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Sorry folks but the next chapter will be the penultimate chapter.
I'm going to Spain tomorrow for a week so the next chapter will be a little late posting.
Enjoy.
Life's Illusions - Book Four - Chapter 44
The morning after Roslyn's visit to the Estate Office saw Dale making a visit to the house, for a chat with Roslyn and Cecile.
Sitting in their office within the house, Dale explained the reason for his visit.
"I've been thinking over what you said about recruiting a permanent team to conduct the tour business, and I have a proposal".
Roslyn and Cecile were all ears, they always were when Dale deemed it necessary to seek them out, it was usually a project he wanted their take on, and historically they'd never been disappointed.
"The big lawn at the side of the Winery, I want to build a dedicated Visitors Centre on it, I also want to ramp up the number of tours we accept, but I want the customer experience ramped up as well".
Overnight, Dale had put together a team to deal with the ever increasing number of tour bookings they were receiving.
Gina, at twenty two, had worked in the estate office for the last two years.
Remarkably, she'd been taken on as an Agency Temp, when they were between secretaries.
Within a couple of weeks she'd proved to be such an asset, Dale had offered her a permanent position.
In the two years since arriving, she'd risen to Office Manager, taking on a lot of the responsibilities which had been bogging Dale down.
She'd stepped in many times to conduct tours, when sheer volume had threatened to overwhelm Dale, which gave him confidence, she could do it easily.
She'd jumped at the offer of taking control of the tour business full time.
Roslyn agreed with Dale's plan to build a dedicated visitor space but, after receiving a nod from Cecile, which he'd seen, and wondered about, she surprised him.
"Before you decide on the scale of what you feel we need, or where to site it, there's something you need to know. What you're about to hear is still very much confidential, at this point only Piers and Milo are privileged to the information, because we trust Piers to advise us impartially on financial matters, you'll understand as I explain, but I need your word that you will not disclose any of what we discuss, until such time as it becomes public knowledge".
He nodded, saying.
"You have my word".
Roslyn looked at Cecile, receiving another nod, before carrying on.
"The Mulroney's have decided to retire, we've been in talks for almost two months about buying their Vineyards, no one else knows about this, they came directly to us, told us their dearest wish was for the Mulroney estate to be part of what they believed to be the most successful estate in the area".
Dale was silent for a while, it was certainly a shock to him, the Mulroney's had been producing harvests of exceptional quality on their estate for several generations, but Dale could understand why they wanted to sell up.
James (Jimmy) Mulroney had been one of Dale's closest friends, classmates through school and college, neither wanting to go to University, Dale had taken a two year apprenticeship working for Jimmy's parents on the Mulroney Estate, under the strict supervision of his own Dad, Jimmy had joined the army, and within two years, been killed in service overseas by an improvised explosive device.
He'd been the Mulroney's only child, they'd carried on, but everyone could see, the light had faded in their eyes after Jimmy's death.
Roslyn could see the differing emotions flicker across his face, she knew he'd been really close to Jimmy, even naming his own son after his late friend.
"You needed to know about this Dale, because you will be in overall charge of the combined companies, which will see a name change at the end of the current season, when, if everything goes to plan, we will become, Montclair-Thorn-Mulroney Estate".
Both Roslyn and Cecile could see the puzzled look, knowing what he was about to ask before he spoke.
"I don't understand, what do you mean by, 'in overall charge', how is it any different from now, except we'll be more than double the size?".
Roslyn's reply saw him completely stuck for words.
"To answer your question, I have to tell you about something else which has happened, or rather, is happening right now. The investment company that bought the Montclair Winery and Vineyards in Montclair France, have decided to offload them, because of a clause in the original settlement documents, we, the previous owners, have first option to acquire them back, we're exercising that option, Cecile and I will be moving back to Montclair for at least two years, until we have the French Operation back on track, so we need someone to run Montclair-Thorn-Mulroney, that someone is you".
Dale just sat there, completely speechless, so Roslyn continued.
"We have been a little hesitant, because we had to approach Fleur, to buy back some of the farm land we sold, we asked her to keep it a secret, though I will stress, she has no idea what plans we have for the land".
They could see his brain working overtime, when he actually spoke they both grinned.
"The estate office will be too small, so will the Winery, you bought that land to build new offices, and the current estate offices, along with the ground I'd earmarked for a visitor centre, will be needed to extend the Winery, wow, but what about my original proposal for a dedicated visitor centre?".
Cecile answered him.
"We knew you'd work it out as soon as we gave you the facts, but there's one other thing to settle, then we can get to the question of a visitor centre".
She nodded to Roslyn.
"We want you to run the entire operation here, but we're taking no chances of losing you, you've been a crucial element in the success of this operation, almost since day one, to that end, we have to be certain that you're fully invested in the success of Montclair-Thorn-Mulroney therefore, to both ensure your commitment, and equally, to reward your past hard work, we are making you a twenty five percent owning partner, so when it comes to building a visitor centre, or any other decisions, it's only a matter of running the plans past us at board meetings, if you want to do it, it's your decision Dale, with one exception, which I don't see you objecting to, we made a promise to Mrs Mulroney, not a single member of the Mulroney's work force is to lose their job, it's not written into the settlement documents, but we gave our word, so it's just as binding".
The farmland Fleur had bought, and built her home on, sat right between the Montclair-Thorn, and Mulroney estates, by purchasing back a section of the land, they would have a direct corridor linking the estates.
To say Dale was surprised would have probably been the under statement of all time, he'd sat for a quite a while, expressionless, just staring, before seemingly snapping out of the fog.
"I don't know what to say, except thank you, and give you my promise, I'll make you proud".
Roslyn was completely sincere in her answer.
"You can't make us proud Dale, you've already been doing that from day one, you've earned your position, it's why leaving you in charge has been one of the easiest decisions we've ever had to make, now go share your news with Fleur, but remember, for the moment, your Dad can't know, and take the full period of leave we discussed, you deserve it".
When he'd told Fleur, she'd screamed, hugged him in genuine congratulation, then burst out laughing, and he didn't understand why.
"You do understand the value of a twenty five percent stake in Montclair-Thorn don't you?".
He'd looked baffled, it wasn't something he'd given any thought too, but she'd continued.
"It's ironic really, all the difficulties we went through, they all trace back to one thing, my wealth, now suddenly you're a multi millionaire, it's as if fate is taking a hand, clearing away anything that could stop us from succeeding this time".
He'd just nodded, drawing her into a hug.
"I hope you're right Fleur, but it doesn't really matter, I don't have those insecurities any more, I realised a long time ago, thanks to Piers and Milo, material wealth isn't what's important, without you and the kids, I'd still be poor".
Fleur would later confide in Roslyn, that was the point where she was finally sure, they would make it work this time.
Their time on the Gold Coast with Piers and Milo had been the trigger they'd needed.
Spending days and evenings arm in arm, drawing closer each day until, on the fourth night they'd slept together, making slow sensual love, then spooning contentedly, experiencing what both described as the best sleep for years.
Arriving home little more than one week later, both were aware, their lives had changed, irrevocably, for the better.
It was late in the day, Dale had cooked dinner and they were relaxing in the garden, the kids were busy messaging friends, arranging meetings and catching up.
Fleur had asked him outright.
"Will you stay over?".
She'd been pleasantly surprised, his answer wasn't in the least hesitant, it was firm, confident.
"Yes, I'd like that, for the first time we'll go to bed and wake up as a real family".
For Jimmy, Franky, and Rosie, it had been a complete shock when their Daddy strolled into the breakfast room next morning, with all three mobbing him.
On the following morning, Wednesday, Fleur had experienced a feeling of dread.
She awoke to find Dale gone, the space next to her empty, but she was worrying unnecessarily.
She'd let out a sigh of relief at finding him in the kitchen, busily preparing the afternoon picnic basket he and Rosie enjoyed whilst waiting for the boys, it was Jimmy's match day.
In Sydney, Piers was waiting for Milo to call, he was due back from Christchurch later that afternoon.
JJ and Jem had surprised him, dropping down into seats beside him in the garden.
He'd got drinks for all of them before JJ had caused him to scream with joy.
"Jem asked me to marry him Piers".
Piers was bouncing around with excitement, until he realised, JJ hadn't said how he'd answered Jem.
"Well? ........... what did you say?".
JJ was grinning as he answered.
"What do you think, I said yes of course, and I told him it's about bloody time".
Piers had a sudden thought.
"Have you told Fleur?".
JJ seemed a little dejected when he replied.
"Yes, and at first she sounded genuinely pleased, but when I told her I was going to ask if we could hold the wedding ceremony at Montclair I got the impression there was something she wasn't saying, so I'm not sure if she's really pleased or not".
Piers excused himself, saying he was going to put some bubbly in to chill, but once inside the house, he dialled Roslyn.
He heard the call answer as he put several bottles in to chill.
"Ros, I need your permission to break silence, it's really important, JJ and Jem gave Fleur some pretty big news earlier today, but her response has left them thinking she's not happy for them, I promise I'll lock them down, but Fleur has to be free to talk openly with them".
Roslyn's reply was exactly as he'd expected.
Returning to the garden, he'd been just about to speak when his cell signalled Milo's incoming call, which he'd put on speaker.
"Hello love of my life, this is your lord and master, head of the household, reminding you I'll be home in about an hour, we're just starting our decent into Sydney, be naked on the bed when I arrive if you know what's good for you".
JJ and Jem were laughing along with Piers as he replied.
"That's funny, it sounds like my husband, but it can't be, everyone knows, he doesn't have the balls to try ordering me around, but I could ask the opinion of our guests JJ and Jem, who by the way, are listening on speaker".
They heard.
"Oh shit, Piers, if you didn't terrify me so much I could happily strangle you at times, hi guys, got to go, landing, and all that".
The line went dead as they laughed uproariously.
Piers now went back to their earlier conversation.
"What you said about Fleur, I'm going to call her, don't be surprised, there is something which she's not telling you, but not by choice, I can help with that".
He'd been dialling whilst taking, now he heard Fleur answer.
"Hi cus, I've got JJ and Jem here, I've heard their news, but your brother isn't certain you're completely happy, he feels you're holding something back, which of course you are, but I'm telling you now, with Roslyn's blessing, you can reveal all, I'll make sure they understand the need for secrecy after you guys finish talking, I'm going to hand you over to JJ now because, some strange individual who called to say he's master of the household should be arriving shortly, ........ yes, it's Milo being delusional again, bless him".
He handed his cell to JJ, just as Milo came through the gate from the driveway.
Piers walked over to greet him with a hug.
"How's my delusional husband?".
Milo chuckled.
"He's grounded now he's home, but tell me, why is JJ looking so engrossed on the phone?".
Piers didn't want to give anything away.
"He'll explain when he finishes talking to Fleur".
Piers and Milo sat chatting in the shade of the outside room whilst JJ and Jem finished their chat with Fleur.
JJ waved them over after closing Piers cell phone.
Milo hugged them both before sitting down.
"So what's all the mystery about guys?".
JJ grinned.
"We're getting married".
Milo was out of his seat, hugging them, before JJ even finished speaking.
When the congratulations were over Piers fetched a bottle of champagne and four glasses, whilst they were enjoying a celebratory drink JJ said.
"I get some of what Fleur said, but I have to admit, I don't get the whole picture, Ros and Cecile are going back to Montclair, why?, and I didn't understand why Fleur is feeling guilty for keeping secrets
Piers explained.
"For several months now, Roslyn and Cecile have been planning the purchase of a neighbouring estate to add to Montclair-Thorn, it will more than double their growing capacity, and obviously, their wine production, but until recently, they hadn't told anyone about their plans, and even now, it's important those plans stay secret, because of the number of employees involved. The estate they're intending to purchase is only separated from Montclair-Thorn by the farmland which they sold to Fleur several years ago however, as Fleur doesn't farm the land, she only uses a small portion of it for her crop experiments, Roslyn asked if they could buy back a section of the land, she didn't tell Fleur why they wanted it, and swore Fleur to secrecy over the deal, which didn't concern Fleur at the time. Had everything gone to plan, it would have been business as usual after the estates were merged, with the land purchased from Fleur providing a convenient corridor to connect the two estates".
Piers stopped for a drink, and to think, but JJ jumped in.
"I still don't understand".
Piers held his hand up.
"Hang in there, I'm doing my best. I said it should have been business as usual after the merger, and it would have been, if the Montclair Vinyards and Winery in France hadn't suddenly come back onto the market. That really sent Roslyn into a spin, when they sold Montclair, there was a condition built into the sale deeds, if the business ever came up for sale, Roslyn, Cecile, Pete, and Jaque, had a first purchase option".
As he paused this time JJ was nodding his head.
"I think I'm starting to see where this is going".
Piers carried on.
"Almost from the moment Jaque told Roslyn about Montclair being put up for sale, she and Cecile were determined to find a way to get it back, whilst still continuing with the expansion plans here at Montclair-Thorn, and they've solved that problem by making Dale a partner who will take charge whilst they return to France for a couple of years, but, in telling Dale of their plans, they had to tell him that Fleur sold them the land which was crucial in linking the two estates, months ago".
JJ jumped in again.
"Now I get it, Dale's being a dick, blaming Fleur for not telling him something she obviously didn't know, when will those two ever see sense?, how can they keep wasting time?, they've been in love for years".
Milo was grinning when he, not Piers answered JJ.
"You couldn't be further from the truth. Dale understands, Fleur had no idea what Roslyn and Cecile wanted the land for, he doesn't blame Fleur in the slightest, it's Fleur who's feeling guilty, without reason, but it's Fleur being Fleur, oh yes, there's one other thing you don't know, they're actually living together, as a couple, and if Fleur would just let this silly notion go, it would be a guaranteed success".
JJ and Jem were sitting open mouthed, until Jem spoke.
"I think it's time for you to give your sister a talking to, shall we pay them a surprise visit this weekend?".
JJ nodded.
"I think you're right my love, let's do that".
Then turning to Milo and Piers.
"In fact, how do you fancy coming with us?, if we leave late Friday afternoon we could be there in time for dinner.
Both were up for it, but said they'd have to see how the kids felt about it.
Discussing it over dinner that evening proved less than successful.
Baz and Jez didn't want to go, both had friends they wanted to spend time with over the weekend.
Pil, now fifteen and in his last year of school was undecided, but admitted, he'd rather stay home and write music.
Gracie on the other hand, was definitely good to go.
The weekend was a happy one with Roslyn and Cecile hosting a dinner party to celebrate JJ and Jem's news.
They'd tied down a date three months away for the wedding, which they hadn't had to ask if it could be at Montclair, Jaque and Pete had issued instructions, the wedding would take place in the gardens of Chateau Montclair, JJ's childhood home.
Baz and Jez had agreed to look after Pil whilst they were away however, no sooner than Piers, Milo, and Gracie had departed, both disappeared to the homes of their respective friends, in Baz's case his new girlfriend.
Pil was left alone all weekend, his only company, their housekeeper during the daytime, and in the evenings, their second driver, who'd only worked for them for a few months.
Piers was was not amused to arrive home Sunday afternoon, finding Pil alone.
It might have ended there, if it weren't for Milo overhearing a clearly amused Baz commenting to Jezz.
"At least he got the opportunity to shag his new boyfriend".
Milo had been behind them and went completely apeshit, frightening the life out of them.
"What the fuck did you mean by that?, go to the office now, I'll be there shortly".
He'd appeared in the lounge like an angry whirlwind, much to even Piers surprise, demanding Piers accompany him to the office, leaving a shocked and confused Pil with Gracie.
In the office Piers was surprised even further to find both Baz and Jez shaking like leaves, he'd asked what was going on.
Milo's response saw Piers expression change to one of fury.
"I overheard these two discussing how, leaving Pil alone for the weekend meant he had the opportunity to shag his new boyfriend, as Baz crudely put it".
Baz started to speak but didn't get far as Piers bark shut him down.
"Shut up, sit down both of you, I'm going to ask you something, and I expect the truth, don't dare lie to me, because right now you're skating on very thin ice, I don't think I need tell you how disappointed I am".
Both boys nodded dejectedly as Piers continued.
"Was leaving Pil alone for the weekend planned?".
Jez replied.
"No Poppa, it was a sort of misunderstanding, I thought Baz would be back both nights, but he thought the same thing, so when our friends families asked us to stay over, we each thought it would be okay because the other would be here with Pil".
Piers nodded, seeming to accept Jez's answer, and Baz started to give a sigh of relief, thinking Piers wasn't going to mention the sex angle, he should have known better.
"And who exactly is the person Pil is supposed to be having sex with?".
Neither boy answered him, choosing instead to stare directly at the floor, but Piers wasn't being put off, even Milo jumped when he next barked a question.
"I said who is it, now answer me".
Baz answered.
"Terry, the new driver, Pil's been flirting with him, he fancies him".
Milo now spoke angrily to them.
"You knew this and you didn't think it was important to mention it to us, and you still allowed them to spend time together unchaperoned?".
Baz's sarcastic reply only served to further infuriate Piers.
"Not deliberately, if you were listening Jez told you it was a misunderstanding".
Piers response confirmed his rising anger.
"Don't you dare get cocky boy, the law might deem you to be an adult, but you'd be wise to remember who you're talking to, now, if you can avoid the sarcasm, what makes you think your brother has actually had sex with Terry?".
With a completely red face Baz stuttered a reply.
"He err ..........., well ..........., it's just......, what he ............, err ....., he said, his err ....... his backdoor was sore from shagging".
Piers had clearly heard enough.
"Out, both of you, and if you have any sense you'll stay well out of my way".
Before either boy had chance to stand up, Piers was out of the office, calling to Pil.
"Pil, can Poppa Milo and I have a word please?, in the office".
Pil entered the office with Piers as Baz and Jezz exited, the glare Piers administered ensuring neither boy could give Pil any warning.
Once the door was shut Piers started talking.
"Pil, there's no delicate way to approach this, so I'm going to ask you straight out, have you been having sex with someone?".
Pil looked shocked but his response came immediately.
"No Poppa, why are you asking me that?".
Piers was sat next to him, and he put an arm around him.
"Because your brothers seem to believe you've had sex with Terry whilst we've been away this weekend, did you tell them your backside is sore from shagging?".
Pil was now blushing furiously, and his eyes were tearing up.
Piers squeezed him a little.
"Don't be upset, you understand we have to know what's going on".
Pil's reply was quiet, almost a whisper.
"I did tell them that, but I was only joking, they, and their friends keep taunting me, I really like Terry, I thought it might shut them up, but it's not true".
Piers hugged him tighter.
"And does Terry know that you like him?".
Pil was looking down as he answered, he was clearly embarrassed.
"Yes but he wouldn't do anything with me, he told me if I didn't stop flirting he'd have to refuse to have me in the car alone, please don't tell him what I said Poppa".
Piers could see, like him, Milo had visibly relaxed.
"Okay Pil, we believe you, but this flirting, it has to stop, it's putting Terry in a difficult position, and think before you say silly things in future, it could so easily have gotten Terry into a whole lot of trouble, you're a minor until your sixteenth birthday, no one can engage in sexual relations with you without laying themselves open to a prison sentence, and even then, someone like Terry who is charged with keeping you safe, caring for you, cannot enter into a sexual relationship with you before your eighteenth birthday, why don't you look up the laws on sexual consent here in NSW, none of it's straight forward, in fact it's quite complicated, but it's good to know".
Pil was now listening in fascination, but a thought occurred to him.
"Poppa, you haven't said anything about my liking a man".
Piers hugged him tighter as Milo answered.
"And why would he, that's not our choice to make, we are here to love you and keep you safe, whomever you eventually choose to share your life with will receive our blessing, so long as they treat you right".
Pil was almost crying.
"I was worried you wouldn't understand, wouldn't approve, I've known for a long time, I'm gay, I don't feel for girls like I do for guys, is that wrong?".
Piers was almost giggling as he answered.
"I love a man, and hopefully, he loves me, and always will, or hadn't you noticed?, you dummy, it's like your Poppa Milo just told you, we don't care who you choose, just so long as they love you and treat you right".
Pil's was actually crying now, but not from any sort of fright, it was sheer happiness.
When they went to bed that night, if anyone had been in Piers and Milo's bedroom they would have heard what had the makings of a fight, except, as the recipient of Milo's harsh words, Piers understood where he was coming from.
"You were too hard on them Piers, we both were, they're still boys, even though they're old enough to work, they're just brothers having fun with one another, they don't mean any harm, and the being away thing was a genuine mix up".
It was a simple statement, and it sent Piers from cool to boiling point in seconds, but Milo didn't say any more, and he didn't give Piers any chance to answer, he entered the bathroom, the shower cut off any further speech, so Piers had no option but to stew on those words.
Fortunately it had the desired effect.
When Piers didn't join him Milo took a longer than usual shower, hoping he wasn't right in thinking they were about to have an argument.
When he exited the bathroom Piers was already in bed, propped up, staring directly at him.
Milo stopped dead, expecting a tongue lashing, so he was completely surprised to hear.
"Come on slow coach, get in here and give me a cuddle, you were right, I was too harsh on them, we both were, I'll talk to them in the morning, but I need to know we're okay, are we?".
Milo threw the towel aside, jumping into bed naked.
"You better believe we are, I hate being at odds with you, it makes me feel sick to my stomach".
Piers reached down to grip Milo's throbbing erection.
"Yes but make up sex is a definite bonus".
And it was, both before they slept, and when they awoke next morning, meaning their entry into the breakfast room saw both with glowing faces.
Piers brought the subject up whilst they were eating.
"Baz, Jez, I'm sorry I was so hard on you yesterday, it was an overreaction, I know what happened was a sheer fluke, a mix up, and I understand the other business was just brothers having fun, so I apologise".
Jez got up and circled the table to where his Poppa Piers was sitting.
Putting his arms around Piers, he gave him a kiss on the cheek, saying.
"No apology necessary Poppa, we understand why you were worked up, and it's reassuring to know how much you care for all of us".
They all thought that was the end of it, until Pil spoke up.
"I'm going to publish an album in six months time, then start my first tour here in Oz, the Chicago cousins are onboard and TF Management are looking for a Manager to work with me".
No one around the table missed the hidden meaning in what he'd said.
He didn't want Baz as his Manager.
Those simple words had stung Baz like a slap to the face, he'd mumbled a congratulatory reply, before standing then walking away.
Jez had followed his brother, saying he needed to get ready for work.
When they were both out of earshot Milo asked.
"Did you do that intentionally Pil, hurt Baz I mean?".
Pil didn't answer, he was looking down at his empty plate, as if expecting something to magically appear.
Piers now asked.
"Your Poppa Milo asked a question Pil, and by your lack of an answer I take it the answer is yes, but I don't understand why".
Pil looked up at Piers.
"It's for the best, you all seem to think it's a brotherly love thing this constant ribbing, it's not, we used to be like the three musketeers, not anymore, they don't include me in anything, I wasn't surprised they weren't here with me whilst you were away, I think they're embarrassed by me, and I think Baz secretly regrets making that promise to manage me, so I've taken the decision out of his hands".
Milo and Piers were stunned, neither had seen that coming.
Pil left them, and they just sat there, completely speechless, staring at each other.
TBC Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.