Chapter Fifty Five

Ten minutes had passed since Henry and Jenny had finished their dinner, and neither of them had spoken a word since. The candle in the centre of Jenny’s dining room table flickered, catching the love they had for each other in their eyes. Henry ached to hold Jenny and make love to her. Jenny felt the same and yet neither made the next move that would find them both in Jenny’s bedroom. Father’s words stung in Henry’s heart. Jenny was still considered a married woman and to sleep with her would be an adulterous affair. Henry was not aware whether or not Jenny was familiar with the same knowledge.

Although they had talked about their relationship and knew where it was headed, so many issues had come into play that a more serious discussion was warranted. Was their relationship in jeopardy? Henry knew James wanted Jenny back, and then there was the annulment issue and even if it was possible for them to ever get married. What about her son and grandson and daughter-in-law? Henry knew how much Jenny desired to have that situation healed. All through the meal, their conversation skirted around any of these issues until Jenny finally opened the discussion.

“Did you call Peter, and let him know that we are coming?”

Henry nodded; his thoughts oscillated between the obstacles they faced and how much he desired Jenny. Her words caught him in the latter pleasurable world of caressing Jenny and kissing her warm sweet lips.

“Yeah, he’s very happy that we are coming next Tuesday and thanked me for our consideration of his weekend obligations at the church. He said that he, his wife and two children would be there to meet us. He also admitted that he is extremely nervous, but even more anxious to get the healing process started.”

“I feel nervous, too. I am so glad that both you and Camilla are coming along.”

“I think we all need each other’s support. That was some discussion we had with Father the other week. He sure has a handle on life and especially forgiveness. For as long as I can remember, he encourages forgiveness time and time again.”

“It is a main obstacle to peace and moving on with your life.”

“Yeah, I dealt with it all the time when I was counseling students and met with their parents. Many times the discussion starts out with problems the student is having and quickly grows into a discussion on the difficulties that the parents are dealing with in their marriage. It’s unbelievable how after a few months or a year or two, couples begin to take each other for granted and even forget the vows they made to one another. I’ve witnessed so many times how spouses’ treatment of strangers, colleagues or customers at their work place receive more consideration and respect than the person they vowed to love, honor and cherish.”

“Oh, yes, I keep thinking of you as an artist and gallery owner, I forgot about your counselling career. Just what you said, I see in what Mable tells me is happening in their marriage. She shared with me that the romance seems to have gone out of their relationship. Her husband Ben spends a lot of time at work and mainly watches TV when at home and then goes to bed with the cycle repeating itself.”

“Yeah, marriage requires effort, commitment and nurturing. But like you just described in Mable’s case, many couples settle for a mediocre relationship and just take each other for granted.”

“Oh, Henry, I would love to do counseling, too. When Mable talks about their marriage, there is so much I would like to discuss with her and help draw out her feelings like Camilla did with me when we spoke of Peter. In fact, I was even thinking that I would like to open my home as a meeting place for women to discuss their marriage and family concerns. It could be so healing.”

“Like daughter like mother?”

Jenny smiled, “Yes, I think what Camilla is doing to help troubled girls find their way again is commendable and must be so rewarding as well…and it’s what we are supposed to do to help others…” Jenny gazed at Henry waiting for his response.

“I think you have found your calling, Jenny.”

“I know I am getting on in years, but late forties is still young enough to begin another career. Since being healed, it feels like I have been given a new lease on life, which I have and I want to serve others and God in some way…and I do feel called to help and serve in this way.”

Once again, Jenny stopped and turned to Henry, “What do you think, Henry?”

“I think it’s a wonderful thing to do, Jenny. You have so much to offer and give. You’re sensitive, accepting and empathetic; you would be perfect for that job! Not only do you have the skills, you would also be such a positive role model. Yes, by all means, Jenny, if you want my opinion, absolutely, go for it. I would be the first to want to join if males were permitted!” Henry added with a wink.

“Before I can be a role model, I will have to fix my relationship with my son, I am at a loss as to how to reach him.”

Henry was aware of some of the problems Jenny had with J.J. from reading her diary. But for the next half hour, Jenny shared more of her relationship with James and a similar scenario was occurring with Nora that had happened to her.

“I would hate to see Nora go through what I did and not receive any compensation from the marriage or financial support to look after Jimmy if it should come to that.”

“Well, from what you told me about your marriage to James, the sooner we deal with Nora’s situation the better. At least she hasn’t invested as many years into the marriage as you have. They’ve been married four years, is that correct?”

“Yes, but with J.J.’s present attitude, it could seem like ten years to Nora. She was very upset when I spoke with her the other night; I hope she can cope with it. I’ve already told Father about it and asked him to say Mass for them and perhaps get his warriors at the care home to pray as well. If the results are anything like what has happened to us, they don’t stand a chance.”

“Prayer will help but from the sounds of it all she most likely will need your guidance and support. Not everyone can handle a failing marriage like you did. By your very nature, you are accepting and can tolerate others’ shortcomings and not be adversely affected by them. But this is not the usual case, for one that is not centered and confident within themselves, such a relationship can have disastrous effects.”

Jenny smiled at Henry and softly said, “It’s so nice to be understood and affirmed.”

Henry reached across the table and took Jenny’s hands into his. He looked lovingly into her eyes and posed the question. “What’s happening to us Jenny? Where is our future heading? I would love for us to consider marriage…there are a few obstacles—”

“I think I am aware of the main one,” Jenny interjected. “I have to get an annulment from James.”

Henry was surprised by what Jenny just said as he was going to bring up that very topic. “Were you talking with Father about that?”

“No, I spoke with the parish priest at the church I go to in this area. He told me that the Church does not recognize divorce and that the only way I could remarry was if James died or we can show in some way that the marriage wasn’t valid in the first place.”

“I recall you telling me how unsure you were of marrying James and that you fainted as you struggled to say the marriage vows. Father thought that might have some bearing in the sense that you were pressured into the marriage or didn’t fully realize what you were doing.”

“But I did Henry; I knew what I was getting into, although I did feel pressured by my Mom and James…”

“The other thing Father asked me was if you had received dispensation from the Church if you could marry outside the Church. Did you?”

“We were supposed to be married in a cathedral and had a huge wedding planned, but James’ father died and James was involved in a major deal or merger and pleaded with me to just elope. Suddenly, everything was in such a rush. He promised that on our first anniversary we could receive the blessings of the Church and have friends and family present, but that never happened. To answer your question, yes, I did get dispensation from the Bishop due to the circumstances and that the Justice of the Peace was a retired Pastor from James’ mother’s church. Mom was so anxious for us to get married that she agreed and thought too, that a special church ceremony down the line would be okay…”

“We just need James to agree now to an annulment…” Henry offered with a tone of hope.

“I don’t think James will agree to it. We spoke a couple of times since my life and health was restored and he is adamant that I come back to the estate. He seems so different from when we lived together. When I spoke with Matti the other day, she too, cannot believe how different James is. By the sounds of it, he and the staff have become the best of friends.”

Henry wondered if he should tell Jenny that James called him as well. It was unsettling to say the least with the threats James threw at him. Jenny would be very upset to learn her ex-husband had the nerve to do that…and yet, Henry couldn’t blame him for trying to get his former wife back. He thought it best to just leave it for now. Instead he asked, “How do you feel about James wanting you to come back, Jenny? Do you want to go back to him?” Henry moved closer to the edge of his seat and held his breath.

“I told him over and over that I could no longer do that and I had moved on with my life.”

“How did he feel about that?” Henry already had a good idea but still was anxious to hear it from Jenny.

“He wouldn’t accept it and kept going on how he has changed and that he is ill and needs me. The one thing that did affect me more than anything he said was that J.J. needs me and that if I come back, I would be instrumental in restoring J.J. and Nora’s marriage…and I do miss my grandson.”

“Oh, Jenny, what a position you are in…what do you want to do?”

“I would love to fly to Ottawa a week or so after we see Peter. Nora needs some support and probably some advice on how their financial affairs are set up if it’s not too late. I do want to spend some time with my grandson and hopefully be able to talk to J.J. and for us to make up. Oh that will be so difficult trying to resolve things with that boy of mine…do you think you might be able to come with me?”

“Yes, of course I will come with you.” Henry said, showing immediate support.

“That makes me feel better and perhaps when I see James in person, I’ll ask if he would agree to an annulment. If he does, then we at least stand a chance the Church might grant it. Without his consent and the fact that he wants to try again, will definitely impede the process.”

Henry’s mind barely heard Jenny’s concern with her son and family…what if James refused to go along with the annulment?

“I don’t like to see this as an option, Jenny, but the only way we might be able to get married is if James should die.”

“Well, he is ill and that could be a possibility, but knowing James he might consider life support to keep him alive until a cure is found. In fact, Matti told me a while back that James is having his body frozen upon his death for the same reason.”

“I’ve read about that. Apparently scientists are still working on how to bring the person back. That is, how to thaw the person quickly enough and not destroy the cells along the way…something like that.”

Henry paused for a moment to reflect and then cautiously continued, “So even if his illness would bring him to his death, he could be kept alive for years. How would the church view a situation like that…would he be considered dead or not?”

“Just talking about it gives me the shivers, Henry. I hope things don’t come down to any of that. I do want the best for James.”

Henry nodded, “So do I, Jenny, so do I.”