union of two people, but even that is not sufficient to define the biblical concept of marriage.”

Nikita listened intently; fascinated by this narrative, and although she felt her face flush a little, she knew the old man meant this speech as an encouragement to both of them.

“As we all know, there is an authority and a submissiveness inherent in any relationship,” the cleric continued, “but more so in marriage than in any other known to mankind. Scriptures teach us that a Christian wife is to submit to her husband in *all* things the same way we, as believers are directed to submit to the Lord. In other words, Nikita, you are to submit your whole being to Michel in trust, knowing that you are *safe, cherished and protected* in his care. This obedience then, is the crux of marital love.”

Nikita nodded her head and smiled slightly. ‘There’s nothing new there! I’ve felt *that* from the moment I met Michael!’

“Nikita, do you believe this?” the priest inquired, pausing briefly in his dissertation. He was curious as to what her smile meant.

“Yes, I do.” Nikita replied seriously. “That’s how I’ve always felt about Michael.”

Michael looked at his wife lovingly upon hearing that comment. ‘She means that! She trusted me that much! She thought of me as her husband before we were married!’

“Good. However, without” the priest continued after bestowing a benevolent smile on the young woman before him, “her husband’s *complete* adherence to another directive, the wife’s directive to submit is meaningless.”

The senior’s face became serious then and he turned his piercing blue eyes towards his young friend, hoping to stress the importance of what he was going to say next.

“Michel? Ecouter soigneusement mon fils. (Listen carefully my son.)” the priest admonished seriously.
~~~~~~~~~~~
It was an effort, but Michael dutifully tore his gaze from his wife’s lovely face to focus seriously on his old friend.

Michael frowned slightly. ‘What directive? What is it that he thinks I must do?’

“The directive I speak of Michel, is an adherence to a *type* of love that is an essential component of a long lasting Christian marriage.” Father Philippe continued seriously as he happily took note of Michael’s intent focus. “In short, mon fils, you are to love Nikita just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for her. And this *is* *an adherence* Michel, because *all* love is a *choice*… not a feeling. Feelings come and go with the wind and the weather…. but *choices* come from the heart, the mind and the soul.”

Michael relaxed; smiling slightly, while nodding his acceptance of the priest’s wisdom. He had learned the hard way that love was just as much a decision, as an emotion.

“Without this sort of love,” the priest continued, “a marriage would be nothing more than a dominance… whether physical, emotional or sexual… of one partner over another. That is wrong in any relationship, but in marriage, a dominance of this sort is wrong in the extreme. Unfortunately this happens far too often.”

Michael nodded sagely; never breaking his gaze from his old friend’s. He’d seen enough of this behaviour in the past between couples to agree with that statement.

“The lack of this *type* of love” the priest continued, “leads a man to become arrogant and think of his wife as a possession or an appendage to his own body. She is neither. Instead, you should realize that while you are both distinct and separate individuals, marriage has made you into *one* body. That is to say, mon fils, that Nikita is now a part of you just as you are a part of her. You are to treat her with the same consideration you devote to yourself… in physical as well as emotional ways. If you fail to do this, the results will lead to strife and unhappiness.”

Nikita listened raptly, her blue eyes widening as she took in this amazing information.

‘He doesn’t need *instruction* in this! He treats me with that sort of respect already.’ She thought. ‘I feel it too! We *are* connected and we have been right from the first time we met!’

Michael’s eyes were glued to his elderly friend, as he patiently waited to hear what the man thought was required of him.

“Scripture tells us what we know to be true.” Father Philippe continued. No man hates his own body; instead he nurtures and cherishes it, lavishing care on it in order to improve its’ appearance and well being.”

‘That’s true.’ Lakeisha thought as she too listened to the priest’s serious narrative. ‘There’s plenty of evidence out there to support *that* statement. Diets… exercise…plastic surgery… ‘pampering yourself’…. the list is *endless*.’

“A Christian husband,” Father Philippe continued boldly, “is to lavish the same care and protection on his wife that he does on himself. If he does *that*… even in the smallest of ways… he is providing *real* evidence that he values his wife as much as he values himself. Furthermore, if a husband freely gives this love to his wife, it will come back to him in many ways. It is the lack of this *type* of love that should concern a wife and let her know that her husband does not value her as he should.”

‘How…’ Sophie thought cattily, ‘can Michel be attracted to this tacky little English blonde and not to my daughter?’ She wasn’t listening to the priest, she was fuming at the ‘injustice’ of her daughter’s earlier humiliation. ‘She’s a elegant woman… while this little girl… Oh my! She and I will have to work on getting her claws *out* of him…. I just *know* Michel and my Veronique belong together!’

‘He’s right about that.’ Madeleine thought as she listened intently to the priest’s words. ‘Any married woman I’ve ever met could testify that the lack of that type of caring is one of the first signs that a marriage is in trouble! I’ve certainly heard variations of this theme many times by those who come to me seeking a divorce!’

“Keeping that in mind mon fils, your directive” the priest said with a kind smile as he looked at his young friend and happily noted his intense concentration, “is to love your wife; give her needs… her feelings… her ideas….her thoughts… the same attention and importance that you would devote to your own. In short, the *type* of love I’m speaking about employs a selflessness that is most often overlooked.”

Michael nodded solemnly and continued to listen attentively.

“If you really put these things into practice Michel,” Father Philippe continued, “you will never be harsh with Nikita, but you will always show her your love by how you treat her and how you speak *to* her and *of* her on a daily basis. Love, we are told, is patient and kind. It does not keep *score* of hurtful things, nor does it seek to put itself first. If this *love* is truly present, it will be evident whether you are all alone or in a crowd of many people.”

Michael nodded solemnly and squeezed Nikita’s hand softly, mentally vowing he would adhere to this uniquely vital admonition.

“The presence of this *type* of love will also create an environment where Nikita will respond in kind and willingly chose to submit to your authority.” Father Philippe continued. “This is important Michel! Her submission to you *must* be a *choice*! I cannot stress this enough! If you take that choice away from her, whether through intimidation, or any other method of persuasion, then the alternative is enforcing your will on her.”

Michael nodded, absorbing this information, while glancing between his trusted old friend and his wife. His eyes promised both that he understood and accepted the warning being laid before him.

Nikita, in turn smiled lovingly at her husband; hoping that her eyes conveyed her love and trust in the man she knew he already was.

“However mon fils, if you do that, you run the risk of trampling her free will. God has given each all of us this gift and He has ordained it *must* be undefiled.” The cleric continued. “Even He asks that we submit that gift to Him, and so should you ask the same of your wife. If you defile that part of her, this will eventually lead to resentment and in turn to the death of your love.”

‘No!’ Michael thought as his eyes widened in horror. ‘That’s the last thing I ever want to happen between us! I can’t live without her!’

“Your directive then my son,” the priest continued as he happily noted his friend’s comprehension and revulsion of what he’d just outlined, “is to be protective, encouraging and tender; cherishing your wife in every way as if she were weaker than you.”

‘I *do* cherish her!’ Michael thought as he turned towards Nikita and smiled at her lovingly. ‘Everything about her!’

“She may not be,” the cleric continued with a slight smile as he noted his friend’s loving glace towards his now faintly blushing bride. The priest paused briefly to smile as Michael refocused on him once again and happily noted that he was listening seriously, “but the tender consideration and affection that blossoms from your love for her is to be based on the sort of selfless, self-sacrificing love that would enable you to put Nikita above *all* things… *including* yourself. A love that would enable you to be willing *to die* for her.”

Michael nodded solemnly. He knew exactly what the priest was talking about.

‘Yes.’ Michael silently vowed. ‘For her… yes… I would die for Kita.’

The old man’s face softened, and he nodded his approval at his friend’s seeming comprehension. Then his face resumed it’s serious set as he paused in his narrative.

“Michel, do you believe this?”

“Oui, Father I do.” Michael whispered in awe.

“Is this type of love one you feel you are expressing towards Nikita?” the priest pressed further.

“Oui Father, it is one of the ways that I love her.” Michael replied in a reverent voice, fascinated by this departure from what he had thought this ceremony would be like.

Nikita glanced up at her handsome husband with a mixture of love and wonder written all over her beautiful face.

‘Oh my! Am I worthy of that?’ she wondered in amazement. ‘I hope it never comes to that!’

Chuck’s eyes widened as he too listened to these words. He had been married once briefly, but both he and his former wife had been young and immature at the time. He’d never heard the concepts that the priest was explaining before, and he wondered briefly if they’d known them, if he and Simone would have still been married.

‘I only ever understood half of that before. I certainly never understood that I should show her by my words or my actions that I’d be willing to die for her! To put her above all else! No… I put work and my desires above her feelings on many occasions! I was hateful and domineering to her and she rebelled because…. oh hell… because I didn’t show her the love and respect that was due to her. She tried to tell me these things many times, but I was too pig-headed to listen! I demanded things from her that were unreasonable while treating acquaintances with more consideration! I made a mockery of our vows too.... flirting with other women and killing any feelings she had for me by never giving her any emotional indication that she was loved. No wonder she left me!’

There was nothing in what the priest was saying that either Michael and Nikita did not understand instinctively. These truths had been the crux of their relationship from it’s beginning and they had no fears that anything would change between them.

The priest’s words were so beautiful that Madeleine found herself brushing tears from her brown eyes, much to her dismay.

‘He really *does* believe what Father Philippe just said!’ she thought in wonder, as she watched Michael’s serious face and now fully comprehended his earlier wrath. ‘It hadn’t just been hurt male pride he’d been displaying earlier… no…it had been so much more. It was as if when Nikita had been hurt, he had felt the abuse should have been directed at him. He had felt her hurt. Wow! I wish I could find someone that would love me that much!’
~~~~~

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