Jian: Cast of Characers

Jian

As we walked up the lane I thought about the racing in the same way as Deanna. I found Cho on the phone and sat to wait. He was looking at my face and ended his call with Ludwig.

"What?"

I told him about Deanna's comment and my applying it to our racing.

"I don't feel we'll ever have a work and money attitude about the horses... we love them..."

A quiet `but' from Cho.

"I want to keep it in mind... something to teach Chani and Charlie when they can understand. They'll have a lot of money and a position to grow up with... I want them to appreciate and love things that give them pleasure and keep them separate from mere `acquisitions.' I'm not sure I'm being clear but I need to keep thinking about it."

Cho opened his arms I slipped in. A kiss, tender, loving!

"Our little ones have the best mother."

My eyes were wet but no Cho-Fay handkerchief was needed. I wanted to be a good mom... time will tell.

Dinner for Cho, Sunny, Gil, Francis and I was in the Breakfast Room. Grilled cheese sandwiches, chips, pickles and a lovely yellow pound cake hidden under delicious icing making the cake look like a log cabin. Odd but very cute! Maxine with some help from Sue.

An early start tomorrow.

53

I was making coffee, scones and Jaidee food when Tessa came in. She looked rested although the Personal Protection Team had a night out in Oxford! PJ arranged an outing, dinner and a few clubs.

"It was fun, great to dance. PJ has some moves!"

I laughed, "I'll have to remember that!"

We laughed walking down to the stables, Mr. Snooper doing his thing until Thames heard us then it was bow-wow time.

Pamela and Con were saddled, Anthony got the scone and we went down the lane. The sun making its appearance... not convincing yet!

We warmed ourselves and the horses before a good run to the lock. The lock fellow said Roy wasn't here yet with a laugh. We waved. And walked over to the west side of the river. Con had no problem with the water noise!

I led us along my usual route going north but keeping close to the river on the path. No one in sight anywhere... Tessa laughing about being up before the cows.

As we came up to the path's detour around the boatyard my iPhone pinged me. We stopped on the road into the yard. An intruder was being tracked near the railroad tracks about fifteen hundred feet north of Radley train station. We were more or less four thousand feet directly east of the station.

Will answered my call, "Miss, we have a Rover going south from the Industrial Estate it's at the big grove of trees now. Yone has a drone overhead, the fellow appears to be carrying a long lens camera."

"Will, if we stay along the river he'll never see us... Wait! Ask the team coming south to stop at the lower end of the grove and we'll meet them."

Done!

Tessa grinning, "You're up to something."

"Yes, luring him into a trap so our folks can close on him faster."

She laughed and followed me down the path. We met the Land Rover and the two person team.

Our new `friend' was working his way east on the northern side of a hedgerow.

I suggested showing myself riding Pamela around a spinney to the west of where we were... the photographer would be able to see us but I would be over two thousand feet away... I would tease him to come this way with the man and woman from our Security in hiding. They would gather him up.

I asked the team to bundle him into their Land Rover, talk to him at our office first then take him to the Thames Valley Police in Oxford minus his camera if he took any snaps. Deposit him and make out a police report and have him held as a trespasser.

I walked west then south riding Pamela slowly turning left into an open area in full view. Then I moved out of sight, I texted Cho and waited with Tessa. He was back to me that he was with Will in the office. I moved between the horses to call him.

I got a play by play from the drone view Cho was observing. The photographer was moving towards where I had let him see me... Cho paused... "They've got him! And there's no one else anywhere in our entire security zone."

I waited by the horses with Tessa. The fellow was led up with a blindfold on, put in the Land Rover. Angelique, the woman Security person looked at his camera.

"Only some establishing shots of the countryside, no people or identifying objects. His other camera was in a pocket unused. Same for the cell phone." Fist bumps and thank yous.

Tessa remounted with me and we took off to finish our ride. She was smiling.

My what? Got me... a laugh.

"You've pretty good at creative thinking on the fly. Good tactics!"

We laughed. We rode hard to make up the time. Walking up the lane Cho was there. HUG and Kiss.

"He wasn't a danger. He's a stringer for several magazines, selling snaps to `OK Magazine,' American celebrity mags and others."

In the Breakfast Room Sunny was finishing her food before school, a kiss and hug. She dashed off!

I got coffee to sit for a moment.

Cho was smiling, "You did good! Since you asked for a police report to be made there's a record as with the `Sun' folks. They can see we are protective. Some will be sensible others may see a challenge. I think Yone and his team are up to it."

Me too! Wash, dress, we were leaving later not much though. Long sleeve navy dress, wool and cotton. Navy accessories, gold jewelry `Joy' The navy pea coat and leather gloves.

All aboard for The Company office. Prasert all smiles by the car door, "Fay, Ellie is pregnant!"

HUGE HUG! She was happy about it and in fine health. We got going and I texted her our congrats. She was thrilled and her parents were excited. The good news was well received in Bangkok also!! Prasert's family sent a huge cheering video!

We talked more about our visitor. Cho smiling as he told me some of it. Will spotted him as he climbed the fence from the railroad tracks. Yone used it as a training exercise on the drones. They had three up at one time. Five different people got to control drones during the operation getting the `feel' of them in action. Cho said Yone was laughing about my plan to entrap the fellow.

Going in The Company front door always fun to see my name on the security readout. I went to the R&D floor to annoy Reg right off. He was happy for me to do it. Cho joined us and we all laughed. His ladies were awesome!

Eric at his desk with a grin, "Good to see you both."

Hugs and handshakes. I left them to talk and continued my way up to our joint office. Angela was typing something. A hug.

"She is in there."

I went across to meet Patrice. She was hired to be the chief accountant reporting directly to Arthur. He and Andrea had done the hiring, I had backed out on purpose. She was to be working with them daily not me.

We talked, I liked her and she was settling in. The accounting department had moved to this floor in the unused half. This was good!

Cho would meet me later for lunch, not at the Angelus which got Francis' attention and a thumbs up. I said the Churchill which was good. Gil would book a table.

PJ and Tara were with Gil and I. The Pet Pavilion for Jaidee's treats, then some shoe looking. Nothing grabbed me but Tara got the Okay from PJ and bought some cute loafers.

Then the Cupcake Company for several dozen mixed which Gil and I carried back to the office. We set them down as the canteen manager looked at us and with a chuckle said I should visit more often.

We took the management group who were in town with us to the Churchill Arms. As we got our drinks I was standing beside Eric, I put out my hand to Andrea...

Eric smiling, "Everyone... today is a day to announce a few changes. First, Andrea's department is now to be separate from Administration to stand on its own. Andrea is promoted to Deputy Managing Director!"

We did modest cheers for her so as not to bother the other diners, I got a hug. None of the Regional folks were in town today, Eric told the rest that Jasmin was to be brought back to The Company as the Regional head for Asia and the Pacific Ocean areas. Andrea who knew gave me a Cheshire cat grin.

Eric said Jasmin would be here soon for a few weeks to spend time with the hardware and software folks to get up to speed. I said she would be out at Harcourt House too.

Michael would keep Europe and Africa, Alex would have North and South America.

Cho's arm around me as we walked back to the office. He was smiling, "Feeling good about of those things aren't you?"

I held up a finger which got a guffaw from my man and a nod. "Yes, actually! Both are good for The Company. Tono too!"

We went up to the Server folks floor to see Tono. He had a big smile seeing me and Cho. We kissed cheeks and he held Cho's hand tightly.

"I am so pleased to be here. This is so great to see the people I talk with every day and learn more from them. I like learning about what is coming also!"

Cho liked his enthusiasm. I liked his willingness to do new things and ask lots of questions!

I went to sit with Reg for a while to talk hardware and especially the Vietnamese and Iranian projects.

"I've the info from Vajadi and Montasser they sent. I know the proposal we've got will be good for us both. Going up the canyons shouldn't too hard. They'll have to meet our specs for the sluice mechanisms but I don't think they'll balk at any of it."

"Now the Dalat job. Tell me about what you and Conrad have."

Reg gave me chapter and verse. The much of the materials were in Dalat now, Conrad was there supervising the survey work for the microwave part. Mr. Tran's teams where already building the small dams to our specs. Our designed sluice devices were on the way to the sites.

Kenneth is the supervisor for us. He's there now and has met with Mr. Tran and the other Ministries team members.

I looked over Reg's shoulder at the water projects schedule... Damn! It was quite full for the next year right now! We laughed.

"You know this whole thing didn't even exist much more than a year ago," Reg gave me a mock arm punch and finger pointed at me, "It's down to you. All this new business is quite profitable and advances our technical knowledge and skills."

I parked in a guest chair, "Well, admit it... if you hadn't run with the idea it wouldn't exist."

A finger aimed at him! We laughed. Fist bump over his desk!

We ran through some of the other happenings.

Duncan had done an assessment of the STS job, servers to trackside scanners. His report was great, a good look up and down. He did a great job on the project and was an excellent team leader! He was the natural one to do the GWNW project. He was having an extended vacation right now!

Michael's scanner deal in South Africa went through so we needed a team for there and he had another upgrade in the Czech Republic that was looking like we'd get it. Busy Busy!

"You're going to add to it with Iran deal. They like you! Add Jasmin in... It's a thing we could build on...You and Cho making trips in the new year... You're right to ramp up Andrea's squad!"

"That's why. More resources going there!"

Onto other important things, Rona and MFA were ready for Christmas! "MFA is walking a lot more and falling on her bum a lot less. She's getting the knack!"

Another fist bump! Reg's parents and Rona's had been back several times each for multiple day visits. They doted on their grandchild with Rona being the one to stop any excess.

"If we let them the Keren's would run amok with The Twins."

A laugh and a hug!

Eric and Cho sitting when I came in. I dropped beside my guy and joined the talk about stock sharing with management. We had made awards from our share to all the MD's. For now the by-laws said sixty-six percent was needed to make structural changes in the corporate arrangements, we were retaining seventy two percent for now.

Francis had a project going that would create a stock issue of non-voting shares. A source of development money and stock sharing for employees.

After that weighty business we mounted up for home. Prasert carried us back to Nuneham Courtenay!

Cho and I had a fun race to the Nursery. I got the jump on him and won by a nose! The Twins were awake just before eating. We held them for ten minutes then let Tha and Ba get on with it.

They were warm and cuddly! Both were making lots of noises, giggly and waving their legs and arms.

Tha with us, "Mr. Cho and Miss Fay, they like it here. Outside with a chill in the air they are still Very active!"

We laughed! Cho said it was good, they will be many places that have cold weather.

Her next project was to start the Twins on solid food. Tha had it all planned, what foods, for how long to be sure there were no allergies, fruit and veggies! She was all prepared to start the day after Christmas. Big step!

When we came down I saw Phillips and Teddy leaning over a flower bed. I joined them.

"I always see you two out here looking at the dirt."

They both laughed, "Well Miss it is kind of important for what we do."

Teddy smiling at Phillips' bon mot. I conceded the point with a laugh.

Teddy said they were trying some new plantings, "We hope the flowers will bring more butterflies and hummingbirds to the gardens."

Fist bumps with them and a thank you for thinking about it.

Before dinner we sat with Carter. His nephew would be here tomorrow. He had all the Christmas things on schedule! The tree and garlands, etc... would be here in three days. The company from Abingdon was ready to put the tree up the same day.

My Crew and partners would be here the day after for our `lighting party!'

Our evening ended on the carpet in the Nursery! Chani and Charlie close to sleep time were both in Cho's strong arms as I read to them. A sweet story about a duck family who lived in a farmer's pond.

Yawns! Good! We moved them to their basinets and delivered kisses. Tha smiling as she took over.

At dawn I was going down the lane with Tessa. Pamela happy and Con walking along very bouncy. Tessa liked the big fellow. We went south over the lock before Roy again! The usual lock man laughing as we approached saying Roy was letting down the side. I waved, "Tell him I'm out earlier these days."

On the west bank of the river we stayed on the Thames Path as it wound along the water until the detour at the boatyard. Then back to the path all the way to the footbridge to the lock. Through Sandford then a hard fast ride to the Fraser's where we turned left to the Oxford Road. No traffic so we were over easily and tying our horses in front of St. Thomas School.

Few students were in the main hall, I said hello to them getting smiles and hellos! Mr. Thorn at the office door smiling.

"Miss Martin, very nice to have you here."

We shook hands and I intro'd Tessa. I asked after the paper garlands... they would be ready tomorrow... Excellent! He had several Christmas themed paintings from each Form for us to display.

I said Prasert would come down to pick it all up tomorrow.

I saw Ms. Jones in the hallway, she said the garlands were a bit more elaborate this year since there had been a competition between two teams. Ah... I was looking forward to the results!

Heading home we walked along the west side of the road to our drive then trotted up and over to Harcourt Close. I know I couldn't look in every day and see dramatic advances but I did enjoy seeing the men at work building something so good!

We handed off our horses after a big hug for Pamela! A quick look in at the `family' in the office. The four little ones romping around with Gregory and Tess trying to manage them! Tess not working at it too hard.

Jaidee came with me to the house. I texted Prasert about the things from St. Thomas'. No problem.

Amedee called to talk about their coming to see us. Her Justice Minister husband had decided to attend a big United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime meeting in Vienna in a week. It was a two day thing then they could come over after that. They could get a flight to London...

I said we would send a Gulfstream to pick them up and they could fly back to Bangkok on the Cho-Fay Air plane taking my Crew home.

She was delighted! All I needed was their itinerary to pass on to Kavat, he would then set it up with them.

It will work out beautifully for us. The Christmas tree `lighting party' would be over, most of the Crew would stay two nights in London. So Amedee and Kon could go to Chawton with us. Cho and I meet their Board and Amedee gets to visit with Jane's memory and get some author recognition. Gil was on it right away!

I stopped in the Staff Lounge to speak to Ellie. She gave me a huge squeeze. They were thrilled to be pregnant! They wanted to stay in the garage apartment. It would be tight...

I took one hand, "You two are perfect for one of the houses on Harcourt Close... So you won't have to be cramped for very long."

Ellie grabbed me into a big hug, "Miss, that's so wonderful! Prasert will be happy!"

What an angelic face!

She had six dozen handkerchiefs for me. Fay ones! They looked great! I took two sets with me.

I went to Carter's office, he was reading something on his iMac. A smile, "Miss Martin...?"

He could see I had one hand behind my back... "Carter, this is a thank you!"

I extended my hand with the pile of embroidered handkerchiefs, Ellie had put a blue ribbon with a big bow around them... A huge smile!

"Thank you, Miss Martin! You don't forget much do you?"

I was grinning and shaking my head. "I certainly don't forget a kindness!"

He laid them on his desk, we did fist bumps and a hug!

Motioning to his computer screen, He said the wine cellar in the Harcourt Domesday Book was great!

"It saves me wasting time going up and down the stairs. I can print out what it says we have and do an inventory much faster!"

Another fist bump!

I headed down the hall to Francis' office. He was working on something... he saw the hand hidden...

I brought handkerchiefs around to hold them out to him. A shiny bright green ribbon around them. A big smile. He took them... a brief smell... eyes smiling, "No `Joy'?"

I laughed, "No sorry... maybe I should."

"Thank you very much for these. Ellie does beautiful work!"

Fist bump and I got another hug!

He and Donatella would meet with us after breakfast.

When I told Cho in the Breakfast Room about my deliveries I got kissed! This giving gift thing was profitable from that standpoint!

I got eggs and tomatoes, toast and coffee! I scooted upstairs for a wash and change!

Francis and Donatella were laughing about Carter naming our database the Domesday Book.

"He got it from my calling it the Harcourt DB. It fits so were are going with it. When you login now you'll see we've changed the name and added a graphics like a parchment paged book," Donatella grinning.

Fist bumps and laughter. We talked about the database, testing the accuracy, maintenance, and growth to all our houses. Donatella was funny when we said the latter.

She was so `ready' to travel to do the inventory and input. Paris, New York, Los Angeles... and the exotic Bangkok! We were all laughing but... it would have to be done.

"We will have you do it but you'll spend all your time inside counting things!"

Sad face... much more laughter.

It's a terrific project. In particular Donatella thought Stanislaus' find was awesome, "He knows his stuff. I sent the info to a bookseller I know for valuation. After seeing the info and pics he wanted to make an offer to buy. I let him down easy."

Smiles!

Before lunch Tai called from New York. "My you're up early."

"Yes because I wanted you to know that the PR lawyers did get an interview request from the LA Times reporter but it had been put aside with many others. I asked them to try to do something with a filter for the major news folks to send them into a folder I can see. It will, according to their tech guy, act as a sort of white list including but not limited to all big city newspapers and TV/radio stations domain names."

Tai was on it.

"I know you're enjoying yourself doing this... do you want to continue indefinitely?"

"Yes Fay, I do! I am loving the challenge and the research and writing a report for Gil every day. And yes I am amazed at myself."

I told her she was `it' for now then! Cheers! She could stay in New York and use the office at the Fox Tower. We were good.

Cho smiling at my description of Tai's eagerness, "She has the interest which is good. Being close to Megan has to be the cherry on top though!"

Me nodding as I wrapped up him up in my slender arms! Cho `got' it!

Charlie and Chani were kissed and hugged as they were prepared for an outing into the gardens. Ba and Pinky were going too. Pinky in a `pink' jacket with pink faux fur and cute little pink boots. Pink naturally!

Carter texted his nephew was here. They came up to the Library. We all sat in the big comfy leather chairs. Carter2 was very much like his uncle in looks and manners. A bit more `hip' but still reserved. He was quite enthusiastic in his way about working at Harcourt House and with his uncle.

"I've a lot to learn! He's the best so..."

We agreed. We discussed what his role would be and he was fine with it. Carter said they would make a schedule so he would get training mixed with the other duties. We left that to them. Carter2 would give notice tomorrow and be here as soon as possible.

I parked myself back in the Library to do email. One from Col. Ba of the PAVN! He said there was a FTP site, it is protected, for me to get the docs about what we discussed. He sent a login name in a separate email and a cryptic message on the password in a third. I was to remember the colour of the walls of the meeting room at the hotel in Dalat and what I had for the first course of lunch. Yellow and spicy prawns was my memory.

I tried the logon and I was right. Interesting! The Colonel was being cute, maybe he has a bit of crush on me. Seemed like it. Fay!!!

Col. Ba left a note in there on how to reach him by telephone and a separate email. I downloaded the docs to my iCloud.

The PAVN was looking for a major upgrade for their microwave network and something new... sensor technology to watch the boundaries of their military bases. It didn't call for us to be in any way involved in any direct military activity, only support. I read through it all then checked the time and called the Colonel. I asked for permission to share the docs with Reg and Eric... granted... and a few questions which he was able to answer right away. That meant to me he was deeply involved in these requests which was good.

I thanked him and then called Reg. I parked the docs in a file folder I made on our encrypted system which only the three of us had permissions for right now. Reg was intrigued and would look at the docs as soon as.

I pointed out that protecting military bases seemed `small beer.' I added that I thought this was to be a test for us... Something bigger later... Like a border or two?

I could see in my mind's eye Reg stroking his chin, "You may have something there. Simpler systems exist to monitor fixed positions."

We agreed to keep it in mind. Reg would talk to Eric, me to Cho.

An email from a BBC1 presenter, Glory, she was to be here next week for an interview and tour of Harcourt House at Christmas time. She said about three hours of my time and hoped to have Mr. Cho with us. I didn't think there was much chance of that but I didn't say it!

A text from Yone... there were two intruders on opposite sides of the estate. Cute! They each were seen on cameras after sensors picked them up. Yone had a drone over each and reaction teams enroute. They both had long lens cameras. I went downstairs. Will was on the desk again, smiling!

His partner Benjamin was laughing out right!

"Miss Martin, this is fun. It's like these knuckleheads don't think we can deal with more than one?"

The one on the east side was finding a bit difficult to go through the woods not that it mattered. Carl was waiting in ambush with two men...

On the west side Franco and Angelique with a third Security staffer were behind a hedge waiting as their prey was walking right towards them. I watched on the drone feed as they bundled him up quickly. Straight into a Land Rover for the trip to Thames Valley Police.

Carl's target tripped and fell down over a fallen tree, tangled up he fell over again. Carl and his team got him untangled and somewhat unceremoniously stuffed him into their Land Rover.

Both teams would check the cameras before turning everything over to the police. Yone had Will make separate video files for each and be ready to email them to the police. Will still smiling shaking his head.

Benjamin called out, "Look out behind."

He rolled back, swung 180degrees to grab a printout, then swung the rest of the way around to roll back to his desk. I was laughing inside. I think he's done that a few times. Benjamin's wheel chair was a souped up model. He lost both legs, cut off above the knee, in an IED blast in Helmond Province, Afghanistan. He did have prosthetics but preferred the wheel chair for work.

The two new visitors had barely gotten anywhere inside our property.

Cho been outside with the two drone pilots watching over their shoulders. He came into the Breakfast Room for lunch laughing, "Coordinated which is new but still crude.'

Thomas and Yone came in. Coffee! Thomas' smile told the story. "They're both from the Sun!"

Oh shit! We laughed, "I suppose that blows away their getting the restraining order lifted."

Cho laughing too, "The judge didn't seem inclined to do it now he'll toss them out of his court on their ears."

Fist bumps!

Thomas and Yone were once again pleased with our setup.

Yone gave us a quick critique, "We are getting good data from the sensors and cameras so we are able to make decisions right away. Two folks from the Sci. Ctr. walking north down towards the river where the path was re-routed were out there at the same time but we could see them and disregard them. So the drones were over the others."

Thomas added, "Now if they think we might get complacent or over-extended... they're very wrong. Even as those two were being driven to Oxford we had new teams ready to go. Using the building in the Industrial Estate, one of that group had watched the drone feed and been fully informed. She was there with two other Security staff on call. So if they try waves we have folks to deal with subsequent intruders."

Yone did add one new thing... if we used drones so would the intruders eventually. The laws governing their use meant it would have to be surreptitious or else they could be charged with a criminal offense.

"There is NO place you could control a drone from outside the property that places the house or barns, etc... within the 1,500 foot range allowed by law."

Yone would get on to our Oxford solicitors regarding our taking action against a foreign drone. Could we knock it down over our property? Can we interrupt the signal to their drone and take it over? What about tracing the signal to a location and gathering up the operator for the police?

I was smiling at Cho after the guys left, he motioned me onto his lap. A short snog before soup!

Ellie and I with Gil did Christmas gift wrapping downstairs. All the Crew's and their partners gifts got done. That was great as they were here in three days! My Cho presents done also so he couldn't snoop!! Ha! We laughed.

Gil's phone rang, Aunt Dee. I spoke to her and gave her my number. She said Graeme would have some leave from the Army both sides of Christmas Day... So I asked if they would all join us for a few days. She said she would ask everyone but she was certain they would like to do it. GOOD! We'd send a Gulfstream to Inverness. They could stay four days or so and we'd fly all four back to Fortrose. Yes!

Graeme could get back to London on the Caledonian Sleeper!

Gil emailed Kavat on the aircraft. Okay!

Cho at the desk smiling, "Beck and Hoffman via their investment bank based at Commerzbank have joined with our City bank in the green investment plan. We have effectively doubled its size with their contribution. And Cornell in the City who was doing some advising on the scheme has decided to join us, so we have a full-time manager on our bank staff."

Big smile on my guy who got a kiss from me! Cho said we would widen the offering to bring in more customers as our bank's initial promotion had been deliberately limited.

We talked Christmas visits. The Crew then the few hours of the BBC thing after that Amedee and her husband and the day trip to Chawton while the Crew is in London... then together they'd all fly back to Bangkok, Aileen, Sue and the Reed's for an overnight, Sam and Beverly with their sons and hopefully Sydney and Sylvia. Charles and the Warburton's too for a couple of days. After them Roundell and Sasha with Monaco, Thayer and Sondra with the three Collingwood's, and I hoped Ronnie's family would come, a big horse crowd! Then the Family! More Family than ever!

I hadn't heard back from Hillary yet but I hoped they'd come right after Christmas. Chao and Millie would here before the family!

All the MTR investors except William the week after Christmas with Sam and Sadie with their twins. The Aussies with Miki and Inmura at New Year's Eve.

No gap days this year, overlaps!

I checked in with Ringgold. His mother was doing very well. She was up and moving more easily, more energy. His voice sounded relieved which was great! Their family was all going to gather at the mother's on Long Island for the holiday. Cheers! Then we'd see him at Gulfstream Park for the Pegasus World Cup at the end of January.

Right now IrishRainbow would be running for sure. Monaco was thinking of Glaa's first start of the year in the Santa Anita Handicap, a G1 race.

Sitting on Cho's lap as Monaco's face showed a smile on the iPad, "Of course the Pegasus might be nice to to have another 1-2 finish!"

Laughing Cho said no leave IrishRainbow alone there. He had an excellent chance to up his stud value! Monaco was in for that! IrishRainbow could run again in the G1 Triple Bend Stakes back in California keeping him busy.

After Monaco was off Cho turned us to the desk. He had snaps up on the iMac screen from Kavat. The newest 767! More individual cabins inside with more showers and a larger space below for the cockpit crew and our cabin staff. Much more comfortable sitting area for them. And the two older Gulfstream 550's had been traded in for two new 650ER's fixed up with showers! All very pretty in white, the yellow hibiscus `Brilliant' on the tail!

Also two latest support fellows from the Don Mueang base were going to stay in Seattle for an extended period. They liked the city so we'd have them help build the staff at Boeing Field. They were both bachelors so maybe they liked the night life?? Cho grinned.

I gathered Tessa for a ride. Rebel and Max were ready. We went straight south around the west side of the Sci Ctr past Denham School turning more south to Tolgate Road in Culham to cross the river on the old Culham Bridge into Sutton Courtenay.

I knew Tessa was lost but looking around. She'd be able to go back the way we came because she had it in her mind.

Down the Abingdon Road to the Appleford Road, we trotted along the verge to All Saints Lane then left almost due south. The churchyard came up on our right then the lane went to the right. We stopped at a side gate and tied our horses.

Tessa had questioning look which I didn't try to erase... yet! I led her over the grass to the double row of yew trees I walked her up to the grave. I rested my gloved hand on the stone... Tessa read it but she didn't know the name.

"George Orwell," was quietly spoken.

Her eyes came up to mine... I nodded.

"Here?"

"He loved the English countryside and when he died a friend arranged this. It is frequently visited especially by me."

A smile, "I've seen his books in your piles. A longtime favorite?"

"Since I was a child.." I stopped, "Since I was a boy."

There was no need for me to be reticent about where I came from. It was out in the open.

Tessa grinned, "I do find it impossible to visualize that. Tara said something about a portrait in your London house of you."

"I was seven. You'll see it at some point."

I lifted my hand, "I like coming here. It's always quiet. And there are good memories."

We remounted and continued south on the lane to Churchmere Road then east, the paved road gave way to dirt and we galloped until a turning to the north and we worked our way around some fields back to the Abingdon Road and the river crossing.

Tessa was asked to lead and she had us back on Harcourt House land quickly. Then we in turn asked our horses... Rebel was ready and the grass was set on fire by his hooves flashing! Max couldn't keep up but he was very game. We sped down the slope to the flat where there was activity in the training areas. Sunny and Charlotte on one side, Freddie and Diana on the other. We waved as we went right up to the stables much more sedately.

We made a brief visit to Asda, Hathai and Secret Sea. They were together at the back of the paddocks conversing over the fence. They did a trot over when we offered a few mints! Beauties! Mahogany enjoyed a few mints! Some for all the others!

A quick look in to see Tess and her crowd again. They were very mobile! They were eating some solid food now looking very sweet and plump. Tess being gentle but firm with them. Sebastian was being hands off according to Gregory. We laughed over that!

The Crew was airborne for a tomorrow morning arrival!

Mr. Thorn came up to the House to talk about Sunny's move to the Abbey Hill School in Abingdon. We sat in the Library, Cho joined us. He didn't see any issues for Sunny, she was smart, adaptable and outgoing. He said he had a request.

"You have been very generous to the children of your employees, paying their fees and expenses..." a pause, I could see he was preparing to ask what he thought was a `biggie'... " Maeve is maxing out in Ms. Jones class also..."

I grinned at Cho, he picked it up, "Mr. Thorn we will continue to pay for Maeve's education no matter where she attends."

Mr. Thorn seemed relieved, "That is wonderful. She is such a sweet and talented girl."

Done, both would go to Abbey Hill. I called Prasert asking him to come talk with us.

He said it wouldn't be any trouble to have a car carry the four girls over in the morning and get them picked after school or any events or activities they were in. It was only a fifteen minute drive to the school from the House.

"We start here with Miss Sunny then Miss Anne, a quick turn to Maeve's then collect Miss Katie who is right off the Oxford Road we would use to Abingdon. Very easy."

Fist bump with Prasert!! Done!

Cho, Sunny and me with Francis were doing the after dinner thing in the Great Room. Lounging! Sunny was happy that Maeve would go to Abbey Hill School too. Maeve and Gerry were thrilled when Cho called them up after eating their dinner downstairs. Maeve hugging us all! Gerry beside Cho shaking hands with a big smile.

Carter came in, the plan for tomorrow was the tree would be placed after the furniture from the spot was put in storage and the carpet temporarily rolled away. Then the workmen from Abingdon could lay their floor protection so the lift machines did not damage anything and get the tree up. They would do the all lights and the upper area ornaments leaving space within reach for us and our friends.

Our people would put up the greenery garlands on the stairs and new this year around the doors to the Great Room. The St. Thomas garlands would over the greenery.

I was laughing inside as we left the sleepy Twins. A plan! I dug out the black silk robe, loosely tied, off my left shoulder... I did my best Lauren Bacall smoldering look... Cho waving his fingers in a come to me motion pointing to the bed. He lifted the bed clothes sliding in before me...

I slid in hunting for cock!! Sucking Cho what a way to end the day!! I got him wet quickly because I wanted that lovely cockhead to come out and be mine! What a nice obliging cock, warm, wet, delicious! I tongued Cho's piss slit, he likes that the moans told me so! The whole cock was sopping wet as I was going down for those balls.

Sucking balls, stroking cock, a solo wet finger reached his anus... the trifecta of going down! I got enjoy it for a while... Cho turned us around and my pussy was licked! OH Shit! He knew what I needed.

I sucked that wonderful cock in burying my nose in the wet balls. HhhhhhhhMmmmmmm So good. Cho laughed as I made loud noises, "Okay Fay is to be fucked now!"

I was laughing so hard at that Cho spread me out, my legs wide, my hands behind my knees I made myself ready!

Cho eased in! A slow slide before those wet balls slapped onto my skin. Damn I loved that feeling. Each stroke they rebounded off my flesh I was so turned on by Cho's smooth delivery of cock.

Each time he was in to the full depth, powerful strokes. Balls smacking my ass with lovely sounds. He leaned in to get a kiss, my legs wrapped around him. NO Shit his hips so strong, so muscular he had such stamina. His strokes delivered pleasure.

Flipped over to my knees Cho close behind sliding back inside! He resumed, FUCKING me to the max! Doggie was great!! His hands began to roam around, nipples were toyed with, rings tugged and twisted lightly sending bolts of pleasure through me.

He never slackened driving his cock in deep! Heavenly!

I was flattened, Cho moved up between my legs. OH shit a whole new angle which felt so nice. More burn, good burn!

Cho's cock pushed me to my orgasm, it came quick and Strong! The heat sweeping up through my body.

SHIT SHIT SHIT Marvelous!!!!!!

"Fay my cock feels so good inside you when you cum! Squeezing!"

He was a long way from being done; that penis slid back and forth giving me no rest! Cho lifted my hips for more. Gawd... my man knew how to do this! I was firmly in his grip... his hips moving the cock like a piston powered machine... Oh Shit!

Cho didn't let up, more burn in his steady cock work then I felt his strokes shorten faster quicker. He was cumming deep inside me. What a guy!! I loved feeling his cum shoot inside me, I orgasmed once more! Very intense!! I collapsed from our joint passion explosion!

Cho laid his weight on my back I relaxed flattening myself on the sheets. HHHHHMMMMM His heaving chest against me. We were a lump of spent flesh. So good! I feel so good! Cho kissed my neck and shoulders softly, little kisses.

We came down slowly... under the duvet we were warm and cuddly. Cho rose so I could turn over. My arms snaked around him, warm feet on the back of his thighs rubbing gently. The kisses delicious... each one!

Too dark to see his face so I touched it all over searching out the shapes and curves. One hand slid through his hair V E R Y S L O W L Y!

"Miss Martin you give the most pleasure!"

More kisses!!!!

I did a quick rinse and many kisses all over Jaidee's head while Cho retrieved some water. We sipped sitting up with our little man between us, he was so cute bounding up when Cho invited him. A trio of happy folks!

Sleep in Cho's arms.

The iPhone woke me in the dark. Cho slept on. Jaidee's tail gave him away! We hugged in the bathroom as I got ready to ride. Marigold had just gotten started. Smiles! She began on all our stuff while my little man and I went to the garden.

I could see my breath walking down the lane! Hot coffee and scone were needed. Anthony gratefully accepted the warm scone.

Pamela was ready and we were off. A easy trot to warm us up then a terrific gallop to the tracks crossing which we picked up on afterwards. We circled the Sci Ctr to head towards Denham School.

I rode around it thinking about its uses. There was plenty of classrooms, eating facilities, housing, administrative offices and storage. It was in good nick so not much would have to be spent right away except for basic maintenance. If we bought it I thought we should get a live-in manager, maybe a family.

The Oxford solicitors were preparing our proposal for purchase. They'd been working with Francis.

Our return carried us around the rest of the Sci Centre and down by the river west of the house. Speed! Pamela was flying. Near our property line with the Fraser's I turned us back.

A text from Carter... the tree was being delivered! I detoured out front from the paddock lane. Pamela and I walked south across the gravel towards the door. Carter in a mac keeping an eye on things. The Abingdon setup folks were parked on the edge of the Forecourt unloading their equipment.

A big lorry on the Forecourt with a crane. The men were getting ready to lift the tree off. The other greens for the garlands and mantels were lying to the side already. The trees for the staff lounges there too.

It was a big thing! Carter said the same as last year in every way. Well I needed to move on I'd only be in the way.

I handed Pamela over to Diana, a smile! I shared out some mints with Asda, Hathai and Secret Sea. Mahogany got some too. Lots of tail swishing's! Tess' crowd were all over the office, Sebastian out working. Gregory grinning over his office mates antics.

I rounded up Jaidee. He loped ahead of me up the lane. Cutie!

Cho was in his newspaper, Sunny wiping her mouth from finishing her toast. Big smile and a hug! She was off for her last weeks at St. Thomas'.

I ran upstairs and flopped down on the carpet in the Nursery beside Chani! She was giggling and gave a loud ..."Wa!" Her little arms reaching out for me. I pulled her close. Hug and kiss! Some tummy exposed for my fingers which was terrific!

"WA WA!" right in my ear! Whatever she meant it was surely good because her grin was massive. Tha put Charlie down with us. He crawled to put a small hand on my arm. I pulled him against my side, fingers in his hair! Dark and lustrous like his Dad's!

I got several `Do's Ba's and a Ma!' Okay the little guy was getting there! Charlie shared a blue squishy dog with me. It was a bit damp... Tha laughing! Apparently Charlie liked the taste of blue dog...

I rolled around with the Twins for a while, they were active, talking (in their own language) and playful. They had plenty of energy!

A call from Kavat, the Crew was three quarters of an hour out from Chalgrove. Yea! I dashed to clean up. Red skinny jeans, white silk bra and panty set, white sailor collar jumper with a blue reindeer on the front, brown ankle boots and gold bits all around. `Joy'

Text from Prasert, they were loading at Chalgrove and the car with Jian, Andrea, Caroline and Ting had already left from Fulham with an ETA of about thirty five minutes .

I got Cho. Carter had Kendal, Conrad and Stanton ready. We'd have to go in and out between the Abingdon folks. I slipped a mac over me as the day wasn't warming up at all.

The first car in the drive was Thet and Reyna with Thang and Lawan. The men helped out their ladies and I got armfuls of friends!! Hugs and kisses!! The first of many loads of both!! Thet smiling as I kissed his cheek.

"Fay, it is good to be here again."

Hug, "You two should come over more. You can fuss around Europe with Thomas and Reyna can ride."

He laughed, "Maybe! You have purchased a lot of property this year."

Lawan very cute in a hooded parka like last year, grinning saying she wasn't built for the cold. Thang looked great, a huge smile.

"Fay, the chill feels good actually."

The second car was Kavnu, Ni and the Boys! It was terrific they could all come. I had a good hold on Ni looking into her dark eyes, a kiss!

"Fay, I feel special being here. You are so great inviting us!"

"I'm glad to have your nifty family here. We'll have fun! We need to have some talk time time about a few things."

She smiled and nodded as Kavnu peeled me off her for a hug! The boys looked much bigger! Carter let Jaidee out to greet everyone and his play buddies. The three were running across the grass right away.

The last car was Eve and Ku. Long hugs and good kisses with both. They looked great! Beautiful ladies!

We shooed everyone in to get a bit settled. Lunch would be along shortly.

The tree erecting folks had already covered the floors inside, their ramp ready to go only waiting until our guests were all here.

The Jian, Andrea, Ting and Caroline car rolled in! Jian bouncing out for hugs and kisses. Cho got the pumpkin, Caroline looking very cute in a blue hoodie!

Hugs and hugs all around! I had Jian again, smiling into those brown eyes, a cute grin, she was ready! Our staff cleared out the car and I gave Prasert a kiss on his cheek before he drove away.

The Abingdon folks were off and running! The ramp was put in place their lifting machines were driven inside slowly. Then the tree was carried in. Cho and I in the Great Room entry watching but staying clear of the action. Carter was in charge! He had everything ready to go!

His plan was to have the tree up then serve lunch downstairs for the crew. After lunch they would put on the lights and all the decorations leaving room at the bottom few feet for our personal ones and all the glass balls I'd ordered again for every couple, family and guest.

Everybody gathered in the Breakfast Room. Smiling faces! Carla started lunch with her vegetable soup, I put on lots of grated Asiago, and pumpernickel bread from Maxine, big slices and butter!! There was various cut cheeses and fruit.

Hearty appetites! Me included! Carla's vegetable soup was tops with me.

Cho and Ting were going to Oxford East to play. I was going to work a bit then go up to see the Twins after their nap. Tessa was coming out to ride later. Francis, Reyna and Tara were all going with Yvonne now to ride for a while. Diana was helping Ken learn more about horsemanship.

Andrea was taking the rest to Oxford to sight-see.

Gil would be back tomorrow with Eric, Malee and Anne, Rona and Reg with MFA! She'd had some days off to see friends and do some shopping. Adam and Daphne here too. The Crew going to Basuto Road to see some of London and shop!

The Sci-Fi tone on my phone... Hillary. She asked if the 28th and 29th were good days for her and Bill to come over. I did a fast look at the calendar and said YES! She was going to slot in a meeting with the Prime Minister first then they'd come down to us.

I let her know that was terrific and we'd be ready. I emailed Gil with the info. I also emailed Ken to ask him to come and see me tomorrow morning after breakfast about the Secret Service.

Tha's text... the Twins were AWAKE! I ran up the stairs. I got Caroline on the carpet with Chani and Charlie. Such fun! Everybody talking away on their own not making any sense! Crawling around me. Chani put her face to mine... BIG GRIN!

I did the `lift' game with each one. Bings for each floor as they went up! Charlie loved going all the way up! Arms waving, silly smiles, loud noises!! Tha laughing her head off, Ba sitting with Pinky smiling over at us. Pinky had my riding hat on, tilted back so she could see.

Jian and Caroline right there beside us having fun. Jian got out the coloured circles and blocks to play.

My phone chirped... Cho and Ting were on the way back. Okay! Big kisses all around!!

Jian with me on the stairs. We were downstairs when the Oxford tour group returned. They'd had a great time! Some shopping bags!

Cho and Ting came up the drive. Jian, Andrea and I holding hands waiting for the men. We got smiles, hugs and kisses!!! Nice!!

We all gathered in the Great Room so we could give the night's events to one and all. Then everyone was chivvied upstairs to clean up and dress! Nice but Not formal!

Cho and I steered Jian and Ting into our bathroom! We did a shared shower! We laughed, splashed, washed, fiddled with each other and had a terrific time. It had been a long while! Jian and I sitting on the wooden bench getting our hair dried grinning at each other. We looked at each other... We both said Andrea!

It was agreed she HAD to be with us next time!

They dashed off to finish hair do's and dress! I did my hair, Cho came into my Dressing Room to apply the `Joy' Then I shooed him out... my outfit was to be a surprise.

Cho and Ting went down. They looked great in beautifully cut black suits and VERY white shirts. Ting had a pale yellow tie, he said Jian had chosen it. Cho had a silver tie!

Jian's dress was pale yellow off the shoulder, mid-thigh length, snug to her petite frame, black shiny pumps! She was wearing a few pieces of my black onyx jewelry I'd put on her! Andrea in a black sheath dress close to her trim bod! All black accessories!

Me in white thigh high stockings and white stilettos, silver jewelry everywhere! I chose the Alice+Oliva white wool dress cut like a man's double-breasted blazer, it showed a LOT of leg! And décolletage!

My arm around Jian's slender waist Andrea on my other side, we looked at us in the big mirror. YES!!

Down the hallway to the stairs... Our men waiting. When they looked up... Oh shit... they almost melted! We all squeezed hands and walked slowly down. Huge smiles!!!

The balustrade covered in the greenery and one of the St. Thomas School children's paper garland on top. Traditional colours.

Around the Great Room doors more greenery and a bright silver, copper, bronze and gold paper garland attached. Shiny, brilliant in the lights of the hall!

Charlie smiling behind his camera! He was on it!

We walked into the Great Room to a big welcome! All our friends looking snazzy, bright colours, sexy legs on HOT ladies and terrific looking men!

Kendal had a tray of Taittinger's! We raised our glasses to US all! Huzzas all around!

At the tree I put on my great grandfather's bunch of grapes about where I had done last year. I got a deep breath of the noble pine smell!!!

Cho helped put on the other ornaments we wanted before we presented to each couple their hand-blown glass ornament for 2016! Carter had them all on a table beside the tree. Thang and Lawan, Kavnu and Ni with the boys. Reyna and Thet! Eve and Ku. Jian, Andrea and Ting! Caroline's name on there too!

Sunny would have a double! She hung one for herself and later she'd be on her family's ornament too.

Andrea was looking over at me when she held it up, a bit damp eyed. Cho hung ours with Chani and Charlie's names! I was standing there almost in disbelief... it had been an incredible year!

Babies, Glaa, The 21st Century Fox thing, the election in America... it was staggering!!

Cho stepped back beside me, a strong arm around me and a kiss. I whispered what had flashed by in my mind, a squeeze... A quiet almost not spoken `We've only just begun!'

Oh shit! If that's so then look out world!!

We headed towards the Hors d'oeuvre tables. Caviar with the trimmings, smoked salmon. I nibbled a plate of salmon, caviar and some shrimp pâté with a few flavourful Greek olives. I munched for a bit before rounding up Cho.

We went upstairs for some kisses for the Twins. We didn't stay long. Their dinner was up.

Dinner! We all streamed into the Dining Room when Carter made his announcement. My hand on Cho's strong arm, I got a very nice kiss!

Carla had the full English Christmas dinner with a great substitution for us not eating roast beef. We had grilled salmon with a dill sauce! I still got Yorkshire Pudding and the rest!

Carter had a terrific Pinot Noir! Domaine Leroy Richebourg Grand Cru, a 1949 vintage. It was wonderful with the rich salmon and I'm sure with the beef.

Before we ate Cho rose... "Last year we started a tradition, they all have to start somewhere..." laughter, "...Here's to you all, our family, brothers and sisters, one and all. Please enjoy yourselves and be happy!"

Carter beside me pouring a refill after several toasts had a big smile when I told him how I liked the wine.

"Miss, I've been holding it back for Christmas time."

Fist Bump!

Sue's Cherries Jubilee ended the dinner with a fiery finish! Delicious!

Kavnu's boys loved their dessert on fire like Artie did!

A glass of Amontillado Hidalgo Jeres-Xeres sherry for any who desired it.

In the Great Room we got afters and a few sweet things. Carter rounded up the staff, inside and out. Our Personal Protection Team altogether beside the House Security.

Tha and Ellie brought the Twins and Caroline down.

Cho and I by the tree light switch holding the Twins. Cho smiling at me, a kiss...

"Everyone... Christmas is about family... We are very lucky to have all of you in our family. Each of you contribute to our happiness in your own unique ways that become a big ball of joy for us. We love and respect you all!"

Cheers! And he threw the switch... OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH's and AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH's like last year.

The tree sparkled, the lights refracting everywhere! The ornaments bouncing with light!

I got a kiss from Cho as Charlie declared it a "Wa!" His little arms waving! Chani was quiet but fixed on the tree then a loud "Da" as she squeezed her Dad.

Everyone laughed after Jaidee added his woof to the proceedings! He was the Christmas dog for sure!

We clustered around the Christmas tree to do gift exchanging. My Crew ladies got the Celtic geometric earrings I'd found at Tiffany's and the Alice + Oliva tops for each and the Coach jumpers for the Londoners to keep them warm. They loved our gifts! Yea!

I was parked by the fireplace with an espresso a la Kendal and an Amaretto and a Jian! We hugged and kissed. Her eyes glittery with moisture.

"Fay, it is a dream and I will not wake up!"

I laughed, "Well as long as you can function as you do keep on!"

Another kiss.

I watched Charlie taking snaps again. He was growing up looking less the youth these days. He saw me and waved. I gave him a thumbs up!

I wandered around taking my time to kiss and hug everyone. My friends and family! I was back by the fireplace looking at the tree. Big bugger! Beautiful. Carter had 'Holly and the Ivy' playing in the background. Nice!

Just what I wanted in Christmas time but rarely got from my parents... Don't take the piss Fay!

Cho came for a kiss which broke the short moody spot! Jaidee leaning against my leg looking up with those big brown eyes! What a cutie! That really changed my mood!

Now he was one who loved being here too! Lots of room to run and play, a good buddy to get into some trouble with in our Thames and a lot of folks who were wonderful to him! A dog's paradise!

Nestor coming up a few days a week for some more training was fine with Jaidee. All in all he was doing quite well!

The party broke up gradually, Cho and I started it off saying goodnight and going up. He was going to play golf tomorrow morning when Eric and Reg would arrive with Adam. Their ladies were coming down at a more genteel time in a second car.

I was awake before the alarum and off to wash up and dress. Jaidee with me on the way down. Marigold just arriving, big smile. She'd start our bits as we went to the kitchen garden to Jaidee's box. He snuffled his way over, he liked nosing around the herbs for some reason. Job done, inside for food.

Tessa was there ready to go, coffee in hand! Smart!

Jaidee sat still looking between me and his food bowl. I didn't torment him and gave his signal to eat. Woof! Marigold laughing.

I had my supplies! Anthony pleased with his hot scone. We got a knee up and Pamela was walking happily down the lane with Con alongside.

Down the drive to the Oxford Road, we crossed at Baldon Lane. No traffic this early. South by southeast after leaving Baldon Lane. We bypassed Little Baldon on our property heading more less straight to Newington. We could see folks out and about in Drayton Saint Leonard. Over the A239 with Newington on our right it was pretty open to run to the southwest edge of Chalgrove.

We walked over Mill Lane heading for the church yard. It was a short walk to the Village Hall. The lights on! Miss Symes was pleasant and helpful. We remounted and headed up Baronhurst Drive to the High Street. Folks were up and moving now.

We tied our horses inside the gate at the Chalgrove Primary school. The headmistress, Mrs. Davies was at the door greeting a few earlybirds.

"Hello, I'm Fay Martin, could I have a few minutes of your time. Just a few."

I pushed the black hat onto my back as I extended my hand. She was a bit at a loss until my name hit her. We were invited into the office. I intro'd Tessa, they shook hands.

"You have two children here from a family named Ely. Their father works for us at the aerodrome. We wanted to make a donation to the school in their name and ours."

Her eyes got big.

"We would like to give to the school a thousand £'s for each. Now the money can be spent anyway you like, it is a gift."

Mrs. Davies smiling, BIG, thanked us. She asked if we needed any kind of accounting and I said no.

"Well, it's not like we can't find plenty of uses for the money!"

"Good! My assistant Gil will be over in two days with a cheque for you. Have fun spending it."

She laughed, "It'll be a joint exercise for the staff so we'll all have a bit of amusement!"

We shook hands again. Tessa and I remounted and walked on the edge of the High Street to bend back onto Church Lane. St. Alban's was a Church of England school, Mr. Foote was the head.

Miss Symes had called him to be sure he would be in and he met us at the door.

"Miss Martin, please come in."

He greeted Tessa and we sat in his office. I explained my mission and he was grateful for the thousand £'s in the White's name and ours.

"We can buy a great deal of paper and colouring supplies with that! What a nice Christmas present for the school. I've heard good things from Mr. Thorn about you."

I grinned, "That's nice. He's a good fellow, we like the Thorn's a lot."

We took our leave because we had two stops left. Right around the corner in Willow Mead was the Ely house. Mr. Ely was on his way out as we dismounted.

"Miss Martin, can I help?"

"Yes, it's you and your family I've come to see."

His wife was wiping her hands as she met us at the kitchen doorway, a bit flustered. I was intro'd to their two children. I told them about the donation in both of our names.

Young Bill, who was eight, popped out with a new computer when I asked what he'd spend it on. He said the schools were old. I said it would be up to Mrs. Davies. Eleanor a very cute ten year old loved my clothes. She went into the lounge to get a magazine. My face on the front of a celebrity glossy, my old hair. She liked my new look. I was grinning.

Outside William, the dad, gave us a knee up and thanks for visiting. He gave us a back way to Berrick Road, `Through here to the trees, an opening, then an open field.'

We walked up to the door of the White's nice bungalow and slid down. My knock was answered by Mrs. White with a questioning face and a kitchen towel in her hand.

"Hello... I'm Fay Martin and I wondered if I could speak to your family before you all go out?"

Dan White had come up behind his wife... "Miss Martin, Please come in."

In the lounge we sat for my brief explanations. Dan Junior, the student at St. Alban's stood beside his father's chair looking quite handsome in his school blazer.

The Whites were very pleased that we would think to make the donation and include them in it.

"Well... you need to get on so we'll go. It is nice to meet you all. I do hope you will come to one of the open house days so you can see our home."

They would! Dan gave us a knee up too. We waved and I aimed us back towards the village primary school. Down the High Street again with a lot more traffic but our horses were walking easily.

Mrs. Davies was surprised to see us again. I asked about the computers since young Mr. Ely brought it up. We walked into the library where they were set up. They were older, well cared for but running Windows XP!!

In Mrs. Davies' office I asked about our replacing them as something over and above the gift I mentioned earlier.

"Miss Martin, you're being very generous."

I asked if Apple Macintoshes would be Okay and she said YES. I suggested we get them three new iMac's and one Windows 10 laptop. She was bouncing in her chair, clapping her hands.

I'd seen their current setup and told her we'd have someone deliver and install them with a colour laser printer and locks.

"Miss Martin, this is wonderful. The students will be over the moon!"

We shook hands and I repeated that Gil would be over and she'd be the one to organize the computers.

The return was enlivened at the end on the Forecourt as the car with Adam, Eric and Reg arrived. Tessa took Pamela down to the stable after a hug as I escorted the men inside. Cho and Ting were ready and Prasert was bringing around another car. Oxford East play time.

Cho wearing one of the Berluti jackets, blue, I'd gotten him. A kiss and `They are terrific!'

Jian, Andrea and I gave them a sendoff! Their ladies and little girls would be here in a few hours. We would have a lunch here with some of our neighbor ladies.

The whole Crew was going to Basuto Road in the morning for a few days. I had the BBC in tomorrow morning and Amedee and her husband late in the afternoon. Chawton the day after!

Zoom up to wash and change. An navy dress with long sleeves in wool and cotton blend, warm, black accoutrements and heels. 'Joy' And down again to greet my guests.

Carter served in the Dining Room a whole bunch of ladies! Deanna, Sarah, Mrs. Lone, Mary Cotton, Gladys, Gloria, Reyna, Ni, Lawan, Ku, Eve, Jian, Andrea, Rona, Daphne, Sara and Malee! What a crowd!

Gil was back and joined in. She'd had a fun few days in London, all her Christmas shopping done. Gifts for family ready to ship.

Carla did a creamy broccoli cheddar cheese soup and Maxine did terrific Como Italian style loaves! We had a buffet of delicious cheeses and loads of fruit. Plenty of soup for seconds which I was the leader on. On another sideboard were the sweets! Cake, many cookies and the fruit cake from Texas! Yea!

We talked all sorts, the holidays coming, schools, horses, kids... It was great to see everyone interacting, sharing, so much laughter!

Coffee and tea afterwards in the Great Room. The tree was so beautiful, everybody admiring it. A good lunch!

Back into riding clothes! I gave Tess' crowd some rubbings. They were so cute who wouldn't want a couple dozen soft, warm and sweet little ones like them. Tess was taking it easy, smart girl. Sebastien was out working.

Tara joined me for a ride with Gil. Rebel ready to go! As we worked our way south I gave Gil a the `skinny' on what I'd done this morning after we'd talked last night. She'd take over and get it all completed. Yea!

I added when she was at St. Alban's to check out their computers. Maybe we'd help them too.

I asked Tara what she'd been up to. Lots of riding with Francis and Tessa and helping Ken along with his riding. Yvonne and Ronnie, she'd often gone out with them during their exercise rides.

"Fay, all this riding is like heaven. I'm making the most of it!"

"I told you!" Fist bump!

We worked our way all around the Sci Ctr and the bits beyond then turned back to the stables. I asked Rebel who'd been held in check so far and he turned on the jets. Romping across the grass at speed! I leaned down by his neck letting him run! I only slowed him as we went down the slope as Sunny was training with Charlotte and Freddie, Ronnie and Diana were on the tracks.

We walked sedately over to visit each as my companions arrived in our fiery wake! Once the school term was over Sunny would have her first work on the cross-country course. She was eager to try and Charlotte taking her time in preparation.

We had a bigger crowd for dinner with the additions. After Eric and Malee with Anne hung their ornament joining Reg, Rona and MFA. Sara had hers. Adam and Daphne did theirs and we all toasted to us!

All the babies on the carpet with so many doting parents, aunts and uncles! Thet sitting on the carpet holding Charlie pointing out the different tree decorations. Reyna looking at them, I slipped an arm around her slender waist for a hug.

"Fay, we are thinking about a child done the way you and Cho did. We will look for a surrogate. I have cousins we might ask."

I encouraged her to look into it if it was right for them. It had been for us although I hadn't expected it.

I was between Jian and Ni on a settee beside the fireplace, pinned by Jaidee's head on my shoe, waited on by friends and Kendal for espresso and Amaretto! Jaidee had a bath, he was so shiny and soft! Of course the reason for the bath had a lot to do with horse dung and Thames.

They'd run amok playing in the stables with Sebastien, he'd led them a merry chase, they never caught him but got plenty dirty in the pursuit! Yvonne volunteered to do the bathing for Jaidee and Thames, her family had lots of dogs so she was experienced.

Jian's head on my shoulder, Ni's arm squeezing me. Quiet and nice! We were all going up soon, a big day tomorrow. The Crew going up to London in the morning, the BBC and Amedee!

Cho squeezed my hand as I slid out of bed in the darkness.

"Have fun!"

A quiet woof from my little man we dashed down the stairs to get food and coffee! Jaidee did his business and I made his breakfast. Marigold came in and did my scones. Hug!

Down the lane with the snooper. A good chill but not much wind. Thames was looking all fluffy after his bath, the two pups went off to look for some more trouble!

Anthony happily exchanged a scone for Pamela. We started easy up the slope to the Sci Ctr but I asked Pamela to run after the railroad track crossing. I loved it. Pamela was reaching out... digging deep... dirt flying behind us! We barely slowed before the lock. The regular fellow gave me a big wave and `morning,' on the eyot Roy had just arrived.

I noticed he was well bundled up, laughing he said it was pre-emptive by Angie. I told him to be good about it. More laughter. I wished him good luck.

We walked over to the far side of the Thames and headed northward. I was looking around a bit more than usual... I wanted us to buy buy all the land south of Barton lane to the river, over the railroad tracks then from the river northward to the bottom end of Lower Radley and the property we already owned.

Some was the south end of Archie and Margy's place, a lot of waste ground with miscellaneous ponds. We would surround the two ugly houses.

The east of the railroad tracks segment was about 370 acres and the west piece close to 230 acres. There were four owners including Archie so we had to make some deals. Cho knew what to do. Our Oxford solicitors were on it with Francis! We'll see.

I waved to Archie as he was going out his door. Pamela running like a fresh breeze crossing our property heading north to the Industrial Estate. We walked in there, too early for Jeffery but our new Security office was working. They had a nice setup, good space, all the electronic toys to play with and very comfy with a well-equipped tea room.

I led Pamela over the Sandford lock into the town. Mr. Hardy was awake and offered coffee but I needed to get on. He would be up tomorrow for dinner. He was rubbing his hands in anticipation of his game with Greg. I said the room is ready! Yea!

Out the southern end of town Pamela put her foot down on the accelerator! We roared across the Radley's and Fraser's at terrific speed. I did slow her as we approached the training tracks but they were empty. I gave her some walking time around the arenas and jumps just looking and thinking about what else.

I stroked her powerful neck, leaning over to hug her. She gave me a snort! Happiness!

Anthony took Pamela with a big grin, he'd watched us cross the Fraser's. He made a waving motion with hand as if fanning himself... HOT!

I laughed, fist bump!

I looked in at the Stable staff lounge and kitchen. Nan at the tail end of breakfast smiling. I asked how she was doing... Ethan said the food was terrible' which got him a quick arm punch. He's oooowwwwsss' echoing as he took off. Nan and I grinning.

"Good keep them in line! Serves him right for being in range." Laughs.

Even more when Ethan's head popped back in, "Miss, if you don't watch out she'll make us all fat!"

"I'm doing great. I've good people!" Hug!

Inside Carter said the BBC trucks had arrived and they were setting up... And the presenter was in the Breakfast Room with Mr. Cho. Okay!

I walked in to a somewhat surprised woman, by my clothes, who Cho intro'd as Glory. Beautiful! Caribbean looks, slender, lovely hair in a small shapely halo of dark curls! We sat with our coffee. I set her mind at ease about my clothes, I would change shortly.

Yone came to the door and whispered in Cho's ear. My man's eyes sparkled, "We have two visitors across the river."

He turned to Glory, "You could join us with a camera BUT..." a finger raised, ".. we won't share our security arrangements."

Glory was up for it. She went right out. Yone said we'd be able to see them shortly from the stone wall at the garden end overlooking the river. He was alongside us with his connection to downstairs on an iPad.

Yone said we have a drone over the intruders behind them. His iPad showed the feed. Two people working through some bushes along a stream south and east of Jerrold the teacher's place. They left their car behind a shed which is why they were quickly spotted. It was on our property and a camera was hidden there.

Yone said they both had cameras with long lenses. Kendal brought out a pair of big binoculars. He pointed to the north. I pushed my hat onto my back to look. Two Land Rovers from our Security office I had just visited were driving south through some trees and disappeared from our view.

The trespassers stayed on the edge of the brush as it curved towards the Thames and then south. They were working their way towards being level with the Boat House on our side. Yone said the Land Rovers turned south at the Boat Yard.

Our new friends' were on the Thames Path' which was open to all hikers. We could see them very clearly now with the binoculars, pick out the pattern in their military style camo and the big cameras. They were just south of being nearly opposite of the Boat House on our side leaving the path to get into bushes on the west river bank.

A grove of trees blocked us from seeing our Security team but Yone said they'd dismounted about a hundred meters north of the camera carrying friends. They were closing on foot.

I could see one intruder setting up a tripod for a camera, the other scanning our side with his big lens. They fussed around in the bushes, settling in.

Our folks were almost ready to pounce. I suggested we wave at the camera guys to distract them as our people closed in. Cho laughed.

Glory had come up on our right with a video cam fellow and they'd been filming across the river. Seeing what we saw.

"We're ready!" Yone said go ahead and wave,

Cho and I raised our arms to wave... Kendal using binoculars said the man scanning with his camera jumped, the second one swung his camera our way... four dark clothed Security people moved in to grab them.

Done!

Yone laughing, "What they said isn't printable in their newspaper."

Glory's cameraman kept filming as the fellows were searched, cuffed and had their ankles bound. They were lying down in the grass. We saw two of our Security folks head back to get the Land Rovers.

Yone let us know they had no weapons. Cellphones and cameras only. They'd be interrogated at the satellite office then taken into Oxford to the Thames Valley Police station.

Glory's camera person stayed a bit longer as we went in. I dashed upstairs to wash and change. Glory wanted to use the fireplace and the settees there as a start then go around the Great Room and a few other areas.

Cho was taking his guys to play golf. I was on my own! We laughed about me being the PR point person!! I kissed my man and wished him a great game.

"Hey, you didn't tell me about yesterday!"

I was to get a double tonight!

`Joy' on by the master. Cho stayed to watch me dress. Tiny pale beige panties and matching garter belt to hold pale beige stockings. The dress a dark muted red, a crisscross open weave above the bodice that went over my shoulders and made the top part of the back, sleeveless. Snug to my torso only widening a bit after my slender hips to reach to my lower-calf with several shallow pleats. Slightly darker beige heels from Coach. Gold earrings in small concentric loops, the gold triple entwined bracelet and the wide gold band with a hinge bracelet. A slender gold chain around my neck. My wedding band and pearl ring.

Over it went a pale beige cotton bolero jacket cut to three inches below my bust with one frog to close it. A small collar and three quarter length sleeves with narrow cuffs.

Cho smiling, "Damn! Fay you look quite sophisticated. I should watch you dress more it's quite the show!"

Muted red lipstick that matched my nails and dress went on after a kiss! Cho escorted me down the stairs. Eric, Ting and Reg in the hallway. Reg put right hand to heart in a pretend swoon!

Adam and Daphne came in at that moment. Adam swept off his cap and made a deep bow... My laughter at that `gallant' gesture like Reg's was happy! He gave my cheek a kiss and Cho marshalled the guys out the door.

Carter put out his arm with a big smile and we walked into the room.

Glory looked up from her notes, eyes wide. I gave her pause. She stood up, "Miss Martin! You look terrific."

A big smile, "I do clean up well, yes?"

She laughed, "Indeed!"

We settled down to get on. On camera we talked about how we celebrated Christmas here at Harcourt House. Our big tree which they had gotten on video already, our many and varied guests. The open house days... local events, on and on.

Then we walked tracked by the handheld camera... I showed Glory the glass ornaments for friends and family, the old ones from my Nineteenth Century family. I mentioned some were also on the trees in our staff lounges.

We talked food and treats. Our Twins first Christmas, they were upstairs with some friends in the Nursery, they'd be down shortly. We turned back into the Great Room to see Tha and Ellie bringing the Twins. I sat on a settee by the fireplace with them!

So cute! Chani in a navy blue dress with white piping and matching booties. Charlie in a white polo shirt under a navy blazer with gray shorts. They could sit up easily now. I helped them and Glory's cameraman got to shoot them briefly but not too close.

Tha and Ellie stayed with the kids as we went on to other parts of the house. Glory got to see the kitchen and meet Carla, Sue, Nan and the others. Maxine stayed back so I didn't push her.

Sunny was allowed to come home early from school to meet Glory. I said she needed to decide what to wear, school uniform or... Sunny changed to ride and met Glory and the camera like that.

They got the greenery and chains from St. Thomas' and the view across the Great Room from the upstairs Gallery. We ended at the front door and we were out...

Glory was very pleased, "Fay, I watched the news conference at Fox several times... actually probably ten times to see you in action since that's the best known video of you. It fits you. Poised and confident!"

I laughed, "Well that may be more than there is but I do feel good about myself so I suppose it shows."

Glory snapped her fingers, "That's it! That's what I mean, confidence leads to the poise of your demeanor."

"You should watch our interview with Dorothy of Fox News or the Today Show piece. You may see something there."

"Did we miss something? I saw the NBC Today Show. Fox News? More than the press conference?"

I laughed inside, I liked Glory but the research hadn't been stellar.

"Cho and I sat to let the world know that I am a transgendered woman. We gave a full forty minutes."

Glory had frozen! No shit she didn't know? Seemed impossible...

"Well you have this but I think you need to see about your research. That interview was over three months ago."

She looked crestfallen. I squeezed her arm, "Come in for lunch and we will let your team know our staff will host them for lunch downstairs."

I nudged Glory. In the passageway I said I wasn't upset that this was about our house and Christmas not about me separately.

She started to cry... Audra looked in at a doorway, I asked her for a Cho-Fay handkerchief. She nodded and was off. I stood with Glory my hand on her shoulder.

Audra whizzed back with the cloth square in a minute. I gave it to Glory. She had mostly stopped by then. The embroidery did its work! A shy smile...

I asked Audra to get Carter to have Glory's team to lunch downstairs. She nodded with a smile.

"I would guess working for the `Beeb' as a woman, a woman of color isn't easy. You don't have to worry about me, everything I did I would do the same any other day you might come around."

She smiled and thanked me. I pointed to the adjacent powder room and then back towards the Breakfast Room.

Glory was quiet, subdued as she met Jian, Andrea, Malee, Daphne, Sara, Rona and Gil. Sunny joined us.

Gil gave me a raised eyebrow, I whispered later.

Carla served one of her spectacular soups, cream of mushroom! Maxine made flavourful and soft pumpernickel, local butter, a half dozen cheeses and cut apples, pears, dates, figs and a tray of Christmas cookies!

Food did wonders for Glory. She gabbed a bit about working for the BBC and her boyfriend, a professional tennis player. A snap showed them in swim attire, lots of toned abs on both. Terrific legs! His flowing blonde hair... looking like a Celtic warrior.

I walked out with her. Her crew thanked me for the lunch! They really enjoyed it. I did fist bumps with them.

"So let us know what you make of the video of our new friends across the river. And the main bit of business, of course."

"Fay, thank you! You have been wonderful! I've never felt more welcome before and embarrassed too."

"Forget that and look up the Fox News piece. Then email."

A hug as she climbed into the van. I waved them away down the drive.

Carter was making sure everything was back to normal. A grin!

The girls joined me in my Dressing Room. I gave them the story which got incredulous looks.

Rona shaking her head, "So she's an airhead with looks and a good voice?"

"No... I think there's a good brain there not being fully used and if she leaves getting background to others she'll be shocked again sometime."

Gil smiled, "Well maybe you're an eye-opener for her."

I shrugged and pulled on my riding clothes. Rona was still in hers and Gil went up to change. I was arm in arm with Malee, there a cute grin on her face. Daphne holding my free hand.

I prodded Malee who was wearing a cute naughty face, "Well looking at you changing I was thinking about Phuket."

"Good! A warm-up!"

A positive murmur from Daphne and Sara, they were grinning. Jian holding Andrea's hand with a naughty grin!

We giggled passing down the lane to the stables. Rona gave me a look of `what' I squeezed her hand.

"We should talk later." I got an Okay!

Rebel was ready, Natasha for Rona and Rascal for Gil. We crossed the flat between two groups working hard, Sunny and Charlotte's other pupils on one side and Freddie with Diana and Ronnie on the tracks with a couple of youngsters. Waves as we trotted up the slope to warm us all up.

We made a tour of the Sci Ctr with a good run back. On the flats Kavat's texts told me Amedee and her husband were in the air having departed Vienna Schwechat airport. Derry sent to him an ETA of sixty minutes. Prasert was ready.

The guys were back from golf sitting in the Great Room with scotches. Malee, Sara and Daphne too. Jian and Andrea were up in the Nursery. We said hello before going up to change.

A quick wash up then black silk bra and panty set, black tights, white cotton shirt with black jumper over and a second Munro tartan skirt, black ankle boot and silver bling. This skirt was made by Ellie using the Ancient Munro style tartan which was brighter red with yellow, blue and green lines in different widths cross-hatched. I liked it just as much as the more austere red, white and black.

Everyone was relaxing in the Great Room when Prasert delivered Amedee and the Justice Minister. Cho and I out front to greet them. Amedee helped out by Kendal had a huge grin. We hugged, my cheek kissed by her husband Kon.

She and I holding hands looking at the house, the grin remained, "Fay, I feel I have moved back a century or two."

I laughed, "Well looks are deceiving. It's actually comfy. But Jane Austen won't walk out the door."

We hugged laughing.

Inside they got to be relieved of their coats and meet our friends. It was chilly here but Vienna had been cold. Cho got a scotch in Kon's hand and sherry for Amedee and me. We walked around a bit giving her quickie tour of the first floor. Jaidee came with us that tail wagging!

The nurses brought down our crowd. MFA walked a bit to her dad, Caroline sticking her arms wide for Andrea and Jian, Eric hoisted Anne up high, her little arms waving as she gurgled out her enjoyment. Chani and Charlie got to meet the newcomers. Kon holding Charlie with a big smile saying he loved their children as babies but he really never appreciated how much work Amedee had with them.

Amedee sitting by the fire with Chani and sweet look on her face. I was beside her, we laughed at some of Chani's pronouncements which included several loud `Ma's' as she held my hand.

Amedee laughed, "Well she has got you down."

I was pleased to be named, any mother would but I knew a chorus of `Da's Wa's Ba's' would come which they did! To more laughter and hugging by me.

Amedee was holding MFA's hand as Rona straightened her dress. A nice sight to see the little one standing there with some help, a big grin on her pretty face.

The children were down with us for over an hour before we went in for dinner and they upstairs for theirs. They were well hugged and kissed at the foot of the stairs.

Carla had salmon grilled with a tasty lemony cream sauce, mushroom risotto, baked vegetables nicely covered with Asiago and Romano cheese, nifty little muffins that were made of white corn meal, slightly sweet and the excellent local butter. Manchester tarts and vanilla ice cream with warm caramel sauce!

I could see Kon enjoying his food, "Cho, Fay, you have a marvelous cook and set a wonderful table."

The table was laid as an English winter scene thanks to the talented Ellie. White tablecloth as a snowy fields with small trees coated with snow, tiny cardinals in the trees in pairs, cottages with wisps of smoke coming from their chimneys. Horse drawn sleighs. Each person had a name card with snowflakes.

I was next to Kon as we headed to the Great Room for afters he was holding his name card. I said there wasn't any chance for real snow in the next forty-eight hours which made him feel better! We laughed.

We sat for a while then Rona, Malee, Jian, Andrea and I went up to the nursery. Everyone was just going down to sleep so we got in a few kisses and got back some yawns. They were all heading up to London tomorrow as we were going to Chawton.

I was sitting in my Dressing Room thinking about my first visit to Chawton. It was with one of the women who had been cook, housekeeper, temp-parent while I lived at Froyle. I was sure I was nine years old, still in short pants and I had a skinned knee. That last stuck because a woman at the Jane Austen House commiserated with me when she saw it.

YES! I had fallen off Gwen! She had been added to our house by my parents to be a distraction I think but she soon became an obsession. We'd been somewhere off our property, she had suddenly jumped over something on the ground and I bounced off. I scraped my knee as I fell, just the odd bruise otherwise. It was the only time I fell off her or more properly she let me fall.

I'd read Pride and Prejudice' by then, I didn't I get' it all but the story grabbed me. I worked my way through all Jane Austen's novels over the next few years often going back. At each reading the stories expanded for me until I felt I `knew' what had been in her mind.

It was awesome to sit in a big chair with a book! If I wasn't doing that indoors I was messing with a game. Outdoors it was always Gwen and me together... always!

I was on Gwen when I first met Eileen, she intro'd me to Rose. Rose fed me and did some tut-tutting about my parents being away. I was told to come up to theirs any time I wanted. That was an interesting summer. My first full one at Froyle.

Cho came in during my reverie, a welcome intruder. I was held tightly and kissed. My fingers sliding through his dark hair... warm lips on mine! We moved to bed. Jaidee gave us a soft woof as we climbed under bedclothes. Cho grinning at me called to him. WOOF! He bounded up. We dragged him in between us.

A cuddle with a puppy who was nearing his full growth which meant he wasn't small anymore! Cute though!

I was up right away after the iPhone awakened me. Wash, dressed in black with a new tie made by Ellie from the Munro tartan ancient version bolt of cloth. I liked it! A tie in the more conventional shape.

Jaidee and I down to the kitchen. It was quiet. I started the DeLonghi and went to the kitchen garden with Jaidee. He snooped some but business done in his box, he was ready for food.

I had it prepared quickly. He sat correctly and waited. I gave him the signal... a quiet woof and he was off. I got out two scones, `nuked' them, added the butter and wrapped one up. Coffee, scones and Jaidee. Marigold coming in as we headed down the lane.

Cormac was the early one today. A strawberry scone went over very well. Thames and Jaidee were fake biting each other as Cormac gave me a knee up. I said south. Thumbs up.

Pamela was stepping happily in the cold air. We wouldn't be out long, a visit to do. Pamela carried me down to the lock where I said hello to the two gentlemen then we backtracked to circumnavigate the Sci Ctr. On the run to the north Pamela willingly `opened it up' a wonderful ride across the grass.

There a slowing as we came down the slope to the flat.. I almost steered her around to the left to go north for MORE... I would be good. Poo!

We walked up the lane to Cormac. He was grinning as I handed her over.

"Miss you look like you are not happy to stop."

"I am not but we have to be somewhere this morning. Phooey!"

Cormac did laugh at my frowning face, "There's tomorrow morning..."

Fist bump after a big hug with Pamela. Gregory walked up to the house with Jaidee and I. Tess' brood were tearing up the office making Gregory laugh with their antics. They climbed EVERYTHING! His cat `exchange plan' would start next week!

I grabbed more coffee and we went up to the Nursery then wash and dress.

Chani and Charlie were awake and fed so we could spend time with them. On the carpet we rolled around, they were really getting good at it. Some crawling with me Charlie laughing loudly at the fun! Cho on his back with Chani at arm's length, her hands waving, a funny smile looking down at her dad.

The Theory charcoal dress with a split bodice and sleeveless to a few inches above the knee. Soft and close to my shape! I added a short black leather jacket that buttoned in the front, cut like a man's suit coat. Black ankle boots and silver jewellery.

Cho came in looking wonderful in a navy suit. You would be in NO doubt that he was `built' seeing that suit. A white shirt and Harcourt Racing tie!

He was kind enough to add some `Joy' where he wanted. I picked a black camel's hair overcoat and black gloves from the closet.

Amedee and Kon were dressed for the cold. Good overcoats! Cho did lend our Justice Minister a pair of heavy lined leather gloves and a scarf.

Ken and Penny with Kon's bodyguard were along. PJ and the others were at Hendon Police College for a training course and competition. We'd see them in two days.

We loaded up a AW139 at Chalgrove and turned south. Gil had arranged our using the cricket pitch in Chawton for a landing. The walk was short to the Jane Austen House Museum and the weather had been dry.

In fifteen minutes we were descending to the grassy spot. An easy landing and we were out. The museum folks were waiting across the road. Since space was at a premium in the house they setup an enclosed canopy on the lawn opposite the entrance.

There was a gathering of folks in the garden. We were told they were here for the book signing. There was a tea cart for them beside the canopy, all you could drink. I hugged Amedee, she had a nice crowd.

But first the Board meeting.

Inside it was warm and had good seating. We were intro'd by the Director to their Board. We were given the heartfelt thanks by them for our gift.

I intro'd Amedee and Kon. The Board were thrilled to have an author visit from such a great distance. They brought their own copies of her book `Jane Austen's World of Manners.' Amedee was to autograph them and sit in the shop to do more. They had a small stock she would sign and they had the shop ready for the signing. She was off and running.

We sat with the Board. They had been told that I had grown up in Froyle and had been a frequent visitor over the years. We sipped some tea and chatted.

The chairwoman asked about my parents, if they started me on Jane Austen. I explained that they had been wedded to their work and I had found `Pride and Prejudice' on a shelf on my own.

"You've become the most famous person from our neighbourhood since Jane."

I laughed, "Well I'd be happier if you didn't link us. I haven't created anything like her enduring words. I'm more prosaic and just a capitalist making money."

"Oh NO! You've done more than that. We did look up you and Mr. Cho. The TV network in America would be like your taking over the BBC here. A very big thing! AND no one has ever given this House a million £'s before or anything close. Your gift has moved us to a new level. We will always be careful with the money but now we can dream bigger, not put off needed repairs or pass on a wonderful historical item to add to the museum."

We hugged! Cho joined us and she took his hand, a squeeze.

"I was telling Miss Martin how your gift has moved us onwards."

A classic Cho smile.

We talked personally with all of the Board and the museum staff had joined us. Beryl hugging me with a huge smile. I asked her if she'd been able to calculate my `frequent flyer' miles yet which got a big laugh. A gentleman with us got it explained by Beryl.

"You really have been here that many times?"

"When I have come down with friends to our house I always bring them over here. It is a nice quiet lovely spot."

We did get everyone close again to give them the news that `Pride and Prejudice' in Thai was nearly done and we'd be publishing it online and on paper in Bangkok. It would be offered in print to schools for free. And a iOS App was in the works to have all Jane Austen's works in every available language included.

The remainder of the novels would be translated into Thai over time under the same conditions.

The chairwoman asked who was doing it. Cho told her it was someone worked for us and she was one of our closest friends. And that she was a professional translator. I said I was helping as was our Thai born London transport manager a devoted Austen fan.

I suggested we could have a little launch party when `Pride and Prejudice' was ready. They liked the idea!

We did go across to the House. In the shop I asked Gil to buy a few picture postcards and knickknacks for Lawan. Teasers.

Amedee was talking with her readers and signing away! The shop sold out of her book.

I spoke to some of the people waiting. They really enjoyed Amedee's take of how folks interacted behind their individual masks of manners.

One woman with her teenage daughter said it was only different now-a-days in the forms but not the real substance between folks.

She asked if I knew Amedee, smiling I said, "They are visiting with us up in Oxfordshire. We met at my mother's house in Bangkok a few years ago."

Her daughter had been looking at me... "Oh WOW! You're Fay Martin, aren't you?"

Smiling I agreed to that.

"WOW! WOW!"

She was bouncing on her toes! I was a bit startled by her reaction, funny! The mother while surprised at her daughter was also amazed I'd be here.

I said we owned property in Froyle, it had been in my family for many generations and I loved to visit Jane's house.

"Miss Martin, would you autograph this for me?"

Big blue eyes looking at me holding out a small notebook. I smiled and signed the blank page. She was thrilled... I still don't have a `celebrity' mode so I was a bit embarrassed doing it. The young lady was ecstatic! I was thanked and thanked...

With no more books to sign and our business done we walked back to the cricket pitch and lifted off. In a few minutes we were flaring for a landing where Cho's rental helicopter had set down a year and a half ago.

The thatched roofed house brought a smile to Amedee's face.

"Fay, it's so perfect for its place."

Mrs. Pelletier and Sybil were there, they had opened the house and made lunch for us.

As lunch was laid I gave Amedee and Kon the `tour' and a bit of the history. Then we sat in the kitchen with the fire going to warm the chilly day.

Creamy potato soup, dark bread and butter, cut apples and pears, cake and a Mrs. Pelletier speciality. She bakes walnuts from her family's trees in a sweet spicy curry glaze!!! She warmed them which brings out the flavours!! Lots of smiles as we chewed on those!!

A big thanks to Mrs. Pelletier and Sybil before we walked out to the helicopter. In thirty minutes we walked into the House after Carter's greeting.

Prasert was ready for tomorrow. My Crew would be brought back to Harcourt House in the morning then they with Amedee and Kon would go over to Chalgrove for their Cho-Fay flights.

We had a great dinner and just the best time by the fire with the Twins! Amedee and Kon laughing with us and our children. Jaidee added his special touches.

Pamela and I were out before the sun in the cold air. Our breath visible as we went up the slope into the early daylight. The lock man and especially Roy were well bundled against the chill. Roy setting up. Big smiles and greetings!

I turned right from the pedestrian bridge onto property that now was part of Harcourt House! Yone said he have people out today to place signs and begin putting in the security equipment. They had already started on the piece Archie and Margy sold us. So we had two pieces to go. The larger piece below Lower Radley against the railroad tracks looked like it would go through this week.

Our solicitors had worked with the owners of the two ugly houses so they have a permanent road access to their property via Lower Radley or west towards Barton Lane. We had them nearly surrounded.

I steered us to the Thames Path which followed the water going past one of the houses then onto Harcourt property. I liked riding the path along the water and we stayed on it until we reached the Boatyard. We were too early for them.

We headed west to Hall Street and greeted Jerrold as he emerged to go to school. I waved at his missus in the door. We picked up the pace on the dirt road northward from the village. Pamela was asked for speed and responded as she always does.

Glorious to ride in the still morning air, cold but fabulous! My girl giving me this pleasure!

At the Industrial Estate we slowed to walk by the construction. They were starting their day, a wave to Samuel before heading to the lock. Once over a quick walk through Sandford, back to grass Pamela took off.

Her big body got moving, she was like a freight train powering across the green fields. I waved to Mr. Radley and Dan Junior as we swept through the level area beside the Thames. No one was out yet at our place but the stables were definitely awake!

Amedee and Kon were with Cho in the Breakfast Room. I got hugs from them and a nice kiss from my guy. They were packed, ready to go.

"Fay, this has been special. Thank you for the Chawton trip and the lovely thought of the Christmas tree ornament."

More hugs! I told her that they'd get it sent to them when the tree came down. Amedee gave my cheek a kiss in thanks.

The Crew rolled in a few hours later for lunch with us all! They'd had a great time sightseeing in London, all wanted to come back.

Ni's arm around me, "Fay, we had fun time. Karla is a good tour guide! Your house is so nice. I saw the picture painted of you... so cute!"

Squeeze, "Come back then. You can use it whenever!"

We hugged and kissed them all goodbye on the Forecourt. Sunny was able to say goodbye as she came up the drive from school. We waved them down the drive.

Lawan and Thang, Ni and Kavnu, Reyna and Thet with Amedee and Kon on the 767 non-stop to Bangkok. Ku and Eve on a Gulfstream 650er to Newburgh then the city. Eve would take charge of the build out of the new computer centre in the Fox Tower and Ku would make trips to the west coast cities for the Chanthira Foundation. Scouting for clinic sites and building relationships.

Eileen and Sue with Rose and Matthew drove up soon after the Crew departed. Mrs. Pelletier and Sybil were driving up tomorrow for a visit and lunch.

Hugs for all! Cho walking in with Rose and Matthew, me behind with Eileen and Sue gabbing about their baby. Sue was now three and a half months gone and doing very well. The first try hadn't worked, no doubt about it now!

Eileen was coming out with me for a ride, Sue couldn't. She was going up to the nursery to visit with Chani and Charlie who were alone now that the others had gone home to London.

Rebel was ready, Lu for Eileen, Rascal with Tessa. Ronnie and Yvonne were coming up the lane on Mandy and Heather, our `moms' were enjoying their exercise rides! Fist bumps as we passed!

I took us up the slope around the Sci Ctr to show them the Denham School grounds. I saw Richard the under-head master, he waved. He told me they had their last term to start after the holidays.

"Richard, please email Gil your CV. We decided to buy the school and we have a deal signed and will take possession after the term ends."

He looked happy, "You are going to go forward as you mentioned to me?"

"Yes, how far we go right away isn't decided. We do plan on a fall term for a coding academy and likely the horse portion also."

He was pleased and would send the CV off right away. We were good.

The rest of our ride after passing back by the Sci Ctr was a terrific romp across the fields. I kept Rebel from running off until the last five hundred meters or so then ... BOOM! We were a rocket to the flats. I pulled him up so we wouldn't disturb the others out working.

Freddie waved and a thumbs up! I moved us over to where Charlotte was on Day Dreaming watching Sunny in the arena with Zephyr. Sunny looked as good as she did with Prince.

"She works with both but Prince to remain her number one."

I got it, "So the cross country in ten days or so?"

"Yes. We will go slow! She rides very confidently across grass so it becomes a matter of the jumps. I know she can do it but there's no hurry. The horses have to get used to it too."

Fist bump.

Charlotte's other pupils were coming down the lane as we went up. Ethan took Rebel. A hug for my horse! I took Eileen to visit some of our crowd. She was thrilled to see Asda and Hathai looking so gorgeous.

"Fay, they are the most beautiful horses I've ever seen!"

She'd seen snaps of Glaa and Hansa so she understood how they came to be. She met Secret Sea. I told Eileen that we might mate her to Asda or Rebel or even maybe Glaa. Secret Sea wasn't yet six so she had many years of baby-making to come. We wouldn't overdo with her or any of the other mares.

Tessa was doling out the treats making herself very popular!

Washed and changed to a skirt and jumper we joined the others in the Great Room. Sherry and a few sweet treats for us.

Rose and Matthew hung their Christmas ornament alongside Eileen and Sue's. Hugs and I kidded them about a third name next year.

Dinner was a Mexican buffet. Carla got some tips from Roslyn and Dolores! We had lovely burritos, chimichangas and shrimp in a verde sauce plus rice and beans. A tangy salsa with corn crisps. There was ice cream after, several flavours with different sauces and things on top.

We did a great job of browsing the buffet! Carla said it was well received downstairs too. Good!

Rose and Mathew hadn't much Mexican food and Rose really loved it.

"I've more of a taste for spices than Matthew"

I sent her down to talk with Carla and her crowd, maybe get some recipes.

In the Great Room with afters we talked about lots of things, Glaa's success and the others for next year, the whole Fox thing, how much we enjoyed Charlie and Chani. Then the very same came down for a visit. Seeing Rose and Matthew holding the Twins was amazing.

Rose looked over at me, her eyes were damp. I sat beside her and swapped Chani for a Cho-Fay handkerchief. We smiled.

"Dear, I always hoped you would have children for me to meet."

One arm around her the other holding my girl.

Matthew smiling, "She's soft about you!"

I grinned, squeezing Rose, "I'm good with that."

Rose laughing now, "Well that's that. No secrets!"

I was on my tummy, Jaidee lying against me, face to face with Chani. Rose on a settee beside us watching, smiling. Chani's cute little fingers stroking Jaidee's nose...

"Jaidee... Jaidee..." Me caressing his chocolate ears, "Jaidee..."

Chani... big grin, "Jabee! Jabee!"

The chubby hand on Jaidee's muzzle. He was jumped a bit when Chani whooped out her `Jabee' but he stayed still.

Cho laughing, "Well that's better than I would have expected!"

Everybody thrilled with her first `word!'

Cho put Charlie next to his sister. The little man reached out to Jaidee too. I tried to do the `Jaidee' thing but Charlie was too interested in rubbing the chocolate boy.

Chani flew up into Cho's arms with a giggling gurgle and waving arms! The smile was a monster!

Charlie crawled closer to put his forehead on Jaidee's nose, the cool wet was fun! Jaidee's tongue came out to visit Charlie's cheek which caused a burst of laughter! Dogs were amusing.

It wonderful to be under the bedclothes rubbing my nakedness on Cho! We'd had spectacular oral sex! I got to suck his magnificent cock, his mouth did incredible things to my vagina! We both had strong orgasms that we built up to slowly. It was a wonderful taste treat for me!

I was gliding... sliding... slipping all over him, Cho holding up the covers, smiling at me. Kissing... lots of kissing! I glissaded around his whole body before stopping to nuzzle the delicious penis some more. Warm... soft now... I slid up onto it, a mouthful, Cho laughing saying there would be a short break before any further activity. He said it with his plummy upper-class accent which had me laughing so hard with a cock in my mouth. But I had control and the lovely thing didn't get away.

We kissed and cuddled for a while. Cho got water, I kissed and hugged Jaidee. Sleep.

It was cold in the morning, no wind in the Kitchen Garden but I could see it moving the trees. I was glad of the Kentucky Heat undershirt!! Roundell's clothing was great!

Loaded, Jaidee and I went down the lane. Thames was ready for fun... after a few fake bites and butt sniffing they went off! Those guys were predictable in their greetings!

Pamela's eyes were very bright in the light from the office. I did lean over the Dutch door bottom. The `herd' was on the move after their feeding. Sebastian was out but mother Tess gave me some slow blinks! Sweetie.

Ronnie sitting on the floor with the `kids' wandering over her, a big smile. Cats were a favorite. Her family was coming soon. A thumbs up!

Pamela carried me up the slope moving beautifully. Warmed we galloped past the tracks to the lock at speed! My morning friends gave me a welcome. Once over the water I asked Pamela to go but not full out, save that for later.

Cho said last night we had three of the four pieces, the last part along the Thames looked like a go. Once past the ugly houses Pamela ran like a demon. We were up to the Industrial Estate in one long powerful run. I stroked her neck as we walked through to look at the construction.

Samuel grinning saying it was on schedule! Tabitha and Webster were outside the works hut with steaming coffee.

"Lotte is testing her equipment! This is good."

She held her cup up, I took a sip. Good strong coffee, black!

I walked Pamela around to the outside entrance which was now the only way in. Lotte smiling, "You want a taste test?"

"I had a sip of Tab's. It's the way I like coffee."

I waved and said I'd be back this afternoon. Good!

Over the river again Pamela wanted to run so when we hit the grass she was off! Striding out like the great lady she is, we had a fabulous run crossing fields and down by the river in the flats she picked up the pace when asked.

I walked her around the flats, looking at our `things' letting Pamela come down from her high. At the stable Anthony took her, "She needs more walking."

Fist bump!

Rose and Matthew with Cho in the Breakfast Room. Early risers on their own timetable. Kisses and hugs all around. I nabbed some eggs and tomato with a big pile of toast. Matthew laughing, like everyone does, at where I might put it.

The `girls' were being lazy, I was to get Eileen on a horse this afternoon before they all went home. Strong words from Rose delivered with a smile.

I had a plan to get them moving which I put into motion as I reached their door. A soft knock and muffled who?... I was in and stripping right away... smiles from the bed and open arms... I dove into lovely women! There was kissing and some licking... My tongue into Eileen's beautiful pussy! She got Sue and Sue me! We gave each other a nice few minutes licking before I had to go. Into shirt and jodhpurs I gave them a wave.

A soft beige wool calf length skirt, I like that it rode nicely on my hips, a slender brown belt, an off-white silk long sleeve blouse. Over that was a cashmere jumper vest long to waist of the skirt, shades of blues and browns mixed. Dark brown heels, gold jewellery, `Joy'

I walked down with Sue, Eileen was slow... I watched Rose's eyes as I approached.

"Fay, that is a wonderful look!"

Matthew was nodding with big eyes! Sue was squeezing my hand, a grin. Cho came in from the office, he kissed my cheek, a barely spoken `gorgeous!'

We talked for a while waiting for Mrs. Pelletier and Sybil. We got news they were coming up the drive and went out. Stanton helped them out of their car.

They were both non-plussed by the house, the room and Christmas tree were over the top. I was holding their hands as we did a walk over to the tree. I handed them a box, the personalized ornament surprised them.

I stood back with Mrs. Pelletier's hand as Sybil hung it. It was a hit! I gave them a tour before lunch of the main floor and they got to meet Carla and see the kitchen which Mrs. Pelletier asked to see.

"It's a bit more house than the one in Froyle?"

She was laughing saying she wouldn't want to clean it! I took them out to the terrace so Sybil could see some of the gardens. She loved it.

"Come up in the spring to see and get a tour with Teddy. He knows everything!"

She said `definitely.'

Carter served luncheon in the Dining Room with very nifty menu place cards, winter scenes but no names. Sit wherever. Potato leek soup, creamy, thick, tasty. Crab cakes with a sweet apricot aioli, baked vegetable tarts the tops with a lovely brown colour and hot crusty rolls by Maxine!

Carter with a smile poured glasses of Bouchard Pere et Fils Chevalier Montrachet la Cabotte Grand Cru. This is one terrific white! Carter could see we appreciated it.

A great meal ended with Manchester tarts and vanilla ice cream! Sybil grinning as her tart disappeared.

"Good?"

"Oh yes, lovely!"

We walked the lunch off a bit showing them the rest of the house and then having the Twins in the Great Room. I marveled at how the Twins enjoyed seeing people. They'd been exposed to so many folks in their short lives.

We had a great visit with Rose and Matthew, they were driving home to Froyle with Mrs. Pelletier and Sybil. Eileen and Sue after their visit to the farm were going up to London. A lot of waving as Mrs. Pelletier's car drove out.

Eileen laughing when I told her about Rose's `get her on a horse' comment.

"Not today... too lazy!"

Sue and Eileen hugs were BIG! They were happy, the baby now approaching four months and Sue showing delighted them! More waves.

It was late afternoon and I thought better of riding over to the Industrial Estate, we took Ken and Penny in a Range Rover with Gil and Francis. I hadn't changed so when I stepped out of the car Webster's eyes bulged!

I was smiling, "I do clean up well don't I?"

Webster laughed, "Very well if you don't mind my saying so! Please come in and see our work."

Tabitha was there too so we got a good walk through. Cho asked a few questions which got Webster to show him something on the plans as Tab and I were looking at one of the larger studios.

"Fay, you can get decent a sized orchestra in here and I know rock groups which like to use a lot of musicians. They'll like this place. There's only one shortage around here... accommodation. There are places but not really close."

"Well we'll look into that. We could provide caravan parking and possibly showers and restrooms... Who knows. I'll ask Francis to look at costs and maybe we'd build something."

Fist bump. We all walked around to the `Java Joint' entry. Lotte behind the counter with a smile.

"Hi! Please come back and look!"

We got to see all the shiny new tools for making coffee, espresso, other drinks and a microwave and grill for hot sandwiches. We scanned her menu, drinks and food in several categories. It wasn't a huge list.

"I want to be limited to start to find what sells and get requests. There's a finite space so..."

Lotte had it organized, it was clean and we met two of her staff. She was only open mornings to late-afternoons for now. We liked it. It was bright with lots of windows, a seating area with comfortable mix of big chairs and seating at tables, all very casual. Her ideas about the outside seating were great. Fist bump!

We headed north to Oxford for dinner. The Old Parsonage. Cho had Gil book the Pike Room for us. It made it easy for Ken and Penny, a single door to cover.

We had a nice dinner, everyone seem to want something different. We did start with a triple sized crab and avocado plate the six of us shared along with a bottle of Perrier Jouët, Belle Époque champagne for the four of us not working. I had the grilled plaice, some nice potatoes and asparagus.

The food was delightful, service smooth and my raspberry cheesecake topped off the meal very nicely. Coffee!

When we came out there was a newspaper reporter and a photographer outside on the sidewalk. They didn't try to come close and identified themselves as being from a local newspaper. A couple of snaps and a several questions we didn't answer before we were in the car. At least they hadn't done anything aggressive.

But someone at the restaurant must have tipped them so... it was a conversation to be had. I tasked Gil with it.

Ken and Penny had done great, Ken was on point blocking them, Penny watching all-around. It was a short drive home, Carter at the door. Fist bump! Smiles!

Our Personal Protection Six who'd gone to the course were back! PJ left a message with Carter that they were ready to do the scheduled meet tomorrow after breakfast. Okay!

The four of us sat for a while by the fire. I was rubbing a warm dark brown body! Upstairs Cho rubbed me some before sending me to dreamland.

In the dark Jaidee and I met Thames by the stable office door. He was all happy and waggy tailed! The boys exchanged greetings also known as butt surfing and dashed off down one of the stable rows. Gregory laughing.

Cormac had Pamela ready and we were off. I went slow to warm us up in the cold air. Pamela was in a soft trot going up the long slope past the a tree line I asked her for more. We had a fast trot to the walkover then speed to the lock. My morning sharers were moving into place, nice greetings.

Over the river we passed through the new property south of Barton lane to the railroad then on the west side of the tracks to the railroad underpass. A Harcourt House Security Land Rover was sitting there, Franco on his radio at the rear. He smiled.

"I'm just doing a patrol, no issues."

Fist bump and Pamela and I moved on under the tracks for a change. We went along the dirt road north towards Lower Radley. It wound through trees and grass, we approached the fields we'd bought a few months ago west of Archie and Margy's farm. We kept on to Lower Radley Road and walked beside it until Hall St.

Jerrold waved as he drove by on his way to school. We went north, I asked for speed and Pamela rolled! We were a flash until the Industrial Estate, I steered us straight to the lock today. Once and through Sandford we charged across our neighbors fields. Tom Radley going out to work for us shouted a greeting, I waved!

At the flat Charlotte was out on DayDreaming walking the cross-country course.

"I'm getting it in my mind and looking at how we can change routes and jumps to keep it fresh for Sunny."

A wave!

In the Breakfast Room Cho had just sat down to his eggs, only a kiss so they wouldn't get cold. I loaded a plate myself, a tilting pile of toast! Coffee and I went to it! Grinning at Cho as we sat there eating and touching a bit.

I told him about meeting Franco and the nice dirt road area to ride. And how much I enjoyed being with Pamela. Cho's smile... at that I almost teared up but managed to hold it. He gave me a very nice kiss with a tiny taste of strawberry preserves.

Washed and in black skinny jeans, black ankle boots, a long sleeved white cotton shirt cut off above my belly button with a big bulky black cardigan over that reached past my hips. Silver jewellery bits and `Joy' done by the buyer!

We gathered our Close Protection Team members in the Library to hear their report. PJ was grinning, a secret... I just knew it.

The two day course at Hendon Police Campus started inside with lectures and audio-visuals. PJ said it was a `refresher' course for them as the concepts and methods had been a standard part of our Security training for years. They had the handouts and other materials to send to Thet in Bangkok for review.

Then it was hands-on! There was a special obstacle course to run with `threats' and a long series of decisions to be made quickly acting as an armed officer. Inside buildings and out in the woods. A lot of variety.

They had all done very well... Okay I was waiting... PJ's grin couldn't hold up to my patience... He burst out laughing, all of them did.

"There was a team from the German Federal Police, the French Gendarmerie, Scotland Yard and the RCMP. And us, we were the only private company involved. Six in each team, all going through the obstacle course in pairs. Rande and me, Ro and Ansara and Tessa and Tara."

The smile, "It was tough. Very detailed, quick actions needed, good decision-making, good communication needed, lots of working with your partner by instinct."

I was laughing at his drawing it out... Finally, PJ stood up and the others joined him...

"You are looking at the top three teams! We beat them all!"

Cho shook hands with all, I kissed the lot of them.

"We all scored a perfect routine. No errors, each perpetrator shot, no civilians hurt and we all completed the course below the time allotted."

Tessa spoke up, "PJ go on tell it."

We turned to him, "Rande and I set a new record time for the course!"

Another hug for each.

"So we will be on their `Scoreboard' for everyone who comes after to see. They have video of each pair so we will receive it at some point."

Ken and Penny were sorry they couldn't go but proud of their teammates! It was very clear that Thet and Sumate needed to be congratulated also. They set the tone, prepared the training and made sure it all worked.

More hugs and handshakes as we broke up the meeting. Fist bumps and high fives!!

Carter came in with a message from Kavat, the Cho-Fay Air flight from Newburgh and Virginia was ten minutes from wheels down at Chalgrove.

Gil came in with a call from Graeme, my cousin the Army officer. He was north of Oxford and finishing a meeting... I took her iPhone and said please come down and that it was easy to find us. I handed him back to Gil for directions.

Carter was ready for our latest crowd. He was in the entryway with us. He had a smile, "Yone reported to me that the first phase of the security devices are in place on the new property and the signage is up."

Fist bump and smiles!

The cars came up the drive, they swept into a big curving turn they ended up in a line broadside to the steps. Sam and Beverly out first with their son John, the doctor. Raymond, the lawyer. Raymond's wife Valerie and their children in the second car. Hugs and kisses all around.

Charles eased out of the next car.

Charles was smiling looking at the front of the house, "Amazing! Beverly told me but she understated it."

A hug.

Sylvia was holding tight to Sydney's hand. Hug for both. I took each of their free hands.

"Welcome to our home. Go in and we'll all get together for lunch shortly."

The Warburton's! Big hug for Dolly, I shook hands with Wally after Cho!

"Miss Martin, this is some house but it suits you. Grand."

Cho laughed, "It's not big enough for her ego."

That got a squawk from me and arm swat for Cho. He was still laughing.

After they'd been able to get rid of coats we gathered everyone outside the Great Room's closed door. Carter threw open the doors... ooooohhhhh's and aaaaaahhhhhh's!

Carter was ready with the boxes of the special ornaments. Charlie with his cameras snapping everything got them all as the they hung their glass balls. This was a hit with them like the others.

Raymond and Valerie arms around each other's waist as Jolene and Todd hung the family glass orb.

I had Valerie's hand and John's as they looked at the tree.

John's smile, "It's a big bugger!"

I laughed, "Well it fits in."

"Fay, the flight was quite nice, the bed was very comfy. Now this..." his hand motioning, " is spectacular."

"Glad you like it, we hope you all enjoy yourselves."

Sylvia with a sweet smile, "Fay, thanks! This is a nice place for Christmas."

"We've had fun so far!"

I turned to Sydney, "I did tell you Glaa and Hansa's sire and dam are here?"

He had a cogitating look... "We'll go down in the afternoon for a visit."

He was UP!

Wally and Charles got the same invite and they definitely up for it!

Carter let us know lunch was ready. We trooped in, I had the hands of Raymond and Valerie's kids, Jolene and Todd.

Marandi was the lead for an Indian buffet! Tandoori fish, red curry soup, dal , pakoras, biryani rice, aloo gobi, mango paneer, garlic naan and sweet things, vanilla tapioca and a fruit salad mix. Chai and other drinks. Kingfisher ale if anyone wanted.

I gave everyone the low-down on the spread and sent them OFF! Ellie had made little cards with name of each dish and what it was made from and what the spicy level was.

Charles beside me, "You know I haven't had Indian food in many years, it was a favorite of Joyce's."

"It's good then, you get the tastes back and a fine memory. Yes?"

A very nice smile, "Yes! I'm glad you said it like that."

I led him over and dug in! I got fish, rice, a samosa, paneer and naan. Dropped on the table where my name was and went back for soup! Charles shared a Kingfisher Ale with me.

I was starting when Carter was at the door. Graeme had arrived. I went out to the entryway. Light brown hair and hazel eyes both like mine and his mom's, trim, handsome much like his dad, looking quite good in his khakis and maroon beret in his gloved hand.

I put out my hand, "Graeme it is good to see you, a long time."

A hug!

"Yes and many changes!"

"True and none of them particularly small either."

"Fay, I am amazed in so many ways. I'd seen pictures of you in the news and your coup against that old bastard was fabulous... then Mum told me about your visit... Shocking that you were that person... Someone I had read about and seen TV news reports about.

You put quite the spin on their day I must say! Their neighbors were a bit wild and envious hearing who you were and why you had been in town. Mum and dad were the flavour of the week around Fortrose!"

"Well... it felt right to do something after all the silence."

"I know you did right. They were both very perked up and looking forward to seeing more of you."

His Scots burr quieted by so many years with lowlanders I guess.

"Hungry?" He nodded... "Good we just started on a buffet... Come meet our friends and eat."

Graeme offered his arm, we entered the Dining Room... Cho looked up from talking with Wally. I steered us over that way.

Cho and Graeme shook hands, smiles. Stanton had relieved Graeme of his outer things so he was ready to eat.

I turned to our crowd, "Hello all... This is my cousin Graeme. We haven't seen each other in many years but he was nearby so..."

They all said hello and I did the intro's pointing out who was who before taking Graeme to the buffet.

Charles stood up and offered his place beside me. Graeme sat after thanking Charles, he had a full plate.

"I love Indian and Pakistani food. This looks and smells perfect."

I told him about Marandi and that we liked to do this often. I let him on the secret we weren't proper old style English gentry with steaks, roasts and chops every day. He laughed saying he was pretty eclectic in his food tastes and preferred a good curry to a steak anytime. Fist bump.

Aunt Dee and Uncle Craig were very hyped about being here for Christmas and Donella had been sad to have missed our visit. He was on a posting to the MOD from his regiment.

"I saw the beret... the Parachute Regiment?"

"Yes, I jump out of flying things... " he leaned close, quietly... "Twice to Afghanistan."

"Is it interesting work? I can assume there's the element of danger, etc... with the combat and jumping but..."

Graeme got what I meant, "Yes, there's considerable variety right now and if I continue to move up there'd be more. I like interacting with my men, they're always a challenge. They've seen me in action so I'm a known quantity to them. That makes being the boss easier for me."

He smiled, "I've been to the US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning in Georgia. Their motto is one junior officers worldwide have to use... `Follow Me!'

It's a powerful thing when you're in the lying in mud with three dozen men. Inspirational leadership is absolutely required at that level. I have survived to be promoted above that role now but the men knowing I've been there makes all the difference."

I was smiling, "You do sound like you like your work, that's terrific. I have that feeling."

I told him about going to Iran and being asked I why was there. Graeme got it. Fist bump.

"Can you stay overnight? We've got anything you might need."

He laughed, "I've my kit in the car so no worries and I'd like to stay!"

"Do you ride?"

He did but hadn't much time recently. I said we'd fix that!

I went for more food and Charles asked Graeme about his unit. Charles had been in the US Army for a six years after graduating from Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. Vietnam service.

Graeme knew the school, he was into the history of the American Civil War and VMI had figured prominently. They were talking about the Shenandoah Valley when I got back after a few stops around the room and getting Graeme a beer.

I left them to it and chatted with John. He was newly back from Niger in central Africa. They done a wide scale immunization program plus general medical and surgical work. Arid especially in the north and northeast also dangerous since there were Muslim separatist guerillas in the lightly populated open desert spaces.

He done emergency surgery on a captured guerilla saving the man's leg.

"He thanked me afterwards and told me not to stay because although they needed doctors Westerners were almost always shot when captured."

"There's lots of challenges and some danger but it's really a rush to serve people who so badly need basic care. Doing surgery in wild out-of-the-way places is crazy. I was in a surgical theatre all day in the desert two years ago, I finished just before sunset... the sky... the colours were fantastic and... boom! It was totally dark!"

I was in between two folks who'd had lots of excitement in their lives and I was feeling like my experiences of the past two years were similar and not. The much violence aimed at me had been personal.

Francis answered his iPhone and then leaned over speak to Cho. My man made come over motion... I excused myself. Cho hugged me, a kiss, "Francis got the news... the last piece of property we wanted is ours!"

Another squeeze! Fist bump with Francis. As I turned my iPhone binged me, an email from Tehran. Mr. Vajadi saying he was sending the supplemental docs I'd asked for. He had been pleased with the plans I sent him.

Ah... an add-on in the message! The Ministry of the Interior had been briefed about us and had given their opinion. The Islamic Republic of Iran wanted the best... so anyone on our team would be welcomed. Good news! Mr. Vajadi and Mr. Montasser were excited. We would work out a visit for February. I passed it along to Gil.

I told Cho, his eyes lit up, "You my dear are ever so popular!"

We laughed!

We rounded up everyone to go to the Great Room. Graeme got to see the tree and was WOWed! I handed him the box with his ornament. I got a look...

"Fay, this is really nice! Thank you!"

A hug and a bit of red lipstick on his cheek.

He laughed as his handkerchief removed it, "I'll have something to explain now."

Then Graeme gave me the look again... I did a `what?'

"You had the Christmas ornament already made?"

Your parents have one waiting and so does Donella. A very nice and efficient company makes them for us."

He was still shaking his head.

We sat by the fire Jaidee was already there. He was intro'd to our boy. Jaidee got a nice rub from Graeme.

Graeme didn't have a wife or girlfriend, "I've been out with a few girls but I've been concentrating on my work. Now I think I'm in a position to get serious."

I smiled, "And what kind of woman appeals?"

I got athletic, brainy with her own opinions.

I was going to ask more but the Twins arrived!

The whole group got to meet them. I saw Charles look over at me... I went over to him.

"Fay, they're gorgeous! Quite the pair."

Hug!

His grandkids were right there with Valerie as she held Chani. Sydney had Charlie, Sylvia looking pensive. I went over to her, a smile on her face, "It didn't happen for me. We were happy but no kids." A slight shrug.

A hug from me.

Dolly came up beside me, "I know what they mean to you. Congratulations for such beauties!"

Graeme now had Charlie, looking into his eyes. Charlie smiling, reaching out with those little arms. Graeme seemed very comfortable.

"Maybe it is time for a few for you?"

Laughter, "You're right I think!"

I went up with Gil to change. Some of the others too.

In an all black outfit with the Munro Ancient tartan tie, my hat down my back, ready I waited on the gallery for Gil. A big smile! We stopped in the Great Room, a few folks hadn't seen my clothes.

I raised the hat to my head.

Sydney grinned, "Dramatic and romantic!"

Sylvia was laughing at that, "Well, I have something to work up to now!"

I hugged her. Sam and Beverly's sons and family were new to us so I was a novelty. Graeme was in a word... stunned.

"Damn Fay, that is amazing. The tie...?"

"Yes, it's Munro!"

He grinned, "Very nice!"

I said he should come with us, "Do you have some jeans or something?"

He didn't... Cho said he see if what he had would fit. Okay!

My parting... `Come on down' as I waved.

Anthony had Rebel ready, Beverly on DayDreaming, Dolly on Max, Tessa on Con, Raymond on Lu, Gil on Rascal, Francis on Scout, his favorite. I was glad I reminded everyone to bring riding clothes! I let Anthony know there might be more riders. Fist bump.

Rebel was itching to run so we let them go after a warm up. We soared over the grass southward, we quickly reached the Sci Ctr and began to go around it. Past the big old hanger there was a cluster of vehicles on the road with blue flashing lights on top. Someone was having a particular kind of fun so we did a u-turn.

Going north we aimed toward the river at the place where Kate and Dragon had their accident last year. The new path was great, solid. The old one close to the water was blocked. We came out of the trees to see two riders coming up the slope, Graeme and Cho.

We met them. Graeme was fine in some of Cho's things. I told him to put some kit in storage here and come down to ride whenever. He was pleased with the invite.

We jogged along going north down by the river. We talked about the stables and what was in the building program. We had a good ride nothing too wild and headed back.

Cho and I took everyone down to visit with Asda and Hathai. You could see in their faces they thought our family was stunning! That we had a Triple Crown winning horse, several contenders racing next year and more on the way really astonished Graeme.

"Fay, you two really are remarkable! Your year with the horses and the TV network... " his smiled changed at bit, "Chani and Charlie are terrific!"

I gave him a hug.

Charles leaning on the fence next to Sam, gently shaking his head. Sam's smile! Sydney holding Sylvia's hand looking carefully at our beauties.

"Fay, Asda looks so much like Secretariat. Don't you think Sam?"

Sam nodded, "Very much, the big butt and straight legs."

I leaned on Charles, "So what do you think?"

A wonderful look on his face, "Fay, they are beautiful! Their bodies have wonderful form, built to run!"

Sam patted Charles shoulder, "We got to know them a bit in Pleasant Valley. They are even tempered and smart. It shows in the children. Mike, Glaa's jock, always says he's just along for the ride."

Cho explained he been successfully racing in Thailand for nearly twenty years but this pair was moved us into a whole new zone. Everyone was introduced to Mahogany, I gave them her pedigree and Rebel's. Same for Secret Sea. Our ladies and gents were admired.

I could see Wally them over looking carefully.

"Charles is right, they have the perfect `form' for racing. Great bodies and awesome legs. So straight in the back, not too long in the torso, strong haunches!"

Graeme got a good look around and was intro'd to Gregory. I said Graeme might come down to ride. Gregory said to give him a heads-up and they'd be ready.

Graeme and I did a quick change to our luncheon clothes and grabbed a car. PJ came with me. Graeme looked at me and PJ. I said later. We made the short drive to `Go Outdoors' to get Graeme some kit to keep here. I took one of my Kentucky Heat vests to show the manager.

While Graeme shopped I let the manager look at the vest. He could see it was light and well-made and my earnest `it's warm' had him take the business card I brought along. He'd pass it on to the buyers. He said they were always looking...

I said the the company owners would be at Harcourt House in a few days so... The manager said he'd push it! Okay!

Graeme got a good set of clothes and boots. I wouldn't let him pay. Just a `Christmas gift' from me and Cho. He gave in with a grin.

"It'll be good to get up on a horse more."

Fist bump and hug!

Back at the house Kendall took the things we bought and I had Graeme's arm walking across the Forecourt. He could see PJ hadn't gone in.

"PJ is my bodyguard and the leader of our Personal Protection Team. We've been together for a year and a half. He's awesome at his job."

I also went into our Security some and how it all came together to keep us safe. He asked to see the Security setup if possible. I texted Yone... no problem' text when you want to come down'

It was too cold to stay out more. Inside and out of the coats I sat with Graeme in the Library, each in a big comfy chair. I gave him a synopsis of the last two years. My work, my falling in love with Cho, the changes to my body, our marriages, the horse racing, meeting people... I took some time to tell him about my `events' and how PJ and the Personal Protection Team fit in.

Graeme's eyes got VERY big hearing I had shot two attackers sharing the danger with PJ when Dad was attacked. And then the Phuket home invasion thing really opened his eyes, my shooting a robber and our team defending against a force three times our size.

"We're bonded pretty tight. He's a true professional."

Graeme was impressed with the feeling I put into those short sentences. He was nodding understanding the bond.

"You've packed a lot into the last two years!"

I laughed, "Yes, a whirlwind time. The next year won't be as manic but very active with a few surprises for everyone!"

Hearing that Hillary and Bill Clinton would be here the week after Christmas absolutely floored him.

"So what little I read about the American election was close to accurate... Fox News took apart the Republicans with their own words and actions?"

I laughed, "You should meet Kent the head of News. He loved rolling the stupidities and pettiness back over them. Our stories about their candidates couldn't have been made easier with the wealth of foolishness they had put out. Some outright criminality by Trump and others."

I grinned, "Under your hat..." Graeme solemnly nodded, "There will be more of the Trump saga to come."

We did fist bumps!

I gave him more on how this horse crowd here now fit in and who he'd meet the week of Christmas when his folks and sister would be with us. I tried to give him a abbreviated picture of us.

"Now if you come down to ride... staying over is fine and a guest or two is fine with us... Just let Carter know in advance."

Graeme's smile was huge! He was rubbing his hands, "Fay, this so lovely of you two."

There was a good stopping point so I walked downstairs with Graeme when Yone replied to my `ready now?'

I left Graeme with him. I checked the room for Greg and Mr. Hardy. It had a refectory size table, good desk chairs and lighting. Lots of room to spread out their game. It looked great! It was well heated too. A short walk for refreshments!

I went to Carter's office, he was writing on a printout from the Domesday Book. `Wine' when I asked. It was his list of core vintages to keep in stock.

He grinned when I asked about my Cho Christmas secrets.

"It is much easier to plan on storing inanimate objects versus puppies!"

Fist bump! Easy to agree to that!

"But... I do have one very much alive new thing stored at my house... my nephew is officially here now!"

"Great! We must have a cookout to intro him to all the staff!"

Carter was pleased with the idea so he would get it going with Carla. Yea!

Up to change for dinner. Nothing fancy. Black leather pants, snug all over. Red long sleeved silk shirt and black heels. Silver bits and `Joy'

Cho in a black slacks with a pale gray shirt! A light black jumper showing off his torso! OOOOOO! Nifty! He was laughing at my ogling him as he had me.

Cho and I went up to the nursery. A quick stop before their dinner. Love bugs! Chani pressing her cheek to mine those pretty green eyes! She was in a cute navy blue knitted jumpsuit and white booties! Charlie in a forest green version. Kisses and hugs.

Time for one sherry before Carter appeared. We sat to a wonderful onion soup followed by grilled trout with baked vegetable pies. Flaky crust! Hot cross buns and local butter. There was cake, chocolate icing and little horses on top. Ice cream too. Ray and Valerie's two loved that! Me too!

Afters in the Great Room around the big fireplace. Jaidee and the Twins joined us. Jaidee was the one with the chew toy.

I had Charlie on my lap, he had a terrific smile! Like his dad! Sylvia took him after a bit pleased to have him! Chani in Graeme's arms looking like she owned his heart!

They looked over to me... I waved to them and again suggested some for him! He laughed but seemed quite happy to have the little bundle.

We exchanged a few gifts with our guests. I had special ones for Dolly. The tops and skirts really surprised her. Wally gave me a look... I leaned over to kiss his cheek as my response. Dolly was very pleased I would think of this.

Later arm in arm going upstairs, I said I thought she had a sexy figure and ought to tantalize Wally some. We laughed and hugged at their door.

I slipped into the black silk robe... Cho's back was turned as I leaned on the door frame... I whistled... He whirled around with a big smile and open arms which I unceremoniously threw myself into!

Kiss! Cho swept back the bedclothes in a grand sweeping gesture then bent at the waist his arm swung in an arc, "My lady."

I let the robe slide off in a soft swoosh... I decorously slid onto the cool sheet turning to offer myself with wide spread arms!

Cho moved over me... I happily accepted his weight! Kiss! Our arms wound around each other pulling tight! More kissing!

His sex was no longer entirely soft... he grinned as I `pointed' that out... He enquired if I was interested in doing something with now aroused penis?

I kissed him HARD... I softly bit a tasty ear... "Fuck me with that thing!"

Cho slid down to bury his tongue inside me! I wanted his cock but he wouldn't change position. Oh shit!! He had me going very quickly. WOW! He sent shivers through me. Shit!!! He looked up me with a wicked look in his eyes!

One hand came free from my leg to slip up my belly... I watched its slow deliberate progress then the spark when he tugged the little ring!!! Cho worked me... I squirmed with a handful of dark hair as my first orgasm flooded my body flowing upward to explode in my chest... my face burning... Cho's mouth didn't stop.

He kept on... giving me another orgasm before moving up his cock rigid now! One long smooth stroke to fill me up. A kiss tasting like me! His pelvis moving in wonderful motion... There were many angles explored... glittering eyes on mine as he probed my sex!

"Dear I`m in no hurry..."

Damn! I hoped not... the way I was feeling.

Cho's moves awesome! He withdrew to rest his hardon on my vulva. AAAAAAAAAAAAAA he slid the cock like a saw... back and forth rubbing my clit through its little hood. Shit that felt good! He was very good at that!

I watched his hips go further back then he was inside again! I pulled him to me for a long kiss! HHHHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMM

Cho half turned me to my side... he kept his cock in motion raising a leg to his chest! AH Cho! Making me feel so good!!! His pelvis was like the waves on a beach endless... an in and out. Back and forth! Giving me a pleasurable burn!

Another turn Cho didn't withdrawal this time... he was strong but gentle moving me.

On my knees Cho's fingers tugging on my nipple rings... gently but insistently... little lightning bolts!

He paused leaning over me... his muscled chest on my back... ooohhhh I could feel his rigid nipples as he glided up and down my skin.

"Cho I want to see you cum!"

Rolled over looking into the dark eyes... deep pools... a terrific smile... I reached for his nipples... His face tightened as the cock continued to work inside me.

I could see he was close... my legs up... one hand working a nipple the other on his neck holding on as his strokes quickened. WOW... the burn and pleasure mounted in me to another orgasm... SHITTTTTTTTTTTT

I felt it throughout my body... Cho grinning as he went over the edge... burying that fabulous shaft in to the max!!! Holding me as his cum came in spurts. Feeling the pulse was awesome... I really loved that sensation.

I squeezed him hard against me... his face in my neck... warm breath... ragged but easing as I held on!

It was one of my fav things... holding Cho after sex! My orgasms and his blending together... Delicious! My slender body happily supporting his weight... I squeezed him!

"Fay... " very quietly his lips on my shoulder, "I love you!"

Lovely... as if I didn't know! I giggled and repeated the thought aloud.

Cho laughed, "Well I would have thought you had figured it out!"

We were both laughing! Kissing! Squeezing!!

"Hold on!"

Cho rolled us over... me ended up on top stretched out on his marvelous hard body.

I delivered a good kiss, "I'll get the water."

Cho pulled the bed clothes up and urged Jaidee to join him. A quick wash then into Cho's Dressing Room to the small built-in refrigerator. Nice cold water bottles!

We sipped and petted the Brown Flash. He loved it. I loved snuggling with Cho too!

The iPhone's tone grabbed my sleep away. I was ready.

Up and at 'em! Dressed to ride in gray and black, tartan tie and a black cashmere scarf. Jaidee lying there on the Dressing Room carpet watching it all go on me. He gave me a `woof' approval!

In the kitchen Marigold was starting breakfast. She did my scones, I did coffee and went out with the boy. He needed to get to IT this morning... no snooping. He came bounding out of his box... tail up and a big grin! Way to go Jaidee!

His breakfast consumed we headed down the lane. Tessa came running after me pulling on clothes. I shared my coffee and scone. I paid my self-created Pamela `scone toll' to Anthony. He welcomed it with laughter.

He saddled Con quickly. Leg up and off.

A warm up then a hard ride to the lock. "Mornings' to the lock fellow and Roy who was just walking over the weir. We remounted but I wanted to do a tour of all the new property. The first part mixed grass and a few ponds, the Thames Path along the river with Barton Lane the northern boundary part of the way to the railroad.

At the tracks we crossed under on the dirt road then the three parcels on this side went from the river to the Lower Radley bits we already owned. There were several good dirt roads traversing the property going through and around the woods. A good pasture with a big pond that had been part of Archie and Margy's farm. The cows would be moved there sometimes.

I could see our signage, I found a few of the cameras and sensors Yone's folk had installed. More to come.

A Land Rover was coming down the road from Lower Radley as we were stopped opposite the pasture. Angelique rolled to a stop, close but not so to bother the horses. I asked her about that, she had ridden as a girl so...

I told her she could ride if she wanted. A big smile and a thank you.

"Miss, I will!"

Good! I said she could put some tack on account at `Go Outdoors'! She looked pleased.

She replied to my question that she had been a `copper' but we paid better with more benefits... And a lot less hassle every day. She would try to move up.

Tessa leaning over did fist bumps pointing to herself saying `same.'

We moved on through Lower Radley and out the north end on the dirt road. I asked Pamela and she was happy to go! Terrific to gallop on a dirt road in the trees the sun coming out to lighten the day. We followed the river after we cleared the trees.

The lock man smiling, a kindly `good morning' which was returned by us both. He was warming to me!

We saw Mr. Hardy going out for a walk, a chat and my compliments on the latest chapter he'd sent from his book.

"Yes, it's still a bit raw but I'm glad you found it readable."

Laughing I mentioned he shouldn't `over edit' it which got him laughing also. He's be up later to visit the Library. We waved and took off south.

Pamela heated up the grass! We galloped all the way to the property boundary. Con pushed hard to stay close. I asked Tessa to tell the grooms to check him out since he'd worked so hard.

Cho sipping his coffee, Sunny grinning, I got a kiss from each. Only a few days more for Sunny at St. Thomas.

Our guests smiling too! They liked our English breakfast ways! Raymond and Dolly were going out with Francis and Ken also Diana for a good ride afterwards. Valerie and kids, John were going into Oxford with Charles, Sam, Beverly, Sydney and Sylvia getting Gil as tour guide.

Sunny had some interesting things coming up... the first trial on the cross-country course, her family coming and a new school. She was ready for it all!

Graeme had to go to work. Poo! Off to the MOD job he couldn't talk about but he was very happy to have re-connected with me. He would ride with me and play golf with Cho, the Twins charmed him!

Hugs and kisses on the Forecourt. He aimed his car non-stop to the MOD!

We'd talked with Aunt Dee, Uncle Craig and Donella, they'd come down four days before Christmas. They'd be here for the second Open House Tea. Graeme would come down from London the same day. They'd all stay until the 27th. Then fly north together.

Cho and I sitting on the carpet in the Nursery. Charlie looking at me with his father's eyes... a slow developing smile... then it burst out into a whopper of grin. He held me close as I gently wiped a few tears streaks on his cheeks. He'd bumped his knee hard on a table leg but it was all better now. The upset hadn't lasted long.

Chani had a concerned look until the smile came out on her brother... In Cho's arms she was all grins too!

I smoothed out my skirt and started on a book about `trains' for them. I read the first half, Cho the second. It was in English but we translated it on the fly to Thai. It was all about a family of train cars and engines and how they moved around doing their work. It was cute and sweet!

The Twins watched our faces carefully as we read, attentive to the pictures in the book, very quiet. Such sweeties.

Chani yelled out `Jabee' when the very one came up to her later in the Great Room. We sat around the fireplace with the senior member guests. Ray and Valerie's kids were outside riding Iris with Alfred, Ronnie as chaperone.

Early in the afternoon all our guests loaded up to go to Basuto Road. They'd have two days in London with our `terrific' tourist guides: Andrea, Karla and Angela showing them the highlights of the town they might be interested in seeing. Prasert had cars ready to go for them!

We waved our goodbyes for now!

When they came back we planned a big dinner with the next group of guests so they could all meet and mingle. Each group had some cross-over connections! The outgoing crowd would use a second 767 to head home that evening. Sydney and Sylvia would stay overnight at Upperville with Charles.

Dinner tonight was a BBQ to welcome Carter2 to our family. EVERYONE was invited, all Security, all the separate businesses, Archie's farm group, Phillip's staff, Gregory's forces and the inside staff. The new folks over at the music studio. Everybody!

Carla and Sue had a mixed grill of steaks, fish and burgers with all the trimmings, lots of chips in warming pans, salads, fruit, plenty of bread from Maxine and we had gallons and gallons of ice cream and toppings of all kinds.

It was a jeans and jumpers kind of thing and some mac's even though the heaters were working full time. Some tunes on the speaker system. Drinks in hand we gathered all around at the Terrace. Cho and I, Carter and Carter2 at the top. At the microphone, we did the intro, giving everybody the general terms of what Carter2 would be doing and how pleased we were to have him with us now.

Nice applause. We four moved into the crowd, folks shaking hands with Carter2. Smiles and happy faces!

We walked through slowly talking to folks. I slipped my arm through Audra's asking about her plans for when Andy comes home. They would be here for a few days then go to Gloucestershire to visit with her family. Andy had asked her to marry and she would give him her answer when he arrived.

I squeezed, Audra laughed. "It's a yes!"

We hugged. Her eyes bright.

"Miss, he's a really nice man. I mean in every way. He's gentle and loving with the horses and is even tempered. He loves his work and like me he is really attached to the House."

I was pleased for them and proud they felt like that about our home.

"Miss, there's no telling of tales to say everyone feels much the same. You and Mr. Cho have made this place into something... well... special. Sort of old time like but very modern. You have given your trust to us and we have given ours in return."

A big hug.

Carl came up to my shoulder, "Miss, can I speak to you?"

I stepped back.

"An intruder. We are tracking him in the west near the railroad tracks. Mr. Cho is being informed now also."

We went inside to the Security Office. Will and Benjamin were on the desk. In the twilight a man with a large pack and an elongated second bag had crossed the fence near the railroad opposite a copse at the far western side of our property. He'd paused under the trees then run across the open field to the base of a power pylon.

We had video and sensors hidden on the pylon which showed the man clearly. Yone had a drone overhead behind the fellow on FLIR now in the deepening twilight. Yone said his second bag could have a camera with a big lens or a rifle with the barrel or stock off.

He was now in a band of trees, part of the new property purchases. He could cross a dirt road then there's a wood he might lose himself in. Yone had a team going to the underpass at the railroad tracks to stop him going that way. Three Land Rovers were going south from the Industrial Estate on three different routes.

Two sharpshooter teams were at the Boat House in a skiff starting to cross the river.

We watched his progress in the low light FLIR video until he was in the trees then Benjamin switched to the IR camera. The heat signature showed him moving slowly through the wood going to the southeast taking him away from from us. He hit the dirt road at the east side of the wood in sparse trees he turned south back into denser tree cover. He paused there... He appeared to kneel... resting or waiting?

He started moving again. The IR had him going to the edge of the trees then FLIR showed him sprint to a spinney in the wide plowed field west of one of the ugly houses. He stopped and took off the packs. He was doing something with the elongated bag, his arms going up and down and around in the indistinct IR video.

Yone said he thought the fellow had assembled a rifle given the movements.

The intruder appeared to unpack the much larger bag. He moved around then appeared to settle into a crouch in the brush. A brief light we could see from above courtesy of the drone, cigarette? Yone said he might be waiting for full darkness.

Cho and I exchanged looks. Yone had pulled out a binder and was flipping pages. He stopped.

"What can he see from where he is and what could he shoot at? The house he closest to is owned by a barrister who is also a QC. He is prosecuting a major drug gang right now. They have international connections and are very big."

Cho holding my hand, "He can't be allowed to get a chance to shoot."

Benjamin spoke up, "He's appears to be fully prone now facing that house."

Yone had another drone ready to launch.

"Mr. Cho, Miss, one team is on the edge of the wood directly behind him, the pair that were sent to the railway underpass are..." Yone pointed to at a ditch beside a dirt road at the lower end of the large grassy field where the spinney sat, "they have night vision glasses. They say he's prone on top of what came out of the pack with a rifle pointed east."

"The rifle teams went ashore above and below the house by the river. They are now on either flank of the barrister's home. The other two teams in their Land Rovers are 1,000 feet northeast on the road behind a wood."

Cho rubbing his chin, "If he intends to shoot the barrister what's the range? Five...five hundred and fifty feet? Assume a marksman possibly with a silencer... he could easily get away back the route he came in on."

Yone eyes popped up, "The team behind him on the edge of the woods says they can see people movement in the house with their binoculars."

Cho turned to Will, "Call Thames Valley, tell them what we know and have in place. Tell them he could fire at any time. Also we are going to act."

Cho and Yone conferred quickly. Yone speaking quickly but clearly into his mic, "The team behind him move across the open space staying back from the spinney edge just outside, south pair move along the tree line but stay south of him. Eyes on him with the night vision devices. The rifle team to the north go to the house door, get the people inside away from windows. Team in Land Rover number twelve drive to the north end of the field, west side, watch and wait, Land Rover number fourteen drive lights out down the road to the start of the house drive, Land Rover number 15 follow fourteen, dismount and move to the lower edge of the woods at the north end of the field."

"The south rifle team to the ditch just south of the house," a jab at the map by Cho, to a tree line on the edge of the field, "They have night sniper scopes... right?"

Yone nodded as he spoke into his mic as he kept arranging things the way they wanted. The north rifle team was going barrister's house the door. Then he paused... holding up his fingers in an Okay sign. The barrister and family being secured.

A Thames Valley superintendent was enroute to us, they had several firearms teams ready to move.

Yone spun around, "He's fired at the house. Silenced, breaking glass the only sound. No one hit."

He looked at Cho... Cho nodded... Yone gave the order to move in...

Yone's eyes on us, "A second shot fired at the house... no one hit..."

We were quiet...

Yone bounced on his toes, "We've got him!"

"He's in cuffs, ankles bound."

Yes! Good work!

Yone ordered the Land Rover by the house to drive out to the spinney and get the man in the back.

Will relayed the events to the Thames Valley Superintendent in his car. We got a `well done' from him!

Yone recalled the drones, ordered another sweep of our parameter by Will and Benjamin and asked for the team at the house to reassure the barrister and his family the event had ended.

I'd been squeezing Cho's hand through all of this... he got me to ease up and shook his hand.

I laughed, "Hey... I'm not that strong."

A kiss, I hugged Yone. Cho's smile was great shaking his hand. Will and Benjamin were thanked while they did their sweeps. My hands on each fellow's shoulders squeezing as I stood behind them.

"We should go back up." I leaned toward Yone, "You'll catch us up won't you?"

He laughed, "Yes, Miss. Will you greet the Super?"

Cho said we would and bring him down. Fist bumps!

In the Great Room we gave Carter and Carter2 a rundown when Stanton had rounded them up. Carter had a very pleased look, my query got me a smile.

"Miss Martin, Yone is a very good fellow. He communicates with me every day and apparently is a good boss. I got the latter via Audra via Eliza who speaks very highly of him."

We laughed at the via's.

The Thames Valley Superintendent and a few officers were brought into the Great Room by Kendall. He was quite pleased there'd been no one hurt and very complimentary to us for getting the fellow. I had Kendall take them down to Yone, Cho decided to go along.

I went back outside to the FOOD.

I had Carter's on both my arms as we emerged onto the Terrace. I got my food and had Stanton find Gil and Francis. Off to the side I gave them the story. Francis nodding.

"Fay, our Security is awesome. Every penny spend on it is money well spent!"

I was pleased with the `our' too! Francis was definitely fully on board the way we wanted! Family!

I fed myself and mingled. I could see Carter2 was enjoying himself, a smiling face and laughing. I wondered how he might affect Carter? More gregarious? Carter2 appeared to be a socializer.

Smile on my face got me a kiss from the newly arrived Cho. He grinned when I told him my thoughts.

"Well... I think Carter is fine. Who can tell what might happen?"

I got a kiss and squeeze, "They are doing a recap for the Super and his folks. I will get Yone to do a critique for us tomorrow."

Well... I went up to the Nursery with the thought that at least someone else was the target for a change... Shit... Fay... that's wrong!

Still our Security had done us proud!

Chani and Charlie both smiling, arms open! I was well hugged, kisses all around! On the carpet cuddled, I found some soft tummy to play with and toes and fingers counted and kissed. We played with coloured squishy blocks, doing some colour matching and fitting into openings on a soft panel of like shapes. Charlie was in favour of blue I could see. He did get the idea of `square.' Yes!

I went back down to the BBQ. I saw Carter2 talking with Yvonne and Diana. Ah... an eye for the ladies? I was laughing to myself. Carter2 was good looking, appeared to be in good shape and was only twenty seven. Quite marketable. I almost laughed out loud!

Gil joined me with a query in her eye. I told her... she did laugh!

"Fay, what you say is true. It wouldn't surprise me if there was romance in the air at some point."

We hugged and laughed some more.

She said the Cho-Fay flights were on schedule for arrival in the morning. One from Santa Monica and the other starting in Kentucky then through Newburgh. Fist bumps!

The Thames Valley folks took delivery of our newest friend' bundling him off to their nick' in Oxford. They had all his things and secured the spinney to wait for morning to do some forensic work.

The barrister's house would be gone over in the morning too. They were staying overnight with Kate's family since their teenage girl was a friend. The daughter went to Abbey Hill School in Abingdon also.

Snuggled with my guys! A fab way to end the day. Jaidee had been allowed out to the BBQ and was a good dog. He didn't annoy anyone about food just got lots of petting and some ball chasing in the close in garden.

My morning started as usual. Jaidee happy to get his breakfast, Marigold smiling about his waiting to eat. Tara and Tessa came ready to ride. They got coffee and a scone. Loaded we headed down the lane, me trying to get Jaidee to stop sniffling everything!

Anthony had Pamela ready. Max and Con waiting. A leg up and down the grassy lane. We made a quick trip to the lock. My morning friends both in place and smiling. Roy well bundled up by Angie, `taking no chances' from Roy.

Over the bridges I aimed us towards the railroad underpass then towards the spinney of last night's events. Surrounded by yellow tape. A Thames Valley Police car sitting beside the trees. I spoke to the officer inside it, he had only come on duty an hour ago. Not too cold yet. Forensics on their way.

I turned us towards the barrister's home. Another police car outside the house. A sergeant smiling, "So this was your fellows work last night?"

I said yes, we were glad it worked out well.

"It's a nasty bit of business though..." he rubbed his chin, "murdering QC's is well out of order! Russians! They don't respect our laws... funny that since they talk a load of shite about law and order back home."

"Ooops... sorry about that last bit Miss."

"Don't worry Sergeant, I can swear quite well myself in several languages!"

He laughed, "Well your lot did a good job here."

I thanked him and turned us north on the verge of the drive heading towards Archie's place. A car was coming down the drive. It stopped and man emerged.

"I'm Scott Wellans..." he motioned towards the house, "We are very grateful for your people taking care of us last night."

I reached down to shake his hand.

"Well we have you surrounded now so that fellow had no idea what he was passing through. This isn't the time but maybe you should speak to our Security Team leader about our protection and how your home fits in."

He said they would do that.

I asked after his court case... he said today's activities were off after last night. There will be a further assessment and a likely investigation to see if it was indeed connected. I wished him and his family well. We pushed on.

A good trot to Archie's. His nephew Terry was out with the cows, they were freshly milked ready to wander a bit. Terry loving being with the livestock! I asked him about the chickens. He was smiling, "Miss they are really producing. I drive several dozens over to the House every day."

A long hard run to the Industrial Estate. We stopped to briefly visit with Tab and Webster. We three riders shared a cup of coffee from Lotte's and crossed over into Sandford. South now we stayed together as Pamela had her good workout. Some waving with our neighbors as we passed by.

Ronnie was leading two horses down the lane to the track as we went up. Freddie was close behind with Blackstar. I leaned over for some fist bumps and grins!

Cho was sitting with Sunny and Francis in the Breakfast Room. I told him about meeting the barrister. Sunny was `like there was a shooting' interested. I shooed her off to St. Thomas,' she was laughing on her way. "You'll have to tell me."

Charles rang. "Fay would you two mind if I stayed over for a few days more here? I could find my way back there you know."

I laughed, "I'm sure you could and it's fine with us. More sightseeing?"

He never been in London before and liked it very much so far. Angela had been an excellent guide. There were several places he didn't want to miss.

He met Angela's mother Agatha when she joined the group to visit Hampton Court Palace. Angela had asked if anyone minded since her mum hadn't been out there for over thirty years. Okay...

He said Sydney and Sylvia were planning on going home and they'd still do an overnight in Upperville. It was all good with us.

Cho and I took Gil and Francis with us to meet with Yone and his team. PJ and Rande joined us. We chose the Library with its comfy chairs and space.

Yone gave us the Thames Valley Police info first. The fellow was ex-SAS wanted for several other shooting incidents of which one might get him charged with murder. He decided to talk with some limited promises by the CPS, not finalized.

He was hired by a fellow who the police knew was one of the Russian drug gang associates to kill the barrister, given the info on the house and a weapon. He choose to use one of his own rifles as better suited to the way he wanted to do the job.

He didn't know about Harcourt House Security. It had been in the press recently especially with the Sun's efforts to infiltrate being stopped so easily but he hadn't seen any of that. He was shocked to have our people jump him. Also angry to have missed twice! Angry too at not being informed fully about the property around the target. His loose tongue came from his feeling of being `screwed over' by the fellows who hired him.

Yone said the Thames Valley Superintendent let him know the CPS were going to exploit his anger as they do think there's a way to link it to the men on trial not just an `associate.'

Then Yone got to our side of it. Our Security had reacted quickly, communication was spectacular, the drones once more had proved their value with their different cameras and sensors.

Yone said our technology had made it possible for the human element to be so successful. Once the fellow went to ground they had him! The team from the railway underpass using their night vision glasses would have been able to `see' him even if he tried to escape. The drones also.

When he fired it was Amber he fired at as she was moving the barrister out of the lit sitting room. The first shot went behind her, close though. On the second shot, Hassan had given the shooter a false target to draw his fire. He had quickly got Amber's hat and his jacket on the end of his rifle as he crawled behind a settee. The second shot missed the dummy.

Yone said the windows probably helped create the missed shots. They are multi-pane glazed windows and the shooter was looking in at an angle not straight on so there was some refraction from the three glass panels in the frames. It wasn't much but enough.

The south of the house sharpshooter team had the fellow in their sights but held off as Angelique and Franco jumped him. He tried to struggle but they had him cuffed and bound in seconds.

The shooter had done quite a lot of cursing... about the job... the jerks who hired him and more.

I laughed, everyone turned to me, I looked back... "Well he took the work so what does that make him?"

They all laughed too.

As an add-on to our discussion, Yone said the latest from Bangkok on building our own drones had them as heavy duty systems with long endurance and better cameras and sensors. They had some stealth features so their radar cross-section was no larger than much smaller hobbyist drones. They're being tested at the Security training ground north of Bangkok at Sara Buri, along with an anti-drone system for here given the large space to cover.

The anti-drone unit would be on top of the house with 360° scanning arc, capable of jamming on all know drone control frequencies and be configurable to any frequency for the future. It would run off house power but have a battery system as a backup.

The radar would detect an intruding drone, lock onto it, a set of cameras would create a video record and then we would send a directed signal to block all in and out transmission. The drone would in most every situation go straight to ground since they would be cut off from a transmitter sending commands.

We were exploring taking control of the drones ourselves by overriding their signals with ours.

We would impound the drone and inform the police. If the owner was identified they'd be charged under the applicable laws and we would have our solicitors begin proceedings against them.

Yone was smiling, "Sumate sent me the results of the first tests. The new drones are very VERY quiet, the onboard systems work as designed, they run in a frequency outside the normal ones so very difficult to jam. They were still testing but at this time the drones have had an operational time of six hours in the air. HD cameras, FLIR and IR systems. Each would have a transponder and GPS to ID it and the location. They are larger than commercially sold models but so VERY quiet even up close.

The anti-drone device captured every commercial drone model flown into its airspace. Our new drones were caught by the radar but it couldn't jam them until the jamming frequencies were customized to our frequencies then it got them."

He had a message this morning from Sumate that our drones would be able to change frequencies on the fly to avoid jamming. Yone added our tech folks were working a simplified method to trace the origin of the commands transmitted to the offending drone to find the operator. They hoped to add it to the anti-drone device's suite of tools. Nice!

This was awesome stuff. We would deploy the technologies here as soon as... We would consider them on a case by case basis for the other properties. As we had no intention of using them outside of our property limits we would not be infringing on anyone.

Guests!

The first to arrive were Monaco and Ronnie's family from Santa Monica. They climbed out onto the Forecourt into hugs, handshakes and kisses from me and Cho.

Julianne looking at the house shaking her head.

"Fay, I'm not believing this yet. Even though Ronnie sent pictures..."

I was laughing as John and Jack shook hands with Cho. I had one of Monaco's hands, he was grinning.

"I tried to give them some idea..."

Ronnie came running up from the Stables. She jumped into her dad's arms then going to Jack and then over to us.

"Mom! It's so cool that you're here!" HUG!

Ronnie stuck out a hand towards me with a big `thank you' said without a sound.

I saw some golf clubs being unloaded. Monaco smiling, "It's Cho's idea. I'll go out and chew up some grass with him. John brought his."

I let everybody know there'd be lunch shortly as Gil said the other aircraft was now on the ground.

Julianne hugged me, "Fay, I never thought flying was much fun with all that airport stuff ... this was terrific!"

Hug!

Conrad and Stanton took in their bags and showed them to their rooms. Kendal got the outerwear!

Text from Prasert >on the way< to Gil.

Gil with me by the door. She said the money had been delivered to the schools in Chalgrove, the computers were installed in the Chalgrove Primary School. A fellow from the Oxford store had set them up with the colour laser printer and had shown one teacher how it all worked.

We were going to send one of our Security people to do some training on the Apple computers. They would put on software to defend against malware on all their computers.

St. Albans had four relatively new Windows 7 computers. Our Security folks would see if they could be upgraded and if not... put on the best malware defenses possible. A colour laser printer for them.

I suggested Gil come with me on a morning ride over there soon. Fist bump.

The cars with Roundell and Sasha with Thayer and Sondra and the three Collingwood's rolled to a stop by the entry.

I had Thayer in a hug! He was thin but smiling and happy to quickly say he was cancer free at this point! I kissed his cheeks in joy for him.

Sondra! "Fay, this is so wonderful for dad! His first trip since Pimlico."

Sasha and Roundell looking at the house. He was shaking Cho's hand, "Damn! Quite impressive!"

I was hugging Sasha whispering, "It's nice inside!"

We were laughing. Sasha liked my hair!

"I couldn't do that but you look marvelous!"

Ellice and Janice and Jack. Hugs and kisses! The collected Collingwood's enjoyed their flight and were very happy to be back with us.

The crowd got to meet one another in the entryway.

We got them all together outside the Great Room for the unveiling. They loved the room, awed by the tree! I led them to the table by the tree. Ornaments! Monaco putting his up started them off.

Charlie getting it all on camera!

Julianne did the Glass' ornament. Sasha hung theirs and Ellice did the honours for the Collingwood's! Sondra kissed her dad before hanging their glass ball. Everyone stood back to see the whole effect!

Lunch! We were all hungry! A hearty potato soup, lots of warm bread and butter. Cheese, fruit and assorted carrot and celery sticks. The sweet stuff on the second sideboard. Yea!

Sitting around the table chatting about the holidays finding out what their other plans were! Lots of friends and family were in store for them like us!

I had to do some work so Cho gave Sasha and Roundell and Ronnie's family, the `tour' which ended with them meeting up with the others in the stables.

I joined them. Sasha beside me looking at Asda and Secret Sea nose bumping down the fence. We were in the stall with Hathai, she was doing fine. The Drs. Crawford had done checkups for our ladies. So we were good!

"Fay, Asda is so handsome! Such a bod!"

We laughed walking up to change for a ride. Monaco stayed down to have a nice long talk with Freddie and Gregory. Cho, Jack, John and Roundell went off to play golf. Thayer was parked in the Library, a book and Kendall to deliver coffee.

Jack Junior was going to ride with Francis, Diana and Ronnie. Ronnie wanted to show him the estate.

I had Sondra, Janice, Ellice and Sasha with me. All mounted up we headed north. Our neighbors were intro'd as we had a leisurely trot into Sandford. The walk to the church was easy then I turned us to the dirt road. Sondra and Janice remembered from last year, I let Sasha and Ellice in on what was coming.

They followed Rebel and I down the berm until I unleashed him then they became stragglers. Sasha on Max stayed the closest. Max was extending himself lately, looking good and healthy.

We gathered near the training tracks to watch Blackstar go a fast half mile! He was growing up, taller and added some weight. A fine looking young colt, he'd be three this coming year. Maybe he'd tear through some races around here. He was unbeaten right now. Definitely to Ascot! Longchamp was a maybe for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

I went up to the Nursery with the riders in tow. Charlie and Chani intro'd to everyone. Our little charmers! Sasha holding Chani cheek to cheek! They were both grinning!

Going down she said asked about the method we used for the Twins. I steered her into my Dressing Room. I gave her the process we went through pointing out my sister got us going with her offer to donate for us.

"Fay, I haven't done much about this but I know Roundell would love to have kids."

My unschooled advice was to start with her doctor.

The riders cleaned up and were enjoying a pre-dinner drink, Sasha joining me with a Campari and soda, we toasted each other's excellent taste! Sherry for the others. The golfers and Monaco came in. I poured them all an inch of one of Cho's nice old malts. Grins and down the hatch!

Cho said he'd had a decent day... I waited quietly... he laughed, "You're going to wait me out?"

We laughed! Hugs! He shot a 64. Not close to his record round but as he explained he was working on some parts of his game.

"I hit shorter drives to use the long irons more and it felt good! If I just bang out big drives and use the short irons all the time I'm limiting my game."

I could see that. Also he'd made a statement with the 58 so he didn't have anything to prove.

Roundell was shaking his head, "Fay, the man can play golf! The sweetest swing I've ever seen!"

He and Jack did high fives!

The guys cleaned up for dinner. And we waited for the crowd from London. They rolled in to our greetings and drinks.

Some intro's were needed but they mostly knew or knew of each other. We mingled before Carter came in to announce dinner.

Lovely baked fish with a terrific rice and vegetable casserole. A fine white Burgundy from Carter with Carter2 pouring. Little sharp cheddar cheese tarts with a sweet and delicious warm apple sauce at the end!

Afterward we got to have the Twins with us. A large group which the Twins promptly conquered! Everyone became putty in their tiny hands!

We had a nice send off for Sam and Beverly and their family and Sydney and Sylvia. I walked out with Sylvia, a big hug.

"Fay, I loved all of this. If I'm not too forward... please ask me back."

I kissed her cheek, "No worries about that and it won't just be for Christmas either."

Her eyes bright... HUG!

"Fay, meeting you has changed my life a lot!" Sydney holding my hand, a smile, a heartfelt thanks.

I left some red lipstick on his cheek!

We waved the cars across the Forecourt. I was enjoying these visits a lot. We weren't overdoing the length, they got to see a bit of London and we had the pleasure of their company.

Snuggled with Cho, he and Monaco were driving over to Declare's Faringdon place tomorrow. He might briefly stop at Sir Harry and Lady Bella's.

I was going to Chalgrove in the morning to follow up on our donations. Squeeze!

I had a big crowd in the morning! I made it a bit later. Tessa and Tara with Gil and also Sasha. The others were going out with Diana and Ronnie to ride around the estate.

We headed out over our property south of Little Baldon then on a fairly straight line past Drayton Saint Leonard and Newington to the south edge of Chalgrove. St. Alban's School first. It was an easy ride, we weren't pressed for time.

Mr. Foote was welcoming. The new printer was very nice and the malware protection on the student computers much appreciated. He had asked our Security staffers if they could add it to the office computers, they did. So he was feeling a bit easier. We would pay to upgrade their Windows to version 10.

We moved on to the Primary School where the staff offered us tea and cookies! Mrs. Davies was overjoyed with the new iMac's, the laptop and the printer. The Windows 10 laptop had a keyboard issue and the store in Oxford was coming out to replace it. They had a USB keyboard plugged in so the computer could still be used.

"Miss Martin, the students love the Mac's. I can see the money you gave us going out in paper and toner for the printer."

We laughed. I said we'd get them and St. Alban's some extra toner! Fist bump!

On the way home I chose a different route, south of Drayton Saint Leonard then aiming north of Berinsfield. East of Berinsfield we passed over what had been a World War II aerodrome long since returned to agricultural use. Some of the buildings were the beginnings of Berinsfield which is a post-war town.

We stopped on the verge of a farmer's road. We could see some of his buildings on a former concrete hardstand for aircraft parking. I found this and vague outlines of the runways and some taxiways on Apple Maps. A bit of the main runway concrete still in place as a last remnant.

It was a sobering look back at what wartime England had been like. Three large aerodromes within six miles, Chalgrove, Mount Farm, where we were standing and Culham. A quite a few more not far away, some only another mile or so. Thirty five airbases in Oxfordshire alone. England had been turned into a gigantic airbase. Maybe this was the genesis of `Airstrip One' in Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.

We rode around the north of Berinsfield to cross the A4074 aiming towards Kate's house then onto Harcourt House land we turned north to ride hard towards the stables. A good cross-country ramble with a power run home by Pamela!! Yea!!!

We had two days of riding for me and the others, golfing several times and horse talk all the time before Prasert carried them minus Monaco to Basuto Road for a few days of seeing London. Our lady guides would again do the honours for us.

Cho and Monaco had fun over at Faringdon with Adam. They looked at horses and had a few beers. Sir Harry and Bella were up in London so that visit didn't happen. Cho said he left his card, a nice old fashioned gesture. Their butler appreciated it and was VERY aware who Cho was.

Cho laughing with me, "I do think some butter would have melted in his mouth. I believe I was an unusual guest."

We kissed. Oh so easy a thing to do!

Monaco was coming with us to Paris. We would go to Quai Bethune and he would meet with Jonny at Longchamp to plan for the new year. We boarded a Cho-Fay helicopter to go to Reims. A visit with Taittinger's management and advertising folks.

In an hour we descended to a disused French Air Force base northeast of downtown Reims. We had been given permission to land with help from Taittinger's. They also had a limousine for us. The pilots and Penny stayed with the aircraft.

In twenty minutes we were welcomed at the winery. A lovely conference room where we met all their folks. They were pleased to be associated with us and very happy that we would compete at Longchamp in the next season. They had high hopes for our runners in America as we would raise their profile being connected to our stables.

Our other sponsors were very good, we had put much thought into the group which was awesome their manager said. They showed us some ad copy and story board for a video. We liked the way they presented our horses.

We talked about what races and locations in America where we would run. The ad chief said they would have everything for a final review by the middle of January. We said we'd like to come back to meet and see it all plus maybe a tour which got a big `OUI' from them.

A woman from the advertising group asked if we might be in an ad at some point. I smiled saying not likely but thanks for thinking we looked good enough to front for their wine.

"Miss Martin, you and Mr. Cho are a handsome couple, quite romantic looking together."

MMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!

Hugs and kisses, handshakes all around.

The helicopter lifted off and we headed towards the Paris heliport.

We would visit the house overnight and collect Montaigan for a visit to Harcourt House. Millie and Chao were to be with us the next day.

Cars waiting for the short drive. Twenty five minutes to the door. Montaigan was waiting with open arms.

"Ah Mes Amis!!"

Hugs and cheeks kissed. Monaco was introduced before he went to his meeting at Longchamp with Jonny.

We intro'd Tessa and Penny, he'd met Rande and PJ.

Montaigan asked if we could walk out for lunch, he could do with a walk. We were in favor of that.

The woman in the garage apartment who was his part-time cook would make dinner. Fine with us.

We bundled up and headed out to the Brassiere d'Ile de Paris. There was a bit of wind, I was warm with Cho's arm around me. Tessa and Penny were taken aback as we turned the corner on Quai d' Orleans... the view of Notre Dame was splendid. Tessa looked over to me... I had a big grin... Fist bump. Penny too!

Montaigan had called ahead so we got a big table at the back.

Alain was pleased to see us once more. I went up to the bar for an espresso like before. I told him we'd just come from Taittinger's.

"Ah.. did you sample their wares?"

I laughed, "No a bit early for me but they are a sponsor for our racing team. We'll be running at Longchamp in the next year."

We chatted some about the `ponies' Alain did bet at the track but not much. He asked how successful we were with our horses since an important company like Taittinger's was a sponsor?

BIG wide eyes when I told him about Glaa.

"Miss, I have seen video... he's is `magnifique!' The others are slowcoaches beside him."

I laughed at the old word but agreed. Funny how we talked a mix of English and French. I did mention IrishRainbow's fabulous Breeder's Cup race. I finished my coffee, thanking him I went to the table.

Thierry had come up to me as I sipped the espresso to ask what I wanted to eat. Grinning I said `to start the tomato salad, an omelet with fine herbs and the sole' and the apple pie to end. He scribbled with Alain's head nodding.

"Miss, your memory is excellent. So is your French, you sound like a Parisien."

I said he flattered me but it was very nice to hear.

"I do remember what I enjoyed and often like a repeat! In the spring when you change your menu again I will have to start over."

A big grin from me.

Cho welcomed me with a kiss! We ate, chatted, drank and had a fine time. This brassiere was wonderful but we did need to go to others. I knew a few and Cho had a mental list!

He mentioned a few which Montaigan said were excellent! So we would work our way through them.

On the way back we stopped at Calvert's for ice cream. We loaded up!

Going in the door I grinned at Tessa, "Nice scenery?"

Fist bump! "Fay, it's quite special."

Cho and I with Gil and Francis sat for a short while in the Library. We had miscellaneous bits to review and talk over.

We had looked at Thomas' security reports for the new properties. For this house with no grounds around it all the defenses would be right on the building. He would get started once Montaigan had left for Martinique in January.

Some old techniques mixed with new.

The second gave the details of the Frankfurt building. Herr Bucher was very pleased the new security had been installed and up and running with few issues. The tenants were all good with it and the changes to the building access were no big deal.

Gil emailed Thomas we had looked at the Quai Bethune plan and Okay'd it.

We visited with the two ladies on the first floor, Luce and Marie. They were doing `tres bien' and were pleased to see us again. They would miss Montaigan but he had invited them to Martinique. It was much appreciated.

We let them know we'd be around at irregular intervals and some friends and family would use the house.

We told Lucien and Augusta the same earlier. They had become acquainted with the cleaners who would be here twice a week, Augusta her list of tasks for them. Lucien was to supervise some interior work that would be done after Montaigan departed.

They knew we had offered the house to Montaigan whenever he wanted to return to Paris. Augusta squeezed my hand, "Mademoiselle, we would be glad to see him."

A FedEx driver arrived to pick up a dozen boxes of art Montaigan was sending to Martinique. All nicely prepared for shipment by a fellow from an art dealer Montaigan had done business with over the last few decades. The owner himself came by to check the work and be introduced to us.

We would use his services later in the spring when we planned to be here for a while. We would rearrange some of the paintings and then have him make recommendations. He was very pleased to meet us and our possibly using his gallery.

I went through part of the library, the history portion, looking for any books about the Napoleonic Wars which Mr. Hardy might find useful. Montaigan pointed me to four in particular he thought to be well written and reliable. I texted Mr. Hardy about his French language skills, >I can read and write fluently< was his answer. I let him know I had a few treats for him. A >thumbs up and a thank you< came back!

I sat with Montaigan to explain a bit about all that. He gave me a smile before leaning over to take my hand for a kiss.

"Miss Martin..." to him I was Miss Martin, Cho was Cho but no Fay... "you are very special. You save a man's life then rebuild it for him. Tres BON!"

I smiled but didn't say anything. I certainly thought Mr. Hardy had done most of the work!!! I gave him a few tools is all... and my faith which I guess counts too.

In the Drawing Room I encouraged Montaigan to tell us about his home in Martinique.

"The house is about a twenty minute... more or less... drive from downtown Fort-de-France. It is a good road until the turn off from the Route N2 then it isn't paved. In the rainy periods it is messy but drivable. This year I purchased a Renault Kadjar which has four wheel drive. It handles the dirt road easily."

He smiled, "An indulgence... in red!"

We laughed at his phrasing.

"The house is large with a véranda all around the first floor that has ..." his hands making a surrounding motion, "... screens to keep out the flying bugs."

He got a thumbs up from me.

"Well... let me try to start at the bottom. The ground floor is the servants area, there are three apartments and storage. The housekeeper and her husband who helps with the gardens. The gardener and his wife who does some cooking but is so good with sewing and doing my clothes. I have hired a cook, she will be in the third apartment. She will cook for me and the others."

His palms flat rising... "The first floor has the kitchen at the rear, a dining room beside that, across the passage is the sitting room and my library and office. The front is the sitting room. There are four staircases from the ground outside up to the véranda with double screened doors at the top. A graveled walk connects all the stairs, goes down to the beach and goes all through the gardens. Upstairs there are four suites, each has a balcony."

He made an arc with his hands, "The roof is red tile and strongly reinforced because of the hurricanes. We are on side of the island away from the Atlantic and a bit protected but the storms can be quite wild. The slope of the ridge to the east and south and a small promontory help break the worst of the winds. We do lose power and fall back on lanterns One new thing is being built now... solar power panels. We could have lights and a few other electrical bits to work."

"The gardens are good size, not elaborate with local flora and some shady spots to sit and be quiet, a nice sized vegetable plot and herbs. There is a garage which is partly built into the slope, room for two cars and a workshop. Two small apartments above. Tile on top also."

Montaigan showed us some pictures. It looked very nice, pleasant rooms and the véranda had chairs and tables, lounges and a hammock scattered all around! The beach was a short walk down to the west. He said there was a small boat than was kept on the shore. You would get sun or shade near the water.

It looked to be a very comfortable and pleasant home. Montaigan smiling `he was looking forward to being there.'

Monaco arrived from Longchamp. He was confident with Jonny in charge there. We had good stables and staff. The horses would ship in early spring and do workouts there and at a suburban track.

Montaigan's part-time cook was working on our dinner. She had the young woman from the other apartment as a helper, her university term was over. Their husbands were sitting in the kitchen doing some kibitzing which had their wives laughing.

Montaigan smiling asked them to let the ladies get on. Our introduction to all four was much to their surprise. Montaigan hadn't told them or the students who lived on the top floor who bought the house... we were quite the shock... Montaigan enjoyed that!

I kidded him back in the sitting room.

"Miss Martin, one has to have a bit of fun every now and then... besides it wasn't their business. I told them you were an important business couple, wealthy and influential... perhaps that was an underestimation?"

I hugged him as we all laughed at his bit of amusement! He said they had been asked not to talk about his selling the house, he added to that they weren't to say who we were.

His part-time cook did a wonderful dinner. A creamy leek soup, delicious. Poached fish covered in a light hunter's sauce with vegetable tarts, dill roasted small potatoes, lightly crusty bread. The ice cream we bought earlier... terrific!

Back in the sitting room with drinks and a few chocolates. Montaigan had a bag packed to spend a few days with us at Harcourt House.

Upstairs with Cho, snuggled! I was being petted which was quite nice. My body felt tingly after Cho stroked all of me! I was going to return the favor...

"No, tomorrow. We must be up early."

Warm body against my back. Sleep.

I was up before the light. Down stairs in trackies and trainers, a knit hat. Out the door with Tessa who was the one on duty. We went around the block on Rue Poulletier then up Rue Saint-Louis en l'île to the Boulangerie Saint Louis, the green grocer for fruit and the Martin Marcel bakery. Chocolate eclairs and a whole pistachio-apricot tart! Yes!

Back to Quai Bethune via Rue des Deux Ponts.

A nice walk and good shopping. Tessa didn't offer to carry anything. When I unloaded I hugged her. She said she felt sorry for me with all that but she knew the drill!

She laid out the fruit and sweets, I did the coffee and she got out the bowls. I got the loaves in the oven!

Montaigan came in with a smile, "Miss Martin, once again you have been magical! A delicious smell."

Cho with the others arrived quite soon. We all sat sipping from our coffee bowls and munching. The baguettes sliced, buttered and toasted went over well. The sweet things quickly disappeared!

The tart was fabulous! Everyone got a good size piece! We cleaned up the kitchen then ourselves. The cars arrived and we zoomed to the heliport.

Montaigan liked the aircraft. He said the last helicopter ride for him was in a sagging web seat with a load of dirty men and a lot of weapons. They were in back country Djibouti flying to their base on the coast near the capital. They'd spend a week in the bled walking the border checking the markings and a meeting with their Ethiopian Army border counterparts.

All very hot, dry and boring. A typical army operation.

He laughed, "We staged out of Dikhil, a scraggly town, odd it was my last mission. It was as near to the middle of nowhere you are likely to find. I had a whole brigade of paratroopers spread around Djibouti. Dropping in on them was not exactly exciting for them or me."

He left active service on his return to the Metropole.

We crossed over the English Channel, the pilots had the pedal down doing nearly two hundred miles an hour. Cho asked them to do a swing by Harcourt House so we could see it at a slower speed than a big jet.

At four thousand feet the house looked grand, imposing. The large Forecourt acting like a welcome mat. The trees without leaves gently swaying in a breeze. There was a lot of activity around the stables, horses in their paddocks, staff doing things, movement of all sorts. Very alive.

Montaigan looking down with a smile, "Cho, it is marvelous!"

He turned to me, "Miss Martin, you both should be proud. It is a wonderful looking place."

I said I hoped he liked it as much up close. A grin.

Prasert ready as always carried us home. That gravel under the wheels sound that I loved!

Carter with Kendall and Conrad out front. I intro'd Montaigan. Carter said, in perfect French, he hoped Monsieur would enjoy his visit and to ask for anything he might need.

Montaigan looked pleased.

Gil got a text, "Fay, Chao and Millie are inbound, twenty five minutes from wheels down."

Gil and Francis would get to meet them and they'd meet the Twins. Like last year they would come with us to the St. Thomas School choral Christmas event.

Shorn of outerwear we led Montaigan into the Great Room. A smile, bright eyes!

"My you two, it is a beautiful room... the tree is very grand."

Cho held out a box for him... the bright eyes were moist with his ornament in his hand. He hung it up.

We hugged and kissed.

"Thank you for thinking of me. I had stopped doing anything about the holidays."

A squeeze by me, "Then you should come to us every year for a bit of the season. Yes?"

He nodded, the smile very broad now.

We all sat by the fireplace waiting for Chao and Millie. I told Montaigan a bit about them and Eric and Malee who would here tomorrow to visit with us.

Carter signaled the car approaching. We went out front to greet our friends. Hug and kisses. Lots. My dear friends, a riding companion for me and a golfing buddy for Cho.

We introduced them to Montaigan. I liked sharing our house with so many friends.

I led them to the tree. Big smiles as Millie hung their ornament.

Charlie on duty! I intro'd him as Charles, as I was told by his mom Carla, he preferred it that way now. Okay!

Carter2 brought the news lunch was ready.

MMMMMMMMMMMMM Very tasty fish cakes with a citrus sauce, baked new potatoes with rosemary, crunchy lettuce salad with a raspberry-vinaigrette dressing, bright yellow yolks popping out of brilliant white boiled eggs nestled in the greens beside bright red cherry tomatoes. Little white crusty loaves!

Carter added the wine... terrific. Domaine Joseph Drouhin Batard Montrachet, dry, mildly lemony with a hint of a field of summer flowers scent.

I was watching Chao, our gourmand, as he ate lunch. A few side glances to Montaigan... their faces were delightful to see, enjoyment, pleasure! It was awesome!

I winked across the table to Millie with a head gesture to Chao. Millie smiling as she nudged Chao with her nose. He looked up to see me...

"Fay, may we please stay with you forever?"

I laughed out loud! Cho's grin was wide, "Millie do we adopt him?"

She was good with it. General laughter!

Montaigan beside me placed his hand on mine, smiling in agreement with Chao!

We gathered in the Great Room with coffee. Our friends well fed, all smiles. We talked about the choral concert, Montaigan definitely wanted to be included. He loved Christmas music. So he would stay an extra day.

The lower Forms Christmas play was a few days later.

Chao and Cho were going to play a round of golf. Millie and I would ride as Montaigan wanted to nap as we'd gotten him up early' this morning. Jaidee was staying up in the house today, Montaigan said when he arose they could go into the garden? We gave him a thumbs up for that and a Just ask one of the staff for his lead.'

Montaigan gave me a bow when he saw my black and grey riding clothes.

"Very fitting for you, Miss Martin."

I got my hand kissed then Millie!

Millie smiling at we walked down the lane, "My backside will be sore I haven't ridden for several months. I got in a groove them a terrible head cold wiped me out and so I had to stop for a time."

Tara joined us, since the bit of `fun' the other day Cho didn't want me to ride alone if I was leaving our property.

I made a visit to Pamela, a sweet girl. Crunched the apple happily. Hug and kiss for her.

We got a leg up from Ethan. Rebel was READY, Max and Lou too. Charlotte was down around the cross-country area on DayDreaming walking it.

"I'm going to run it tomorrow with Yvonne. I need to ride it for myself."

Fist bump!

We three went up around the hill to Harcourt Close, I wanted Millie to see it. We stopped at the end of the road, I pointed out what we were doing. She liked!

Over to the Oxford Road at Baldon Lane along that into Marsh Baldon. A turn north beside the Green to the White Ponies Pub. We tied our horses across the road. An old building, nice inside with older style furniture.

We got a basket of chunky cut chips to share and a pot of tea. There weren't many folks around and we were a bit different than most.

"Are you lot from Harcourt House?"

The man had a pint in hand and looked a bit wobbly. Tara was up next to me blocking any advance. The barmaid tried to get him to go back to his table... he pushed her away.

Another man approached behind the drunk... "Pat come away man!"

`Pat' seemed to want to say something but was having trouble articulating.

Tara was blocking me and Millie confronting him.

`Pat' was wavering... I stepped behind Tara... whispering, "I'll get the beer... you get him."

We did that as Tara arms gripped `Pat', she lifted him and dropped him softly into a chair at the table he started out from.

His mate took the beer I put into his hand, looking bewildered.

I guided him back to the table as the pubkeeper showed up. He apologized for the fellow but I stopped him.

Sotto voce... "No more for them... Okay? They're both over their limit!"

He looked crestfallen at my criticism. Asking if we were hurt in any way.

"We are fine but we didn't need this."

I left twenty £'s on the table and we left.

The barmaid came out behind us, "Miss Martin, please don't think badly of us... Pat, is my bosses' cousin, he's a drunk but has never done anyone any harm. Not once."

Beside Rebel my gloved hand stroking his muscled neck, "Every pub probably has one of those..." I looked at her, "We're sorry to have met yours."

We turned around to go under some trees westward then a hard left going back toward Baldon Lane.

I said `sorry' to Millie who said it had been a good idea, no fault of mine. I had already thanked Tara.

When we off our horses Tara asked me why I did what I did in the pub.

"I could see he was too far gone to do anything especially with you protecting us. So I thought taking the beer would make the denouement quieter."

She grinned, "You didn't spill a drop did you?"

"Of course not! Beer... In a pub? Never!"

We all laughed, Millie leaning on me holding on.

In the Great Room we decided not to change until the guys came back. I did ask for tea since we missed ours at the White Ponies.

Sitting by the fire as the tea arrived. A plate of ginger cookies and slices of the fruit cake from those nice people in Texas! Yea!

We enjoyed this tea very much. Leaning back into the settee Millie and I covered each other's doings since they had been here for our wedding. Their two `kids' were great. The daughter was in love but the man had come to Chao privately and said he didn't want to her hurt but he wasn't ready for marriage.

"I gathered she had spooked him by referring to marriage one day. I talked to her, she upset he had not come straight to her which I cannot blame her for thinking that. They are talking to each other now and we will see what comes."

I gave Millie a précis of our Triple Crown win and all the successes that followed. The 21st Century Fox takeover with a few bits of inside info and the birth of the Twins.

With that thought I texted Tha about visiting. She said they were coming down for a garden tour so a stop by the fire was easy. Okay!

We had our hands full shortly. We had smiley babies in darling jumper sets which I'd found in a shop in Bangkok. Chani a bright green hummingbird on her white outfit, Charlie a green and red parrot on pale blue. Knit booties and hats! Such sweeties.

Millie laughing as Chani yelled out a Ba Wa' Charlie following with a Ma' which of course made me feel special. Ha!

Montaigan and Jaidee came in from their walk, Chani almost deafened Millie with her `Jabee!' The Twins were on the carpet with Jaidee, he got in some licks which were greeted by giggles and rubs.

I was leaning back watching when Charlie was sitting up looking proud of himself for that stuck out a chubby arm towards Jaidee... "Jabee" at a high volume.

I jumped! He repeated it several times, Chani joined in so we had a chorus! Millie laughing holding on to me.

Montaigan was laughing loudly. Tha almost bent over with her own laughter... then Cho and Chao walked in.

Happily both of the Twins repeated their feats so `Daddy' could enjoy! He scooped up Charlie for a hug. Our son giggling, squeezing his dad's head. Chao had Chani with Jaidee woofing! We were quite loud. Delightful happy noises!

I saw Carter in the doorway with a huge grin. I waved him over... it was awesome to see him holding Chani. Her little hands squeezing him, a big smile!

Charlie sitting up with me on the settee looking very cute. Jaidee rested his head on Charlie's legs... the small hands rubbing the warm ears... they broke the cute meter!

Suddenly I realized Charles, our photographer, was getting all this. I thanked him, he gave me a thumbs up! Funny he wanted to be Charles now not Charlie! Growing up.

Tha did get the Twins ready for their outing. Bundled up. We all waved goodbye as they rolled out! Well that had been extraordinary! Charlie speaking his first real word, Jaidee was certainly immortalized again as Chani had done earlier.

Montaigan leaning over, "There's plenty of excitement around here!"

I kissed his cheek, "Well we don't want guests becoming bored with us."

I parked my butt in Cho's lap in the office. A bit of kissing took place which was as it should be. Nice too!

I told him about our abbreviated visit to the pub. I shrugged, "I don't know what he wanted to say but he didn't appear threatening except that drunks can be unpredictable."

"Sounds like you figured him out and you two handled it well."

A squeeze. I moved to a chair so we could talk face to face about a few things before going back to join the others.

A second apartment building in Seattle on Queen Anne's south slope was a done deal. Twenty four units, half and half between one and two bedrooms. It was an older brick structure, handsome to look at. A parking garage, washer/dryer/dishwashers in each apartment, we would bring in a cable signal to all, no storage but there was a super's apartment so we would use it for Security to setup in. It was two blocks from the first building, a short walk to the day-care and after school rooms. On a bus line and brief walk to a bus hub.

Nicolas' report on the Seattle housing market saw it still rising in apartment costs but we expected a glut in rentals from the overbuilding to ease that within two years. Even with some slippage it was way over-priced. Offering housing at a subsidized rate made us more competitive in the job arena.

The looming glut helped us play hardball in negotiating with the previous owner for a good price. We got an even better deal when we said we wanted to pay the full negotiated price upfront.

The presence of amazon's HQ had corrupted the marketplace. We were leveling it out. For us this is a business choice we'd repeat. We had an estate agent looking in the western half of London for properties which we could do the same. They had a large decommissioned firehouse and a nice looking older brick block of flats in the frame now. The London Tube's coverage made it easier for folks to get around the city than Seattle.

The building on the beach in Venice would gradually be all our people or guests suites. The main building on Minetta Street in New York was going that way already. Plus we bought the apartment house further along the street so Gil and Francis had their own permanent places and our Security folks had nice stable housing.

Several wooded acres on the road between Sam and Beverly's farm in Pleasant Valley and the Stone House we used on our visits would have clusters of cottages for workers. The designs looked good, so we now need to complete the planning process and get permits. Then bids from contractors. Homes for a dozen workers and their families.

Upperville had a very good housing for the current staffers, if we expanded that would change. In Santa Anita a real estate firm Cho had used in the past was looking for either existing housing or property near the track where we could build. Paris like Southwold was a transient location, the permanent staff was already taken care of quite well.

Bangkok was different. We had over a dozen buildings in the city core, some Cho had owned for thirty years or more. They were in fine shape and we had workers mixed with regular tenants and temporary and long-term guests in some of those. We had plenty of space.

Of course Harcourt Close here along with new Quads and the older apartments. We would be in excellent shape.

Yes, there's an whiff of paternalism in all this but we only wanted to help not control our employees. Not even in a back-handed way. Well below market rates for housing meant we could have a wider field of candidates for our job openings. No one would have to commute long distances from cheaper housing in suburbs ripping time from their lives. There was no reduction in salary to `make up' for our costs.

We were very pleased with it all. A circle of trust and loyalty.

Eric and Malee with Anne got here in time to change for dinner. The little cutie going up to the nursery with Ellie. Hugs and kisses for our friends. Intro for Montaigan. Cocktails!

Malee drew me aside, "You are still planning to have Ba stop with the Twins?"

I nodded, a smile, "Can we speak to her about staying with us? I'm having trouble producing enough milk for Anne and we want her to breastfeed more."

We went up to the Nursery. I asked Ba to come talk with us. Malee explained her situation.

Ba holding my hand, "Miss, I am fine with doing it but for how long?"

Malee said the doctor would like at least three more months of nursing. Ba's face was quiet, considering...

"If there is no problem about Pinky I will do it."

Malee hugged her, "Pinky is sweet and we hope you will be comfy. We have a nice room with lots of space and it is sunny. You will be most welcome!"

It was agreed that Ba would reduce her time with the Twins much further and take up Anne right away. Malee would stay with us through Christmas. Eric would come down any time he liked.

After Christmas they would all go to Cheyne Gardens to settle in. Great!

I detoured us into my Dressing Room. Malee in my arms, big hug by the windows.

"We will keep Ba on our payroll."

Kiss!

Malee took Eric off by the Christmas tree... they talked... Eric's head swiveled around to me... I blew him a kiss! They hugged. Cho grinning, asked about the pantomime. I held his face for a kiss and gave him the news.

On the way into dinner Eric hugged me, shook hands with Cho.

Carla's dinner was awesome. Lemon grilled sole, asparagus grilled alongside with garlic and fennel, shallot potato purée and glazed carrots. Cross buns from Maxine and our local butter.

The caramel tarts were under a marvelous strawberry custard! The tastes worked well together!

Carter's portion was the Bouchard Pere et Fils Chevalier Montrachet la Cabotte Grand Cru. He was watching Montaigan as he took in the aroma and tasted it. I was across the table... I could see in his eyes how good it was.

Carter was pleased with our enjoyment of the food and the wine. And the raised wine glass from Montaigan towards Carter showing his pleasure, a nice fillip for Carter.

Around the Great Room fireplace we watched Jaidee destroy a chew toy. He was very good at it!

The men's noses in their cognac gave me a smile. Millie leaned against me, "You are watching too?"

I nodded. The first sips after the warming and noses was great! Cho knew what we were doing.

I motioned Malee to sit on my other side, we let her into the little game. A sweet smile as she homed in on Eric.

Cho let the others know what was going on. All the men made a line in front of the fireplace gave us a synchronized bow! Hurrah! That was from the ladies. We all laughed.

My threesome broke up as we hugged our men. I had Cho on one side, Montaigan on the other.

Cho and Chao gave us a golf report. Cho shot another 64 doing pretty much the same play as last time. He was enjoying himself. Chao had a 74, he was pleased.

"The course is tougher than Cho's score shows. He's just too good!"

Cho got a kiss on the cheek from me.

The morning was cold! I had on Kentucky Heat bits top and bottom today! Tessa had on some we got for our staff, Millie had some from the `house stock' we bought from Roundell for guests.

He'd be back this forenoon to meet with some of `Go Outdoors' top management and buyers. We offered our Library for their meeting and a lunch. A subtle way to put our imprimatur on Roundell's fine products.

Down the lane after the scone'ing' of Cormac. He intro'd us to Declan, a new groom, just joining us. I shook his hand with a welcome.' He was twenty four, pale brown hair and green eyes from Wicklow.

South! Cormac waved his acknowledgement. We warmed up then a good ride to the lock. Our usual friends were all smiles, chilly but Okay. Roy said he and Angie would be up for the Open House in a couple of days. Thumbs up from me.

Con and Rascal were old pros crossing the water now, Pamela just looked at it like... whatever. We rode northward through what was now all our property. I asked Security to do some texting to me as they monitored our trip. We were a test of the new `defense in depth' layout.

Some cameras but more sensors in the wooded areas to be able to `see' the progress of anyone passing without a drone overhead and we could vector a drone's flight to a specific sensor location.

At the Industrial Estate we walked through waving to our folks. I did intro myself to the new networking company people out back of their building. The owner said we didn't have to worry about them being drug smugglers. It was a laugh now.

In Sandford we paused at Mr. Hardy's, his head out the door at our hoof sounds, he'd be along in an hour or so. Thumbs up.

South again I asked Pamela when the grass was under her hooves... zoom! We were rocking all the way to the property boundary. Millie on Rascal was closest, Tessa on Con near to her. I was stroking Pamela's neck as they joined me. We walked to cool everyone. The training tracks were empty. Up the lane we met Freddie and Ronnie about to descend. Fist bumps in passing.

Millie and I found the guys with newspapers and coffee. We delivered kisses and rounded up some eggs and toast for us. Munching! The golfers were going out shortly. I asked Montaigan if he'd ever golfed... a smile and a `non.'

The smiled broadened, "I have never been one to play sports, some time with cards but not sticks or balls."

Ah... Cho grinned and suggested a friendly' bit of poker later? Montaigan was quick with a Qui.'

Eric said Malee was up with Anne, his quick look at the time brought she'd be down in fifteen minutes or so. We three waved goodbye on the Forecourt to the golfers.' Grinning!

Tonight Rona and Reg would be here. MFA to be installed upstairs. The crowd in London would be back for dinner and their return to America.

In my Dressing Room after a nice hot shower... just chilling for a bit with a book... Charles called. He was going to stay longer but he'd move out of Basuto Road. He was to use a guest room at Agatha's. He was quiet for some seconds... "We get on, we've both had a loss... We are at loose ends and money isn't an issue. So she'll be my London tour guide. She says she hasn't gone out much since her husband died so I'm a catalyst for her!"

"We're good with whatever you want to do. Keep in touch and give us a heads up when you might want to fly back to Virginia."

Okay! I sat for a few minutes thinking Charles was opening up... I think it's great! He's grasping an opportunity! He's right... no big responsibilities or money worries. Cheers!

I said I'd call Beverly, I would wait until later when she'd be done with her morning things. Then Daniel in Upperville.

I knew Cho would happily give a thumbs up!

A black pleated miniskirt, white cutoff t-shirt, my big checked black and red flannel shirt, black tights and ankle boots. Silver bits and `Joy'

I got Mr. Hardy and Montaigan setup in the Game Room to talk about the Napoleonic Period. Montaigan had the four books I'd picked at Quai Bethune. Kendall was going to take in coffee for them shortly.

Roundell came into the Great Room with Sasha. I hadn't expected her until dinner.

One more time to ride with me! Hugs!

Roundell thanked us for hosting the Go Outdoors' folks. They were a large-sized company across the United Kingdom with an excellent reputation. The Kentucky Heat' clothes weren't just for riders and Roundell had begun doing promotions into other sports for their gear.

Carter escorted the 'Go Outdoors' people in. Intro's all around since we were all new to each other. They were impressed with the house and the decorations. Conrad helped them get settled in the Library, he would provide anything they needed and a coffee/tea service in a short while.

Roundell had a table with many samples for the 'Go Outdoors' folks to look at and fondle. Fist bump with him as they went in. We had a buffet lunch planned for them.

I sat with my iPad for my daily chat with Jian. Jian said the next health clinic opening was for the last week of February. She and Anong had done the second and third clinic openings in Bangkok. It was their show and we wanted them to completely manage it. We would go to the one in Korat since we'd be in Bangkok and it was Ting's family town! A chance to see his parents with Caroline at home! Her first big trip.

Jian would come to Harcourt House with the Bangkok crowd. Ting and Andrea with Caroline would be here already.

I called Beverly and told her about her dad. That Charles was chirpy sounding made her laugh, "He's been down for years since mother died. I hope he's having a good time! I didn't meet Agatha because we went to the Globe Theatre that day."

I said he knows we'll arrange his travel whenever. All good.

I called Daniel. There was a laugh, "Miss Martin, I said to Flo and Mykel months back that you'd bring him out of the shell he's been in. We're all very happy for him."

Sasha joined Malee and me in my Dressing Room. I wanted to ask her about she and Roundell coming out to Bangkok and... Phuket. Malee knew that I wanted to do this with Sasha and Rona. My supporter!

We sat as I explained about the `golfers' as an all-men thing with an all-girl thing at the beach house. I told Malee that I'd do the same as I had last year... she was in favor of that.

I stood up and took a feet steps forward, I turned to begin undressing as I described the girls meeting at the beach. Sasha, no dummy, saw what I was up to and stood to start peeling clothes. Malee gave out a whoop and joined in.

Three naked ladies holding hands.

I drew Sasha against me, arms around her slender waist, nipple to nipple, "So girlfriend you want in?"

She laughed, we kissed and pressed hard on each other. I reached out to Malee... she squished on us. We kissed... then she and Sasha. My hands pressed firmly on their vaginas... they each grasped for mine and each other! We stood kissing and caressing! Very nice!

"Fay, I would be thrilled to go to any beach with you!"

We laughed some more, a big hug! I gave her my ground rules about who I would have sex with or not. I said she should decide however she wanted.

I giggled, "But be sure to go with this hot momma!"

I lightly tweaked Malee's nipples. We were all laughing kissing and rubbing! Sasha's arm around my waist, Malee crushed on my front. A kiss from Sasha.

"I want to go with YOU!"

"YOU will!"

We put our clothes back on giggling the whole time. I got Stanton bring us some coffee. We sipped before lunch... talking.

Sasha's sex life in high school had been only girls. A huge smile and a lick of her lips.

"My best friend was a cheerleader like me. We practised our moves together, as sophomores we were the youngest ones. Sitting on the floor of her room in late summer in bikinis, a bit worked up from jumping about we were leaning against each other. I stroked her tanned thigh saying how good her legs looked. I let my fingertips glide up and down... she shivered... I asked what? Melinda said my touch did it.

Wow... I let my hand slide across her tummy and it happened again! She put her arm around me pressing her face on my shoulder... like holding on... so I kept petting her. She had nice `C' sized boobs my fingers danced across her cleavage with brief stops on her prominent nipples which got me another big twitch."

Sasha laughed, "I was enjoying doing the tease. I pressed my palm onto her sex mound... the bikini fabric was thin... I could feel her labia... more pressure and sliding by me gave Mel an orgasm. I was amazed... she had tears and trembling. I kissed Mel on the lips easing over to lie on her. I was going for it then... my pussy on hers... Mel lifted her hips to press back against my downward pressure. We rubbed for a few minutes... Mel had another orgasm... her hands on my ass cheeks griping and pressing."

Sasha's eyes closed in her reverie. I squeezed her hand, a smile.

"We lay there for a short while... lightly kissing... Mel said many thanks with her kisses. She'd never had a climax before, masturbation had been great but not like my touch. I knew I had a wicked grin on my face when I moved down taking Mel's bikini bottom with me! There it WAS my first up close look at a pussy that wasn't mine. She like me had trimmed hair for small swim suits. Her labia were proudly curved. She eye locked with me as my tongue slid down parting her vagina. Her scent was fabulous! I told her so before dipping into her heat. Her moans so loud I thought the whole house would come busting in."

Another nice smile, "There I was eating my best friends pussy! It was an outrageous thing! My mouth devoured her... Mel was rocked by several more orgasms before she begged me to stop. I wasn't going to until I heard her voice say she wanted to eat me."

Sasha over leaned to kiss me, "Well I found I could orgasm that day... BIG... I mean BIG! We did a sixty-nine for some time then lay on her bed naked... happy and sated for now. Her mom did call up about a snack, Mel yelled we'd be down. So we cleaned up and went back to the world. After that we were lovers, sex every week for several hours, sleep-overs..."

Sasha had a cute devilish look, "A friend to both of us sussed out we were spending a lot of time together. She was a basketball player, cute, black with a wonderful set of curls. She came over to mine one day when Mel was there. I'd wrenched several orgasms from Mel's body with my tongue and fingers. We'd gotten into eating ass and that day I'd fingered Mel to orgasm as I ate her delightful tush. We were sort of lazily draped over my bed in our clothes as Mel was about to go."

Malee moved over to sit in Sasha's lap, a kiss! Sweet.

"Tosha sat on the bed next to us looking us over... I guess she could smell the sex... she leaned over my cutoff shorts crotch... a sniff... `Are you two doing the dirty?'

Mel reached over to lift my crop top showing my boobs which were tender from some serious sucking she'd done... puffy nipples. Tosha's tongue flicked around my right areola... tingling! She began to suck... Mel moved around us to kneel in front of Tosha working her sweat pants down... Tosha let her do whatever... her mouth and a hand were very busy with my titties.

There was a low moan from her... I could see Mel's face buried in Tosha's pussy. We stayed like that for a while when Mel stopped because she had to get home. She kissed me letting me taste Tosha... a hard kiss for Tosha. When she was gone Tosha and I ate each other for fifteen minutes or so... she had to start dinner at her house.

She was dressed but my hand was in her panties... we giggled, kissed and she was gone."

Sasha kissed us both, squeezing Malee.

"We three got together often. Tosha's mother and father had divorced and Tonya, her mom, had a girlfriend so our playing with each other was Okay by her. So we had a safe place. During the next school year Amanda joined us.

Amanda Chou was every teacher's idea of the perfect student, smart, worked hard and volunteered for things. That volunteering got her mixed up with us. We had a student government project to raise money for new video equipment for the school.

Mel and I were involved, not whole-heartedly though, Amanda was the leader and tried to chivvy us along. We were at Tosha's, lazy after some pussy eating in a big circle, a favorite thing to do. Amanda came over from my house when my mom told her I was at Tosha's. Tonya's girlfriend was downstairs and thinking Amanda was with `us' sent her up without warning.

Amanda walked in on three naked, tasty girls laying in a pile on Tosha's bed. She stopped dead in the doorway... deer in the headlights kind of look... Tosha said `Come in and close the door or go away!'

To our surprise she stepped forward and shut the door. Amanda was gawking and Tosha seriously not shy told her to strip down and climb on which she did! I had a naked Chinese girl on top of me who jumped when Tosha eased her hand between those slender thighs from behind. I kissed her, Tosha fingered her, Mel worked her right nipple with several fingers then a tongue tip.

There was a quick transition... Amanda at my urging moved to sit on my face... Tosha went down on me and Mel straddled my head to feed her sex to Amanda. WOW... WOW! We went at for an hour in different combinations. At the end Amanda was one of us!"

Sasha laughed, "We became a sort of mafia! A few other girls hung out with us and occasionally participated... we four were tight! We did date some boys but it was always for like a dance or something where two girls going together would have been a BIG thing. Graduation was the beginning of our bust-up. That summer we had some hot times but each of us was going to a different college, all out of town. So autumn was the end."

A sad look, "We got together some at breaks but never like before. Mel and I were the closest, she met a terrific guy her college senior year and I was her bride's maid the next spring. Amanda went to Taiwan to do research in tropic medicine and fell in love with Taipei. Tosha became a school teacher, basketball coach and has a gorgeous partner, Abigail.

I did a degree in Communications and started work in Nashville doing radio production, script writing and some voice-over things. I produced a video for a stud farm in Louisville which is how I got around horses. That got me more work and I started a separate production company doing videos for webpages.

I met Roundell when he hired my company to do some work. We liked each other so once the contract was finished I agreed to go to dinner."

She laughed, "There was a lot of driving between Lexington and Nashville! I found Roundell to be funny and SMART! He knows horses! I got to ride all I wanted. We had fun! We went to a few races to watch some of his horses. Now mostly we breed for the track and let someone else to the racing."

Sasha's arms around Malee, "Roundell is ten years older, he'd be a good dad, I want him to be. I haven't conceived... not we haven't tried..." Huge grin!

"I will go to my doctor as you suggested and get things started finding why not."

She held our hands, "Your babies are so beautiful!!! I want some for me."

A big three-way hug!

The `Go Outdoors' folks and Roundell were ready to eat when I suggested it could be time the luncheon. Mr. Hardy and Montaigan were enjoying talking about French history but there was hunger in Game Room.

The golfers weren't going to be back for lunch. Rande texted Cho and party would eat at the club.

Carla had a buffet, two soups, bread, cheeses, ham and roast beef, bread and sandwich condiments. Fruit, nuts and a lots of Christmas cookies. Everybody lined up!

Millie, Francis and Gil showed up for food! They'd been riding for hours all around with some of the staff. They asked if their riding clothes were Okay to join us for lunch. I stood there with my hands on my hips just looking... the grin... they got it. They didn't wear their helmets.

Montaigan and Mr. Hardy on either side of me so I joined their continuing discussions. I wasn't surprised to learn that Napoleon wasn't Montaigan's favorite. Despite the long family past with the French Army Montaigan was a fervent democrat.

Although the Bourbons and the various Imperial Napoleons had his family's backing at different times there had been reservations. Many Montaigan's had fought and died for France their loyalty not an issue but after the Franco-Prussian War his great-great-great grandfather, as the family patriarch, had declared the family would only support a Republic from now on. He was a senior general and member of the Parliament. He had been quite public about it.

"But even as the Republic has done foolish, stupid things it is better than authoritarianism. There is the opportunity to `right' the ship, to sail on without sinking."

Fist bump! Montaigan got a laugh from it!

Mr. Hardy said Montaigan would be a `reader' like me to help with his manuscript. Cheers!

Several of the Go Outdoors' folks asked me about my experience with the Kentucky Heat' clothes. I said I'd been wearing them for a few weeks of riding here. The cold weather was a good test. It was easy to recommend them `warm, light weight.'

Millie chipped in her wearing them right now.

They really liked the whole line... Okay! Deal!! Their VP of merchandise shook hands with Roundell! Time for lawyers to do a contract! Great!

We said goodbye to the `Go Outdoors' people as Cho returned. I was hugged by all three guys. Millie and Malee got hugs all around too!

In the Great Room Roundell delivered a hug also! He was very pleased with the `Go Outdoors' deal and I was praised. I had his hand, a kiss on his cheek pointing out his product made the sale we provided the room.

"And a strong recommendation... And lunch... And... Well... the whole idea!"

I was laughing, I did a little curtsy, "Thanks for tribute, don't forget to congratulate yourself!"

Sasha's arm around my waist, she kissed my cheek and Roundell's, "Please talk all you want... just let me spend the money!"

That got Roundell some `ooooohhhhh's' from the other men which he laughed off, "I haven't seen Sasha need any excuse to spend."

Which got him a punch on the arm and a hug and a kiss!

We got the golf news. Cho had gone back to swinging away and shot a 60 today! Chao and Eric shaking their heads. Eric said he'd been able to watch the `beast' grow over the last year or so.

"It's amazing to play with Cho. He walks the course just like all of us but then he chooses a club and... magic occurs!

He squeezed my arm, "You said he could focus... That is an understatement. He looks over his shot and then shuts everything else out. Boom!"

Sunny had come in from school just before. She piped up that was the way she felt the day when she went into the arena at Woodperry on Prince Sergey.

"All things outside the arena disappeared. All I could see were its boundaries... I knew what to do."

Fist bump by those two!

I saw a look on Montaigan's face and asked if he would share.

"Mine is similar but it is part of my life in the military and involves violence."

He looked at me... I took his hand to encourage him.

"To keep it short... My brigade was involved in the brief ground fighting in the 1991 Gulf War. We advanced into the desert, reconnaissance showed a dug-in Iraqi armoured force ahead. We needed to clear them away... With the info we had I made a plan standing in the sand beside my vehicle with my staff. Some units to move on a broad front to draw the Iraqis attention as we enveloped their flanks.

Artillery fire was called in to keep their heads down as much as possible and to cut them off from support. We pushed off... the shells flying over head exploding in the desert ahead of my men. Our tanks moving and firing... Flights of American Apache gunships on our flanks smashing anything moving or visible.

So we had these combined arms functioning at the same time as our French Jaguar attack jets and American A-10 Thunderbolts were deeper behind the Iraqis bombing and rocketing everything. All these noises... plus the radios giving us action reports... a swirl of sound... I was in the center of it controlling all this power... It was like being a magician... sending bolts of lightning out!"

He paused, my hand still in his, firmly held. "We swept the Iraqis aside destroying everything, machine or man, as we reached our objective. It was of course just another piece of desert like the one we had started at but it was where the commanders wanted us to be to block the retreat of more Iraqis from the east. Blood split for the sandy plot."

He gave my hand a squeeze, "I was in the business of destroying things! Unfortunately my men were very good at their work. What was good at the end of the day were two things, first we had done what we had been asked to do and I had no deaths in my force, a few wounded only."

I hugged Montaigan. I had learned that men who had been in combat didn't often talk about it. I kissed his cheek and thanked him for telling us.

Smiling, "You all are a very fine to have listened to my story."

"You should meet my cousin Graeme sometime. He has been in Afghanistan several times. He's a paratrooper too."

Montaigan said he would be pleased to do so.

He leaned back into the settee, I still had his hand.

He gave me a grin, "Miss Martin, this has been a good visit, I find myself in simpatico company with so many interesting and talented people. I will remember this for some time!"

Cho looking at me... He was very pleased I could see that.

Jack from the Foreign Office called Gil, could he set up meeting?' Gil looked at the calendar, could he come out to Harcourt House?'

He was all for that if lunch was included. Gil laughed and made the date for the day after tomorrow. She checked with Eric, he could be here. Michael was in town as was Jasmin. Great!!

I went into the Library to return some calls and email.

Glory from the BBC emailed. She'd watched the Dorothy interview from Fox News. She was amazed and thankful to me for my courtesy towards her foolish self. The BBC show with me would air Christmas Eve. They had decided not to do anything with the footage of our visitors for now. Her BBC boss told her we would be contacted prior to any use of the video.

My reply wasn't long. I was glad she seen the Fox piece and that for the BBC's purpose it wasn't so important. I thanked her for the air-time heads-up. What was happening to the other video was fine with us.

Kent responding to the Southern Thailand story idea. Fox News now had some experienced correspondents, one had some knowledge of Thailand. If we had some help on the ground he would make a start. I passed on via our encrypted email the names and details of contacts in Pattani and Yala that Cho had arranged.

Cho's contacts would, we hoped, get us to talk with Moslem leaders in Thailand and in exile especially those in Malaysia. The reporters remit was to encourage those leaders to express their views on a range of issues so some start on a dialogue with Bangkok might be created.

The new King could set fresh guidelines which could provide both sides some room to move. We wanted the Moslem's issues not to be summarily dismissed by the government as had been done in the past. If both sides could recognize their mutual goals of a peaceful and prosperous land then...

Kent would go slow, it was dangerous and muddy territory.

I could hear some excitement in Kent's voice when we changed to telephone from email. The subject was the Trump video story. They had a contact who worked for S*********** with knowledge of events in Moscow. He was saying... Kent said right away we couldn't yet verify this... S************ had arranged the prostitutes via a Russian source. He gave us the Russian's name so we could do more digging.

"Fay, what we know so far is that source appears to be an FSB agent or translated properly a KGB man. Of course we have more work to do. The worst case for Trump seems to be true, he paid women to urinate on a picture of the President and his wife. It does show how mentally disturbed Trump is.

He won't be happy with us still paying attention to him after his election loss.

You've seen some things on his threatening to sue Fox and nearly every other news organization... well his penchant for whining hasn't translated into court victories."

A pause, "I've talked with Douglas and Bill about the `Cho golf stories.' The consensus is that we leave them alone until Cho plays in some public manner... like a tournament or such. Just let Cho know... Okay?"

I was laughing at the predicament they were in. The Co-CEO of 21st Century Fox could really play but they really didn't know officially.

"Kent, I'll let you guys deal with Cho but I will give him the heads–up!"

I was still laughing as Gil came in. She chuckled, "You don't think Cho would be mad?"

"No, not at all but it's another small dent in the privacy wall."

"There is a fellow named Pat from Marsh Baldon asking to speak with you. He says it's about the pub The White Ponies??"

I was by the Great Room fire with Cho, Ken off to the side when Conrad brought Pat in. An older blue serge suit, a slightly rumpled pale red tie and black shoes he'd obviously made an effort with, cap in hand, unruly hair held partly in check.

I asked him what I could do for him...

"Miss... I know what I did the other day was rude and wrong. I'm sorry but please don't think badly of The White Ponies or my cousin because of my failings. He cares about me and indulges me when he shouldn't do. He's upset with me... very upset. I've let him down like never before."

"Pat what do you do when you aren't in the pub? Work?"

"Right now I don't work... not much call for me."

"What is your work?"

"I've always worked with animals. Sheep, cows, horses, pigs..."

My hand on Cho's arm squeezed!

"Pat would you please come walk with me."

Ken followed Pat who was behind me until we got through the downstairs and onto the lane to the stables. At the office Gregory listened as I asked him to find some clothes for Pat and see what he can do.

Pat thanked me.

"Don't thank me yet, Pat. You've a trial then Gregory will decide."

"Yes Miss, thanks for that."

I shook his hand, callouses.

Walking back up with Ken... I sensed he wanted to say something... I stopped, looking at him arms extended... hands open...

Ken laughed, "Damn, you do have some sort of extra sensory equipment. The others say that..."

I laughed now, "Go on..."

"Well, I'm just amazed... you really do give a shit about folks! That's all!"

"Yes... it's not a religion thing... It's a people thing. You can put it down to Cho... he loves me and that motivates me."

A grin as he nodded.

I wanted to get back to Montaigan and the others before dinner. Ku called.

"Fay, I visited the Carolyn Downs Family Medical Center in Seattle. I think we should donate to them and possibly do some sort of sharing arrangement after we open our own clinic."

I said to go for it. Had she found a spot in Seattle?

"Yes, it's an ugly warehouse looking office building, good for our purposes. Covered parking for twenty cars, one floor, lots of room for offices, treatment rooms, x-ray, labs. Space for beds, showers, storage. Two ways in and out, looks easy to secure. Nicolas is meeting me there tomorrow for a look. It's on two bus routes, two blocks from the Broadway streetcar. Close to a police station and a fire department location. A good central spot on Capitol Hill."

I was giggling through the last of all this.

"Okay... I'm sold! Do it! Call the Queen Anne lawyers..." I did a quick time difference calculation... "Do it now to get them going. Try to get possession as quickly as you can but be sure the inspection is Okay. Even if they find deficiencies... as long as it is earthquake safe... we go ahead!"

Pausing, "Get the construction company which has done the work on the apartment buildings to send a representative up there with the inspection team. The Queen Anne lawyers have the info on them."

Ku was happy, "Fay, I like the building, not pretty but very functional."

"Well... we weren't looking to win awards for looks. I want it up and running. Your snaps I'm seeing now show me a plain building which is great."

Paint was easy, an awning or two...

"Call Jian in Bangkok. I will also. She needs snaps and specs. See the lawyers for ideas about local Seattle businesses they know are reputable for office and medical equipment. Nicolas has several employment firms he has used, check with him about those."

Wow! We covered a lot of ground. I got Kendall to ask Cho to join me.

Hug... KISS!

I gave him the Seattle news. He was pleased with it all. I showed him the pics of the building.

"It looks ordinary which is terrific. We want something that works!"

Fist bump!! A nice kiss after a `my businesswoman!' Hug!

I called Jian. She was thrilled with Ku's find. She would get the machinery going on her end.

The Collingwood's, Thayer and Sondra and all the Glass' family had returned. We did intro's with cocktails. Those folks were off tonight with Monaco. Ting and Andrea down in the morning with the Caroline pumpkin.

A big dinner party, casual and happy. Our out of town guests going up to visit London for a few days were a hit. They got to see some bits, whatever they wanted to see. Karla, Andrea, Rona and others had been great tour guides.

We would have our London friends here for the first Open House. They had all done it last year and very happy to be included again.

Cho gathered the men for poker. His house rules, everyone got an equal share of different value chips and at the end the winner was the one with the most. Easy and no cost! It was all about the play of the cards not money.

He'd be late coming up.

The morning was cold but clear.

Millie and I ready to ride, Tara and Ken came with us. It would the first time for Ken going out with us.

We went south to the lock and over the water. When neared the railroad underpass Ken asked what was north of us. I said it was a cement making company and some not very pretty waste ponds. There was a new bit of fencing we built between us and them, our Security had it marked. The gate was locked.

We crossed the big grassy field then onto a dirt road which met up with the Wellans' drive. Scott's wife Sandra came out to say hello and to thank me herself for our Security's protecting them. We shook hands and I intro'd my companions.

Sandra asked if they... motioning to my companions. Tara said no it was the uniform side of Security who had done the work. She looked at me, I nodded, Tara explained she and Ken were part of our personal protection team.

There was a silent `Oh!' from Sandra. I smiled and we pushed on.

A quick stop at the Industrial Estate to check in with Webster and Tab. All good, moving along on schedule. Lotte's smile said it all. She was getting business from the Industrial Estate folks and from people in southern Kennington, Radley Wood and a few folks had walked over from Sandford! She was going to some leafleting through Kennington and Radley plus eastward to the A4074 in Littlemore.

We were still considering accommodations in the area. There were several B&B's in Sandford, the hotel at the north end of the town which were all in easy walking distance, more B&B's in Kennington but not close. Tab was going to do a wider survey and let us know.

It was still fairly early in the morning after our ride. The sun was dimmed by clouds. Gregory took me along a stable row to an open stall... in a big hay pile Pat was asleep rolled up in some horse blankets. We backed out.

"He worked very hard all day, he's gentle with the animals, knows how to muck out properly, how to do good horse care, combing, brushing, checking teeth and more. We fed him lunch and dinner. No alcohol!"

His head shaking, "He was sitting with Declan and Cormac when I last saw him."

Declan was near and came over to us, he said Pat had gone out and they didn't see him again. They guessed he'd gone home after the long day. I sent Declan to the Outside Kitchen, tea and hot scones. Please.

Gregory liked Pat and his skills, "He seems a decent fellow. He's quiet and calm with the horses. He's good so do we need more of a trial?"

We talked about his drinking waiting for Declan.

"You will have to watch him but if he's working, dedicated... then he can stay. So there will be some added work for you, drag Anthony in since he's your number two until Andy's back."

I took the mug and plate from Declan. Gregory nudged Pat awake... He sat up to see me holding out the food.

"Miss, breakfast in bed?"

We all laughed, "Pat..." I motioned towards Gregory, "... this fellow wants you to work for us... How about it?"

His face was spilt by a wide grin, "Miss, it would be wonderful. You have very fine horses and your crew are aces!"

I saw his blue suit neatly folded on the straw with his shirt on top and shoes underneath near the wellies he'd been loaned.

"We need to get you some proper clothes... And a suitable bed."

Gregory said we had a room in one of the Quads which he explained to Pat. Our newbie would go in a car to his cousin's to get his things.

"This will be a shock to him! I told him I was walking over to apologize to you... He tried to stop me... He didn't want me to make things worse."

"Well get that into you ..." I urged him to eat while it was hot, "Then you can settle the rest."

We shook hands. His eyes were a bit wet but I took no notice...

We did some visits with our horse friends. I had mints and apples... boy was I popular! I was cleaned out! Millie laughing as Asda searching my pockets not believing there were no more mints.

I came down with Millie dressed for some meetings. Munro Ancient tartan pleated skirt, white cotton long sleeved shirt and a black wool jacket with big shiny black buttons. Black tights and heels. `Joy' and silver bits.

Carter at the door of the Office, he had three people in the entryway to meet with Yone and Ken.

"They showed U.S. Secret Service identity cards. Ken is there, Yone on the way."

Cho asked Carter to have them in here. A bit crowded but it wouldn't be for long.

They were the advance team for Hillary and Bill's visit. Ken did the intro's as he knew one of them. They would get a tour of the house and the Security offices downstairs.

We sent them off to have their fun.

I was going to St. Thomas' then to Abingdon. The St. Thomas meeting was brief, Ron Cotton, Mr. Thorn and I. The Harcourt Advance fund was going to expand, there would be more villages included in the area. Several St. Thomas School Governors who made up part of the fund board were to be asked for their suggestions on which villages we should add. Ron said he'd canvas them. My thanks!

I headed over to Abbey Hill School in Abingdon. Mr. Horrock, the headmaster, looked very prim and proper but in a short time I found that to be a `professional' façade and my piercing his guise only made him laugh.

"Miss Martin, you're a professional too it seems. Yes, I'm an old softie! But only as long as the student is really trying. If they're lazy... I'm the proverbial load of bricks falling on them."

He leaned back behind his desk, "I have always felt education to be essential to anyone being a proper human. I can't stand to see it wasted. There isn't anyone here in doubt where I stand."

Mr. Horrock smiled, "I sense you have a good BS meter... me too."

I laughed at that, "I think we'll get on!"

I intro'd him to fist bumping which got more laughter.

He'd spoken to Mr. Thorn about Sunny and Maeve. A mid-year transfer did present some issues as the other kids had a term to settle in with their classmates but as Kate and Sunny knew each other and Maeve was close with Sunny. Anne knows them all and gets along with everyone... he thought it would be smoother than most.

"We'll keep an eye on them. I understand Sunny is off like a shot to get to her horses?"

"Yes, right now she is very taken up with it. She's quite talented... If she maintains the interest she might be in the Olympic Games in the next go `round."

Mr. Horrock's face a study, "We don't have anything here that goes in that direction..."

"No, that's fine. We and her parents want her to be a properly educated and well-rounded young woman who is ready to go on to university if she desires."

Another fist bump. I told him about our familial and legal arrangements, how she and Maeve would be transported, etc... We had already paid the fees for both, they had been fitted with uniforms and the other bits.

The last was something Mr. Horrock told me later he had dreaded... Security. I told him we had a large profile in the neighborhood in some ways but not Sunny... there was a discreet cough which made me laugh... Unless there was something to make a change Sunny would... he was waiting now... would not have a Security person around. A sense of relief from him.

All good. We shook hands.

"Miss Martin, could we coax you into giving a talk to our older ones..." My eyebrows lifted... he smiled... "About yourself, your life, how you have developed and how being transgendered has shaped you?"

"Why the older ones?"

He wrinkled his brow, "Well... maybe to them all. If we have any students who might be keeping inside themselves some feelings which would be better expressed... they might see in your example a path forward."

He paused, "Does that sound right? Am I making sense?"

I said he was fine and I would but it would have to be in the early spring. He was fine with that, the girls would be part of the school by then so my being around would be normal.

Normal? Me?

PJ had a laugh over that as we walked out.

Cho, Eric and Chao were at the golf course, Montaigan was in the garden with Jaidee, Malee napping, Everyone busy... so Millie, Tessa and I wanted to go riding!

Yone texted >Fay got a minute?<

I detoured to his office.

"The Secret Service folks were impressed. One laughed and said he'd like to park the President in here because our Security was so good. Bottom line, they will have a person with us downstairs and some upstairs.

AND... if you haven't heard... we have some prototypes coming in the 767 from Bangkok. Several of the new drones and one of the Anti-Drone devices. Carter2 has a high lifting crane machine coming. We will place it on the roof on the mount that is being built in our shop here. So they lift mount, we fix it in place then lift the device onto the mount. Then we connect it to power, set up the battery system and plug in the network cabling."

Yone did a done and dusted hand motion. I laughed having been involved with many hardware installs... they never were that easy. One can hope!

Fist bump!

Rebel was ready, Natasha and Scout saddled. Pat was there watching, he'd not done much with saddling but Cormac got him involved. Adding something about hot buttered scones on a cold morning. Laughter!

Waving I called `we're going north' to them.

Freddie and Diana on the track, hellos! We warmed up our mounts then blazed across the grass up to the church then turning back. Rebel wanted to RUN so I indulged him!!! Yea!!

Our passage through the Radley's and Fraser's was the fastest ever! I leaned down to Rebel's neck, the cold air rushing by... I could feel the redness rising in my cheeks! No cares! This was awesome!

My thighs against Rebel's muscular flanks... the power within, the speed... so close to perfection one could worry that I wouldn't want to leave here.

We slowed on approach to the training tracks but Freddie had seen us come on.

"Fay, terrific! Damn, he really is a wonder to watch!"

I swung around to come alongside him sitting on the fence. Fist bumps!

I was pumped up! Millie and Tessa gathered close.

"You still haven't had a ride with him? You should!"

"I can see I should! I'll wait until your holidays here are over."

Fist bump!

We changed to warm clothes with walking shoes. Skinny black jeans, white crop top under the black and red big checked flannel shirt and ankle boots. Silver jewellery, `Joy' The black pea coat, gloves and a black beret.

We walked down to the Oxford Road to catch a ride on the hay wagon. Boxer and Rosie looking very grand pulling the big mound of hay dotted with folks. Mary Cotton on the back edge collecting the money. I had Sunny, Malee, and Millie. Ken, Tessa and Tara all came along. I dropped a ten £ note in Mary's hand saying no change.

She grinned and stamped our hands. Anne was at the top where Sunny went. Other school friends up there.

I parked beside Mary for a bit, we talked other local things going on. Her husband, Ron, was happy that I was taking part in Board meetings even from afar.

"He wants your input not because you two are big landowners but he thinks you're smart!"

I thanked her for the compliment. "It doesn't take much time. Ron runs a tight meeting, he keeps it on track which is great."

I got a text from Cho a volcano! I told Mary it meant a good day on the golf course.

"Ron said you bought Oxford East, is that right?"

"Yes, Cho has fun toy... Seriously it is a nice course with a great club house and restaurant."

"We've eaten there. The food is always very good. We like it."

I hugged her laughing, "Go again... many times... it has to pay for itself."

We sat there laughing as Rosie and Boxer did a stop bouncing us.

The turn executed by Dan Senior and Junior. I hopped off to walk some. I greeted folks, mostly parents to kids on the wagon. We talked about the Open House and other things happening for the holidays.

My crowd stayed with the wagon until it got back to our drive, we waved and walked up the gravel road.

We all got together for tea. Cho got the tale of the hay ride. The St. Thomas choral thing tonight so we'd have a nice snack afterwards. Carla had miscellaneous delicious finger sandwiches, little fruit tarts and scones, Christmas cookies and stollen! Yes!

Malee beside me as I filled a plate pretty quickly. Big smile as I looked at hers... full! We all munched!

Washed up with Cho! Always a fun thing! I gave him a soapy rub disguising my approach to his penis. I pounced with Cho laughing!

"I knew you couldn't resist me!"

Hugging as the water flowed over us! Cho cupped my derrière, a gentle bounce. We kissed some more.

I got the good part... a great drying off rub with a big towel!

I chose a Coach dress, black slightly pleated sleeveless calf length dress. I had black accessories, black Coach Waverly pumps and silver jewelry, `Joy' Red nails and lips with the short black wool jacket with two big shiny black buttons. A Coach wool trench coat in black with black leather gloves for the outdoors part. I was Coach for sure. Topped with a black cloche hat that had the brim folded up in the front and the rest sloping away to the back. A black ribbon and a small black feather with a red button holding it on.

The Millie and Malee looked terrific, dressy but not too! Both in red and black! Our guys in some very fine suits, no ties though. I had Kendall with a tray beside me in the entryway. Each of the men got a white rose bud for their lapels. Montaigan smiling as I pinned it on. He took my hand to his lips.

Malee and Millie did their guys. Cho briefly held my face after I did him. A light kiss!

We drove down to the school. At the door Mr. and Mrs. Thorn with Ron and Mary Cotton as greeters. Hugs. We paid our way in with a £1000 donation from all of us.

Blue and silver were the colours this year. The programs done with the student art and calligraphy. Very nice! We had seats on the front row to the right. PJ and Rande behind us on the end of the next row.

The director came out to welcome everyone and sit at the piano.

The kids looked great up on the stage in blue and silver outfits. Fine clear voices, shining faces! They did traditional English carols, some more playful to get started. Then...

A boisterous "Deck the Halls', then the paean to the Christmas tree with O Tannenbaum' onto Oh Little Town of Bethlehem,' the night `Silent Night' and the birth "Away in a Manger' and many more!

All nicely arranged to build up to the celebration of the birth and the many announcements of the new child across the globe, Joy to the World,' First Noel.' The arrival of the Wise Men `We Three Kings.' A celebration of a new start.

They were doing a spectacular job. Several times the soloist's voices rang out, one girl's like a crystal bell. They wound it up like last year with a wonderful spirited `Adeste Fideles!' Soaring at the end!

The crowd loved it! We did... standing to applaud them! The faces of the kids were great, proud of themselves as they should be. Everyone milled around congratulating the youngsters and the choral director.

She came over to us. "Miss Martin, Mr. Cho, thank you so much again for the new piano. The tone is wonderful, inspiring for all of us."

Hug and a cheek kiss. Cho grinning... I slipped my arm around him steering us aside.

"I heard through the grapevine their piano was aging, not being able to hold a tuning for long. Too late to get it rehabilitated in time so I bought them a new one. A got a Steinway delivered last week. A secret! Actually a secret for the village as we haven't said anything about it."

A kiss. "Grapevine? Mr. Thorn..." I laughed and nodded, "...So will the old one be repaired?"

"Yes! That is part of our gift. A company in Oxford will do a full rehabilitation, pins, wire, the lot!"

A big hug for it all.

"I am pleased with the way you spend money. Good value!"

We laughed, more hugs!

The Reverend Dr. Lone and Mrs. Lone came over to us.

"I just heard about the piano. I could see it was different but your gift is wonderful. It certainly has a lovely sound."

We shook hands, I left a tiny bit of lipstick on his cheek. She grinned, "At least I know where it came from."

Laughter.

The Cottons hadn't known either, they were thrilled. Ron smiling said we'd snuck that one in.

"Absolutely. It seemed to be important to just get it done."

Hugs and Thank yous!

Other folks came over when the `secret' was more widely known.

We rounded up all of ours to drive back. Carla was ready when we had changed. Some very nice hot tomato bisque and warm bread. Some cheese and fruit. Lots of Christmas cookies! I happily bit off the heads of several red icing covered Father Christmas shaped cookies.

Some afters by the Great Room fire with Jaidee and the children. Anne, Chani and Charlie would have lots of company soon!

Chani's eyes on mine as I played with her toes in the booties. Great fun! Charlie on Montaigan's lap waving his arms, laughing about something!

Anne with Millie, they were laughing together. Malee's face so sweet watching her little one.

Chani went for a flight with her dad! Zooming around the room!

They were all a bit worked up when Tha got them back to go to sleep. She could handle it!

Cho and I lazily rubbing Jaidee in bed. The Brown One upside down happy as can be!

Sleep comes easy with a warm husband holding you!

Comment always welcome, abecker60@yahoo.co.uk