Jian: Cast of Characers

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Jian

Nick thanked Hillary for meeting them all. "My pleasure... you have beautiful children." Liza and Loren thanked her. They talked for a few minutes...

Hillary and Nick had a moment for conversation about a bill in committee in the House of Representatives.

Goodbyes are done with Hillary and Bill.

Cars out front... handshakes, hugs and kisses for them all. I encouraged them to enjoy themselves! To Alex, Nick, Liza, Seth and Loren... "If you need anything Clough, our butler, is prepared to assist you." Nick I would see in a few days.

The cars rolled off... Cho, Chani, Charlie and I waved them away.

91

Hillary and Bill smiling. I said I am glad they could all meet. Hillary, "Your hosting them is a special gesture." "It is a turnabout since we visited their ranch. Chani and Charlie like the younger Rawlins ones."

Chani sat with Hillary to chat which made me laugh. The first subject is the art on the tables... the new Jaidee drawing, the pastel, the two horse Christmas gifts... Hillary and Bill were led over to the art on the walls by Chani and Charlie. Smiles when they looked over to us.

Bill and I at Charlie's bonsai. "Fay, they are wonderfully talented." He motioned to the bonsai, "Clay, watercolours, pastels, pen... each is so well executed. I asked Tha if she is teaching them... she said no it is entirely within themselves. That is astonishing!" Smiling, "We have decided Tha and Delphine can let them choose whatever they want to try. Both are learning the piano... Chopin's Preludes as a start." Bill's face going a bit flushed, "Fay, it is magic for sure." "What we like is they have a unique sense of humanism so it isn't just doing `things.' Their friends and cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents... all have been here to share the holidays. They chose a good friend of ours who they love as a new Grandpere this year... doing family things via love rather than biology. They have had a superb Christmas time." "Well the same could said of you and Cho. The Order of the Thistle then being made a Marchioness, a Privy Councillor, a shared Nobel Peace Prize... not bad for a month." We laughed.

I did a thumb towards Hillary chatting with Chani, Charlie and Cho... "Not to forget your lady dumped something on us in spring last year." Bill grinning, "You had it coming with all you get up to."

Cho at the doors... Golf! We waved the guys away. The Twins went up for some schooling... who knows what that will be. Jaidee going with them.

Hillary and I moved to the Library. Coffee! Smiling I leaned back to bring Hillary up-to-date with our doings... foreign and domestic. North Korea, Russia, the Laos-Myanmar-India electronic border wall to start then the shelters. Hillary, "So many shelters... I wish there is no need but I suppose we are a long way from changing people's mind about homosexuality." I said to Hillary despite the momentum `not in our lifetimes.'

Lore came in smiling. "Your Ladyship, the new drone is quite amazing." She turned to Hillary, "Boss, it has a coffee maker built-in." We laughed. "Okay no coffee maker... it has air to air missiles! Jamming pods... an astonishing range of tools... hardware and software." A grin on Lore's face, "Can I have a half dozen for the White House?" Hillary laughing, "No. You will have to stay grounded." Laughter. Lore smiling waving as she left. Hillary's head shaking, "I'd better have some one watch her discretionary budget." Smiles.

Talking about other things... I mentioned we are going to open several Mirabelle stores in the Washington, D.C. area. Georgetown in the city and over the Potomac in Arlington... Pentagon City Fashion Centre. Our second mall store. Along with more then a dozen others around the world. "I decided to open one up the road in Oxford... lots of women working at the colleges... county government... there should be a decent crowd for a small store." "You don't sell online do you?" "No. We aim at personal assistance and trying on garments. So far the stores are doing spectacularly. We have five in London going like gangbusters! Three in new York... more there for sure. We started a new manager in training programme to develop new leaders to cover our growth." "Is Mirabelle a public company?" "No. My partner is Coral who started the original Mirabelle on Herald Square. They were making clothes for me... I made a proposal to Coral... she liked it so we are growing at an amazing rate. The financing coming from Cho and I. We are considering an IPO... it could be in New York or London. Our growth this year should make it an attractive IPO... more money for further expansion.

We have been choosing locations very carefully. We will go into our first shopping malls this year. I prefer standalone stores but in some markets there is not a good shopping area for us to find our customer.

What is making it possible for us to grow is the increased manufacturing power. The original location on Herald Square has been augmented for the northeast by a place in Brooklyn that began shipping product two weeks ago. We have a very large plant in East Los Angeles... initially we used about thirty percent of the space... now we use it all. Over a hundred seamstresses working there. More being hired. We may go to shift work for more output with expansion coming across the western U.S. We are opening a new plant in Bangkok to support two stores. That location will be only for the Asian market using lighter fabrics for the climate but the same colours. Here we are adding a plant in Manchester another in London's East End. They should be ready to ship before summer. In Paris we own one manufacturer and contract with another, about half their output is for us. More plants on the continent coming this year."

Hillary's head shaking, "You are into so much..." She motioned to Gil and Chelle, "Fay must run you two ragged." Gil grinning, "She does... a constant stream of commands issued." We laughed. Gil, "Fortunately most all of Fay's personal things go through Arlette, a nice, very competent woman, who is based at Cowley House. Fay has Sage as her separate assistant for House of Lords and political things. We also do things for Cho, he has Sanjara in Bangkok she does the Railroad and the Cho Family Banks which are both huge. They keep her busy! Ali who you met is on maternity leave in New York working on 21st Century Fox things from home." "Very organised," Hillary smiling.

Hillary said their family had a good Christmas. Chelsea's crowd came over. The grandkids were fun to have around. They had lively gift exchange Christmas morning. The White House staff is very good with celebrating the holidays. "We had a wonderful dinner, small mountains of cookies and other baked goodies. They make mulled wine which is quite tasty."

I asked about her next stop... Brussels for the NATO Heads of State meeting. Hillary smiling, "Thanks to your people NATO will be having a party!" We laughed. Me, "You should be proud of the U.S. military... they put on a show that startled and humbled the Russians. Milanovski said the Russian Army leaders of the coup were shocked by speed and power involved. Although there had been communications with them and a deal of sorts was coming they had no warning... no inkling... a huge failure of intelligence.

Fortuitously the one person most affected was putin. Milanovski said he went into a tantrum so severe they had to heavily sedate him. putin's doctors told the army leaders he would not come out of it in the foreseeable future. I know you had upped the pressure on the Russians... they caved in over Ukraine. I think we will make progress when I go to Russia in a few days.

I want to thank you for making a few noises about how America would react to democracy in Russian. Keir Starmer was wonderfully understated like you. Merkel also. Macron did a good thing casting his remarks back to the past when Russia and France had been close allies and how democracy would renew those ties. It is a fine warm-up for me."

Hillary, "In Minsk please let Navalny's people know we will support real democracy every way we can." I did a thumbs up. "So you do intend to keep it all under wraps until there is something definite?" "Yes! Macron was interesting saying we'd have to pop-up at some point... I told him we are prepared for that." Smiling leaning forward, "I did tell Nick Rawlins what we are up to. He understands completely and is supportive. I also told him our ultimate goal is global nuclear disarmament. He was shocked but so were you." Hillary smiling, "Well it is not every day a private citizen walks in to say they are working on moving the whole world away from a potential nuclear inferno and they have a plan which can possibly succeed! After listening I could see the possibility exists to get the world's attention for the effort."

I nodded.

Hillary, "I am glad you are drawing Nick closer. He is smart and honest which so many of the republicans have not been. They are showing a positive response to his call for ethical behaviour. The Speaker and I have talked... She sees Nick as an honest broker rather than an adversary." I leaned close for a fist bump. Laughs from our people around us.

We talked about the Laos-Myanmar border wall... "Fay, the funding will come in time... governments move slowly sometimes... it will come together especially if the arrangements are for it to be funnelled through The Company for direct spending." I thanked her for the trust. "We would like to source materials as much as we can from the countries in the region. The real guts will have to come from us. Thanks to you we have equipment to do some of the installs. The arrangements for us to purchase the CH-53 helicopters and the C-5b Galaxy mean we have a wider scope of operations that we control. They are part of Cho-Fay Air, we will also "rent' their time to our companies such as The Company for water projects and Solar-To-Go for production.

We could not expect Myanmar or Laos to have the heavy lift we will need for some of the work. Nor did we want to go to the militaries of the large nations... although I do not think there would have been any serious local animosities to face... more to the point... we carry no political baggage." Hillary nodding, "I am glad you've hired ex-service people... it gives you a faster start. Plus it is very good for them." "They are getting plenty of work pulling it all together... soon enough in Brazil a lot more effort will be needed. The operations there will be quite intensive once we get rolling." Hillary nodding.

"We will want more of the helicopters for the fire-fighting foam dispensing." Hillary looking a question. I explained all about SurFoam... Hillary's head shaking. "As I said at the top you have so many interests. The foam really works that well?" "Oh yes. The Los Angeles County fire people got to see it several dozen times in last year's fire season. Los Angeles County had the safest fire season in fifty years. It was very nice to get an official thank you from Los Angeles County for our help in fire suppression. We are training their pilots how to effectively employ the foam from helicopters... their ground force has purchased several trucks from us.

We acquired a large warehouse and chemical plant facility in East Los Angeles to modify trucks for foam dispensing and we are making the foam mixture there and at a plant in El Segundo. We will consolidate it all in East Los Angeles. Now it is very labour intensive work which we hope to automate as much as possible at the new plant. All the Los Angeles city and county fire department's staff will go through the classes about the preparation and use of the foam. Regarding Los Angeles County we have a tentative contract to lease to them. So we are looking to hire even more former U.S. Marine and Navy pilots and ground crew to base in Los Angeles County. The State of California is very interested. You may know the U.S. Forest Service has sent folks to be trained... pilots and ground folks. They might be the perfect unit to also get some of the first helicopters after our modifications.

The CH-53's with the new engines are more powerful lifters... with internal tanks they can spray large amounts of foam. Plus they can lift pre-mixed foam in big bladders to fire-fighters in back country areas who then only need to connect a hose and pump device we created to dispense it. We might want as many as fifty CH-53's this coming year. We have a deal with the Mexican Air Force to purchase their retired units. We are trying to buy retired units from Germany and Israel... possibly from Iran. We will modify them and lease them to certified buyers such as state government departments tasked with fire suppression in the most at risk states. There will be many caveats like pilot training, ground crews being capable and the like. We are developing a comprehensive training programme."

I laughed, "With this we might create a lot of work for retired service personnel. We have already hired a few Israelis, Mexicans and Germans who had CH-53 experience in their militaries. We are recruiting more of the Ex-Mexican Air Force people and some Iranians who worked with the CH-53 in their air force. We developed a training site at Opa Locka Airport for maintenance staff. Our home base for the helicopters is there. The C5-CF too." Hillary smiling, "Good. They have the skills... no point of letting them go to waste."

"We would like to use Agusta-Westland helicopters, we own the controlling share of the parent Leonardo, they currently do not have the real heavy lift we want. The AW189's we are testing for shorter range work. The CH-53's are the overall best fit for lift and range." Hillary said she will have the Pentagon authorise our buying more retired units. I did add we will be replacing the engines so if that mattered? Hilary pointed to her assistant who nodded... making a note.

"Our new drone production facilities will begin production the first week of May in Seattle. We have begun making them in Bangkok. We have locked down the conditions under which we will lease the drones. There are tight limits on what accessories we will include. No one is getting the mini-guns or the missiles or some of the electronic tools. They cannot add devices because the software is deeply compiled and protected.

Deep background checks will involve looking at the history of the potential lessee... especially any police forces... for civil rights violations, excessive force and more. As an example right now the INS slash Border Patrol would not qualify..." Hillary looking... she nodded, "I do not trust them yet either. Too much has yet to be done. One part of what I want to see completed is the ongoing re-evaluation every single officer... attitudes from the psychological testing results. Their record for brutality is execrable... I want the force cleaned of power hungry brutes... everyone properly screened this time! No exceptions. Those who are not up to our current qualifications or have poor records will be let go or retired." "Good! The core of what made America great has been emigration! Throughout the centuries immigrants have come for something better which they can still find in America. Germany fuelled its 1950's and 60's economic growth with guest workers when they essentially had full employment. Then they refused to let those workers, mostly Turks, to fully integrate into their society. That created discontent. In America there are no such limits although there has always been too much xenophobia. All that BS about immigrants taking jobs from Americans was created by the fascist bigoted right-wing establishment to `cover' their hatred of foreigners entering America who might reduce their power. Yes, there are enclaves where new immigrants feel safe... reasonable and hardly unique to America... multiple Chinatown's, Spanish Harlem, a Polish town or two or three, Little Haiti, Korea Town and many more. The people do gradually spread out because America's opportunities are so great." Hillary, "We need to get you out more... you are a wonderful advocate for an optimistic outlook on the world." I laughed, "I thought am out there already." Laughter.

I gave the Library to Hillary... Her assistants had some things for her. I said drinks in the Great Room whenever... A smile.

Ansara texted to Gil they are well along on the back nine. Okay.

I called Montaigan in Paris... I made him an offer of a Jaidee puppy. He is quiet... "I know it is some work to care for a dog... we thought you might like to have a companion on your walks and around at night." "Fay, I have considered a dog... more recently after seeing Jaidee. Your offer comes at the right time. I would very much like to accept." "Wonderful! The puppies will not be ready to go to homes until May. Male or female?" "I would prefer a male." "Okay! Consider it done! We will be in touch with the timing and have some pictures sent to you." "You and Cho are very good to me. I thank you." "You are Chani and Charlie's Grandpere... you are family now." Quiet again then another `Merci.' We signed off saying love to each other.

Gil hearing my end said she would be on to the breeder to hold another one for us... a boy! Fist bump!

A call from Burton and Donovan... Donovan, "Fay, we have identified another young man from Miami and Elster. He was in foster care until sixteen when he left. The foster parents reported he was gone to the foster agency but never heard anything back from them. They enquired with various police agencies... they were told by them he must have cleared off. The police said that to almost every set of parents who asked after their missing son. His father was dead, the mother in prison at the time. When she was released he had been gone for five or six years. So she just shrugged it off as he went his way. DNA search got to his aunt's family then his now elderly mother who is living in the city. His mother will accept his remains." "Please ask her if we can do anything." He would, "Fay, I spoke to her myself... she's shaky, over eighty, frail. I will speak to her again." I thanked him.

Burton added the interim Cook County Sheriff has not made a decision about the DNA they hold from the unidentified young men found at the Summerdale Avenue house. I asked them to up the pressure now that we have identified all we found. Burton, "I have already asked." I thanked him for that! More proof we did the right thing offering Burton the publisher spot!! When I told Cho later he changed the we' to a you' with a kiss!

Burton, "Fay, this has been a difficult process but it needed doing. Our people have been discreet and diligent, the stories well done without hyperbole. Also we have had no issues with other newspapers and media using our work... they have given our reporters and newspaper full credit." I thanked Burton and Donovan for all the Chicago Tribune worker's efforts.

Sunny home now came up to be with us. She shook Hillary's hand in the Great Room. Hillary, "So are you riding for the U.S. Equestrian Team?" "Yes, I am going to try to make the Olympic team. I live and train here and enter many events here... I'm definitely an American." "Wonderful. Definitely' sounds good." We laughed. I did say I had not tried to have her come over to us' because I bat for both teams. Laughter.

The golfers joined us in the Great Room. Bill said Cho hasn't lost a step... pounding the course... almost making the Pro weep... a 55 today. I looked to Cho... a shrug... "I was in a groove!" Well... a new course record sounds like a good day. He got a hug and kiss.

They went up to freshen up. Dinner is to be informal... they'll get enough `formal' the next few days.

Charlie and Chani down from their Nursery passing Popa and Bill going up to change. They sat with Hillary, Sunny and I chatting about music. Hillary smiling hearing they liked the Chopin Preludes... they wanted more! Tha and Delphine smiling saying they found a music store in Oxford so a trip will be planned so the Twins can choose what they want. Thumbs up from me. I mentioned The Juilliard Store when we are in New York. Its uptown on the west side.

We talked rock and roll music too. The babies have inherited my eclectic taste in music.

The babies said they have a surprise for us... a tomorrow reveal! They had `Cho' cute smiles.

The men back looking very casual.

Carter at the doors...

Going in Delphine asked if they saw other instruments at the store can they buy something... I said `YES' immediately! She grinned... fist bump.

Carla repeated the British food buffet! We didn't mind. Bill and Hillary grinning... "I said we'd be informal." They laughed. They also thanked us. Their staff taking in the red white and blue decorated room and the delicious aromas!

Cho explained how we do this. Bill smiling rubbing his hands.

I had Chani's hand, I got what she wanted... Okay. Delphine parked her in her seat. Cho and Tha did the same for Charlie.

I chose for me a veggie banger, a pile of mash with onion gravy, two salmon cakes and Rumbledethumps. A pair of Scottish Morning Rolls. I snagged a Harvey's Blue Label bottle and a glass.

I am next to Chani with Hillary on my right. Hillary's plate similar to mine. No drink? I poured half of my beer into the glass and offered it to her. A smile... `Okay.'

The guys across from us... Their plates well filled. Cho chose a bottle of Late Knights Worm Catcher IPA. Bill followed his lead. Our staffers around us... smiles... digging in! This buffet's menu is especially popular.

A glass for my remaining beer appeared. Carter did not want me to drink from the bottle. Cho and Bill were... I shouldn't. Funny... touching... over-the-top... relatable.

Bill marvelling at Cho's calm conquering of Oxford East. Cho smiling with a shrug. "I like the course. I can see I could do better." Bill's eyes rolling. We laughed.

Hillary enjoying the food... "Fay, do you have plans for a new session of the Lords?" I smiled, "I do have a few items I want to push with colleagues... starting with the re-nationalisation of all the water boards. The profit motive has failed us. A colleague has a great tag line... `they are poisoning us and we are paying for it.' It encapsulates it for me." "Was this thatcher's doing?" "Yes. One her worst and most conniving ideas was to place a restriction the water boards ability to borrow money for capital projects. They started to fail because she starved them of the money needed to operate properly. Then the EU changed the water standards to higher levels... the public water boards could not meet those. This setup the sale of the water boards because the conservatives could point to their failure as the justification. A scam! Just more of the seemingly endless list tory corruptions."

Heads shaking.

"My second item will likely take a bit more time and effort... it is also doable. Re-nationalise the railroads." Cho grinning at my reaching for the stars in another project. "This was another thatcher cesspit of sleaze. She wanted to privatise the railroads... which translates as giving business opportunities to tory friends to rip off investors and the people. There was little support for it. So she backhandedly starting to sell off all the supporting elements... the ferries... which helped people make connections to Ireland or the continent and now they are a mess with labour problems and service cuts. The hotels... near stations and other important locations sold. The catering for the trains and the stations... gone. Then the engineering company which kept the trains on the rails was broken into smaller companies around the country each of which have successively failed to deliver on their mandate of keeping the systems running properly.

She was pushed out before they went for the heart of it all... British Rail. Her successor John Major went ahead although he was warned that over time the smaller railway companies created would all fail to deliver the proper service, because they could never be profitable enough for investors, which has come true. It is time to bring it back to government control as a public service as it should be here. If we had the vast distances of America it would be a harder sell." I laughed, "There is anecdote that captures the mess... several years ago the southwest train service was shutdown because there were two many fallen leaves on the rails supposedly making it too difficult to operate trains. Slippery tracks they said! Naturally people wondered how British Rail had managed to run the trains on the same rails or did they have a scheme to get the leaves to fall elsewhere." Laughter. "Last year I was concerned about the Armed Forces... they are doing much better so I won't worry about them."

"What is the Labour position on your `items'?" Hillary asking. I said they have talked about doing both... they need some encouragement. "I have a lot of help in the Lords for both. The day after tomorrow I'm meeting before the House reconvenes with several members. We represent three of the principal groupings in the Lords so we hope to have a common policy about the water boards. We'll see."

I leaned toward Hillary, "I'm taking Nick Rawlins to the House. He will get to see what we do. I am hosting a luncheon so he will be able to talk directly with a selection of Lords." A smile on Hillary's face, "It is good you are supporting him. The last election rocked the republicans... it was a repudiation by the public." Me, "Nick didn't need the cold shower of the election to know why the republicans were badly handled by the voters. His personal values will underpin any republican rebuilding." Hillary agreeing, "They do have other problems... Their lack of a nation-wide leader hurts. Fortunately trump's loss was very comprehensive so he was discredited... there is no one else. Their own policies have weakened the party. They no longer attract young energetic people."

Bill added the republicans money troubles are exacerbating the recovery, "People do not want to give them money for fear of it being misused."

Hillary, "I do not know what Nick Rawlins plans are but he is likely to be only one to stand forth for the party. In the Senate they only have right-wing nuts like Senators cotton from Missouri and mcconnell from Kentucky... poor material for a renaissance."

Me, "Since the Democrats hold a supermajority control of the Congress and more than three quarters of the state governments how about a constitutional amendment making abortion legal and protected?" Hillary, "Its been talked about... Personally I think we should go ahead. If we get it done the republicans will never have enough support to repeal it." Fist bump!

I went back for another salmon cake and Morning Roll. I brought more mash and gravy for Chani at her request.

Hillary liked the beer. Cho said it is one... like what he and Bill were drinking... of the best ales available!

Dessert! It is not laid out in the buffet because it is Spoom! Everyone received a tall dish except the babies... they got a bowl so it is easier to scoop all of it up! They also do not get the champagne on the top. A small white chocolate Bombe Glacée on the side. This quieted the table! Smiles! Spoom is always a hit!

Into the Game Room so Hillary and Bill could see the C&C Productions. The Clintons WOW'd by the babies acting and dancing and their choice of subjects. Charlie answered Bill's question, "We really like Charlie Chaplin... he's funny... also serious. He dances so well! His movies are non-stop fun and action!" They told the Clintons Harold Lloyd is also fun although he is less balletic than Chaplin he does more wild tricks.

We did afters by the fireplace, Chani and Charlie did their work on Jaidee. He enjoyed it. Hillary smiling watching Chani and Charlie. Chani made us all laugh when she did a cute explanation of their technique... `digging deep' is a pivotal manoeuver. Chani said they could train Ms. Clinton and Bill on how to do it so Puan would get great massages. Laughter. Hillary said maybe it would be better to train Chelsea's two who are nearer their age. Charlie and Chani said send them over. Much more laughter.

Once the babies are in bed we talked for a while longer.

"Maybe sometime you could meet my adoptive parents. They are a wonderful couple." Hillary smiled, "Well they do seem to have understood your potential." Laughter! Cho grinning, "At the meeting of the intelligence chiefs in London... We were sharing information about a major drugs bust in Thailand... It was obvious Keren and us two were close... Keren let them know Phailin and himself adopted Fay two years earlier. Morrison of MI6, a very old friend of Keren's, grinning said Very prescient of you Keren' to considerable laughter. Even more when Keren replied... It was before Fay and Cho have moved to takeover the world.' We all joined in the laughter." Hillary smiling, "We would like to meet them." Hillary and I did fist bumps.

Hugs on the landing. They knew how breakfast worked. Cho taking Bill over to Oxford East in the morning. We will feed them luncheon then they'll fly to Brussels.

Jaidee in his bed... watching Cho and I get in ours. We kissed for a bit then invited the Choco Boy to join us for a while. Well rubbed... a nearly passed out Jaidee is carried back to his. We are both grinning... we had fun... melting down a Chocolate Labrador More kissing then lights out.

Walking down the Grassy Lane to the Stables... Jaidee snuffling behind me. Gaby on Roland, Tara on Plotline, Ken on Gough. Big smiles. Scones delivered. A knee up and we are off.

Warmed up we asked for speed past the railway. My friends at the lock waving. We crossed the river going west away from the river through the underpass towards the southwest side of Lower Radley. Around our planted fields to pass the railway station then following the tracks north. We paused at the yurts... five vehicles parked. Over to the first bridge... we walked over.

Lyle came near with a question. "M'Lady, did your children write the thank you letter to Lindsay?" "Yes. I think Chani did actual writing, Charlie did a lot of the wording." "It was so well done... it took Lindsay quite by surprise. I will tell her. Thank you." We shook hands smiling.

Remounted we turned to the south gate... our horses ready! We took off! A lovely gallop home. Monty grinning when I said `more walking.'

I was eating when Lore came in. "Your Ladyship you get up early." I said I've had my ride... "I am usually out before dawn." "Yes... I remember you walking around the South Lawn." Smiling, "I dragged PJ with me." She laughed.

Cho came in next quickly followed by Bill. They stoked up before golf. I told them it is mild out, no rain. Smiles.

Cho had news from California... Decha's first start of the year... the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita... he won!! A good warm up race. Decha's off to a fine beginning!

The Twins came in their usual style... energetic! Dressed to ride. Delphine behind them. She got them in the seats after kisses and hugs. I loaded two plates for them.

Charlie handed me his iPhone... a video up... it is a Meccano swing bridge! Creative! It one of those that spun to open a boat channel rather than lifted up. They built it yesterday afternoon... Ah... this the surprise they told us about last night. I liked it. I passed the iPhone to Cho. A big smile! Bill had a look... "An Erector set?" Cho said close... he explained about Meccano being first...Erector was an American copy... now Meccano owns Erector. Bill smiling to the Twins, "Very nicely done! An unusual type of bridge." Charlie, "We looked up bridges that open... there nearly fifty in America that spin." Chani added, "We wanted to use the motor." Charlie put in "And do something different."

Hillary came in as the men were going out. Goodbyes for them. I waved them away at the front. More coffee with Hillary. The babies going out to see Iris.

Hillary and I moved to the Library after breakfast and my change of clothes. A pleated black mini-skirt, a white long sleeve blouse with the new pale grey smooth wool asymmetrical buttoning waistcoat with the black collar, black tights and ankle boots. Silver bits and `Joy' Hillary and her aides liked my look.

Hillary and I talked about many things... consequential and not. She liked hearing about Mirabelle. "Fay, it hard to crack the fashion world... the Mirabelle suits have done it!" "If you can get the `old guy' to do some measurements I'll have a few things made for you. Maybe?" She would like that, "I will put Bill to work once we are back in Washington."

I reminded Hillary we own the Hay-Adams Hotel. "I think Nick is considering sitting there with a journalist friend for an interview. She writes on politics and ethics." "He should. The more press he gets the better. It inevitable the republicans will make a comeback... I'd rather it was Nick leading than one of their rightwing nuts." Fist bump.

Hillary asked I contact her directly after my meetings with the various Russians. "I will decide how much I share with the State Department... my national security advisors will get it all." "I do not expect anything shocking to come from it... I want them to listen and hear what I have to say.... Get moving forward in the right direction could transform Russia. AND be assured the Western democracies plus Cho and I will support them." "You've gone through some fuss and they agreed so it bodes well."

Hillary, "The Chicago stories... my domestic advisor has mentioned them several times. You two are paying for everything?" "Yes. Cho agreed we should make the effort... no one else has! We have identified the last person left from our dig. We have two genealogy sites working for us now. We have hopes of more identifications from other crimes.

The last young man had been in foster care then disappeared, a dead father and his mother in prison which is why he was in a foster home... his mother is a frail eighty plus year old we are going to help with the arrangements and pay the funeral costs. The Cook County folks are still stalling about the DNA from their remaining unidentified... after all that has happened you would think they would like to put it behind them but no the foot-dragging continues. We have used our Chicago newspaper as leverage to move them forward. After all there are no people still working in the government or police from the time so who cares if a few old reputations get dented?" I did a big shrug. Hillary grinning, "CYA sometimes carries over generations. If they give in to you where do they draw the line? They don't even know." "The murderer has been dead over twenty five years long past time for a clean-up." "I'd help you but we don't have any influence unless its something like refusing to give them some police financial assistance which would hurt but they could survive. A bad precedent. Punishing them because we don't like a decision which is their's to make." Her head shaking. Cho and I had already considered asking Hillary and dropped it for the same reasons. We'll have to muddle forward ourselves. I said it is close to time to involve more of the NewsGroup and Fox TV. Hillary shaking her head. "That will raise the stakes." Me nodding.

I handed Hillary a photo Gil had printed for me... the C-5b now the C-5-CF on the tarmac at Opa Locka. The huge white thing with the huge yellow Hibiscus Brilliant on the tail. Hillary laughed when I said the flower is taller than me.

Hillary's assistants had work for her so Gil, Chelle and I moved to the Office. We toiled at our things until time for luncheon.

Chelle had a text from Ansara... the men coming! Laurel took that news to the Library.

The Twins came down so we had a lively fun luncheon. Loads of laughs!

Hillary's primary assistant told her Air Force One is on the ground at Chalgrove with the supporting U.S. Air Force aircraft en route to Belgium. Time for a party in Brussels!

Hillary and Bill were hugged and kissed... the four of us waved them down the drive.

Gil smiling as we walked inside, "Sam, Sadie and their twins in-bound... forty minutes from wheels down." Gil added with a big grin, "Nelly is on board." Okay... our last guests. I said to call Tessa... let her know.

Tessa with me in the Library, "You are off duty... right?" "Yes for a few days. PJ told me to have fun. Nelly is going to stay in my room here and we'll go up to London by car in two days. Some sight-seeing around here first. Maybe I can get her on a horse... she hasn't ridden since being a teen." "Has Nelly mentioned your relationship to Anna?" "Nelly said she has thrown out hints... Anna is not usually too interested in her assistants private lives... Nelly says... unless it is a problem for her." I raised my eyebrows... Tessa shrugged. "Nelly is the one to judge." "Enjoy" from me. A hug and kiss.

Cho grinning me from his desk chair... I parked my backside on his lap. "Sam and I will play golf, the babies can have fun and Gil and Sadie go to Oxford." He did a `done and dusted' hand wave. "Thanks so much for arranging everyone." "You have to go up to London tomorrow for the day..." as he shrugged those strong arms around me.

A kiss, Cho, "I like this skirt and waistcoat look." I did too! A very clean and trim look!

Chani and Charlie with us out front to greet our New York visitors. The house didn't surprise Sam's Family... many snaps had been viewed. Hugs for them all. The Twins were more of `shock' being themselves. Their twins five years older than ours but they were fine given Charlie and Chani would turn twenty two this summer! Sadie hearing that laughed.

Nelly is obviously amazed at the house... staring. Tessa smiling taking her into those strong arms.

We had our last `reveal' for this Christmas. Ooohhh's and Aaahhh's!

Sadie and Sam's kids putting up the family glass ornament with Sam's help. Nelly taken aback when Chani and Charlie motioned her over to hang her ornament. Nelly thanked us for thinking of her... moist eyes. Tessa doing a silent `Thank you!'

Cho and Sam gone... the kids upstairs... Nelly and Tessa off... Sadie and I in the Garden. Macs on with gloves.

"Fay, you do lead a charmed life. From the outside everything seems to be flowing your way." I did say a lot of work goes into making it look easy.

"Sam and I went into 725 Fifth last week... Desiree knew we were coming so we got a tour... the changes are really showing now. The wood looks old... like its been there for forever. The restaurants and retailers are having work done on their spaces... mostly cosmetic to the outsides... their insides weren't ever chrome and cheap marble. OH... the front is done. All the chrome and fake gold is gone... all wood... it's a shock after all the glitzy store fronts around it... the wood is warm... appealing. Those big wooden doors ready to open to the jungle paradise... It looks King Kong would enjoy himself." We laughed! "Good! That is what we wanted."

Gil came out with an iPad... email from Raphaela... the first clothes from Brooklyn have shipped... she has some at Herald Square. "She says they are terrific! Perfect!" Fist bump! "Also she is ramping up production there... Edith is hiring new seamstresses and support staff. They are going to two shifts. " "Call Morgan... ask her to put someone on finding more premises for production... maybe New York and definitely in the Middle Atlantic states." Thumbs up. My hand up, "Also on the continent... Holland or Germany or others. Please make sure Raphaela knows about Juri's arrival in Seattle." Gil grinned, "Will do." A big smile.

Sadie, "I have two Mirabelle suits... a yellow and a navy! I bought them at your Upper East Side store. I love them." I bowed to thank her. We laughed.

I let her know we have a Manager-in-training programme. Building more stores so it is going to be a great help.

"How are your two doing at the Little Red Schoolhouse? We often hear from Mara... she appears to enjoy everything about the school." "Ours are happy there. They always come out the doors to me full of things to talk about. Mara is a popular one... friends around her... boys paying ATTENTION!!" We laughed!

"She frequently stops by to watch when I'm cooking for a purpose... she's learning too. Mara made crêpes with me last week... very tasty too! Yevgeny came over to eat with us to taste Mara's work." "Good! I do have a little worry point regarding them since I was the one who prompted the whole leaving Russia thing." "They seem happy... Mara has adjusted to American life... she's indistinguishable from any other teen." I am happy to hear that...blending and being comfortable is so important. Yevgeny is different, older... he's more likely to think about home... Mara's mother dying so young disrupted their life which I added to by speeding up their removal from Russia. "With the changes in Russia some of the heat is off them... no reason for risk taking at this point."

We reached the stone wall so Sadie could see across the Thames Valley. "Fay, this is a place I have read about many times... now I am staring down at the River Thames... amazing. Is there any place of particular historic nature we can see?" "No... Plenty has happened but no outstanding item of historical interest in view. Some Roman bits and pieces near but underground. Neolithic folks romped around here for a very long time... few easy to see remnants." I rotated us southward, "In the distance..." My finger aimed, "... is Dorchester, an old Roman town on the river, called by them Dorcic. It was in-between where the River Thame merges with the Thames. It became an important religious centre in early England and a Saxon capital... of course little remains of that except parts of Dorchester Abbey. Henry the Eighth closed the abbey but the church is there." Smiling, "There were lots of Celts before the Romans then Angles and Saxons with the occasional Norsemen. Its been a busy area for many millennium."

I led her to the rose... Sadie read the beautiful metal sign... She looked to me... "Really? That is marvellous!!" "When it is big enough our gardeners will take cuttings so we can have more bushes along this wall." I motioned along the stone wall. "When they are in bloom... their scent is a full and luscious fragrance. These were bred before the scent was erased by in-breeding to make them prettier and last longer in a vase." Sadie, "I haven't read Orwell for many years... maybe I should re-visit him?" "I would! Charlie read Animal Farm,' he enjoyed it but felt it was too pessimistic. He moved on to Nineteen Eighty-Four' and he has started `The Hobbit.' He likes to have several books working at a time." Sadie put her hand on my arm, "Are you serious? Of course you are. Charlie reading..." I leaned on the wall, "They are reading and writing at about year nine or ten... that is between fourteen and fifteen years of age in America. Probably further along than that. Chani has read a half dozen of the Nancy Drew books, she is reading some of the Inspector Gently books by Alan Hunter. They are set in the Norfolk and Suffolk coastal area near where we have a house. I promised her a drive through the countryside in August when we go there for a family holiday. They are asking Tha and Delphine questions about things they read but do not know... always expanding their vocabularies and knowledge of the world."

I said it was fun to see them talking about music to Hillary. "It was interesting to see Hillary speaking to them as if they were young adults... she just went along with it." "Hillary? Hillary Clinton?" I am nodding... "President Clinton? Here?" "Both President's Clinton... They left an hour or so before you. If your flight had been earlier you would have seen Air Force One on the ground at Chalgrove." Sadie's head shaking.

I slipped my arm with hers moving us towards the warmth. Inside Lucas took our outer clothes. Fin poured a sherry for Sadie in anticipation of the men returning. All the kids still upstairs.

We did a walkabout to show Sadie their artwork. She was laughing, "At two and half I made blobs of colour on paper." "They skipped that phase... straight to calligraphy then these."

Sitting by the fire, Sadie had the Chani's ginger plant in hand. I smiled, "It really does look just like that. Chani saw it in our Bangkok garden. She likes how pastels work on paper." I pointed to the chestnut horse they gave to Cho saying Charlie did the drawing, Chani did the colour.

"I have to go up to London tomorrow for the reconvening of the House of Lords. It will be most of the day... I'll be back in late afternoon. Gil has a tour of Oxford for you and your Twins planned. Luncheon there and see the university colleges and other interesting bits."

I went up to change. Sadie didn't ride... Smiling she hoped I enjoy mine. My clothes got raves!! Sadie did walk down with me... clumping along in wellies. I did introductions for Glaa and his buddy IrishRainbow, Asda and Hathai plus Pamela, her family and assorted others.

Rebel made it plain he is ready to run. We walked down going past Tessa on Max beside Nelly on Scout in a paddock. I called out encouragement. They waved.

Northward with Penny on Geo, Angie on Gough. A quick run to Sandford... we walked through the village saying hellos to people who out. Dr. and Mrs. Lone waving as they climbed out of their car.

A stop at the Talking Shop for liquorice. A blonde girl about eight did a very nice curtsey... I thanked her... Jillian. I shook her hand and after checking with her mum I bought her a large lollipop. Huge smiles and a thank you. I waved going out the door.

Rebel knowing what is to happen getting excited... on the dirt track he is stepping proudly ready to show his prowess at power running. We walked onto the berm... I asked... Rebel responded. The trot to canter to gallop all very brief... by the end of the berm Rebel is striding out. Today he brooked no challenge... his strength is amazing. Not even the speedy Geo could keep up. I leaned down closer to his neck... what a powerhouse he is! Small wonder he was unbeaten on the track! Flying along... my hat swept onto my back... we crossed onto Harcourt House land in full stride... today I did not dial him down until we surged up the slope past the two spinneys and all of Sunny's things. We made a big turn to go down to the Flats... My guy stepping like a race victor. Sunny on Zephyr by the Dressage arena clapping. I steered her way. "Fay, that was marvellous to see. Such power." We came close... Sunny's gloved hand stroking Rebel's neck. Me too! My two companions caught up. Big smiles at the terrific run. Fist bumps!

We moved away so Sunny could work. Fist bump with Charlotte. She's grinning about the end of my run. "Quite dramatic Fay." I laughed.

A hug and nose kiss for Rebel before a very broadly smiling Pat took him. Fist bump.

I walked up the lane to the house thinking how incredibly lucky I am to have this.

I re-joined Sadie. All the babies came in to be with us. Their son loved the Meccano Set... the swing bridge the Twins built opening and closing is a hit! We all sat around the fireplace as the Twins gave Jaidee rubbing lessons. Sadie with a big grin. I leaned closer to Sadie, "Do you want a Jaidee puppy?" My hand motion to Jaidee... her eyes got very big. "It's a thought. We have avoided pets because of their age... yours are very happy with Jaidee." "Talk to Sam and let us know. Jaidee did the father thing in December so puppies will be coming shortly." Sadie seemed very interested. I did remind her about the walking part... and the feeding part... And the other parts... Sadie grinned, "It would be good for me to walk on a schedule!"

I went up to change and freshen up. I asked Gil to come in. In my Dressing Room Gil took notes as I explained a new `thing' for her to do. "Have Francis or Morgan get the lawyers to incorporate it in New York as a charitable non-profit with bank accounts at the Investment Bank on Wall Street. Move five billion £'s to it and call Sud... tell him to have his folks go wild." Gil giggling. "Give it an office in Fox Tower and have Mary recruit folks for a staff. Tell her we need some experienced person for the top and several excellent bean counters as support. A small staff for processing requests and someone to do PR although that will likely be mostly answering enquires in the early stage... much more later probably. Make sure they setup all the mail to go through the off-site location. Once Mary has some possibles for a director Cho or I will speak to her. Got it?" "No problem. I'll start on calls now." A cheek kiss for her.

Gil turned to go... my hand caught her wrist, "Call Dickie... ask about Effy. Get his read on her skills, temperament, etc..." Gil grinning, "Moving another Kentucky girl to the Big Apple?" "Maybe... maybe." A repeat cheek kiss.

Black slender cut trousers, a long sleeved white silk blouse with the red satin lapel Bolero jacket. Black heels. Gold bits and `Joy'

Drinks started officially when the men came home and changed. The kids let Jaidee sleep to sip their Shirley Temples. Smiling faces all around.

Sunny joined us. She is entirely new to Sam and Sadie. Sunny sitting with me and Sadie. Sunny in slender navy trousers, a white long sleeve shirt and Ralph Lauren double breasted navy cardigan with white vertical stripes. Looking beautiful. Sadie got a brief history of Sunny here... what is coming for her.

I asked Sam what he knew about New York State charitable foundation law. "Not very much." "We are starting up the Harcourt Fund to be based in the Fox Tower. Its remit is charitable giving to museums of all types, the Arts... to artists and groups also educational projects and institutions. No national boundary limits." "Do you need help right away?" "No... on-going would be good. A firm who has non-profit foundations as a speciality or some qualified individual attorneys who might want to join our regular firm to do the work." "I'll think on it." I thanked him.

Gil came up with her iPhone. "Superintendent Winters asked if you have a few minutes so he can update you on the sniper case?" My When' got me thirty minutes?' Gil said it's the end of his day. Cho leaning over said we should. Okay. Gil passed it on.

We told Sam and Sadie what it is about. Cho, "The QC, Scott Wellans and Family, live on their property... it is surrounded by our estate. We protect them. This is the third time someone tried to kill him. Our security has stopped them." I said he's only asking for a short meeting. Sam wondered why he would want to do it in person. Cho grinned... he motioned towards the red box on the sideboard. "Oh... you're a person who should treated in a different manner." I nodded. I added our people have handed over to the Thames Valley Force several important criminals.

Yone came up for the meeting. We sat with Superintendent Winters in the Library. He is pleased with a scotch put in his hand by Cho. "M'Lady... Sir Cho... Yone... One thing we very much wanted to know... the sniper chose to aim at the car because Mr. Wellans was seen driving alone to the courts, he didn't want to involve anyone else. An interesting set of scruples... kill the husband and father... how can you not hurt the rest of the family." His hands open... "He said they surveilled him at the courts and used google maps to see the house location and the area around. He was asked about the latter... no scouting trip... he said they decided not to draw attention to the house in case the Wellans had police protection or cameras at their house."

I had to laugh inside... yes we had cameras and a whole lot more. Yone looking over to me... a smile.

Cho, "Not to go to see the ground speaks of hubris to me." Winters shrugged, "The longer I am in this business the stranger the criminals seem to become. It also meant they did not have much intelligence on Scott Wellans. That told us they did not have much depth of organisation behind them. They should have known about the earlier attempts... they were in the news... people went to gaol behind those attempts. Now the details on those events were deliberately kept scanty... at least the history should have prompted more looking." Cho asked about the four of them... Winters, "They are not particularly well educated... they all seem to have been in drugs gangs at some point so they learned about weapons... De Blume is in Paris now... we are holding the women... interrogating them further. We have excellent people doing the interviewing... we have a good plan so there are hopes of getting more about their operations and how their `clients' contacted them."

Winters went on, "He appeared not to know anything about the windows, our interrogators never mentioned them. They enquired about firing at a moving car. The sniper said they had looked at his car up close at the court to see if it was armoured. It isn't. The sniper's .50cal rifle would have easily penetrated the car... it has been linked to four murders on the continent, one of the Glocks in his possession to another killing in Paris. Most are drug gang related... including the Spanish prosecutor.

Two women are identified and linked by fingerprints and DNA to the car and the house in Bicester. They are also connected to 9mm ammunition and .50cal rounds at Bicester plus a different 9mm semi-automatic which was fired at another QC early last year. DNA and fingerprints on the 9mm's ammo clip and rounds inside are damning for them. One was captured at Heathrow trying to board a flight to Rio de Janerio, the second tried to get aboard a ferry from Pembroke to Rosslare, Ireland. They were using false passports. You may know a fourth person is involved, a man, the French caught him at Charles DeGaulle trying to board a flight. The Brussels police are still holding the woman who owns the Alfa Romero. The French arrest warrant has been honoured. They appear to have a solid case which we and your people have nailed shut. That rifle is going to put three of them behind bars for the rest of their lives. The man is connected directly to the rifle thanks to your people putting it in his hands." He reached out to shake Yone's hand.

Winter, "We did not tell who captured him or anything about how it was done. He wanted to know. One of my people said `It wouldn't do you any good to know.' Smiles from us. Yone laughed.

Cho said we are very glad to have helped to get them off the street. Cho asked if there any more of the gang? "Sir Cho... To date we have nothing to suggest there are more members. A murder for hire group like this is very rare. You don't get to link multiple people together with multiple crimes like these very frequently... this case is especially important." We thanked him for the update. He had finished his scotch and thanked us in return for it.

Cho and I walked him to the Entryway and waved him away. Yone smiling, "Its like what General Keren said... we have made his day better. Getting that fellow out of Great Britain and his cohorts in custody is a very good thing." We shook hands, he got our thanks.

Back in the Great Room... Sam and Sadie got a bit more information. Sunny told about Torri missing a few days... she seems to be doing Okay. Thinking about someone wanting to kill your father... more than once! Unpleasant does not cover it.

Carter at the doors...

The centrepiece is the same as for the Clintons... a winter scene without the Father Christmas bits. Their kids loved the winter village on the windowsills.

Dinner is Italian. Eggplant Parmesan, Spaghetti al Poro. Pugliese loaves cut and warmed with Oxfordshire butter on the table. Small bowls of Sicilian olives.

Carter smiling as he poured the wine... Illuminati Pieluni Teramane Riserva! This is Antonio da Abruzzi's suggestion to buy when we were in L'Aquila. A marvellous bouquet, rich and flavourful! Hopefully we can see him at Volare when we are in New York.

I watched Sadie's reaction to the food... she is enjoying! Her sip of the wine after sniffing... big eyes! Sadie turned to Cho exclaiming about the wine. Cho grinning told her an old Italian gentleman we met at Volare suggested it. We bought cases when we were in Abruzzi.

The whole dinner is getting rave reviews from Sadie. Sam eating smiling at Sadie. Their children spinning the spaghetti like pros. The Twins smiling... Chani twisting her pasta... Charlie biting a piece of bread. Smiles all around.

The dessert cart got a cheer when it rolled in. Carter2 serving the Tiramisu! The children in heaven. I readily ate mine like all the grown-ups! Chocoholics one and all!

Afterwards we started in the Game Room... the Twins' two shows, Maeve and Sunny's animation... The babies were congratulated, Sunny too. Sunny asked for the Introduction ceremony again? The Introduction video got me a few questions... why is the first. I explained. The Twins smiling to see themselves and hear their names with Popa one more time. Big grins. My TV stars! Loud giggles at that.

Afters near the fireplace. The kids working a puzzle... an aerial of Old Topanga Ranch.

Sam liked Oxford East... it is challenging but enjoyable. He leaned over to Cho, "My caddie was excellent... he knows the course and has a great eye for distance." "They as a group are all that good. Robert, who you met, runs a tight team."

Gil took a call walking away. She came back smiling..."Francis. The Lake Roland house staff all want to stay! He said they are overjoyed to be working for us!" Terrific! Sam and Sadie learned what that is about. They asked after Francis and Ali. "Gil will give you a number for them. Give them a ring. They are mostly hanging out at home for Wesley. He's almost two months."

They got how breakfast is done here. I reminded them I'd be gone for most of the day.

My ride done, breakfast inside me, dressed to kill. Cho at the doors waving me away to Wandsworth. He did a boost for me... Kannika won the La Canada Stakes at Santa Anita. Her first race since last summer when she developed a ligament issue. Wonderful for her to be healthy and racing once more.

Avril said over intercom we had to make a detour because of a police operation... a helicopter of theirs orbiting over north Fulham. It was only a few minutes...

Rae smiling as we piled into her car. At Cowley House Clough smiling. "Good morning Your Ladyship. Good to see you. Everything is ready for your luncheon." I thanked him.

Nick! A big smile, his black suit and yellow tie looking very sleek. He said he's ready for a new experience. Good. He commented on the colour of my outfit. I decided to be memorable in dress... for several reasons. A fire engine red Mirabelle double-breasted suit, the mid-calf length skirt, a white long sleeve blouse. Black accessories and gold jewellery, the Uffington Horse pin. A blue white and red Hermès scarf tied loosely around my neck. `Joy' An internal grin for the fun I hope to have. The big Mirabelle wool coat, a white scarf and black gloves.

PJ and Tara walking with me and Nick, Gil on my other side. A chilly morning... no wind. We passed through security at Millbank House, up to my rooms. Dascom and the Duke of Wellington coming along the passage towards us. Handshakes. I introduced Nick as the republican leader in the House of Representatives. They are pleased to meet him.

We sat in my office to talk about water. We had with Evesham jointly tabled a resolution the day before to re-nationalise the water boards. Things will start off this morning. Anyone who looked at the day's event calendar would see it. Keir Starmer and the House Speaker Lord Balloch knew about it of course, I was encouraged as a means of starting debate and gaining public notice for the problem's solution.

Nick smiling as we walked over to the Palace of Westminster. I slipped arm through his... a big grin on his face... "Its almost like I have been here before. Iconic!"

The Black Rod knew all about Nick. She is at the Peer's Entrance to greet me and Nick. She outlined for Nick a few things about his visit as the porter took our outer wear.

In the Royal Gallery it is wonderful to see my colleagues. Hugs, kisses and handshakes all around. Introductions for Nick. I am happy to see he is warmly greeted.

I got a tap on my shoulder... Mac. A hug and cheek kiss for him. He shook Nick's hand. I told Mac Nick and his family had stayed with us for a few days in Oxfordshire now at Cowley House. Shaking hands, "Ah..." Eyes bright, "Did you play golf with Cho?" "Yes... it was difficult to concentrate on my game watching his." A big laugh from Mac... "We all suffer from that malady who play with him. Did you see Charlie with his new sticks?" "Briefly... Charlie hit some strokes in the Garden with Cho... watching that I can see another Cho on the course. A smooth swing." Mac shaking his head, "Well it is possible golf ability is genetic." We laughed when I said Charlie surely didn't get it from me.

Mac smiling to me, "The tabled resolution is causing a stir." Dascom joined us. Dascom's eyes bright in anticipation of our speaking to the resolution. Smiling, "Argyle laughed as we spoke."

Ashover came close, "Fay, Argyle clued me in. I wonder what the press will do with this?" I shrugged. Nick introduced. Ashover, "Sir... You've come at the right time. Fay speaking has become quite the spectator sport." Nick smiling towards me.

Gail came up, a royal blue Mirabelle suit with the calf length skirt. She is looking trimmer, hair done... flattering to her face... a big smile even more flattering! Cheek kiss. I introduced Nick... Gail said she had met a Congressman from Illinois a few years ago. Nick told us he knew the fellow but that he is no longer in Congress... beaten by a Democrat in the last election. "Like so many others," spoken ruefully.

"Fay, I see you are going forward... I've been speaking to many people across the Peterborough area during the break. They are very concerned about the water issue... their bills going up... some have even had a `boil their water' alert." "Well this is the opening shot of what I hope will be a short and decisive campaign." Hands shaken.

We are being called into the House. The Black Rod had an assistant to escort Nick to the Family seating behind the Bar.

We are called to order. Argyle `cued in' recognised me as soon as I stood.

I said I wanted to speak to the resolution on the table regarding the water boards.

I began with water is a problem now shortly to become a serious national health issue! River bathing and the use of many lakes will have to be prohibited if the situation is not addressed. Merely swimming could kill you received many Hears Hears' from the members... loudest around me, the Lib-Dems and in the Labour benches. Drinking water... so essential is at risk. I pointed out there had been some boil the water' alerts issued which should serve as a last warning to act swiftly.

"The dumping of raw sewage into Windermere is shocking... our largest lake, an iconic symbol of Great Britain, being fouled by money-grubbing business people who clearly cannot make enough profits so they cheat the British public by failing to protect the water and destroy our natural beauty." "Our lakes are now hazardous to us" drew many loud Hear Hears!

"We are releasing fouled water into the seas around us... those same seas which are the foundation of the nation's success are scary places and our neighbours are aghast."

I didn't go on further with a litany of further examples. I moved on to making the point that the ability to take a water board into `administration' sounds good but they will remain privately held companies. That fact says a water board could leave administration being returned to the control of people seeking to make a profit which is abhorrent to it being a public service. And they will likely act as they had before the crisis occurred.

I asked for the resolution to be passed as a first step...

"We hope you all will join with us in encouraging the House to make a definite statement..." I ended with Dascom's wonderful tagline which I asked if I could use... Dascom laughed, By all means!' "Lord Dascom coined a phrase which encapsulates the entire situation... They are poisoning us and we are paying for it.' Thank for hearing me."

The Hear Hears at the end much louder than the many during my speech. Five minutes which I believe made our point. I could see Wellington smiling as others called out a few more Hear Hears! A thumbs up from Dascom.

I sat down next to Mac, he squeezed my hand. Alfred on my right extended his hand with a big smile.

Evesham stood to agree and ask the House to make a plain statement.

Dascom stood to speak... he added his call for action as we are fast approaching disastrous times. He pointed out repairing the mess will take time and money... we need to be prepared for that. A few pungent remarks about past government policies but within the civility of the House.

Wellington reiterated some of my points adding this is a `self-inflicted wound we must close immediately!! It is becoming septic as we speak!' Wellington made the point... the thought the water boards might actually kill people is closer to reality than anyone wants to believe.

The House was loud with Hear Hears during their speeches and at the end.

Argyle asked for a vote... the Ayes voices were an immense sound bouncing off the walls... the nays barely audible... all tories.

If Keir Starmer wanted a big start to the move to re-nationalise the water boards he got it. The Commons at the far end of the Palace could almost hear the affirmative noises from the Lords.

Mac leaned close, "You are going to have to fight off the press with a stick after this." "Yes but I have many voices beside mine. Wellington was terrific... Dascom too!" Mac agreeing. Gail in front of me turned around to shake hands.

A break... I went to Argyle to thank him for the leg up. "Fay, it's a pleasure to hear you any time." I squeezed his hand.

I walked to the Bar... shaking some hands on the way. Nick came forward... eyes bright. A handshake. "Fay, you were marvellous. No notes... just speaking out plainly... with emotion that I have heard before." I thanked him. "My colleagues are a great support... their voices are important. Wellington is a tory, Dascom a Lib-Dem and Evesham is Labour so the combination covers all wings of the member parties." "The Hear Hears were exhilarating to hear in this historic place. It is one helluva a show." We laughed. "I shall have to visit your shop." "You will be very welcome."

Luncheon... In the Royal Gallery there is a discreet round-up. My guests laughing.

We made quite the show walking to Cowley House. Mac, Alfred, Knowle, Terrance, Ashover and his assistant Lord Bowden, Ducovney, Evesham, Argyle, Rothbury, Wainwright, Lord Maresfield, Lord Chilgrove, Lord Adforth, Lady Wilmer, Dascom, Lady Whitchurch, Lady Warranton, Lord Haseley, Lady Buston, Lady Culver and Charles, Duke of Wellington, Cecil and Alexander from the Lords. I added two MP's, Warren because he is the chair of the Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee and Clark, our Oxfordshire MP, because he is among the reform-minded tory members. I did the introduction for them to Nick at the Peers Entrance where we all gathered before the hike to Cowley House. Me and the crowd setting off. PJ and Tara grinning. Walking along beside our scrum.

Some press on the outer edges being generally ignored by us all. I am between Terrance and Maresfield, two good old tories with Nick beside Terrance and Argyle next to Maresfield. We are in the centre front of the crowd. They are laudatory for our speeches. Terrance said he wondered how long Wellington will sit with them... the leadership does not like his `free-thinking.' We laughed at that characterisation when I said it sounded very Seventieth Century.

Clough had Temple, Miles and Arledge taking outer wear. Lorenzo and Clifford holding trays of sherry or scotch in the South Drawing Room.

Sipping my sherry beside Nick... Chilgrove enquired after my education initiative. I said nothing much going now, my people following leads given them. .. digging around, interviewing. He nodded. I explained it to Nick. I gave him the history of the Defence Bill and my people finding out things the tories wanted to stay secret. "My office has a bit of a reputation for things like that now."

Lady Culver, Gail, joined us. She found Nick, besides being a Congressman, is a `real' rancher. "Yes I ride with our cowboys during round-ups, branding... all of it. My brother, Seth and I co-own the ranch. We think alike so my being away for politics and government doesn't interrupt the flow of work." He smiled, "It only means more for Seth to do."

Gail said she does pigs. A large lot of them near Peterborough, thirty miles northwest of Cambridge. "My family has been breeding and raising them for one hundred and twenty years." Nick smiling, "It is hard work dealing with animals... we have a fine crew with excellent foremen. Our herds are completely grass fed, no meals or corn, no force-feeding in pens. We get top dollar for them because of the way we handle them." Gail said their pigs have always been excellent money-makers.

I stopped beside Mac... I asked why when Guy was with us he did not mention he is going up to Brasenose. Mac's face... a big smile, "Fay, he is rather taken with Sunny... he thought she might think something odd about it." I tilted my head, "He was already accepted... yes?" "Yes... he is shy... not much experience with girls being away at boarding school his entire education. I tried to get him to say something... he swore me to silence." We laughed. "They are bound to see each other in the Michaelmas term. Especially a First Year types." "True... I do not think he has worked out how to deal with that." "Tell him to explain it truthfully. Sunny is a sharpie and also a very nice girl. She will like him more for the honesty." We did a fist bump! Smiles.

Clough at the doors...

The Dining Room ready... the centrepiece is pine and fir cuttings arranged in swooping circles around the candelabras with winter flowers in bowls. Their scent very nice.

Egg savouries with a Béchamel sauce to start, vegetable consommé, grilled salmon with a butter dill sauce, mushroom risotto, Italian green beans grilled and tossed lightly with olive oil, garlic and Romano cheese. Small buns, soft all over. Butter from Oxfordshire.

Clough serving the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanée-Conti Pinot Noir. I gave it a deep inhalation.. it radiated earth tones, spicy and fruity. Sipping this is wonderful. My favourite for salmon. I had suggested it to Clough when I asked for grilled salmon for the luncheon... he smiled, "Your Ladyship you are developing quite the palate." I thanked him. The table is appreciating it... no one gulping. Some looking to me with pleased faces!

Argyle beside me smiling, "Fay, your butlers have a special skill with wine." "Clough and Carter are true experts... we gain much from their ability to choose for our meals."

Nick talking with his neighbours... looking like he fit in.

The luncheon going over very well. Talk rose as the first of the food and wine were consumed. They loosened up.

Evesham, Charles and Dascom got questions like me about what we see for how the renationalisation of the water boards should play out. My suggestion that there should be two sides to it... first a valuation of the individual boards done independently then an entirely separate independent assessment of what it will cost to repair each... the repair subtracted from the value... the government pays that amount. If it is a negative number the water board is taken over with no compensation at all for the investors. I also made the point that some of the boards had been managed in a manner which is criminal neglect of their customers... that needed to be factored in somehow. Dascom said he wanted some of those managers be charged for the damage they have wilfully done. "If they knowing failed to repair or neglected upgrades or in some cases knowingly released sewage to save money they need to be charged and put in the dock. Let a jury decide." Ashover pointed out the cases would be very emotional, a jury would not be free from the effects of that. Terrance said to move the cases to other jurisdictions? Me, "I cannot see that helping much. Defendant A' tried to poison the people in city A' fifty miles away just like defendant `B' tried to do to us. Guilty." Laughter. Charles across the table, "The worst have to be charged. My son refuses to let his children in the river beside their house after he had the river water tested. His dogs are kept away as much as possible too." The sentiment around the table is the most egregious offenders had to be tried for their crimes.

Horses! Alexander mentioned we had a full brother to Glaa running as a two year old this year. Someone wondered if we were breeding a new super horse every two or three years. I said Glaa had the dams of all his half-siblings in foal at our farm in Thailand... I named a few causing laughter as Cecil shook his head. I said the good news is Hathai Asda's special mate who is the mother of the new runner is not included because she is Glaa's dam. Laughter. I added Hathai and Asda will breed again this year so... more laughter.

I asked Gil to print a few copies of the picture she did of Secretariat and Secret Royal as yearlings. They went around the table... Some shocked faces when I explained it... Several guests asked for to be kept in touch on when he would race... they would have bookies on speed dial. Much laughter.

Charles holding the snap, "Fay, they really look exactly the same." "Only the stockings are different... not much there either."

Alexander asked about the Queen's Stable sending mares to Harcourt House. "Yes, they will bring four to IrishRainbow and Glaa. Her Majesty's stables are now awaiting the birth of three foals from Asda who is Glaa's sire... any day. Some other owners are bringing mares to us... Cecil, Alexander." Smiles by them. I mentioned Adam who many of my guests knew and Sir Harry who breeds equestrian horses. The latter could be interesting... Our colts are strong, smart and athletic... it could a very fine connection for eventing horses.

Nick involved with several conversations... he said the Congress seems to be a bit more raucous... Mac laughed saying today was a `nice calm day.' Everybody laughing. Maresfield grinning, "Our hostess has sliced and diced a few of my tory colleagues... very nice done... all within the rules of civility." More laughing.

Nick is asked how we became acquainted... Nick looking to me with a smile... "Fay came to Capitol Hill for a meeting on legislation to regulate private helicopter companies and tour operators. One of my erstwhile colleagues objected to some of what Fay proposed... Fay had research to show he took some unusual campaign contributions from the owner of one such company in his district and confronted him. It was pretty to watch... none of us liked the fellow... he got all upset and flounced out. At that moment I knew the power of Fay." Loud laughter.

Lady Culver looked across the table to me... a smile. "My Lords and Ladies... I have another tale of the power of Fay. Early last year I had a conversation with Lady Harcourt in the House... " I knew where Gail is going... I looked to Maresfield beside her who had been close enough to remark to me after about Gail which I have never repeated... he knew also. A smile. "I said to Fay I thought her clothing wasn't worthy of the House. She had on a tartan mini-skirt with a black waistcoat and jacket... I was being petty and envious because I couldn't approach how good she looked. Fay gave me a look which embarrassed me... I am sure you can remember my appearance at that time... blowzy... unkempt... Fay's look shattered me. Later thinking about me... I took it to heart... I have made changes... many, many changes..." I stood up walking around the table to Gail... she rose... we hugged... her eyes wet. Maresfield was first to extend a handkerchief for Gail. I kissed her cheek. The table applauding! Settled again Gail went on... " While I was a work in progress..." A huge smile! "I took stock... Fay inspired me to consider my whole life... our family farm is my root... I told my father he better not die any time soon because he would miss out on a lot." Laughter. "As you see I am not what I had been... I'm not done yet." I cheered... more applause. "Another surprise... I found a wonderful woman's clothing store... Mirabelle." Some heads turned my way... I hope my smile is as good as Cho's cute one. Gail stood up again... raising her arms to do a slow turn-about. "They have marvellous clothes and the best people working there... helpful, knowledgeable. I came up to Fay in the Royal Gallery like a lamb approaching a tiger... amazingly she was welcoming... I thanked her for knocking some sense into me even though she had no idea. I was wearing a different Mirabelle suit which Fay immediately recognised... I found at that moment Fay owns the Mirabelle stores." Her hands up and out. Laughter. Clapping. "Fay instantly was happy for me. I told her what I been doing... Fay suggested maybe I wasn't appreciated enough... inside I knew it too. I walked over to speak to Mac... he was very welcoming and I changed my seat." The table applauding for Gail... even Maresfield and Terrance!

I took a glance towards Charles. He is looking at the table... perhaps he sensed my eyes... we connected... a smile and a nod. He's considering too.

Lord Bowden stood up... he moved behind Gail... he placed his left hand in her raised left hand... Gail drew it to her heart. I started to clap right away. Ashover stepped close to shake Donal's free hand. Bowden said the banns have not been called yet but will be shortly. A few cheers for them. Good wishes called out! Applause!

Plates cleared away... a pause... loaded trays placed onto the sideboards... double-handed glasses filled with lemon Syllabub! A petite curly bit of lemon peel on top with a small candy blue flower. Now they knew what the long handled dessert spoon is for. This brought out smiles.

A dry Porto sherry served alongside.

As all the glasses... large and small... emptied I informed my guests there is coffee in the South Drawing Room.

I had a cup standing with Gail, "That was very brave of you." "Fay, you truly stimulated me to take a good look to the point of wanting others to know." Her face a bit pinched... Maresfield's white cloth almost needed to be used again. "Donal has met my family... over the holiday... they love him. He only has his mother left... I like her. She's a bit of a character, quite droll. We get on."

I got Bowden to join us. Shaking his hand... he seemed happy. I asked about his family. Smiling he said indeed his mother has an unusual manner, "She likes Gail so no problem there."

I asked what their plans are... wedding in Peterborough they hope in June or July. "Fay, would come to be with us?" "I would be glad to."

I had Gil give Gail a card, "Keep in touch about day and time... please give us as much notice as possible." She said they would.

My arm around Mac, he's grinning, "Another delicious and wildly successful luncheon. Thank you very much." A kiss for a ruddy cheek. Looking around, I squeezed his arm, "They do seem to be well-fed and content." Laughing together.

Argyle stepping close, "Keir is happy about the resolution. He smiled when I brought it up. I think he is pleased you four stepped out to make a start... drawing some press notice for the whole thing." Mac, "I saw a few press around as we walked over. They didn't try to get in front... likely in fear of being trampled." We laughed.

Susanne and I with Lady Whitchurch sipping coffee... Susanne, "I watched your Nobel lecture... you really have a flair for public speaking. You can inject emotion without going too far. A skill!" I nudged her, "I rather not have the practice." Alexandra smiling, "You are needed not just because you are a woman but there not enough really good speakers in this country these days. I am tired of `sound bite' speakers who make noise but say nothing." Susanne, "You and Cho write your own speeches?" "Yes... I could not ever let someone put words in my mouth. I would not be comfortable saying the words if it it did not come from me. Cho feels the same. If something is important enough to get me up in front of a group then it has to be my thoughts." I laughed, "When I did the BBC interview before Christmas I told Len Copley I was sorry for not giving him any sound bites. He said for this it would not be right." Fist bumps which had Alexandra giggle. "Try that on your children." "Mine are in their early twenties..." "They'll get it!"

"Augustus, how are you?" Lord Haseley smiling, "I am fine. Its nice you remember." "Well there is another reason to recall your being unwell... Mac shoved me out on stage." "Oh my yes! You were such a smash." Laughing, "I do not need the fuss... I have two children capable of doing plenty of that." He laughed. We shook hands.

Nick... "I am very impressed with camaraderie of your Lords. Party labels do not mean very much." "That is true particularly with this crowd..." My hand sweeping the room, "... hand-picked for being sensible and decent." "I'm sure you naturally attract that sort." Smiling, "It would be nice to think so. And you and your colleagues? Trainable?" A grin, "They appear to be responding especially after the election... the biggest mid-term election opposite party smashing in history. Most see the need for change... some reprobates. I have had a few 'come to Jesus' meetings... I made it plain if a republican member or a candidate wanted our support they have to toe the new line which is so simple... act decently and honourably." `Hard ball! There's always a few! Those sitting reprobates could be Democratic targets in the next election cycle." Nick nodding, "You group doesn't have to worry about those reoccurring elections." "True. I did have to be elected. Mac was my campaign manager. Prince Charles was a booster." Nick looking at me... big eyes. "He encouraged me... he has the constitutional restriction on involvement by the Royal Family he cannot pass. He asked me to run because the House of Lords needs change. The Labour government is considering a large scale reform. If you look around the room the vast majority of members you see are hereditary lords who with a few exceptions were elected recently. A few were in the House before 1999 reform. Mac is one. The Life Peer system is very politicised... the successive tory governments had fearfully abused it to reward large donors, personal friends and political cronies... Labour has been very restrained by comparison. What I have found is the hereditary Lords are very involved, show considerable leadership and put forward more proposals that have the citizens of these British Isles interests at heart... In debate the gap widens. I have a reform plan... I've sent it on to the PM so we'll see what he thinks." "Thank you for these few hours. It was marvellous to see you stand to speak... quite amazing." "I'll await my chance to see you in action." "Something else... I see it in these English elites... and at your house... people seem to laugh a lot around you and Cho. More so than I have ever seen with any couple." "We love each other and the Twins... it comes from our enjoying that unconditional love... we are happy... we try to spread it around... we want everybody to be also." Nick smiling, "Well you appear to be succeeding." A fist bump to laughter.

Clough by the doors watching as the footmen dealt with the coffee service.

"Clough, I liked the house Christmas tree. I hope everyone had a good day." "They did, M'Lady. Some family and guests joined us which was very nice. We had sweet things, coffee and tea. All sorts of Christmas music playing. We opened presents... we did a secret Father Christmas gift giving... nothing serious just little things we thought our `recipient' might enjoy. The luncheon very nice. It was quite the pleasant day." I squeezed his arm.

Our guests began a move to go back to the Palace of Westminster. I am at the doors to say goodbye to each one. Many thanks for the luncheon. Hugs and kisses mixed with handshakes.

Clough knew Nick's family had a London Eye booking... he got a car while Nick changed. A hug and cheek kiss for Nick. The driver reported back later they made it time for Nick to go up with his family.

Near the end Teresa arrived... she came in between the folks going out. Temple got her outer wear, I welcomed her. Clough had Lorenzo take her to the North Drawing Room until things quieted down. "M'Lady, I will bring her to your Lady's Room when you say." I thanked him.

The last one is Mac... a hug for him. "Fay, you were wonderful with Guy. He is a fan now. Also the envy of his school chums for spending time with you and your family." We laughed.

"He was very nice. Cho will try to arrange for him and Max to come to play golf." "Me too?" "Of course! You do not have a school schedule to work around." Laughter. A cheek kiss.

I said five minutes to Clough. He nodded.

A quick stop in the Powder Room.

I was standing by the desk in my Lady's Room... Arlette had decamped to the Staff Lounge for however long this takes.

Clough escorted Teresa in... we shook hands... I motioned to a settee. I asked Clough for coffee. A nod and smile.

I did a `come on' gesture.

Teresa smiling, "Your Ladyship, it isn't easy to know where to start... may I take pictures of you?" I said yes. Her iPhone up... a few snaps.

"Have you seen the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index?" "No. It is not something that interests us. We are interested in our financial position... not anyone else's." "You and Sir Cho very near the top... in the highest three. Bloomberg estimates your wealth at one hundred and ten billion dollars." "Dollars? Hmmm... we keep track in £'s. The amount when I saw the figures last year was more than forty percent higher than the Bloomberg number in £'s. For us the number does not mean anything. We are not in a competition... we are doing what we want. Many wealthy people tend to hoard their money or invest in ways which bring little benefit to their countries and ordinary people. We are the reverse... we spend a great deal for many purposes. Our total valuation goes up significantly each year because the companies we own are excellent, profitable and well managed, the employees working at a very high productivity levels. Our other investments are superbly managed by the Cho Family Banks Investment people.

When we do buy companies we do so to enhance our existing holdings. It is very very deliberate. Entirely new companies we create are intended to do the same also to be innovative... breaking new ground.

We have an ever growing number of employees who we value highly so money is spent to train and compensate them. They become more productive... so the cycle continues at an ever increasing pace."

I paused for her to catch-up. A smile on her face.

"Your Ladyship, as I understand you and Sir Cho do not borrow to expand... you self-finance... how does that method give you an advantage?" "First it means any company we purchase is not burdened by debt. So many takeovers are leveraged buyouts which mean the target's assets are used to borrow against by the buyer adding usually huge amounts of debt to the company. So the company is beleaguered to start having to support all that debt making it difficult to go forward. That is why so many leveraged buyouts fail. Toys-R-Us is a recent and perfect example.

The buyout might be done by a corporate raider who believes, rightly or wrongly, the company's assets in pieces are worth more than the company as a whole so they sell off parts then close the original company down destroying jobs and more.

Without added debt companies can improve and grow which is why we prefer that method."

Teresa has her iPhone recording... she also writing notes.

"The NewsGroup will be growing again this year especially in America... we will use our resources for that and for building up what we purchase."

Teresa, "Miss Martin, there are more than fifteen hundred newspapers and magazines in the NewsGroup... how many more will you add?" "We are considering several options in America nothing is decided." "Is there a point where the corporation will not grow further?" Laughing, "We do not make artificial limits... it is up to whether we see an advantage to adding more publications. Can they enhance what we now have or branch out into some new areas we feel will be valuable."

"There has been a campaign in America by the NewsGroup newspapers pushing gun control... is that your initiative?" "Yes! We want to end the horrific litany of gun murders and wounding's. So many innocent lives being damaged in countless ways.

What is being asked is for government to do its job of regulating the gun making industry... to restrict the sales of certain types of weapons and curtail marketing guns to the public.

The sportsman going into the wild to hunt we do not want to disturb... especially if they eat what they kill. Trophy hunting needs to be stopped... killing only for sport is cold-hearted and tantamount to murder. It should be abolished.

The person who buys an semi-automatic rifle can only do two things with it... fire a lot of expensive ammunition at paper targets or kill living things... people and animals. No hunter carries such a rifle. They have no reason to exist for public use. And we do not want police forces to have them either.

Curtailing sales is easy... you ban them in every manner... no exceptions. There is no Second Amendment right to semi-automatic weapons. We advocate a buy-back programme for such rifles... get them off the street. It is quite ridiculous to see people wandering around their towns in America with a semi-automatic rifle over their shoulder... it is repugnant that they should think it is their right to intimidate their neighbours.

The NewsGroup will continue to press lawmakers to pass sensible and tough legislation to restrict any such weapons and the accessories for them. Also address the manner in which they are used. This is a public health issue of immense proportions!"

Teresa changing the subject... "Fox News is now the most widely viewed TV news source... it is a marked change from before your ownership when it was the space where rightwing people were fed thousands of lies that made them feel good. Where does Fox News go from here?" "Fox News is doing what Cho and I set out as its goals... find the news... gather it the most comprehensive and ethical manner possible... report it on the air in a timely fashion and follow-up to provide our viewers the whole story. Fox News continuing to do those things as they have for three years that is where we want them to be. The news itself will always bring the next story.

Fox Sports has a wide array of sport shows, they cover nearly every significant sporting event in one of its daily news segments. It's a `go to' place for sport enthusiasts."

"You have a new venture... a move into clothing retailing... the Mirabelle chain of women's fashion shops. How did it get its start?" "Mirabelle is an old established clothing retailer at Herald Square in New York City. They sold clothing retail and did made-to-order clothing... I had them make some clothes for me... I was quite pleased with their work. I became friendly with Coral who is the owner of the original Mirabelle Fashions. I had several suits made for me and considered how well they looked... wouldn't other women want a classic woman's suit with a few touches to enliven the look. Coral was immediately interested. We considered how to approach the idea of a company making and selling these new ideas for a classic look... who we should market our products to and where to do that. Standalone stores in popular shopping areas where professional and stylish women like to shop was our choice. Bright and beautiful colours was the next decision. Then the possible mix and match between trousers, mini-skirt, knee and calf length style skirts in the same colours would allow women to have variety in their clothing selections. They can mix and match colours and styles easily. Adding separates... blouses and trouser choices was natural to broaden the store offerings without burdening the manufacturing process and supply chain."

"So who is in your demographic?"

"Professional women... working women of all sorts. It is mostly a young look... I have met many women in their forties and fifties in our stores. I think our colours can be worn by anyone. We do not do patterns... solid colours only.

We also have no accessories or knickknacks of any kind in our stores only our clothing. The store staffs do advise our customers on accessorising their purchases which has caused stores to create photo montages when customers bring in pictures showing how they put their own individual tastes to work... our customers are very creative. The displays of those ideas are wonderful."

"Your sales are quite high for women's fashion stores?" "Our sales totals are a rather amazing figure to see. We have very high sales per square foot numbers well above industry levels for similar sized shops and locations and products. In some cases twice the square foot average sales rates. Mirabelle is expanding this year... we will double the number of stores adding new cities and countries to our portfolio. Our manufacturing output will quadruple to keep up with the demand."

Teresa's head shaking. She is not interrupting the flow of my words which is excellent. I think I'm giving her enough to work on.

She asked about The Company, Solar-To-Go and more... I can see she is winding down...

"Your Ladyship, do you and Sir Cho think of yourselves as part of the British establishment?" I had to smile, "We do not ever think of belonging to any group. We are not built that way. Maybe it should be a question for those who think of themselves as establishment figures... I do not know what the qualifications might be for membership...

We are not old aristocracy... nor are we grand old landed gentry... as a family my forebears have been here quite a while... We have been part of the fabric of the United Kingdom's history... my father's family crossed the English Channel with Duke William of Normandy in 1066. On my mother's side our family has been known in Scotland from the early Eleventh Century. I am not the first family member to be given an hereditary title... there were also many `knights' but few hereditary titles."

Teresa thanked me for giving my time. I said she is welcome.

I walked her out to the front... Clifford helped her into her coat. Gloves and scarf. Clough at the door, "M'Lady, there are a few press outside." I thanked him. I asked him to call PJ.

Teresa looking like `huh?'

"I am going to see what they want but I am not going to give much time."

Clifford got out my Mirabelle coat for me... I thanked him.

Ken slightly ahead of me to my right... PJ behind.

I stepped outside with Teresa... the press folks coming forward. Although it is a small scrum, some familiar faces. They seemed to know not to yell out questions. They looked at Teresa who they know as competition... like what is going on. She joined the group.

PJ's hand on my back... I told them I have very little time... and our usual rules apply. I pointed to a man I am sure is the Daily Mail. "Your Ladyship, Brian Jenkins, Daily Mail, the water board resolution this morning in the Lords... why did the government want it be in the Lords?" "You will have to ask the government that... my three colleagues and I are aghast at the damage being done to our beautiful streams, rivers and lakes. The profit motive has utterly failed our country as many predicted when the tories under thatcher went ahead with privatisation of the water boards. We four are passionate about fixing the problems before things get worse. Possibly the government wanted to harness our outrage..."

I said only one more... A woman in trenchcoat... maybe the Mirror... "Your Ladyship, Megan Anders, the Mirror... Do you know why this issue has been brought forth now? Why not earlier?" "I know the water has worsen a great deal in the year before the election with many of the water boards not having the funds to do the needed maintenance or upgrade their equipment. This situation is exactly like when they were privatised... the boards were deliberately starved of money... thatcher who engineered the starvation at the time as an excuse to make wholesale changes like privatisation... more examples of short-sighted tory leadership. In the recent past the tories failed to properly oversee the private water boards who did whatever to make profits for their shareholders without investing for upgrades or needed maintenance. They dumped sewage into waterways and lakes rather than treat it to save money." I let that sink in. Smiling I said I have to go. I am thanked. I waved to them.

Inside Clifford had my scarf and gloves... I thanked him. Rae out front. I thanked Clough for today. A big smile, "Your Ladyship, Mrs. Travers saw the plates coming back into the kitchen... cleared! She had a huge smile." We did a fist bump.

Rae dropped me at Wandsworth... Zoom to home.

Cho and the babies to greet me. Hugs and kisses!

Carter smiling as I told him about the wine. "Ah... M'Lady, an excellent choice!" Cho grinning, "Carter we are trying to educate her." Laughs.

Upstairs to change... enough light for a ride.

Rebel happy to go! Tara and Angie with me down the grassy lane turning north. A nice run into Sandford... a walk through the village... saying hellos to folks. All quiet at the church... we turned onto the dirt track leading to the berm...my handsome black fellow eager to run more. I asked... he's off. Gough and Geo running hard... I chose to hold Rebel back so we were abreast running along the river. Crossing the property line together... smiles. Fist bumps. Our horses got hugs at the Stables Office. Pat with Ethan there to take our equine friends. Pat grinning said the two cat boys are a tremendous amount of fun. "M'Lady, scratching posts and boxes with old towels inside all over. They race around the house at a fearsome speed. They lose their footing banging into walls and doorcases. I hope Breandán loves them as we do." Fist bump!

I went up to change. Pale grey trousers with full legs and high-waisted, a white long sleeve shirt, top buttons done so Cho's silver rope could lay around the collar. A black bolero jacket, narrow lapels. Other silver jewellery bits. Black heels.

I walked down as Sunny came in. A hug and kiss. "Fay, school is almost anti-climatic now." We laughed. "I still am working at it hard. No way do I want my being accepted at Brasenose to give me thoughts I can slack off." Me, "I doubt that would happen, you owe a terrific last term to yourself." Fist bump!

I got raves from Sadie and Sunny for my clothes.

Everyone sipping their drinks. The four kids in the Game Room watching some cartoons.

Cho, Sunny and our guests got my day. Sadie grinning, "You have lots going on. Two dozen Lords to lunch and one Congressman." "Our staff were awesome! Always ready and Clough anticipating things." Sadie asked the menu... her eyes opening as I gave the tale when I got the wine she did a `wow' to show she knew the winery.

"Nick had a good time. He met quite a lot of my colleagues... he was able to speak at length with a few. Afterwards Clough got him to the London Eye in time go up with his family!" I aimed a finger at Sam... nudging Sadie beside me. "There will be tickets for you all to lots of attractions in the city. You walk around the corner to see the Houses of Parliament... Whitehall, the Embankment... loads of places to go." Sadie laughing, "It sounds wonderful. Ours are not feeling a bit bad about missing some school. Their teachers emailed a few assignments so some time was put aside today. They like playing with yours outside... the coming in was awesome... the molasses-walnut cookies are tops. I got the recipe!" Fist bump.

The cartoon crowd came running up. Hugs for them. We have a bit of time... Fin made Shirley Temples!

Sam and Cho had their fun at Oxford East. The club secretary Robert and the Pro came out with them. A good round... Sam pointing toward Cho... "Cho's is a 56 today." Cho shrugged.

Sadie and her two enjoyed the Oxford tour with Chelle. Sadie said its hard to imagine how old the colleges are. Sunny told Sadie Brasenose dates as a college from 1509. A hundred years before Jamestown in Virginia was settled.

Sadie asked if she could see my Introduction again. Chelle's iPad in her hands. "Fay, this is scripted?" "Oh yes... old traditions but it has been updated... to say shortened by some parts being deleted." "All your robes are the same." "True, the person who is being introduced has two sponsors... they have to be of the same rank." "Only you have a gold chain around your shoulders." "That is the collar of the Order of the Thistle a Scottish order of chivalry which the Queen made me a member of in November. The fellow behind me... my senior sponsor is a good friend... he is to receive the Thistle this year." "So much history in many things. Like Oxford today many very old buildings." "Well we did start building in stone via the Romans which lasts... the native peoples living around the Puget Sound for example had been there for ten thousands of years before Romans arrived here... they built shelter from the abundant forest resources so it didn't survive. They did not have a written language which is a great shame...it would very interesting to be able to know how they felt about the great beauty around them." Sadie smiling, "You do think about things... I mean not in the way of most people..." Sunny, "Aunt Fay, surprises us all." I did an elbow for each to much laughter.

Carter at the doors...

Tonight it is a Mexican buffet. I kept an eye on Sadie... she enjoyed the food. "Fay, your cooks are marvels. This tastes like the ladies were all born in Mexico." "We do not have any on staff here but in California we have several and you know what a fine cook Roslyn is." "Oh yes. Her buffet dinners are spectacular."

Afters had all four kids attacking a puzzle which is Chani's watercolour of the Thames Valley. Charlie and Chani were directing the show. Sam and Cho standing by the fire with their cognac watching. Us ladies sitting chatting getting an intermittent play-by-play from the men's better vantage point.

Sunny asked about the interview... I told them it went well. "Teresa is still a bit in awe of me although I made no attempt to bite her." They laughed. "I got to make my points... no interruptions or silly questions."

Gil sat opposite... "Fay, Chef Thanh has replied. He would very much like to have his book translated and he has, as I asked, included the name and contact details for his attorney." "Good! It will be nice to see it spread more widely. Send the information on to Vinni and to Carlos in Los Angeles. Between them the project will get going quickly." I explained the cookbook to Sadie. She is smiling about me helping get a cookbook published. When I told her our cook staff here had made selected items from the book after I translated. Her head turned to me, "Vietnamese?" I nodded, "Its one of mine." She shook her head.

"Also the two outstanding replies from the NHS trusts have arrived so it is a one hundred percent response." We leaned over for a fist bump.

I told Sadie what it is about... her head shaking... it could fall off. "Is there anything you don't do?" "Oh yes loads of things but we are trying to make a point about the trusts... they need support from their localities as well as London. We want folks involved."

Cho motioned the puzzle was coming to a climax... We stood up to see the end... Chani handed the last piece to Sadie's daughter to put in. Cheers! The chicken is cracked open for them by Sunny.

Cho and Sam came into the Breakfast as I ate. One last round of golf before they went to Cowley house. All the children with Tha and Delphine showed right after Sadie. Sadie beside me... she said they had an email from their au pair... she was with her family in La Rochelle... enjoying herself. Good.

Sadie wanted to spend some time with Carla's crew... the babies upstairs having fun... artwork, Meccano, music... then a long romp in the Garden. Me with Gil and Chelle in the Library working.

Email from Francis and Morgan... the property purchases in Mississippi are complete. We have the land for the Vanishing Sleeve plant in Brookhaven and all the timber land to feed it. Nearly eighty five thousand acres of trees. They are a series of pockets, nine in total. They are mostly a short drive to Brookhaven. Odd to own tens of thousands of acres of woodland in an American southern state... not my natural habitat. The City of Brookhaven has our requests for a variety of permits in their hands, their building department has our plans in hand. They know the basics of what we want to do. We also told them we will not be polluting the air or water, a green company in the right sense of that phrase.

Francis informed them the owners would be in their city in April for a ground-breaking ceremony we hoped they would be happy to attend. They appeared to be very pleased for a new business of good size become part of their city bringing good jobs. A fine start.

Building this new Vanishing Sleeves plant will be easier and quicker... we've learned a lot from the Weyerhaeuser and Georgia-Pacific construction projects. Willow Springs Construction Company in North Carolina, they built the plant there, is to be the prime contractor in Mississippi. Rennie is the CEO of Willow Springs, he will be in Mississippi to meet me and join me meeting the local government folks.

With the Taylor Newspaper chain deal finished we can get going on fixing a few of its problems and energise the whole chain. Newspapers from Harrisonburg and Roanoke in the Shenandoah Valley to Ashville, North Carolina, Chattanooga, and Knoxville in Tennessee, Gadsden, Dothan and Tuscaloosa in Alabama, Columbus and Rome in Georgia, Starkville, Brookhaven, Meridian and Hattiesburg in Mississippi. four in Louisiana, nine in Texas, two in Arkansas, two in Oklahoma, two more in Missouri, One in Kentucky, one in Kansas, two in New Mexico, two in Florida, two in southern Colorado, three in South Carolina... I know I am leaving a few out... I'll get it all straight soon. Small cities in semi-rural areas is the general theme... some college towns, others with considerable industry. Quite the mix of cultures, education levels and exposure to the wide world.

Luncheon brought us all together. Sadie and Sam's twins like being here. I suggested to Sadie they come earlier and stay longer. Closer to Christmas. They are all good with that.

We waved them down the drive on their way to Cowley House.

Ken and Gaby planning a weekend of looking at George Orwell sites around London. They'll be staying at Cowley House. Max is joining them. They have a detailed itinerary! Cheers for them!

Cecil and Alexander's mares coming to visit Glaa!! Next week Adam, Barry, Earl of Westhampton and Sir Harry's mares turn.

We are loading up to go the Pendon Museum. Some fun looking at their magical layouts and talk about a new building. It is a special day... The Madder Valley Railway is running!! Chani and Charlie engrossed as the trains moved around the Madder Valley layout. From the old Norman castle down the valley to the sea passing through the towns on its way. The very first `model railway' in a beautifully maintained layout!!

Model Railroading buffs, other families with children here watching it operate. Tha and Delphine with Ro and Alba keeping a eye on the Twins.

Cho and I sat with the Director and several of their board. They want to accept our gift of the land. Good! They are to have conversations with architects this coming week. A smile from the Director, "We are thinking big as Your Ladyship suggested." We laughed.

Charlie and Chani loved to see the old rail line running. The trains much bigger scale than ours in Bangkok.

We had two days of just us doing things together with work intermingled. I got to ride with Cho and the babies in a paddock. It is a wow! They each got to gallop Iris for short distances next to us.

We showed Chani and Charlie around some of the parts of the estate they hadn't seen... They bought their own liquorice at the Talking Shop! At Go Outdoors! Charlie and Chani bought riding crops and new jodhpurs. We had lunch in Oxford that day after a visit to the Oxford Mail offices to see the new look and meet the staff.

Dinner for Sam, Sadie and their twins before they flew home. London was great! So many things to see. We are thanked for everything. We waved them down the drive to Chalgrove.

In the morning we all went to visit a school. Tyndale Community School in southeast Oxford. The Head Teacher at the door to greet us. She is very pleased Chani and Charlie have come along. Sir Cho... I could see her taking in Cho's handsome looks.

We did a tour of the whole building... top to bottom. The year Six class doing maths... the Twins asked if they did equations? The teacher said they had done some. Chani asked if they could pose an equation for them? The teacher looking skeptical... she handed Charlie a piece of chalk... Ours conferred then Charlie wrote a simple equation with a twist. The teacher's eyes bugging out... a blonde girl said she thought she knew how to solve it. Chani waved her up... Charlie handed over the chalk. The babes stepped back holding hands... The blonde paused then scribbled the solution. Yeas! From ours and fist bumps!! The class unsure until ours congratulated the girl so they applauded. We joined in. The blonde smiling thanked everyone. The teacher's face puzzled and happy at the same time. Cho and I behind the babies hands on their shoulders. We said thanks for having us. Charlie and Chani did hugs for the blonde girl.

At the front the Head Teacher smiling, "I could not imagine two and half year olds doing Algebra..." Chani, "We really like maths. Its fun to do calculations."

More thank yous for letting us see the school. We waved from the car doors.

Luncheon in the Breakfast Room... soup and quiche. Tasty! Everybody thought so.

The babies upstairs for `schooling' and Cho and I to work.

Coral and Raphaela's flight from New York is on the ground.

Cho and I out front to greet them. Hugs and kisses. They are amazed by the house... I led them inside. "You are our last Christmas visitors so..." I nodded to Laurel and her uncle Conrad. OPEN... Aaahhh's and Ooohhh's!! The Twins came forward to welcome them to Harcourt House.

Introductions done. Chani took their hands taking them to the tree... Charlie there with their glass balls... Two very surprised ladies. They are pleased to be part of our Christmas... albeit a belated part. Coral met Jaidee, Raphaela knows our Choco Boy. Her Twist is great. A neighbour is taking care of him.

We had drinks at the fireplace. They both thanked us for the flight from Teterboro, fast and comfortable. So the plan... they would go up to Cowley house in the morning, a few days to tour of the stores in London. The family going up for the weekend. Coral, Raphaela and I go to see the two new manufacturing locations. A helicopter flight to Manchester then back to London's East End finally to Wandsworth. Cho and the babies go to a few museums around Trafalgar Square... The British Museum for ancient man, the National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery. Back together for dinner out at Gymkhana in Albemarle Street. It is not far from us. Gil booked a private vault room with the first table outside the door for Protectors.

After breakfast we sent Coral and Raphaela on to London. A day at home... the four of us having fun inside and out... a glorious three hour plus ride with Cho!! We did a tour of the estate. Speaking to many of the outside staff.

We readied for London in the morning. Landing at Wandsworth we met Coral and Raphaela there. Cho and the Twins on to Cowley House.

Kellen lifted us up turning north.

Email from Flix.. she arrived at her Boston hotel to find a package waiting... the wrist supporter. A mass of LOL's and SMH emojis!!! A big thanks!!

Gil grinning since it is her work.

Coral and Raphaela laughing.

Two thirds of an hour brought us fluttering down on a marked landing grid on the northeast edge of the plant. Walking closer... it is a damn big thing... it is to become our primary manufacturing site in Great Britain, the East End location will be for separates... blouses and trousers.`

Constance and Josette came out to us. Handshakes, cheek kisses. In the offices we met the support staff. Constance led us on a tour... five and half acres inside. The sewing room is gigantic... over a hundred twenty sewing machines, six dozen cutting machines lined up in four long rows waiting to be put to use, the cloth room bigger yet with six of the big strong cloth roll movers. The huge rolls stacked on the steel racks, room to drive about, another room of covered rolls waiting to be moved forward. This plant to be the model for other ones here in Europe.

Meeting people, shaking hands. Many things still being installed.

The day care bright with lots of things to do. A cute rack of colourful rolls... Ah... sleeping mats and blankets! There is an outdoor play area securely fenced with small sized swings, a covered sandbox, etc...

The medical clinic is completed, staff hired and ready to go!

The canteen smelled of onion soup! The cooks already serving the workers doing the installs and the employees here doing training. More coming each day.

We got the plant employees in the building together so we could welcome them to Mirabelle. We explained our company's `high quality' philosophy and where we are headed. Bright faces, smiles at our jokes, very upbeat!

We did goodbyes and Kellen flew us back to London. As we descended I can see London Stadium. Our plant is southeast of it... in Manchester we are southeast of Old Trafford Football Ground. An odd double juxtaposition. This is the Mill Meads section of Newham. Our Traffic Control East Depot and Housing Unit number 3 is a half mile southwest.

Here a city road divides our car park from the plant. The city is allowing us to build a pedestrian bridge over the road for our workers safety. There is to be a long single loop ramp at each end so it is wheelchair accessible. Five hundred spaces for cars... or something else. There are three bus routes going by a short distance away. We are about a third of a mile from the West Ham Tube Station and the Dockland Light Railway is in that station also.

We landed on a corner of the car park... an old disused gasometer beside the car park is being cleared and concreted over to become a landing grid.

We crossed the road to the building. This is about two thirds the size of the Manchester one. Here we will make trousers and blouses... our separates.

Danica and her deputy Rosella met us at the doors. They curtseyed. I thanked them and did introductions for Coral and Raphaela. Gil introduced.

We met the staff members hired so far in a what will be the cloth room. The painters had finished in here yesterday... you could tell. Everyone heard from me, Coral and Raphaela about Mirabelle and what we expected. They also heard more about the facilities here for them. The day care, canteen, medical clinic, etc...

Raphaela described the clothes they would make. These folks demeanour like those in Manchester... they are thrilled to be here. Good. I know its `work' but we want them to be happy, healthy and safe coming here. We informed them of the direction of Mirabelle, how this plant fit into those plans. We three are buoyed by the obvious enthusiasm of our workers.

The last leg to Wandsworth. We were carried to Cowley House by Rae.

A late lunch then we sat in my Lady's Room to talk. I handed them a list of potential manufacturing locations. One in Hamburg, one in Berlin, another in Frankfort. One in Antwerp, another in Amsterdam. I am waiting for detailed reports on transport methods around them for workers and materials. I am expecting from Morgan checks about zoning laws in the various EU countries. Her email said all the properties had been in industrial use... many for carbon emitting companies which we are not. We will cover the rooves and other parts of the land with solar arrays of one type or another... aiming to produce enough power on our own.

An excellent location in Middle River, Maryland just northeast of Baltimore adjacent to Martin State Airport. We have been using the airport during Preakness time. It is a very large building, larger than the Manchester plant. There are easy links to motorways or interstate highways as they are called in America. Simple to get to by car, bus and there is a train station close by. A large diverse population base quite close!

Another big one in Chicago northwest of O'Hare Airport. A great transportation location... Raw materials in and finished goods out. Links to mass transit are not really close, several stations a couple of miles equidistant, one of the Sharks is researching our providing shuttle buses from designated stops on the MD West and the UP Northwest lines. And whether we can provide discount train passes.

We will have enough capacity to expand further next year!!

Cho, Charlie and Chani returned from the sightseeing. We did drinks then up to change. Nice, not fancy... dinner out at Gymkhana in Mayfair. Its only three blocks from the New Bond Street Mirabelle... something to remember. Indian food... possibly the best in London. - Tonight a pale red soft wool frock with a round open collar, long sleeves, slender on my torso, narrow waist surrounded by a black belt and a mid-thigh length. Black stockings and Red Louboutin heels. Silver jewellery with the flat silver link circle necklace from Cho. A small silver clutch bag. The White wool coat, white leather gloves and a white Hermès scarf.

Chani in a red dress to her knees, white knee socks and Mary Janes. A gold necklace and gold circle earrings. Her back wool coat and gloves.

Our men in black suits, WHITE shirts and silver and red striped ties. Black overcoats and gloves.

Tha and Delphine in red and black like Chani and I.

Coral in a nice pink frock and Raphaela in red.

Gil and Chelle have the night off for themselves.

Loaded into two cars for the short drive.

At 42 Albemarle Street we climbed out behind PJ and Rande, Tessa and Ansara in the rear. Inside the narrow entry a fellow bowed and welcomed us. "Your Ladyship... Sir Cho... we are proud to have your family with us."

He said the vault is downstairs and he would lead us. We walked down the centre aisle of the main floor dining area... diners looking up as we passed. Chani waved to several... surprised faces.

We made a right to the mirrored stairway... down then a left we are guided more left to a doorway. The room is sort of oval with a low arched ceiling. Two people took our outer wear. The seats we asked for are ready for the Twins. We are in.

Our Protectors table right outside the door.

Gil had ordered the dinner in advance... the menus are needed only for drinks and desserts. We did our choosing... their Mango & Ginger soda for me, the Twins both wanted the mango lassi, Cho did their iced tea. Our ladies and our guests followed Cho with the ice tea. Cho and I helped the Twins make dessert choices.

Our starters began to arrive quickly... they are several shrimp dishes, Punjabi samosas, Aloo Chaat, Gol Gappa. We helped the babies get a plate loaded. Delicious stuff! An excellent start! The plates filled now emptying.

Then main course items... Achari Paneer Tikka and Tandoori vegetables. Several curries and biryani rice dishes.

The table is filling up with new things. Wonderful aromas! Everybody digging in.

Chani attacking her shrimp with a samosa her next victim waiting. Charlie munching his potatoes and shrimp. Cho and I with a good mix of items... me... their paneer and the tandoori vegetable dish. Everybody paying close attention to the food. The mango and ginger soda quite nice. The lassi's going down easily! Grins! Iced tea is excellent!

The service is good, not fussing.

We like their food! Coral and Raphaela smiling... they did not often eat Indian food so this is a nice treat! Tha and Delphine smiling... they are enjoying this too!

We did slow to a stop. Looking at Chani and Charlie... I could see dessert is on their minds. Yeas when I asked if they are ready. Silly me! We'd picked out desserts when we did the drinks... Saffron Pistachio kulfi for the babies Cho and I did their Bengali angoori Rasmalai. Delphine followed us, Tha, Coral and Raphaela are with the babies. Chani and Charlie got to try ours. Sweet and tasty. It all disappeared!!

No bill... Gil did it in advance... she will follow up with them on the totals.

We rode home well stuffed. Cho and I with Coral and Raphaela sitting in the North Drawing Room. The Twins upstairs to watch the Disney movie `Winnie the Pooh.' Tha and Delphine smiling before following the babies... Okay!

Cho sipping his Calvados... me an espresso. Our guests sipping Amaretto. I leaned on Cho, "They also want to watch Beauty and the Beast. The Little Mermaid is in their queue. Before that a short talk with Chani about being a woman... a strong woman who does not have to give away anything to find a good man to be with." A kiss from Cho. Smiles from our guests.

Cho got the tale of our day. He could see we are excited about the new supply of garments flowing into the stores. Me, "They will be the engine of this year's growth and the following years built on possible further expansion of the manufacturing side." Fist bumps!

Sunday afternoon we did a little excursion into the City of London to Fleet Street and a few sights nearby. Holborn to narrow the location. We took the babies plus Coral and Raphaela to see Hodge the cat in Gough Square and wander inside Dr. Johnson's house. I had a tuppence for each small hand to leave for Hodge.

I showed them where Banks Publishing offices are... no one home today.

St. Bride's another stop... the Twins got it is a church associated with journalists and newspapers because Fleet Street had been where all the major newspapers had their offices. Only a few left now.

A short drink stop in the Tipperary Pub, small colas and pints.

Coral and Raphaela were going to stay two days to sight-see in the city then fly back to New York. Hugs and kisses Sunday afternoon before we flew home.

We had prepped the Twins that Christmas is over so all the decorations would come down. Popa explained the Christmas tree coming down is like the sand castle being washed away... they got it!

We all stood in the Great Room doorway holding hands. Jaidee between the babies against their legs... small hands rubbing him. The room restored to its normal look. Chani and Charlie are good with it!

Later Cho and I thanked Carter for hard work to get the Great Room back to normal.

I walked to Ellie and Prasert's house on Harcourt Close. Ellie having some issues with morning sickness... "M'Lady, it isn't bad... for me it just sort of stops you cold for a bit. I recover after a time... going ahead with my day." "You can be easy about things... it is a slow time here and Joan is starting." "I am glad she agreed to join us. Joan has good ideas and is a terrific seamstress!" "So relax... How is Kas liking day-care?" Ellie smiled, "He likes the painting and other art activities the most. He makes friends easily so he comes home very bouncy talking about all the kids." "Good!'

Prasert came in... a big grin... "M'Lady..." I gave him a look... "Sorry but it is natural... for you it fits."

Ellie had tea ready... we sipped. Prasert, "It has been over three and half years since I picked you up at Heathrow with Klahan. What has become of him?" "He was moved to Bangkok at the Foreign Ministry. I can say he is doing well. He has been promoted to a senior position involving Thailand's relationships in Europe. Klahan has a good future ahead." Prasert, "I liked him. He always knew what needed to be done. Then did it." "That is why he is doing so well." Fist bump with a laugh from Ellie.

Prasert looking to me... considering... "Fay, I sensed you were not the ordinary passenger. What has happened since that day has reinforced that feeling. You and Cho are truly an amazing couple. You do so much that is good for people. Our drivers are big fans for the benefits you provide and how you care about them through you actions." Smiling, "It nice to know they feel appreciated and wanted." Prasert smiling, "Everyone here thinks the same." I thanked him. A hug for Ellie. I waved going up the close.

In the morning after my ride sipping coffee looking at the Oxford Mail and The Sun... the Daily Telegraph woman who tried to sneak into our Open House plead guilty and received a minor fine. Our newspapers working together found out the Daily Telegraph editor gave the reporter her assignment on a special request from the owners... the Press Holdings Company. That little bomb caused an BIG explosion... wilfully asking for an underhand act and commission of a crime... the Telegraph company is catching some shit! They should! Will the Met investigate?

Cho parked beside me... he's chuckling over the stories. "I do not think the Telegraph Holding company wants any of this adverse public notice although they have earned it all. They are in huge a financial hole right now. Bordering on bankruptcy. Being seen to be grossly unethical..." Cho threw up his hands. We laughed.

I did add the Telegraph owners have a history of being petty jerks so they may try something. Cho kissed me... "We cannot stop them being stupid... our response will be measured to what they do."

Cho has a golf group today... Superintendent Winters and Chief Inspector Jones of Scotland Yard. They arrived from their separate directions. They were brought into the Great Room so I could meet Jones. He bowed, "Your Ladyship... Sir Cho... it is wonderful we can meet. I am in awe of your Security Service. They are a quality organisation." Winters asked if Jones knew about the sniper? He knows about the past exploits of our people that is part of his admiration along with Yone's team helping to gather up the house robbers.

They will wait a few minutes for Rak. I wished them a good game.

Gil and Chelle back from the days off... happy to give me work. Gil has all the meetings setup for my trip to the American south.

The Chanthira Foundation leadership is arriving for their Cowley House meetings. We'll greet them here then send them on to London... except Rak and the babies who we be our guests again.

Rona to be our greeter at Cowley House and stay over with everyone. She is to be their London guide with Angela and Cash. MFA going to one of her grandparent's houses because `Dad can't cook.' Jian, Anong, Tala, Maida, Phwanna, Tini, and Jotral 767 landing now at Chalgrove. Angus coming down by train from Glasgow straight to Cowley House. Jenna, Astara and Deborah coming from New York... Gil says twenty minutes.

Cars coming up the drive... I am waiting with Carter, Carter2 and Audra... Our footmen open the doors... big hugs for Jian and Anong, Rak2 squeezing me. Little Chana in her popa's arms, a kiss for her cheek and Rak's. I got Chana so Rak can get organised for golf.

Our other Bangkok based folks this is their first visit to England. Amazement on their faces looking at the house. We got them inside. It is chilly, they are wearing coats we had on the aircraft for them. Maida smiling, "Your Ladyship, it has been eight years since I have felt the cold like this... its nice." A hug for her.

In the entryway Laurel collected everything.

Goodbyes for the golfers.

We all sat in the Great Room until the American crowd arrived. Meeting the Twins had been fun... five new people for them. Rak2 and Chana got hugs and kisses!

They had a schedule of what is to happen. Tomorrow morning a meeting of everyone in the South Drawing Room. I get to reveal some changes.

Me out front for the Americans. Lucas opened the car door... Astara first out. They all are staring at the house... I rounded them up to go inside... too chilly for house gazing.

Into the Great Room... hugs, kisses and some introductions. "This is a luncheon stop. We will be together tomorrow morning."

Luncheon in the Dining Room. Carla's wonderful potato leek soup followed by grilled Mahi Mahi, vegetables in a tangy green chile curry sauce with a flaky crust lid to the casseroles.

After eating coffee in the Great Room... some chat. They are excited to be together.

Cars for them... I waved them down the drive.

Work for me with my willing to share assistants!

I took the Twins and Gil for a car ride with a purpose. Tessa, Alba and Penny too! A drive into southwest Abingdon... a visit to Caldecott Primary and the others in Abingdon.

A navy Mirabelle double-breasted suit with a pink shirt, the calf length skirt. Navy stockings and heels. Pink lips and nails. Gold bits. Chani in a red skirt to her knees and a while turtleneck jumper. White knee socks and Mary Janes. Charlie in light grey trousers, a white shirt, a grey and red striped tie and a black blazer.

Gil let them know we are coming. The head Teacher smiling, a curtsey for us. A tour... we went into several classrooms... a Year Six class doing current events. The teacher said this is a review of last weeks events so my being here is wonderful as the Lords opening of the water boards issue is on their agenda for today. Smiling, "My colleagues agree on the sad state of the water boards... they cannot work as private companies because there is not enough profit to be made so investors do not want to put in their money into doing the needed upgrades and repairs." I told them we believe bringing clean water to every home is a service the government should be doing not private companies. A few questions... one Will the government have to pay to do it?' "That has not yet been decided but my opinion is to find out how much it will cost to fix an individual water board then deduct that from the value of the company." Another question... What it costs too much to fix it?" "My opinion..." A big smile, "... the government pays nothing, it just takes over." I made the point if the fixes are so expensive then the board has failed its duty to the people and the investors deserve no return on their money.

I said I needed to go thanking them for having us. The Twins waved goodbye. The Head with us walking out. "M'Lady, you were very good with them. I'm sure they understood." "Let us hope their parents do too!" We shook hands.

Onto Long Furlong Primary in northern Abingdon. A nice tour once the Head Teacher got over Chani and Charlie asking a few questions. We did not stop in any classrooms this time.

A short drive to the next school.

The Head at Rush Common had a big smile on his face. "Your Ladyship welcome back." He squatted down to meet the Twins... fist bumps. He got it!

He had chosen Julie and Ross to be our guides. They looked very nice in their forest green jumpers, grey trousers and skirt, green and yellow ties. We looked in offices, the canteen, the gymnasium and some classrooms. A year Four room with geography as the subject. The Head asked the teacher if we could disturb... the students stood when I stepped in... I thanked them. I introduced Chani and Charlie. The teacher had just asked where anyone had visited outside of Great Britain. Several hands... France the most common place. She turned to the Twins and asked them. Chani, "We were born in Bangkok... we mostly live at Harcourt House and Bangkok but we travel with Mama and Popa to many places. New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, France... soon to Berlin." Charlie said they went to Italy... "We were too young to remember much. The people were nice." He added he and Popa are going to Florida to see a horse race at the end of the month.

The class amazed to hear the many places and how well the Twins spoke after the teacher asked how old they are. Chani answered, "We are two and half years old..." Her arm going up, "... heading for three very fast." My hands on their shoulders. A boy in the nearest desk said he'd been to Florida last year. Fist bumps for him. I thanked the class and teacher for letting us intrude. They waved goodbye.

We thanked Julie and Ross for the tour. At the front the Head is obviously pleased we came. His did fist bumps with the Twins and handshake for me.

At the house we three went up to change. Time to ride. Walking down with Chani and Charlie I stopped to say hello to Iris in her paddock. She is so sweet... the babies love riding and caring for her. She's like a big Jaidee.

Rebel and I enjoyed a roaring run from Sandford... Ken and Penny are all smiles. Also we did not go into the Talking Shop so Ken's magnificent physique was not the subject of stares. He laughed thanking me. Fist bumps!

Cho, "Ours are having quite the life! All sorts of stimulation every day. It really shows! I think I can plan to retire early and hand over my responsibilities to Charlie... maybe next year?" We laughed. I wanted in on that... "We have to change the orientation of their education." "No problem. What is that thing you can do to get Charlie into the Lords?" Laughing, "A Writ of Acceleration." My head shaking, "Not so easy to come by." "Well even at his age he's likely to contribute more than a few hundred Life Peers." I squeezed Cho's hand, "I think they should have a say in this. It is possible Charlie and Chani would prefer to remain children for a while longer." We laughed!

The tale of the golf day... Winters shot an 89 which pleased him. Jones came in at 86. Cho said he has a good swing... he'd do better if he played more. Rak's 79 is terrific! He's been playing at home and when he was here. I nudged Cho... my eyebrows raised... "I shot a 55 today." Such modesty for tying his own low score record. A kiss reward!

After dinner we all watched the Disney movie Pocahontas. The graphics are marvellous. Both babies remarked how much better looking than Snow White it is. The story is interesting... they are going to research Pocahontas and John Smith.

Tomorrow they are going taking a day trip to Blenheim Palace. Cho has never been so a nice day for them.

I gave Chani and Charlie a hug and kiss in the Entryway. Cho got his too! They waved as Almira lifted us away to London.

The Cowley House shelter meeting... going in the door Clough smiling. "M'Lady, everyone is in the South Drawing Room." I thanked him.

I walked into the room the crowd came close... hugs, cheek kisses and handshakes. Everybody is well, glad to be here. Cash, Rona's PA, smiling as he is introduced. Angela is Rona's manager of things... getting materials to the shelters, following up requests, doing paperwork for the various councils and cities. A very busy lady. Rona said Kurt will be here in a few hours for the afternoon meeting and tomorrow.

Angus' big hand swallowing mine... a huge smile, "Your Ladyship, wonderful to see you again." "Same to you. Have we kept you busy travelling?" "Indeed, M'Lady. No disasters, plenty to do." "I have a message from Chani... she and Charlie are several inches taller since you saw them last. She adds they can't help themselves." A big laugh from him. "M'Lady, Please tell Lady Chani I hope for more." "I will."

The settees are out from the walls again in a circle. A cosy grouping. Coffee and end tables around.

We sat, I shared with Jian. Gil beside me.

I had announcements... each person had been sounded out about the changes I want to do. "Let us start with some items which can be seen as sugar or not depending on the receiver... we are expanding a great deal this year... what has not changed is the need." Heads nodding for that. "To make life easier for this year we want to make some personnel changes..." I turned to Rona, "Because there will so much activity on the continent we need to ease Rona's burden in the short term. So... " My hand motioning to Angus, "... Angus will be given the responsibility for all of Great Britain while Rona concentrates on the new shelters." I started clapping. The room joined in! A cheer from Angela. Angus grinning, "That `are we keeping you travelling' remark.. I'm sure to be now." We all laughed. "Well Rona has eight shelters to open so we know she will be!" I named the cities, Paris, Dublin, Lyon and Marseille; Amsterdam; Munich, Hamburg and Stuttgart. "We have most of the properties purchased. Contractors will be in do the work we want immediately. Hamburg is the only one where the sale has not closed." Rona said in two days. A thumps up from me.

"I have some people researching the countries of Central and Eastern Europe for future shelters."

Rona is doing a lot of interviewing, Claire who is our personal HR person is sharing the work. She is in..." I looked to Rona who said Munich. "We have contracts with several specialised recruitment companies in our target countries finding candidates for us. Our Berlin shelter managers are helping do preliminary interviews and a few of their staff people are being considered for manager positions. In Paris Rona is promoting Lydie's current shelter deputy... Andrée! She is doing interviews herself right now... building her staff. So much going on in Rona's world we have to dump more on Angus." Laughter. A big shrug from Angus. "The good part he knows our people here in London and they are so very competent he doesn't have many worries. Tony is the lead manager in the city." Angus' arms raised, clasped hands, shaking back and forth as we all laughed.

Smiling, "Let us see who else we can further burden... Astara... you are to manage America from the Mighty Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. You have the task of opening five shelters, San Diego, Oakland, Las Vegas, Denver and Vancouver." I leaned forward, "Do you speak Canadian?" Laughter as she said `Eh?' Applause for her.

I turned the other way... "Deborah you are now the mistress of the eastern half of America." She did a hands in the air thing like Angus. After the laughter and the clapping died down... "You have Washington, D.C., Chicago, Miami, Atlanta plus Montreal. Are you Canadian fluent?" "I speak French... that ought to get me over... right?" "Indeed. Good!" Motioning to both ladies, "We know your managers are doing well... you should ask their assistants about being willing to re-locate or even the managers." I reached over to touch Rona's knee, "Your managers in Berlin are doing that asking but if a manager wants to move..." My hands up and out in a why not gesture. Rona said none had expressed an interest... she will ask.

There is discussion on the expansion and the people we need. I asked Jian to consider the `manager-in-training' idea we are using in Mirabelle. And to include multiple language fluency as a major skill needed. A thumbs up.

Angus reported on his work with the LBGT Youth Scotland organisation people. They are pleased with our shelters and how we work with our guests to further their education and find work. We have given them access to our guests. I suggested we make a donation to them. Jian and Angus are up for that. I said five million £'s? They are good with that. I added `no strings' to which they also were happy to hear.

Jotral had report on security, Maida did a financial breakdown, Tini told them all about the golf tournament and that it raised the website hits by tens of thousands per month... as well as donations. Tini motioned to Maida and Phwanna, "Donations via the webpage took a big jump after the tournament." Heads nodding.

Jenna gave her report on our government relations in America... our getting shelters open then seeking assistance raised eyebrows with the many national, state and local government agencies but also gained us respect for not wanting to be dependent. She had a lot more but I needed to excuse myself.

Rae out front, Temple helped me into my coat. Rae took me, Gil, PJ and Tessa to Downing Street's back entrance. Past the police guard Rae stopped in front of the black door.

A fellow opened the car door... PJ out then his hand for me. I stepped out.

No. 10's door open...

Keir's top staffer greeted me, "Welcome M'Lady... They are in the PM's study." We went through... I followed him.

Keir introduced Flora, the Transport Secretary, a handshake. We sat by the fireplace. Tea is offered and accepted.

Sipping and smiling, "Cho and I want to make a proposal to you about the Stonehenge tunnel. What the tories were pushing is rubbish. It is going to do a lot of damage... unnecessary harm to a fragile historic site. We propose loan of the use of a tunnel boring device to create a tunnel deep underground away from any historic relics. We own a Stockholm based company which builds borers... they constructed one for a tunnel in Seattle that is very near completion."

They are looking at each other...

"What we propose is a larger version which would create a double deck tunnel, two lanes in each direction one pair above the other."

Gil handed them schematics to show what I meant.

"The cutterhead diameter will be fifty seven and half feet or seventeen and half metres across. The machine would be three hundred feet or ninety metres long and weighing approximately six thousand tonnes. The boring machine itself will cost over ninety five million £'s. As I said we will lend the borer for your use, we will pay for it to be set in the ground and removed afterwards. The interior concrete casings that form the walls of the tunnel we will donate to the Kingdom. Approximately three hundred million £'s for our part. That will leave you the cost of the road changes, construction inside the tunnel, wiring, lights and signage in and out of the tunnel." They are looking at each other. Then Keir stuck out his hand, "Thank you and Cho!" Flora smiling, she thanked us. We shook hands.

They said the government's consideration of our offer will be expedited. Good.

"Because it will be boring deeper that the tories plan the entrances will need to be further away from Stonehenge because of the longer descending and ascending slope needed at each end. Our people suggest... " Gil handed them more diagrams, "... they suggest starting west of Winterbourne Stoke to north of Amesbury all the way to just west of the A345 roundabout about four and three quarters miles. That would link up the four lanes of traffic on the Amesbury side... you would need to extend the west side lanes into four lanes all the way around to Winterbourne Stoke... not quite a mile.

By boring deep the entire tunnel will be below any ancient remains and since there has never been any deep construction in the area the ground has not have been disturbed. It is alluvial soil and rock which the borers are designed to cut through."

They are excited.

"You will still have a substantial cost but much lower than any of the tory plans and better for the entire Stonehenge area. We have spoken to our company people in Stockholm... they say they can have the borer built within ten months... then moving it to the site is at least two months work... your folks would have to have the way prepared so it goes in and starts off. So excavation will be needed which our expert can lead. Getting setup to start is going to be several months time. Beginning the operation will be more than a year away... likely eighteen months.

Our expert, Kevin, who has managed our Seattle tunnel project... we will `loan' him to you at our expense. He brings multiple project experience, our Seattle tunnel has gone smoothly. Our project borer completed the task is less time than planned. It has been removed and is on a ship heading to Stockholm to be reconditioned for re-use.

We advise you make contact with the Seattle Department of Transportation to understand more about tunnels and how we work. They know us and Kevin."

Keir Starmer, "Fay, you two are offering to solve a long running sore the tories floundered with for years. No one wants to ruin Stonehenge's historic environment. The tories wanted to relieve the traffic on the cheap... all of their `cheap' solutions have been disasters." Smiling, "That is one more reason you are sitting here." Fist bump which made the Transport Secretary laugh.

"Around our children fist bump are de rigueur! Keir has met them." "You have amazing children." "Sit back... " Keir grinned, "... they are reading music and playing it on their piano." Keir took off his glasses to rub his face in astonishment. Flora asked how old they are... my two and half knocked her back. Keir nodding, "I met them nine months ago... they knew numbers, spoke like adults and are also... if I may say... quite handsome babies." I thanked Keir, "We think so too." Laughter.

Gil handed Keir her iPad with the photos of their art work in a `Photos' library... he scrolled... holding it up for his colleague to see. Heads shaking almost in unison... Keir asked if they have had training for any of these skills... "No... they are innate abilities plus when they see something done... they get it. What makes Cho and I the most happy is their sense of humour... they like to have fun... with words, different languages and maths."

After a bit of that we went on.

I told them we will have our lawyers talk to theirs so the pesky details are taken care of and we are all happy. I said to Flora after Gil handed her a card... "Have yours contact Gil so she can have all the relevant particulars passed over and all the contacts they might need on our side. We are willing to answer any questions yours might have. You should definitely have your staff connect with the Seattle Transport Department to ask them about their experience with the two traffic tunnel borers they have had working under their city. They had problems with the first which this project won't face... ground disturbance problems from past construction. The second tunnel is ours... there have been no problems."

Keir leaning back, "What... if I may ask... propelled you two to do this?" "We have raised traffic' as a business interest recently... Our company Traffic Team' is generating a lot of attention since the Seattle traffic system went live. The Seattle city traffic plan works like a charm... in two years and a bit it will London's turn.

At Stonehenge there is an issue with the traffic on an important link road... also we would like to forestall any other oddball..." I laughed, "... shall we say unusual plans." They laughed. "Doing this should mean the tunnel will have no need for tolls to be applied which we think is important.

We own an estate near Stonehenge which we use and it is open for our world-wide employees to go visit as part of our R&R Scheme. We have an arrangement with the people at Stonehenge so our employees can enter and use whole site for free if they show their work identification. We paid them a two year's estimate of employee entrances in advance... they keep track and deduct the uses from the totals. It is simple and easy for our people.

"How is it working?" "Well over a thousand entrances of our folks with their families have passed through the Stonehenge site. Our estate is large, part of it is inside the World Heritage Site. The manor house is Elizabethan... Grade II listed, well preserved, very nice grounds, an outdoor pool, horses for riding and a pleasant mile and a half walk to Stonehenge. Also we told the Stonehenge folks if the money we paid on account isn't used by the end of 2020 they keep the balance. We will re-up the account in January of 2021." Keir looked the question without speaking... "They will probably be able to keep some thing over one hundred and fifty thousand £'s." I gave a big toothy grin which caused laughter. Fist bumps. "Very nice! You two are wonderful. The NHS and our Health Minister were gobsmacked by your sending money to each trust.

At a luncheon about another topic Prince Charles mentioned you and Cho... he said the Queen was amazed by your many gifts. He and Her Majesty definitely like you two for showing the way as good citizens. Prince Charles told us some of the perks your employees receive... you are astounding in your liberality." "We see the return of it every day... We provide a good work environment for them plus we try to give them reasons to go places with their families to enrich their lives. Our people are strivers trying to do their best. It is our quid pro quo with them." Keir, "If only our other big employers thought as you do... everyone's lives would be so much improved."

Gil's iPhone binged. She apologised, "I thought I'd silenced it." I turned to her... A sort of odd sad smile reading the text. "Fay, may I?" I motioned her on... "The last young man from Miami and Elster in Chicago has been identified" I said I'd wait on the details.

I chose to briefly explain... "After we took over the Tribune Company based in Chicago and its flagship newspaper the Chicago Tribune... I asked them to pursue the matter of further possible buried victims of a mass murderer from the mid 1970's. Searching for any possible young men who were unknown because the local police would not pursue the matter. We bought a block of flats where questionable activities by the killer were observed by a Chicago Police detective at the time. We did a proper detailed underground scan of it all. We found the bodies the local police did not want to find. Since then we have been working to identify each young man. Now our project is complete... for the whole case it isn't true... there are eight unidentified young men being held by the Cook County Sheriff's office from the original main crime scene several miles away. They have refused to give us the DNA reports so we can finish the job. It has been a sad process... the long delayed closure for the families is heart-rending. The sheriff keeping back the DNA is ridiculous. Our newspaper and other local media battered him but he held out. Then a separate Chicago Tribune investigation found corruption in his office... he was not directly involved but he resigned... from shame I hope! His replacement has not moved on DNA issue yet. With our part done we can rise the pressure some more."

Flora asked what was involved. I gave them a précis of the operation. I included that we had shared our video and still shots with other news organisations at no charge. They can use the Tribune copy at no cost if they kept our reporter's byline. They both thought it a difficult task for our people... needed nonetheless.

Keir's face went from interested to something like admiring... "Something else you just started because it needed to be done?" "Yes. We had created a new link to Chicago and had journalists available to work the story. It seemed a natural project to do."

We all needed to get on... I repeated we'd get the lawyers going on the tunnel for our part. The government can make the decision to take us up on our offer after their review. Handshakes and cheeks kissed.

In the car heading to Wandsworth I called Burton and Donovan. They were both pleased. Burton, "I have asked Donovan to ratchet up the pressure on the temporary sheriff. His holding out is much less defensible now." "Good! Don't go too purple Okay?" They laughed. Donovan, "Fay, Grady will remain the lead on this. Burton and I want to promote his group for a Pulitzer." "By all means!! Without their work the entire story would be literally still in the ground."

I said I would call them back as I am transitioning from one vehicle to another. Okay. My thanks passed on.

Gil showed me the text and the email that followed. The young man from Louisville disappeared in early 1978. His surviving brother said he'd gone to Chicago thinking there'd be work in a big city. One letter then nothing. An uncle who is not alive now had made a trip to Chicago to find him as his dad was not well. He had no success, the police were of no use. He ran out of money. The brother plus some nephews and nieces are still alive but no adults of the time. His brother will accept the remains and bury him with their parents.

Damn if this isn't gloomy story. Another family blighted by the murderer.

I called them back... not much more. I told them we will give the temporary sheriff a bit more time then bring in all of the NewsGroup and Fox News. Donovan saying taking it nation-wide will change the dynamic considerably. Local TV is on our side and other newspapers... it hasn't been enough. Shaming them across the country is different. We said goodbyes as the helicopter dropped to the turf.

It is cheering to get hugs from the babies and Cho. They are back just now from Blenheim Palace. A terrific visit. They saw many rooms and the grounds. Chilly but more fun to be outside rather than in the vast rooms seeing furniture and paintings. "Mama, they have a maze! Such fun." I ruffled Charlie's hair. "Mama, Popa figured out the maze!" Charlie squeezed Chani's hand, a big grin on Cho's face. A good day out!

Chani and Charlie getting `suited up' for a late afternoon excursion in the dying light into the Garden. Tha and Delphine as well. Cho and I followed with macs on.

A tennis ball went flying... dog chasing... boy chasing dog!

I told him about our last young man. His head shaking at the delay by the Cook County Sheriff's office... "I do not see why they should fear embarrassment at this stage... the Tribune has frequently said their intransigence is damaging people's lives." I shrugged, "They are not real police just politicians pretending... real police would care more. Donovan will keep the pressure on. I told him we might bring in bigger guns." A kiss from Cho for that.

We helped at the slides... Charlie loves to do a `Woo Hoo' arms waving going down the slide with the curved bump as he does on aircraft takeoffs. They'll be in an aircraft soon some energy needs burning off.

We left Chalgrove just after dark... arriving at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport in fifty five minutes. AW139's waiting at the General Aviation Terminal.

Gunther smiling as we shook hands after landing at Tegel. We walked to the cars... Gunther bringing us up to date on their recent important event... "Elke's father remains in custody. The court has not allowed bail because it believes him to have an unbalanced mind... so he is going through psychiatric evaluation." We thanked him.

At the Adlon the general manager and others waiting inside for us. They bowed welcoming us back to Berlin. Meeting Lord Harcourt and Lady Chanthira a bonus for them

In Cho's arms in the Royal Suite... kiss! Gil and Chelle in the attached room. The Twins with Tha and Delphine next door in another suite. Our Protectors in the other rooms around us. The management is to have a guard on-duty in the passage twenty-fours hours a day until we leave.

Gil has a booking at the Bavaria Restaurant. We dressed casually.

Cho in black corduroy trousers, a white turtleneck and a grey, white and black Harris Tweed jacket. No surprise Charlie is almost the same, he wanted an open collar white shirt. Chani in a royal blue knee length skirt, white top and pale red jumper. White tights. Me in loose yellow wool trousers, a pink Ralph Lauren Polo shirt and a royal blue V-neck jumper. Hermès loafers.

Outerwear on!

In the passage waiting for the lifts looking around at us... everybody very casual, laidback! Laughter.

Hotel people bowing as we walked through the lobby to the street the door held open for us. Around to the right to Wilhelmstrasse, two blocks... another right on Hannah Arendt Strasse to Bavaria's door. The owner at the entry to greet us. We shook hands... he is glad to see us back. He leaned way over to say hello to Chani and Charlie. They said hello and they liked the food aromas of the restaurant. He enjoyed meeting them... he said he has several grandchildren. Their speaking German did not phase him... they did it so naturally.

He took us around the bar to the right... the old wooden pews! Two little seats for the Twins. Us eight in one, the pew closer to the door and the tables opposite for our Protectors. Our outer wear all in another pew booth.

Cho smiling... beer! Allaguer Buble Beer for me. It is popular choice. Our server... I recognised her... a smile said she remembered us. Beer and colas coming right up.

Chani and Charlie looking around... Chani liked the green and white décor accents.

Charlie asked for the bathroom... Popa is on the outside. I looked down to Chani... a grin... "I am Okay, Mama." Fist bump.

We looked at the menu ... the drinks arriving. Chani being cute said if she drinks her cola she will need the bathroom. Okay. Their sense of humour!!

"I am hungry Mama." She listened as I told her what I wanted. She asked questions... looking the menu getting help reading in German.

The guys back...

Our server augmented by two more servers. They are ready... the extras worked the other tables.

I went first... the potato soup then Steckerlfisch, herbed Spaetzle and braised red cabbage. If its good why not repeat! Chani surprised our server asking what the Steckerlfisch is tonight? It is the carp. "Okay... I want what Mama is having except in smaller portions."

Chani's German is quite good. They both got the difference in sentence structure.

Our blonde server recovered from another shock as Charlie asked about another fish dish. Tha and Chelle were our non-German speakers. They got plenty of help with the menu.

That done Cho and I explained what is up for the next two days... lots of visits. Our German publisher who is two blocks away for me. The shelters and Mirabelle's, some places in the city especially for the Twins and a trip to the Bogensee. Some fun places. The Twins happy to hear it all.

Soup! Delicious... Chani smiling, "It is good."

Talking some shop with Gil and Chelle. I called Nick from the aircraft... They were having a marvellous time. They would go from London to Chalgrove for their flights home tomorrow morning. Many thanks yelled out behind Nick... he was laughing. `I guess you get the point?' Indeed I did.

Chelle said Penn had everything prepared... helicopter rides from North Platte Airport to the ranch and from Teterboro to the Cho-Fay Heliport on Manhattan's west side for Alex. A car there for him.

I looked around everyone happily eating. Cho grinning across the table as his beer went down bit by bit like mine.

The main courses landing. Chani took a look at her fish... a huge smile.

PJ looked over... a thumbs up! I returned that.

Our servers checked on us but did not hover. Gil could see my eyes... approval... a bigger tip!

A fellow walked our way... a bit unsteady... Ken stopped him before he got close, a restaurant worker came to steer him out. Heads shaking. The owner came over... He apologised for the man disturbing us. Cho said it was not a problem. We got he is `a regular' who lives nearby... someone will walk him home.

I am winding down... a lot of damage to my dinner. Others doing the same. I leaned over to Chani and spoke three words... "Bavarian Chocolate Cake." Those eyes lit up... nodding head. I mentioned it across the table to Charlie... a smile... he's in! More than a few servings of cake came our way. I held off... feeling quite well fed. I'll pump the espresso machine in the suite.

Chani giggling as her cake disappeared.

Our server could see we delighted in the dinner. The owner returned... a big smile at our report of the food and service. Gil smiling as she went to do l'addition.

The walk back went the other way on Ebertstrasse past the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe... we got questions from Chani and Charlie about it and why. They could not understand why the people of Germany would let such a thing happen. Charlie wanted to know where... and more.

We sat down in our suite to talk... I explained hitler had a twisted mind, he sought power for his personal reasons and convinced others to follow him because they had similar delusions, lusts for power and bigoted thoughts. Hatred was their core belief!

"Once he gained a group of followers, they could be used draw others in. Germany was in a big mess after the war... the government was unstable and the economy made people unsure of themselves... fears about their futures commonplace... easy to tell lies about what he could do to make things better... the Germans wanted very badly to believe.

He told many lies. He had his personal dream world where the Germans, who are according to him a naturally superior people, would rule over everyone else. Saying all that made the Germans feel better about themselves.

He got control of the government by devious and illegal methods with help from very corrupt officials... once in power he could not be stopped. The Germans put their heads down and let him do what he wanted to their eternal shame."

We talked about the other' how it made the Germans feel better because those people' were not really German or any people to be concerned about. Cho said groups of people who do not have political power are easily labelled as `the other.' "It is difficult for them to fight back without help... Turning your back does not make a problem go away... you just do not see it."

Charlie, "Mama, there was a war?" "Yes, a horrible war, millions of people were killed. Most of the dead were not soldiers... ordinary people caught up in it."

Cho, "The war did remove most of the evil leaders... the wrong people do get control of countries most often because the citizens do not fight hard enough to stop them." Chani, "Why not?" Me. "In the case of many they are tricked... when they figure it out the evil is in too deep. In Russia now there is a man named Alexei Navalny... he fights back... he tells the truth... he was sent to gaol for speaking out. The man who did that has been removed... we hope they will have free elections soon in Russia."

I told the babies I am going to Russia to speak to the men who removed the evil fellow... "I am going to tell them we will help Russia become a democracy." They are clapping, hugs for me.

We walked them to their suite. Delphine smiling in the sitting area after Charlie and Chani were in bed.

"Fay I know it does not seem possible... they got what you and Cho were talking about... I could see them understanding." A hug, "I thought so."

Sipping an espresso on the settee with Cho. A kiss. "Fay, the babies do amaze... whatever will they become? Good people, good citizens of the world, friendly and open hearted, generous... we see those already." A kiss for his cheek. "Yes... some of life's knocks will happen... I do not see cynicism setting in... they are too smart for that." Kissing.

Bundled up in warm trackies, knit hat, scarf, gloves... heading out for a morning walk. Tara and Ken along... pretty bundled up too!

The doorman bowing as we walked out... a left, through the Brandenburger Tor aiming about half right... stopping part of the way to the Reichstag. The Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism... so very still... a few bird noises... so peaceful compared to how these innocent people were murdered.

We approached the Plaza of the Republic... the south side of the Reichstag lit by the sunrise. West on Paul-Lobe-Allee... a right towards the river to cross the MoltkeBrücke. We followed the Spree over the Hugo-Preuss-Brücke, down to the river path. We passed many government buildings... new, modern designs. Down by the water under the KronPrinzenbBrücke following the river curves. Up to the road level to the next bridge, the MarschallBrücke. A few blocks south on the Wilhelmstrasse to the Unter den Linden. A right to the front door of the Adlon. Another bow.

Upstairs Gil and Chelle watching the hotel staff setting up for breakfast. The chafing dishes full of eggs, potatoes, veggie sausages, and warmer full of Kaiser rolls. All the accessories. Coffee dripping! Hugs. The hotel put in the dining table leaves so we could all sit. I filled my plate behind Ken and Tara, nabbed several rolls and butter. Full coffee cup level going down steadily.

We five were joined by Cho. A kiss for him. The suite outer door opening I could hear little voices saying good morning to Roche who is on duty there... the Twins are welcomed with kisses. Seats for them. Everyone else showing up for food. We filled the dining room.

I took my second cup of coffee to the sitting room with Gil. We did a few things... I needed to change.

Tha and Delphine have the day off. Cho and I dressed the Twins. Casual and warm for them. Cho in his tweeds and wool. Me in a charcoal grey wool long sleeved frock, mid-calf, slender shape, a narrow black belt. Black stockings and heels. Silver bits of jewellery, the `Cho' band on my left. The black car length coat I designed, black scarf and gloves.

Cars out front. First stops in Charlottenburg. Ludwigkirchstrasse Shelter... Romy waiting. Hugs and cheek kisses. Cho too. She is surprised to meet the Twins. They said hello and did fist bumps. Laughter.

Inside we got to say hellos to the guests who are here. Elke smiling. A hug for her. Romy took the babies for a tour.. Cho and I had a few minutes with Elke before she had to go school. Her mother and sisters at home... they are Okay. Her mother begged Elke to forgive her... "Miss Martin, we cried for some time with my sisters. I told mother I understood. She had a tough upbringing... little money or safety... father gave her those she didn't want to go backward then it slipped away bit by bit. I am going to move home when we find out father's result. Romy said I could come back to see my friends here." Elke got we would help further. Tears and a big hug. The father is now in a Brandenburg psychiatric clinic for an indefinite time then if he is able to stand trial he will get many years in gaol. Her mother is divorcing from him.

I am going to Mirabelle, Cho is taking the babies to the two nearby R&R hotels then more. We will meet at the Kreuzberg Shelter.

Kristen smiling as I walked to their doors. It is early... They opened for me. Ha! Hugs for her and the staff. The Mirabelle `M' on their clothes. A happy group.

Their sales are excellent... they provide quality clothes at good prices for many nearby residents who are middle class working women... Gucci, Balenciaga, St. Laurent stores around us are higher cost clothes... a different scale of income needed... different customers.

I got to meet Juul from Amsterdam, she is a manager-in-training for our first store in the Netherlands. "Lady Harcourt I am having fun... at work!" Laughing I asked if we have to pay her? A big smile, "I have never had this sort of work life. We are comrades... sharing." "Good! Carry it over to Amsterdam." "I will."

I had Kristen walk out with me... "Fay, Juul is a hard worker. She has that sparkly personality we want. Her German is very good." I asked... "Fay, she is very good with detail, we have her closing the store with a regular staffer. She has excellent computer skills." A hug for her.

Inside I said goodbyes.

I stopped at the Nollendorfplatz Shelter... Liesl's arms open for a hug. In the common room I met a dozen guests. They seemed a happy crowd. We talked about education...they are all in some programme beyond basic secondary school... music, art, dance, computers... very active kids. Our staff are proudly wearing their blue ribbon pins. Living the motto.

Onto Kreuzberg. Lina at Mirabelle Kreuzberg inside the door, Sybil beside her. Hugs and cheek kisses for them. I said hellos to our ladies wearing Mirabelle pins. Smiling faces. I met a few customers. One thing about our stores they all seem to have a few shoppers looking around no matter time of the day.

Lina introduced me to Katelijn. She is our manager-in-training for Brussels. I tried my rusty Flemish on her... she is surprised, pleased. "Miss Martin, I do not meet many people who know Flemish... usually it is we who have to adapt." "I am good with languages. My Flemish is not very good... it needs work."

"Your accent is perfect!" I thanked her.

She is very glad to be part of Mirabelle. Our clothes are terrific and the people working here are so good with customers. "I see taking the time to get a good fit means there almost no returns which is amazing." "It is part of our ethos! Attention to detail." "I am that way naturally so it works well for me."

Lina's appraisal of Katelijn... a good worker, learns quickly, wants to get it right and speaks easily to shoppers... trying to get them to say what they are looking for. I good suite of skills. A cheek kiss for her and goodbyes to the staff after I shook several customer ladies' hands. They are amazed to see me here.

Layla and Gretel's smiling faces at the Kreuzberg Shelter! They are happy campers. They love living here with the young people. Gretel is managing our research project into how and why our guests end up with us. "Fay, we are getting a lot of data... some intriguing preliminary results."

We might have gone on talking about her work but the family arrived. The Twins making a big entrance!! Layla and Gretel surprised Chani and Charlie's size and their ability to converse in German.

Cho said they had been to the four R&R hotels on this side of the Mitte. My visits are recounted... we have done a decent job of covering the city... tomorrow we go on to other things!

We spent some time with some shelter guests then everyone moved to the canteen for lunch. The guests loved our babies... several asked how old they are... the answer always a surprise.

Sven, the head cook, a gay man from Sweden is a superb Italian cuisine cook... the babies excited... spaghetti and veggie meatballs, crusty bread! Our crowd joining the staff and guests.

Charlie and Chani put on a spaghetti eating show. The guests, staff, even Sven came out to see. They were giggling... happy.

Sven's sauce is very tasty, he knows how to do this! Lovely freshly grated soft Parmesan, like freshly fallen snow, to sprinkle on top. The bread comes from a bakery a few doors along the street.

Layla beside me... we spoke about miscellaneous issues. One is an ongoing problem with a family... Rona had filled me in. They are from Romania... their son is with us because his father beat him after finding out he is gay. The boy is fifteen... not a legal adult. Layla is trying to get a guardianship to keep the father away from him and get his educational career re-started. I found out following a dust-up at the shelter doors between father and son... the son wanted to see his mother... the father intervened... striking his son. One of our Security Service officers interceded... the father took a swing at her... Gunther had emailed me... a few smiley faces included... our woman officer flattened him with the added bonus of a broken nose! I had to laugh... our German Security Service ladies are quite tough! How many more fathers want to try I wonder... this time it made the Berlin local news broadcasts and newspapers including the father's name and broken nose. He had been arrested for assault.

Layla leaning closer, "Fay, our attorney believes we will succeed in the guardianship application so Grigore can be protected and make decisions about his future with our help. The mother is too controlled by the father to properly represent the boy. A local court has issued a `no contact' order against the father. That is a start." I asked her to keep Rona up-to-date... I would get it passed to me if necessary.

Smiling, "Fay, we have had few problems. We know about Elke's father... we raised our awareness level after that which is why Grigore's father was quickly confronted at the door." Fist bump!

A delicious lunch finished with a big cookie for everyone... molasses and honey with candied orange peel. Very nice... they are approved by our in-house cookie experts! Sven took a bow for the food. Loud clapping by Chani and Charlie when he promised to send the cookie recipe to Sue and Maxine at Harcourt House.

Goodbyes said, many thanks for the delightful luncheon.

Two stops... first the R&R hotel on Ackerstrasse with a short walk to the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Sophia waiting in the lobby at Ackerstrasse. A couple going out... they work for the Daily News in New York. We shook hands and cheeks kissed. We wished them a good stay. Cho leaned close suggesting the Bavaria Restaurant to them, "It is not far... three blocks from the Brandenburger Tor. They thanked him.

Sophia pleased to meet the Twins. Her son doing well in medical school. Sophia enjoying the work running the hotel, our people who com to stay are always so nice and no trouble. No issues with the building, the solarium condensation problem not returning. Cookies, tea and sherry up there every afternoon. Good!

We walked the block to Bernauerstrasse. It is a bit chilly, no wind. Everyone well dressed so we could spend some time here.

We took care to explain the Berlin Wall. The Russians creating East Germany, the exodus of citizens, the wall built to forcibly keep the people in. How it morphed over the years to a complex death barrier.

"This section of Bernauerstrasse is particularly famous. The blocks of flats all along here were the edge of East Berlin-West Berlin... part of the boundary... the doors and lower windows had been bricked up. East Germans jumped from the upper windows to be caught by West Berlin people and firemen. Many escape tunnels were dug under Bernauerstrasse. It came to symbolise the entire wall. People tried very hard to escape... many died trying to get to freedom. By the end of the 1980's East Germany was a worn down country, dispirited citizens, so much money spent on keeping the people held down... nothing for worthwhile projects. In the summer of 1988 Bruce Springsteen... " Their eyes sparked up to mine, I nodded, "... came to East Berlin to play a concert." I motioned over my left shoulder, "About three miles or so that way. The government tried to trick him into supporting them but he said no... he would not play the concert if they tried anything funny. The East German government gave in to him... he was a world famous star and they had promoted the concert to cancel would be a huge embarrassment. His concert was over three hours long, three hundred thousand young East Germans came... only one hundred and sixty thousand tickets sold... the rest were too many to say no to... so the government had to let them in for free. It was an eye-opening rock and roll show... Bruce made a few pointed comments to the crowd about `barriers' meaning the wall... it energised the opposition to the government... a year later the East German government collapsed under the pressure of thousands of their citizens escaping to the west through other eastern European countries who did not stop them especially Czechoslovakia. They opened the gates in Berlin... the horrible wall was torn done and Germany became one country again." The Twins started to clap! Hugs and kisses for them. A few questions. We walked along Bernauerstrasse so they could see the wall remnants, the memorials, the pictures of those killed trying to get to freedom. They walked over the Fluchttunnel markers where a tunnel had been in 1971. More questions. Chani wanted to know why anyone would shoot someone trying to be free... I said some people in police forces and armies lose their individual feelings to become part of the the larger group. Orders are given... some are illegal orders but they are carried out because the shooter's group demands they are carried out... they would punished if they did not shoot.

We walked to get to the memorial to Konrad Schumann... I explained he was guarding the border for East Germany as the wall was being built... He said he could not spend the rest of life keeping people prisoner also being one himself... he leaped over the barbed wire and ran to the West Berlin police. I decided not to tell them about his later life, they could find out for themselves.

We re-crossed Bernauerstrasse to be picked up by the cars. A short drive to the Moabit R&R hotel.

Valentina and some staff at the doors to greet us. The Twins are made very welcome. They got to look around with Popa while I had a brief talk with Valentina. She is having fun running our hotel. "Fay, we get the ordinary guests who are nice and many many of yours. Yours are younger with a lot of enthusiasm. The bicycle rentals go big around here. You see we have our own made up walking and biking tour maps." Colourful, descriptive and handsome in five languages. "We print them on the hotel colour printer on demand."

The south suite on the top floor is not occupied right now so a trip up for the view. Chani and Charlie holding on the railing looking around. Cho and I are asked us to identify a few things they could see. Cho told the Twins they will go into the Tiergarten tomorrow to get up close. The day after to the Museum of Prehistory and Early History. Cheers! Fist bumps with Popa.

Back to the hotel. Work to do. Cho needed the desk space, he was welcome to use the `RED' office. Chelle, Gil and I in the sitting room. The babies with me reading.

Tha and Delphine joined us, they had done some shopping and wandering together. Trinkets and gifts for friends. Some clothing for themselves.

Gil had booked the Summer Bar Room at the Borchardt Restaurant... a few blocks away. All the Protectors coming with us.

Pale grey trousers, a white wool turtleneck and a black blazer, black ankle boots. Silver bits and `Joy' Cho in a navy suit without a tie... WHITE shirt. I was covering my eyes to his laughter. Chani in a red frock to her calves, white tights and black trainers. Charlie in a black suit, white shirt without tie. Tonight we did not match at all!

Gil and Chelle the exception... both in navy Mirabelle double-breasted suits with the trousers.

We walked as a big crowd east along the Unter den Linden two blocks then south on the Freidrichstrasse, a left onto Franzosische Strasse. The Twins were carried part of the way to save little legs.

At the doors Tara and Gil leading... a pause then inside... The owner there bowing welcoming us to the restaurant. He led the way through to the Summer Bar which is at the rear next to the outside terrace which for obvious reasons is not open in the middle of the winter. This room has large glass windows... it could accommodate twice as many as us but tonight it is ours alone. Several men took our outer wear... I watched... they carefully laid them over empty chairs.

We worked out the seating, two children's seats ready.

Starters ordered by Gil began arriving after we ordered drinks. Beer is popular also colas.

German coleslaw, pickled eggs, potato pancakes with applesauce, fried cheese balls... plates of these around the tables.

I filled a plate with mixture for Charlie, Cho did Chani. I am munching... hungry.

Ordering our main dishes... roasted Salmon, asparagus with Hollandaise, pan roasted potatoes for me. Many ordered the Weiner Schnitzel which Borchardt's is famous for. Also their grilled calamari.

Cho chose from their wine list... the sommelier recommended something else... Cho overrode that. Interesting! It seemed the sommelier is a bit peeved that a `customer' should not take his advice.

The appetisers are good... the babies particularly liked the potato pancakes and the cheese balls. Me too.

Our dinners arriving as the wine arrives. Cho looked on as the fellow lifted our bottle to open it... he stopped him. Cho pointed out it is the wrong year... not what he asked for. The sommelier is distressed... I thought because he has been caught out. He changed the year... why? To get back at Cho? Foolish! It could not have been worse for him... the owner is at the door watching the service. He is beside Cho in flash... Cho explained why the sommelier has been found wanting then Cho spoke to the owner separately about the attempt to push a poorer substitute earlier. The owner's face becoming quite red... he held his temper. He calmly told the sommelier to leave. He apologised to Cho, he would get the correct vintage. When he returned he poured all the wine himself. Cho took him aside again... they spoke briefly the owner seemed to thank Cho. Cho down, "I told him I was not trying to be difficult, the year I asked for is the best in a span of ten years. He understood and thanked me for preventing an error. He apologised. We are good."

Our dinners are well prepared. The wine, a nice German red, is excellent with my fish... Cho knows! I could see Chani and Charlie were enjoying their food. Looking around there is a lot of chatting amongst our folks... they are also paying attention to their dinners!

Charlie stopping as I had. Smiling, "Mama it is good. I am full." "Good to stop. Dessert?" The answer shocked me, "No Mama, I ate too much dinner." Here I thought every kid had a separate stomach for dessert when eating out! A dim memory of my childhood... said so.

As we finished the owner returned, he and Gil went to settle accounts.

We did goodnights to the staff who served us and the owner... thanking them for a fine dinner. They helped us into our coats.

Walking back to the Adlon Gil said she left a big tip because the servers had been especially good. The owner was not going to charge for the wine that had been contentious. "I said you and Cho would would want him to present a correct bill especially as no harm was done. So he added it in." A smile, "His face when we spoke about the wine... I don't think the Sommelier is going to be a happy camper. He apologised again asking me to pass it on." A hug and my thanks.

Everyone in our suite sitting room... tomorrows activities are discussed and PJ gives assignments out.

Tessa and Alba going out with me in the early light. No wind, the cold is bearable. South this morning once we reached Wilhelmstrasse. Blocks of flats, stores, offices... at An Der Kolonnade I pointed to the east... the sand coloured building with curved arch doors... it was the annex to goebbels propaganda ministry... the only part that survived the Battle of Berlin. We reached Leipzigerstrasse a pause... Across the road on the west side is a monumental office building... an entire city block... the Federal Republic's Finance Offices... it is the former HQ for goering's Luftwaffe... almost untouched by Bomber Command and the U.S. Eighth Air Force bombing attacks. Its huge size should have made a terrific aiming point. At Niederkirchnerstrasse a right turn to go west... on the south side is a long section of the Berlin Wall still standing... behind it is a museum and memorial to victims who were tortured and killed in the building that used to stand in the open space... this street had been PrinzAlbrechtstrasse... and No. 8... that open space... the home of the gestapo. My companions certainly recognised the name and knew what they did. We kept going to Stresemannstrasse to turn right into Potsdamerplatz. An historic square! All new since the war turned it into rubble and German re-unification altered the city. Going north on Ebertstrasse to the Brandenburger Tor... through to the Adlon doors.

Upstairs breakfast is laid so we made a start. Eggs, veggie sausages, potatoes! Kaiser rolls and dark brown bread in the warmer! Coffee! I sat to enjoy.

Tessa and Alba asked a few questions about what they saw and heard from me. Tessa grinning, "We're just American girls... lots of this is not taught in our schools." "Actually it is not taught in many places and certainly not done properly. Some want to forget like here in Germany... in America its too old to matter any more." Tessa's grin wider, "Santayana!" Fist bump. "Since you both have experience in violence at a level close to war here's another of my favourite aphorisms from Santayana... `Only the dead have seen the end of war.' For a man who did not fight in any war he understood much about their results... Do not forget the horror." "Very cheery start to the day, Fay." We laughed. Cho came in... ready for food... my lips the first thing he ate!

Noises off... The Twins came in raring to go! We got hugs and kisses. Then in their chairs. Food delivered. I left them to it taking my coffee to the sitting room. Gil followed. A few things from overnight email which we took care of right away.

I got to sit alone with Tessa... "Fay, Nelly and I had a terrific time! She wants to ride again which is wonderful. London was a feast of experiences. Thank you and Cho so much for making Nelly welcome." A kiss for her cheek, "You can invite her to other places... R&R places or our other homes. Cho-Fay Air can carry you both." A big hug and another thank you.

Everyone getting dressed for the day.

Me in a navy wool narrow suit, big navy buttons and an upright high collar on the jacket, the tube skirt to just below my knees. Navy stockings and heels. Gold jewellery, three gold chains of different weights close and high around my neck, the horse head ruby eyed torque and the Cho' band. Joy' The Coach navy camels hair coat, navy and white check scarf and navy gloves. I will come back here to change before going to the Bogensee.

The babies and Cho casual and warm for wandering in the Tiergarten.

PJ, Tara and Kara with me. Gil and Chelle having the morning off.

We walked east on Under den Linden to the Bebelplatz. My companions looked down through the glass into the `Empty Library' memorial to the book burnings which propaganda minister goebbels arranged right on this very spot. Four empty bookcases below the street level... evocative.

We doubled back two blocks on the Behrenstrasse to Literatura Verlag, our German publisher, part of Munro Publishing. Upstairs to their door, inside the Managing Director Blick is waiting with his senior staff. Hands shaken I am welcomed. We moved into their `bullpen' space... everyone standing at their desks. I walked around shaking hands, saying hellos.

Into Blick's office... we sat in a corner seating area by the windows. Comfy chairs. Coffee!

Werner, the senior non-fiction editor, sitting with us to talk about two books... Flix's and Mr. Hardy's. Both are moving along in edit... Flix's more advanced as she is fluent in German. "Our editor working with Mr. Hardy is pleased his text is so clean. He is very organised in his thinking making the work easier. An autumn date for release is good."

"Having spoken to both I know they will provide further work for your people. Mr. Hardy may have two or three more books in him. He has a mountain of research done. Flix knows she can come over to do interviews and looking at records whenever she wants. We have a building with flats she can stay in over near the Neustadtischer Kirchplatz." Blick nodding, "Quite close." "Yes and near to the Bahnhof too." Smiling, leaning closer with a cute conspiratorial look, "I think she will be leaving her day job at the end of this school term..." A laugh, "... Don't quote me." Laughter. Werner, "She did say you had given her a possible new topic about war widows." "I did. It is a subject... like her current book that is largely ignored by everyone. Davis at Clark's Publishing House suggested doing something on English ladies in post war Great Britain." Blick, "My Oma was one. My grandfather died lost in Russia... no body... no grave... just entirely missing. She was like one of Flix's ladies... she got on with living and raising my father and his siblings." "I understand. One of my grandfathers is buried in a cemetery in Burma. In a month or so I am taking my family there. I want our children to know sacrifices have been made to ensure a better future." They asked how old... A big smile, "Two and half but nearing twenty two." They laughed. Then more serious when they asked why I described them so. Big eyes hearing about our babies `gifts.' "Marquise, they are very advanced. Do you anything special for their education?" I told them about Tha and Delphine.

A look at the wall clock, "They are in the Tiergarten with my husband wandering to see all the bits there. We will meet at the hotel then go to the Bogensee. Cho and I want to see what has been done there and the Twins can see the estate. It will open this summer for R&R visits. There will be a conference centre for our various companies to use for group meetings and education. That includes you if you want to have meetings away from the day-to-day environment." Blick and I talking as Werner had gone back to his office... he heard there will be a publishers meeting in London in early April. "We will use Cowley House right in the centre of the city so sightseeing will be possible." He smiled.

I did a walkabout in the offices with Blick... speaking to employees... my German amazed them. This is a happy crew... they are very upbeat about the market for books.

I did goodbyes saying I enjoyed my visit and I would be back. Handshakes.

We passed the Cho Family Bank new location as we walked to Glinkastrasse. Cho said it will open in a month. I peeked in the windows... the front desk area looked like it is completed. People inside doing something. A turn to the right towards Unter den Linden and over to Neustadtischer Kirchstrasse... two blocks to the new building. Two of Gunther's people waiting for us. Inside up in the lift to the fourth floor.

Our floor is family and rooms for four Protectors. The next floor down is the remaining Protectors, guests and other staff. The rooms and other things have been rearranged to suit us. Cho and I have a suite with sauna, the Nursery adjoins ours with bedrooms for the Twins, separate rooms when they are ready, their own bathroom. Private rooms with bathrooms for Tha and Delphine. Gil and Chelle have their own room. Four single rooms for Protectors, PJ and Rande, Ansara and Tara at this point. All the rooms on both floors are ensuite. An office, a large sitting room, a media room, the furniture throughout is modern German. Clean and spare looks. A dining room linked to the kitchen which is large with a sectional eat-in booth to seat twelve. All the exterior glass is bullet-proof on our two floors. What to do with the second floor is not decided. Possibly it will be all guests rooms for family and friends to use.

Everything is completed except for some painting in the Protector's rooms on the floor below which is why we are at the Adlon. Each Protector has an ensuite private room, there is a shared large sauna and a workout room. A sitting room, the kitchen and dining room, a media room and a computer room. The roof is ready for solar panels or one of the new collector arrays... which I prefer so we power the entire building

Gunther's two people give me and my Protectors a security briefing. The entire building is secure, the top two floors especially. A room on the Protectors' floor is a security office, it is beside the fire stairs. Racks for weapons affixed to the wall...

The government offices on the first floor are day-time use only. They cannot go above their floor nor can they go to the cellar. The eye glass shop and a cellular phone store on the ground level can only access their own spaces.

It is a plain-Jane building unlikely to attract much attention. We are a block from the Spree with government buildings, embassies and hotels all around.

A two block walk to the Adlon. Going in the door man bowed with a smile as I nodded to him.

Change to black slender jeans, a white turtleneck jumper, black ankle height walking boots. A jewellery change. The black wool jacket, scarf and gloves ready.

I sat to do some work in the sitting waiting for the Tiergarten crowd. Chelle came in, "Fay, the picnic lunch is downstairs at the concierge's desk, cars out front." I thanked her.

Gil, "Cho's text says they are at the Brandenburger Tor." Okay we go down.

Hugs and kisses at the cars. The babies had a great time in the big park. Food loaded... Okay! Off to Tegel for a flight to the Bogensee.

Two AW139's on the flight line. It is a short flight... the new landing grids are southwest of the house where several rickety sheds had been... asphalt laid now with lights, a wind cone and an electronic beacon.

From our approach we could easily see the many changes that had been wrought. The old DDR dorms gone, the space cleared. The blocks of flats for workers looked better even at this distance. The large meeting hall has a new roof, the canteen too. All the overgrowth brush around the buildings is cleared away, the general appearance completely changed. Neat, tidy, pleasant.

We have about two hundred and fifty foot walk to the front entry. Electric carts arrived so we loaded up to save little legs. The big stone tiles covering the main house forecourt cleaned, no weeds, the shrubs neatly pruned. The façade looking quite nice and clean. Quite the change.

Gunther waiting, a big smile. He gave me a bow and shook my hand. A warm handshake for Cho. His eyes showing how much he liked meeting the Twins again. They did fist bumps!

We met Gerhard the general manager of the estate. Blue eyes, light brown hair, glasses, trim about thirty five. He came to us via Ludwig and Edda. He had managed an amusement park... looking for a quieter position. We hoped it would be but still a challenge!

Inside the changes are quite apparent... sparkling clean, the wood shone everywhere! The parquet has a bright deep golden shimmer.

Standing in the entryway holding the babies' hands... I explained the house has a history they will learn about... in this room there will be displays about it so anyone coming in will know. I knelt in-between them, "Nothing bad happened here... it is because a family with bad associations lived here for a brief time. We are the opposite of them. Our family and friends will replace the bad things." I got a cheek kiss from each.

In the main room... the floor with the light from the southern facing windows glistened... that warm golden wood look we like. I turned to Cho I could see he appreciated it too. The whole room more inviting and very handsome.

We opened the french doors to the terrace... cleaned up very nicely! The gardeners excellent work obvious... it is a pleasant place. The shrubs and various sized trees that marched down the slope towards the Bogensee blocked the wind very well. A seating group with tables and Coleman gas heaters around it. The heaters working making a warm spot.

The picnic baskets! Gunther and Gerhard are invited to join us. Gunther's deputy Hans is introduced and welcomed to eat, he just came in from the north forest part of the estate.

The big hampers cracked open! Lovely! Platters of sliced cheeses, bread and fruit! Two kinds of potato salad. Beer, colas, flavoured waters in the cooler. Condiments to make sandwiches, plates, utensils, napkins. Bags of crisps and several dips for them. A big tin of cookies!! Chocolate... Hachez milk chocolate, Niederegger chocolate covered marzipan, Baur truffles. A bag of Resien chewy chocolate caramels! The Twins looking at the treasure! We loaded up... Us four, Tha and Delphine, Gil and Chelle, all the Protectors, Gerhard and Gunther with Hans.

The sun out, the heaters doing the job wonderfully... a marvellous meal outside. Chani and Charlie giggling... having fun talking about the Tiergarten. Chani finished chewing, "Popa took us to some corners to show us things... the Russians had many men hurt capturing Berlin." "Yes, they paid a high price for being in a hurry to end the war. The people of Berlin were not allowed to leave so they also suffered horribly through the fighting and afterwards." Charlie, "The nazis must have been awful... why did the people let them takeover?" "There is no short answer... a brief one is as I mentioned before the people needed to be told they amounted to something in the world after losing the war before... the nazis told them lies to get their allegiance." Chani, "What did they feel like after the war knowing they had been lied to?" "Some still believed the lies... others were only concerned with surviving... some wanted to repay the debt owed for falling for the lies." Charlie, "This house was a nazi's house?" "Yes, briefly it was. That is what we want people to remember but find a new happy use for this place." Charlie stuck out his fist... BUMP!

Popa grinning from ear to ear.

Gunther looking at me and the Twins... head shaking. Later he said the way I described the people's after war reactions was quite good. "Marquise, have you ever been a teacher?" I shook my head, "No... I do love history." I tapped my head, "All sorts of things do stay in here... a friend described my brain as like flypaper... things flying by... stick." Gunther laughed.

The food is terrific, flavourful cheeses, apples, pears, oranges... three kinds of bread... the salads tasty... cookies... my style of meal for the outdoors! I split an Augustiner lager with Cho. Smiling faces!

Now for some touring... Gunther and Gerhard driving the big electric carts we headed out. The off duty Protectors are to hang out on the terrace... nibbling and sipping. They said some wandering about would happen.

First stop is furthest part of the estate... an area of old DDR buildings we hadn't seen. Nor would we except in pictures... all flattened and cleared away. It is a half mile from the main section. Play fields and other athletic activities for here. The old foundations gone, filled with rubble from the old powerhouse, covered in dirt, being grassed over. We are only keeping some sheds for storage of sports equipment and one classroom building in quite good condition.

We next stopped where the old power plant had been... the rubble all gone under the new athletic fields. Now there are smooth concrete pads where we will site some of the new solar collector arrays to power the entire estate.

Not far away the stables, they are finished... stalls for two dozen horses, tack rooms and work rooms. A barn for hay and grain storage, new looking very nice. Space for a visiting veterinary office directly opposite the stables.

We stopped at the family housing for estate workers. The blocks of flats looked almost new compared to the way they had been! The contractors had done excellent work rehabilitating them. They are what Americans call `townhouse style.' The living room, dining room and kitchen on the ground floor, bedrooms above. Moms, children and men coming out from the flats and the small group of single family houses. We shook hands, kissed cheeks. The Twins introduced... they chatted in German with the kids.

We met Gerhard's family... we are thanked for the rehabilitation of their quarters, a nice stucco house with four bedrooms upstairs and large living spaces on the ground floor. He said he has grass to mow. Laughing he said his son did actually. Rolled eyes on the teenager's face.

Cho asked about the pool we are having built for the staff families. Gerhard told us the digging is done now they are beginning to pour the concrete. Good it would ready for the summer! The various bits for the R&R guests to use for swimming in the Bogensee are also part the way completed... the floats, cabanas, etc...

The next stop... I stood with Cho and the babies looking at four large bare spots from the centre of the quadrangle where those horrible DDR dormitories had been! The shrubbery is still in place but trimmed. We are going to add more to create further separation. I explained to Chani and Charlie four villages of yurts will be put up. I described them... individual sleeping yurts with central shower and bathrooms. The raised walkways in-between everything. All on stilts. There will be playgrounds for younger children, the sport fields and other things for the older ones.

"The villages will be named and colour coded to make finding each person's yurt easier. All the meals will be served in the canteen..." I motioned to the building to our right. "We will go there next. The other building..." My other arm aimed to the left, "... there is a large meeting room and classrooms. Our world-wide employees will come for education and training courses. The big meeting room will also be our cinema."

Gil held her iPad up to show the yurt `village' at the Recording Studio. The babies loved it. "The four villages here will be much bigger but look mostly the same." Chani looking at the iPad, "Mama, they are cute, friendly looking." "We hope so. The ones at the Recording Studio are very popular... we are building more there."

I knelt beside Charlie holding the iPad. He is well along reading `The Hobbit.' I said the yurts made me think of the Hobbits although they lived much different dwellings. Sort of a whimsy on my part. He grinned, "I see that. Little huts in the woods." "Yes! Exactly." A hug!

We walked to the canteen... through the big doors into the large entry foyer which is the width of the building giving three entrances into the dining hall... the aroma of food very nice! Into the main area... a big room which we could also use for meetings...some people were eating. Cho told the Twins they are workers making changes to the estate. Into the kitchen, the head cook smiling bowing over my hand. Fist bumps with Charlie and Chani after Cho got a handshake. He introduced the staff to us. Big smiles... handshakes.

They are serving hundreds of meals each day... the workers tearing down old things and building new things, the unmarried staff from the dormitories and the foresters plus his canteen staff. They feed the gardeners who do not live here a noon meal. "Marquise, we are kept busy. My staff are hard working and skilful. We are careful about quality and waste." I thanked him.

They had coffee ready... Ah... good!

I saw the Twins jaws going... they had Resien candies in their pockets! I prefer my coffee!

We walked back to the Main House then through the woods down the slope to the Bogensee. The Brandenburg Land people have been here several times. The Nature Park adjoining our property is managed by the Brandenburg government, our statement that the forest will not be changed made them happy. Our boundary line is signed and protected, they will mark their side with many signs.

Gerhard stayed with us giving us information about the land as we moved down on the new walkway. "Marquise... Sir Cho... the land you added means the entire Bogensee is inside the estate. The lake will be swimmable in the summer... chilly but clean. The paddle boat idea is wonderful... so is the anchored platform. We are working on those. Thank you."

At the water's edge Chani and Charlie looking with big smiles! Water babies!

Gerhard smiling seeing they are interested. "It is a glacial lake from the last Ice Age. The deepest part is only 2.5metres because the way the glacier scraped it out... shallow. It is fed by underground springs and several streams." He held his arms out spread... "It is 190metres wide and 300metres long. Quite pretty in the summer with water irises along the shore." His arm motioning across the water. Cho and I squeezing hands watching Gerhard speak to the babies as if they are teens.

We thanked Gerhard for his and his team's hard work getting the estate back into fine form.

"We hope there will be fun and exciting times for all our employees from around the world." We shook hands.

The carts back to the AW139's.

Back at Tegel Gunther showed us the computer centre... we could see places at the Bogensee we had just been on the screens. Displays of sensors around the shelters and cameras and sensors at the R&R hotels and the Mirabelle's. His people keeping watch.

At the Adlon I sent Gil and Chelle with the porters carrying our almost empty picnic hampers to thank the staff for our delicious lunch.

Upstairs we changed for dinner after a relaxed time in the sitting room. Chani and Charlie excited by the idea of going to stay at the Bogensee! The lake and seeing the yurts! Other children for fun times.

Tonight we are eating inside the Adlon at the Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer. Gil and Chelle, Tha and Delphine and some Protectors going to YAAM to eat and see a show. Tessa and Gaby with Ro and Sorya accompanying us.

Our men in black suits, pale grey shirts and shimmering yellow ties. Chani wearing a warm yellow knit frock to mid-calf, close her body until the knees then a flounce, navy tights and navy Mary Janes. Me, a silk royal blue dress, shirt collar, long sleeves, a belt covered in the same silk around my narrow waist, the full skirt softly pleated to my calves. Pale stockings and orange St. Laurent heels. Gold jewellery and `Joy'

The restaurant was not ordinarily a place for young children... two child seats were borrowed from the casual restaurant on the ground floor.

We are escorted in by the Adlon General Manager... the restaurant manager and the Chef greeted us. Bows and handshakes.

The Maitre D' guided us to our table on the west side of the main room at the windows overlooking the Brandenburger Tor! Another table placed between us and the other diners for our Protectors.

A bit of rubbernecking by the people seated around the restaurant.

Cho and I put the Twins in the seats... Chani giggling motioning with her head towards our fellow diners. I smiled and shook my head. She kept giggling but no more head movement. The Twins never act out in public. Tha has done a marvellous job teaching them about behaviour in public as part of their knowing about how to do things.' They are naturally well behaved. We have no terrible two's' tantrums. Chani is right... the people staring are odd looking.

Cho choosing our starters... the Golden Ossietra Caviar with Taittinger's Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Grand Crus Brut. Gerolsteiner sparkling mineral water for the Twins. We are nibbling right away.

Looking at the menu... the guys went for the lobster, Chani and I chose the crab. The Sommelier beside Cho as he looked down the listing... I smiled... a dry 2017 Riesling Westhofen Kirchspiel is Cho's choice. I watched the man's face... a big smile... he got Cho knew wine. Okay!

We worked over the caviar... the babies liked this. Charlie giggling about the `pops' in his mouth... nothing more than that... his own little joke.

Our main course arrived... the server understood what we wanted for our dinners... easy to eat... no problem. Chani had a bite of her crab... chewing... smiling to me. The food is delicious, well prepared and beautifully presented.

Charlie pointed to the Tor... the light from below making it look like the perfect Greco-Roman display. "Popa, can we go after dinner to take some snaps?" Cho smiling, "We can. Coats are needed." It is decided taking snaps is more interesting than dessert... Okay! Our plates were emptying... everybody enjoyed the dinner. The staff being nice and helpful but not cloying.

We finished with big smiles from the Twins!

So at the end we moved to leave...

The restaurant manager thanked us for joining them for our dinner. Cho told him we enjoyed everything. The fellow bowed... we said `gute Nacht.' The dinner added to our hotel bill. Gil will add the gratuity. No fuss for us.

Upstairs coats on, gloves we added knit hats for the babies. Tessa and Gaby, Ro and Sorya with warm clothes going down in the lift with us... grins.

We walked to Pariserplatz out of the way of any traffic... the babies' iPhones out... snaps taken. We moved so they could get different angles. Going through to the west side for more snaps. They said it is enough... I had Chani's hand, Cho Charlie's... we walked back to the Adlon.

They loved doing their snaps... we found out why dessert wasn't a priority... they have a pile of the Resien caramels put aside! We talked about today for a bit.

We put the babies to bed. A big day tomorrow the Museum of Prehistory and Early History for them and Popa. Sweet kisses for them. Snuggled in, eyes closed.

Cho and I snuggled too on a settee in the sitting room of the Twins suite. We stayed until everybody came back. Tha and Delphine smiling. Cho did a thumb over his shoulder "Asleep." Fist bumps!

We sat in the sauna for while... nice heat, icy fizzy water. Gil and Chelle joined as before.

Up in the morning going out the Adlon's front door... a left towards the Tiergarten. Alba and Kara with me. Through the Brandenburger Tor down the Street of 17th of June to the Soviet War Memorial... we crossed over to go through the Floraplatz heading south. We came out of the trees opposite the Berlin Philharmonic Hall and made a left. We went straight to the crossing at Ebertstrasse... down the In den Ministergarten to the führer bunker site. The ladies got to read the display board. They looked to me I pointed down. I said this area had been the Reich Chancellery all the way to Wilhelmstrasse. Alba, "So what is down there now?" "Some old concrete is all that is left. The Russians and East Germans were not able to break it all up. Too massive." We went over to the Wilhelmstrasse and up to Unter den Linden to the Adlon.

Breakfast has arrived! Cho joined us then the Twins, everybody piled in! I gave up my seat standing with a second cup of coffee.

We are going different directions today.

Ready to leave... a black wool frock to my ankles, small cowl neck collar, long sleeves and a black belt, black stockings and heels, silver jewellery, `Joy' The short black asymmetrical Mirabelle coat from my design, a white scarf and black gloves.

Kisses for Chani and Charlie, a big one for Cho.

Looking at email in the car to the airport. Gil, PJ, Tara and Ken all had their iPhones out.

Cho just forwarded to me an email from the Earl of Linton... the board of the Linton Trials is not happy with our proposal... they did not want to go away handing us the power to make the changes needed for the trials to survive. Okay! I called Cho... "So what do you want to do?" Cho, "We walk away. If they do not want to be helped we cannot force them. Linton knows what it means... he could not move them... too bad. I will let him know. Would you connect with Princess Anne?" I said I will. Okay a great start to the day... foolish people being more so.

Paulette at the grey Gulfstream door. A hug. I stuck my head in cockpit to say hello to Derry. He waved as he got taxi clearance from the tower.

We are away quickly. Paulette said an hour and a quarter to Pulkovo. "Fay, Penn has arranged the same links to air traffic controllers as on our recent flights, our transponder is off but all the controllers can see us on their scopes. We are talking to them every fifteen minutes. First Germany... Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and the Russians... we should be Okay. We are set for the same arrangements on the leg to Minsk and the leg home." Fist bump.

Work time. Coffee!

All sorts of things from the many companies. I tapped Gil's arm... she looked up. "What I want to do is to get Ali back in the swing of things when she is ready. Have her use the offices in the Fox Tower, hire a few assistants and give her main authority for 21st Century Fox with you and Chelle her backstop. She can send what she needs to me... it would be no different than you handing me items. I want to get that flow out of your information stream. The NewsGroup will grow again this year I want it to be your focus. Chelle should concentrate on the other companies with some help from you and Ali." Gil smiling saying she is in favour of it. I said I will call Ali later.

Work and coffee!

Derry told us over the intercom to buckle up, "We are on approach to Pulkovo."

He is back on in a few minutes, "We have been instructed to land on `03L' and take the left turning at the end of the runway. A vehicle will lead us to a parking location."

A smooth landing on a runway which is definitely not new. We made the turn... a small truck with a yellow light blinking on top led us to where they wanted us to park. Our aircraft stopped after Derry turned us around facing out of the cul-de-sac. Snow around the edges of every building... snow everywhere in sight with only runways and taxi lanes clear.

Ken is staying aboard, we are not putting out the pylon security devices.

Coats on! Door open... PJ leading... a Russian officer approaching from an office building along with a cold wind! He came to a stop about ten feet away, he bowed. "Dobro pozhalovat, Marquisa Kharkort." I thanked him. "This way please." Inside... good!! A short passage, he opened the door to a small conference room.

A soldier took our outer wear.

The first young officer opened a door... a much larger conference room.

A ten men in Russian Army uniforms. Six of them standing in front a large table surrounded by chairs.

A younger looking fellow stepped forward, "Marquise Harcourt, welcome to Russia." I thanked him. He introduced the others... hands shaken... the last is General Dimitriy Yurievich Verchansky... he seemed to be the `boss.' Verchansky held a chair for me... the generals went around to the other side. Verchansky opposite me.

The younger one, Alexi Alexievich Sokolov led off, "Lady Harcourt, we are very glad you have come to Russia... we are here at your request." His hands open...

Sokolov had been speaking English... I moved us to Russian... it surprised several although Milanovski certainly knew and must have said.

I started by congratulating them on successfully taking over from the dictator in the least damaging way possible.

I gave a brief bit on why Cho and I wanted Russia to be firmly in the group of democratic nations. I did not dwell on many points. I shifted to describe democracies in several other countries... how they functioned, how they were very different but they got to the same place by their divergent paths. They worked because the people had their chance to vote for whom they believed would represent them.

Smiling, "Now gentlemen you are I am sure familiar with much of what I have said..." Heads nodding... I said I knew a good deal of Russian history... "Do not you see it is time for the Russian people to make decisions for themselves?" Faces were not closed... the looks more questioning... I leaned forward, "The Russian people have been ordered about by various rulers for over a thousand years... They can make decisions for themselves... you have an educated population, a hard working patriotic people who have through many travails, many wars... they have shown their love of Russia... they want a strong, prosperous country as you do. Democracy is the only form of government that can deliver that. Yes there can be change under any form of leadership but progress is entirely different. I am not talking about fancy shopping malls or designer clothes or expensive cars... any society can have those... I am talking personal values... honour, trust, patriotism, family... those things which can bind a people together in a happy thriving nation. Having the ability to improve ones' life and have a family around you... knowing you can make their lives better. These are things a democracy can offer."

Verchansky's face softened, "Lady Harcourt, what would have us do?" "Support the people... ask them for guidance by offering them something akin to what Belarus is doing. Have elections for an assembly to rewrite the Russian constitution... make it an strong document like America's or France or Germany but flexible enough to change when the people see it needs to be altered for the betterment of all. When the constitution is ready hold elections... free... fair... and paid for by the government to keep out improper influences from the money of the wealthy or big companies or foreigners.

I will come back to Russia to advocate for democracy... not choosing sides... speaking in public or on TV so the people know others want Russia to succeed... Americans, British, French, Italians, Spaniards, Canadians and more... all want your great country to join in moving the planet forward."

A general beside Verchansky... Maxim Maximovich Makarov... "Lady Harcourt, you are passionate which is admirable... there have been attempts at democracy here.. they did not survive..." He shrugged. "True... Kerensky never got started because he was on the wrong side of the war... Yeltsin tried... how many bad things could his administration struggle to get past... secessionists in the east and southeast. Then he overreached himself when the Duma balked at some of his high-handed actions. A failing economy which could not adjust quickly enough because it did not have the necessary tools to respond to change... that led to oligarchs robbing Russia of much of its wealth and ability to adapt to changing times. I was happy to read of your..." My hands open to them, "... your demanding the oligarchs come back to Russia to explain how... why... and what they stole." I did a silent clapping. Big smiles over the table.

"I sincerely mean I am willing to go to many places in Russia to tell people how democracy can work and what the benefits can be. I know very well nothing is perfect... the Thai Army considered interfering with their democratic government because they saw their politics as too chaotic. My husband Cho and I have been working behind the scenes to ease them away from any such action. The head of their military agrees. I told him that democracy is just that way... ups and downs but it adapts to change like no other form of government."

A break as tea is served. It is welcome. I have a glass of tea standing next to General Sokolov. "Lady Harcourt, I feel you have made a strong impression on my colleagues. Meeting an English aristocrat is not an everyday occurrence so being here at all is quite something. Your Russian is excellent!" I thanked him. Smiling, "Good... I do want your colleagues to move away from the Russia's past... the autocratic form of government... it is a dead end for progress."

Sitting again, "Gentlemen, democracies have always seen the obvious need for a strong military... I told General Somchair the head of the Royal Thai Armed Forces I would publically advocate for proper funding for the military to the National Assembly and the people of Thailand. He got my point and moved away from interfering. The western European democracies have had various levels of support for their militaries... America's military has never been short of funding... often too much. Great Britain had a long slide of reducing and reducing military budgets under conservative governments... Labour is changing that not because they love armies but through obvious self-interest... which I might add is at odds with the Labour Party's socialist ideals. I did make the same points with Prime Minister Starmer I am discussing with you. I will make you the same promise as I did in Bangkok and London... to speak out."

Verchansky, "Lady Harcourt, you have given us a good deal to consider... this is a rare occurrence... someone coming to Russia offering their help to make a huge change in our country. A positive change!" He looked at the other generals, "... We will speak to one another, consider and contact you."

I re-introduced Gil, "She is my primary assistant. You have her contact details." I thanked for them having me and it is very nice to meet them all.

They came around the table to shake hands. Smiles... they seemed pleased.

All vague but could it realistically be any other way? I made my pitch and staked out my ground.

Verchansky and Sokolov walked me out... Verchansky thanked me for the money we donated to the assist returning former prisoners. He said an aide had made a point that he was told. "Lady Harcourt, your gesture of good will was quite unexpected." Sokolov, "We also noticed there has been no publicity about your gifts. You did not do it so gain recognition. That humble manner of giving is greatly appreciated." I thanked them saying we had heard of the need and acted.

Exiting the building they could see the Gulfstream... they are both pilots... "Would you like a look at the cockpit?" They nodded... Ken opened the door. I led us in... Introducing Paulette and Derry. The two generals sat in the pilot's seats looking over the panels. Verchansky asked in Russian, "What is the top speed?" I translated both ways... both men's eyes became wide open at the five hundred and seventy knot cruise speed quoted by Paulette. The fifty one thousand foot ceiling also surprised them. They asked a few more questions... standing they thanked Paulette and Derry for a look. Hands shaken.

I led them into the cabin... they liked that it looked comfortable... certainly not ornate. No fake gold faucets in the toilet. On the tarmac I said goodbye, a last handshake.

We closed up, Derry wound up the engines. As we started to taxi I waved... it is returned.

We took off from the top of `28R' a big turn to the south. Paulette's voice, "Fay, it is a forty minute flight."

Gil had taken notes during the meeting... I reviewed them. I made some corrections in the words and grammar... Gil's Russian is very good, not totally fluent yet.

I called Ali... she is fine with picking up all of 21st Century Fox knowing there is help. "You can have Wesley with you. We will set aside a room for him to play and nap." "I guess we are going to be spending time at Fox Tower." "Yes... at least the commute will be easy." We laughed. Okay we are good!

Minsk Airport... not a very big airport.

On the ground we parked at the edge of a private aircraft support company. They knew we had guests coming around 1400hours to visit so their security is to be on the lookout.

We had time for lunch! Carla's team did it for us and got it on the Gulfstream at Chalgrove. Her wonderful potato soup, bread, cut cheese and fruit. Some shortbread and a couple of Christmas cookies... Carla included a note... she sent the last of them for us. Smiles. An enjoyable meal.

Coffee!

Ken keeping an eye on the security system... "Three men approaching from the side of the hangar. One is pointing our way. Two are approaching. The fellow leading is wearing a red flower in his coat lapel buttonhole." Okay that is the identifying mark.

Ken opened the door and stepped out... I went to the door... they looked they expected to patted down... "Welcome gentlemen." My hand out. "I am Lady Harcourt." They introduced themselves... Ruslan, Navalny's second in command and Feodor, an aide.

Lis took their coats and things.

I motioned to the swivel seats opposite me.

Lis smiling asking if they would tea, coffee or soft drink... Tea for them. I stayed with coffee.

Tea and cookies arrived. Big smiles and thank yous.

I said I am glad they could come. "I have had my meeting with the junta generals... a few hours ago. They did not take any firm position as one would expect. They were very attentive and asked questions. I told them democracy is only way to revive Russia... the vitality and progressiveness of the people having the vote in a meaningful election would bring out an entirely new outlook for Russian society.

I also told them no system of government is perfect... only democracy can be flexible enough to make the adjustments needed as the world changes.

I informed them of my willingness to attend public rallies and go on TV to address the Russian people directly.

They know from my mouth I would speak to lawmakers and the people of Russian to support the military being given the resources necessary to do its legitimate work defending the state."

Gil had printed a copy of her notes in Russian... which included everything spoken and my comments about the generals demeanour. I said the generals do not know about this as I handed the notes to Ruslan. Ruslan scanned the pages, "Lady Harcourt, no one beyond four or five of us will know of the existence of this document." He handed it to Feodor who folded it... it disappeared into his inside jacket pocket.

I said my words should not be used outside of your small group for now... if the generals agree I will repeat them so all Russians could hear from me. "My promise to speak in public for democracy made expressly clear. I believe they will agree to go towards a democratic government." Feodor looking like I am some sort miracle maker. Ruslan nodding saying they will protect my words. "Alexei said you are the wild card in the search for Russia's future. We do have hopes for real democracy." "Your history says no but it time for progress." Ruslan nodding, "We desperately need progress... we have had enough pointless, damaging change."

Ruslan smiled, "Lady Harcourt, Alexei asked me to say thank you for the financial help you have given to those returning from prison. We do not have the resources to do that work... it is making a huge difference for all returnees." "Good. We have been told it is helping... that is why we gave the second sum." "Families are getting clothes, food, housing, spending money, children are receiving gifts to lift their spirits... Those two support groups are shining stars of hope... thanks to you!" We shook hands... Feodor too.

Ruslan said going forward Alexei is going to keep speaking out about changing the government from a sham democracy to a real one. No more dictators or autocrats. "He has been circumspect so the generals have nothing to complain about. He speaks in several places each day... going to workplaces, schools, colleges, shopping districts and big stores, entertainment venues... mingling with the people... nothing is planned to give the generals worry. Then we have the occasional larger gathering that we clear with the militia and local governments. He is getting out the word in a mostly person to person manner." Smiling, "In America they call it `pressing the flesh." I made a handshaking gesture. They thought about it then they laughed. Ruslan said he will remember that phrase!

We talked more how they believed it might play out. A few scenarios.

They needed to get their return flight. I helped Feodor into his coat... his eyes huge... me doing that. Hands shaken.

I stepped out to wave goodbye. Tara and Ken collected the pylons.

Derry's voice on the intercom said we can taxi.

Buckled in. The rush of the take-off. Turn to port... I could feel the acceleration. Paulette said an hour and fifty minutes to wheels down.

More work... email and a text to Cho.... Could he talk? He would call me back. I said it could keep.

Our lawyers in Los Angeles have a deal with Chef Thanh in Hanoi! Waiting for the contracts to be signed in Hanoi. We will print his recipe book in English and French to start. The New York publisher GlobalBooks for one, Livres du Monde in Paris for the other.

Flix touring for her book on the east coast of America. Mr. Hardy making stops across the Midlands then going north. Both attracting large crowds... they are speaking and signing books. I asked Gil to send a wrist supporter to Flix wherever she might be next. Gil laughed. A thumbs up.

Joan who had been such a big help to Ellie and Lorraine during the holidays has agreed to come to work for us at Harcourt House. She is to do sewing of all sorts, decorating. Ellie is pregnant with their second and Lorraine has two babies so help is needed. She lives in Sanford so not much of a commute.

A few follow ups... with Nick about an interview with Marthe, Nadia on her sabbatical time research, Jolly too.

Gil had a few things from the NewsGroup.

I checked in via email with a few friends.

A quiet time... eyes closed to think about a several things... gun control in America, Universal Basic Income in the UK and America, nuclear disarmament... nice big and difficult projects.

Paulette... `We are crossing the North Sea.' Okay! While I was quiet Gil put everything away!

Turning on final... the green of England out the window.

Stepping out... Prasert smiling... a warm handshake for him.

Gravel on the Forecourt... Carter smiling as we fist bump. Carter2 and Audra.

Upstairs to change... I've enough daylight for a ride! In the khaki outfit and the darker khaki new hat. Tara and Ken ready! A quick transition for them like me. Rebel pulling a hoof in the dirt! Okay!

Down the grassy lane, turning north... speed to Sandford. Through the village at a walk saying hellos to the neighbours. Dr. Lone waved... I moved us closer... "Your Ladyship, we hadn't seen you for a few days... thinking maybe your holiday stay was over." Smiling, "The family went to Berlin... business and fun. We will be leaving soon. It has been wonderful but it cannot last." They are both fine, going on with their usual routines.

We waved as I turned Rebel towards the dirt track he knows so well. Walking to the berm I can feel him getting rev'ed up. Okay... I asked... we went! Tara and Ken urged theirs... we rolled! The berm gone quickly Rebel getting to full stride as we burst through the trees to the flat land beside the river. On the path we are rocking along, Geo and Gough trying hard to keep up. A fabulous run to the Flats. All of us enjoyed ourselves... Rebel more vocal than usual!!

A text from Gil... Cho and the Twins on approach to Chalgrove. Excellent timing.

I'm waiting for them at the door... hugs and kisses. Charlie and Chani said they had a terrific day! Cho giving me raised eyebrows over a big smile!

I went up to change, Chani with me. "Mama, we like the Museum of Prehistory! Can we give them some money too?" I adjusted my hair after pulling the jumper on... "Let us go talk to Popa."

Drinks! We four on settees by the fire. Jaidee warming... before the babies rubbed him we asked Popa about the donation. He is up for it! Okay! We will get it done... maybe not right away... plan so we all can go. Fist bumps. Jaidee half rolled when the small hands went to work.

Cho, "The museum is quite good. Lots to see. The Stone Age and Bronze Age Room was the best for ours recent interests. The museum's collection goes forward into the European Middle Ages. We moved from room to room... the one very BIGGIE... the Stone Age and Bronze Age Room had lots of Palaeolithic tools and small art pieces. A Neanderthal skull from Le Moustier in France and stone tools artefacts from the Dordogne. I will mention that to Gaby." Cho shaking his head with a motion to the babies, "Amazing to see they grasped the significance of what they were looking at." I squeezed his arm, "Smarties! So you know Tha ordered pianos for other houses like the one upstairs. I would not want this house to be the only one." "Good! If they are going to play let us make easier for them to keep on." "Graeme called... he's gotten to a point where we can know his secret." The last in `air quotes.' "He is coming in early afternoon tomorrow and staying over two nights." "Is he bringing golf clubs?" I didn't know.

Carter at the doors... Its just us tonight in the Breakfast Room. Gil and Chelle, Tha and Delphine going into Oxford with a bunch of the Protectors. A few clubs. They have been doing that more... Cho smiling when I mentioned it. "Its good! They all get along and are of near age so they can have fun times."

Ken and Gaby on their way to London staying at Cowley House this weekend. They are going to do a tour of George Orwell places in the city with Max. That young man is stoked!! Max's boarding `House' at Westminster is around the corner from Cowley House.

Our meal... Veggie burgers, chips with mayonnaise or ketchup, olives, pickles and peanut butter stuffed celery! Chani and Charlie clapping! We dug in.

I am regaled with tales of their day in the museum. Their powerful memories made it all so vivid with detailed descriptions. So maybe they'll end up being some sort of paleo-anthropology-archaeologists?? Totally up to them... it would nice for them to maintain their interest even if they go other directions.

I am swayed by their descriptions, we have to go so I can be shown these new marvellous things. Okay!

Afters had a puzzle and puppy rubbing as events!!

Cho and I did the night time things. Leaning over Charlie for a kiss... his arms reaching up to hold me. "Sleep well Charlie." Kiss.

Chani, an arm around Raggedy Ann, squeezed me, a kiss. We stayed in the Nursery quietly talking about things.

Cho and I moved to the Great Room when Tha and Delphine came home. Close to the fire sitting so I can rub Jaidee. Cho gently petting me to some giggles.

Going down the lane to the Stables with coffee, scones and dog. The dog runs off with his buddy. I handed over my scone `toll.' Pamela nickering. I had made a stop to see her after the ride yesterday... she is always glad to see me.

Tara on Roland, Penny on Rascal... down the grassy lane to the Flats... up the slope... not as cold, light breezes, overcast. A hard ride to the lock. Rudyard smiling... he's having a laugh about doing the tour for ours and the Rawlins young ones. They were interested and asked some good questions. Roy ready to do his first cast waving.

Over the Thames heading east... we slowed to stop near the Masjid... only one fellow drove up... he waved, we returned it. It is looking pretty good! This builder's people work hard.

We stayed beside Barton Lane until a turn to go under the railroad tracks. We took the dirt road along the tracks going north then chose the left hand road at the `Y' which takes us to the east part of Radley opposite the station. We rode around that to keep on northward... we slowed to walk under the railroads tracks again using our underpass... it is very nicely done. Going north on the edge of property we own south of Kennington. Archie's folks have been over here... winter grasses sowed. At the Industrial Estate under the tracks again... we could see preliminary steps are begun for the yurts expansion. Over to the lock... Lyle waving from the far end.

Mr. Hardy back for a few days... "I'm coming up to meet Jerrold." I waved.

Our horses rolling by the river... speed all the way!!

We handed the horses off to Monty... a big grin on his face. A teenage girl beside him... I recognised her face... the name? "Your Ladyship, this is Harley. She goes to Abbey School." I shook hands with a cute freckly redhead, nice green eyes. Her curtsey well done. A beatific smile when I thanked her. "Your Ladyship, we've met at the Open House days you have. My family is from Clifton Hampden. We see you riding every now and then." "Welcome..." I leaned a bit closer, "... do not get talked into doing any work... that's Monty's job." They laughed. I said enjoy.

I waved to Gregory who is down the stable way. A big smile and a wave back.

Carter pouring my coffee, Fin deposited a toast rack, my plate filled... I am good!

The Sun and Oxford Mail continuing their series on the Telegraph's unethical behaviour. Difficult to believe a newspaper owner could ask a reporter to deliberately break the law after all the fuss about the M**********'s News of the World messes... breaking into people's voicemails and such. The News of the World repeatedly broke laws to their shame and destruction. The Telegraph must be desperate to create some kind of buzz to attract readers or some sort of notice!! Nice to see ours digging up some dirt on them!

Cho! A nice kiss. A laugh at the articles I pointed out.

The babies came in their usual style... hugs and kisses for us.

I changed heading to the Library with Gil and Chelle. Cho going to play a round at Oxford East... home for luncheon.

A call to Gil in late morning... Superintendent Winters asking for a few minutes for a significant development. Fine I am here all day except for riding in the afternoon. He'll come now.

A break now. Downstairs into the Kitchen. Maxine and Shayna together working dough in their grey trousers, white uniform tops and baker's hats they looked quite alike from behind. Carla grinning, "Fay, she fits!" Fist bump. I slipped my arm through hers as we watched them work. Side-by-side, chatting. Shayna is three years older but they've had some interesting life experiences. Carla soft voice in my ear, "They hit it off right away."

I walked over to lean close... Maxine smiling... Shayna did a slight jump. Maxine giggled. "Its only her Ladyship not to worry." We all laughed. I squeezed their shoulders, looking at the dough, "It looks lovely even now." Shayna, a big smile, "M'Lady, it smells so good... you just know it is right." Another squeeze as I left... a fist bump with Carla on my way by. A huge grin on her face.

In the Great Room by the fire... I had asked for tea.

Winters is escorted in by Carter. I stood up to shake hands. The tea tray arrived. Winters smiled as I poured. "M'Lady, it is a welcome sight. I hardly ever get to drink a cup while it is hot." Smiling, "Good then. Enjoy."

He sat back, "M'Lady, the news is very good. The Brussels police found a flat that a friend of de Blume's let him under another name. He had quite a trove of documents there... there are going to be some very bad people quite upset and trying to have him killed in prison. Many dozens of jobs' his crowd did are described from start to finish. Who hired them, what they wanted and how they paid. What exactly the killers did. Right now that information is tightly held. de Blume is now in Paris... he is being held in a separate facility used by their security services. What is important for us here is the drugs crowd Wellans is prosecuting is named with full details. We have them dead bang guilty on hiring de Blume to kill Wellans!" I extended my hand... Winters is pumped. He likes to get the villains off the streets. "We received information on the Docklands shooting too. A different drugs group... but we have their names, dates, monies, etc... they are going to be charged. Some are inside already... now they will stay a lot longer... murder for hire of QC is a real bad crime... the ones not in custody will be banged up tomorrow. M'Lady, big upsets to come." I congratulated him and the force. Winters said it was a slip during interrogation of the woman who owns the car de Blume was using. Our Brussels colleagues jumped on it right away... they got a warrant for the flat immediately and were off, smashing in it looked like any flat would be except for the locked steel file cabinets in a bedroom. Their search warrants extended to all the flat contents so they popped them open... "M'Lady, I spoke to the Brussels Chief Inspector he said his fellows were almost jumping up and down looking in the first drawer. The French and Spanish sent people to have a look. I sent a chief inspector... he called right after seeing the Docklands file saying the case could made ironclad no doubt. I sent another inspector and a sergeant to review and copy everything about crimes in the UK and any overseas territories. Once we have had a look we can ask for the actual documents to be sent to us." Smiling, "What did Scott say when he heard?" "Actually M'Lady, he didn't say anything it was a whooping yell." We laughed. "Good! Is it going to affect the trial?" "It has already, M'Lady. Scott went to the judge with his team and their solicitor and barrister... the trial is suspended. The bad guys stay in gaol. They are all isolated, only solicitors and barristers can visit now. Once we have collected the others it will hit the news. From what Scott said they were apoplectic." I laughed, "I shouldn't wonder. A hit man who keeps detailed records? That does not sound wise. What was he going to do write a memoir?" Winters laughed, "Well Your Ladyship, a lot of evil people are going to go a bit crazy... they may have been thinking they had gotten over after maybe years... no more... we will have the goods on so many crimes here and across the continent." Winters said the various police forces would secretly assess the material then act so the the bad guys would not have a clue until the ceiling falls in on them. The Superintendent had a second cup and some shortbread. "M'Lady, Your people taking that de Blume fellow down is having a huge impact! Four national police forces stand to benefit in a major way. They are... we are... in a word... pleased. So many others may also see charges laid for aiding and abetting plus perverting the course of justice." I laughed, "Well I hope they get their villains. I would suppose quite a few criminals will be happy they do not face the death penalty." Winters with a grin, "M'Lady, they will rue the hiring of de Blume every minute of the time they serve." "Perhaps others considering hiring a hitman' will think twice after this becomes becomes news." Winters said he hopes so but so many reasonably intelligent crooks go a bit off the rails when thwarted by opponents or some other events.

I am thanked for the tea and shortbread. I walked him to the doors of the Great Room. He bowed, we shook hands. Carter had his uniform hat.

Cho came up the drive as Winters went down. I met him. A kiss. His eyebrows up... I said Winters had news. We sat by the fire before luncheon... a lot of head shaking by Cho as I spun out the Superintendent's tale of events. "I am glad it is working out to everyone's satisfaction... well except the villains." We laughed.

The babies came in... they climbed into our laps all giggly happy. Tha and Delphine well beaten in the `race' to the Great Room.

They played the piano all morning... Delphine had made a trip to the music store in Oxford, she came away with a eclectic collection of printed music. Charlie liked Debussy's "La Mer" so he picked out the Children's Corner Suite from Delphine's purchases. It is a suite written for Debussy's young daughter. As a group they are playable by younger pianists. He started at the beginning with "Jimbo's Lullaby" then Chani did "Serenade of the Doll" next Charlie... "The Snow is Dancing" followed by Chani's "The Little Shepherd" and lastly Charlie played "Golliwog's Cakewalk." "Mama... Popa... it was such fun!" Chani chose the more involved "Clair de Lune" to work on. "It is wonderful piece to play. Such a nice sound on the piano." Charlie, "We have La Mer for two pianos... I hope we can do it soon." Delphine eyes bright... she is amazed and stoked they are forging ahead!! The piano is her favourite instrument.

"Fay, Tha and I have ordered another piano... just the same after they saw La Mer." "Okay... you ought to send another one to the principal houses... Paris, New York, Bangkok, Topanga, Seattle..." A pause, "Also Upperville. To follow the others Tha ordered." `Oui!'

Gil came running in... "Fay... Cho... Andrea's water has broken... rapid labour pains too! They are loading for the hospital." Smiles... we thanked her. Her iPhone making noises!! "Whoa!" Jumping up and down!! I thought she would explode!! "Catherine too!" Talk about hitting the lottery! Cho, "Ask if we can do anything?" Gil typing furiously... "Can we take Caroline for a few hours?" Cho motioning to Gil, "Say I will come over right now." A thumbs up.

A kiss.

Prasert had a car out with a child seat. Cho joined him and they drove off.

The Twins giggling, Chani, "Mama more babies... they will be busy at Culham Manor." "Indeed they will be... they are all prepared."

Carter knew we needed about twenty minutes before luncheon and a place setting for Caroline. The reason brought a smile.

Cho made a fast trip... he's coming in with Caroline who is very excited... brothers arriving!! Her governess Gemma and the nurse Malia, her deputy, were both out shopping for some last minute baby things. On their way back now. Ting's parents, Ploy and Kha, thinking they had a few days in hand had gone up to Cowley House. Gil said they have been recalled! Prasert has a car en route to Cowley House for them.

We trooped in for food! Caroline very happy. Chani and Charlie very pleased for her. She would in a year or so have mobile company around their house. "I can learn about babies!" Well she will have the chance with double of everything like we had. The endless diaper company is already laid on for them.

Soup and sandwiches, cookies at the end. Three young ones enjoying themselves.

Sitting for a few minutes afterwards. I am asked for some cartoons. I queued a few Bugs Bunny ones for them in the Game Room. Outdoor play afterwards.

Cho and I in the Office grinning at each other... well our Culham Crowd will have some fun... nice to be able to watch our friends going forward at a fast clip!! Two at a time... the sisters in sync!

Eclipse Awards to be announced in New York in the early hours of tomorrow here. We'd see how we do in the morning. We had horses nominated in every category plus ourselves as stable owners and breeders. Monaco as trainer once more.

Where will Toes Tapping fit in? She is our one piece of off-season bad news. She injured a right foreleg tendon in training... it is not responding to treatment as we would like... no racing for her any time soon. Cho looked over, "Maybe she should retire? There is no real point for her to do more racing. We have many fillies to run." I laughed, "She proved her herself... You're right no need for more... to retire unbeaten is a nice honour. It will be interesting to see she what her babies do... she's such a fighter!" Cho said we should send her to Glaa first. That way we have Hathai and Asda's genes!! Fist bump!

Three small smiling faces at the Office door... Okay time for going outside. Tha and Delphine joined in. Coats, hats, gloves for everybody. Jaidee was good with his natural coat it isn't really very cold. Tennis ball went flying from Cho. Charlie followed Jaidee. The girls on the slides. I am there with Tha and Delphine... Cho stayed doing the tennis ball thing.

They are enjoying themselves. Caroline followed Chani's Woo-Hoo going down the humpty slide.

Charlie moved to the swing with Popa.

Gil came out... "Its over! The boys have arrived and are judged healthy!" We cheered.

Dryden Asnee' living up to his Thai middle name lightning' came out quick is the first born... less than fifteen minutes of labour. He is sure to make Andrea and Ting happy. Myles Sud whose middle name means `Tiger' will bring even more love to Catherine and Jian. Ting's mom and dad must be over the moon for both sets of new parents. They are triple grandparents now! Catherine and Andrea's parents will also have a lot to celebrate... both daughters giving birth! They are to come over in a day or so giving the family a chance to get settled.

Gil told us she had flowers being readied by Phillips' crew and Carter had two bottles of Taittinger's out to go with the blooms. When flowers are ready Prasert is going to drive them over. I said I want to ride... I will take the gifts. Okay.

I went up to change... the khaki outfit. Pulling on the chestnut gloves. Leather strap under my chin from the Spanish Equestrian dark khaki hat. Two ruck sacks prepared, champagne and bouquets. I had one, Monty the other, he insisted on taking the heavier champagne loaded pack. Tara and Angie my Protectors. Rebel ready... I set a good pace but not too fast. We walked over the tracks heading for Thame Lane... over the Abingdon Road, beside Tollgate Road to Culham High Street. Going west. We turned into the forecourt of the Manor house.

Peony at the door... she curtseyed... a big smile! They are thrilled to have two new babies for the house. We handed over our gifts. "Your Ladyship, the flowers are beautiful. We will get them in vases."

Monty put my empty ruck sack in his.

We waved goodbye. Going down the High Street to the cupcake baker. I ordered four dozen to be delivered to the Manor House. Twelve dozen for us. "There is no hurry for our part. Call when they are ready we have them picked up." They are pleased to have the order and happy for the Manor folks to have healthy babies.

We returned the same way until the railroad tracks... I asked Rebel... he roared off!! I leaned down one hand rubbing his muscular neck. I spoke to him... I asked for more... the grass and trees became a blur... at the top of the slope I eased Rebel. Tara and Geo closed quickly... Angie and Gough soon after. Monty on Rascal came last. "M'Lady, it is amazing to watch from up the hill... down here behind you it is definitely more so." A fist bump.

We walked to the Stables Office... Gregory smiling. "Did you have fun?" Big Yeses from us. Monty grinning. He slid down to lead Rascal and Rebel for more walking. Pat took the others. I squeezed his shoulder. "M'Lady, you should see the boys tearing around the house... regular little maniacs." I said to remind Diana to look both ways at crossing points. We laughed.

Cho and kids in the Great Room... I walked in to say mission accomplished. A hug from Cho. Caroline got there are pretty flowers at her house.

Our iPhones binging... snaps of the new-borns!! Both had a fair amount of hair, red faces... being held by their mums! Happy faces. Happily for them... neither had an extended labour. Ting and Jian making a joint call to Cho's phone... we put them on speaker. "Fay... Cho... All's well here."

I motioned to the kids to come close. Caroline giggled, "Dad and Mum, I am here." They chatted about her day and how her baby brothers are very cute. I showed Caroline the snaps... handed my iPhone to Chani who shared with Charlie. Caroline leaning close to them she wanted to see them again.

Jian and Ting said the doctor is pleased. He didn't see any problem with them both going home tomorrow afternoon. Good! We'd visit them in the afternoon. Ting said they would come by to pick up Caroline in a few hours. Okay.

The babies wanted to go upstairs... we said don't forget Graeme. They laughed saying Caroline coming made them forget.

Carter, "M'Lady, your cousin's car is coming up the drive." I thanked him.

Cho and I out front... the little blue car stopped... Fin opened Graeme's and Lucas the passenger door. Lucas extended his hand to the woman to help her unfold herself. A slender blonde... They came to us... Graeme in mufti, his guest in a nice navy short car coat.

Lucas getting their bags.

We are introduced to Lady Corrine... she did a curtsey... we shook hands... inside out of the chill.

Laurel took the coats, etc...

Right there in the Entryway Graeme took Corrine's hand, "Corrine has agreed to marry me!" A big kid's sort of grin. Corrine smiling. A lovely face, very nice blue eyes. A hug for Graeme and a cheek kiss for Corrine. Handshakes too!

Into the Great Room... Chani and Charlie greeted Graeme with hugs. Lady Corrine smiling meeting the Twins. Fist bumps introduced also! Caroline introduced being the daughter of close friends whose family just had a big event... double baby births! The sisters' baby boys coming out barely hours ago.

Job done for the Twins... the children went upstairs to the Nursery.

We sat by the fire. I looked at Graeme... he got it... Cho knowing also... asked Graeme to see something in the library. They went...

Lady Corrine grinned, "M'Lady, that was well done." We laughed. "I am Fay, please." A smile and a thank you.

A slight blush, "I am in awe of you. You have a commanding presence in the business world... in fashion... charity... now the Lords... so much visibility!" "I am also easy to talk to because all of that is a separate persona." Corrine nodded. "Yes, I am the secret Graeme was reticent to speak about at Christmas." I pointed to her left hand... a diamond ring. A good size stone in a simple setting... quite nice! The slight blush returned, "It was because I had not been officially asked although we had an understanding. We stayed with my family over New Year's at our house near Helmsley. Its east of Thirsk." Smiling, "We have a groom working for us in Kentucky, he is from Thirsk... he takes care of one our stallions who is a buddy to our champion Glaa." "Oh... I know that name. My family loves horses... Father keeps an eye on all events about horses. We hunt... we do not race." Smiling, "We are the opposite." "At Moorland House my father's stables are full of pampered horses who love to run." "Did you bring any jeans? What about a ride?" "I have jeans as Graeme suggested. I would like to ride. You are famous for your riding about." Laughing, "I do go about as often as possible. A tour of our Stables?" She would like that. "A special treat to make your father exceedingly envious... Glaa is here." "Oh my! That will get father going. Can we take some pictures?" "Of course. Glaa is friendly... easy-going except in a race where he was ruthlessly efficient in destroying all opponents simply running too fast to be caught." Corrine laughed.

I turned to Gil to arrange the horses. I said Gough for Corrine. A thumbs up.

Fin bowed after I requested he tell Cho and Graeme we are going up to change for a ride.

I drew Corrine into the Guest Closet of many things... riding clothes. She is close to my size... a pair of jodhpurs so she could skip the jeans. I added a jacket, a helmet. Gloves and a crop. She had her own low boots and a shirt... I added a tie... a Modern Munro tartan one. A grin from Corrine.

I dressed in black. Corrine smiling looking at my duds. "Fay, very sleek and stylish. The hat is amazing. Is it an official helmet?" I handed it to her showing her the interior, I said it is BSI, SEI and CE approved. "It is what Sunny uses." "I have seen pictures but it is a unique look."

Dressed getting admiring looks from the men who chose to have scotch rather than ride. A discreet wink to Cho.

We walked down the grassy lane... Corrine looking around... "Fay, this is so big... surprising to find it here... you can't see any of it from the house entrance." "That is done deliberately. It has gotten larger since we came here. We train racers here as well pleasure riding. My niece Sunny does all her training here."

Rebel ready, Tara and Tessa introduced. A knee up from Andy for Corrine on Gough. "Fay, he is so handsome." "Yes, he loves to run don't you? I stroked his face... nickers.

We walked to the Flats... horses on both tracks, exercise rides and Secret Royal walking behind his dam, Secret Sea. Ronnie up on her... a smile and wave. I told Corrine about Ronnie coming over with Secret Sea who is the dam of a yearling colt by Asda. "She's training with Freddie... learning to be a racing trainer."

I took us north. Waves for Dan and Dan Junior, Mr. Radley out by a barn waved and called out a hello and a hand pointing to the house `muffins' came out very clearly. I waved.

We rode on... I told Corrine about the muffins when we slowed at Sandford. A big smile.

We walked on Church Road through the village saying hellos to the folks who were out and about. At the Rectory Dr. and Mrs. Lone driving in. They waved... Corrine is introduced.

We turned for the dirt track and the ride back. I told Corrine that Rebel needed some airing... Tessa would stay with her. Tara with me. On the berm Rebel is asked and away we go! Blazing fast speed very quickly. Galloping along the Thames for a mile then a wide sweeping turn to the Radley's garden gate. Deanna at the door smiling... a curtsey... I put out my hand... a squeeze. She knew Tara and Tessa, Corrine introduced. I said we couldn't stay. "M'Lady, I have some in a bag for you." I opened the paper sack... Corrine smiling getting a whiff of the wonderful aroma! A hug for Deanna and a thank you.

Mr. Radley outside by our horses. A handshake and an introduction for Corrine.

Remounted... speed again to the Flats. A short walk around Sunny's things with an explanation. At the Stables Office Sunny going out. She and Corrine introduced. "Sunny, my father has read about you. Congratulations for all your successes." Sunny thanked her, "I'm off to work a bit... preparing for my first competition of the year in Gloucester." I said see you later.

I took Corrine to see Glaa and his parents. She marvelled at how handsome Glaa is. I took snaps on her phone... "Dad will be envious!'

Meeting Asda and Hathai knowing their son is the great Glaa... more snaps for her with these beautiful animals. "Are they here year `round?" "No. Glaa's retirement home aka stud location is Harcourt Farm in central Kentucky. Asda and Hathai have been here for several years. We hope Hathai is pregnant soon with another child for us. Asda has been covering mares here. They both will go to Kentucky at some point."

Corrine and I walked into the Great Room... the Twins and Caroline, Cho, Graeme, Ting and Jian. Hugs and kisses for our new parents! Corrine introduced. She congratulated them on healthy babies who arrived quickly.

Ting and Jian took Caroline home. They are going back to the hospital after dinner, Caroline is too. That made her very happy. Hugs and kisses from us, our babies doing the same.

Corrine and I changed... drinks! I got my Campari and soda... a plump lemon peel twist!

I asked about Corrine's work... she is an intellectual property attorney in a firm at Brick Court in the Temple. I asked if she knew Jeremy... not personally but he has quite the reputation for success.

"We use him for many things... he is the one who made the M*********'s cut their losses and surrender The Sun and The Times to us." "Oh yes! His firm is on the top of a `best law firm' lists." "Cho has known him for some time... Jeremey's has been his UK law firm for..." I screwed my eyes thinking, "... Twenty years." "Results! You stay with the firm that produces. We have a good deal of work from authors and musicians. Our American collegial law firm burnt a few politicians when they tried to use our clients music for their events. They were all republicans." I said that doesn't surprise. Me, "Strange... if you want a certain sort of music to jump start an event why not pay properly. If you get a black eye later you look silly and weak plus other artists will be shy of you." Corrine, "Yes but you are a normal decent person who uses logic... something that is missing for many politicians." "Our news folks have proved that to be true. Talk about roasting politicians... they have done frequent ritual bonfires of republicans." We laughed.

Chani and Charlie took Corrine to their artwork. I parked beside Graeme.

I reminded him of our conversation about making a killing and gestured toward Corrine. Graeme smiled and nodded. "Gil gave me a contact at the Investment Bank... I spoke with them. I do have some capital to invest so they are working up something for me to see." "Good! You will be in safe hands. Our folks are simply the best!" "I really don't need a killing' just a steady return so there is money for the future." I made a baby rocking in my arms motion... a smile and a Yes.'

"So are there wedding plans?" "That is Corrine's department. I would imagine North Yorkshire sometime in summer." A shrug. I patted his shoulder. "Have you told her we played together as kids?" "Yes... it was quite the surprise. I did add you were just a little Martin' person then... she laughed." "I am still a Martin' person but I do not get to hear my name much."

I leaned back... a poke in the arm for Graeme... a very fake `OW!' "How did you two meet? A big bad Para and a successful London attorney?" "I was at regimental training thing at RAF Topcliffe... its about twenty miles from Moorland House. We had an officer's bash at the end using the RAF Officers Mess. Corrine's father is an old Para... First Gulf War veteran... a retired colonel and the Earl of Northmoor. He was invited, he came with his wife Adele and Corrine. There weren't many unattached women... Corrine danced a tune with me then we stayed together. Talking with the occasional spin on the dance floor. We connected."

Smiling I squeezed his arm.

"She was down visiting her family. As you say a successful London attorney... me the career Army man, a Para which her father approved of. I could see her mother approved of me also. Being a Scot was not a barrier." A huge grin on that handsome face. An elbow from me.

"We talked backgrounds... she had been in Fortrose as a teen... a guest at a nearby wedding party. Brasenose then Oxford Law. I said my cousin's niece is going up to Brasenose for the Michaelmas term. That got us to horses because of Sunny being known through Corrine's father's interest in all things on horses. I liked to ride another link... I said I rode at my cousin's country house.

We joined her parents at that point... Sunny's successes were recognised and a marvel for her age... the word prodigy used by Corrine's father. I said you... my cousin had gotten her started. Her father looking at me... he knew Lady Harcourt' is Sunny's sponsor... their faces... it dawned on them and I said Yes' you are my first cousin.

Well being a Para was quite an important touchstone for them but being closely related to the Marchioness Harcourt did me no harm. Not that they are even the least bit snobbish... quite the opposite but you are a celebrity, although you dislike that term, widely known for your multiple activities... AND importantly for them being a horsewoman." We laughed. "I'm glad to give you a leg up!" More laughing. Cho and Corrine back... our laughing... got them why. Corrine, a grin, "Father started to look at Graeme like a prize horse." Hard to stop laughing. "Father served in post-colonial Africa then soon after I was born he went to be the deputy military attaché in Washington, D.C. where I spent some years then father went off to war... my grandfather died not long after father was back, he became the earl and we moved home then he went off active service." "Interesting... I was born in Washington while my parents were working out of the embassy... working for MI6 undercover as diplomatic people." Big eyes... "Both?" "Yes, my mother was an agent too." We exchanged dates... our time in Washington overlapped. "Our parents must have known each other. I cannot ask mine they are both dead... since 2005." "I will ask mine."

Carter at the doors...

Mexican buffet! A very lovely set of aromas!"

Chani, "Carla does lots of buffets of food from around the world." Charlie, "It is always good fun."

The Twins got to choose their eats... Delphine and I did their plates. They got their Jarritos Limeades. Popa and Tha lifting them into their seats.

Corrine reading Ellie's cards... "You do go the whole way... these are amazing!" "We have friends and family around who do not often get to eat food from various cultures. Ellie does the cards... she's very talented. She does a great deal of our decorating for meals and many other specials tasks. She's wonderful at gift wrapping! Christmas is her specialty!"

At the table Chani on one side Corrine the other... The guys across from us. Graeme grinning... Corrine did a `Wot? Like a Yorkshire girl. "You like Mexican which is good... I do too and I know a good restaurant in London." Cho nudged Graeme... "Are you willing to share the name?" "Mama's on the Portobello Road... the lower end." Me, "I've seen it... its not far from The Company offices. I haven't eaten there." "The Company? You know them?" Cho being cute... "We have invested in them." "Cho!" Corrine looked at me... eyebrows up! "I ask because we did some work for The Company on protecting a methodology to transmit data... highly compressed data." Me, "Oh you mean the bus security cameras." Corinne looking at me again! I explained, "Well... I was part of the team that created that method... AND our investment... we hold the controlling interest in The Company." My finger aimed at Cho who was grinning, "... Cho is the Chairman of the board, I am the deputy chair and the senior DMD for The Company." Corrine's head shaking, "Wow! We won a good judgement for you." "You did indeed. Eric was especially pleased." "Yes... Eric was the fellow I worked with." "We are not around that much... it is one of our businesses that has especially talented leadership so we stand back. For some things I am more involved with The Company... such as the Traffic Control division. We are set to begin building a gigantic web of devices to monitor and control London's traffic. We have up and running a similar system in Seattle. It is comprehensive, dense and quite slick." We laughed. "You want to buy one?" Corrine laughing, "I am not in the market for one at the present time." Laughter. "We will be in Seattle in two months to inaugurate a new vehicle tunnel. The city loves the new control system. Mayor Khan paid Seattle a visit... he came away a believer. So our deal was signed." "You are involved in many things." Charlie, "Mama and Popa are the best!" Laughter. I thanked our son for his testimonial.

I went back for more Camarones and arroz. I was charged with with bringing a dessert for our daughter, "Mama, you pick it out." I brought a dish of vanilla flan with butterscotch sauce for Chani. She is clapping!

Corrine went back too. A taco with fish. "Are you all some type of vegetarians?" "We do not eat any kind of meat or fowl... we do eat eggs and dairy. Fish is a yes but not farm raised... too many chemicals in the food given them in the holding pens." "I am leaning that way. Our estate raises pigs and cows... here in my home I rarely cook meat." Graeme from across the table said Corrine is a good cook. She is smiling, "I can do some dishes quite well." "At our homes the cooking staff are free to cook whatever fits our requirements without my being involved except for special occasions."

Chani put in they like the buffets... lots of different things to choose from makes it interesting. An `air' fist bump from her brother for that.

I got some flan for me. A simple and tasty dessert.

Afters... espresso and Amaretto! Corrine joined in. A smile, "These are quite good together." "My favourite combination after dinner."

Chani and Charlie rubbing Jaidee who just every now and then gave a stretch as a show of life.

Graeme is encouraged to bring Corrine out to ride. She is looking like `Yes!' I said Graeme knows they can come whether we are here or not. "He and several Army friends have come out. One ended up being married to another friend of ours she met here. Desmond the editor in chief at the Sun." Corrine said she met him a few months ago at a party of mutual friends. "He seemed quite nice. A good conversationalist." "We were at school together for a few years... he was a year ahead. He does have a way with words."

Graeme said they would come down now that he and Corrine are official. Fine!

Corrine said she told Sunny earlier they could sit to talk about being a lawyer... Sunny would give her a call. Meet here maybe... Sunny is at a school friend's for an overnight.

Cho checking his iPhone as Graeme and I sat together. Corrine and Chani chatting... always make me feel happy seeing our babies being such excellent communicators.

"So you've met Corrine's family... yours?" "I want to plan a trip to Fortrose... we have to co-ordinate the days we can get free and the travel method." "Call Penn... have her get a Gulfstream for you... its only a forty minute flight to Inverness." A smile, "Thank you. You are always generous. A flight of yours would make it much easier and save travel time." A kiss for his cheek. "Also you can stay at MacQuarrie House if it helps accommodations... I can't see you two squeezing into your boyhood room." We laughed... Graeme squeezed my hand. "I will have Gil give Penn a heads up."

Cho smiling holding up his iPhone... snaps from Columbia University. Ah!... Our Fox News folks on stage receiving the Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Award... the Gold Baton for news excellence in the public service!! Serving the public is what our media do... it is exactly what we want them to do! Happy faces! Kent and Bill, Dorothy, Lorelei, Larry, Joseph and more... tuxedos and nice frocks!! Looking good!! They are all going to dinner after at 21... our treat!

Graeme getting the story. I said today in America is a big day for us getting awards. He is grinning as Cho told how many of our horses were nominated for Eclipse Awards. Corrine said her father will know. That ceremony is too late for us to find out tonight.

Corrine came up with me and the babies. They had hugged and kissed Popa and Graeme.

All snuggled in... final kisses. In the passage with Corrine... "You want a few of those?" "Yes! Two maybe three. My brother's and me are three, it fits quite well. I'm the youngest. Fortunately my brothers did not mind a kid sister hanging around a bit... they had their ways of ditching me when something really `boy' was happening." We laughed. "I am an only like Cho... we made our own things happen. I was not lonely... I had a very special horse named Gwen." I did not choke up... a catch in my throat though. Corrine sensed that... her arm through mine going downstairs. A squeeze.

We four sat talking about various things... our upcoming travel part of that. Graeme told Corrine of my offer of an aircraft to go to Inverness. "Fay! How wonderful of you two. I want to meet Graeme's people... " She squeezed his arm, "... when he speaks of them the love comes through." Graeme kissed her cheek.

Corrine got our morning arrangements... "Could I go out with you?" "I go out early..." "No matter I would like to ride." Okay... an appointment.

Jaidee well rubbed is asleep between Cho and I... soon to be moved. "Corrine is smart, good-looking and has a lively nature... She and Graeme do seem to mesh well." I kissed Cho over Jaidee... He said, "I agree. She also knows some about a soldier's life which should mean her eyes are open to the issues involved."

We got to share some newly arrived snaps of the new-borns! Quite cute babies. Both mom's doing well, no issues. They hoped to be home tomorrow afternoon.

Jaidee carried to his bed... I think he rather likes Cho doing that. My back warmed by Cho... sleep.

Corrine is directed by Carter to where I am making coffee and scones. A huge smile seeing buttery warm pastry! We nibbled walking down to the Stables. Corrine had a laugh at my `toll' for a horse.

Pamela ready, Gaby on Roland, Tara on Plotline and Gough for Corrine. She liked his `exotic' look. Down the lane to the Flats... warming everyone up to the tracks crossing. A full on gallop to the lock. Morning greetings for Rudyard and Roy... sounds like a fifties music duo! Or those icky animal trainers (or abusers if you will).

Over the Thames we passed the Masjid... quiet no one there yet. Corrine got we donated the land. Her head shaking.

Under the tracks then up into Lower Radley. Jerrold coming out his front door... briefcase in hand. He waved... we returned his `Good morning.'

A good fast run along the fields and through the wooded sections of our land to the Industrial Estate. The new yurts framework is being done... Corrine liked the way they looked.

Over to the lock, Lyle smiling, a fist bump. A quick introduction for Corrine. In Sandford it is too early for the Talking Shop to be open... I am reliably informed the house's stock of liquorice is very low... it will have to be another time for replenishment. Corrine laughing about that.

Mr. Hardy's head out... he is off to Scotland later for a few more book signing stops. I waved pointing to my wrist... laughter. "I've got it in my bag."

An introduction for Corrine.

We waved turning for the south end of Sandford. An older couple, the Davis' out for a morning walk said hellos... I leaned down to shake hands. Their neighbours had driven them up the our Open House we gave them a ride home. Corrine getting a few bits of our relationship to our neighbourhood.

The gate... the horses making noises... a surprise for Corrine. We are off. A ripping run on the river path... tearing along. Such fun for us all. We slowed at the Flats as the Stables are all awake and things beginning to happen.

In the Breakfast Room Corrine got to see Sunny again. She had been overnight at Kate's with a group... all part of her scheme to have more girls in their group who are younger so Maeve and Torri would not feel isolated for the summer and autumn terms.

Corrine knowing about Sunny and being a horsewoman herself made it quite easy for them to be comfortable. Sunny in practise clothes... working more today towards Gloucester.

Corrine leaning back on the banquette, "You have an easy way with your neighbours." "We do not want them feel separated just because of who we have become. We did not move here as a lord or lady... that just happened." "Well the locals like you." I smiled, "That is a bonus for us."

I had the Sun... there's a piece about the Eclipse Awards in the Sport section... `Harcourt Racing sweeps American Thoroughbred Awards again.' Toes Tapping is the American Horse of the Year!! She's also American filly three year old Horse of the Year!! SakChai is the older Dirt male Horse of the Year!! Aneka the Older Dirt Female Horse of the Year!! Rando is American Champion Male Turf Horse! Asda sire of the Year again! Marnie is the Jockey of the Year! Monaco the Trainer of the Year! Harcourt Racing the Stable of the Year! Cho and I as Harcourt Racing are the Owners of the Year! Cho and I are the Breeders of the Year! Looks a lot like last year with a few names rearranged.

I asked Gil to have a look for us so we could see some snaps. She pulled up Fox Sports... Our people there to collect the loot!! Snaps of the `rough' horse people in tuxedos, Marnie in a beautiful blue off the shoulder gown. She was throwing some flame with that frock!!

Corrine marvelling at our haul of prizes. "It is about the same as last year. Given our sires... we likely will keep getting a quite few awards each year for a while.

Cho came in with his iPad showing us more snaps from the ceremony. Very high resolution from Fox and Daily News Sports. Corrine and I admired Marnie's gown together. "Marnie won last year?" We told Corrine Marnie was also SakChai's jockey, he's the previous year Triple Crown winner. So Marnie has won twice, two consecutive racing seasons. "She has joined a very unique group of jockeys to have done that particular feat."

Gil with her iPhone... Keir Starmer. I took her iPhone moving towards the Great Room.

"Fay, we want to accept your generous offer of a boring machine for the Stonehenge road project. It needs to be done and your proposal fits perfectly. Thank you and Cho for offering." "Good! I will have Gil do an email to whomever on your staff should be the best contact... she will include the contact information for all of our people yours will need to connect with." Keir is happy. A festering sore to be dealt with. "Fay, the announcement... can you be there?" "Please decide on the date and let us know. One or the other of us will try to be there." Okay. He said it will be soon.

While I was out the Twins arrived. Sitting in their seats a full plate for each.

When I walked back into the Breakfast Room... Cho put his fork down looking at me... I told him what the decision is. Fist bump and a kiss! Graeme and Corrine staring... me taking calls from the Prime Minister!!

Me, "Its about Stonehenge. We offered a tunnel boring machine to go deeper and further than other proposals avoiding any part of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. The government has accepted our offer so Stonehenge will be safe." Graeme's smiling face, "You are just giving it to the Kingdom?" We said yes. I added it is officially a loan of the device for however long it takes. "We are also donating the concrete shell pieces to line the interior and the services of a tunnel expert."

Corrine's face a look of `wonder,' "You two are marvellous. Whatever is next?" Grinning, "We all have to keep some secrets." My eyes motioning to Corrine... Graeme nodding with a big smile. Corrine looking at us.... and Graeme. Graeme, "Remember you were my secret." Laughter.

We helped the babies down after breakfast they ran out calling to Tha and Delphine. Tha held back, "Save some time for this afternoon... piano." Okay! Fist bump!

I needed to do work... Corrine is getting a house tour from Audra. Graeme is borrowing a set of golf clubs. No room on his MG for them with their bags. The two men off to Oxford East.

Gil and Chelle with me.

Email... Claire had eight candidates for the new Great Britain Mirabelle production sites general manager position. We needed two... I replied for her to consider the runners up as choices for deputies.

She is doing advertising in many places for experienced seamstresses and forklift drivers for the East End plant. An employment firm in Manchester to managing that part of the hiring there. We hired one of Andrea's people, Kiki or more properly Kisandra, to be Claire's second staffer. She is doing the hiring for the East End staff.

I emailed Raphaela... I asked her to enquire with the deputy managers in Brooklyn and in Los Angeles about coming over to do training. Also ask Eugenie at Landy Costume about one of her supervisors who speaks English. I want these two locations to be up and running by summer before the wave of store openings hits.

Ting called... the ladies will be home this afternoon. "Please come visit! They should be settled in we hope by four o'clock." I said we would. He's happy!

Gil alerted PJ about the trip.

More work! I called Monaco to congratulate him on his Eclipse award. "Fay, I can see one more year like the last three before the fruit of Asda and Glaa in our competitors breeding reaches the track as two year olds." "Yes but we have a response... Glaa and Asda making more babies from our successful mares. We await Notre Noir's debut to see if Rebel will be a great sire or not. We will be staying ahead I think because Secret Royal will be ready." Monaco is very happy! "All our people love being rewarded so publically." I said a bit of stroking never goes amiss. A laugh from Monaco.

An email from Jackson... Fletcher, his son, is en route to Los Angeles. Good! He can see how his father is prospering, meet the `new' family. And check out Los Angeles! In my reply I asked Jackson to feel Fletcher out about working for us.

Corrine came into the Library. "Fay, Audra is a terrific guide. We stopped to see Charlie and Chani. They were playing the piano together. There are no pedals, which I would find odd. They don't miss them. Their being so young doesn't matter. I played a short piece from Schubert... the Moderato in C Major. They liked it. I got the impression Schubert's music will be played... I suggested Beethoven's Bagatelles." "Good idea! I want them to have variety and stay with smaller pieces for now."

The men back from Golf. They joined us for luncheon. Everyone knew we are going to see Dryden and Myles later in the afternoon.

We all went up to see the babies play the piano. They knew a second piano is on the way!

Charlie played Debussy's the "Jimbo's Lullaby" followed by Chani's "The Little Shepard." No music... done from memory!! It is quite the performance!! They understand how music works. Hugs and kisses.

They are cute thanking Corrine for her suggestions.

A guitar case... Delphine opened it... A Fender acoustic! Charlie and Chani clapping. Charlie, "Mama we are going to give it a start. Delphine got some music for us." I was clapping now.

Warm outer wear on... We mounted up for the drive to Culham Manor. Ting gave us the heads up everybody is ready.

Ting and Jian at the door... kisses! They know Graeme, they just met Corrine at ours. Ploy and Kha looking like they won the lottery!! Three grand children now!! Hugs for them. Corrine introduced.

Upstairs... to Catherine first... Myles is sweet looking, light brown hair, green eyes. Chani and Charlie gently touched a small cheek. An introduction for Corrine as Graeme's fiancé. Catherine is tired, ready to sleep after the move home. Kisses for her.

Andrea sitting up... a monster smile. Dryden's hair light brown also, Andrea's blue eyes!! The Twins softly spoke `hellos' to Dryden.

Both are so tiny in their bassinets... me remembering our babies that size. Corrine smiling holding Andrea's hand while being introduced. Kisses for Andrea. We didn't stay long.

Downstairs... Ting holding his parents. Big smiles. Tasa at Ploy's ankles... she knew things were happening. They will wait a day or so before letting Tasa meet the babies.

Their household all prepared for this. The staff very happy about the new little ones. Caroline is such a favourite, she will still get loads of attention. I sat with her in the Inglenook, "Aunt Fay, they are so small. I got to hold them with some help." "As they grow up both will look to you as their big sister to help them deal with the issues of growing up." "I want to help... I know it will be a while... I can hardly wait to talk with them." "It will come. You are growing up too... nursery school?" "I will start in the autumn down the High Street. I will be able to walk there and back with Gemma." "Good! You can come over to Harcourt House Nursery whenever you like." A hug and kiss.

Home for drinks. Our babies, the new babies, families... we talked until Carter is at the doors.

The Twins had gone down last night to speak to Carla asking for spaghetti and meatballs! We also got nice Tuscan loaves and butter. Bowls of Romano. Black and green Sicilian olives.

Corrine smiling watching the Twins twist their pasta. The Twins smiling between forkfuls.

Carter pouring the Trebbiano d'Abruzzo. We still had a some bottles... a trip to Italy is in the works so we could re-up the stock. Graeme smiling at the thought of going to where they make this deliciousness would be great. Cho said they could join us for that part of the trip if they had the time free. Corrine thought it a wonderful idea. We said the exact days have not been decided on so Gil would let them know as soon as possible.

The food and wine scrumptious! Everybody obviously enjoying. The Twins with big grins at the success of their dinner suggestion.

Dessert... no hints this time... something entirely new... Almond Semifreddo with Caramelized Apples. A combination of almond mousse and vanilla ice cream, not completely frozen... not too soft. The very sweet cooked apple pieces over it is the right touch! Spoons working hard on this. Carter said Sue made it... Sue did a bow at the door when we asked her to come up. Many thanks sent her way.

Walking into the Great Room with Corrine... "Fay, that was marvellous of you to have Sue come up for praise. A simple thing to do." "We believe in doing that here and all our houses. Also everywhere at all our businesses. As you said it is simple to reward good work with words. We pay attention to our employees." "I see why you two are successful."

Chelle sat beside me... I looked, her smile... terrific. "Fletcher is with Jackson and Tris. Her daughter Patty is there too." Good!

I explained to Corrine who they are... in doing so she got the story of the R&R Scheme which helped Fletcher get to Santa Monica from Newburgh at no cost. "So all employees are enrolled and can arrange a holiday to wherever there is a R&R location with free airplane rides and they only pay a discounted hotel rate?" "That is it for the basics... meals at the hotel if it has a restaurant are also discounted. Suntan lotion and souvenirs are their responsibility." A big grin on my face. Corrine laughed, "Sounds like working for you is a good thing." "There's more but the idea is simple... we pay people well, give them truly worthwhile benefits then ask for their best efforts in the job. It works like you cannot believe." "So that DuPont award is part of this?" "Yes! They work hard at their craft... the rewards of a different kind come! They get to wear a gown or tuxedo, free drinks then get to be on camera getting the gilt. A big buzz from being recognised by their peers as successful." Corrine laughing at my light-hearted exposition. "It translates to greater viewer and reader numbers which converts to ever higher advertising rates." Fist bump!

The babies upstairs tucked in... more afters for me. The four of us sitting talking... golf. Cho shot another 56 today. Graeme is going to Brussels for a meeting at NATO... he'll be gone three days. Yes he promised to bring back some Belgian chocolates for Corrine. Laughs.

Goodnights on the Landing.

My turn to get the icy cold water bottle après sex. Thirty plus minutes of quite delightful oral pleasuring for us both! I got the `cock' of my dreams!!

Cuddled, kissing! Grinning, "Should we have dog?" A nod. A kiss. We made space, the duvet smoothed out. The puppy on alert. I looked over to him... I did a come on head motion... WHOOSH!! We had dog! Rubbing Jaidee talking about different things. He and Charlie going racing, Chani and I going to Ireland. We'd meet in New York afterwards. The next outing for us.

Cho against my back... sleep.

Corrine with me in the Kitchen making coffee and scones. Jaidee face down in his crunchies. The walk down easy with Jaidee running ahead after hearing Thames bark a greeting.

We rode to Culham Manor. Tessa and Tara with us.

Corrine got we offered it to our friends so their babies could grow up in the country.

Ting at the door smiling, a hug, "They are awake, first nursing of the morning done." Caroline! A big hug for me and one for Corrine.

"Aunt Fay, thank you for the cupcakes. They hit the spot." Her tummy being rubbed. "You are welcome. I hope you saved a few for the grown-ups?' "Yes but it was a wrench." We laughed.

We went up... Catherine snuggled in with Jian, the basinet beside the bed. I leaned over to say hi to Myles. His eyes blinked then closed. A hug for Catherine. "Fay, I am good no problems." A thumbs up from Jian.

Down the passage to Andrea. She has Dryden in her arms. The nurse fixing the basinet. Then a transfer for the baby boy. Hugs and kisses passed around.

At the front door Ting got a hug. Kha and Ploy doing whatever the girls needed. The other pair of grandparents en route. Ting said an afternoon arrival. A kiss for his cheek.

We mounted... I took us out the back way going left at the river to the bridges. We crossed the Thames heading into Sutton Courtenay. Off the Appleford Road on All Saints Lane and turn to the church back gate. We tied our horses to the big shrubs and went through the gate. The churchyard is still... only a Nuthatch's... `Tew Tew Tew' to break the silence. Corrine with a wondering face as I lead us past the first yew trees. I stopped with my hand on the tombstone. Corrine at a loss... I said, "Eric Arthur Blair is George Orwell." "Oh my! Here? Why here?" I pointed to David Astor's grave behind it. "When Orwell died in London there were no plans for his burial... his friend Astor knew how much he loved the English countryside and he had a connection here. So it was arranged." Corrine asked what the roses were like on his grave. "They are blood red with a fine scent. I'll take you out to our Orwell Rose in the Gardens." Another look to me...

"Was he married?" "Yes. Eileen his first wife died near the end of the war during a surgery and is buried in Newcastle close to where she was born. Sonia, his second wife, is buried at Putney Vale Cemetery in London. His son, Richard, is still alive."

Tara pointed to the back of the stone... Corrine squatted down... looking up... "Fay, you do so many things! I love this... its marvellous people have contributed." I told her about the first sign... how it changed then the metal frame.

We turned to leave... Dr. Ryles came out... He bowed. We shook hands. I introduced Corrine. I did add Lady Corrine is my cousin's fiancé. Dr. Ryles congratulated her. We shook hands again and said goodbye.

Riding back... going at a moderate pace in the more crowded space aiming to cross the tracks on the opposite side of the Sci Ctr. Corrine, "I see what you mean you are known for riding about." "We gave money for All Saints' roof to be repaired and I come over every now and then when they have their coffee café and `Bring and Buy' sales days." "You don't worship?" "No. We both had religion as part of lives when we were young... neither of us have any feeling for it but we support those who do. We have given money to repair a number of churches... Church of England, Catholic, etc... We gave a donation towards the building of an extension to the Synagogue in Oxford. As you know we gave several acres of land for a local congregation to build their own Masjid. We are quite ecumenical." I was grinning. Corrine laughed.

"We see it as a building of communities which we hope will come together to create larger groupings that are people friendly and give succour in bad times for their members and others.

Our children will get to make their own decisions about religion. Unlike our parents generation and the ones before them..." My hand doing a wave thing, "... We don't want to force the Twins into anything besides basic good manners." Corrine laughed again. "Father and mother go to the local church, my brother's families go... infrequently. I stopped about ten years ago... the ideals... the tenets are laudable but the people saying them are far less fit to be upholding them to the point it diminished the faith for me. It does not work for me so many deeply flawed people to be administering the churches. I realise all people have flaws... paedophilia... Adultery... there are limits. I do believe in my own personal way..." I agreed maintaining a belief system can be done without priests.

Over the tracks I leaned over towards Corrine to stroke Gough's neck... "Time to run. Gough can keep up pretty well."

I asked Pamela... she wanted to run!! Away! Tessa on Roland are close, Tara on Plotline stayed with Corrine behind us. A lovely gallop to the Flats. Happy faces with red cheeks from the cold air.

Walking up to the house arm-in-arm with Corrine. A detour out to the west wall of the Garden. The black metal sign... "Fay, it was anonymous... so..." "I left a note for the sign maker at the cemetery. He contacted me and agreed to make this sign. He would accept no payment beyond his materials." A smile, "A true admirer... of Orwell I mean... not you shouldn't admired... its obvious you are admired..." I suggested she stop digging which has us laugh out loud.

We got food, our coffee and toast delivered.

Newspapers... The Times book section had a piece on Mr. Hardy in Scotland. His book signing in Edinburgh had long waiting lines... His volume is now the best selling history book in the UK and America. I pointed it out to Corrine. I gave her my story with Mr. Hardy... head shaking. "Fay, you saved him for a higher purpose... almost prescient." "No thought of anything other than being a human being."

Cho came to a hug and kiss. Cheek kiss for Corrine. I showed Cho the same Times piece... a smile. "When does his American trip start?" "He said end of February beginning of March. The weather should be warmer." "And Flix?" "I think she's in Chicago... onto Washington, D.C after that I believe. New York again afterwards."

More information for Corrine... another book author... this time less drama.

Graeme sat beside her... Corrine's head shaking. "Graeme, there doesn't seem to be any end of the things Fay and Cho get up to. Being kind to authors included." A big smile on Graeme's handsome face, "There isn't... whenever you think you might be caught up more comes along. Best to wait and see what comes." We laughed.

Graeme had read Mr. Hardy's book, "It is quite an achievement! Good scholarship combined with readable prose. Any academic can appreciate it as well as the average history reader." Fist bump!

The babies came running in as usual with Delphine in their wake. No stopping the Twins. Hugs and kisses spread around. Popa and Uncle Graeme got them in their seats. Delphine and I did plates. Fin delivered toast and Corrine got milk. Quite the catering team! We all laughed as the babies giggled at my feeble joke.

I went to work for a few hours. We will feed Graeme and Corrine... they will head up to London.

A call from Adam... "Fay, have you seen the Sunday Telegraph?" "No, we do not take the Telegraph... what's in it?" "They have a front page piece on your charitable contributions saying you donate less than what you say but claim the higher amount on your taxes. They are alleging millions of £'s of fraud." "Nice... do they name any sources?" "That is a point... it is all confidential sources, unnamed but quoted." I asked Gil for our accountant's contact details, "Send them to Adam, call and tell them what is up." "Adam, Gil is forwarding to you our accountants details, call them, we will give them a heads up. They will provide all you need in the way of documentation. You will be shown our tax filing portions on charitable donations for Great Britain, Thailand and America. Gil will send you all our list of donations for the last two years and contact details at each so yours can verify it. Cue Desmond and Rolf in. Pass it on to Sheldon at Fox News also to Angelo at SkyUK, Clement in New York, Corrie in Seattle and Marita in Los Angeles. Donovan in Chicago. Roger in Baltimore. You all can do your own investigation... we don't care because there is nothing to hide. What I want is for you all to bust the Telegraph's chops." Adam laughed, "We will gladly do so!" "I'll make some calls. I know its Sunday... " "Fay, why would these fools try this on?" "Well our reports show Press Holdings is a financial mess... they are looking at going into receivership or administration whatever the term used these days... very soon. This could be some sort of trick to make money to at least raise their appearances so they could liquidate at better terms. Who knows. Shoddy business people over there. Also they must be smarting from the kicks we gave them over the woman reporter who tried to crash our Open House." "Ah... you may have something there. We will find out what is going on. I will contact the others." We did goodbyes.

I called all the aforementioned folks to let them know what Adam and Gil will be doing. Sheldon at Fox News is already in his office... 0500 in New York! "Fay, we are already working on something which I will share. We had a heads up from a contact in London... before the story ran... a Telegraph employee... the unnamed sources are supposedly people in one of your bank's offices... BUT and it is a big BUT... our contact says the Telegraph management itself does not have any names. The info was passed on by a Press Holdings executive. Which is very squirrelly. That sounds like they may have created these `sources' from whole cloth." "Sheldon, do your work... find out what you can and run with it." "Fay, we will." "Adam will contact you with details about our tax filings. Gil is sending our donations list for everyone to cross check. Get on to Angelo at SkyUK to see if they have video on Press Holdings you might make use of." "Done!" I thanked him.

Gil and Chelle looking at me... "Fay, it sounds pretty foolish to me." I agreed with Gil. I told them the Telegraph has been going downhill for a while, readership and advertising space both falling, all of it related to its kissing the tories' backsides. Being the unofficial newspaper of record for the conservative party is a thankless job which they have done for decades often printing the lies they have been fed to their detriment and shame.

Gil got to work emailing our information around and sending email to our donation contacts to let them know they are free to speak to the press.

I walked out to talk to Cho. He is not pleased but laughed at my bust some chops' comment. "They will get the information to do it. It could get ugly for the Telegraph. It is not worth much these days... financially or ethically." A kiss. He is pleased with my asking for a full court press on them. I said we can sue if you want... "Sheldon says his insider' at Press Holdings told him they will not be able to defend their reporting because there is nothing to show the sources' exist. I asked about his person... he said the fellow is absolutely reliable... I further asked why so... Sheldon said it is his brother-in-law. His sister married an Englishman ten years back. He is upright, decent and ethical! Sheldon says fellow is solid." Cho succinctly said... Call Jeremy.'

In the Library I did just that. "Fay, I will be on it in the morning. We will have something by mid-day. I will be in touch with Adam and Desmond for the latest news." I thanked him.

Back to work after that amusing interlude. Miscellaneous bits from Gil and Chelle. Lots from the NewsGroup, some from 21st Century Fox.

Solar-To-Go added some.

Mirabelle new stores are on the way to being late spring and early summer openings.

Winged Flight production has begun in Bangkok and starting in Seattle in a week. Sumate has two pilots at each facility for systems and flight testing. A nice bit of news... several months ahead of schedule!!!!

Oliver's news from Virginia is linked to that... the titanium parts are shipping to Seattle and Bangkok in quantity!!! Full production is a go at both sites so the flow of Metal Specialities' parts quite important. His email telling me Benson is doing a terrific job leading the process with Simone and her computer skills. My thank you reply asked him to convey our thanks to his team.

Olaf's overnight email... they are ready to start Vanishing Sleeves production in Longview. I replied to please go ahead. We will be by to see the plant and take part in a small `opening' ceremony in the spring.

SurFoam's boss Albertina reported the plant in East Los Angeles is within two weeks of completion of the alterations. Materials are arriving. Payne is there every day supervising. Emilio has hired two shifts of workers, their training is moving along quickly. She said Emilio assured her the teams will be ready! More from Albertina's email. `Emilio is very pleased with the staff. Magenta did a terrific job finding folks for us. Emilio says they are smart and diligent.' In my reply I thanked her for that.

An email to Magenta with our thanks for her recruiting efforts.

Kavat's email said the Galaxy C5-CF has delivered a AW139 to Tehran for Lamai's travel between Tehran and Isfahan. Her travel time going from over five hours to 45 minutes The Cho-Fay Air team that rode along is now based at Mehrabad Airport to maintain it. They hired to two former Iranian Army helicopter mechanics to the staff... they are en route to Opa Locka for training on the returning C5-CF. The C5-CF's first operational flight! It gives us the lift necessary to be more productive. A new era beginning for us.

Kavat also added we have been doing `Angel Flight' passenger trips regularly for two years. No problems. We co-ordinate with the various Angel Flight groups across America... the West, Central, etc... All our aircraft are jets so the trips are much faster. We can carry a wider range of patients, they do not have to be ambulatory. Our aircraft have bathrooms and our cabin crew are accredited first aid providers. We have also had our cars do pickups and trips home. Kavat's email included a a forwarded email which is a huge thank you for a flight from Boise to Los Angeles for a young girl with heart problems. She got her surgery in time and is doing well!! I replied thanking him and our people for their hard work and generous natures.

Chelle had things from Apple and Starbucks. Nothing to do for Apple just information. A Starbucks Board of Directors meeting in Seattle when we are there. There will be some unhappy campers in that meeting after hearing from me!

Everyone gathered in the Great Room before luncheon... I had a small gift to give... to Gil! It is her three year anniversary with us. I had Asprey's make a script `G' in silver with diamonds.

I handed the gift to her with a kiss and thank you for her hard work and skilled management of many things. She loved the pin! A big hug and kiss for me and Cho! Chelle smiling taking Gil in her arms... kiss! The Twins clapping!

We had a good luncheon... Broccoli and Gruyère quiche, Caesar Salad with or without Anchovies. Little crispy rolls and our butter. Small bowls of olives.

After a brief sit in the Great Room we hugged and kissed Corrine and Graeme goodbye... She likes us... We like her. They will keep us informed about their wedding plans. Graeme had Penn's contact details so they can fix a day for a trip to Fortrose. We waved the little blue car down the drive. Cho leaning on me, "Graeme will likely have to get another car... a saloon." Eyebrows go up and down. We laughed. Likely.

Comment welcome: Abecker60@yahoo.co.uk