The Purple Thistle

[cumnchat]

Alexander walked to the door sad and dejected but also angry with himself for only thinking of himself and not realising that Veronique had also had a very trying time. His hand was on the doorknob when Veronique spoke,

'You open that door, Alexander, and you will regret it.

He paused, his back to her and hand still on the knob. I have not waited for these past ten days for you to return only to have you run out on me because I would not play with your manhood and give you some release. Damn it, Love, look at me!'

Slowly he turned back to face her and saw that her hand was stretched out to him, her eyes imploring him to go to her.

'Alexander, love, I don’t exactly smell like a bed of roses. I smell like milk and afterbirth and sweat and baby. So we make a pair. I can’t help it that I don’t feel amorous right now but I still love you and want to be held in your arms. That is, if you still love me. For ten days I worried that they might have caught you and would they.....they...let me kn...know if th...they be...be...beheaded youuuuuu.'

Veronique's voice became a drawn out wail and Alexander felt so guilty and quickly crossed back to Veronique and folded her in his arms, smothering her face and neck with kisses.

"Whatever made you question whether I still loved you my dearest? I will never stop loving you no matter what, You are right though, we are a pair, a pair of idiots, do you realise that we have just averted our first real disagreement, we were so wrapped up in our own misfortunes we failed to recognise what the other must have been through. Fortunately we have also been blessed with two strong healthy boys who will occupy our minds for quite some time."

He held her head against his chest and let her cry herself out and then he threw the bed covers back and lay down beside Veronique fully clothed and cuddled her until she fell asleep.

"Rest my love, you will have the two little rascals to feed again before long."

He whispered as he laid her head on the pillow and left quietly to find Claude and the cribs.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She got almost 3 hours sleep before she was being awaken by Clair and a very hungry baby. The baby gave a lusty cry and she felt sure that it was the elder child. As he sucked away, she unwrapped the blanket around his little body. There was no birthmark so she knew that she had guessed right.

“I’m sorry to have to wake you, your Ladyship. But he is a very hungry fella.”

“That’s what I’m here for. As soon as we are through getting them fed, would you send Anna in here?”

“Certainly, your Ladyship. I saw her just down the hall when I was bringing the baby in here.”

Meanwhile, the baby at her breast was busy sucking away as if he had never been fed, his blue eyes looked up at her. Smiling, she sang softly to him, occasionally kissing the soft little fuzz of red hair that topped his little head. Little fists reached out to to grab her plump breast.

There was a knock on the door before Anna stepped into the room and came to stand by the bed smiling.

“Did you need me, Ma’am?”

“Yes, Anna, I cannot stand this room any more. I want to move back to my bedroom with my husband.” Anna just smile and nodded. She had suspected that this was coming. “And I know that I can’t take a bath yet, but I smell, and it is not a good smell, so I need a some kind of washing off. So would you see about preparing some basin in the room so I could wipe my body down. And set out my new wrapper. I am in sore need of a clean gown.”

“Anna nodded and headed out the door in search of Alexander. She found him making sure that the cribs were clean and dressed. Clair was getting ready to take the younger baby in for his feeding.

“Sir, could I speak a moment with you?”

Soon Anna was telling Alexander what Veronique had just ordered. “If you like, I could prepare a basin of hot water if you could ‘assist’ her back to the Master bedroom. Oh she can walk just fine but just in case she feels weak she should be assisted is what Doctor Fredrick said. And perhaps you would like to help her wash off, and I will have lunch prepared and you can let me know when to bring it up. She is probably very hungry but hasn’t realized it yet. Is there anything in particular that you would like to eat?”

 

[cumnchat]

"Bare wood? Nay that will never do, find some sort of padding to put at either end of the cribs."

Alexander was supervising the preparation of the cribs to his own satisfaction, getting involved with 'his boys' as he called them until their names had been decided, the servants who should have been left to get on with it bore no malice towards him for interfering as they understood that he was so excited about their arrival. They were saved from further interference by the arrival of Anna who asked,

'Sir, could I speak a moment with you?'

"Of course Anna, of course, there is nothing wrong is there? Veronique? Is she alright?"

His face full of concern.

Anna quickly reassured him and explained what Veronique had asked of her,

'If you like, I could prepare a basin of hot water if you could ‘assist’ her back to the Master bedroom. Oh she can walk just fine but just in case she feels weak she should be assisted is what Doctor Fredrick said. And perhaps you would like to help her wash off, and I will have lunch prepared and you can let me know when to bring it up. She is probably very hungry but hasn’t realized it yet. Is there anything in particular that you would like to eat?”'

Alexander positively beamed at the prospect of washing Veronique's naked body and also the mention of lunch made him feel ravenous as he hadn't eaten for over twenty four hours so he assured Anna that he would be along very shortly.

"We will eat whatever Cook has prepared, we cannot expect a banquet at a moment's notice, she works miracles in her kitchen as it is."

He gave a few further instructions to the two servants working on the cribs and then eagerly followed Anna to the birthing room where Veronique was already sitting on the edge of the bed waiting.

"Did you sleep well my love? I have been helping to get the cribs ready for 'our boys' all that remains now is to get us both washed and dressed and smelling like human beings again and then it's back to bed, you are still weak and need your rest."

He put his arm around her and draped her arm across his shoulder and they slowly took the few steps to their own bedroom where the sheets had already been turned down. Two large bowls of steaming water stood on the washstand along with soap, washcloths and towels.

The mirror above the washstand reflected their image as Alexander removed the wrap from her shoulders and then her soiled smelly and bloodstained nightdress, Alexander drank in the sight of his wife naked in the mirror and noted how large her breasts were now and her nipples were long and dark. He couldn't help feeling a stirring in his loins as he gazed at her and he made a mental note of something that needed to be attended to but not right now.

He sat Veronique down and proceeded to carefully wash her with long sweeping strokes down her back as far as the crevice at her bottom. When he was finished with her back he moved around to the front and carefully lifted a heavy breast and washed all around it and soaped the breast using his bare hand just to feel her silky firmness, he resisted the temptation to suckle the dark nipple but used his fingers to roll it gently before moving to the other one to repeat the process.

"I hope I am not causing you any discomfort my dear but it has to be done, would you like me to continue or can you manage by yourself? I am looking forward very much to you returning the favour."

He covered her face and eyes with the washcloth and carefully rubbed the dried sweat from her face and when he removed the cloth his lips were mere inches from Veronique's and he quickly stole a kiss from her.

"I think it would be best if you were to do your lower half as I am sure you must be sore in certain areas and only you know exactly where they are."

While Veronique finished attending to her sore areas Alexander undressed and stood behind her, he could see her in the mirror looking rather hungrily at his erection that he hadn't been able to control,

"It appears that you are taking rather more of an interest in my condition than earlier this morning, however you must make up your own mind if you wish to help me with my ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,AAAH ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,not so small problem.

He turned Veronique round to face him with his manhood swaying gracefully in front of her.

"There is one thing I ought to mention, we had two little ones not just the one, I notice your beautiful bush is in need of a trim would it be asking too much if Anna could cut it with an additional little heart, we can't have either of them being left out can we?

 

[Opensesame54321]

It was slow going but she tried getting up on her own, determined to get to her bedroom. She made it as far as the edge of the bed. That was where Alexander found her and she was really glad for the help. It actually surprised her that she was tired. Tired should not be in her vocabulary - after all, she had twins to feed and was a brand new mother.

She expected Anna to arrive but was pleasantly surprised when her husband stride in the room, proud as a peacock at producing twin sons, a feat that seemed to confirm his virility.

Did you sleep well my love? I have been helping to get the cribs ready for 'our boys' all that remains now is to get us both washed and dressed and smelling like human beings again and then it's back to bed, you are still weak and need your rest.

“Helping to get the cribs ready? I suspect that you have been playing Master of the House and throwing your weight around.” She teased him and grinned as he put his arm around her to help her walk back to their bedroom.

Anna had been busy and she had to admit that the bowls of hot water and other cleaning things were very welcoming.

Carefully Alexander undressed her and it was a great relief to remove the wrapper. It stunk greatly and would probably have to be disposed of but she had another. With her sitting in the chair, he proceeded to carefully clean her, washing her body as if it was fine porcelain.

It felt marvelous. There was nothing sexual about this - it felt wonderful to finally get clean, or at least as clean as the Doctor said that it was safe to do.

He washed her back but had to stop at her waist before her went to her front, taking great care to clean her nipples. They were a bit sore as there was definitely a difference between a husband playfully sucking on them and two sons that greedily pulled on them. Since the boys had started suckling on them, they were no longer pert rosy things but were bigger and right now leaked milk.

I hope I am not causing you any discomfort my dear but it has to be done, would you like me to continue or can you manage by yourself? I am looking forward very much to you returning the favour.

“It feels so nice to be getting clean even if those nipples are a bit sore. I do love you!”

He grinned at her words and placed a clean, wet washcloth over her face. It felt so good as he cleaned the stink off her face and when he removed the cloth, he quickly kissed her.

I think it would be best if you were to do your lower half as I am sure you must be sore in certain areas and only you know exactly where they are.

She nodded. Carefully she removed the material from between her legs and as she carefully cleaned she asked him to hand her the padding that Anna had laid out for her to change into. She had been told the she would have to wear one from 1-4 weeks. Great!

Everything between her legs seemed extremely sore and she bit her lip as she worked. Meanwhile Alexander undressed and she could see that already his manhood was getting excited as it jutted out away from his body.

Surely he knew that she could not have normal sex for about 6 months. At least that was what Doctor Fredrick had said, especially since she had had twins. He really wanted her to wait around 18 months before she got pregnant again.

The problem was probably nothing to worry about as the twins would probably have them so tired that they wouldn’t have the energy for sex.

Naked, he turned and strutted before her.

It appears that you are taking rather more of an interest in my condition than earlier this morning, however you must make up your own mind if you wish to help me with my ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,AAAH ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,not so small problem.

She hid her smile. How like a man to be thinking of his “not so small problem” at this moment. So she just kept her mouth shut and let him think what he would.

“There is one more thing. I really cannot clean my legs and feet adequately right now. If you would be so kind...”

She handed the cloth to him and he proceeded to wash her legs with long gentle strokes. He did so carefully but lovingly and she appreciated it so.

While he was down there at eye level, he mentioned, There is one thing I ought to mention, we had two little ones not just the one, I notice your beautiful bush is in need of a trim would it be asking too much if Anna could cut it with an additional little heart, we can't have either of them being left out can we?

“But of course. Now, if you have completed the task at hand, I believe that it is my turn.”

With obvious anticipation he moved the bowl and wash cloths and soap closer so that she could reach it without standing. She smiled as she reached a hand out and took hold of his manhood, using it as a handle to draw him closer. It twitched in her hand.

“Do not go getting excited.” She spoke to his cock as if it were a separate entity. “I am merely cleaning you.” She looked up at Alexander. “And do not go shooting off on me. I just got cleaned.”

Soaping her hands up, she slowly and luxuriously ran her hands up and down his staff, sliding to pay special attention to the sac that hung heavy between his legs. She carefully massaged it, looking up to find his eyes closed and a silly grin on his face.

After a bit she rinsed her hands and dipped the washcloth in the water and began to clean off his privates.

“While I have your attention, perhaps now is the time to ask as to how long do I have before your next adventure occurs? You know, while the group was missing, Lady Caroline visited. She was worried that perhaps something had happened to Percy and that you might have returned. The woman actually is basically good. She was forced into the life that she lived before this. She is trying to be a positive influence to him.” She gave a little squeeze to his manhood. “So, do you have an answer?”

And then she paused. “Uh, did anyone bother to send word to my father that he is now a grandfather? You know that he will be over here post haste to see them and to join in your bragging rights.”

 

[cumnchat]

The time he spent with Veronique was delightful despite the stench of unwashed bodies including his own. He had been away from her for so long he had all but forgotten how beautiful she was and the very sight of her naked excited him so much his manhood sprang to the fore, of course he knew that she was out of bounds to him for quite some time but that wouldn't stop him from admiring her, wanting her.

Even when he drew her attention to his 'not so small problem' she was non committal and he resigned himself to the fact that he would need to take care of it himself, some thing he had not needed to do since they were married.

It was not until he had thoroughly cleaned Veronique that he began to have a glimmer of hope that Veronique might yet play the dutiful wife and give him some relief.

' Now, if you have completed the task at hand, I believe that it is my turn.'

He stood naked before her after making sure that the bowls of water soap an wash clothe were within her reach, his manhood stood out hard and unbending when Veronique soaped her hands and reached for him, pulling him closer sliding her soapy hands along his length and under and around his hairy sac. He stood still as she massaged him his eyes closed with a silly grin on his face,

'Do not go getting excited. I am merely cleaning you. And do not go shooting off on me. I just got cleaned'

It seemed that she was talking to his cock ad not to him so he surprised her bringing up a name that she had all but forgotten.

"I say my dear, if you cannot bring yourself to speak to me but only to Sir Rodney then I can only feel affronted" Then his face creased into a joyful smile.

'While I have your attention, perhaps now is the time to ask as to how long do I have before your next adventure occurs? You know, while the group was missing, Lady Caroline visited. She was worried that perhaps something had happened to Percy and that you might have returned. The woman actually is basically good. She was forced into the life that she lived before this. She is trying to be a positive influence to him.'

She gave a little squeeze to his manhood.

'“So, do you have an answer?'

And then she paused.Uh, did anyone bother to send word to my father that he is now a grandfather? You know that he will be over here post haste to see them and to join in your bragging rights

She asked the question that he had been dreading a question that he didn't have an answer to, he wasn't even sure that he wanted to go to France again. He evaded answering the question by answering the second one.

"No I did not know that Lady Caroline had called, you are correct she is basically a good person and has a positive influence on Percy, while we were hiding in France Percy confided in me that he would marry her tomorrow except for the one thing that prevents him,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,He is already married but estranged."

Alexander would say no more but he did say that a servant had been sent to Veronique's father to give him the news so he was expected to arrive very shortly.

"Now my dear 'tis time for you to rest, both Sir Rodney and myself give you our heartfelt thanks."

 

[Opensesame54321]

“And just where are my grandsons. Twin grandson at that. You know, she must get it from her Mother’s side for all my side ever produced were wastrels. And me, of course.” Deverell Saunders was greeted at the door by Sanders, the butler, who welcomed the man inside taking his hat. Deverell gave a guffaw as he beamed with pride.

His eye caught movement and noticed Anna coming down the stairs.

“Anna!” Deverell fairly gushed. “I have missed seeing your cheerful face around the house. You should have stayed with me.”

“Anna smiled politely yet kept some distance between herself and Veronique’s father. Before his daughter had married, he had occasionally hinted to Anna that he found her attractive and would not mind a dalliance or two with her. But Anna was not interested in the least in Deverell Saunders and had told him so several times.

“I am sure that you are anxious to see your grandsons. They are adorable.”

“But of course, they take after my side of the family in that aspect. Lead on my dear and let me see them.”

He longed to pat the woman’s ass but he knew better. Anna would tell his daughter and then there would be hell to pay. Beside, he already had a cute little number that he had been bedding for the last 3 months - a petite brunette with a welcoming hole and long legs that wrapped snuggly around him as he pounded into her.

Inside the nursery was a middle aged woman changing the nappy of one of the babies. The other one was busy crying and waving his fists in the air.

“Come here my baby.” Carefully he picked the crying baby up and made a silly face at the thing squirming in his arms.

“The grandfather. Countess Vernay’s father.” Anna told Clair and the nanny nodded her understanding.

Deverell eventually got the baby to stop crying, bouncing and singing some dirty ditty of questionable taste that made the nanny blush. He glanced over at the other baby in the crib before he looked hard at the baby in his arms.

“Well, the do look just alike. How do you tell the difference?”

“One baby is a little smaller than the other, and he has a little birthmark on his leg.” She quickly peeled back the blanket around the baby in the crib and lifted his gown to show the birthmark.

“So, which one came first?”

“The baby that you are holding.” Deverell grinned real big, pleased that he held the first born. He heard a noise and found himself looking at a very please new papa as Alexander entered the nursery.

“Ah, my son, congratulations! I see that you managed to plant two in my daughter. You are going to be worn out raising them. I predict that they shall be a handful.” He gave a hearty chuckle at the thought of what lay in store for Alexander and Veronique. “And have these two fine bonny boys been named yet?”

 

[cumnchat]

Alexander heard the strains of a bawdy song coming from the nursery and went along to find his father-in-law cradling one of the boys in his arms.

'Ah, my son, congratulations! I see that you managed to plant two in my daughter. You are going to be worn out raising them. I predict that they shall be a handful. And have these two fine bonny boys been named yet?'

Alexander knew very well what was coming next, Deverell would want one of the boys to be named after him, which was against his own wishes,

"Nothing is settled yet but I am in favour of following my family tradition and naming them after past heroes like Hercules, Alfred the Great, Ethelred the Unready persons of that ilk, I would not want them to have to bear the name of some nondescript merchant that no one of any consequence has ever heard of."

Just as Alexander thought would happen his father-in-law went purple and began spluttering, "Alexander! You cannot mean that, can I not be remembered by my grandsons?"

Alexander smiled at Deverell's disappointment and discomfort and offered soothing words laced with sarcasm.

"If the cap fits Deverell then you must wear it, I do not recall saying that your name would not be recorded but if you feel that you are not of sufficient importance then Veronique and I will bow to your wishes."

With his purple face slowly returning to its normal pale pallor Deverell saw a chink of light in Alexander's words,

"I must have misunderstood you my dear boy, I was possibly being presumptuous in expecting to be high on your list of possible names, so might I request with no expectation that my name be somewhere on your list of possibilities?"

"Why of course you may request the favour but as you say with no expectation."

Alexander replied, keeping his father-in-law dangling knowing that so long as he thought there was a chance of his name being chosen he would in all likelihood be less intrusive in other areas.

"It is very remiss of me Deverell but let us take a glass of brady and then we shall go to see Veronique, she is sleeping at the moment but I am certain she will be pleased to see you."

Alexander added the thought, 'And maybe tell him when he is pushing too hard.'

An hour later after two or three brandies Deverell was in a mellow mood as Alexander took him to see Veronique who was sat up propped with pillows and looking radiant.

"My darling daughter, you are indeed a clever girl shelling two at at a time." were Deverell's first words to her.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Once she and Alexander were relatively clean and free of noxious odors, he had helped her dress in the clean wrapper that Anna had laid out. Helping her into bed, the poor man had looked disappointed that his itch had yet to be scratched fully so she had bade him to sit on the edge of the bed holding a towel over his member. She reached under the towel and slid her hand up and down the already hardening rod.

“I am sorry that right now this is the only way that I can give you some relief.” It was really unromantic but at least for the time being he would feel better.

He must have been in dire need for relatively quickly he shot his seed into the towel with a grunt and a sigh.

“Feeling better?”

The smile and kiss that he gave her told her so. The knock at the door surprised her for s second.

“Just a minute.”

Anna spoke out through the door from the other side.

“I just wanted you to know, your Ladyship, that your father is coming up the drive.”

“Wonderful,” Veronique muttered sarcastically under her breath. Only Alexander heard the ‘joy’ in her voice. “Thank you, Anna.”

They heard the woman leave.

“You know what he is going to expect! What he is here for. And seeing the babies is only second. Or third.” She watched Alexander dress and knew that he was dreading what was coming. Therefore she hated what she was getting ready to ask him.

“And if you can, keep him busy for a while. Give whatever reason you want. I really don’t want him around while I’m feeding the babies. Nothing like having a baby sucking away at your tit while your father stands by watching.” He gave her a grimace at her words.

“I know, I know. By the time that all is said and done, I will have a large bill to pay off to you. Limited sex, and having to play host to my father. Such are the fun things of married life.

Finally he gave her a kiss and headed off to greet her father. In a tick, Anna and Clair arrived with the boys, both hungry and eager to be fed. The elder one latched on and began to suck away. Veronique looked at Anna as she played with the younger one in her arms. “Well?” She didn’t have to say more for Anna knew what the question implied.

“You father is anxious for one of the boys to be named after him.”

“I would never name one of my children Lard Head!” Anna choked back a laugh and Clair tried to look as if she had not heard what Her Ladyship had said.

“Can you imagine me calling ‘DEVERELL’ across the front lawn? If he wants a baby named after him, let him have his own child.” She bit her lip. “I probably should not have said that. You watch! He’ll go find himself some chippy and I’ll be expected to call her mom.”

“Ouch! Son, it’s a teat, not something made of iron. I know that it’s too soon for him to have teeth but it feels as if he is chewing on me.”

Finally the elder was full and she handed him off to Clair before taking the younger from Anna. While he fed, Clair took the first one back to the nursery to change him.

“So where are they now?”

“The Master has taken him down to the study so that they can drink a toast to the grand event.” Anna smiled. “He told your father that you were sleeping.”

The younger baby finally finished and Anna took him away leaving Veronique a bit of time to herself. This was not going to be fun. Perhaps her husband had softened her father up a bit.

By the time that the two men wandered in, she could see that her father had had more than just one drink.

My darling daughter, you are indeed a clever girl shelling two at at a time.

“Of course, father. Come and give me a kiss. I just woke up.” He made it over and kissed her cheek. “Which one will carry my name?”

“Neither, father.”

Deverell began to splutter as his face turned red. “My child, you wound me! Neither to carry on the family name. Is the name Deverell to die with me?”

“I guess that it is. And as to ‘family name’, you are the first and hopefully the last to have the name of ‘Deverell’.

“But...But...But...”

“End of story Father. You might as well get used to it. You shall have to get used to calling your grandsons Ferdinand and Wilberforce.”

“What?” Deverell spluttered again and looked outraged and she thought that she saw a smile on Alexander’s lips and a twinkle in his eyes.

“It’s always been a dream of mine that if I ever had twin sons, they would be called Ferdinand and Wilberforce. And now my dream can come true.”

“It would be just like you to do that.” He sat down in the chair by the bed. “Well, you at least look good. Motherhood agrees with you.”

“Thank you , Father. As does Grandfatherhood agree with you. So tell me, just how is the outside world? Anything new happening back home?”

“Not really. This has been the height of my week. I can’t wait to brag to my old friends about my grandsons.”

She smiled as he pouted for a bit. There was general chatting about the weather and livestock and gossip about various people before he asked if it would be possible to look in on the babies one more time before he left. “ I just want to take one more look at Ferdinand and Wilberforce and remember what they look like.” He kissed her cheek and paused at the door. “By the way, which one is which.”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

 

[cumnchat]

When Alexander took his father-in -law to see Veronique she did not let him down in the slightest putting her father firmly in his place when he asked which one would bear his name.

'Neither, father.

Deverell began to splutter as his face turned red just as he had in the nursery.

My child, you wound me! Neither to carry on the family name. Is the name Deverell to die with me?

I guess that it is. And as to ‘family name’, you are the first and hopefully the last to have the name of ‘Deverell’.

'But...But...But...'

'End of story Father. You might as well get used to it. You shall have to get used to calling your grandsons Ferdinand and Wilberforce.'

Alexander had to smother a chuckle as Deverell spluttered again with indignation, Veronique continued to twist the knife, boldly declaring,

'It’s always been a dream of mine that if I ever had twin sons, they would be called Ferdinand and Wilberforce. And now my dream can come true.”

“It would be just like you to do that.

He subsided into the chair by the bed. Well, you at least look good. Motherhood agrees with you.'

Alexander was almost in tears of laughter as Veronique teased her father, well, teased up to a point as she had been adamant that neither would be called Deverell, or Wilberforce or Ferdinand, their names had still to be decided. They chatted for a while before Deverell announced that he could stay no longer an had to leave but before he left he asked if he could see the boys once more before he left,

' I just want to take one more look at Ferdinand and Wilberforce and remember what they look like. By the way, which one is which?'

With a wicked smile Veronique aimed one more barb at her father,

I haven’t decided yet.'

Alexander escorted Deverell to the front door commiserating with him,

"'Tis a pity that your visit did not bear the fruit that you hoped for but as we both know Veronique can be very wilful."

When he had gone Alexander ran back upstairs to Veronique, laughing as he spoke,

"You are a wicked woman Veronique spoiling and teasing your father like that, Ferdinand and Wilberforce indeed, I shudder at the thought but we should soon decide, we cannot call them baby one and two for ever."

He thought he saw a determined glint in her eyes, no, surely not she couldn't be serious could she?

 

[Opensesame54321]

She rather enjoyed herself, watching her father squirm at the idea of having grandsons with such outlandish names. And when Alexander returned from escorting her Father out the front door and into his trap, he had gleefully burst back into the room, laughing at how they had handled him.

You are a wicked woman Veronique spoiling and teasing your father like that, Ferdinand and Wilberforce indeed, I shudder at the thought but we should soon decide, we cannot call them baby one and two for ever.

She looked at him momentarily, tempted to tease him too. It was very tempting but she had to admit that they were pretty bad.

She finally broke out in a cheeky grin and could not help the laugh that tumbled forth. “They are pretty bad names. I can just imagine standing at the door, scolding. “Wilberforce, you should never shove beans up your nose. A gentleman always politely inserts the bean up his nostril. Shoving is for commoners.” Or “Ferdinand, remove that thing from your head! It is a chamber pot, not a First Regimental Helmet!”

The two of them laughed as Alexander climbed beside her in bed, taking her in his arms to give her a hug and a rather bold kiss. She suspected that it was gratitude for what she did to her father. She knew good old Father well and suspected that poor Alexander had been forced to play the diplomat with the man rather than say exactly what he felt.

Finally gathering themselves together, they seriously settling down to talk about names for the boys.

“I had rather liked the name Carlton Alexander Vernay for the elder. Sort of naming him after you but letting him have his own name too. And he could be called Alex or Carl if needed. How does that sound to you?”

She paused for a moment, waiting for his reply before continuing. “As to the younger, I like the name Leander but am unsure of what to put with it. Something like Stephen or Michael or something like that. Have you any ideas?”

Numerous name were discussed and thrown out, working to find the right name for the younger baby.

“I just feel that it should be a more common name so that should he not like the name Leander, he would have another name that he could use. Like Edward or Edwin or Richard or something like that. And if you say Deverell I shall soundly thrash you within an inch of your life.”

 

[cumnchat]

With Veronique laying comfortably in his arms her body warm and soft against him Alexander settled down with his wife to find names for their two boys. The names for the elder of the two was soon settled with them both liking the names Carlton Alexander, they had a certain resonance and Alexander found their agreement cause for him to slip his hand inside Veronique's wrapper and play with her full soft breasts and caress her engorged nipples as he slipped his tongue into her warm, wet mouth. He felt it was the least he could do to thank her for her willingness to give him relief earlier.

Veronique seemed to be in a devilish mood as they discarded yet another name to go with Leander as she announced,

'I just feel that it should be a more common name so that should he not like the name Leander, he would have another name that he could use. Like Edward or Edwin or Richard or something like that. And if you say Deverell I shall soundly thrash you within an inch of your life.'

Alexander smiled at that, Veronique was as determined as he was that neither of the babies would be saddled with the name Deverell. He had several names in mind such as Ross and Paul but neither rolled off the tongue or formed a picture in his mind of a dashing young man sweeping adoring ladies off their feet and onto their backs. Then the name sprang into his mind and a vision of a handsome young man well muscled with broad shoulders and the name Leander Bryant came to the fore. He kissed Veronique again and pleaded with her,

"Please say yes my love, Leander Bryant Vernay, does it not conjure up a picture for you of him when he is a young man? It is not a fancy name nor is it a common name like John or James. I cannot imagine him being dissatisfied with his name, please, please say yes."

 

[Opensesame54321]

And then, Alexander came up with the perfect name.

Leander Bryant Vernay

Please say yes my love, Leander Bryant Vernay, does it not conjure up a picture for you of him when he is a young man? It is not a fancy name nor is it a common name like John or James. I cannot imagine him being dissatisfied with his name, please, please say yes.

It sounded perfect, and Alexander was so excited with it. She leaned in and kissed him soundly.

“It is perfect and I love it. The elder shall be Carlton Alexander Vernay - with a nod to his father - and the younger shall be Leander Bryant Vernay.” She snuggled down beside him, his arm strong and loving around her. “It will be hard to give up Ferdinand and Wilberforce, but my love for you is greater,” she teased him, kissing him again.

For a period of time they just lay there kissing and holding each other. Sexually there really was not much that she could do. Her stomach drooped a bit from where the twins had been. Her breast leaked milk. She really felt unattractive at the moment, as if she was just a cow here to supply meals but Alexander still seemed to be in love with her. She felt so blessed.

“I love you. I have a feeling that these boys are going to age us well before our time.”

She paused.

“I know that you think that I didn’t notice how you effectively avoided letting me know just when your next adventure is, but...” she dreaded asking the question. “... do you know when you leave? Does Percy even know about the boys?”

 

[cumnchat]

Veronique had said 'YES' to his suggestion and pleading of using the name Bryant with Leander the youngest of the two babes, although to both Alexander and Veronique they were equal, there would be no favouritism.

'It is perfect and I love it. The elder shall be Carlton Alexander Vernay - with a nod to his father - and the younger shall be Leander Bryant Vernay.

She snuggled down beside him, his arm strong and loving around her. Veronique teased him,

It will be hard to give up Ferdinand and Wilberforce, but my love for you is greater,'

Happy and satisfied they lay comfortably together embracing, interspersed with soft loving kisses. Alexander loved Veronique with all his heart and even though her body was not quite the perfection it had once been he knew that she would not let it remain that way for long, once she had recovered her strength and become accustomed to having the babes suckle on her breasts she would soon be taking fencing lessons again.

Alexander was dozing when Veronique startled him into wakefulness,

'I love you. I have a feeling that these boys are going to age us well before our time.

With the slightest of pauses she continued

I know that you think that I didn’t notice how you effectively avoided letting me know just when your next adventure is, but...... do you know when you leave? Does Percy even know about the boys?'

"Veronique my little cherub, I understand your fears that I might leave you again soon but so far as I know there are no plans to venture to France again just yet. No word has been sent to Percy regarding the boys although he knew that your time was near, if he has any plans then I am not privy to them and to tell the truth I am not sure that I would go and leave you again, not with two babes in arms to take care of, does that ease your mind my love?"

Alexander rolled her onto her back and supporting himself on his elbows he looked into her face and kissed her soft wet lips, slipping his tongue into her mouth and his hands inside her wrapper to play with her breasts.

********

"When are you going to start arranging our wedding?"

Demanded Claude as he rolled off Anna in her bed after another half an hour of play with her naked body but still no sex.

"Do stop pestering me, I am beginning to think that you only want to get married so you can satisfy your urges." Anna retorted, glaring at her lover, who she loved so dearly.

"You know that is not true Anna dearest, I want to make love to you properly and give you children it is true but want you by my side as my proud wife as proud as I will be to introduce you as my wife."

"Oh Claude you always had the gift of the gab, tell me again how much you love me."

Anna slid down his body holding his cock at the base so she could direct it into her eager waiting mouth.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Lady Penchant daintily sipped her tea and looked around at the women gathered in her salon. The scent of the Darjeeling tea delicately tickled her nose and she loved the way the reddish-gold color of the hot liquid looked so pretty against the floral pattern of her china.

Sitting around her were around about eight women, all drinking her favorite flavor of the hot brew. Wearing their prettiest frocks and with bright eyes listening hungrily to the gossip that drifted around the group, their hats were perched perfectly on prettily coiffed curls and manicured hands were hidden by white gloves while Sarah Penchant continued with her information.

“Why, the Count had not been seen for days and did not turn up until the poor thing went into labor. Imagine! Twins, and both boys at that. The lucky woman got her heir and a spare first time out!”

The women all sat around tittering into their cups, eyes flashing as they contemplated this delicious bit of gossip. All but one.

Sitting over to one side was Lady Caroline. She had been relatively quiet while the gossip flirted around the room.

She really didn’t belong here. In fact, the only reason that she had been invited was because of Percy. She was sure that when she was not around, these same women would make her the topic of their discussions. Who was she? It was obvious that she and Percy were lovers, but where exactly was his wife? No one asked her but she could easily see the questions in their eyes.

Lady Penchant reached out and gloved fingers picked up a tiny scone, the scent of almond smelled wonderful. Her cook was an absolute genius when it came to these things and many of the women here today were not here for her, or for the gossip, or even because it was part of society. They were here for these scones.

“It is almost like having a litter!” There was another round of tittering, save for Caroline. Instead, the memory of Bella came to her mind. Dying so young and yet leaving a part of her behind. Percy, when he had finally returned, had made love to her, apparently glad to make it out alive and with a successful mission.

Then 2 days later, they had taken the carriage into London to visit the Comte and Comtessa de Alder and little Marcel du Charpentier. They had been welcomed by the Comte and Comtessa, and Marcel was a beautiful chubby baby that had gained weight since they last saw him. And he also seemed so happy, giggling and crawling.

And yet, when Caroline looked at him, she could see just how he favored Amabella, in particular around the eyes. She was thankful that these women sitting here knew nothing about poor Bella, or Marcel or her background.

“You are very quiet, Lady Caroline.”

She was jolted from her memories by the mention of her name.

“I was merely thinking of just how blessed Lady Vernay is. The woman was very sweet to me when I met with her some time before her babies were born.”

“My dear woman, no one said that she wasn’t.”

The topic changed and the air seemed strained after that and eventually the afternoon tea broke up, with the carriages lined up as each woman climbed in and headed home.

Sitting in her carriage, Caroline realized that she would need to pass the information on to Percy. He would definitely want to see his old friend and wish him will. And maybe see the babies too. She would not mind visiting Veronique - the woman had been most gracious when she had last visited her.

 

[cumnchat]

Two days after Caroline had heard the news about Veronique and passed it on to Percy Alexander was in the conservatory with Veronique and Carlton and Leander, now the boys were dressed in warm baby clothes and laying in their respective cribs. Anna approached them tentatively,

"Lord Vernay, There is someone who says he is a 'gentleman' and an acquaintance of yours, I know the man and was not sure if you would wish to see him."

"For goodness sake Anna stop prevaricating and tell me who it is so I can decide whether I wish to see him or not."

"I'm sorry Sir but it is Sir Percy Blakeney oh and his ,,,,,,, er,,,,, companion, Lady Caroline."

"PERCY? HERE? Wonderful, show them both in and do try to be pleasant Anna."

Anna announced imperiously "Sir Percy Blakeney and erm....companion"

" Anna, what did I say about being pleasant?" Alexander said warningly.

"Sorry Sir," Anna looked anything but sorry.

"Such a warm welcome," boomed Percy, "However I am not offended in the slightest, Anna has good reason not to trust me."

Alexander strode forward and shook Percy warmly by the hand.

"The man who saved my life will always be welcome in my house." But he would not say where or when with Anna in the room.

Percy smiled and congratulated both on the birth of the twins.

"I hope you will accept on their behalf the presents I have brought for them."

He took them outside and proudly showed them two brightly coloured hobby horses. Alexander and Veronique looked at each other and burst out laughing,

"Thankyou kindly Percy but I think you have jumped the gun, the babes are not even crawling yet."

"I told you so Percy." Caroline chimed in and Percy began to laugh with everyone else,

"No matter they will be big enough for them before you know it."

The meeting turned into a party with all past disagreements forgiven and forgotten.

 

[Opensesame54321]

It was a lovely afternoon when Percy and Caroline came calling. She suspected who it was before Anna told them for she knew her maid well enough to suspect just who she was waffling about and could well understand the reason behind it.

And despite how Anna introduced them, she and Alexander were gracious and welcoming. Percy seemed to have come to his senses and there seemed to be no wayward eye cast her way, for which she was grateful. Alexander greeted Percy like the old friend that he was, and Veronique crossed and hugged Caroline. “Congratulations!” Caroline softly whispered in her ear and she knew that the woman was remembering Bella and that fateful day.

Percy was all smiles and jovially slapped Alexander’s back as he proclaimed, I hope you will accept on their behalf the presents I have brought for them.

All four of them headed outside, leaving the babies in Clair’s care. Outside were two very large and brightly colored hobby horses festooned with ribbons and bows. They were incredibly large and it would be several years before the boys were large enough to play on the things. She and Alexander took one look and began to laugh.

Thank you kindly Percy but I think you have jumped the gun, the babes are not even crawling yet.

Caroline reminded Percy that she had told him so and Percy joined in with them, laughing, before he added, No matter they will be big enough for them before you know it.

Eventually the party returned to where the babies slept while several men carried the horses up to the playroom next door to the nursery. Clair headed upstairs to arrange everything around the large gifts. Alexander and Percy talked silently between themselves about what had happened last trip to France, quickly changing the topic should the women or any servants get nearby. It’s not that neither she nor Caroline were ignorant as to what happened over there, but rather that the men did not want to worry the women.

Caroline looked down at the boys sleeping in the cribs like red-headed cherubs. There was a wistful look on her face.

“You know, I cannot have children.” Her voice was low and tinged with sadness. Veronique placed a comforting hand on the woman’s arm.

“I never told Percy though he probably suspects something. Years ago, my father was a drunkard. Too much drink could make him violent. One evening I let the bottle run dry and he beat me. Kicked me in the stomach and I wound up in the hospital. After that I was told that there would never be children for me.”

“You are more than welcome to come play with the boys. I suspect that they will be wearing us out in no time.”

“Have you chosen names?”

“Yes, after much deliberation and contemplation we decided to christen them Carlton Alexander and Leander Bryant. Baby One and Baby Two was getting old.”

The women talked of life, with Caroline letting her know how Marcel was doing and Veronique and Alexander convinced Percy and Caroline to stay for supper.

 

[cumnchat]

Supper was a lively affair with laughter echoing around the dining room as they ate, cook having outdone herself with the numerous tasty dishes she had prepared. Alexander and Percy dominated the room while quaffing at least three bottles of wine from Alexander's cellar, the ladies were more moderate, sipping at their single glass of wine, while they talked quietly together, Alexander and Percy assumed their personas as dandy's and even outdid their outrageous behaviour that they put on in public.

All too soon it was time for Veronique to feed the twins and she left with Caroline so she had someone to talk to whilst feeding them. Meanwhile the men had taken to mincing up and down the supper table, stepping daintily between the crockery on the table, until at last Alexander was so exhausted with laughter he fell into his armchair and in a half drunken voice he slurred,

"Yooo Percy are miyyy besht frend ever, Will yooo ,, HIC,,,, will yoo do me,,,, HIC,,,, do meeee t'onour of being,,,, miyyyy,,,,, HIC,,,,,, miy godfarter,,,, HIC,,,, silly mee ,miy children's godfather, bless me, I got it right that time didn't I?"

Hw burst into gales of laughter and sat giggling, failing to notice Veronique and Caroline standing in the doorway.

 

[Opensesame54321]

“Complete asses. Both of them.” Veronique stood beside Caroline as both of women stood there shaking their heads.

“Like children with a new toy. They never know when to stop drinking. This is what got Percy in trouble to begin with.”

“Most men have no self control. They see a bottle and have to drink it dry. Over and over. Quite truthfully I am sure that it is a miracle that men ever accomplished anything on this earth.”

Finally Alexander and Percy noticed the two women glaring at them from the doorway. They mumbled something that only two drunkards could understand, and then burst into uncontrollable gales of laughter, obviously amused at their own wit.

“We should leave.” Caroline shook her head, apologizing to Veronique.

“You cannot leave right now. Percy would never make it out of the drive.”

“Do not worry. Our driver will, with perhaps the aid of one or two of your men, load this worthless lump into the carriage we will be on our way.”

Caroline refused to hear different and soon three men were trying to lift Percy into the carriage while Veronique and Caroline looked on. Meanwhile the man proceeded to sing some slurred ditty, something about a madam from Chard that liked her men quite hard.

Caroline turned and looked suitably appalled but Veronique shook her head and waved away the woman’s apologies.

“Do not worry. Men are really children with overgrown cocks.” Caroline tried to hide her smile while in the background Veronique could hear Alexander fart and then giggle uncontrollably talking about bullfrogs loose in the house. Or something like that.

The two women hugged and promised to visit again soon and as she waved goodbye to Caroline, she heard Alexander fart again. Rolling her eyes, she asked Sanders if he could find several men to get the Master upstairs and into bed.

While the deed was accomplished, she went to the nursery and checked once more on the boys. They were sound asleep, as should she. A quick glance in the playroom showed the dark shadow of the hobby horses. She shook her head, smiling.

When she entered the bedroom, Alexander was snoring away in bed. The men had removed his outer clothes but left on his underthings. She tried to finish the job but the man was dead weight so all she got off was his hose. He let out a belch and giggled in his sleep and she gave up and quickly dressed for bed.

The man would probably have a hangover fit for a king in the morning. Would serve him right.

 

[cumnchat]

"Will someone stop banging that blasted drum?"

Alexander complained, squinting against the sunlight that poured into the bedroom. His head was throbbing and he could not recollect the events of the previous evening with any clarity. He managed to find a jug of water and a glass and drank it down in one go but it did little to remove the terrible taste in his mouth.

He suddenly realised he was alone, where was Veronique? Had she deserted him in his hour of need? All he wanted was to rest his head in her lap and feel her cool hands on his fevered brow. As if he would be that lucky, in all probability he would be given the silent treatment and suffer, the thing was he was suffering now, twice over, a hangover of gigantic proportions and an overwhelming sense of guilt , but where the devil was she it wasn't as though she had anything else to do apart from care for him and,,,, and ,,,, and what? And whom? AH yes the boys, he remembered them vaguely, Ferdinand and Wilberforce weren't they? No that can't be right, Veronique wouldn't have allowed them to have such outlandish names, he sat down racking his brains trying to remember their names, he should know, he was their father for goodness sake. He lay down on the bed again and was soon asleep again.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Four hours later she woke up and slid out of bed. Alexander had not moved an inch since he was poured into bed and he was snoring louder than usual. She knew that it was the wine.

Both boys were hungry and wailing as Clair tried singing to them. It really didn’t do any good.

“Already like their father,” Veronique muttered as she picked up Leander and he hungrily latched onto the teat that she offered him.

“‘Tis the way of all men, your Ladyship. Food, drink and a clean nappy, is that not right, Master Carlton?” The middle aged woman smiled as she tried to sooth the fussy baby.

“For once, he can wait on his brother. I want these boy to know that they are equals in our eyes. There will be no favoritism in this family.” She glanced at the woman to make sure that she understood what she was saying.

“I am so glad to hear you say that. There are too many families that I have seen over the years letting the eldest child get away with anything.”

While the babies were fed and changed, the two women talked about the large horses in the playroom, laughing and marveling at the workmanship of the two horses.

Once they were fed, Veronique thanked Clair and headed back to bed. Alexander was still sound asleep and snoring away like there was no tomorrow. She climbed back in bed beside Alexander.

Several hours later she gave up and got up, slipping on her wrapper. Alexander was entirely too noisy and she decided to try and catch an hour of sleep before feeding time again.

The campaign bed in the playroom was not as comfortable but was definitely quieter and she finally got a bit of rest. The sound of a baby crying woke her later and she went in to find Clair checking Leander’s diaper.

“I didn’t know that you were in there!” Clair spoke quietly but was clearly surprised.

“Alexander partook of the wine a bit too much last night and his snoring is keeping me awake. I find I’m getting more rest in the playroom tonight.”

By the time that she had finished feeding both boys, the sun was beginning to come up and she decided to go ahead and get up. She met Anna just outside the master bedroom door and explain what was going on so between the two of them they quietly entered and got Veronique dressed.

The morning dawned bright and sunny and the manor stirred with it. It was beautiful outside and Veronique headed down to the kitchen and talked to the cook about preparing a breakfast to cure a hangover. She arranged for it to be sent up to Alexander and then headed upstairs to awaken the sleeping giant.

She could tell that he had gotten up since last she had been in the room. A water pitcher was on the floor by the bed and he wasn’t snoring so loudly.

She crawled beside him and kissed his cheek before whispering in his ear.

“My love, it is time to get up and face the day. Time to pay the piper, my lovely.”

 

[cumnchat]

In his dream an angel who looked just like Veronique came to him and kissed him murmuring words that he felt he didn't deserve,

'My love, it is time to get up and face the day. Time to pay the piper, my lovely.'

"Go away angel, I am a drunkard and a fool, begone with your words of pity and solace, I am undeserving of both." He spoke sulkily still three quarters asleep and not realising it was Veronique speaking to him, that is not until she put her arms around him and pressed herself against his back, then he woke slowly his mind still clouded with drink but he was sober enough to realise that he was not being castigated for the previous night's antics. He was wise enough to offer an apology and show his remorse. He rolled onto his back and pulled Veronique up to straddle him.

"You are not angry with me, my love?" he asked in surprise for he had been certain that the atmosphere this morning would be frosty. He reached up and stroked Veronique's lovely face and with his hand pulled her down to kiss her and murmur in her ear,

"Y'know my love if it were possible you would be riding me now like one of those hobby horses, instead I will have be satisfied with another kiss and some breakfast I am famished."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Veronique was wise enough to know that already Alexander was paying a price for his hours of foolish drinking with Percy.

She gave him his kiss, looking down at him as she straddled him.

“Oh, I am sure that you are paying well for your night of drunkenness with Percy, for it will be your last.” She smiled down at the look that he gave her. “Oh, I am not saying that you cannot drink. Only that you cannot drink to that excess any more. You now have two babies that depend upon you. What if something should happen to one of them? You have a responsibility now.”

She could see that her words were getting through to him.

“Now, here is your kiss,” and she leaned over and kissed him. “And now, enjoy your chance to eat your breakfast in bed.”

She climbed off of him and with the bedding covered the evidence of his desire that was slowly growing. It was going to be hard to keep his monster of desire under control for the next couple of months.

“Now, behave!” She admonished him as she opened the door and Anna rolled in a cart with his breakfast. Thanking Anna, the woman nodded and gave Alexander a raised eyebrow and smile before she left pulling the door closed behind her.

 

[cumnchat]

Alexander counted his blessings when Veronique kissed him, he had been expecting frowns and harsh words from his wife but instead she cared for him and understood how ill he felt, she was certainly most understanding. He was quite aroused and when Anna wheeled in his breakfast she quickly concealed his arousal under the bedclothes but Anna gave him a knowing smile as she left. As soon as she had gone Alexander threw back the covers and his erection sprang free,

"She knows doesn't she? Or at least suspects my condition, can nothing not be common knowledge in this house?"

He was halfway through his breakfast when fragments of the night before filtered into his brain, he stopped eating and looked apologetically at Veronique,

"You have been wonderful my love but I have a confession to make, during the course of the evening I seem to recall asking Percy to be Godfather to our sons, please don't be angry, perhaps he won't remember."

 

[Opensesame54321]

You have been wonderful my love but I have a confession to make, during the course of the evening I seem to recall asking Percy to be Godfather to our sons, please don't be angry, perhaps he won't remember.

She smiled wryly. “Rest assured that if Percy remembers anything from that drunken debauchery that the two of you had last night, it will be the one thing that you hoped that he would forget.”

And she was correct. That afternoon, Percy and Caroline showed up. Percy looked a bit peakish and sheepish, his eyes seeming to dart about the room so that he would not have to face Veronique though she suspected that when he glanced at his old friend Alexander her could see a comrade in pain and suffering.

On the other hand, from just one look a person could see that Caroline was in charge of the man and the moment. The woman stood very prim and proper, a smile upon her lips.

“Good day, Lady Veronique.”

“Good day, Lady Caroline.”

Veronique would have been fine with them each dropping the ‘Lady’ title but she suspected that Caroline was enjoying being a Lady and Veronique did not wish to deny the women that joy.

“I believe that Percy has something to say to you.” There was a pause before Caroline turned to the man, raised an eyebrow and in an icy tone said, “Is that not correct?”

The man nodded and proceeded to apologize for his drunken behavior the night before.

Veronique thanked him and then they stood there for a moment. It was obvious that there was something else that he was supposed to do. She glanced at Alexander - her husband looking at his friend with knowing pity for though Veronique had been relatively lenient in her scolding, he too knew that his wife was not exactly happy with his actions of the night before.

There was an ‘oof’ as Caroline’s elbow found Percy’s side and he grimaced. “And?” Caroline prompted him.

Percy proceeded to explain that he realized that the offer of Godfather had been extended during an inebriated moment and that they would certainly not hold them to the offer.

Caroline smiled as she looked at Veronique, happy that she had done the right thing. But it was not all over. Both she and Alexander had spoken before the two had arrived and she smiled back at Caroline.

“I believe that Alexander too has something to say to you too. Is that not correct, dearest?”

Alexander swallowed hard before making his apologies.

 

[cumnchat]

The apologies from both sides were over but both men knew that the two women still had their necks under their dainty little feet and that if they did not do as they were told the two women would between them make their lives a misery.

Alexander tried to mollify everyone,

"Now we are all on friendly terms again shall we drink a toast to longstanding friendship?" then he caught the look on Veronique's face and the slight shake of the head,

"Perhaps drink a toast with a nice refreshing cup of Earl Grey."

The two women smiled, satisfied that their message had got through to the men in their lives. Alexander bravely broached the subject of godparents again as they sipped at their tea.

"Now that Percy has graciously withdrawn from the task of being a godfather to Carlton and Leander we must find two people who are eminently suitable, one other thing I feel I should mention is the forthcoming marriage of Anna to Claude, would it not be a great day of celebration if the two took place together?"

Veronique agreed in principle but said that they should consult the future bride and groom first. So the matter was left open for further discussion. Percy and Caroline left after being assured they would be welcome at the christening when it took place.

***********************

OOC
That, all our readers, is where we must leave it for now, My co writer and friend Sesame is taking a break from writing until the New Year to recharge her batteries. We will be back to continue the story so please check now and again and from us both we thank you for reading and hope you have enjoyed the twists and turns.