Jian: Cast of Characers

Jian

We did the reverse of the earlier trip to return to the house. Roland got in a terrific gallop once we passed Clifton Hampden. The tree lines were vague shadows as we sprinted north.

Ethan took Roland, "Yes, Your Ladyship, he'll get the best!"

We laughed over that... Andy had said it one morning when Ethan was a newbie about two years ago.

Carter said Dad was gone. We'd all leave in an hour or so. This London trip had two reasons, first so everybody could see Cowley House... to whet their appetite for its possibilities and our big crowd would be out of the way of the setup for the Open House today.

I got coffee and toast. Sunny did get some porridge and raisins. We talked about another trip... she was up for it. A semi-secret!

69

I put on a gray tweed suit, the jacket close to my torso with three buttons, the tube skirt to mid-calf with a slit on the back. A white silk blouse with a small men's collar and a slender black tie. Black heels and pale stockings. Gold jewellery, `Joy' Red nails and lips. The black Hermès Kelly bag.

The black Coach coat, black gloves and a white silk scarf done in a loop around my neck.

The whole crowd drove over to Chalgrove, we needed three AW139's to carry everyone. We landed in waves at Wandsworth. Cars took the A3212 along the river so the families and guests could see the views.

Clough at the front door as we streamed in. He was great doing fist bumps with the Twins and Suki. Coats off we split into groups, the younger children to the Nursery with Tha. Cho and I each took a group for a tour.

We all met in the north Drawing Room afterwards. They all loved the house!

Dad! He came in to a big greeting.

Mrs. Travers had luncheon ready! A nice big gathering. We talked about the house, the art, the furniture, etc... Thoi asked about the House of Lords thing. I said it was going forward... looking more like I might get elected.

I described my reluctance and the meeting with Prince Charles.

"You can say you warned him then... Not much to that in the long run though," those `cheering' words from Dad.

We wandered around the house a bit more, Dad got to see the ground floor then all to the cars. At Wandsworth the two helicopters were loaded as a third approached slowly. The Twins, Tha, Cho, Rande, me and PJ with Phailin, Dad and his bodyguard in the last.

Dad grinning, "The British security people were very polite and welcoming. They think we had good fortune having you two around to help clear away the southern problem. I said no one knows that better than me.

We do have excellent relations with both services ... I did share some `secret' things they needed to hear and discuss the results of some collaborations we had completed but it was mostly just a friendly hello visit since I was in country."

At Harcourt House all was ready for the neighbours to come in. I changed... Cho sitting in my Dressing Room as I put on the red Ao-Dai. He loved it as he showed how easy it was to get to my boobies.

"Yeow... cold hands."

Cho laughed, "Warm heart."

"Maybe so... if you want to touch... " My hand motioning over my top. "...get those... " My hands waving to his, "... warmed up!"

A kiss!

Everybody was ready! Doors opened. The Wilcox's were among the first. Cho was introduced. He and Mr. Wilcox spoke about his coin collection. Cho was a casual closet `numismatist.'

The Carmichaels, all four. They were all doing well. The son to graduate university at the end of his next term.

Our QC neighbour Scott Wellans and his family. I hadn't seen much of them lately. I did ask about his Russian drug gang... they were all convicted of the drugs offences, sent down for twenty plus years then another QC did the trials about their attacks on him and his family.

Those all resulted in convictions and additional long custodial sentences. The hired marksman `rolled over' on some of them, his testimony was damning. He also went to prison for a long time.

The drunken Russian got twelve years for his various offences.

Scott laughed, "Your video of him being captured was played in court... very embarrassing for him! The Russian to English translation didn't do him any good either."

Fist bump!

"We are grateful for your security's blanket!"

We shook hands.

Their daughter was with Sunny, they went to school together as part of the local Abbey Hill School mob. The Fraser's arrived and Anne joined with Kate to link up with Sunny. They all were really growing up. Boys hovering around them!

I got to nudge Kay and discreetly pointed... She smiled, "Well our young lady looks rather good don't you think?"

She did. Black skinny jeans, pale gray long sleeve silk t-shirt, the birthday pendant and matching earrings were a fine look. The ring of the set on her finger fit properly now with some growing up. I motioned to the heels... Kay shaking her head.

"She knows her own mind which I can say is both wonderful and annoying... like I'm not needed."

"No! She talks about you and how you gave her guidelines to use to make up her own mind about so many things."

Kay smiled, a squeeze of my arm, "She loves being here... I was sure she would."

A pensive look, "I have a question about the GCSE. Sunny says she isn't the usual age but she's in KS4 so she can take the exams? I'm confused."

I said I wasn't an expert but my understanding was since she's a year ten she can do the exams as part of KS4.

"Sort of like having the American pre-graduation university classes. Sunny is already doing work on her A-levels in many subjects. She should do well in English language and literature, maths, history, French and German all of which any college would be very interested in seeing.

Because she's so smart and studies hard... I'm sure she will get all 8's and 9's on the GCSE.

I think she'll need a lot of help choosing a university especially if she continues riding for competition. The number of places to train and go to a top school can't be that large."

Kay did a head shake, "I know it is early but you're right we will all have to work on that for her."

I did mention she might get a place at that big university to the north of us where Kay had been the other day...

Kay looking at me, "Serious? At sixteen or seventeen?"

I nodded, "First, her grades are excellent as you've seen... Her choices of course work are very much the sort of things they would look for... Second, I'm sure she will do well on all the tests. She could live-in at the school and come here after classes to work with her horses."

I said to Kay she should come over more... "You can call Penn for a plane anytime you want! Come with the guys or just you. We don't have to be here although that would be nice."

Kay hugged me.

Dr. Ryles arrived. I introduced him to Kay.

"Seattle... I've read about the city... seems a very vibrant place."

Kay nodding, "There's quite a lot going on in almost every way you can imagine. My sister has a lot of businesses there including the one my husband started... Cho and Fay bought him out several years ago."

Kay was describing the Conference App...

I was looking around the room for Cho... Dad talking with several men by the tea. Phailin and Kanda in a small group. Somsak beside a fellow I knew was a software engineer for the Oxford city government.

Sunny with her friends and more boys! No surprise there!

Tha next to me, she was going to take the three babies up for some quiet time and/or a nap. They were coming out to dinner with us... Tha thinking ahead. Fist bump.

I asked Fin to find Cho if possible.

Cho! He appeared like magic! He and Dr. Ryles were talking... Rooves!

Merry came through Great Room doors. I went over to take his hand. I asked after his mum, she was still too sick for outings. She'd gotten a taxi for him so he wouldn't miss out. He was to call her for his return trip.

We went to the food. I helped him load up. A friend from St Thomas' School came by to get more food... they went off to the Game Room together. Yes!

Maeve and Gerry. She was very happy at Abbey Hill School, doing very well in all her classes. Gerry grinning. Fist bump! Maeve joined the group around Sunny. I saw Sunny hug her first then the other girls.

The bed and breakfast lady looking good and quite happy. Our pilots and crews keeping her full!

Craig and Thoi plus some golfers near the food!

Gil said the London folks were in the cars on the road.

A very full house soon! The Christmas Eve party!! And maybe an added little event in Sutton Courtenay.

I looked in the Game Room, the Twins doing puzzles with some other kids, cartoons on the TV, colouring in books, games like `Snakes and Ladders' and other things going on. Ansara smiling from a chair.

Carter2 said Tona had gone up to rest.

I got a cup of tea, a plate of cookies and parked on a settee.

Somsak had a fresh cup of tea, he sat with me.

"Your neighbours do surprise sometimes... A fellow asked if Singapore was a place I would choose to live if I hadn't been assigned there. He had been there for some months working. I told him there were both pluses and minuses but that I preferred Bangkok."

I laughed, "Very diplomatic of you... you'll go far."

We laughed!

He was coming to the end of his time in Singapore, due for a new assignment which looked like it could be Washington or at the Foreign Ministry in Bangkok.

I said we knew a few people in Washington... like Hillary and Bill. More laughter. I made an exaggerated hand motion covering my mouth for `secrecy'... "They will stop over here for one night before going to Brussels."

Somsak did a `woohoo' sort of face.

"We had them here last year prior to her inauguration. Bill and Cho pay golf, Hillary and I talk."

"Well one does hear things... on the back-channels... That you are well-known and well-thought of in the Dusit Palace... also Narong likes you two, he thinks you are `secret' weapons for Thailand."

"I doubt we're very secret anymore."

We were laughing about it when Kay joined us with a cup of tea.

"You are right in one sense... I think he also means you are out in the world's spotlight being very positive and progressive in so many ways. Thailand benefits through you both being amazing role models."

Somsak smiled as he continued, "I've always admired Cho for his forthrightness and strongly held principles... he isn't afraid to be seen as intelligent and moral.

I meet a lot of politicians... as a group they tend to be skittish of being publically known for `smarts' as they perceive it turns off ordinary people. In fact they know nothing of what average people think. The result is they don't have any idea about the people who they ask for their vote."

I leaned forward, "You're right. Cho and I believe people can make up their own minds and aren't a mass of ignorant folk who should be manipulated. It's one of the reasons I dislike social media so much... they make money allowing people of all types spout out lies also governments and businesses produce falsehoods on twitter and facebook by the truck load, etc... They let users incite hatred and permit thousands of scams and other `nefarious schemes.'

We go out and do things we trust will be good for us plus many others. It has been working for us so far."

Big cheesy grin which made Somsak laugh loudly.

A broadly smiling Kay squeezed my arm, "So you will continue?" Laughter. Me nodding!

It was great to sit with my brother and sister... We hadn't been able to spend much time together... We were looking over the room... lots of people moving around, eating and sipping... speaking to each other... a neighbourhood meeting! We all laughed at my description.

"It is true many don't see much of one another..."

I pointed out a few who were important for us.

I did some wandering and speaking to numerous people. A look out to the Garden... light snow falling... not serious yet. It had come as the temperature fell. Dusk was just beginning.

I stopped to say hello to Jerrold's wife, Lea. She was smiling, "I'm alone! The children are in the Game Room over there..." her hand motioning, "... my husband is in the Game Room..." a finger pointing down.

We laughed, I suggested another cup of tea. We did that and a few shortbread pieces for me.

She said those were so good. I aimed a finger at Aunt Dee who was with a group of ladies, "My Aunt Dee makes them for us by the multiple tin load. I had them as a child."

"With my mum it was always raspberry tarts or scones or jam! We had a huge raspberry patch... I couldn't eat raspberries for a long time. I went to university... in my second year I met Jerrold at a garden party given by one of my professors. He was eating a raspberry scone... he recommended it. I tried it, it was wonderful... so raspberries were back and I started to see Jerrold."

We laughed. I said it was dancing for Cho and I. More laughter!

Cho came by to get me. He pardoned us and we moved to the Office. The Prince called.

"He talked with his brother, the King. They had a frank talk regarding the simmering discontent across Thailand about the Army's outsized public role. The Prince pointed out the Military's interference in the government was more destabilizing than the problems democracy could cause. Also it was undermining Thailand's relations with the major democratic nations.

So the Prince has made a start... We should begin with Keren and generals like A-Wut."

I kissed Cho, "The Prince is a `prince' of a fellow."

"He loves Thailand."

A big hug!

In the Great Room the crowd was thinning... They could see darkness deepening. The snow was still very light. Cho spent time in the entryway doing goodbyes by the door. My outfit was too skimpy for closeness to the cold air.

I moved through the room looking for people I hadn't spoken to yet. I joined Sunny. Her group was a good mix of boys and girls. The boys did some discreet ogling.

Sunny in my ear, "Fay, your outfit has them all excited."

Smiling, I was naughty, "So you girls like my clothes?"

Doing a spin around... which `stiffened' a few boys judging by some careful squirming.

Sunny giggling with the girls.

As their group broke up Anne and I were together.

"Fay, the boys were losing it when you whirled around."

I said I know.

"Oh... you!" Laughing loudly, "They will all think of you tonight."

We laughed as I pointed out she was showing quite a lot of leg in her frock.

A giggle from Anne, "You do have to sometimes... right?"

"Absolutely! I wore this Ao-Dai quite on purpose. The glossies all say I'm a `hottie' so..." I raised my arms up and wide!

Sarah and Dan Senior came up at that point... Sarah and Anne both laughing. Dan shaking his head saying `what you ladies get up to...' which made us three laugh some more.

I looked for Montaigan and Graeme... Kendall said they were together with Dad in the Library talking. Okay!

Merry with me on a settee. I told him we had a car arranged for him. Bright eyes. A sweet `Thank you.'

"When will your dad be back?"

On Boxing Day. That was good... not Christmas Day but close.

I had asked Lucas to get one of the caterers to make up a box of treats from the buffet for Merry to take to his mum. Merry was so pleased I'd think of her.

I walked out to the door with him. A kiss on a cheek. The box in hand... I told him there was enough for two! Huge smile! Tom was outside by his car gesturing Merry on. I waved goodbye. I saw a small hand in the window...

BBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Not Ao-Dai weather!

Inside Carter2 beside me. I said, "Looks like our guests had a good time. We're going to leave your team a clear space to get on."

Fist bump. He had our staff and the caterers' people to do the clear up and put away. Audra's folks would follow behind cleaning. They'd all get to browse the `eats' like our neighbours did once it was moved downstairs.

I changed to skin-tight black slacks, a red flannel shirt and black ankle boots.

Dinner out for our whole crowd which got bigger when our London mob arrived. Reg, Rona and MFA! Eric, Malee and Anne! Jian! Ting, Andrea, Catherine and Caroline!

Major hugs and kisses for them!

Down to the Cockadoo Restaurant at the north end of the village. The snow wasn't sticking to the roads yet. We reserved their largest private room for thirty plus. Seats for the many babies!

I got a Cosmopolitan to begin! Smooth, tasty!

Seafood tempura was my starter, it had a lemon & mango sauce, I added crispy spring rolls to share with my daughter! She was saying... Yes!

River Giant Prawns in mountain sauce as my main, on the side... stir fry pak choi in garlic and chilis.

Raspberry white chocolate cheesecake at the end, espresso!

Looking down the huge long table... everybody was enjoying! The food had their attention.

Chani beside me munched a spring roll...

"Good?"

A nod with a mouthful, a giggling `Yes, Mama' when the bite was chewed and swallowed.

Charlie was going full speed ahead on his dinner. We'd have to teach them chopsticks soon!

I thought of Jerrold's wife as my dessert was served. Cho smiled at their raspberry story.

We all gathered in the Game Room for a movie!! Just drinks because dinner had been so good we ate it ALL!

Tonight was a biggie... `A Christmas Carol' with Alastair Sim as Scrooge. My fav Christmas movie by far!!!! Cho and I on a settee with Sam and Artie. The Twins on another with Gramps and Gamma. Kay, Greg and Sunny grinning over at our group.

Everyone knew Tha had read the whole story to them and the Twins had done their abridged `reading' for us.

I watched the babies as much as the movie... they loved it. Bouncing and clapping, quiet at times and once a `No!' from Chani when Scrooge was being especially mean, smiles and laughter.

They paid attention... reacting to each `Spirit' and what they did with Scrooge.

Mrs. Dilber throwing her apron up got laughter from them.

The scene where Scrooge talks with the little boy on Christmas morning got a `Yea' from Charlie as the boy dashed off on his errand.

Chani and Charlie clapped a lot at the end!

Afterwards in the Great Room we hugged the Twins. They both enjoyed the movie and Mr. Sim was so good! Chani sat down alongside of Jaidee with Suki, Anne, MFA and Caroline for a `puppy rub.' There was barely enough room for so many girls to rub our Choco Boy!

Charlie with his grandparents.

Artie asked me a couple of questions about the movie. One about the idea of workhouses.' My answer that the people captured' in them could be prisoners doing their sentence or poor people who did work for room and board but it was of such poor quality they barely existed.

"Aunt Fay, is that why socialists get people to believe in them?"

I hugged him, "Treating people decently, demanding they are paid a fair wage and governing so all benefit should be the goals of any group that wants to lead."

We were going up in a short while, Chani in my arms... "Mama, this was a fun day!"

I said I was happy she had enjoyed herself. Chani mentioned more new friends... they had introduced several to the big puzzles. A big smash hit!

Kisses and hugs as they went down.

Tha smiling, "They met so many new children today."

All the better for them. They were around us adults all the time.

Christmas Eve morning! I was in black going down the stairs with Jaidee. Potty and food for him, scones for Sunny and me and others.

It was cold... Pat was the early one, the warm scone went over well. Montgomery came in... early as usual. Pat said he'd share with Monty. Fist bump!

A leg up and we headed down. Tara and Penny with us.

The snow hadn't amounted to much in the end, just a nice dusting. A warm up then a good gallop once over the tracks. I left our lock man and Roy each a warm scone! Big thanks!

Over the river we stopped beside one of our Security Land Rovers. Ramsay by the door.

"Good morning Your Ladyship."

He motioned to a tent under some trees on the Abingdon side of the little bridge exit.

"He's sleeping rough, not on the estate property. I brought him some food and chemical warmers.

We couldn't talk him into going to a shelter."

Fist bump for him.

"Please try again about the shelter, more snow is forecast for tonight. The cold will get worse."

Ramsay said he would with a shrug.

I turned Roland and walked him to the tent. I said hello to the fellow, He stuck his head out of the tent flap...

"It is as warm now as it is going to get today. Snow is fairly certain for tonight and deeper cold. You see the fence there..." pointing to the east, a nod from him, "... if you need help or can't make it in the cold go there and wave your arms. Someone will come to help you. Okay?"

He said he understood.

"Good luck."

I told Ramsay I'd speak to Franco at the annex. Thumbs up.

We pushed on up through Lower Radley not seeing anyone. In the woods beyond we the heated up the path with our galloping! Roland stretching his legs! He was having a good time... running hard!

We went to the Security Annex.

Franco understood what I wanted.

"Your Ladyship, if he trips a sensor or we visit and find him in distress will will bring him here to warm up and have a feed. He can sleep in the holding area. I'll leave word for the night supervisor."

I thanked him.

A warm greeting on a cold morning from the Sandford lock man. Mr. Hardy was just leaving for his walk, well bundled up.

He had been up to the Open House but spent most of his time in the cellar with Greg, Jerrold, Spencer and Carl.

"I'm enjoying myself and I think the others are too. Carl and Spencer are sharp ones. Greg's game is very well done. Solid rules and playable!"

A hug and I remounted.

The Colonel, Adam and Daphne would here in less than an hour to top off our guest list!

The Breakfast Room was full! Tha was getting the Twins down... more 'special' things going on in the Nursery. Anne, Suki, MFA and Caroline all going up with Chani and Charlie. We waved goodbye... lots of giggles!

Since everybody was in the room I brought up the Sutton Courtenay evening events... Dr. Ryles had invited us and all to the torchlight procession in the village that ended at the church. Then a bonfire and singing carols.

I said... nudging Cho... we two should go just for the bits at the end in the churchyard. I told everyone we had paid for the church roof rehabilitation. Dr. Ryles was going to announce that tonight. We wouldn't be gone long.

Mr. Cowley as Father Christmas again this year was scheduled to be here after lunch. We lent him our `outfit' for today and all the other events he had been doing.

The Colonel bowed when he stepped out of the car...

"Your Ladyship, I am so pleased for you and Cho. Deserved honours!"

A hug by me, a hearty handshake by Cho.

Daphne! A huge hug!!

"Damn Girl! I knew you'd amount to something!"

Heads back... mouths wide open...we laughed loudly.

Adam! He and Cho shook and hugged. I got the big tight hug.

"The Sun and Times staffs are very proud of you two. You being our boss is quite the thing!"

I replied with `they are doing us proud so it goes both ways!'

Inside we got their coats off. The doors `opened' to AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH's

Big cheers from the assembled family and friends! Hugs and kisses all around! Some catching up done. Adam being the `editor-in-chief' was something new this year!

The Colonel took me aside, "Fay, I got a call from a friend at the Palace... I'm to get a KCB in the latest Honours list."

I congratulated him... another hug.

"I'm not surprised. You have given your life to the Army even now retired you contribute all the time."

He smiled, "They've been keeping me very busy. It is nice to be needed."

We laughed.

"Especially so when you have a few skills they will always require... right?"

The Colonel nodded, "I'm an old experienced dog with a well-functioning brain. A useful commodity."

I slipped my arm through his... we steered towards Cho. Sotto Voce...I let Cho in on the Colonel's secret... it wasn't announced yet. New Year's Honours list.

Carter at the door so I had two men on my arms heading to FOOD!

Mr. Cowley Had Chani on his knee by the Great Room fireplace... He innocently enough asked her what she wanted for Christmas... Our little Lady Chanthira, "I want everyone in the world to be safe!"

I know I had a big smile on my face... Cho with one of his cute grins and the rest of folks around except Tha and Charlie were staring.

Charlie piped up agreeing with her adding... "And happy!"

Mr. Cowley was at a loss... I stepped in. "Just what we should all want... isn't it, Father Christmas?"

Mr. Cowley sort of stammered out a `Yes.'

Cho helped with the recovery by lifting up Chani to a hug.

Tona grinning as Suki shook Father Christmas' hand saying she wanted her baby brother to come soon!

All the babies had their chance with Father Christmas, none were the conventional requests like a doll or other toy.

Mr. Cowley survived his visit with us... a bit shell-shocked. Carter2 put him a car for his next gig in Berinsfield.

Artie was WAY past `Santa Claus/Father Christmas.' Sam smiling beside me... I got a hug and cheek kiss, "Aunt Fay, I don't believe in it. It doesn't make sense."

"True but sometimes it is fun to imagine such goodness could exist."

Sam looked at me, "Yes, the way you say it I could believe in that. Maybe you should be `Mother Christmas' starting something new?"

I laughed, "I've too many things going on now."

Another hug!

Our families had a laugh about poor Mr. Cowley. Charlie on my lap grinning, "Chani is right... everybody needs to be Okay then it is really Christmas."

Ah Mr. Dickens sinking in! A big kiss for Charlie which he didn't fight even though there were many people close by watching. A hug too.

Chani sitting on a chair in my Dressing Room as I changed to ride. A black outfit with the Munro Ancient tartan tie.

Chani giggling, "Mama, can I have black undies like yours?"

I said she could in a few years when she was old enough to have the right shape. She seemed Okay with that criteria.

Rona, Sunny and Gil joined me, Tara and Ken too. We went north, a good gallop to Sandford after a warm-up. A walk through the village exchanging greetings with the people out. `Happy Christmas' ringing out.

At the church we spoke with the Lone's as they prepared for the evening service. Dr. Lone asked to speak to me... I slid down and we walked a bit.

"Your Ladyship, our bishop called me to ask about you and Sir Cho. He's heard about your gifts to the schools and the monies you've given to churches for maintenance and repairs. I think he wants to speak to you but he didn't know how to contact you properly."

I motioned to Gil. She handed me one of her cards with both telephone and email information.

I passed it to him, "Give him this... and say we'd be available at home for a meeting if that works for him."

I was thanked. A hug.

Back to the house. We headed to the dirt road opposite the church... big smiles on everybody's faces knowing what I was going to do with Rebel. Off we went! My big black running companion charging over the grass... I moved us close to the river. We tore across our neighbour's property... I slowed us at the boundary... too much going on. The track occupied with training plus Marsha and Yvonne finishing some exercise rides.

Sunny was the first to catch up, her lovely face looking wildly happy!

"Fay, this is so much fun."

She stroked Natasha's neck. A whinny from her.

We walked up to the house via the Garden... the kids were all out romping before it got too cold and dark. Hilarious to watch Jaidee run rings around them all! He dropped the tennis ball for Artie... a good toss... Jaidee was on it right away taking off around a hedge... he popped out on the other end and dashed between Artie and Sam to drop the ball for Charlie.

Our guy wound up... a good toss! Jaidee got it quickly and was running for the far end of the Garden that overlooked the land down towards the river. Tha trying to keep everybody close to the house while laughing.

Us riders joined in to help. I called to Jaidee... he brought me the ball... my toss was towards the Terrace. The crowd moved that way... Cho came out, he got the ball from Jaidee. No more tossing.

We headed inside. Coats and hats collected. Moms and dads helping and getting hugs.

Tonight's dinner was a dress-up affair so `drinks' was limited.

Nothing formal but dressy! My choice was Lorena's black frock.

Lightweight black wool, sleeveless, close to my slender torso, a wide soft big pleated skirt to the knee. An over the shoulders wrap of a light gray cashmere. Ellie had modified the wrap closure for me. Gone was the big button, now it was closed with a silver Hermès Cheval pin.

Black stockings and heels. Silver jewellery and `Joy' Red nails and lips, quite red!

Cho in a black suit, so sexy with a blazing red tie! Charlie like his dad. Chani in a black velvet long-sleeved frock, black knee length socks and Mary Janes! A red bow on her left wrist.

Jaidee had his red bow on again!

We gathered in the Great Room... Lots of dress styles, colours and jewellery. The men had lovely suits, brilliant ties, pocket handkerchiefs splashing colour! The kids looked awesome.

Montaigan with that bright red tie again!!

Sunny a new black dress, slender straps, scoop neckline, close to her torso, wide soft pleats to the top of knee, black stockings and heels from Coach! Red nails and lips. She was wearing... `Style' by Ralph Lauren. An scent with amber and floral notes!! A spritely scent!! Perfect for a young woman. She loved it and enjoyed sharing our gifts of it with Mari and Cecile.

Sunny was bouncing, so much joy! Sunny taller than her mom now! Kay's arm around her waist, brilliant smiles on mom and daughter!!! Phailin joined them... gorgeous women... terrific smiles!

Taittingers and Shirley Temples! A toast to the holiday and our being altogether! Cheers! We were loud! So many voices.

Talk, champagne, kids, Jaidee, horses!

Carter at the door!

We moved our party to the Dining Room. The doors opened on a winter wonderland... white, red and silver decorations. The tall windows draped in white with winter scenes on the sills, snowy cabins, sleighs, little snowmen and women. The table snowy white with the centrepieces of red roses, the candelabra bases wrapped in red ribbon. Each dinner place had a name and the dinner menu for that person in Ellie's flowing silver and red script.

All our glasses were charged... Cho stood up... His hand on my shoulder... He looked right and left over the big table... "This has been another year of thrills and highs... We... " his fingers squeezing me... "... cannot be but extremely proud, happy and humble for all the goodness that has come our way.

We have two brilliant children, a strong and loving family bond that defies the usual rules, loyal, trustworthy friends and employees who show every day their fidelity and justify our trust in them. It is impossible to imagine a better life..." I stood beside Cho... an arm around me... "Thank you all for being a huge part of our happiness... it our wish you all become as deliriously joyful as we are! ...To our family and friends... Cheers!"

Loud cheers from me added to Cho's!! Chani and Charlie joined us!!

We drank to them all!

They stood to drink!

Dad stayed up! A big smile across the table from us!

"Fay, Cho... " His hand waved up and down the table, "... We thank you for your wonderful praise! We are stunned by your ability to go from strength to STRENGTH! Just days ago supreme honours were accorded you by Queen Elizabeth showing the world how you both live your lives... with an entrepreneurial spirit and concern for others combined with generosity of purse and soul.

Thailand is in your debt, the many people who your good works help rest easier, the world is a better place... We thank you!"

They all stood again... "CHEERS to you!!"

Cho smiling as he offered a Cho-Fay handkerchief to me for my tears... Cho and I kissed.

My turn... I got up...

"Dad... all of you... You have our love!"

I raised my glass... Cho's hand in mine... "Thank you!"

Uncle Craig stood, smiling gesturing around the table, "As family and friends together... we have an unparalleled loving link thanks to our strong centre... Cho and Fay!"

CHEERS from all!

Cho stood to thank Craig, "We are all family in every way that matters!"

He raised his glass! Cheers!

I was wiped out! An emotional beginning to dinner!

Chani reached for my hand, "Mama, I love you!"

That brought the handkerchief back... I turned to hug my little lady. A kiss!

We crossed our arms joining the entire table with crackers in hand... booms all around! This year the crackers just had crowns! Beautiful gold, silver, sparkly red and glowing green ones. Mine was silver! Chani got red, she loved it.

On her head with my help, "Mama, I like red!" All good!

Tonight the full English Christmas dinner, for some... Roast beef and gravy, pureed parsnips, braised red cabbage, bread sauce but for others it was... grilled salmon, roasted new potatoes, grilled asparagus and fennel.

Potato leek soup to start and Yorkshire Pudding fit for all!!!

Carter prepared wine for both menus! For my salmon... Bouchard Pere et Fils Chevalier Montrachet la Cabotte Grand Cru!

Yea! I made my feelings known to Carter. A big smile from him and a bow.

Everybody was delighting in their food! Chani grinning as part of a potato disappeared... what a funny face! The Twins loved their food which was so good, they still had a long way to go growing up to be healthy.

Table talk about so many different things, horses... naturally! Riding and racing, Sunny's successes this year.

Harcourt House was a topic and Cowley house where they'd all go in a few days.

Graeme had to go back on duty the day after Boxing Day... there were oh no's' for him... he was laughing I'm protecting all of you... right?'

Laughter!

The Nobel Peace Prize nominations... not much we could say about that.

The election campaign in southern Thailand, it was noisy, a bit anarchic but no violence! Speechmaking at rallies and leafleting... just what you'd expect in a democracy.

I asked about the House of Lords by-election... everyone laughing when I said I had to become a peer to run in an election.

Dessert ... a huge Yule Log, four feet long was wheeled out. It was beautiful! Sue and Maxine collaborated. A chocolate shell filled with sweet cream, it had two branches and it looked it had real bark! Well done!!

Then there was Christmas Pudding, it was vegetarian with a George V silver Six Pence inside somewhere. Sunny found it last year.

Amontillado Hidalgo Jeres-Xeres sherry and a small piece of each dessert for me. No coin just the delicious tastes. Okay with me!

Ah... Phailin got the coin! No broken teeth!

In the Great Room Cho and I said we wouldn't be long. I changed to ankle boots from heels. The black Mirabelle coat, a white scarf and black gloves. A black cloche hat with a red poppy on the ribbon band.

PJ and Rande with us. Prasert driving, grinning telling us Kas was loving their Christmas tree.

"He crawls under and lays there giggling at the lights and ornaments."

I said I was known to do that when I was young, an interesting view. He said he'd try it with Kas.

We stopped in All Saints Lane at the back gate to the graveyard. Rande leading with a big torch he swept side to side, Cho and I had small ones. PJ behind us, another big torch. At the gate to the front a young woman was there to open it.

She welcomed us. We came out behind Dr. Ryles who was waiting as the villagers carrying their flaming torches came up the road and across the green. The bonfire was ready to light, a group of singers ready with their music.

Dr. Ryles shook our hands thanking us for coming. We waited beside him for everyone to gather.

Dr. Ryles stepped forward, "Happy Christmas to you all!"

A loud return of `Happy Christmas' to him!

At that point the snow began to fall thinly to start. Fortunately no wind.

"Tonight is special in so many ways. Our Saviour's birth bringing the light of heaven to earth! We need him more each year."

He reached his hand out to us, "Also tonight we have guests, Lady Harcourt and Sir Cho... " Some loud clapping and cheers.

"They have given a donation to pay for the entire roof repair project."

Now there much more applause and many more cheers!

Dr. Ryles turning to us, "We thank you for being so generous!"

Cho motioned me forward... I gave him my best `I'll get you later' look!

"Although we don't attend here... the village churches of England are central to life and give a wonderful local sense of history to everyone that we respect and want to maintain. All Saints Church is a vibrant church community... so you have to thank yourselves for maintaining it so well over the years."

Loud clapping. Dr. Ryles asked Cho to start the bonfire. A teenage girl brought her burning torch to him... Cho had a look at the pyre and thrust the burning brand in his chosen spot. It ignited the prepared wood and the fire rose rapidly.

We clapped as the flames made the wood crackle... Dr. Ryles thanked us again for coming. Handshakes and a hug for him.

The choir and villagers began to sing `Good King Wenceslas' as we turned back through the graveyard to our car. Prasert had us going inside in a minute.

The Great Room crowd cheered our return! A few hugs and kisses around.

Okay it was time for an exchange of one gift with a family member.

I had something special for the Twins so they'd get two gifts.

Chani got from us a pair of skirts, an Ancient Munro tartan and a Modern Munro! She loved them because they were just like mine with the leather waistband. They could expand some to accomodate her growth.

Charlie got two ties, one each of the Munro tartans with a stickpin of the Munro crest.

They were happy.

Cho got two dozen golf balls from me and the Twins. They were Titleist ProV1 type with Cho' and the number 1' on them. On the other side was a hibiscus `Brilliant' yellow with a red centre.

Cho loved them! Hugs for us!

I was asked to close my eyes... something on my wrist... Cho leaned in to kiss me.

A beauty! A golden braided torque with horse's heads as ends, rubies for eyes! It was lustrous, solid feeling, beautifully crafted. Wonderful. The gold had that shine... deep within.

Cho got a big kiss and hug. He said he'd seen it... and knew it was right for my wrist. Funny guy!

I handed the Twins each another present... both in brown paper wrapping with orange ribbons. They took off the wrapping to find a brown box... nestled inside was a green ceramic `thing' which briefly confused them... they got it!!!!

They were ceramic Brussels sprouts!!! We all were laughing, Cho hadn't known about this.

"Mama... this is funny!" Charlie holding it up... I said it was as close as they ever had to come to a `sprout' again!

Chani hugged me, a kiss! "Perfect Mama! No smell!!"

The Twins did fist bumps together then with me and Popa!!

Montaigan leaned over to see what our noise was about.

"Ah... those little green nasty things!"

He didn't like them either... We five did fist bumps for that!!!

I moved around the room seeing the treasures being given and received. Some lovely jewellery, scents, clothing... lots of very nice things.

I handed out a few gifts to the riders... Ariat insulated riding gloves.

I managed an espresso and Amaretto. I was sitting against Cho... I was holding up my arm... Admiring! More thanks to him for the lovely bracelet.

Yawns! Time for Twins to hit the hay! We showed them we were prepared for Father Christmas' visit.

Cho and I walked up carrying them. My girl's cheek against mine. We did their clothes with hugs and kisses... they lay down with their bed buddies' from last Christmas! Nites!'

The other babies made the trip too. They were ready.

Kay and I holding hands, "Fay, the Ralph Lauren scent for Sunny is sparkly and crisp. She loves it! So no special occasion?"

"No. I thought she was old enough to wear a scent. I made the point about being discreet with it... no bathing in it. That got a big laugh from your daughter."

A hug, "She's quite poised and sophisticated these days."

I smiled, "Check in the morning when she wakes up..."

We laughed!

Going up between Sunny and Rona, they would join me in the morning.

Cho grinning, "The presents are under the tree and the Father Christmas `snacks' have been used by a visitor."

Cho said he ate part of one cookie. The hot chocolate cup had a bit at the bottom. Cute!

Cho said Somsak, Eric, Reg and Ting had placed `gifts' from Father Christmas for their girls. He had them share the eating of the cookies. What a laugh.

I was doing the scones in the Kitchen when my companions arrived. `Happy Christmas' from me, hugs and kisses too. They did their coffees. Jaidee finished his Bfast so we all walked down the lane.

Andy was the early one today. Happy Christmas to him and Audra! Smiling as I passed over the strawberry scone, hot and buttery.

Roland nickering, he was ready. We mounted with Tara and Penny. I gave them pairs of Ariat gloves. They put them on right away.

The snow hadn't been much, another dusting. It was cold though, a moderate breeze from the southwest.

We had a good gallop after the railroad track crossing. The lockman waving, he was well bundled up. No Roy... well it is Christmas Day. Over the river... the tent was gone. We headed for the underpass and a turn to the north.

Lower Radley was very quiet this year. I'm sure the Wilcox's were happy about that!

We had a good hard ride through the wooded area then to the Security Annex. Franco on duty.

"Your Ladyship, Happy Christmas!"

I thanked him, returning it to him.

He pointed to the holding room... I peeked in... our rough sleeper was snoring lightly.

Franco said someone on the night shift had checked on him, he was very cold so they brought him in. They gave him some supper and he made himself comfortable. His tent and other things were in the storeroom.

"We'll give him breakfast and he can decide if a shelter might be a good place until the cold moderates. Whatever he wants we'll help him."

I thanked him for taking care of our new friend.

"If a bit of money helps him... give him some and put it down on your books as per my request."

A grin.

We walked our horses to the western stream bridge then over the lock. The substitute man on duty. We exchanged `Happy Christmases' with each other.

At Mr. Hardy's he was getting ready to come up to the house. Prasert was picking him up in less than an hour.

Now for the last lap... we warmed up our horses then I set Roland running! He burst into a full gallop quickly... we hit the river trail and roared off. Big strides gobbled up the ground... we were across the property boundary in a few minutes.

I let him walk some as the others caught up. Smiling faces with red cheeks from the cold air. Fist bumps and hugs all around.

I had my arms linked with Rona and Sunny walking up to the house.

It was still early, we were ahead of the babies. I changed to a red long sleeved heavy cotton frock, mid-thigh circle shape. Black stockings and heels, gold bits and `Joy' The new torque on my left wrist... beauty!

Upstairs for Christmas bears. They were in the bear suits from Au Vieux Campeur! Cho and I carried them down. Anne in her dad's arms, the same for Caroline, Suki and MFA. Yawns from the sleepyheads.

All the babies by the tree... we reached under to bring out their `gifts.'

Charlie got a HO train set and pre-made buildings for the Nursery here and the blue salopette de ski pants!

Chani got the red ski pants and a sweet doll who looked like a person rather than a caricature. Several different outfits for her.

Our other little ones got all sorts including several very cute dolls. The kids were happy!

Now for all the rest of us.

Chani and Charlie made Christmas cards for us. They were terrific. Mine had snowy landscape and trees on the front Once upon a time there was a rider'... inside a rider in black with a Spanish Equestrian hat on a chestnut horse galloping across the snow... Who rode around giving away money to schools so they would be full of happy children... Happy Christmas Mama!' C&C

Sweet thoughts from the babies!! A hug for each and a kiss and a BIG thank you!

The front of Cho's card had a dark haired man beside a white airplane with a hibiscus Brilliant' on the tail... inside a pasted picture of Cho had a drawing of a little boy in his arms, a second picture with a girl in his arms. They both had their arms spread out... We love our Cho-Air flights... Thank you Popa! Happy Christmas!!' C&C

Cho grinning! He hugged and kissed them with a big thank you for the nice card.

The Twins were funny and creative. Tha told us her contribution was printing the snaps of Cho and some help with the sentences.

Cho pulled me close on a settee, he had a flat square package.

"This first please."

It was beautifully wrapped in silver paper and luscious pink ribbon. A small card with one word... `Love'

I unwrapped it to a dark black box with a clasp, I opened it...

Oh my... a diamond set, pink diamonds!!!!!!!! Earrings, hung an inch down to a teardrop, a ring with a large square diamond, the bracelet was a narrow silver band with a single large diamond mounted in the centre and a solitaire necklace, the diamond was large.

The settings, chain and band were made of silvery white gold!

Cho leaned on me... a kiss!

"Fay, they are called `fancy vivid pink.'

"It's an amazing gift! The colour is marvellous!"

"They are pretty, Mama!"

Chani was right. I hugged Cho, another kiss and a quiet `thank you.'

I handed a square box to Cho. It was wrapped in black and white. He removed the paper to find a simple square wood box in black lacquer. Inside a platinum wrist band, inscribed with Chati and Chanthira and their birthday.

Cho's face!!! It was a simple beautiful thing... he loved it! It was on his wrist! Charlie and Chani got to see their names. Charlie holding his Dad's arm, "Popa, we will be with you all the time."

A hug for the little guy.

"You always are but this will be a wonderful reminder."

I was thanked with a kiss and hug.

I handed Cho another small box.

He laughed, "one for my other wrist?"

Laughing, "No! For another part of your life."

Cho undid the deep purple paper with gold ribbon. A cigar cutter, unadorned silver with Cho' engraved on it above Christmas 2017.'

He grinned, "Thank you! I did need this!"

A kiss again!

A special gift for Chani... a silver chain with a ruby pedant. A simple necklace with a second longer chain for later in her life. I put it on right away. A huge smile and a thank you kiss.

We had a few other things for each other and the Twins. For them some clothes from Natalys' and books of all types and games.

Then we circulated bringing gifts to the various family units.

All my riding buddies had received Hermès Harcourt Racing scarves, I added Hermès Cheval pins for each in silver and gold. They each got a tunic and tights from Kentucky heat to keep their bod's warm.

There were assorted blouses, jumpers, earrings, etc... for the ladies.

The babies got new drinking cups and an assortment of bath time floating toys. Cavaclour blankets for napping and wooly hoodies in bright colours.

Our gifts for Dee and Donella were iPad Pro's and Apple Pencils for email, surfing and fun. They also got carry cases in red leather. Each got a Hermès scarf in colours they liked and silver and gold pins for scarves.

Hermès Vauban Hat for Sunny like mine plus jump breeches for practising in, black and white. A black and gray warm-up Hermès poncho! A Hermès Bridado backpack in summer leaf green. Oh Yes! The right colour!

Samarcande horse's head paperweight in red stone! Reddish gold like a chestnut horse, it was a unpretentiously handsome piece. A proud look on its face.

Sunny sitting there holding it... a smile, "Fay, it's exquisite." A kiss for her.

Kay looking up a me holding a few wisps of black cloth... a smile! The thong bikini was one like my itty-bitty one I'd told her about on their terrace in Seattle several years ago. Greg's eyes were big... a cute sly grin emerged. We laughed!!

The emerald and silver earrings, necklace and bracelet set got me a huge hug!!

In my ear a big thank you for the bikini too!

Tona's feet would be warmer with two new pairs of low-cut Ugg's, one black, one brown. A gold bracelet with Suki's name and by happenstance enough room for their new son's name. A gold locket with Cho and I on one side, the Twins on the other.

"Fay, this is sweet."

Suki hugged her mom after looking at it.

"Aunt Fay, now you are close to her heart."

A kiss for her!

Phailin received a lovely iridescent green blouse, silver and ruby earrings plus a silver charm bracelet. It had charms for all of us kids' and grandkids,' us four, Somsak, Tona and Suki. Kay, Greg, Sunny, Artie and Sam. It was well loaded and clinked' loudly as she wiggled her wrist. Room for an addition!'

Laughter as Phailin rattled her new thing.

Kanda's earrings were silver and rubies in small circlets and dangling gems similar to Phailin's. An iridescent bird pin, gorgeous blues and yellows and a lovely pale yellow silk blouse to pin it on. A slivery blue Hermès stole and a diamond stickpin.

Cho was doing the menfolk other than these three. There was golf things, cognac and all sorts.

The Colonel got an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil like Dee and Donella. Easier to carry and to do email than his laptop. A black leather carry case included. A Harcourt Racing striped tie. Soft silk made them lovely to touch. A Hermès golden horse stickpin.

Mr. Hardy's Christmas, every Osprey book on the uniforms of the Napoleonic wars! Quite a stack! Also the four volume set of Sir Charles W. C. Oman's `A History of the Peninsular War.' First editions! Plus a much later set of the same books he could put to use for reference.

Montaigan had a Christmas card with an insert in flowing script saying there were bottles of Remy Martel Louis XIII waiting for him at his home on Martinique. Big smile!

Also a Harcourt Racing tie with a Hermès horse stickpin and a pair of comfy waking around the house slippers made for warmer climes that Cho sent from Bangkok.

Eve & Ku matching black light wool short sleeved jumpers with a swath of silver stars on the boobies, silver teardrop earrings with both their initials on each. Wonderfully soft and warm wool stoles from Hermès. Lovely gold horse pins to hold the stoles around their shoulders.

Jian's big gift was red of course! A red jumpsuit from Mirabelle, made for her shape. It was zippered from bellow her belly button to the neck, long sleeves in shining, sparkly red fabric. A gold rayed-star brooch went with it.

A Hermès red wool stole backed in pale gray for her trips to cooler places too! A diamond stickpin for the stole!

Andrea loved the silver and ruby earrings with Jian and Ting on the reverse of the stone setting. We added a silver bangle bracelet with Caroline on it with room for another name... Also a red and beige wool stole from Hermès, a golden pin for it in a sun star shape.

Catherine smiling as she opened hers... a gold bracelet with Jian engraved in script. She also received a gray and red cashmere stole from Hermès with a diamond stickpin to hold it crossed-over her chest.

Malee's blue pin was a cat doing a stretch, tail curled upward. Silver background base, the lustrous blue colour was inlaid stones! A sleeveless silk white blouse with iridescent blue buttons and a small flap closing at her waist. A dark blue like the twilight Hermès scarf and a silver moon shaped pin.

Rona got the new riding crop, two pair of jodhpurs, one black, one gray and a cashmere scarf that was black and gray. Her silver Hermès cheval pin would be great to hold the scarf. A running horse gold brooch that had diamond eyes.

The little ones all got colourful warm hoodies.

MFA got a gold chain with a ruby pendant just like Anne, Caroline and Suki. Chani with me when I gave these gifts showing her's around her small neck. They also got a larger chain to use as they grew up.

Lots of hugs and kisses from them. They loved sharing the same gift! Loads of happy giggles! Hugs all `round!

They all got several outfits for their favourite doll with help from the moms on sizes.

Francis' gifts were the two Tolkien Middle Earth atlases I found in Monsieur Verlaine's bookshop in Paris and a silver cufflink set of running horses. A beautiful piece of black marble shaped as an orb with a flat side, a desk ornament.

Ali received a silver charm bracelet with tiny Harcourt House, Greenwich Village, Bangkok, Los Angeles and London charms. Ali also got a black D&G bag like one I had she'd admired. A Hermès cheval pin for a yellow and blue Hermès soft wool stole.

Gil got new charms for her bracelet for the new places we had gone and iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil. A special gift was a gold horse's head pin, the mane flowing in the wind with fiery red ruby eyes!

Our friends and family exchanged gifts with each other. I got to see many beautiful things! Hugs and kisses.

Our Protectors got the newest iPhones plus three hundred £'s in iTunes cards. The ladies got Harcourt Racing scarves, the men matching pocket squares.

We gave them all lapel pins of a Black Baza, a fearsome Thai raptor, especially made by Asprey. A beautiful bird.

They like Carter and all the other senior staff received bonuses.

We got tea served with many sweet baked items as all the gift opening was happening. I shared a plate with Chani... fruitcake, stollen and shortbread. Cho gallantly re-filled it for us.

A bit of straightening was done, wrapping paper collected by us in a pile for Jaidee. He jumped in... sploosh!! The paper flew up just like he jumped in the pool!! We got it back together for another go for him. He loved it.

The tables were setup for our staff gifts. There so many more folks this year we were doing two gift times. The inside staff was first. They all got new iPhone 8 Plus models with lots of memory, the supervisors received iPad Pro's so they could connect with the Harcourt House Domesday database.

One Hundred £ iTunes cards for everybody.

Each member of Harcourt House staff, both inside and outside, received a £500 bonus. We had lots of smiling faces.

I had some special gifts for the staff babies... Cavaclour nappy bags, hat-sock-mitten gift sets in pink and blue. Several plush horses for `hugging,' bibs with horses, pullover hoodies with pom-poms on top.

A green poncho for Kas and a smaller orange one for Dorene, soft and warm!

Cute chapka hats in various sizes and colours for all.

They all learned of the various houses around the country and elsewhere they could go for vacation time. Cho told them they'd all receive a full brochure in email, the website link to make reservations and of course the time off to enjoy it all.

Shining smiling faces!!

Cho with the Twins and me went to the Outside Staff Lounge. `Happy Christmases' called out to one and all! Hugs and kisses. They all received the same iPhones, iTunes cards and the supervisors the iPads. These plus their bonus... laughing, happy folks!

As in the past these Apple devices were their property, we paid the monthly fees. AppleCare included for all devices. Since we were doing a buy of several hundred iPhones and dozens of iPads there was direct purchase from Apple.

Our Security folks were trained to help move everyone from their current phone to the new, same for any iPad moves.

Each employee had hard drive space on a Mac OS X Server to store any files or snaps. We did have rules about content but it hadn't been an issue... yet. There's always someone pushing at the guidelines... we have no intention of being the morality police! Just don't do it on our servers was our attitude.

There were more baby things for their children. Hats, scarves, booties, nappy bags and cosy blankets.

They also got the news about the vacations locations which had some looking at each other... Pat and Diana to name one pair... to plan something!

I told them we were adding many more locations so keep an eye out!

Inside the family and friends had wound up the Christmas morning thing... gifts were admired and sorting everyone out was done.

Luncheon was a soup and sandwich buffet. I was beside Graeme and Montaigan who was leaving in the morning to Paris.

We talked a few different topics... brexit came up. I said we were disappointed in Labour for not having a consistent message or a quality team to speak against the nonsense.

Graeme saw only endless issues dealing with the EU which we could blame ourselves for. Montaigan pointed out the EU was playing very hard-ball with the British government.

"No easy negotiations and tough language."

I added we can't expect anything better since we're the `defaulters' in it.

"The tories incompetence and denials and lies have made it impossible to go forward with any rational arguments. They just cover their ears and whine about the nasty people in Europe. A comedy-drama with some real-life bad effects."

Uncle Craig made the point the Scots thought it rubbish from the start and the independence movement had been the gainer in it all.

"I'm not in favour of separation but the antics at Westminster are starting to make me consider changing my mind."

"Too bad because we should be together, we fit. We will reach a point of no return though because it's inevitable with the tories," was my minor wisdom.

When lunch was over Gil moved close to me as we walked to the Great Room, "The Malaysian government announced they have nominated Cho and you for the Nobel peace prize."

I shrugged, "So folks are joining in... not much for us to do. Please tell Cho."

A ride was proposed, the guys to play poker and the kids to watch the Muppets `Christmas Carol' movie. Phailin and Kanda with Dee were to host the movie. After wards all the babies would go to visit with Iris.

Rona, Sunny and Gil with me. Tara and Penny too. We rode north. In Sandford some folks were out but not many. At the Rectory the Lone's were hosting some folks who were just arriving. We said hellos and Happy Christmas walking by.

Dinner was leftovers and soup! A minimum meal so the staff could be off early. We did afters by ourselves so the staff could go.

A quiet Christmas night. Fun to sit with everybody chatting, some billiards played, a group for poker after cigars were smoked outside behind the windscreen on the Terrace.

A big procession of babies going up. They had been cute with us. All down for the night!

More snow forecast but it hadn't done anything by bedtime.

Cho came in later, a kiss and added warmth... I was back asleep right away.

Boxing Day morning was cold! The snow minimal once more. Sunny and Rona with me. We had hot scones! Pat and Andy each got one.

Roland ready! We went south... by the time we reached the lock we all were warmed up! Hellos spread around. On the other side of the river we galloped east and north into Lower Radley. It was quiet.

Going north into the trees at speed... it was a fast trip to the Security Annex. Hassan was the day supervisor. He checked the log for me, the rough sleeper had been driven to a shelter in Abingdon. He seemed Okay... making the decision himself. Good!

Tab waved, they were up and running already with two studios working, occupied by a singer, another by a string trio.

Lotte's assistant waved from the doorway.

The Sandford lock fellow waving from the north end, we sent `good mornings' to him. A smile.

Mr. Hardy out. Roland knew if we didn't stop there... it was time to run! Yes! We were off... I asked him and we rocked! One long gallop to the Flats. A lot of power under me! He was a happy camper!

The Breakfast Room was full. We had a bunch of folks leaving, they were filling their tanks.

I leaned on Cho, "Today Charlie and Chani are eighteen months... going on five years..."

A huge grin on my husband's face, "At least five... for some things older!"

A hug and kiss. The Twins were flat amazing!!

Montaigan go to Chalgrove for a flight to Le Bourget then a car to Quai de Bethune. He planned to be in Paris for a week, ten days or more. When he was ready he'd contact Penn to arrange an aircraft to Martinique.

Lots of hugs and kisses for him. His dry wit was delicious, always welcome which was reiterated to him.

"Montai have fun." Our babies waving... he stopped at the car door to come back to fist bump with them... giggles and laughs! Lots of waves goodbye.

The colonel in a Prasert car soon after to his home in the capital. He'd be in touch about his KCB ceremony.

"Thank you both for this visit. It is always relaxing and interesting being around you two!"

"Then you must hang out with us much more!"

He said he'd be happy to do so. Cho repeated `golf' in Bangkok... warm! The Colonel smiled and nodded before climbing into the car.

Jian and Ku with Eve to Chalgrove for their flight to Boston and afterwards to New York for Eve on an AW139 direct to Manhattan. Eve back to work and Jian and Ku doing shelter openings.

Our Seattle family unit was going. Sunny beside the car holding my hand.

"Fay, thanks for the rides it was great fun to be out with you."

Hugs and kisses for them all from us and the Bangkok, Singapore and Fortrose squads!

They were flying non-stop to Boeing Field.

Artie and Sam got big hugs. Smiles, Artie hugging tight, "Aunt Fay, this was the best time. Thanks."

Sam's arm on my shoulders as I squatted beside him, "Aunt Fay, I had a wonderful time."

He did have a half sad face...

I squeezed him, "Don't be sad about leaving. Your mother is going to come over here more... you should come with her."

A hug and my cheek kissed.

Lots of waving goodbye.

Not long after our London trio of families were loaded into cars for the ride up to the city. Back to work tomorrow!

MFA, Caroline and Anne doing a group hug with the Twins and Suki!! Very sweet!

I told their big people they could come back for News Year's night. Looked like that sounded good!

Much more waving to cars going away.

Boxing Day became leaving Day. Poo!

After breakfast the next morning the Scottish, Bangkok and Singapore units loaded up for Cowley House. A few days of sightseeing! I gave hugs and kisses, Cho shaking hands, kissing cheeks!

Graeme gave his family a big send off!

Graeme too had to go. His car packed.

I was walking him to the door when Carter2 came in with a soldier, a sergeant. The Sergeant came to attention seeing Graeme's uniform.

Graeme smiling, "At ease. Hello Sergeant."

"Sir."

Carter2 said, "My Lady, this is Merry's dad."

I shook hands. He asked for a few minutes of my time.

"Let me send the captain off ... alright?"

"Yes, Ma'am, I will wait."

I turned to Carter2, "Please seat the Sergeant by the fire..."

Outside I hugged Graeme, "Remember to come down with your friends whenever... Did I tell you about Roseanna and Des?"

I hadn't... so much going on.

He was delighted in hearing they were engaged. He'd get in contact with her.

A kiss. The little blue sports car going down the drive.

This afternoon we had new folks coming in, the Aussies with Miki and Inmura.

The Sergeant's first name was `Peregrine' said he'd come over to thank us in person for being so kind to Merry and his wife.

"She is better now..." in response to my query.

"You did such a wonderful thing for Merry."

I told him about the Open House, I'd helped his son get a full plate and seeing him go off smiling with a friend was a bright moment.

A big smile, "They saved some shortbread for me from the box you had made up. It was delicious."

"My aunt, who had just left to go up to the city makes it for us. Homemade in Scotland."

That got another smile.

He was in an Army unit that did support work for military computer centres around the world. I said my cousin working out of the MoD on some Intelligence things we didn't talk about.

He smiled, "There's always some of that with us military types."

The Sergeant thanked me again. He was helped into his coat by Carter2 at the door. I didn't see a car and asked. He'd walked down... I knew where they lived on the far west edge of Baldon Row. I said I'd get him a lift home.

Prasert, Tom and the others were all out driving now. Yonne got Carl to drive the Sergeant home, it was only ten minutes. I was thanked once more. I said to say hello to his wife and Merry. A big smile.

Inside Carter was there.

"My Lady, that was a nice thing for him to do... Sort of old school manners."

"Yes, he seems like a nice man... odd he's in the Army. I guess he likes it since he's been in for more than a few years."

I asked for coffee in the Library... there was work to be done.

Ali and Gil had an unfortunate hobby of giving me things to do. My luck was they both had the skill of being able to distil long reports to cogent and accurate summaries. There are occasions when only the whole report would do.

I finished one such from Royce at the Daily News. Harper, his secretary, emailed it to Ali. Once Ali read it she said I should see it all.

The Daily News personnel costs were high... the report emphasized the return on our investment in people seen through the lens of the latest circulation and website numbers.

The ads on the webpages were paying for it with a healthy profit. The `hit' numbers had us only seven thousand unique visitors less than the New York Times!!

On the print side sales, Times sold 520,000 papers a day, we were at 480,000. Near parity. Our sales were still growing!! The Times definitely NOT!

There'd been rumours of dissention at the New York Times... We were leaching from their staff. Royce had hired their best financial reporter giving the Daily News a big boost in business and Wall Street coverage! And their top legal and law enforcement writer came over to us!

The Daily News was closing the year in a position of enormous strength with excellent prospects for the new year! Although the labour costs were high... the better rates we could charge for ad space was slowly making up the difference. We weren't in any hurry!

I checked the time and called Royce. He was ebullient not only for having had a wonderful Christmas with family but the numbers!!!!!!!!!

"This old newspaper is having its finest days with many more to come. The feeling in the newsroom and corridors is amazing... Even the `Red Head' is smiling all the time."

We laughed together. I again said for him to `keep the pedal down' on the accelerator! He happily agreed to do so!!

At lunch Cho was grinning with my relating the Daily News events. Fist bump! The Twins wanted to get in on it... bumps!

The Aussies and Miki and Inmura were on the ground at Chalgrove.

Shelia and Alex in the first car, happy faces!! Next... Aaron out first, Nara handing out their little boy, Conall. Angie and Tony, they looked tremendous, fit and tanned. In the last car, a smiling Miki, a hug and handshake with a grin for Inmura.

Hugs and kisses then inside... cold... No dawdling.

They were happy to be here! This year it was different for most of them. Some important business reasons for coming also except Angie and Nara. Although Nara did have plans.

They'd only stay a day and a half here then up to London. The railroad men wanted to meet with The Company's folks about software and hardware, Inmura had several meetings scheduled with the water control software team.

Miki and Shelia to go to LSE for gatherings with some of the faculty and staff. They'd meet with Jasmine in her role as manager of the Basuto Group. Time to talk more papers and a possible online symposium!

Angie wanted to go sightseeing and shopping the last of which got a groan from Tony! Also a grin! Nara wanted to look in at Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Burberry and other retailers. She laughed about stealing ideas. AND she was willing to join in on the shopping! Tony laughing pointing to Aaron and himself.

Also some plain old sightseeing too!

Everybody in the Great Room for ornament hangings. The Twins made their entrance running to us. They were introduced to each adult and Conall. He was five months, cute, bright dark eyes looking around. Chani and Charlie leaned over to say `Hi!' Conall made some noises with a big grin on his face.

Chani and Charlie handed our guests their glass balls which did astonish them. Cho and I smiling at each other... thumbs up to the Twins!! Huge smiles!

All done! Taittinger's ready... we toasted the holidays and our guests!

Golf with Cho this afternoon and tomorrow morning for the guys, Shelia with me on a horse. Gil as taking Nara and Angie into Oxford this afternoon. Conall would be with Tha and the Twins.

A quick set of goodbyes as a bunches motored off to separate destinations. Shelia and I walked down to the Stables. We mounted up with Ken and Penny. Rebel very eager!

Shelia and I had a good ride, me with Rebel... the return trip from Sanford a blazing run! We walked the horses talking about riding which Shelia didn't get to do enough of and our buying some riding horses from her cousin's family ranch in Rialto out past Arcadia.

"They have a pretty good life in Topanga Canyon. Nice accommodations, fine food, exercise and nice people taking care of them."

Shelia laughed, "Maybe I ought to join them."

I said I thought she'd find the menu not to her liking.

Lots of laughter followed that!

Dinner was a laid-back meal, no dressing up. I saw Miki taking in the Twins skills with eating utensils... she looked over to me... her head shaking.

Afters... Miki beside me... "They really are exceptional!" She heard about the psychologists opinions.

The Twins were with their Dad as he helped setup a puzzle for them.

The puzzle was a snap of the close in Garden here last spring... blossoms everywhere. They got started... buzzing along quickly. This puzzle was one of the new ones with smaller pieces... even more difficult with repeated colour splashes.

"Fay, your description of them seems to be too understated. They are little wizards!"

The puzzle was done in fifteen minutes. A lovely snap... everyone got to admire it.

Cho and the men did cigars outside... I think it was shortened by the cold... even with the windscreen... now for poker.

When the babies were all upstairs the ladies talked about all sorts and our `honours.'

Angie asked about the House of Lords...

"I have to meet with the current Crossbench Peers next week... a `hustings' sort of meet and greet thing. I'll try to explain why I am seeking the open seat in the Lords."

I decided not to go into the part Prince Charles was playing.

A few hours later Cho slipped into bed... a kiss, warm arms snaking around me.

Shelia was up with me to start the day on a horse. Walking down the lane she was grateful for the Kentucky Heat bits we had for her. The cold hadn't backed off. It had been summer in Australia.

Jaidee and Thames decided to sit in the office with the cats! Now I knew how cold it was!

Hot buttered scones went over very well in exchange for a few horses.

Roland eager! We took off. Tara and Penny joining in. Scarves and their Ariat gloves. I lent a pair of the insulated gloves to Shelia.

Up the slope everybody warming up. The lock man waving, calling out a good morning which we returned. Roy just walking over, a big smile. Handshake.

On the west side we rode hard through Lower Radley on up to the Industrial estate. At the Security Annex Hassan said they'd not heard anything about our rough sleeper nor seen him. No news was Okay... seeing him back soon wouldn't be good.

Mr. Hardy was just setting out for his walk, well bundled up. Fist bump!

Roland was ready when we reached the grass... Yea, we were running! The air flowing past was cold but we two were warm!

The feel of Roland's big strides, the play of his muscles was amazing to me every time. He could do this... happy... giving me the pleasure of being part of his life!

We ran hard all the way to the Flats... nobody to be seen!

Shelia got to see Sunny's things. Tara had had her first lesson with Charlotte on the cross-country course... no damage yet. A big toothy grin from her. Laughter.

I got Jaidee to leave the heated office to come up with us. He was cosy warm and reluctant to leave. He went straight for the Great Room fireplace. It was cold!

The Twins were off to do more `lessons.' I got hugs and kisses.

The golfers were finishing their breakfast. I asked about yesterday's golf... Cho said he'd tell later. I let him off. Tony did a thumbs up pointing towards my guy... I got it.

My tropical born husband didn't mind the cold, he played just as well!

Miki, Shelia and I with Ali and Gil in the library. I wanted the scoop on their new stuff!

They were working on a piece about climate change and international trade with an emphasis on East Asia and the Pacific region.

They were just starting to research another on solar energy. London had a `Solar Action Plan,' they had a meeting to talk to the city people about it. London powered by the sun?

It wasn't going to happen if the tories kept cutting monies for subsidies for solar installations. Another utter fail by the tories!

I did some `publisher' work for the UK and American newspapers.

After lunch the golfers were back. Our guests got ready to go to Cowley House. We waved them down the drive. They'd be back in two days so they could fly home to be there for New Year's night.

The Twins asked about Conall...

"Mama, we were like that? Unable to talk... it seems so long ago." Charlie holding my hand on a settee in the Great Room. Chani looking up from rubbing Jaidee... her eyes on mine.

"Yes, all babies go through a while before they can understand and speak. You two had a shorter time than most."

Chani said she did not want to go back.

"Don't worry... going back is not allowed... you can only grow bigger and... " I tickled Charlie and successfully kissed his cheek despite his evasions, "... and cuter!"

We were all laughing. Charlie hugged me!

Gramps, Gamma and all the family were back! They had a lot of fun in London! So easy to walk to places from Cowley House. Clough and his folks taking excellent care of all our guests.

They only be here for a few hours then off to far flung places. Dad, Phailin, Kanda and Thoi going with Tona, Somsak and Suki in a 767 to Bangkok. Dee, Craig and Doc to Inverness in a Gulfstream. Lots of hugs, kisses and thanks you's! The Twins and Suki doing a group hug giggling.

Waves as the cars went down the drive.

I told the Twins new people were arriving this afternoon. They were Okay with it.

I called Soam from a comfy chair in the Library. I asked about my latest ideas for the Wing drones.

"Fay, we are looking at the dart idea... getting enough propulsion power to do a solid hit is a big issue. Making the point shaped for maximum penetration is easy but the impact speed will be the hold up.

As far as transmission strength of the device on the dart... it could be have several miles of range outdoors, less inside a building like a multi-story car park... concrete is a signal dampener.

The laser is an easy one if it has its own power source. Given our size limits it will not be able to hold a huge charge... so either it gets fired less or we lower the strength of the beam which affects range."

"Soam, look at the trade-offs for the way we work now and how else we might use the laser on the Wings. Marking a target is easy but cutting something is different."

He got it, "Fay, we can do static tests on the laser... no problem. So working it up to a prototype can wait."

"Soam, don't spend too much time on my flights of fancy."

"No problem... I have a sharp new young woman here I'm putting her on these things. Laya, her full name is Malivalaya."

I thanked him for humouring me... which got laughs, "Fay, your ideas have a way of becoming reality."

We both laughed.

My ladies in the Library were looking at me.

"I had an idea about a tracking dart, on the Wing's in a pod. Something which could penetrate sheet metal like a vehicle and be tracked over a wide area. The laser seems a good fit for the Wings in one form or another."

Heads shaken by Gil and Ali just like Cho when he hears my ideas. It must be communicable.

Time for horses! Gil, Ali and I with Ken. We went north straight to the church, the Lone's waved as we turned around for the return, we shortened the ride after...

Gil's phone buzzed... the aircraft from New York ten minutes out from Chalgrove, the west coast flight twenty five minutes.

"Prasert says he's thirty minutes or less away on the M40 with Macdonald and Hélène."

Good they'd all be here shortly for dinner!

A rousing romp home with all of us together. I didn't run off, we had a nice group ride to the Stables.

Cho and Francis joined us at the Front Door. I slipped down from Rebel as the first car rolled in.

Bill and Tilly! Hugs. Bill holding my hand, "So the whole Countess thing is working out for you?"

I said it was business as usual for me.

Tilly laughed, "Which means anything goes?"

A loud `Yes!' from me and a hug.

Inside out of the cold. Gil close, "Prasert called, he was at the Oxford Road roundabout. Chalgrove has the other flight on final approach."

We greeted Mac and Hélène at the front.

"Damn Mac... you look great!"

He was smiling, "Feeling healthier, getting around like I haven't for many years! And it keeps getting better."

Hug for Hélène! Cheeks kissed, "Fay, you are looking splendid. We still need to get you two to Yorkshire."

I said she looked quite nifty! Her navy coat and hat were stylish as ever!

"We bought a place on the west shore of Windermere for our employees to use so maybe a stop-off some time or on the way back from Scotland."

She was up for that.

They got the Great Room reveal and as they made amazed sounds.

"Quite some show," from Mac.

They mingled with Tilly and Bill who had been amazed by the Great Room.

One more load... out front for the west coast crowd. Pam with little Abbey, so cute. Ken smiling! They had been in Los Angeles visiting family making an easy pickup of them for our Cho-Fay Air.

Big Abbey from Fox Entertainment with her PA Arabella!

Lori, Shira and Letti. They were tanned and laughing.

Hugs and lots of kisses for everybody! I got little Abbey in my arms going in.

The Great Room doors opened to more sounds of appreciation and a bunch of Merry' and Happy' Christmases!!

Once everyone was in the room the Twins came down. Rushing across the carpet to hug us. They got to meet our guests. It had been many months since the new arrivals had seen Chani and Charlie.

Shocked was a common expression as they both got folks to put up their glass decorations. Their handing the decorations to each group was `Gob Smacking' for our guests.

It had been a year for Mac and Hélène... the babies WOW'd them all!

Carter had Taittinger's and Fin made Shirley Temples. Toasts to the holidays and the successes of 21st Century Fox!!!

I had Hélène's arm walking around slowly, she was looking at all the holiday bits.

"Fay, your little ones are so... they are breathtakingly smart and cute!"

I said we thought so... we laughed.

"They are very advanced for eighteen months. We had a pair of psychologists down to do some testing... they immediately wanted to write `papers' about Chani and Charlie afterwards. We said no."

"Good! They need to grow up as normally as possible. It will be hard considering who you two are!"

"That's where we are at! We're working on it for them. A tutor to start schooling while treating them as kids.

Hélène squeezed my arm, "Good. However smart they may be they are as you said... kids."

Dinner was a Marandi buffet! It went over BIG! Raves and many return trips to the food!

Little Abbey in a high chair, Pam doing her food. The Kitchen folks had helped get it ready for her. I put together a first plate for Pam after asking what she might like.

I watched Mac choosing at the buffet... he went for the dishes which were `lighter' in calories and only had one piece of garlic naan.

I was walking to the Great Room for afters with Mac. I mentioned watching him...

"Fay, I'm so much happier having shed so many stone of unneeded weight. I'm willing to pay attention to what I eat. I can play with Cho tomorrow, my grandkids are a delight. I go to the Lords much more willingly than for a dozen years."

He stopped, "We could end up being colleagues... The fellows running against do not stand out in any way... just cyphers."

We sat down, "Mac, I'm not thrilled about this whole thing..." He looked at me, "... Prince Charles asked me to reconsider running after I told Cecil I wasn't going to go forward."

He rolled his eyes, "I thought something was going on. Now the one candidate beside yourself who was worthy dropped out. Damn... if I find out Charles somehow pressured him there's going some loud noises from me."

I said I knew nothing about the fellow, "Cecil told me the other day about all that."

"Cecil thinks Charles wants to help `fix up' the Lords but this is not the way to go about it."

I sipped my Amaretto, "Mac, I'll get it touch with Charles and ask... "

He smiled, "Damn Fay... you would wouldn't you?"

I said absolutely. "I'm not trying to play a role here... if I end up in the Lords folks better watch out."

Mac leaned back laughing loudly, "If you do get in please speak at every opportunity. I will nudge Lord Fowler, the Speaker, to watch out for you."

Fist bump!

Chani had little Abbey with her rubbing Jaidee. The tiny fingers in his brown fur were so adorable. Abbey grinning, she lay over Jaidee's back. He didn't mind, the Twins had `trained' him to expect touching and being close.

Abbey was a sweet eight month old, crawling some and smiling a lot!

Pam was nudging Ken while he talked with Bill... I watched his face melt seeing his daughter being with Jaidee. Pam beaming at me, so happy... thumbs up!

My morning ride was with Penny and Tara. Roland moving easily in the cold air. He was a happy guy, loving being out to run every day. Our friends in place at the lock... `Good mornings'

We moved through most of the west side ride at speed. It felt good to gallop along, the cold was just part of the experience not an issue. I headed straight for the Sandford lock. A waved `Good morning to you' to the lock man as we walked over.

Mr. Hardy out already so it time for the last gallop to the Stables. Roland went right ahead, we stayed close to the river. A quick look back showed my protectors falling away. We crossed onto the estate still flying along.

The empty Flats had me go on further up the slope again, around the close-in spinney then aiming for the lane. We walked in circles as a group. Their smiles told me all I needed... the love of this...

Cho, Bill, Ken and Mac going to Oxford East. They'd lunch there but be back for the conference call.

A kiss for Cho with a sotto voce... reminder I didn't get the other day's results. I was promised a round-up tonight.

Tilly, Pam, Lori, Shira, Letti were going with Gil to spend time sightseeing and shopping in Oxford with lunch at No.1 Ship Street. Little Abbey was up in the Nursery with the Twins and Tha.

Hélène and I sat with Abbey to talk entertainment trends. Ali with us writing some bits but keeping her ears open. Arabella working at a table within earshot.

Abbey wanted to do more `series' that had a definite end... not to carry over into another season.

"People do like serialized shows, we will continue some multi-year ones that are doing well... unless there is some unbelievable script we can't pass on... we'll do fewer multi-year shows. I think it would be better to have them have more episodes in a season.

They're expensive and have limited `re-run' value with the internet providing a platform for many to grab the shows to re-watch on their own.

We can sell them on to channels like Netflix or Hulu but it's one time money. There's no money to be made in residual sales because again... the shows value is diluted by online sharing."

I bit into a Father Christmas cookie, chewing... "Regarding you being contacted by other content creators about using lawyers to go after the Tom, Dick or Harriet who is sharing... I think it's a waste of time and money. They can't pay any judgments, we look like heavy's going after the little guys and it clogs the courts. I don't see a win in that. I really don't care what the other folks want to do. We won't criticise them... just go our own way."

Abbey nodding, "You're quite right about the litigation... those doing the sharing are either anonymous or overseas or small fry. I don't want to sue them."

"On the series... Is there any advantage to spreading out the shows air dates..."

Abbey didn't think so, "We still get to same place sooner or later."

"Okay... I guess you need to goose the writers for more product and the producers to get it ready to air..." I laughed, "Round'em up and head them out to their desks for more!"

Hélène and Abbey laughing.

Hélène said it seems the best way... `make more.'

Abbey agreeing with a nod, "If it means hiring additional people... We should continue... we have been so successful with engaging more quality writers this past year."

"Are there some who haven't really been let loose yet? Ask for more submissions, get a few more `reader' types on the payroll. Hire more but get more from who you already have."

Fist bump with Abbey. Hélène laughing joined in!

We all sat for the 21st Century Fox Board of Directors meeting in the Library. Yone had setup a big screen, a laptop and a camera for our use with the conference App.

Pedro came on in from Palm Springs, lots of sun behind him. A big smile! His family all there for the holiday.

Ken and Pam beside us at the table, little Abbey still up with the Twins.

Lori and Shira at the table, Letti behind them taking notes for us.

Daria at home in her New York apartment joined us. She was smiling saying hello to all.

Mac and Hélène smiling from our other side.

Bill and Abbey with us. Gil and Francis behind Ali.

We did a short period of small talk. Some catching up on each other's lives.

Ali acting as secretary had a schedule of events. Some mandated by corporate laws for annual board meetings, a clutch of decisions to ratify and a few changes to the corporation rules.

We went through it all. Ali had it all organized!

We informed them all that Bennett had left the board. He is fully committed elsewhere.

Cho and I were `officially' thanked for our management of the company. It was unanimous... HA!

We brought Bill to the front to receive our thanks for his work in the last twelve months and give his overview of the year ahead. He concentrated on the News Division including Sports.

New programming and boosts to the award winning shows. Our political programming was consistently good and widely praised, the Emmy's reinforcing that! We would add more shows in certain categories.

A few we would give larger time slots... test their viewers interest.

Abbey was on! She got our thanks and gave us her plans for the new year. New shows were part but she spent time on how they were building a staff of writers and producers in the Entertainment Division that were without parallel in the the business.

"The new shows are creative, expanding our viewers choices and reflecting how America looks. So many of the Emmy awards involved shows with casts of characters any ordinary city or town dweller could see every day.

Cho and Fay made a point of it and BOY has it played out to our advantage!!"

Abbey clapping for her division's successes. She pointed her fingers towards Cho and I... clapping to us.

As we all clapped a cute brown haired girl popped up beside Pedro in a pink bikini. Arletta, his grand-daughter, was six. She clapped and waved to us. She sat on Pedro's lap as we worked towards the end.

Bonuses for Bill, Kent, Abbey, Donald and Raleigh were approved. Also several of the most important others like Joseph and Larry, Arturo and Yoshi, Megan and Roberta and so many more were voted bonuses!! Management folks like Mary, our HR wizard, and others were also to receive bonuses!

So we had a bit of a love fest, got business done and wished each other the best possible New Year!!!

Daria put in with Cho and I running things a great new year was a given for 21st Century Fox. I blew a kiss to her.

We wound down and out. Arletta waving goodbye! Sweet!

Everyone moved to the Great Room. Carter had Taittinger's ready... we toasted the many successes of the 21st Century Fox Corporation!!

I sat with Hélène... "Well that went well... more money and the stock share price way up," Hélène grinning!

"My husband wondered about the investment even though he was sure Cho knew what he was doing... now it has gone to over a ninety percent increase in value and Cho looks like a genius." She was laughing.

I was smiling, "It makes you look good too!!!" A nudge! More laughter.

"Well, the `Baron Haxby' has never been a business financial person... Well... he does run the estate and its various enterprises quite nicely... I've done the investing from the start."

"Then he ought to be well pleased with your skills!" Hugs!

Pam joined us... we three clinked classes! Sips. Kendall with a bottle to refill us.

Pam said the weather in California had been sunny with too little rain so far.

"Not surprising Pedro was backed up by the sunny pool area."

"I almost expected he'd run and jump in it looked so inviting." They both laughed at my thought.

We took advantage of our pool for some swim time. The Twins in with me and Tha. Little Abbey in Pam's lap on the steps. Hélène on a lounge smiling at us. I resisted the temptation to splash...

Lori, Shira, Letti joined in. Big Abbey and Arabella borrowed tank suits from the house stock for some fun. The babies on lounges there was some exercise swimming with the Endless Pool thing. Everyone who tried it liked it.

Lori said she'd investigate it being added to their pool.

Everybody liked the pool and it's layout. Helene looking out to the west... "A nice view too!"

"It is... the valley looks lovely any time of the year."

Dinner was informal and quite tasty. Carla could do any kind of fish to perfection and Carter always had an appropriate wine ready!

Back by the fireplace with the Twins and Jaidee. The crowd sipping afters and chatting. Tha had a new puzzle for Chani and Charlie. The pieces were smaller but it was still several feet square. A snap of Jaidee at the beach in Phuket... sun, sand, water and brown puppy!

They went to work. Pam watching beside me holding little Abbey... her eyes up to mine... WIDE!

"Fay, my goodness, they are good!

"This is a new puzzle they haven't seen it before. We are trying to make them more difficult."

Her head shaking, "You need to try harder..."

I laughed.

The Twins were more than half done in six or seven minutes. I saw Tha behind them hold up a piece of the puzzle with a grin. Oh... a bit of trickery.

Charlie and Chani were down to the last pieces... they realized a piece was missing before they put the final ones in place.

They turned to Tha whose face was trying not to give away anything. Chani stood up her hand out, a cute grin like her dad! Tha laughing put the piece on her palm.

Chani giggling laid it in the last open space. Fist bumps by the Twins! Cho and I cheered!

The crowd was won over by the Twins' smarts and dexterity!

I carried my daughter up the stairs to bed. Chani's arms around my neck... a kiss.

They got their bedclothes on, their bed friends in place... a last hug and kiss. `Nites'

In bed I finally the tale of several days of golf... our guests had played well... AND Cho had shot several 62's and a 63. He was pleased as he was mixing up his club choices to challenge all parts of his game. It was fun and he gained from it using every club in his bag.

My morning ride was of the sort Cho always wanted... no drama... except for Roland and me! To us it was blockbuster of a run! He was positively prancing at the end on the Flats. Making noises of the happiest type!!

The Breakfast Room had golfers and the Twins. Cho taking Mac, Bill and Ken with him to Oxford East. I told them the cold had backed off a good deal... a kiss from my guy!

Pam and little Abbey joined us.

Lori, Shira and Letti going up to the city today to stay at Cowley House for lots of sightseeing. Shira wanted to see more of the city after her first non-work trip on their honeymoon.

Abbey and Arabella in a car going to Sky UK to have talks about programme sharing! There could be a good deal of cross-over programming. Then on to Cowley House for a few days.

Hélène on her way back to their London home then on to Yorkshire. A big hug, "Fay, I enjoyed this! Let's meet more often!"

I was in favour of that! I said if the Lords thing became something I'd be in London more. I waved to her disappearing car.

Tilly, Pam with me for talk and kids. Little Abbey near the fireplace sitting up, leaning against Jaidee who was happy to help her out.

I asked Pam if they wanted one of the puppies from Jaidee... Her eyes wide and a big YES from her but she wasn't sure about Ken. I said we didn't know for sure... obviously... but we were down on paper for two and hopefully more of the puppies.

Chani and Charlie with Tha on a settee doing a word game with maths added in!

Tonight Pam, Ken and little Abbey would leave for Seattle they'd been away almost three weeks with the visiting with family in Los Angeles. They'd go on to Hawaii in two weeks.

Tilly and Bill would be off also... back to New York.

Mac would go up to town this evening so the house was emptying out before The Company folks came out for New Year's night.

Tomorrow the Aussies and Inmura's would fly out so they'd be home for the new year.

More goodbyes, everyone happy to have come over so there was no sadness.

In two days we were enlivened by the arrival of our London friends. MFA, Caroline and Anne joining the Twins for fun in the Garden. Chilly but dry. Lots of running around, swinging, sliding and Jaidee ball tossing!

Michael and Karla joining us fresh from holiday visits with his family.

Karla smiling, "Fay, it was very relaxed this year. I got to have a talk with his mother. She was amazed about my changes but no doubts I was female. She was comfortable knowing and understood why we hadn't brought it up before.

We even discussed the possibility of our having children."

A hug for her! I was happy for them being open with his family!

Michael and I talked about Algeria. I wanted to help sell it and to see a few places related to Ms. Eberhardt. He hadn't heard about her... I gave him a brief bio... he was intrigued.

New Year's night started with a wonderful dinner, afters and a big crowd going up to put all the babies in bed.

Then we hung out talking as the hour for the show approached. Charles was setup on the Forecourt, the weather cold but no wind to make it colder. A well bundled group of our house guests, staffers and neighbours gathered to watch the now annual Christmas celebration show.

Charles had the music synced as snap after snap flashed up on the big screen. Some video mixed in showing the many folks who'd been around, the Twins hosting a mob in the Gardens and the tree lighting.

The Queen's arrival and her visiting around the Stables was a nice piece! We were sorry not to have Charles in the Great Room when we received our Honours... too bad. Time to stop whinging about it too!

Prince Harry and Meg. Meg in riding clothes.

Taj and the meeting people... Not much about that except the snaps.

Pictures right up to this morning of the big bathing party at the pool!! Then Charles set-off the laser light show which was backed by music. So much easier on everyone's nerves especially our animal friends than fireworks!

Only minutes to midnight when the show was done. Carter had the Taittinger's ready! Fin did a batch of Shirley Temples for the younger guests who were allowed to stay up.

We did the countdown and a huge cheer! Toasts and bubbles up my nose... a big kiss with Cho.

I whispered I was sure we'd have plenty of `fireworks' this new year!!! Cho said he'd be happy with fewer explosions of the bad type.

The morning of January second we loaded our crowd for London in the AW139's. First stop at The Company. We surprised MFA with birthday gifts and hugs and kisses! We was excited to open her presents. Chani and Charlie clapping for her as she opened them to find a cute blue and white striped frock and Hermès gold bird pin!

"Aunt Fay it is beautiful!"

A kiss, "Wear it with our..." my hands bringing the four of us in, "... love!"

Big hugs for us all. Reg smiling, Rona holding my hand, a hug!

We continued to Cowley House. Lori, Shira and Letti were heading to Chalgrove. They'd had a great time and New Year's night at a SOHO party in a club. Waves from us.

I was wearing a black wool dress, sleeveless, a round collar and down to two inches above my knee. Black stockings and heels, Silver jewellery, `Joy' and pale red lips to match my nails. A bolero jacket with three quarter length sleeves, it was black with pale gray piping. The Coach black camel's hair coat, a white scarf in a loop and black gloves.

Cho in black with a Harcourt Racing yellow tie. His black trench coat and gloves.

Cho and I left Cowley House on foot with PJ and Rande. We walked out and around up to cross St. Margaret's Street to the Palace of Westminster.

We were met at Peer's Entrance in Old Palace yard by an escort. They guided us through the security who had been advised about PJ and Rande. Neither was armed today.

A fellow inside, he bowed, "Your Ladyship, Sir Cho, please this way."

He led us through multiple corridors to a room by the Thames. We were told it was the Atlee Room. There was a desk in the passage where we got name tags then a right turn into room.

There were about twenty five or so Cross-Bench members in the room. Several other Peers running in the by-election had been in before me.

PJ and Rande stayed by the door.

Mac was there! He introduced Cho and I around the room. I could see Mac doing this carried weight... it was obvious... he was shown deference as a Marquess and one of the longest serving members of the Lords.

I spoke to everyone at some point as I moved around. They were all polite, some very friendly... others not as effusive but I put it down to some reserve with my being a `newbie' to all this.

I did speak to the entire group saying all the `right' things, hitting the high points of why I desired to be a member. And that I did usually speak my mind.

Damn this whole process.

It was about an hour with some members coming in after we arrived and others going out.

Finally Mac was next to me, "Fay, I'll walk you out."

We reversed our inbound trip. At the Peers entrance I gave Mac a hug, a handshake from Cho.

Mac winked, "They liked you."

I laughed, "Well... it's done."

He laughed in turn and said he'd be in touch.

The walk back to Cowley House, I held Cho's hand. He had one of his enigmatic smiles. In our suite I asked...

"Whether they `liked' you or not I think they will vote for you. You will be a popular choice bringing more attention to the Lords and themselves."

"A sort of basking in reflective glory thing?"

"Exactly! The first time you stand to speak the news folks are going to be all over it."

I nudged Cho, "I have to get elected first."

"It's in the bag! I watched those folks some were awe-struck, others pretended it was nothing at all and then a few like Mac who could see you as a sharpie they'd want to have around."

I shrugged saying it really wasn't my `thing' at all. Cho shrugged in return... we laughed about it.

Time for the Twins before our afternoon's entertainment. They were having fun with Tha in the Nursery. She introduced them to `glitter!!' They were making pictures with all colours of glitter sprinkled on patches of white glue or wet paint. Terrific stuff.

Everyone dressed up for time outdoors. The Twins had lots of layers on, woolly hats, gloves and a scarf. The same for us adults. We had Kentucky Heat bits on under it all.

We had a bag of hand warmers and a thermos of hot chocolate for the Twins.

Cars dropped us at the Stevenage Road entrance to Craven Cottage. The club folks were there... happy to see us. We had a guide around to our box on the Riverside Stand.

All this was going to change soon with a major re-do of this side of Craven Cottage.

Fulham was home to Ipswich Town today.

We carried the Twins around. Settled in Cho began by telling Charlie and Chani a bit about football. The two sides out for their initial warmups let Cho point things about ball control, passing... he skipped the `off-side rule' thankfully. He laughed when I said that.

They were leaning close together... cute!

Francis, Gil and Ali with Rafe and Ken going for drinks and food. We had done a light lunch on purpose. Charlie with his Dad sharing a big pile of chips with catsup just like Chani and I. Such fun. Big grins.

The team warmups were done. Our blankets over us and the Twins... Ready to go.

Kick off! Fulham had a good deal of possession, controlling the ball but unable to score. Then a free kick to Ipswich for a lame Fulham foul. GOAL from a ricochet... wrong-footing the Fulham keeper. Damn. Completely against the run of play.

That took some fun out of the end of the first half. More drinks.

The Twins spending most of the time on our laps, Cho trying to point out what was happening and why.

The second half... play was the same Fulham in control... when there was a terrible foul by a Ipswich player after Fulham had stolen the ball. The rascal slammed into a Fulham player from behind after he'd passed the ball off, very deliberate. Nasty and pointless! A straight red card!

I noticed the Ipswich players didn't argue very strenuously. It was a nasty foul! Now they are on ten men.

Fulham went on the attack right away, no slack now for Ipswich. It was still 0-1 for Ipswich.

The play was all in Ipswich's end. Suddenly the Cottagers exploded!! Kamara scored... two minutes later Sessegnon scored!! Wow! Kamara AGAIN! Sessegnon AGAIN!! In seven minutes Fulham scored four goals to totally take over the game.

The last fifteen minutes were all about Ipswich trying to stop a fifth goal... it all they could do end the match losers at 4-1!!!

A piece of luck got Ipswich a goal then it evened out with the red card! Fulham had out played Ipswich Town the whole match!

We sat for a while as the crowd left the ground, they were in a buoyant mood.

The Twins had been interested in the play even if they weren't sure exactly why some things happened. We talked with them for a bit about football. Cho was the one on this bit of their education!

We walked out via the club offices entrance saying hello to some of the staff. Our cars were a block over, we made a stop at Basuto Road so I could pick up some clothing and a few other bits then on King's Road into Belgravia before turning towards the river.

Clough at the door... fist bumps for the Twins.

"Your Ladyship, dinner will be ready at the time you requested."

I thanked Clough. The Twins had their layers removed... giggling all the way. Tha got a game going so Cho and I went to change out of heavy warming clothes.

Mrs. Travers knew it would the four of us with our staff and the Protectors. We sat down to grilled sole with mango sauce on a bed of wild rice that had tasty mushrooms. Vegetable tarts, lovely bread and a selection of black olives... five different types.

Clough with a quite nice Cote de Beaunne white burgundy!

There was cake! Dressed in Fulham colours with 4-1 on top! A good laugh by us. It was delicious, it was fully approved by the Twins!

We did afters in the North drawing Room. Chani and Charlie went up early since they'd had a full day. All tucked in with their `friends' close.

Trainers and trackies on in the morning to walk. Tara and Gaby with me going west on Great Peter Street. We went over to the building we bought and installed Andi into. I texted her to see if she was up and about... She welcomed us if we didn't mind a bath robe. No problem.

Hugs at the door. I got a tour. It was a handsome flat, comfortable looking, an excellent kitchen. Upstairs the bedrooms were large, the bathroom spacious and well appointed.

I didn't stay long, Andi was coming down this week for a talk before touring all the sites. She'd spoken to all the location managers and setup overnight stays at each house. The first stop was Alness with us.

I asked if she would mind sharing every now and then with Clare.

"No not at all. We get along, she could setup in the other bedroom."

Good! I knew Clare was good with the idea.

We walked back via Horseferry Road and through Smith Square.

Most folks were up in the Breakfast Room. The Twins with their egg in a cup' and toost' chowing down! Big smiles. A cheek kiss for each. A big kiss for their Dad!

A casual shopping day, so I dressed accordingly. A new outfit, a light beige wool skirt, to ankle top, wide soft pleats, a two inch chestnut brown belt, a reddish brown short-sleeved wool sweater tucked in, a matching light cardigan over my shoulders with a gold chain connecting the top button and hole, pale stockings, chestnut heels, gold jewellery which included my new horse-headed torque.

I chose the beige trenchcoat, a chestnut cashmere scarf and chestnut leather gloves.

Cho and I shared a car to do a bit of shopping. He dropped us at Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly, he went on to his Saville Row tailors. He was to meet Jeremy for lunch.

We entered the store going down to the Fresh Food hall first. One of the nicely dressed gentlemen staffers noticed us, I was recognized.

"Welcome Your ladyship! How can I help?"

I thanked him for his welcome and offer. I said I was doing a browse about right now until I spotted something.

"If I need help I will find you."

A big smile. After ten minutes of browsing, choosing a few things... another fellow arrived and introduced himself as the store General Manager. He asked if there anything they could do... I said I was `browsing' and no help was needed right now... but at some point soon I would need some sort of concierge service to put together my purchases.

He said he would send someone to manage that for me. Okay!

In their Spirits department I got started. I bought two bottles of Avallen Calvados for Cho. A new taste.

A young woman came up to me and introduced herself as `Olive.' She had been sent by the General Manager to assist me.

I smiled and said she'd get a workout starting now... A big grin. She called for a porter to join her.

Up to the Biscuits! Loads of various shortbread cookies! Aunt Dee couldn't make enough for everybody! All styles and tastes!

Boxes of cookies for The Company, friends and other places, many to be sent. Ali and Gil helped Olive get it all straight.

Pounds of their `Royal Blend' tea for The Company canteen and Cowley House!

Several dozen boxes of Double Trouble Chocolate Mice' white chocolate cuties. A bunch of boxed collections' of white, dark and milk chocolate for friends. Most to be mailed.

Mustard, pickle and chutney... several kinds, lots! These were to be mailed also!

Cheese sticks, all kinds! Crackers... an assortment, some in nice tins as gifts!

I was having fun!

Olive was doing well, she had several porters along with her now.

The Christmas Shop! I got some lovely wrapping paper and gorgeous ribbon for Ellie to use.

I did choose other things in my wanderings. I hadn't spent much time here for a while so it was nice to explore.

Olive was accumulating all my bits with help from more porters. Gil made a quick address list and emailed to Olive. She'd print it out shortly.

We stopped in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon on the Fourth Floor. It was a nice bright room. The china delightful, teal seablue! The tea excellent. They kept the chicken and ham sandwiches off our trays, the egg and watercress was!!!!!!!!!

Scones with lemon curd!!! Cake and more!!! I was especially naughty!! Gil and Ali giggling about my delighting in the the food! PJ and Tara at the next table making their `knowing' smiles as the trays on my table were emptied! Not that they were slacking on theirs!

Our server was a `veteran' of many years in the tea room business, she was delighted with our appetites!

"Your Ladyship... you are so slim..."

I told her... as I raised my leg a bit... I was storing it all in there which almost had her burst out laughing but she controlled herself... barely! I surely got some `mileage' from my old joke!

Gil left her a nice gratuity!!

A car sent to collect the loot we were taking! We filled the boot and the front and back seating. Off it went. Gil called Prasert's office for another one that would be for us, letting them know we were going up Old Bond Street.

Everyone had gotten a chance to shop, gifts and personal doodads.

We wandered along Piccadilly and up Old Bond Street looking at the shops. Lots of jewellery stores of every type.

Ralph Lauren... A handsome building! He's a fellow with taste. Okay, going in... past the equestrian statue! Ah... the men's... very dark golden mahogany wood everywhere!! Mr. Lauren appreciates wood! I liked it. Just as attractive as the Polo Bar in Manhattan.

I wandered through the clothes... not buying... looking. I stopped in Men's casual shirts... three Polo shirts for Cho, teal, navy and white.

Kids! Striped t-shirts, cute shorts and sweatshirts with big `POLO' on the front!

Upstairs to the Ladies! Lighter mahogany wood tones, paler colours. Gil was carrying my coat so I could look around.

A navy cropped Polo shirt and a striped one in bright colours for me.

A sales lady came up to us from the side, she hadn't seen my face...

"Miss, that is a wonderful outfit! Such warm tones!"

I turned to face her... her eyes went WIDE!!!

"Your Ladyship! Welcome to Ralph Lauren!"

I smiled and thanked her.

"I have some things downstairs... can you add these...? Handing her the Polo shirts... And I would wander more...

Her `of course' was great. She took the shirts.

"My first time in this store. Quite nice!"

"Please let me know if you need any further assistance."

Ali close with a smile, "You do look very smart!"

I squeezed her hand.

I moved to look at a display of jackets, suede, many colours. Short and cute like my Hugo Boss dark red leather. I looked around in other areas... Some frocks were interesting from a distance I moved that way...

A man came up in front of me... PJ's hand on my shoulder... a handsome white haired man, good tan, mildly rugged looking in jeans, pale blue shirt and a dark blue sports coat.

"Lady Harcourt... Hello! I'd like to introduce myself... I'm Ralph Lauren."

Smiling I said it was nice to meet him. We shook hands.

"I like your stores and the Polo Bar in New York."

He thanked me.

"I'd heard you lunched with us in New York. It was good?"

"Excellent! We enjoyed ourselves. I really liked the space! You have an affinity for wood which I admire."

He smiled and thanked me again.

He stepped back, "You are dressed... How can I say it... stunningly! The colours suit you, the style... timeless! I may steal it for us."

I laughed, "Please do... it's not original... I borrow from all sorts. This was a Dina Merrill costume in the Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn movie `Desk Set' I thought unforgettable. The fellow who did the clothes was Charles Lemaire."

Mr. Lauren looking pensive... "Dina Merrill a cool dark blonde! Yes... it works."

We shook hands smiling! I suggested he look at other movies of Lemaire who'd won three Oscars for his clothes.

"I will! Quite the recommendation! You are a serious movie fan..."

"Yes. I have asked Mirabelle to make quite a few outfits from movie costumes I admired."

"Ah... Mirabelle. Your being connected to them has boosted their sales!"

Smiling, "Do you know how connected?" He shook his head... No. "... We are partners now... I invested in the business."

He gave me a look!

"There's a small store on the Champs-Elysees that opened for the holiday sales. We've purchased a building a short distance west for a permanent location and leased a space in the Place de Bastille neighbourhood. Of course the Herald Square original store."

He was smiling big now, "So competitors!"

I laughed, "Not much of one. We don't sell any accessories or shoes. Only ladies frocks, skirts and a few tops plus suits."

I twirled around, "Mirabelle made the skirt, the top and cardigan came from..." I turned to Gil my clothes expert...

Gil spoke up, "Hermès."

"Another favourite of mine."

I linked my arm with his, "Cho wears your Polo shirts I buy him and other bits."

I motioned to the sales lady, "They are holding a few for me."

I reached out to Gil as I walked with Ralph.

"Are you in town tonight?" He nodded. "Come to ours for drinks and dinner? We aren't far..." I motioned to the east, "... past St James's and near Parliament."

He said he would be honoured. "My assistant?" He extended his hand to a good-looking woman nearby.

"Of course! Please bring her. Ours will be there."

Gil got it and called Clough. Ali gave the Cowley House address and Gil's phone number to Ralph's PA.

We walked through several sections, I said what he was wearing was perfect for dinner. There would be one or two others, not a big group.

Gil went with the sales lady to purchase my things.

I said I needed to go. I told him I would be back with my niece in a few weeks.

"I think she's a natural for your look... an accomplished equestrian. I got her your `Style' since she's growing up." A finger pointing to him.

Ralph had a big smile, "How old?"

I said she was going towards fifteen, tall and slender, blonde and golden brown eyes.

"She's above average height?"

"Yes. Already taller than her mother."

"She sounds perfect for our clothes."

He asked if he could introduce someone to me... my `Yes' had him ask his PA to call for a woman named Marina to come to meet me.

Marina was a slender, medium height blonde woman looking about thirty five. She was the manager of the Woman's clothes department.

Ralph said to have my PA call Marina when I might be around, she would get several people to help me. Gil took the card from Marina, I introduced Gil and Ali to her.

As usual I didn't make a move to do introductions for PJ or Tara. I could see Ralph looking towards them. They both looked superb in quality clothes, they had a calm distanced demeanour.

I took Ralph's arm and turned to my Shields.

"Ralph, this is is PJ... and Tara. They are my Protectors."

His eyes wide, they shook hands. Smiles.

We moved towards the lift, arm in arm, "Your Ladyship, I wouldn't have guessed. They dress like no bodyguards I've ever seen."

I told him it was quite on purpose, the clever idea of Cho.

"We give them a clothing allowance so they can dress as you see."

His head nodding, "That is indeed clever. I've seen so many bodyguards at various functions even my shows whose clothes are so awful making them stand out near the people they are supposed to be protecting. Almost like a neon sign pointing to who they were supposedly guarding!"

Gil finished the purchases. The sales lady was nice... I thanked her.

We all went down in the lift.

"It is nice to meet you. I do like your clothes on my husband." Arched eyebrows...

We laughed.

"Well... I can't imagine our Polo shirts help Sir Cho play golf any better... in fact I'm not sure anything could do that... he's amazing!"

"I think so!"

We shook hands and kissed cheeks at the store's doorway. Allyn right there waiting! I waved as I stepped into the car.

"Later."

I leaned back as we headed to the house. Gil smiling.

"Mr. Lauren is another heart you've accumulated."

Laughing, I said he's quite his own man!

My man at the door to scoop me up into a kiss. Clough there with a smile. They both got I'd added Ralph Lauren to the dinner guests. It was only us and Mac with his PA. Lots of PA's tonight! A laugh!

Up to the Nursery! Chani and Charlie working on drawings of animals. Chani doing a cat, an orange tabby. Charlie was doing Iris! I looked over their shoulders... they didn't mind.

Tha with a smile... and a thumbs up. I could see why! Their drawings were good... very good! Chani had a picture book for her `model' and Charlie was borrowing Tha's iPad with a snap of Iris on the screen.

They both said they wanted to show them to Popa when finished. In a few minutes!! Okay!

Tha said she'd bring them down.

Cho smiling at me in our suite when he heard. He was changing into black slacks and a white dress shirt and a gray rough tweed jacket.

Me in a pale gray tube skirt to my ankles, soft light wool. A black knitted short-sleeve top and a white cardigan. Black heels.

We were in the North Drawing Room as the Twins presented their artwork to Cho. He was thrilled!

"Chani and Charlie... you are doing brilliant work!"

Hugs and kisses!

Mac arrived in the middle of this. Clough brought him in. A hug and handshake. The Twins both said `Hi Mac!' which he loved.

We got him the bit of scotch he allowed himself each day and a seat on a settee.

Mac got to see their drawings and admired them.

"Very nice! Quite lifelike!" Turning to us, "Display?"

We said Yes!

Temple came in to say Clough was welcoming the other guest. Cho and I went out to the entryway. I drew Gil along for Ralph's PA.

Ralph. I did the introductions. Smiles and handshakes. Cheek kiss.

Ralph met Mac and then the Twins. They did fist bumps! Ralph quick to get it!

They showed their pictures to Ralph... he liked them very much.

He liked the sort of wry grin on the tabby. Charlie told him the pony was theirs out at Harcourt House.

We chatted over drinks, the Twins sat with Tha on a settee doing a word game.

Ralph watched them... "They are how old? Three? Three and half?"

Cho shook his head, "No, they just over eighteen months."

Ralph's head swung around, "Seriously? Mine weren't anything like that at the same age."

I explained they were fairly advanced, vocabulary and math skills like five year olds or better.

Ralph said he'd keep an eye out for these two. We laughed saying we were also.

Mrs. Travers did a terrific dinner, breaded and grilled plaice with lemon butter, broccoli with Hollandaise, whipped potato tarts with a crispy baked conical tops, little English flags at the peak, fresh rolls, an olive assortment at each place.

Dessert was something a bit out of the ordinary. Lime Spoom in tall glasses with small Shrewsbury cakes surrounding it. It was splendid!!!!! Everybody enjoyed it! The Twins had theirs in bowl like the Trifle, easier to get it all with shorter spoons!

Afters in the Drawing Room. Our guests were acting quite happy with their meal. The PA's thanked us for the dinner. I said we were glad to have them with us.

The Twins went up to play some before bed.

There was some talk about Mirabelle between Ralph and me. I let him know we'd purchased one French clothing manufacturer and had contracts with another and we were looking for a London location for the summer.

Raised eyebrows and a smile. "I had my PA look at your webpage... great classic designs which are influencing others. She said your suits were attracting a lot of attention."

"The Champs-Elysees store moved quite a few suits. As a category they were the largest unit of the sales."

"Your price points are terrific. I'd say you have found a rich vein of interest."

I thanked him. We talked what his latest clothes would look like... in casual wear his company was at the top. No reason to change, diversify some maybe.

Cho and Ralph talking golf, Mac motioned to me... we moved away a short distance.

"I asked a few questions about the by-election and the dropping out of several possibles. The one main challenger decided on his own to wait because he has several family things happening. He just couldn't justify it now. So Charles is off the hook for me."

"I hope the fellow doesn't have serious problems..."

Mac said he didn't probe, it wasn't his business.

"So you feel better?"

A laugh, "Yes! As I told you someone fussing around would have really angered me. The institution already has enough critics. By the way the ballots have been sent out. They have to be back in nine days."

It had been a nice dinner, low-key and pleasant. A hug for Mac at the doorway, he thanked us for an agreeably relaxed evening.

Ralph smiling, "Thank you for a very pleasant evening and a delicious dinner. Your children are an eye opener!"

He was leaving for California tomorrow. We wished him a good trip. He said he'd stay in touch... which I welcomed.

We all went back to Oxfordshire in the morning. I walked down to the Stables in the late morning for a ride. Roland was keyed-up. Tara and Penny with me.

The cold snap had broken... past the railroad tracks we rode hard for the lock. My friends were there, they were well. Over the river going for the underpass, we took the path to Lower Radley that was nearest to the dairy cows.

Terry waving from the chicken coop, we called out a `good morning!'

Dennis was at the Boatyard, he waved, a quick stop to say hello and ask if he knew anything about the `missing' lock at Lock Wood. He had some snaps and a few paragraphs from a reference book and some websites, he said he'd email it over to the house.

I thanked him. He also knew about the bridge to the islet and the cottage, some snaps would be included.

We went straight to the Thames crossing beside the Industrial Estate and over the lock. My lock friend was off today. I waved to his substitute.

Mr. Hardy was home. A brief talk, he with Jerrold and our two Security fellows were playing a game in the Wargame Room. I'd come down for a look. Fist bump.

Roland making noises as we approached the gate to the grass at the south end of Sandford. Zoom... we were off!! He was striding out... reaching out and driving forward! We enjoyed the gallop to the property boundary.

Tara and Penny closed up, smiles and fist bumps!

Gil met me in the Entryway, "Sunny's flight is on the ground at Chalgrove."

Shortly I got arms full of teenager!! Sunny's bright smile and laugh.

"Fay... Cho... Thanks again for the trips!"

Inside she was welcomed by everybody. The Twins hugging her!

We sat beside the fire to get her tale of Seattle.

"It was great to see my friends, they are doing well. I'm as tall as most of the boys which was a shocker for them.

My girlfriends all wanted to hear about Bradley... that didn't take long."

We laughed.

Sunny told several Seattle friends about him as an equestrian `colleague' but they seemed to have assumed more...

"Bradley is deep in his classes... he hardly comes to ride now."

We hadn't seen him all the while we'd been here.

Sunny leaned close to me, whisper, "The boys were very interested... also very silly!"

We laughed!! Fist bumps!

After lunch Sunny and I walked down to the Stables. She wanted to visit her horses. The trio were glad to see her. Prince rubbing her.

"I guess he wants to go out!"

I said seems likely!

"You can before dinner. Did you want to come to Scotland tomorrow? We're going to Alness, Dee and Craig will join us."

"YES! I want to see the house... my first trip to Scotland."

Okay!

The game chosen by the gaming foursome was PanzerLeader! Mr. Hardy had opened my copy and found several of the scenarios I had created. They were playing one that had four maps and a plethora of units so two commanders on a side worked.

It recreated part of the Normandy battles between the Germans and Americans. The counter mix highlighted the superior American artillery and total command of the air over the battlefield against the Germans better tactical skills.

They were having fun. Mr. Hardy and Carl were the Americans pounding away on every German position and unit concentration. I saw Jerrold and Spencer try to mount a counterattack but see it fail as the American firepower put their armour out of action and ground up their infantry. Mr. Hardy re-created the `taxi rank' air groupings of rocket armed P-47's which were so devastating to German armour.

True to life...

The Americans worked their way forward as their artillery blasted every German position... destroyed men and material.

I cheered the gamers on.

I was rubbing Rebel's neck as we cooled down from another `hot' run from Sandford! Tara and Gaby grinning as they walked their mounts.

We stopped to watch Sunny on Zephyr working the larger arena. Zephyr was a proven winner... she showed she could do this very well!

Charlotte looking over to me... thumbs up!

We had gotten Sunny some excellent horses. Plotline needed a lot of work to get near Prince and Zephyr's skill level.

Afters in the Great Room. We help to settle The Twins in to watch an animated movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs or Peter Pan. Tha said she'd made the suggestions... they chose Peter Pan.

Us `big' people talked by the fire. Hillary and Bill would be here in two days for an overnight. Carter was ready.

Peter Pan was a great hit! They wanted a pirate ship! Charlie said no matter that Capt'n Hook was a baddie... he was fun to watch! Peter Pan succeeding was the right thing!

After they were down Gil searched for `pirate ships' on the web. She found a design which we thought Phillips folks could do in the Garden near the little playhouse. She printed it out.

The sun barely awake as Ken and I went down the lane. We set a fast pace to the lock and over the river. Roland roaring along the dirt road through the trees south of the Industrial Estate leaving Ken and Max behind. They caught up at the narrow bridge to the lock.

My lock friend waving, a big hello. We returned that! At the gate Roland was running hard again! We swept through our neighbours property to the boundary... My guy shaking his head with a whinny!! I rubbed his neck, such a happy fellow!

Ken caught after a bit... a big grin!

I made a quick stop with Phillips with the printout from Gil of the `pirate ship.'

"Your Ladyship, we can do this! How long were you thinking?"

"I'm not sure! The Twins aren't familiar with pirate ships so can we say about twenty feet? Or whatever you think works well in the Garden."

"We'll get started right away. It will have a flat bottom so it won't roll over. How about removable steps to go in?"

"Perfect! I can see you're a fellow with some knowledge of pirate ships... I'll not ask how."

We both laughed. Williams came in... Phillips handed him the printout.

"My Lady, this is a great project for several of the lads. You're off to Scotland...? We could have it mostly done before you come back."

Fist bumps and laughs.

Andi was picked up at Oxford Station, she was going to Scotland with us. Her first visit to Alness.

We loaded the crowd into a Gulfstream. Us, the Twins with Tha, Sunny, Andi, Gil, Ali and Francis plus six Protectors. Derry at the helm said over the tannoy it would be a forty minute flight.

He was right, we parked east of the terminal in exactly that time. Three AW139's were turning over as we boarded. One going to Fortrose for Dee and Craig.

We crossed Rosemarkie Bay then the `Black Isle' aiming straight for Castle Munro. It was cold and overcast as we landed on the lawn.

We bundled up the Twins, they held our hands walking to the Castle door. Some snow, not much depth mostly in drifts in shady spots, easy for the Twins to walk. They like the cold stuff!

Caillen and Hume there to greet us.

Caillen's face in a nice smile, "Your Ladyship... Sir Cho... welcome back to Castle Munro!"

We shook her and and Hume's hands. In the hall were Galiene, Raurai and Kenna. Smiles and handshakes. The Twins wanted fist bumps and our staff laughingly did big bumps!

Galiene said luncheon would be ready soon. Okay.

Helicopter sounds. At the door we got hugs and kisses from Aunt Dee and Uncle Craig. Loud Unc's and Dee's were heard as the Twins came rushing out from the Drawing Room. So much love!

Uncle Craig grinning as he had his hand on Charlie's shoulder, "The Viscount Munro's first visit to the family manor."

Charlie smiling, "Unc, the house is nice!"

Unc's response all our houses are nice! Fist bump!

I was dressed to wander in black skinny jeans, red flannel shirt and ankle boots. A black leather moto jacket, big black scarf, gloves and a woolly hat.

The Twins came out with me to look around the estate and go to the Stables. Raurai and Kenna had received four horses from EFT and one bought locally. We got to meet them, one was Radnor who had been a racer.

Cormac had admired him as soon as he arrived at EFT in retirement. He was eight, mature but still frisky with a lot of power. Kenna was the one riding him since she was the best rider, Radnor was strong.

"Your Ladyship, he is a lovely ride. He relishes it!"

"Saddle him after lunch and we'll go for an outing."

Fist bump!

Two sets of my riding clothes, a set of Cho's golf clubs had come with us and our overnight things. Sunny, Tara, Ken and Gaby brought a set of riding clothes too. We'd ride... Cho was going over to the Alness Golf Club with Uncle Craig.

Dee who had helped with the furnishings in the Castle was going around with Caillen to have a look with Andi. The descriptions Andi was doing would include comments about the furniture so she wanted a close look at each location.

Lunch was a hearty vegetarian stew, terrific bread and local butter. Fruit and cheese. An excellent selection of big cookies at the end! Molasses went over especially well with Lady Chani!! Little white teeth showing!

Dressed in black, my hat on my back with Sunny going down stairs. Caillen and Andi got to see my riding attire. I was complimented.

We waved goodbye to the golfers.

Radnor bouncy, ready to go out. Sunny, Tara and Gaby with me and Kenna. We went southeast towards the River Averon and the little wooden bridge we'd built. Nice!

We rode across the grassy field beyond that had been added to Castle Munro's grounds when we bought it in a north-easterly direction to cross a paved road to a wide field. Maybe fifteen acres...

We paused as I texted to Francis to see about buying this land for the estate. He replied <a thumbs up!>

We bent around some woods to go north towards a school, Alness Academy. A secondary school for a wide area of the Highlands. There was the beginnings of a big construction project we stayed clear of that going around to the road aiming for the bridge over the railroad tracks. We dismounted to walk our horses up the circular ramp and go to the far side and down.

Past the train station, we slowly walked our horses through a grassy spot under trees to the rear of the Alness Heritage Centre. A spot beside the car park looked good to tie up.

By the square... the war memorial stood out. Red stone topped by a Celtic Cross. Simple like so many across the country, a reminder to people of the sacrifices of others, men and women plus their families.

To the front door. Inside a smiling gray-haired woman came around a table to say hello. A second lady, younger came out of a doorway. Another hello...

"Your horses on the side?"

Yes from me and "I hope they are Okay there?"

"They are fine. You are new to Alness?"

"Yes. We bought property here in the middle of last year."

My response of `Castle Munro' to her next question was for her to go wide-eyed...

"Your Ladyship, I guess we should have known."

Smiling, "I'm glad not to be widely known..."

The older woman said her grand-niece was working as a cook at Castle Munro.

I got the young woman's name and promised to say `hello' for her.

"Well if she had any part in our luncheon she's a good cook! It was very nice."

Younger of the two said it was well received here when I was ennobled with Alness as part of my titles.

"Everyone was pleased to be associated with you and your name. The Castle being bought by a Munro and your fixing it up has made a positive impression! A bit of a rise in expectations for the future"

Smiling, I said we were glad people liked our joining in. "We won't be around often but many people who work for us will come here to have time off from their work. They'll do tourist things in Alness and across the Highlands.

My husband will come up for golf with friends. My aunt and uncle live in Fortrose so we'll be up to see them."

We talked a bit about Alness and I collected some brochures about local attractions then made our goodbyes. We walked back the way we came over the tracks... remounted... by the school some students waved, we said hellos.

One girl came running towards us, she called out... "You're Countess Harcourt? Fay Martin?"

I said that was right...

"You have been in our current events class a lot recently. Can I ask why you are here now? I'm a reporter for the school newspaper. Shirley is my name."

She knew how to say a lot quickly! A natural reporter!

I said `Hi' to Shirley, "We own property here. We're on a short visit."

"Oh... so nothing earth-shaking?"

I laughed, "It depends on your definition of that. It's important for us."

"Interesting things don't happen in Alness."

"You should check with the golf pro at the Alness Golf Club... he may have something newsworthy."

She looked a bit like... `golf?'

I waved and said goodbye. When we were out of earshot Sunny asked... "Did you mean Cho might have a low score?"

I nodded, "If he is true to form... Yes! We'll see."

We retraced our outbound path back to the Stables. A good gallop of three quarters of a mile. Radnor showing me he has excellent acceleration and loved to run!

We got hot chocolate from the Kitchen, very welcome! I said a `Hi' to the under-cook whose great-aunt we met in town. A big smile!

Up to change clothes. I was leaving the riding clothes here, both sets. Caillen knew how to care for them.

The Twins had some outside time... they enthusiastically joined in for hot chocolate and cookies!!

We parked in the Drawing Room. The babies, Sunny, Gil and me linking up with Ali and Francis plus Aunt Dee and Andi. I got the tale of the house inspection tour.

Caillen joined us. We heard about the work that was done for more bathrooms. It was done beautifully.

"My Lady, you'd hardly know they hadn't been there all along."

Fist bump. Exactly what I wanted to hear!

Andi loved the house and how it was fixed up. She was doing the descriptions of each location for the web page where our folks could sign-up to stay at each house. What the area was like, what to see and do, what amenities were offered at the house, etc...

Once all that was done the site would go live. Andi would manage the requests for what rooms and travel arrangements if needed. A good bit was automated in the software.

I handed over the brochures from the Heritage Centre... Andi smiling.

"Thank you. I'll go over there tomorrow morning."

Andi had her office' setup with Graham's folks help and spent a week with Ni's coder from Bangkok. She had her link to the software up and running with hours of tests done. All the rooms' at every location easily scheduled, you open a location on her management screen and all the rooms pop up!

"Fay, it is so easy... you plug in a name and the days of the stay then the transport under the name linked to the room. I can reserve a room years in advance!

Penn is awesome at arranging aircraft... we did twenty trial runs for several houses and places of origin... the software handled it all very easily."

Fist bump.

I reminded her more property was coming so she'd have her hands full soon. A thumbs up!! Yes!

The golfers! Cho and Craig smiling. They got hugs and questions...

"Cho likes the course!"

I gave my guy a look which made him laugh.

"Yes, it's a nice course, narrow and short. I got to use a lot of clubs today."

I did the `look' again...

Uncle Craig laughed this time, "Yes Fay, he tore it up! A 48!! The club folks were stunned!"

I told them about the Alness Academy student and my hint about local news. Cho laughed.

Caillen had the bar open... I poured two scotches, very dark!

Cho started, "It is a beautiful location with marvellous views to the south over the firth and the rolling hills around. It is a short course so I needed to dial back my club choices a good deal.

Short par four's which I was on in one several times. Like the Rainier Club in Seattle I played with Ken it has narrow fairways and well sited traps which I avoided. My game works very well in that environment.

The Fifth hole is called the "Firs' the only par five, I was easily on in two close to the pin so I got an eagle. The fourteenth, which is supposed to be the toughest one, I was just off the fringe of the green with my drive, I chipped and hit the flag, a birdie there. Sixteenth is a very short par three... I hit the flag pole, it dropped on the lip of the cup but wouldn't fall in."

Uncle Craig grinning, "We walked up... the ball just would not drop in."

Craig showed an iPhone snap he took inches away... the ball was leaning over but a slight raised edge of the cup stopped it. Amazing! A few blades of grass!

"Well going in the club house was interesting. We'd played with the local Pro. He's a good golfer and the quiet type which I always appreciate. After a few holes he was thrilled to play with us seeing my game.

In the club house he told a few players my score, not directly, just mentioning they'd have to change the lowest score board putting me on top. They looked over to us... the Pro asked for my scorecard to show his friends and other members.

They jumped out of their skins! One fellow's jaw hanging down. The Pro said it had been a terrific round."

Cho toasted Uncle Craig, "Craig shot a 72... par is 67. So a good game was had by all. Even the Pro!

The members there all shook my hand and wanted to buy drinks... I said another time I needed to be back here.

Most didn't realise I had joined as a member or rather you joined me up. The manager said it would be no problem for Craig to use the membership... " Cho's hand squeezing Uncle Craig's shoulder, grins by both, "... so another course for Craig to play."

Those two did fist bumps! We were all laughing and a big cheer for Cho! The Twins clapping then scooped together for hug by their Popa!

I took Radnor out with Kenna, Sunny and Tara in the morning. Cold! We warmed up then a gallop to the west working our way around fields to the B817 where it met the B9176. Over that I consulted my map... we went up a long straight drive to a business and a house. I asked if they minded our going through on our way to the Fyrish Monument.

The man said `no problem.' He was Cass, I introduced myself.

"Ah... Your ladyship, `tis nice to meet a Munro who is carrying the name so well!"

I thanked him.

Cass said to go straight out the back of his... past the fields on the left, trees on our right and on up the slope to the treeline.

"When you reach the trees you'll see a gap and a track... head straight through the trees up the track... there's not much to the hill top... you'll see the Fyrish to your left."

I leaned down to shake hands with a thank you.

We followed Cass' directions... much more snow on the ground as we moved upwards... finding ourselves on an open hill top the stark monument standing out. It had a snowy white carpet around. We walked our horses on the path to stand beside the Fyrish looking out to the south. A clear day... the Cromarty Firth below... the Black Isle and the Inverness Firth beyond.

To our right Ben Wyvis' white top visible. Quite the view... I could see Sunny and Tara taking it in. They both took lots of snaps! A wonderful morning!!!

Kenna said it was a special morning for sure. She'd never seen it more beautiful.

We didn't stay long... too cold for dawdling! We rode back the way we came... A wave of thanks to Cass.

"It's some sight isn't it ladies?"

I said `Tha e glè bhrèagha!'

Cass stared... then loudly, "Tha thu na iongnadh! Tha sinn gu math fortanach gu bheil thu agad!" ("You are a surprise! We are very lucky to have you!")

I answered, "Tapadh leibh airson a bhith coibhneil!" (Thank you for being kind!)

Waves as we moved off.

Cass, "Thig air ais uaireigin airson tadhal le mo theaghlach." (Come back sometime for a visit with my family.)

I said I would. "Nì mi sin!"

Sunny and Tara smiling at my translation going down the long drive.

Kenna looking at me... "Your Ladyship... that was amazing! So few folks from the south know the language. Everyone here will be thrilled you can speak to them in the old tongue!"

Fist bump.

Breakfast was well under way! I managed a big pile of eggs, tomatoes, potatoes and muffins! Coffee!

Everyone got the story of our ride to the monument and the snaps were shown all around. We'd all go up there on another trip.

Dee and Craig grinning as I told the table about my conversation with Cass. They both spoke Scottish as did their children.

Andi was staying one more night then flying on an AW139 to Windermere and the `Cottage.' She thanked us for the use of the aircraft. Thumbs up!

Waves for our staff as we loaded up on the AW139's. We'd hugged and kissed Dee and Craig a lot!

The Twins liked the Nursery. We had a big box of colouring things, puzzles and games to be left there for others to use. A few books too... since the Twins had `used' them up.

Derry was ready to depart so we were away immediately.

I lifted Charlie out of his travel seat... "Car!" Charlie loudly calling out! He was running across the gravelled Forecourt arms open... big hug! Chani right behind!

"Audra!" More hugs!

In the Great Room loud Jaidee's' as they surrounded the Choco Boy for hugs! I nudged Cho... He smiled when I pointed out there were no more Jabee's' and Audra wasn't Audi' anymore. Car' was still the same!

`They keep growing... changing... I don't suppose you want to stop it?"

My `No' included a kiss!

I sat in the Library for a bit with Gil and Ali. We had some interviews coming up for another staff member planned for Cowley House on the fourteenth. The position would be for activities and correspondence relating to my being the Countess Harcourt of Oxford.

If as I suspected I was elected to the Lords the new person would be responsible for that too!

We also had more interviews for hiring a tutor for the twins.

I met Phillips and Williams in the covered work area beside the large greenhouse... A pirate ship!!!

It looked great. A single mast with a bowsprit! A tiny foredeck, a cabin amidships big enough for two or three and a large rudder handle on the quarterdeck!! A flag pole extending up from the stern. It was being painted... black. The interior was partly sanded and stained, they would finish by tomorrow.

It needed to sit for a few days. I said that was great timing... Ellie was making some pirate' clothing for the Twins and we'd plan an launching' for three days from now.

Phillips had called around to shops to find a `Jolly Roger,' success in Abingdon. It would be picked up this afternoon by one of our folks who lived that way and brought in tomorrow!

I thanked all the people who had done the work!

"I think the Twins will be thrilled!!"

Cho was looking at me as I gave him the low-down on the project, "Damn... that was fast!"

I said Phillips folks would have it on a trailer to wheel out covered by a big dust sheet the Twins could pull off!!

Carter said the Secret Service folks were coming up the drive. Okay. The advance team leader was introduced to us by Yone. They had been here two days ago while we were away so everything was set.

I changed to my Munro Ancient skirt, blue and yellow bits with the blue blazer. Cho in black flannel slacks, a soft white wool turtle neck and the gray-white-black tweed jacket I so liked. A grin from him as I stroked the sleeve.

The Twins were in the Great Room with Tha and our staff waiting behind the closed door.

The Clinton's car moved across the gravel... Cho holding my hand. Our footmen opened the doors... Hillary smiling, open arms... HUGS! Bill too! Cho shaking hands with his golf partner.

Inside they laughed at the closed door... AAAAAAHHHHHHH's came out!

The Twins surprised the Clinton's with their big `Hellos' and walking right up. Fist bumps done! Smiles and a pair of Wow looks. Charlie brought Jaidee over... Bill rubbed our boy.

It hit me... puppy!

"Jaidee recently went to his breeder to make babies with some chocolate Labrador ladies... we are going to get some of the puppies... would you two like one?"

Bill's eyes widened, he turned to Hillary... a smile starting... to Bill, "I know you would like that... We have little cutie now..."

She looked at Bill's face... it was a YES! Okay.

Cho said he'd be in touch when we knew more... "Consider one promised to you."

Big handshakes.

We had two promised for us which could be counted on as definite. Ken had agreed happily when it was broached to him. Pam was pleased, she'd had a Labrador as a girl. Her memories were gold of her days with the golden `Sally.'

Chani and Charlie brought the Clinton's Christmas glass ball to them... more surprise from the two of them!

We did drinks for a bit, dinner was informal... they'd had few formal ones recently and more in Brussels to come. We planned it as a break for them.

The talk was current events and the holidays. Sunny came in from the Stables so her equestrian doings were talked about. She was well congratulated for the great year she'd had.

Sunny smiling! Fist bump. Charlie beside her got one too!

Gil said we'd heard from the group who had managed the `trials' at Upperville Farm. They wanted to start planning and spreading the word so it was much more widely known to attract more entrants. She had said... GO! Thumbs up from me!

Carter came to collect us.

Dinner was a Marandi buffet! The Clinton's had smiles...

"We don't get many Indian and Pakistani meals," Hillary and Bill going right to it. They loved Ellie's cards giving the tale of each offering.

We sat in any old way. Our staff and their's mixing in.

Bill asked about the Honours.

Cho, a wry smile, "The Queen came prepared... it was done right there in the Great Room with Christmas all-around."

"So there were no hints?"

From me, "We expected something might come our way but NOTHING like what did. Me being made a hereditary peer wasn't on the radar! Charles pushing for Cho to be a `Brit' was interesting add-on."

Cho told them about the local MP and the private bill things. His description of the Foreign Minister crushing the ridiculous tory backbencher drew smiles.

Hillary said it was `quite the surprise but somehow very appropriate' she motioned in a hand sweep, "You two have done so much in so many ways... it is almost dizzying what you two do."

Cho urged me to tell them about my `donation' visits the Twins immortalized in their Christmas card which we had shown to Hillary.

I did give them a precis of my rides around the county.

The meeting with the Bishop of Oxford was set for next week before a trip to London.

Cho told Bill and Hillary we imagined he wanted to say something about the donations.

"We certainly don't think he will ask us to stop!"

Huge laughs!

Bill said it was too bad Tom and Roxanne weren't around... "It would be terrific to play with him and... " a hand aimed at Cho, "... you together! Also humbling!"

Laughter!

Our guests were watching the Twins eat. They were so good with their utensils and good eaters. When dessert was brought they both cheered. A big yellow cake covered in green and yellow icing with little candy horses on top. A small slice of cake with a horse and a scoop of vanilla ice cream with candy sprinkles!! The Twins were set!

Afters in the Great Room... we were relaxed. The Clinton's gave us their trip so far...

Hillary's meeting with the tory Prime Minister had gone as expected... the brexit silliness part of that. Bi-lateral relations taking a hit from all that nonsense. Hillary said she made a point about the UK government seeking a `most favoured nation' trading pact was not guaranteed since there was considerable opposition in the U.S. Senate.

"Part of the dynamic in the Congress when a party has a dominate position... an unassailable majority... you get some fragmentation on certain parochial issues. The tories are not on anyone's `favourites list.' Brexit is so obviously foolish and the process corrupt... heels will be dug in on any legislation or trade deals."

I was nodding, "We... " my motioning to Cho, "... aren't surprised. Our government is not in any position to expect special treatment."

Hillary said the Queen was very nice, they had a good talk about several things.

"She and Prince Phillip were very welcoming. She may be over ninety but still sharp," from Hillary.

"You should have been on the Stables tour here... she was engaged, voluble and happy meeting our horses and staff..." I turned to Cho, "... did anyone contact you about her mares coming to Asda?"

"I got a note saying they were considering which horses and they would be in touch soon."

"It would interesting to see which mares are brought down. Her Majesty was quite interested in Asda... so maybe some babies to come," I leaned over to fist bump with Cho.

Hillary smiling at a new connection for us, "As I said you two doing things..." her raised finger twirling

The Twins were doing a new puzzle... a snap of the garden in Bangkok! A riot of colour and lots going on. They had a conference looking at the photo... then they plunged in! This was one of the new ones with smaller pieces... It didn't seem to be holding them back.

The Clinton's and their staff watching the Twins sticking piece after piece in place... Hillary's eyes up to me... wide!

She leaned forward, "Chani and Charlie... is it fun?"

Chani smiling, nodding. Charlie, "We like it... a test."

That set Hillary back... Bill's head shaking. Cho winked at me with a big grin.

I almost laughed... Kendal serving another espresso a la grandfather distracted me.

My morning was another wonderful day-starter!! A terrific ride with Roland. Gil, Tara and Penny being along. A new route. South to Clifton Hampden, over the river on the eponymously named bridge. Further south we turned to skirt Long Wittenham going west around Appleford.

We re-crossed the Thames on the Sutton Bridge where we'd been many times but today we turned left on the island to a small bridge further west that brought us back north of the main passages of the river. We were now south of Culham right on a narrow channel of the river. A left again to ride on the river path which went westward then bent northward beside the Thames.

We crossed the last bit of the Thames on the mediaeval Culham Bridge which was close to where The Burycroft which passes through Culham and the Abingdon Road meet. We stayed on the riverside path passing some sports fields as the path curled around to the Abingdon Bridge. We rode under it and remained on the trail until we reached the Abingdon Lock.

`Good mornings' to the lock man and Roy... surprising them both coming from a new direction. Then we galloped up the slope to the Sci Ctr and then a rollicking ride to the Stables. Everybody loved the ride. New scenery and people to see.

The golfers were ready to go. Kisses for them from Hillary and me.

She had been working already... we sat in the Breakfast Room to eat and chat. Lore came in with Yone. Coffee!

Lore smiling, "Boss... I just had a look at their latest drone! Wow!"

Hillary looking to me, "We need to talk about New Mexico."

I was Okay with that but suggested we start with the British Trident sub force. Boy! That got her attention.

We moved to the Library.

I brought up the cost to the UK Defence budget of the entire Trident II missile program from top to bottom. We talked the numbers... one of her aides put an iPad on her lap with information...

"The UK is having trouble continuing our global commitments. The regular armed forces simply do not get enough money. Too few service members, old equipment... we need your help to move our forces about... the Trident side drags it all down.

If our services are enhanced we would be able to go to more trouble spots in larger force helping to take some of the burden from the America military..."

I got a look and a nod for that.

"I concede it has its place as a nuclear deterrent but what if the U.S. Navy subsidized the programme as the Royal Navy operated it? Then when end of life approached we didn't buy new subs or missile versions..."

We talked back and forth about the deterrent... I further suggested once the end of life was at hand the U.S. Navy took over the Scottish base for their own subs?

That struck Hillary as a possibility if there were contributions in money or `kind' from the UK.

I did mention the possible vote of the Scots to leave the UK... I thought a new Edinburgh government would see the value of the base and continue it but no bets could be taken.

Hillary tasked the aide to research the issue from every point, financial and political, etc... He was to speak `off the record' with the Navy and do a report for her. Bring in the NSC staff to help... I got the translation of that acronym... They should look at where it might bend noses, in the EU and Russia.

Mentioning Russia brought up Yevgeny. She had seen what the NSA and FBI had... "It's extensive! He has done us a huge favour. I know what Theodore's team is doing, I've been told about your plans... All well and good but we plan on a few `exercises' to divert the Russians.

I won't discuss them... they are complicated but doable. They will open some eyes in Russia."

There were other topics which went beyond just being friendly... geo-political issues, large and small.

"You're talking like you are already in the House of Lords."

I gave her the bits and pieces of it all. I included the one major challenger dropping out and the assessment of Mac.

I got the Americans to laugh with my `I had to become a Peer to run in an election' line.

I did say that Prince Charles had encouraged me to take part... raised eyebrows on Hillary... a shrug from me.

We segued to brexit!

"Your newspapers have kept up the pressure but the tory backbenchers haven't deserted the government."

Shaking my head, "True. We'll keep pressing... I see the real issue is there is NO stress being applied from Labour! The left is a total disaster. They simply provide NO alternative despite the obvious incompetence and venality of the conservatives. Without Labour offering a viable alternative voters are not engaged. And the tories feel safe doing their BS!"

I shrugged. "So what was it like meeting with them?"

Hillary shook her head, "They haven't a clue is the best way to describe it. None of the tory government ministers have serious plans about what is going to happen if brexit goes ahead.

Trade in every format, banking, air travel, passport issues including ex-pats and students, police matters ... all will be very disrupted. Northern Ireland's border with Ireland will be a problem. No one wants to close that... moreover it's part of the Good Friday Agreement!

The government has no serious policies for any of it. Even NATO is at risk since some members doubt the UK's commitment. It will be a large issue behind the scenes the next few days. I would not want to be the prime Minister now."

"brexit is one of the reasons I am allowing myself to be talked into' the by-election for the Lords. Although I can't stop brexit... I intend to make a lot of noise... using the bully pulpit' that Lords offers to castigate, annoy and generally piss-off the tories as much as possible.

The nation will hear from me liking it or not."

Hillary burst out laughing... leaning over for a fist bump!

"Go to it!"

I added, "This government won't get any sympathy from me especially when they `inherited' brexit from that fool Cameron! If they had sufficient intestinal fortitude they could end it any time...

They are so afraid of losing power rather than considering the future of the nation."

Hillary hands up and out.

New Mexico!

Hillary said she'd gotten the story which she hoped was now complete from the Secretary of Homeland Security.

"He was an unhappy fellow. Your ranch security had `humiliated' the ICE folks... " she raised her hand after seeing my face, "... his word not mine. I asked him why the seemingly pointless and illegal attempts to gain access to the ranch without just plain making a request or even easier... looking at the paperwork that was on file.

No answer worth mentioning for that... that just mumblings about known hiring of local Latinos as if that were somehow wrong. It just made me a bit more PO'd than I had been.

So acting like fools was better than building probable cause to get a legitimate warrant...

He got that I was upset with such high-handed tactics... he tried to interject your security's high-handedness but I waved him off... I put it to him it was up to him to put a stop to it immediately. I pointed out those ICE agents could be the cause for a multi-million dollar lawsuits which I said we'd likely lose.

I have asked the U.S. Attorney for Southern New Mexico via the Attorney General to open an investigation of the ICE office there.

The local ICE office had been covering-up of their activities for years... showing lots of arrests but light on details meaning there were likely many other `illegal' acts which were never reported. Previous DHS management hadn't pressed local units very hard for specifics... that is over now!

The head of the New Mexico office has been fired and all the surviving senior agents will be transferred. Many were advised to look for other employment right away depending on their roles. All the members of that team at your ranch are suspended from duty now, their office put on ice so to speak."

I said `Ow!' We had a laugh.

"I have seen the video your lawyer arranged for the DHS managers to see. It is sickening to see federal agents act like children caught with their hands in a cookie jar. Not taking any responsibility for their actions... I told the Secretary of DHS I never wanted to see or hear of any such activities again.

If he had to cease ALL enforcement actions pending new training I was fine with that."

Smiling, "I sat right here watching and listening... thinking what fools those men were. So unnecessary. Did you get the denouement?"

She shook her head... "The vehicles we immobilised and moved were claimed by DHS but the Hidalgo County Sheriff demanded a senior ICE official come to be sure he handed off the trucks, weapons, electronics, ID's, etc... to the appropriate person. That might be the humiliation your DHS secretary meant."

Hillary pointed to an aide saying she should call the DHS Secretary for confirmation since that little titbit was news to her.

I gave Hillary a precis of what we were using the Lordsburg for... a test site for various technologies, a training ground for our Security Service in weapons and tactics and a live fire combat skills test location.

Lore was shaking her head, "So your folks can get even better than they are now?"

My `Yes' got a laugh from Hillary.

I got Gil to bring up some snaps for Hillary on her iPad. The terrain and the basic ranch structures we'd put up... and still building and she had an aerial from a drone of one of the new skills course under construction.

Lore leaned over Hillary's shoulder.

She said it looks like `forbidding' terrain.

"True, there's little there to damage except rock and sand."

I leaned back, "The Hidalgo Sheriff and his senior staff went down to the ranch for a visit. They got to see it all and the new drones. The wings capabilities surprised and WOW'd them.

They like having us nearby... we took part in a search for an older local man with Alzheimer's who wandered off from his family... he was lost in the desert about ten miles from our ranch. One of our drones found him on a night sweep using infrared and FLIR cameras. He was cold and hungry but otherwise Okay.

I motioned to Lore, "Just what Lore mentioned about the drones... there's one on duty outside."

I asked Yone... he grinned and texted to Benjamin downstairs. In a minute the `wing' was hovering outside the Library windows. Hillary beside me, I slipped my arm through her's. I said wave to it... she did.

Benjamin did a wing waggle and lifted up out of sight.

Hillary was laughing, "That is funny. Also quite amazing."

Yone put in that the `wings' were very efficient on fuel, a stable platform for things like the various weapons we'd developed and we had some incredible pilots.

I added, "We have the CAA's permission to fly our propeller drones out of our operators sight using several communications methods. We're testing these new `wings' for the same flight operations, here and in New Mexico and California."

"Are you selling them?"

"No. They are for our use... except I did offer them to the Thai Security Police... My Dad's force. They are interested but that's all for now."

Hillary leaned back, "We might be interested... if licensing to an American company was arranged."

"What about we setup a company in the U.S. and make them there?"

`That works!' was where it ended. Fist bump!

We went on to the Thai south issues... she had a good deal of information from Becky about the elections for the regional assembly that were going on and how the peace deal was playing out.

Hillary, "I haven't spoken to the Prime Minister since the deal was done but the news is good."

I had a big smile, "Yes! The former `insurgents' are mixing it up quite well as politicians. Their men in prison are having their voices heard even though they can't directly participate.

The former insurgents are actively doing what politicians do, speaking, writing and going on local media to debate issues.

The ordinary people are having what you might call a renaissance... fairs, outdoor entertainments, new alfresco markets and travel... all blossoming. There have been independent groups going south to do opinion sampling... they are finding that the people are happy about having their religion and languages fully accepted... AND the requirement for school children to learn Thai is not an issue. They seemed to have gotten the point about it being necessary to be part of the nation.

Jun's speaking to the negotiators about people learning Thai was quite emotive and heart-felt... he really grabbed them. They passed it along saying `no one should be left behind' as a tag line as part of their support for the agreement.

The willingness to compromise by both sides... small to start... became the wedge!"

Madam President smiling, "The Nobel folks have an easy choice to make!"

I laughed out right... I told her about my comment to Cho `he'd have to make the speech' got her and her staff laughing too!

We covered a lot of world and personal subjects. She was thrilled for us hearing what the child psychologists had said and how the Twins were reading and writing. The "Christmas Carol' abridged reading brought a smile.

"Chelsea was like that... smart and intellectually curious right off. It's a challenge and marvellous."

She nodded when I explained we were looking for a tutor who could get the most from them.

"We want them challenged but keeping in mind they are babies too. So a combination of a tutor with Tha seems the best method."

"Don't forget their artistic side... their Christmas cards are really spectacular!"

I leaned over, "We were surprised at how well they had done... Tha said her involvement was some help with the wording and printing the Cho snaps for the Twins' card."

Lunch was a buffet of soups and sandwich making things. Lot of cheese and fruit plus the end of the stollen and fruit cake with cookies. Hillary liked the stollen remembering it from last year.

The Twins enjoyed a new cookie... molasses with walnuts! A big hit! A special request from me.

We stayed in the Great Room afterwards to talk and watch the Twins rampage in the Garden with Jaidee! Such a hoot to see them running about. It brought a smile to Hillary's face.

Hillary sat back with a coffee cup in hand... looking relaxed.

"When all that happened in New Mexico... you didn't contact me..."

"No way! It isn't your job to pander to us... we wouldn't ever put you in such a position. We decided to let it move through the bureaucracy... since Alice-Anne had a talk with one of the DHS principal deputies it had to get to the top especially after he found out what duplicitous bastards they were in New Mexico.

Alice-Anne felt a bit sorry for him, he came on all `hard' about it then ended up meek because we could prove what actually happened. Your predecessor didn't have a firm grip on the immigration issue so local yahoos took advantage to move their own neo-fascist agendas."

Her head shaking, "Too few folks understand how big the government actually is. Thank you for not pushing it. Your letting it percolate upwards did more good then you might think. Now several levels of DHS know how pissed a President can get."

We laughed!

"I can say beyond some heads that will roll... the immigration enforcement folks are going to change or be gone. I'll have them counting..." she pointed to Charlie's red-nosed reindeer on the table nearby, "... reindeer in Alaska."

We laughed and did fist bumps.

"I guess I didn't make any new friends in Washington?"

Hillary with a grin, "You reinforced our friendship and made a few folks worry about you which is almost as valuable. When your lawyer used the word `tort' to the DHS deputy... Wow! He was freaked out... as he should have been.

He and his people just accepted the reports from New Mexico when he needed to have been less credulous and more of a manager!"

We had fun talking and took a well bundled up walk to the Stables before my afternoon ride. The Twins came out to do their `riding' with Iris.

Hillary got to meet our horses and staff. Our people said later it was quite the honour to have the President of the United States walking through.

A laugh from Gregory, "Well... we've had two very important ladies and a gentleman as visitors this holiday season."

Ah! He meant Taj! It had been an eventful time for the Stables too!

Rebel's breathing was very elevated... as it should after the intense run from the dirt lane near the Lone's house. He was shaking his head... I stroked that muscular neck! Penny and Gaby caught up. Smiles and fist bumps!

Up the lane, Andy said Mrs. Clinton had gone up with the Twins. She had watched their riding and care time with Iris.

The Twins were up in the Nursery to change and play. Charlie had his new trains running... Chani got to be the engineer too!

In the Great Room again, Hillary's recounting of the Twins grooming Iris was terrific. The way they used the brushes and talked to her... showing their love for the pony.

I told Hillary if the House of Lords thing happens then I'd have to be around here more so we planned to have a talk with the Twins about separate trips for them since they hadn't ever been apart for more than an hour or so.

"We have a lot of horse races to attend and plenty of other trips but I am scaling back my travel for The Company."

"You'll find out soon enough whether they like it or not," Hillary with a knowing smile.

Laughing, "I imagine it will be at an inopportune moment also."

We both chuckled.

The men came home. They had a good game with the head Pro and the club Secretary. The pint after was also good!

We had an early dinner planned so they could fly off to Belgium well fed.

There was a big send-off... all four of us waving as the cars rolled out.

I told Cho Hillary said she enjoyed being with us and the Twins. "A nice quiet time, she said. Not that she didn't work, she did but our home was peaceful."

We smiled, Cho's `Not all the time' was true...

"Well that's us done for guests!" A hug with Cho.

After my morning ride I cleaned up... black skinny jeans, black t-shirt, red cotton short-sleeved shirt, black ankle boots with a spike heel, silver bits and Joy' red lips and nails. The black sweater' jacket from Seattle, a black cashmere scarf in a loop and black leather gloves, a black baseball cap with a silver Apple logo on the front, Harcourt Racing on the side in silver.

A Range Rover out front, boxes of books in the back. Gil, Angie and Tara. My bag with my driving license in hand!! I drove over to All Saints Church in Sutton Courtenay. Today was `Community Café' day and book sale...

I backed into a spot out front on the north side. We unloaded the boxes of books. Dr. Ryles smiling as I toted in a carton.

"Your Ladyship... such muscles."

I laughed, "I'm definitely muscle bound. Ha! We have six boxes for you as a donation. An old Encyclopaedia Britannica set... in perfect condition. Plus four boxes of miscellaneous books.

They're yours to price as you see fit."

We shook hands with grins after I put down my load.

"Thank you and Sir Cho. All of you come in and have a coffee."

I was sitting with two village women, mothers of five children between them. Their husbands share a ride to Dicot Parkway station to catch the 6:04 train to Paddington five days a week. They thought of themselves as typical suburban families.

"Your Ladyship, the train tickets are outrageous... even buying a season ticket our men are paying over £5,500 per year."

I asked about their other costs living in the village, rent, food, school fees, sports... I used the calculator on my iPhone to do a quickie train trip breakdown... the days of the week, month, year minus holidays, etc... it came to about £12 per trip or £24 a day... if my math was close.

When I finished I told them I didn't know how the numbers fit with other places. Their housing costs seemed lower than average I `thought' but I would do some looking. Gil got their names and email addresses.

I moved around talking to other folks... Dr. Ryles motioned to me... he was by a side door.

"Sorry... I had no idea those ladies would think you were a font of wisdom and a decision-maker..." He paused, "You're not in government in any way are you?"

Smiling, I told him I was in a by-election for a House of Lords seat.

Big eyes!

"My Lady, you are moving right along."

We went out onto the terrace.

"As I said on Christmas Eve... Cho and I care about the villages of the kingdom which means the people. I can't solve everyone's problems but I will be a voice for ordinary citizens whenever I can."

I did say the two ladies did act like I was a sort of seigneur...

Dr. Ryles nodding, "I can see it... a relationship like that is a part of England's past which can be quite close to the surface especially in the countryside."

`It isn't a role we are seeking. We are egalitarian by nature... I can honestly say we do act in paternalistic ways towards our workers because we want them to know how we value them. Doing things to make their lives better... easier... just comes naturally to Cho and I."

Dr. Ryles said he'd read my Publisher's comment in the Times about the Universal Basic Income.

"You made so much sense... the tory government simply doesn't care about the people... certainly not the everyday people. I'm no socialist but we do need to take care of the common people... they are the nation's backbone not the rich."

I smiled in agreement. He understood that `we' despite being rich gave a damn.

He and I went back in for another cup of coffee.

I browsed the books on offer... some good titles and in good condition. I bought a hardcover copy of `Pride and Prejudice' from the 1930's. Very nice! For the Twins bookshelf.

I met more parishioners and villagers. One older fellow who shook my hand with `I wish all the noble ladies looked as good as you' comment. There was laughter from those around us. One woman did cringe.

I thanked him for being generous about me, answering with `I've seen many beautiful women among the peers.'

Dr. Ryles' eyes had rolled at the pensioner's remark. He walked us out to the car.

"Sorry... some of the older fellows speak without thinking how it sounds."

I squeezed his hand, "I'm not particularly politically correct either."

We all laughed.

Behind the wheel again... we headed south through the northern part of Dicot then east. Around Brightwell-Cum-Sotwell into Wallingford on the Wantage Road to Green Tree School.

The headteacher was outside speaking to a fellow with a shovel when we stepped out of the Range Rover. She smiled and asked how she could help.

I introduced myself which was a surprise for her. I guess `no horse' and a baseball cap threw her off. I was laughing inside.

We did go in to her office. Gil passed me the check.

"I wasn't able to get to you before the holiday but you weren't forgotten. You have a student whose father works for us so we are giving your school a thousand £'s from their family and ours. Also we have a line of credit for your use from the Oxford Computer Store.

They sell all sorts of computer things and have a service department. They will come out to you on request."

The headteacher had been calm receiving the gifts then a single tear on her left cheek. I offered my Cho-Fay handkerchief but she wiped it away with a finger.

"Sorry... I... sorry..."

She was Okay when I inquired.

"We have so many teachers who love their work even when there's not much money in it... for them or frequently the school. When we get gifts like yours it makes our job a bit easier. It's rewarding to find adults who want to share.

We are a big school and have many facilities but the budget is always tight... your gift will let us do a few more things for the children."

I said we always hope the money will enrich the all children in some tangible way.

I got a tour. It was a large school, nice looking and cared for. The play areas outside were big and a huge grass games space. In the canteen it smelled quite delightful. I said so. It was vegetarian stew with bread and butter, fruit and cake for lunch today.

"Your Ladyship... not to presume... would you and your people care to join us for lunch? We will start serving in a quarter of an hour."

I looked at Gil and my Protectors. They were Okay... I said Yes. Gil said she'd call the house to let Cho know.

We walked out to the play areas where there was a bike education class just finished. They were taught road safety and etiquette on a blacktop space. These were Year Five's in their PE kit, tracksuit bottoms and warm school tops.

I said hello to them as they put things away and went in to change.

In the canteen I met the staff who were quite amazed to see me much less feed me. I sat with my ladies at a table of year Sixes. They were also astounded to have me as a guest but very friendly and outgoing.

I introduced us. We chatted about why I was here... they liked my giving money away which made me laugh. They `saw' why and joined in.

Betty, a Year Six in Silver Birch,' was the daughter of a Harcourt House Farm foreman. Bob,' her dad, managed a team for Archie. She was surprised to see us, a hug.

The girls liked my clothes, they all asked about what Gil, Tara and Angie did for me. Shocked that I might need protection' and one lad asked to see their guns.' That wasn't happening and Tara gave him a `look' which shut that down.

The stew was excellent! I went back to the kitchens to compliment the chef and her staff.

We went out to the car with the headteacher... I was thanked very sincerely... I shooed her in out of the cold air.

"No point in you getting a chill." She smiled and waved.

Down the High Street to Croft Road to St. John's Road and the John Street primary school. The headteacher greeted me at the door asking if she could help.

I said who I was... "Yes! You are aren't you." I grinned at that phrase.

She was very pleased to meet and when I told her why I was there she very surprised. She `heard' about my visiting schools but thought they were only Church of England ones.

"No. Not at all. They have one thing in common though... they have all been primary schools. My husband and I want to support early education. We are just coming from Green Tree School."

She was thrilled to get the thousand £'s and the line of credit. Her office manager was clapping in the doorway hearing the news!

A short tour, the school was `modular' and a bit newer than some. I said I'd been in an American primary saying I was impressed with the care taken to make it so clean and neat, the staff made it a point of pride to have a good environment for the kids.

"Us too! If they see it nice, they are encouraged to keep it so."

I met a crowd of kids on their way out to the play field, high spirits, shining faces.

I squeezed the Headteacher's hand exchanging smiles over the children's happiness.

We shook hands at the front door.

I turned right out of the school drive going further east to Crowmarsh Gifford and its C of E Primary School. The headteacher was in the front office when we walked in.

She welcomed me with a big smile. I met several students in gray and forest green, smiling faces.

Sitting in the Head's study I gave her a check for a thousand £'s and the letter for the line of credit. She was bouncing in her seat.

"Your Ladyship, this is wonderful. We always need that little bit extra... Thank you and Sir Cho!!"

This was a small school, very nice, bright and pleasant colours everywhere. Lots of the children's art on show! It had a theme of farm animals... all sorts and one blue cow sort of looking creature. I looked to the `Head' who laughed.

"Anthony has just read a story about Paul Bunyan and Babe his ox who was blue."

Ah... oxen... now there's a rarely heard word.

We shook hands at the door.

A short drive on The Street had us at a roundabout for the A4074! We travelled north on it all the way into Nuneham Courtenay and our drive. We rolled over the gravel to the door. I popped out to a greeting from Cho and Jaidee.

A nice kiss! He was grinning at my giving away things around the county.

"I had a very fine lunch and saw Bob's daughter Betty. And I had a crowd of Year Sixes as my lunch companions."

We held hands going in. Jaidee right beside my leg... Gil took my bag so I could stroke him as we walked. At the fireplace the Twins gave me hugs and kisses.

I looked at Cho and brought up the subject of separate trips since we were all together. Chani and Charlie gave each other looks as we gave them the idea. Fingers touching... they said they wanted to try because it would happen sometime.

I treasured our kids... smart and full of affection for each other and us.

We told them we would give it a try but prepare them in advance. Okay! Kisses for them!

The Christmas season was over. Our staff took down the everything and the Abingdon company came over to remove the wonderful tree. Sad to see it all go... it had been an especially good holiday for us.

Carter smiling beside me as the furniture was all put back after Audra's folks had done a `deep' clean.

"My Lady, I think we keep doing better than the year before... is there a ceiling?"

`No! We can always have more fun, wonderful guests and happy times! There's no limit for us!"

Fist bump!

Carter had a team to package and send the our guest's their ornaments. An assembly line, glass ball in the original box, the box in another box with packing, labelled then a drive to the Royal Mail office in the little Ford van. Overseas addresses were sent via DHL.

Mervyn was back from Bangkok where he'd had meetings with Kotro and his staff. The museum building design was now finalized so this visit was important for Mervyn to get his last input included with the very people doing the work.

He was pleased with the entire design. His latest suggestions, nothing major, were incorporated in the final design.

"Fay, Cho... this is going to be a functional and handsome building. It is very modern looking... since it will stand alone in the countryside setting it is going to be that much more dramatic. The location will be separate from any older buildings so there's no clash.

The woods around it will be reflected in the glass making it green from all angles. Kotro is a wizard!"

We laughed, Cho asked if he'd seen any of his other designs. Mervyn said he had and admired them.

"He is eclectic with a loving way of fitting his work into the landscape."

Fist bumps!

Mervyn knew he could stay at Cowley House any time he needed to be in the city.

"Clough and his staff will take care of you."

Mervyn loved that perk! He was going to go out for a ride... another of his perks.

We gave him the other good news... final planning permission for the project had been given. It passed through every review with flying colours. The Oxford County Council was thrilled with our offer of financing for road improvements in the neighbourhood to support traffic increases.

The plan was for them to create the road solutions they thought best, we would get input and then a final design would be agreed upon. Then we'd give them the money. And we'd be out of the way. They were quite happy!

We had a quiet day for family. Lots of Jaidee time in the Garden then we brought him into the pool which was fabulous, he loved it!! The Twins thought it was the best!

I flew the next day to Paris. Gil, PJ, Gaby and Tara going too. At Le Bourget I met Thierry. He owned a car service we'd been using in Paris. We made an offer to buy PinPoint Car Service... he was happy to sell and stay on as manager especially after we made a point of our not micro-managing but checking up.

Francis had flown over before Christmas to finalize the deal. Thierry's records were terrific giving Francis positive feelings about his continuing like that. Thierry knew Francis' folks would be around at regular and odd intervals. Francis told us Thierry said he `was fine with it... any time!'

He had forty six, full and part time, drivers. Twenty five cars, a solid building near the Paris Heliport we were part owners in. it had repair facilities, cleaning areas and a big break room. The office on the first floor was plenty big enough, the whole setup was good for expansion.

He'd continue to run business as he had been but our needs would the priority. We ordered four Range Rovers from a local Paris dealer to be delivered to PinPoint Car Service.

The Range Rovers would be used for us.

Thierry picked me up and we went to the new Champs Elysees store. He had another car collecting Madame Tallard and Eugenie plus Marcelle in the northern suburbs.

Coral and Raphaela were waiting. Hugs and kisses. I was introduced to Georgie who had taken over managing the temporary store the week before Christmas. A lovely looking dark blonde from Brittany who had lots of retail experience. She was found by Clare via some friends in retail in Paris. She had done an excellent job for the last five weeks.

All of us together toured the new shop. It was big, the work so far had the wall clothes racks in place, the changing rooms and bathrooms completed. The cash desk in, wired to a room at the back where the Security Service has an office. The business server would be in there. It ran an inventory system to link each location together so they could share stock. So sales, stock, etc... would be centralized over the web.

If the web was down the store could still operate based on its own saved inventory then upload when service was restored. Barcodes would everything for us!!

At the rear was the store office, it was roomy, a break room that was large for some comfortable furniture, staff restrooms, store rooms on the ground floor and in the cellar.

The painters had done an excellent job, the woodwork we added fit the building. The entrance had been changed to give the store ease of access and keep the tenants upstairs separate and safe. They had a keypad and a finger scanner to open the outer door to reach the inner room where the lift was.

Our Security wrapped the building up tight. The tenants would have a quiet business underneath them.

Once this store was ready we'd close the small one, move the stock and open! Signs at the old location would point shoppers to here and the Place de bastille store. We had signed a lease to run until September so plenty of time to reorient customers.

Thierry took us all to the Place de Bastille store. The Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine was busy. Foot traffic was heavy around our store. Inside... terrific!! It was nearly finished... down to doing the signage on the outside and testing the computers.

It would open in five days. Stock was in a warehouse waiting to come in tomorrow morning. Every item would be scanned into inventory, placed on the racks. I got to meet the manager and her people.

Ellise was thirty, a friend of one of Coral's family who'd worked at the first Champs Elysees location. A retail veteran who acted as a sales person for a few weeks before and after Christmas at the other store. She was ready! That made me smile.

FOOD!

We walked around the Place de Bastille corner down Rue de Charenton to Bai Thong. Thai food.

We walked in to a surprise... PJ saw a cousin, his mother's sister's daughter! He motioned to Gaby and Tara who changed positions.

PJ hadn't seen her for many years, she had come to Paris to study music. He introduced Phan to me. I told him to sit with her and talk. I squeezed his hand.

We'd been speaking Thai some the restaurant folks knew I knew that much. I said my home was in Bangkok on the river north of the Old Palace grounds. We were welcomed! We they were very pleased to have us. Tara and Gaby spoke Thai to them so they were amazed by us.

A big booth at the back for us all and a table for my Protectors.

I scanned the menu and made suggestions to all the ladies, Coral, Raphaela, Mde. Tallard, Eugenie, Marcelle, Ellise and Georgie, based on a few quick questions about their preferences.

I did their Khung Yum Ta kai, shrimp and calamari with jasmine rice. Pat King, sautéed mushrooms to start then Jud Tofu soup. I wasn't driving... a Singha beer.

My guests and the restaurant staff both thoroughly amazed at my command of Thai. The owner said I sounded like a native to Bangkok... I thanked him for the compliment. A wai!

I added Kanom Mok Ken at the end, Thai chocolate flan. Espresso!

The food was plentiful and very good. The service first-rate! An enjoyable lunch!

We walked back the way we came to be collected by Thierry. Coral and the others went back in another car to the Champs Elysees store to talk clothing and orders. Me and mine to Le Bourget. Twenty five minutes later we landed at Chalgrove. The Gulfstreams were fast!

On the flight, PJ said he had a phone number and address for Phan. They were the same age and had been play partners when young. The families had moved apart but had not lost contact. He knew she was here... she seemed to have a busy life he hadn't wanted to bother her on our other visits.

Now he would be in closer contact! A hug as I said I was pleased for him. Smiles!

Tessa was back from New York. Our Protection team was at full strength.

Her brother had done his `surprise' introduction of his fiancée... it didn't go the way he thought.

"Fay, she's a sweetie and tough. When Dantone found out she'd gone around him he started to get PO'd... she brought him back to earth with a simple argument... she had no intention of beginning a life together except on the most forthright terms.

After that Dantone was chill. He even admitted to me she was right to do it because he was clowning and shouldn't have been."

My `Oh... she sounds like my kind of girl!' made Tessa laugh.

"Fay, you should meet her. Sharp and really together!"

Fist bump.

The Twins came with us to shop in Oxford. TheWorks' store stock took a big hit in creative supplies! Paint, pads, crayons, brushes, GLITTER, etc... Cho and I with Francis and Ali toted it out to the little Ford van... off it went. We all went to lunch at No.1 Ship Street.

The manager on duty was the same fellow. He was a bit nervous but carried on fine. Cate was our server. She thoroughly enjoyed it this time.

The Twins giggling and eating, having fun! They were so good in public.

Lying on the Great Room floor doing a puzzle with Chani... the `guys' off some place. A deliberate first but unannounced separation. We all had fun.

Then we came together for a swim! Jaidee too! Terrific! Cho did Cho-Air flights which ended up in splashes. Jaidee bouncing around the edge then jumping in... big waves from him! We got to lie on a lounge as Gil, Ali and Francis played with Charlie and Chani and Jaidee.

We all enjoyed it!

I had a glorious morning ride with Roland! Tessa and Penny grinning as they joined us on the Flats.

Going up the grassy lane to Pat's smile.

"My Lady, you always love your time with the horses... We all know you appreciate what we do behind the scenes."

"We do! You all show how you love them. How's Monty doing?"

Pat laughed, "He comes every morning, five days a week... ready to go. There is no job in a stable he hasn't been taught. He's smart and I think happy here."

I squeezed his arm, "Happy is good! Maybe he has a future with us... Could you gently inquire?"

"I'd willing to try. I'll go slow on it... Okay?"

I said yes. "Do it as you feel it."

Fist bump!

Bfast at full strength! I rubbed against Cho `accidently' on purpose rubbing on him with my full plate in hand. I got a butt pat as a counter. We kissed once I was down..

We were hosting the Bishop of Oxford this morning.

A black pleated skirt to a few inches above my knee, a white cotton long sleeve shirt under a red and black checked vest jumper, a black wool jacket over it all with silver jewellery and `Joy' White crew socks rolled down to near the black oxford shoe tops. Red lips and nails... not too red.

Cho in a black suit with a pale gray shirt open at the neck.

The Twins were dressed for a guest. Chani in a red and white checked frock, white knee socks and her Mary Janes! Charlie in black slacks with a white Polo shirt under a pale gray jumper, black brogues and red socks. He liked red socks!

The Bishop's car at the door... Cho and I there to greet him. He was smiling as Lucas opened the car door, he stepped out. We shook hands.

Inside we walked to the Great Room. The Twins on a settee with Tha doing a word game.

Cho had us all sit at the fireplace after Charlie and Chani were introduced. They shook hands with the Bishop saying hello. Then back with Tha resuming their game.

There was some chat... the Bishop's eyes flitted to the Twins... they were doing Thai to French to English about all the room furniture.

He looked to me... I smiled, "They are tri-lingual for each of the languages of their citizenship."

He stared, "How old are they?"

My `almost eighteen and a half months' was a shocker. I added their skills were quite advanced for their age. That didn't make it any easier for him to grasp it.

Cho asked him how long he'd been the Bishop of Oxford as a way to move on. Two years and he was enjoying the work.

"The parishes are active with an excellent group of priests who have enormous support in their communities and the schools are gems. That is why I asked to speak with you..." He motioned to me, "... Your Ladyship, you have been going about visiting schools leaving wonderful gifts behind. Is there an overall plan?"

I smiled, "The `plan' has been to visit any school I could ride to in the morning... that have children of our workers enrolled. Local council schools or Church of England and this year a Catholic school in Abingdon. The other connected theme is they are all primary schools."

I squeezed Cho's hand, "We having the Twins... felt we should encourage education at the beginning level. Help the students get a good start.

I have been impressed with the schools... they look good, the staff dedicated and the students eager. That is all the schools."

"Well, I can only speak to our schools... I see the same as yourself. As the spiritual leader of the school programme I want to thank you both most sincerely for what you have done."

He reached out his hand, I shook with him then Cho.

"I know you have also given other monies via the Oxford Computer Store..."

"Computer skills are so important these days each student needs to have the opportunity to learn as much as possible. We didn't want to see schools have issues with their computer learning tools that they couldn't afford to get fixed or equipment that is too old... or lack toner for printouts or paper for that matter."

"I did have an assistant do some looking at your backgrounds... I can say The Queen made a fine decision when she gave you both honours. Reading that report... I was and am still amazed.

The diversity of your interests and businesses is breath-taking. Although the Chanthira Foundation is relatively new to large scale charity... it is easy to see your commitment to helping those less fortunate, ostrasized or forgotten by society.

Then you have donated money repair several church rooves... you don't attend either church but you gave the money..."

I said we love history... in the United Kingdom much of village history is bound up in the parish churches... we don't want any more of them to be become ruins...

"There's enough of our history that has become lost or muddled... for many the solace of their religion is all they have to look forward to... families often unite around the shared sense of belonging to a parish... more than anything everyone should respect the past, learn from it to make a better world."

The Bishop was silent for a moment, "Your Ladyship, you do need to be in the House of Lords! You are emotional and eloquent the like I have rarely seen. I am sure you would have an impact and I for one will anticipate hearing you speak."

I thanked him.

Cho smiling one of those cute smiles.

"Bishop, Fay has the gift of gab without any recent Irish antecedents. I am told the Munro's came over from Ireland in the Twelfth Century..."

We all laughed.

"I don't have a clue about the outcome of the election... if I am chosen then you will hear my voice. I am sure many won't be as pleased after I do speak."

"My Lady, if you espouse the causes and ideals of your charitable work then you will succeed."

We talked a few other topics, the Bishop had read about EFT, "It was an admiring article in a local newspaper sent to me by Mr. Foote of St. Alban's School. You have a llama?"

"Yes... George. He is a favourite of the staff and has his own sheep herd he watches over."

Laughter. I described the local sheep farmer sending some to EFT as a trial... they had been so happy they've stayed.

We drank some tea and found out the Bishop loved shortbread. I had the kitchen make a box of Aunt Dee's for him to takeaway.

At the entryway, he was helped into his coat.

"It has been a pleasure to meet you both and the Twins. It is an honour."

Cho thanked him adding it was an honour for us meeting him. Cho said we should meet another time. The Bishop seemed pleased with that.

We waved from the doorway.

Back in the Great Room the Twins rushed us. Hugs!

Charlie asked about the man's clothes. I explained he was a church leader and they wear certain clothes by tradition. He tilted his head and smiled saying he didn't want to wear that. Okay.

The AW139's were on the lawn waiting. We loaded up. Twenty minutes later we descended to the Wandsworth heliport.

Clough at the door to welcome us to Cowley House. Fist bumps for the Twins!

They went straight up to the Nursery with Tha. I went to my lady's Sitting Room to some work with Gil and Ali. Cho and Francis in Cho's Study to do the same.

It was just at noon when Clough came to the door... "My Lady, there is a messenger here for you."

I asked they be brought here.

A fellow in a dark suit appeared at the door escorted in by Clough. PJ had come in to stand to the side...

The newcomer bowed... "Your Ladyship, I have a letter for you from the Lord Chancellor. I am instructed to receive your response."

I opened the envelope... It was in court' language... summed up as... I am summoned to the House of Lords.'

At that moment my iPhone binged... Gil looked... it was Mac.

"Mac..."

"Fay, congratulations! You received twenty five of the twenty nine votes cast."

I told him a fellow had just delivered my Writ of Summons.

"Good! I asked the Lord Chancellor to be quick so you could be introduced this week. I will help arrange two sponsors for you so you can join us on the fifteenth in the morning. Go to Ede and Ravenscroft's for your robe right away."

Mac was enthused! I said I would and I thanked him.

"For you Fay... anything!"

Smiling... I thanked him again.

I wrote a brief note accepting the Writ of Summons and that I would appear on the morning of the fifteenth. The fellow bowed taking my envelope.

I stuck my head in Cho's Study... "It's done... I'm in the Lords."

Cho gave me a big hug. "Now you can make trouble for more folks."

We laughed.

Gil had gotten on to Ede and Ravenscroft's Chancery Lane location. They could see me this afternoon. Done!

After luncheon Gil, PJ and Tessa came with me to Ede and Ravenscroft. Up through Trafalgar Square down the Strand. A wave to Samuel Johnson... my comment... he didn't wave back got laughs in the car. Left on Chancery lane, Allyn dropped us at the door. Gil would call him when this was done.

Inside a fellow in a handsome navy suit greeted me.

"Your Ladyship, congratulations on being a member of the House of Lords."

I thanked him.

"This way please... we can get your robe prepared quickly."

A woman who was their lead seamstress met us in a measuring room. She smiled at my clothes.

A navy blue Mirabelle wool suit. Tube skirt to mid-calf with a slit at the back. The long sleeved jacket had a round open collar, it was cut to my shape, the front opening asymmetrically to the left with three black buttons. A white silk blouse that had a small shirt collar. Gold Jewellery which included a strand of pearls resting on the blouse front below the collar, "Joy' Red lips and nails.

Gil took the navy Coach camel's hair coat and gloves.

"Your Ladyship, that is a beautiful suit. We have something similar from Armani in our Women's side."

Smiling, "This was made in New York for me by Mirabelle."

She followed the `trade' news so knew the name. She said they apparently do superb work. A smile from me.

She went over me measuring. She stood writing at a table. "Ma'am, we can have it ready tomorrow. All we need to do the work is in stock. We will have your cap ready also. Did you want to have a Countess' coronet made? It is not needed for a Lords Introduction but is required at some ceremonial events."

I said go ahead on those. "Please also make the appropriate Coronation Robe... no hurry for that."

I told her I would have someone pick up the robe tomorrow when they say it is ready. I thanked her for the promise of their rapid work.

The seamstress smiling, quietly... "We all think it is wonderful you received the honour."

I squeezed her hand.

We made it easier for Allyn by walking back to The Strand and crossing over. The car slid up beside us.

Cho grinning in the North Drawing Room with the Twins.

"So you are set to be a Lord?"

"Yes! A lot of fuss. The people at Ede and Ravenscroft were nice and efficient which is good. The robe will be ready tomorrow."

I was in my Ladies Sitting Room with a woman named Sage. She was the last of four to interview today.

It was near dinner time. I was flagging a bit doing these. I had Clough bring us some tea... Sage thanked me for the refreshment. I recommended the walnut cookies... Sage grinned. After a bite she smiled saying she could see why.

Sage was twenty five, a degree in history from my alma mater the University of Exeter! Medium blonde, green eyes, slender, a bit shorter than me. A nice face... not `beautiful' in the convention way... I would think men would like her looks. In great shape from lots of biking. Born in Winchester, going to school locally before Uni.

Gil was sitting on a chair behind Sage doing her thing about recording things in her head for me. She lifted her left hand... our signal to show agreement.

I liked Sage, she was well spoken. No discernible accent. Based on her CV and references she was a good choice. The references thought well of her, she was organized, she completed tasks, conscientious and didn't lose her `cool.'

I asked about her current position... organizing an office for a solicitor... He was new but bright and well-connected. Some clients immediately came his way by referral so she'd been busy immediately. He was still doing well but she needed to move on.

A tiny frown to my obvious question... he had made small advances to her... nothing serious but although she had discouraged him he hadn't stopped. He was married. Okay.

I asked what she knew about me and Cho.

"Lady Harcourt, I know what the general public knows about you both. I can understand what is required past that..." A smile, "... I know how to keep my mouth shut and have been jealous of my own privacy so guarding someone else's which is vastly more important is an significant mission."

I laughed, "Guarding... Yes that is a good word. Our family was under pressure... still is but less so... from the media. Most have learned the lesson of the News UK happenings.

This position will face news people asking for interviews or comment or whatever..."

Gil's voice..."I can say `no!' you remember?"

I did laugh, "Yes, I do! You have to say `No' often. We own newspapers and TV but we aren't hostage to them. I'm a publisher interested in gathering and printing news... not being the news."

"Also the position will need to manage the mail... both paper and email. I get mail as a publisher which the PA's at each newspaper cull carefully and pass on. Now I am to join the House of Lords... so I expect a considerable increase which will have to be taken care of for me."

"Your Ladyship... in the Lords... Amazing!! So how would this role fit in?"

"My intention is for the secretary to be in charge of my Lords office with whatever other staffers are there plus keep an office in this room.

There is an apartment upstairs for the position. Full room and board is included whether you are here or at another location.

I leaned back... "Sage... can you come out to Harcourt in three days? We'll pay your train fare and have you picked up at Oxford Station."

A Yes.

"Plan to stay overnight. You don't have to tote a lot we have plenty of things like hair dryers, etc... We'll feed you also." A big grin from me!

A giggle, "I can see myself at the estate gate calling for a taxi to go to a chip shop."

Gil laughing, "You would have a long wait and a long ride."

Laughter.

I stood up to shake Sage's hand and thank her for coming.

Gil escorted her to the front door. On her return Gil checked her email.

"Fay, Sage passes most of the background check... they say they have a bit more but it's not likely to throw up anything which is why they passed it along."

"Good. I want Sage."

Cho listened as I told him about Sage. My hand squeezed, "You've done well in choosing folks... no reason to think you're slacking off."

We hugged and laughed at his smooth use of contractions these days.

Tomorrow I'd meet with several of the House of Lords officials about my Introduction' to the House. Mac said the whole thing is simple and short on purpose. It had been reformed' a few years back.

My morning walk took me, Tessa and Gaby through Smith Square to Horseferry Road east to the Lambeth bridge then north into the Victoria Tower Gardens all the way to the Burghers of Calais statute. Then on Great College Street to Barton Street and our front door. Temple was there to let us in.

Gil, PJ and Angie walked with me to the Peers Entrance to Parliament. Security was good with us. A new escort brought me to a meeting room where Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker waited with the Black Rod and the Garter Principal King of Arms.

Mac there too. He introduced Lord Winslow and Lord Thame, my `sponsors. We shook hands, I thanked them for doing this for me. They said it was a pleasure to be part of my Introduction.

The "Introduction.' I was given the plan, shown on a diagram the motions and then a short walk through in the empty House.

I let them know I had no questions and was ready. The Black Rod, Ms. Clarke was also new' to her position. She kidded me about us being the new girls' on the block.

I said the fellows did need to watch out. Smiling what Cho would call my `devilish' grin.

Lord Fowler smiling too, "Mac has spoken to me..." motioning to same, "... He thinks you are likely to do some shaking of things."

"I did say to the Cross-Bench group the other day I do tend to plainly say what I think..."

The Speaker gave me a small bow saying he was good with that as long as I followed the Code of Conduct. I shook his hand smiling, "I will!"

On the walk back Gil got a text from Ali <I have Fay's robe>

Upstairs I tried the thing on... it fit the way I was told it would. I could walk easily enough, a small train. Heavy! A lot of bother for ten minutes!

Looking in the big mirror... Gawd, I wonder how the Queen feels when she has to `dress up' for her things. No wonder she was quick to change to tweeds after lunch for the Stables visit... AND she wasn't in anything like this! Anything to be comfortable!

Cho, Gil, Ali with PJ and Rande... all walking with me to the Palace of Westminster in the morning. I had a good walk first thing and breakfast with the Twins to start my day.

Now the `show.'

I chose a black wool suit for the day. A circle skirt with wide soft pleats to mid-calf. The jacket cut to the waist, close to the torso with four silver buttons and a round open collar. A sleeveless white silk blouse that had a small upright collar I left open... Gold bits including a double strand of pearls around my neck, not too much jewellery. Black stockings and heels. Red lips and nails... but not too much! `Joy' applied by my expert!

The black wool coat with big collar, cuffs and the single button on the left from Mirabelle, the French flag Hermès scarf and black gloves.

The security folks at the Peers Entrance were getting used to us. Gil and Ali carrying the robe in its clothing bag. We were escorted in to the Peers House lobby and a small office off that. I removed my coat and things... Gil and Ali helped me get in the robe. My cap under my arm.

My arm on Cho's when a fellow came to bring us out. Back in the Peers House Lobby we did a quick review then formed into our little `parade' column...

Tha had Temple setup a TV in the Nursery for the Twins to watch... BBC!

"We are back on Morning Live, I am Clermont Bridewill. Today we will go live to the House of Lords for a new member Introduction. Martin Winsall is there now...

"Martin Winsall here, I am looking down into the House of Lords chamber from the Press Gallery.

Today there is a ceremonial Introduction of a new peer to the House of Lords. This is a normal House procedure but today's new peer is a bit different... it is the Countess Harcourt of Oxford, Fay Martin.

She was ennobled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in early December. She won the by-election for a vacant seat two days ago so the Countess has become involved quickly.

Sir Cho, the Countess' husband, is just now sitting in the seats for spouses outside the Bar of the House. He's part of a small group.

Countess Harcourt will present her Writ of Summons and her Letters Patent will be read aloud. The first is a call to serve in the House of Lords, the second from the Queen gives her the peerage and sets the terms.

The peers taking part will be wearing their Parliamentary Robes which the style denotes their rank. Her sponsors are Earls both from Lady Harcourt's county of Oxfordshire. Sponsors are to be of the same rank.

Ah... The Lady Usher of the Black Rod is at the door... She leads the procession in...

The Black Rod is Ms. Sarah Clarke, the first woman in six hundred and fifty years of the existence of the position to be the Black Rod. This is her first Introduction ceremony since her appointment on the Twelfth of January just past. So new faces today!

The Garter Principal King of Arms is behind her... Then the Countess' junior supporter the Earl of Winslow...

The Lady Harcourt in her robe with the wide three bars to show she's a countess...

Behind her is her senior supporter, the Earl of Thame. Both her supporters are wearing their robes showing the same three wide bars.

They are stopping at the Bar of the House, each bows in turn to the Cloth of Estate behind the Throne. Now in order they enter the House on the temporal side and proceed towards the Table of the House.

Black Rod turns to pass in front of the Cross Benches, goes behind the Clerks' seats and stands on the spiritual side that which is to the right hand of the Throne.

The Garter hands the new peer's Letters Patent to the Reading Clerk who has taken up position by the first gangway on the temporal side.

The Garter is moving behind the Clerks' seats to stand beside the Black Rod.

The junior supporter has moved down the temporal side to a position beyond the Table by the second gangway.

The Reading Clerk, the new peer and the senior supporter follow the junior supporter.

They reached the Table of the House... the Reading Clerk is opposite the Despatch Box, the procession has halted... they turn towards the Table.

The Countess is handing her Writ of Summons to the Reading Clerk.

The Reading Clerk will read The Countess' Letters Patent aloud.

`The Sixth of December, 2017. The QUEEN has been pleased by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm, dated the fifth of December, 2017, to confer the dignities of a Viscounty and an Earldom of the United Kingdom upon the Honourable Fay Osborne Martin, and all her heirs, by the names, styles and titles of VISCOUNTESS Munro of Alness at Castle Munro in the County of Ross and Cromarty and of Harcourt House in the County of Oxford, and Countess Harcourt.'

The Clerk will now administer the oath of allegiance to the Countess... It is brief... She has sworn and will now sign the Test Roll upon the Table.

Next she is signing the undertaking to abide by the House of Lords Code of Conduct.

The Countess and her supporters are moving in reverse order to stand in front of the Cross Benches... they are turning together to face the Woolsack.

The Black Rod and Garter are facing the three peers from the Spiritual side.

Together, the Countess and her supporters are bowing to the Cloth of Estate.

They are in order moving up the spiritual side of the House towards the Woolsack, with Black Rod leading, followed by Garter then the three peers.

The Countess has reached the Woolsack... the group pauses... Lord Fowler, the Speaker, has risen... Lady Harcourt shakes his hand. He is saying something... smiles from both. Lady Harcourt leaned closer to tell something to the Speaker.

They are now passing into the Prince's Chamber through the door on the spiritual side of the House beside the Throne.

In a short while after removing their robes, the three peers will return to the Chamber.

When she returns, the Countess will sit for the first time in that part of the House where she intends to sit in the future. The vacancy that caused the by-election was a Cross-Bench member so it is expected she will sit with them but she could choose to sit with the Conservatives, Non-aligned, Liberal-Democrats or Labour. It is her decision.

Yes... they are coming back. Lady Harcourt smiling as she walks down the Spiritual side toward the Cross-Bench seating. A member has just stood... It is the Marquess Rannoch, Andrew Macdonald... They shake hands and the new member sits beside the Marquess.

We will stay for a short while to listen to the Lords debate...

The House of Lords has been debating the Defence Bill, that discussion will continue. The Speaker has acknowledged a member to speak.

The Defence Bill is a large appropriation covering conventional forces such as the RAF, the Army and the Royal Navy also the nuclear forces like the Trident submarine fleet.

The Conservative member is opening the debate with a short introduction. He finished quickly.

We will be returning to the studio in a moment...

The Speaker has turned to the Cross-Bench seats to acknowledge a member... OH! It is Lady Harcourt. She has stood to speak. Unusual for a new member to rise to speak so soon! Now we know why it was suggested we stay on-air...

This is what could be her Maiden Speech... We will cover her remarks..."

"I am honoured to find myself a member of this august House... I am further honoured to be able to make my initial foray into speaking before the House so early in my membership.

During the by-election process I made it quite clear that I would feel free to speak my mind on all subjects before the House... I am aware of the unwritten rule about a maiden speech's content being uncontroversial... I think this Defence Bill and its consequences is too important a topic to be silent about at any time.

We are debating the enormously important bill covering the defence of the realm AND other areas of the globe where we have interests and commitments. How we fulfill those obligations will be directly affected by the substance of the Defence Bill.

The defence budget is already dangerously low given our global responsibilities which we have willingly taken on. The Army gets smaller and less well equipped, the Royal Air Force has to depend on an aging aircraft fleet. The Royal Navy has new aircraft carriers but lacks sufficient support ships for them.

I rise to make the case for a re-consideration of the portion of the legislation covering our nuclear submarines and the Trident Submarine nuclear deterrent in particular.

Currently our defence is hostage to those submarines which can't do any of the day to day work on the ground where most of our strategic commitments lie. The standard line is that Trident is approximately 6% of the defence budget, a figure I believe is so far below the actual costs it has become a mockery to utter it.

Current estimates are for £31 billion over twenty year life of project... already there are increases and we have to maintain a £10 billion contingency above that £31 billion figure which is rapidly being committed to use. AND will run out long before the twenty year period closes.

A truer number is closer to £200 billion given all the actual costs of maintenance, decommissioning of old submarines, further upgrades and many more undisclosed costs!

A reminder to the House... we have twenty nuclear submarines which are no longer in service... some of which are more than fifty years old... they are in various stages of disposal... none completed... they all still need to be safely maintained at some considerable cost to the Defence budget.

We need to consider removing the Trident programme from the Defence Bill creating a separate piece of legislation so the actual costs are made plain and the regular Armed Forces adequately provided for.

As a retaliatory force the Trident subs are meager, right now it amounts to just a `face' saver. Despite the money spent we only have a single sub at sea at a time.

We are already dependent upon the United States for a nuclear umbrella... any foe attacking us knows they would receive a full retaliatory response from America and NATO.

Let us rather spend money on more women and men in uniform, fresh equipment for them, modern aircraft, up-to-date tanks and support ships... give our service members the tools they need to do the work we do give them.

In Afghanistan... We have to ask the Americans for helicopters to move our units around... elsewhere our American allies help with other support facilities and equipment for the simple reason we have starved the regular military forces.

The Trident submarines are unalterably tied to their Scottish base. What if at some point Scotland votes for independence? Not something we want to consider... Well... we aren't giving them many reasons to stay! The shambles of brexit has done much damage to our ancient relationship because of the lies that underpin it.

We can only hope they would appreciate the nuclear umbrella while also being made a target for an atomic attack.

It is time to talk to the United States about taking over our Trident submarines. One idea to consider is that they subsidise our costs, we operate the submarines as part of the Royal Navy until they reach their end of life then we do not replace them.

If we want to then lease the bases to the U.S. Navy or leave the decision to Scotland is something for another day.

With billions of £'s freed... we could rejuvenate our armed forces, more personnel who will have the kit they need and the knowledge we fully support them by deeds and not just words.

We also lower our contribution to the global nuclear threat by moving to the disarmament levels promised many years ago we have failed to reach.

Thank you for your respectful attention to a newcomer... and allowing me to press against the margins of the envelope. I look forward to hearing your opinions on the Defence Bill and my ideas. Thank you."

"Martin Winsall back with you... Hear...Hear's cascading from the Cross-Bench members near the Countess also Labour and Liberal-Democrat benches! The Tories mostly silent although there are a few giving verbal support... several I can see were serving members of the armed forces in the past.

I would say Lady Harcourt has made it plain she has opinions and intends to share them. This has been a rare display of personal prowess, of her considerable knowledge and her ability to effortlessly speak off-the-cuff. It was quite the show of sangfroid.

She did create some stirring in the House but the members respectfully let her speak without interruption as is the custom for a maiden speech. I would imagine she will hear their opinions soon enough.

This is the end of this special broadcast from the House of Lords. Thank you for watching. Back to Clermont Bridewill in the studio."

"Clermont Bridewill here with Caroline Ackersley in the BBC Morning Live studio. The Countess Harcourt has indeed made a splash. Caroline..."

"Clermont, the newest member of the House of Lords may prove to be an amazing addition. Fay Martin is known to be very sharp minded, a quick thinker and doer. She showed everyone today she can speak to a subject extemporaneously with authority. We have fact-checked what she quoted about the Defence Budget... and the other information she offered on costs... it is correct. Quite accurate!"

"Caroline, she stood immediately to speak which means she is confident in her ability to mix with the other members. During a maiden speech the other peers by tradition do not interrupt with comments as they do in normal debate... I can see the Countess handling those remarks as easily as she delivered her speech today. Now that she has completed her maiden speech she will be allowed to fully take part in the debates in the Lords."

"Clermont, we will have to pay more attention to debate in the Lords when the Lady Harcourt is present. She has shown a fearless attitude."

"Indeed! Quite the start! We will break now and when we return we have a report on the current state of the brexit trade negotiations with the EU."

"Mama on TV!!!" Clapping!

Tha said Charlie and Chani watched the whole broadcast!

"Their eyes riveted on the screen saying how good it was to see you! They clapped at the end calling for more on Mama. I told them Popa and Mama would be coming home soon."

After I sat down Mac leaned over, "Now that is what is called `putting people on notice' ever I saw it."

I held his hand.

"You are a cool one... stay that way when you get heckled in debate later."

I laughed, "I won't be drawn... I don't like dealing with fools so I will bite back... following the rules though." A big grin!

The fellow beside me reached his hand out when I leaned back from talking to Mac.

"Hello... I'm Alfred... Lord Wellburton. It's quite nice to have you here with us. More strong voices the better."

I thanked him. He was from Yorkshire... I asked if he knew Baron Haxby and his wife Hélène. He did... they were about ten miles from him.

"I don't see them often, a half dozen times a year or so."

The debate had continued with several speakers... I had it `on' in the background... then one said some tom fool thing about us being a major world power and nuclear weapons were essential for that.

I stood, "I thought being a major world power meant having a certain `something' as a country and the wherewithal to project your power... not fire missiles at someone... destroying their country, killing thousands..."

Many `Hear.. Hears' followed my remark... Mac and Alfred included.

The fellow saying the rubbish looked flustered... he might have recovered but I added... "Should we have used nuclear weapons against Argentina thirty six years ago? If so... why didn't we?"

That brought the House down, dozens of comments supporting my statement, a few trying to assist the speaker I opposed but his was a hopeless case.

There was a break shortly after. I walked back past the bar to the `family' seats. Cho standing there... a grin! We hugged, a kiss.

"You are something! An amazing few minutes... which had the folks around us buzzing!"

Mac came by, handshake with Cho and a hug from me.

"As advertised... She comes out firing." Cho laughing along with our staff.

He squeezed my hand, "Your points about the regular military forces is causing some members talking about you going on the committee dealing with national security."

I shrugged, "We'll see. If they know I'm not going to be here every day?"

Mac conceded the point. He was going to lunch with some members while we went home.

Going down a passage as a Parliamentary security fellow went by... he smiled and gave me a twin thumbs up. I saw the White-Purple-White pin on his lapel...

I said thank you to him! Cho looking... as we walked on I told him the fellow was ex-Army wearing his Military Cross award pin.

"Ah... He's in favour of more money to the Army."

I nodded. At the Peers Entrance an older fellow was standing... waiting for something... he turned to us...

"Lady Harcourt, I wanted to say your remarks were apt and timely. Our service members deserve better."

He introduced himself... Terrance Phillips, Second Baron Bayeux.

I introduced Cho, a warm handshake.

"Pardon my old man manners... young lady you did quite a good piece work for your first fifteen minutes in the House."

I thanked him for the compliment.

I asked, "Are you lunching here?"

He said. "I thought I would."

Cho holding my hand, I squeezed, "Come lunch with us and we'll talk."

He wasn't sure...

"We are only over on Cowley street... not too far."

I gave him a smile of encouragement.

"Yes! Thank you very much."

We set off. Gil called Clough to tell him.

She and Ali had taken the robe from me in the Prince's Chamber, now toting it home.

We talked a bit... he'd been in the Lords for twenty one years now... enjoyed the work... seen a lot of changes. He pre-dated the 1999 reforms which swept out most of the hereditary peers.

Clough at the door... Temple and Miles took our outer wear. Time enough for a sherry in the North Drawing Room. We barely sat when the `herd' thundered in.

"Mama you looked good!" That from my daughter, Charlie gave me a fist bump and a `Yea!'

The Twins were introduced to Terrance. He was smiling, talking with them. Charlie said he liked Terrance's moustache. A smile.

Tha rounded them up for a maths game... parked on a settee they went at it!

Terrance looking to us, "They are smart... they'll be handful... I'm sure you've been told that before."

Cho laughed, "Yes by a few child psychologists and everybody who meets them. They are quite the pair."

I asked Terrance if he any other thoughts about my speech.

"I have a naval friend... he is still on active service... quite senior now... what you said about support ships is true, he moans about it. Building shiny new aircraft carriers is good PR for the Royal Navy until time to use them.

Like what happened in the Falklands... Well... we succeeded but not by as much as the public thinks."

"I wasn't born yet... my parents were MI6, both of them. He was ex-Army. My father was quite clear whenever the Falklands came up he was disgusted with how the MOD handled much of the campaign. A lot of information about Argentina's capabilities came through his hands at the time, he evaluated it and sent it on... only to find out it had been ignored."

Terrance's face like my father's when discussing the Falklands... "Fay, I was in `plans' in the MOD... a lot of what we said was ignored also so I can understand your father's frustration."

At the table Cho asked about Terrance's military service... He had served in the Army for twenty nine years following in his father's footprints. He had been in the armoured forces in Germany as part of the BAOR then in lighter units wandering around the colonies and newly formed post-colonial nations.

His father was a World War Two hero for which he was knighted and later made a baron.

"He was in the Normandy fighting after the landings with his armoured regiment. His units were among those making the deepest penetration during Operation Goodwood. He got a DSO for his actions. Later he led his troops in the failed Market Garden attack then over the Rhine and on to the Baltic.

He received a KCB at the war's end.

He was made a Baron after leading UK forces in Korea. He chose Bayeux because of his time in Normandy. "And my mother was half French."

We let Terrance off on his history to talk about the Defence Bill.

"Your idea of breaking the budgets apart is sensible. If the government wants to starve the regular services the people ought to be able to see it.

Personally I have never liked the Trident system. It is horribly expensive and like Polaris, which it replaced, it puts us in thrall to the Yanks. Now don't think I have any issues with them. They know their business very well... I just think we'd better off going into partnership with the French.

Neither of us needs the extended range of Trident II, MIRV'ing warheads we can both do... Together we could save a good deal of money and still have a sub based deterrent.

I guess the brexit fools have put paid to that idea!"

We went into a few other bits of that back in the North drawing Room. Espresso!

Terrance asked a bit about Cho and I... we shared telling him a few things. The Queen's visit, he wanted to know about the Iranian nuclear deal... I gave him some on the Iranian connection.

I got an appraising look about my relationships with Taj and Soleimani.

"So you were on point for your company deliberately? To sound them out?"

"Yes. The Company's work there is valuable in several ways... obviously we make money... we get to test our equipment in a set of adverse conditions... develop relationships with local manufacturers who could assist us in that part of the world... We make friends."

Terrance looking upward, "Let's hope you use those skills in the Lords." He smiled to me, "You did let the cat out of the bag today with your maiden speech... if there were doubters about you being on point and up to speed they have been disabused of that notion."

I laughed, "Well... then it served its purpose."

Terrance's eyes narrowed a bit, "So you just went out to challenge the House?"

I nodded... he laughed. "My... a large number of folks have underestimated you. There was so much talk about your being `flash!'

Cho laughed out right!

"Terrance, Fay is just about the least `flash' person you'll ever meet."

"I think I'm getting that."

I walked back to Parliament with Terrance and PJ. My having PJ around didn't seem like a problem to Terrance unless I went into some `classified' briefing.

We parted in the Peers Lobby. A handshake and a smile after a big thank you for a delicious lunch and a frank talk.

I saw Alfred... He looked a question to me after seeing Terrance and I together.

"He's an old tory... not a bit like the fools who have come up lately."

I told him we'd had a very good talk about the Defence Bill and each got some background on the other.

"Reaching out to the other side already? A fast worker."

We laughed.

Inside the House there were a number of reports and question periods which were for me... numbing. I did walk out to the lobby with the Cross-Bench committee assignment fellow and Mac.

Mac wanted me on several committees... like the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy and the Science and Technology Committee. The committee man said he'd work on it right away.

I met with a number of House of Lords management people about the attendance allowance, staff and expenses for my office which I opted not to accept. I told them I would pay my expenses and my principal secretary was to be my personal employee and I was finishing the process of filling that position. I asked them to send to me several `veteran' staffers for me to interview.

PJ and I walked to Millbank House to my `official' office. The security men at the doorway called the building director. He escorted me to a second floor office suite. The previous member had left a few bits of furniture. I called Gil and Ali to join me. The security folks were informed both of them plus my Protectors would need the proper ID to get in the building.

My ladies measured the rooms...Gil did a very nice diagram of it all. I sent them off to buy furniture... with a `Don't forget the DeLonghi and supplies!'

We walked back to Cowley House which was just around the corner. My commute was one block. Cho had a big laugh over that. We wouldn't much travel expense...

Behind the scenes at News UK I'd been `plotting' changes. I had telephone talks and invited Adam and Daphne, Rolf and Rachel plus Des and Roseanna to Cowley House for dinner tomorrow.

The morning brought a cold wind off the river... well dressed, Tara and Tessa walked beside me. Northward, we passed the Palace of Westminster then the House of Commons office buildings to our right, H.M. Revenue to the left. Richmond House... parliament would move there when the interior renovation started... past that we turned to the Thames. Scotland Yard south across the road. I showed my Yanks the RAF Memorial then south to the Battle of Britain Monument.

A favourite of mine was the Boadicea and Her Daughters Statute. I gave them a `brief' history of the ladies and the Romans as we walked.

A short bit of Bridge Street, turn south to go behind the Abbey across College Green to Great College Street to the front door of a mixed building block. I used the keypad to open the door, we went down stairs to a cellar door at the rear. Outside there was a gate with another keypad which I put in my password and it opened, we were in the yard of our house. Up the steps to the door and we were home.

It had been Cho's idea to use a separate Swiss holding company to buy the building on Great College Street to give us a back door. No one would know it was us buying it. We left the tenants alone except for the keypad entry system.

Our Security had cameras and sensors in place. Putting my code into the outer door on Great College Street `announced' me to the person on duty in the Security office. They could watch on video as we moved through the building to the rear.

Harry had left our cocktail party this way to escape any attention proving its value.

Today was interviews with prospective tutors for the Twins. We had six, three in the morning, the rest after lunch. Our security had done an extensive background check on all six, their lives thoroughly looked over. We knew the details... now to find out about their demeanour and sociability. How they reacted to a bit of stress... like meeting us!

None knew they were coming to our home, the agency we used for the final contacts had told them a wealthy couple had very advanced children aged one and half years...

We used my Sitting Room, cosy with the two settees facing each other by the fireplace. Cho and I together, Gil and Ali at the desk.

The first two were Okay... not `special' enough. One was a bit freaked out when we greeted her. Shocked but she calmed down. The fellow who came next was quite good presenting himself but it didn't make up for a shortage of experience. He had also been more than a bit surprised by us.

The Twins were all giggling about something at lunch. Tha next to me afterwards said they had a special new `project' going. I did not ask her her to give away Chani and Charlie's secret. They were like Cho and I... we liked a good fun secret.

Back to interviews... The first interview after lunch was PAYDIRT... Delphine checked all our boxes! The education was spot-on and she had practical experience although admittedly only in a clinical setting.

She was surprised to see us but not overwhelmed, she knew who we were before the introductions.

Blonde, twenty eight, first class degree in Child Psychology from the Sorbonne with a Master's degree and practical work in a clinic. She was French, speaking colloquial English with little accent, German, Italian, Flemish, Spanish, Danish with a smidge of Swedish and Norwegian. She could find a toilet in Rumanian and Hungarian.

No significant other or uncomfortable baggage in her love life.

So we probed about family, friends, lovers... discreetly but we needed to know about her `social' life if she was to join our crowd.

I had Gil in my peripheral vision... her raised left hand signalled she approved...

At the end I asked Delphine if she could wait... it might be an hour or two... a Yes! Ali escorted her to Cho's Study so she could have private time.

The next was good but not like Delphine! This woman was forty one... thirteen years older than Delphine, she also checked a lot of boxes... we had a better feeling about Delphine's mixing in with our crowd.

At the end of it all Delphine sat across from us... we told her we wanted her as the Twins tutor with a few qualifying terms... the Twins would need to be able to work with her... she would have to be able to work with Tha.

"Also... Tha is in charge as their Nurse Governess. She'll set the schedule of the Twins day," I looked into Delphine's eyes. She got it.

"Your Ladyship... I want to try. I do get along with most everyone I meet."

I pointed out it was an all-encompassing position... even with days off the proximity to her students could be suffocating.

Delphine said she had considered that as the interviewing process moved along... "I love the work but I shall try to keep myself aware of need for some separation."

Okay! We walked out to the North Drawing Room where Tha and the Twins awaited us.

We had spoken to Chani and Charlie about having a tutor... the tutor would start their education in a new ways alongside Tha. Cho and I explained this was a result of the testing they had done before Christmas.

Delphine was introduced to the Twins... fist bumps! She sat down to talk with them and Tha.

Cho and I gave them space. Gil and Ali joined us across the room with their shopping news!

"First... we have a DeLonghi machine!" Laughter! Gil had her priorities straight.

They had snaps... tables, chairs, filing cabinets, desks... all wood, looking shiny and well kept... glowing! The wood filing cases had metal edging which had the dull shine of age and use. Nothing `new' but not what anyone would call real antiques. It would give the office a look from the 1930's through the early 1950's.

I thought it fit Millbank House's looks since renovations had not ripped out all the wonderful wood interiors.

Gil and Ali knew the new secretary was going to be Sage. We would have some time for them to talk at Harcourt House... I asked them to give her a good feel for my style and how our lives worked.

Delphine seemed to be doing well... the Twins took her upstairs to see the Nursery, Tha doing a grinning thumbs up. Okay! Cho gave me a kiss.

We had guests for dinner. Drinks first. The News UK management team, Adam and Daphne, Rolf and Rachel, Des and Roseanna! Cho and I greeting them as they arrived.

Everyone in the North Drawing Room with the Twins and Tha. Delphine would be back in the morning. I suggested she come to Bfast which the Twins vocally supported.

Drinks in hand I gave them my announcement... Adam was to be the Publisher for News UK! Rolf would stay as he is and Des would move to Editor-in-chief of the Sun! Cheers!

Not exactly a surprise since we'd been talking about it happening. Tomorrow morning we had an all employees meeting set for the atrium at London Bridge.

I was cheering inside as I had one less job although Cho and I as owners would still be deeply involved... just not day to day.

A good dinner, lots of talk of the Lords, the Twins' new person, the newspaper business, Des wanted Hugo to move up to his old job which was great with me and Adam, a wedding request from Roseanna and Des...

They were holding hands, Des looking us, "Could we be wed at Harcourt House in the Garden this summer?"

I went to give each a kiss, "Of course. Pick a day... " I pointed to Gil, "... Give it to Gil... she'll work on it with the house staff."

Thumbs up from Gil!

Roseanna stood to give me a hug! Gorgeous smile!!

I got in a walk with Tessa and Penny in the early daylight. After breakfast we loaded up in several cars for London Bridge. Allyn and Rae dropped us off.

Cho and I with the Twins, Gil and Ali, Francis and our Protectors. Up to the management level... Norma knew what was happening already.

"Your Ladyship... I'll miss seeing you."

"Ha! We'll be around about as much as I have been." We both laughed! "You are likely to enjoy annoying Adam with things since he's going to be here much more often than me."

She laughed... so did Adam.

I signed some bits and pieces for Norma as the end of my tenure. Then we went down.

As we entered the back of the atrium the staff saw us and began to applaud... it became loud filled with cheers!

Up on the dais we waved... I stepped to the microphone... "Good morning and thank you!"

Loud `Good Mornings' came back.

I reached for Charlie and Chani... "We would like to introduce our Twins to you... Charlie and Chani!"

The crowd of employees called out `hellos' to them... they waved.

I had Cho beside me, "You of course know this guy!"

Cheers for Cho... I was looking in his eyes... he went out of focus as he leaned to kiss me. Hoots from the crowd.

"I have some important news for you... I am stepping aside from the publisher's role... As of today Adam is now the publisher of News UK!"

My hand extended to him... he moved next to me.

The throng of our workers gave him loud cheers.

"Rolf is staying as the editor of the Times..." he was cheered as he stepped beside Adam.

"Desmond is moving to be the editor in chief of the Sun!"

He walked forward level to Rolf and Adam.

The crowd noise went up... it was obvious the Sun folks liked Des.

"This new alignment will continue leading you into the future... towards even greater successes!"

Lots of cheers!

Each spoke briefly... Des added to the noise level when he introduced Hugo as the new Deputy Editor of the Sun. Hugo smiling as he was brought up on the dais. Lots of handshaking.

We ended with our thank you to them for their hard work and dedication.

Some folks came up to shake my hand. We did spend some time doing more of that.

Allyn's car outside... we moved off. Gil, PJ and I were dropped at the Palace of Westminster. In through the Peers Entrance to the Peers House Lobby.

A security woman smiling towards me as I stood beside the door into the House.

"Your Ladyship... If you don't mind... you always dress so brilliantly."

A black a-line skirt to my ankles, a white silk blouse with a shirt collar, the jacket was red with gold buttons up the front. Black stockings and heels. Gold jewellery including the torque, red lips and nails! `Joy' Gil had my coat and things until a porter took them.

I thanked her, a handshake and smile. I went through the door moving into the short passage. I walked down the Spiritual side to where Mac was, I sat beside him. A big smile!

A tory peer speaking about brexit negotiations on passport controls... It was a whine about the EU's stance on UK citizens holding EU documentation and it would become invalid making their lives difficult.

Mac looked at me, I laughed and stood... I asked the honourable member why he would think the EU was in the wrong when we ourselves would require passport check for everyone coming into the UK and not accept any documentation that was invalid.

He didn't care for that nor the Too Rights' and Hear Hears' that accompanied it.

His reasoning didn't rise to the occasion. He sputtered out.

Mac grinning, nudged me as I sat down, "There's one you will not get to be friends with."

I replied, "Why would I? He's just another tory bootlicker."

Mac almost laughed out loud, stifling it... "Fay, I'm glad you're here."

I squeezed his hand.

There was more of the same sort of thing going on then a break. I gave Mac a hug, collected PJ and Gil and went home.

Cho smiling at his desk... The Twins were upstairs with Delphine!

"They seem to be getting along quite well. Tha said Charlie and Chani gave Delphine a big welcome in the Nursery. Delphine was late coming, she was organizing her `things' so she can go with us later."

Cho squeezing me, "She's had a tour of her apartment upstairs... Prasert has a small van for the things of hers she wants at Harcourt House."

At lunch Cho was laughing at my brief foray in the Lords.

"I can see you and Mac having fun."

My `I certainly hope so' got more laughs.

We loaded up for Oxfordshire. Delphine saying it would be her first helicopter ride.

We landed on the lawn... the Twins charging across the gravel to `Car' and Audra.

I had slipped my arm with Delphine's, she was staring at the house, "Fay, I've seen pictures... it's more impressive up close."

Cho next to us, "It is very comfortable house."

Carter, Carter2 and Audra were introduced to Delphine. Lucas and Fin had her bags to go to her apartment in the building with our Protectors. The van had already delivered the other bits.

Audra took her on a get acquainted tour so she could get around on her own.

I changed for a ride. Rebel was glad to see me. I made a stop to see a few of our equine friends. Pamela moving very slowly.

Pat with me, "Ma'am, She's close... Dr. Crawford2 was here to examine her and Secret Sea a few hours ago. He said he was coming back."

Fist bump.

Rebel gladly romping on the grass going north... Sunny beside me, Ken and Gaby too. A good run up to the church. I stopped to drop down when Dr. lone came out.

"You two made quite the impression on the Bishop."

My smile saying a lot, "He is a nice fellow. He was amazed by the Twins."

"Who wouldn't be? I spent five minutes with Charlie at the Open House... I had a conversation with an eighteenth month old young man. Astonishing!

The Bishop said he would to write to the parishes explaining that you two might be around to speak about other ways to assist."

"We did say we would do that. I'll be doing some riding about. Say hello to your wife for me."

He would. I remounted and headed back down the dirt track... Rebel ready... Yea! We ran off. In passing the Fraser's I looked back... Sunny on Max was the closest, she was riding hard. We slowed at the property line, the Flats were busy.

We walked towards the Tracks... Freddie sitting on the top rail. A big smile as he motioned to the yearlings jogging along with their mom's. They were moving pretty well... a bit jerky but getting the whole running on a lead thing!

At the Stables Office I sat on the bench with Tess. She was a happy girl, purring, curling up in my lap. We might have stayed that way except for my iPhone. It didn't scare her but it was an unwelcome noise... Tess got down to walk into the office.

Gil's text <Sage's train is in, Tom is there> Okay.

I went up with Sunny. Cho came out of the Office with a printout... the latest information from our accountants... Their newest numbers had changed a bit... now they said we had reached one hundred billion £'s... give or take a few hundred million.

Cho's cute grin, "I guess we've joined a small group. I'm going to move five billion to the Foundation. That ought to give Sud's investing folks some fun."

We laughed, a hug and kiss. I told him Sage was on the way from Oxford.

We greeted her at the door. Big eyes looking at the house.

"Come on in!"

Our staff in the Great Room... drinks. Sage meeting them and the Twins when they came romping in with Jaidee from the garden. Woolly hats, gloves and macs off.

Charlie and Chani did fist bumps with Sage. She got to meet Tha and Delphine.

Sunny joined us scooping up her cousin Chani for a spin. Giggles!

Sage sitting opposite to me by the fire... "I guess you have figured out I want you to work for me..."

Huge smile, "I thought so but it's nice to hear you say it. I kept building myself up during the train trip."

"I waited until the full background report was in..."

I gave her the changes that would come with the Lords. She was young... that didn't bother me, I felt she had the strength to run my office.

Sage got a quickie tour of the main floor by Ali and Gil as Francis said he had some things for us to sign. Two paper and four electronic. All done, buying more real estate.

Comments are welcome, send to abecker60@yahoo.co.uk