The Great Race – Part 2
Sunday 30th October
2 pm
The Richmond Mansion
“It was very
good of you to invite us all to join you for lunch,” Donald said as they made
their way through to the front room of the house, “it was a lovely meal as
well.”
“All
compliments duly received,” Sandy said as she sat down, “but it was actually my
mother’s idea. I suspect she has words
of wisdom to impart.”
“Not this
time… Alright, I asked my daughter to
ask you all round so we can talk costumes for the Halloween party,” Vanessa
smiled as she looked round the crowded room. “Who is set, and who needs help or
suggestions?”
“We actually
have a cache of outfits that the family somehow accumulated over the years,”
Sandy spoke as she served everyone drinks.
“Suitable for
all ages, and all sizes,” Heather added.
“Including both
sexes?” Father Alex smiled as well, “I’m not sure I quite have the looks to
come in drag.”
“As my brother
said,” Vanessa laughed, “both genders as well.”
“Well I think
we adults are fine,” Agnes smiled, “but my daughters after hearing what some of
the other girls are wearing were making noises about trying to find something
else.”
“If they want
to look then I can show them,” young Sandy volunteered as she stood up.
“May we?” Miley
asked as she looked at Laura.
“If you wish darling,”
Donald sipped his drink as she heard Sands say “we’ll go and have a look in a little
while.”
“What about you
Francesca?” Vanessa asked as she looked over.
“I’ve actually
had something shipped over from my home in Rome for me and Carlotta Vanessa.”
“Something
special?” Sandy said as she leaned back.
“Ah - telling
would spoil the surprise.”
“Yes she won’t
even tell me,” Charlotte looked up from showing Laura her baby.
“And I have
absolutely no idea what they have planned for me to wear,” Piet grinned.
“How about you,
John, and Maisha Shirley?”
“John and I are
happy with what we’ve chosen,” Shirley said with a smile, “but Maisha, like the
girls, I think might like to have a look in case there is something she prefers
over what her mother picked for her.”
“Mum I’m happy
with whatever you give me,” Maisha blushed.
“Yes darling
but you know you are competing with the other teenage girls,” John smiled
indulgently, “looking to see if there is something you prefer can do no harm.”
Maisha shook
her head as she smiled and said “very well then, but it will have to be an extraordinary
costume for me to do that…”
“I did hear
that Cassandra is outfitting the Gaunts as well as your sister,” Shirley said
as she looked at Agnes.
“Sadly true – I
think they just could not make their mind up, so they entrusted it to the one
person who could probably surprise all of them.”
“Right then,”
Sands said as she stood up, “those who want to view the collection, come with
me…”
“It sounds as
if they are having fun,” Agnes said as she and Sandy walked up the stairs, “and
I have to say, to hear them both laugh after this summer…”
“How bad was
that day,” Sandy said as she looked at the redhead.
“Not quite the
worst day of my life, but it was close,” Agnes said as she looked sad for a
moment, “but, as I keep having to tell people and myself, that is in the past –
I need to look forward, not back.”
“So you will be
dressed as Mrs. Harker from the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen I’m told
Agnes?”
“I will be
Sandy,” Agnes smiled as she watched the girls pulling outfits out of the old
closet. “Donald will be Allan
Quartermain, Will as Dr Jekyll, and Charlie will be the Invisible Man.”
“And who gets
to be Nemo?”
“Archie,
believe it or not…”
Sandy laughed
as she said “well, getting back to you – a costume complete with vampire fangs?”
“Yes,” Agnes’s
smile turned to laughter, “and you know there was a time when people would have
thought me dressing as a blood sucking vampire was highly appropriate.”
“At least you
are able to laugh about it now,” Sandy said as they looked into the room. “So, have you found anything that you might
like to wear?”
“I wanted to
say, by the way, that we accept your invitation to your wedding,” Nessa said as
she sat with Shirley. “How are the
preparations going?”
“Well, now that
Alex has agreed to conduct the ceremony, John needs to sort out his
supporters,” Shirley said as she looked across the room.
“You know, this
is going to be an amazing party for all the age groups – and it is wonderful to
see everyone so relaxed.”
“I agree,”
Shirley said quietly, “especially given the journey some of us have taken over
the last year, and the freedom they have discovered.”
“What makes you
say that Shirley?”
“The simple
fact,” Shirley said as she leaned forward, “that both Francesca and Agnes put
themselves in prisons far worse than any human society can create, and it took
something akin to a miracle for both of them to be freed from those shackles.”
“But didn’t
Agnes go to prison for real?”
“She did, but
compared to the punishment she imposed on herself, three months in Holloway was
like a stay at a resort hotel.”
“I don’t
understand.”
“In places like
Italy and Britain,” Shirley said as she looked at Nessa, “they don’t torture
you in prisons, but in the prisons they devised for themselves in their minds
both of them tortured themselves remorselessly.”
“That’s
terrible Shirley.”
“I know,”
Madame shook her auburn hair as she sat back. “I had more than my own share of
problems, but while I hid myself away I never deliberately tried to hurt
myself, and I fought back against those who had hurt me…They didn’t.”
“They both
pronounced themselves guilty and sentenced themselves to a lifetime of
torment,” Alex Richmond said as he joined the conversation. “In her way my
sister did the same thing.”
“Deprived of
their families by what they both saw as bad decisions they had made, each found
a way to try fill the holes in their hearts. Francesca did it by sleeping with
virtually every man she met, while…”
“Mum did it by
giving everything she could to help children like us,” Laura spoke as she came
in.
“As you say
dear,” Shirley smiled, “Aggie found the way to stop her own hurt, at least a
little, was to give her life over to the one group of people who never
criticized her for being Lady D’eath, and who accepted her care and love
without condition.”
“London’s
homeless runaway children.”
“Exactly
Nessa...”
10 am PT
San
Francisco International Airport
“Enjoying your
freedom,” Vicky said to Allison as they each poured themselves a coke.
“So far – but I
bet Tommy has been put on watching me,” the older sister said as she looked
where her younger brothers were sitting.
“Don’t worry –
you’ll be among friends this week…”
“Are you sure
you should be paying for us to fly First Class Poppit," Dave said as he looked
round, feeling out of place in the lounge as they awaited their boarding call.
"I actually booked us to fly business class Pops, but the airline gave us
an upgrade when they recognized my name," Mary finished her coffee.
"And I don't mind having the extra leg room," Suzie said as she looked
up at the departure boards, "when you are as tall as me and Mary Pops,
that extra leg room really is a blessing."
"Well I understand that for you two,” Dave said as he put his cup down, “but
really to save money the rest of us could have flown economy."
"Pops I'm
as concerned about money as you are," Mary smiled, "but just for once
I think we can afford to splurge a little. From what everybody says this is
always a great party, so let’s all just relax and enjoy ourselves."
"Hear
hear," Trina smiled as she too finished her coffee, “and I agree with Mary
that extra leg room is a blessing for most models."
"Not to mention when you are as big as I am," Winston said as he sat
down, David and Sally joining the others, "and apologies for cutting it
fine."
"Jeans would kill us if you weren't there for this party," Suzie
laughed.
“I know – but
at least we’re heading over now. And
just remember – everyone else is coming the other way next week…”
5 pm
Park Avenue
As Anouska and
Selena walked into the lobby, the concierge looked up at them – the older woman
in a fur coat, a grey coat dress underneath with black boots, and the other
younger woman, in a red trouser suit with a white jumper underneath.
“Good
afternoon,” Selena said, “Madame Anouska Kalinikov to see Miss Xavier?”
The two of them
looked round the lobby as he checked his screen. “Ah yes – Miss Xavier is expecting you,” he
said with a smile, “please take the elevator to the penthouse – I will inform
her you are on your way up.”
“Thank you,”
Anouska said as they stepped into the elevator, waiting until the doors closed
before she said “why have we been asked to visit today?”
“We return to
the UK tomorrow, and I think Madame and others wish to speak to you first,”
Selena said as the doors opened, and they walked to the end of the
corridor. As Selena knocked on the door,
they both smiled as Shirley opened the door.
“Thank you both
for coming,” she said as she took their coats.
“Please, come into the drawing room.”
As they went
in, Anouska saw the redhead sitting there, a baby in her arms, and dropped to
one knee as she said “Little Mother – I see you are well.”
“We are – and
get up Anouska,” Charlotte said with a smile.
“This is not a formal meeting, but our way of saying thank you. Come – sit with me.”
As Anouska
walked over, Shirley indicated a seat for Selena, and sat herself down. “I know you leave tomorrow for London, and
then for you to return home Anouska, but we wanted to thank you for all you did
in the recent operation.”
“I serve the
Heart and the Strength,” Anouska said quietly, “although it will be sad to
leave.”
“Well, you take
all you have with you, and we have arranged a new home for you in your home
town,” Shirley said. “In return, we have
an assignment for you.”
“And that is?”
“Be our lead
representative in your homeland,” Charlotte said as she winded Frances. “More of your sisters are coming to us, and
we need someone to oversee their welfare.
I think you are well placed for this work.”
As Anouska
nodded, the door opened and Maisha came in.
“Anouska, my sister,” she said as she embraced her fellow teammate,
“would you come with me please? I wish
you to meet someone.”
“Of course,”
Anouska said as they left, while Shirley said “Serena, on your return…”
“So who is it
you wish me to meet,” the Ukranian woman said as they went into the kitchen.
“This woman –
Anouska, I would like you to meet Ama Jameson – The Heart.”
“I greet you as
a sister,” Ama said, taking Anouska by surprise as she hugged her, “come, sit,
let us talk…”
Monday 31st October
8 am
The Astoria-Waldorf
“Something
seems to have caught your eye,” Donald said as the family sat in the
restaurant, before he took a sip of his coffee.
"I can't
believe they make such a big thing out of Halloween Mum," Laura put the
newspaper down as she sat at the breakfast table, “there is half a page just
devoted to gossip as to who will be at the party tonight.”
"I'm not
so sure it's just about Halloween darling,” Aggie said as she shook her head, “given
who will be there, and how famous the groups parties are, I think it would
attract huge publicity on any day of the year."
"Is there
anything similar back home in London?" Miley asked.
"I can't
think of many private parties that would create this level of interest
darling," Agnes buttered her toast, "but yes there a few social
events on par."
"I'm just amazed that none of the people we know are even in the least bit
snobbish," Laura sipped her coffee.
"Well
that's because it's the type of group where what matters is who you are as a
person darling, and not how much money you have, or where you live."
"I know
Mom, the girls all have such interesting life stories."
"Well so
do you darling," Aggie smiled at her eldest daughter.
"I know,
most of them know what I used to have to do and they never say anything
bad," Laura looked serious.
"Well as
with Sue and I, they know you did to survive Laura darling."
"Talking of Aunt Sue," Miley asked as she wiped some jam from her
face, "when do she and Uncle Colin arrive?"
“They should be
here for two,” Donald said as Will and Mandy walked in. “We were just talking about the party tonight
– it does seem to have garnered a lot of interest in the press.”
“So what will
everybody eb doing today,” Laura said as she put her cup down.
“Well, most of
the girls will be at school,” Agnes said, “but those of us who have come
over? We’re going to go to have a walk
round Central Park…”
Noon
Park Avenue
As Shirley sat
in her den, reading through a report, she looked up to see John standing in the
doorway, looking at her.
“Something on
your mind,” she said with a smile as she closed the file she was reading.
“No, nothing in
particular – Maisha has gone to spend some time with Mandy and Aggie’s family,
and Olivia is taking her brood to the Metropolitan. Which leaves us alone in the apartment for a
little while.”
“Well, I
suppose it does,” Shirley said as she stood up and walked over to the doorway,
“and how do you propose we pass the time, hmm?”
“Oh I’m sure we
can think of a way…”
Central Park
“Well, this is
certainly a nice way to spend a couple of days away,” Sally said as she and
David walked arm in arm down the pathway.
“Yeah – it may
be cooler, but at least we’re together,” David said as he leaned over to kiss
his girlfriend.
“YEUCH!”
“You eon’t be
saying that soon,” David said as he looked back at Tommy and Bobby, the two
boys giggling as they walked behind them.
“You could have gone with your sisters you know.”
“NO WAY!” Tommy shook his head as he said “go to see
Mary and Suzie visit a college?”
“Well, it is
for a good reason…”
Cooper Ross
“It would
appear the rest of my family have descended on the city,” Blair van Roon said
as she looked at her phone. She was sitting
in the photographic studio, wearing a Cooper Ross hoodie and jeans, watching
Abby as she worked with the Clarke girls.
They were
wearing summer dresses, Allison and Vicky smiling as they sat on the stools,
Mary and Suzie behind them, as Abby checked the lighting and then adjusted the
screens.
“So how does
this help you out again Stick,” Mary asked as she watched Abby pick up her
camera.
“It’s part of
an assignment – produce a family shot that emphasises the idea of family – and
as your pop is busy, and the boys ran a mile, it’s you four,” Abby said with a
smile. “Right then – give me your best
smiles, and let’s see what we can do…”
“I hope I’m not
interrupting? I was told it would be all
right for me to come in.”
Blair turned
and looked at the burnette, before she said “it should be all right. You are?”
“Oh sorry – my
name’s Rhenia, I’m the office manager at NorStar,” she said as she held her
hand out. “I need a quick word with Abby
when she is done.”
1 pm
The De Ros Mansion
“Thank you
Edith,” Diana said, “you are going to visit your sister now?”
“Indeed, Madame
– will you be all right with the arrangements from here on in?”
“Don’t worry
Edith – I’ll help out,” Heather said, the housekeeper nodding as she left the
room while the four women started to eat.
“I’m glad
you’re looking back to normal Diana,” Juliette said as she cut into the
escalope, “and where have the others gone?”
“Alain is
treating Father and Valeria to lunch with him and Claude,” Diana said with a
smile, “they will return to France after the race, now that I have been given –
how do you say – the all clear?”
“Did I just
hear Diana, Countess de Ros, use an Americanism,” Heather said as she looked
round the table. Sandy and Juliette
looked at Diana, who wiped her lips and said “what?”
“I just think
you’ve started to unwind a little,” Juliette said quietly, “but does that mean
Miss Leopard does not want to come out and play?”
“I did not say
that,” Diana replied with a smile, “depending on what you are thinking of?”
“Well,”
Juliette said with a smile, “tell them, Heather?”
As she looked
round the table, Heather smiled and said “if I said we were going to hit another
casino, you would say?”
“Oh mon dieu,
not Atlantic City again…”
“No – the
Mississsippi Belle, which is going to be docked off Ellis Island for a week in
November…”
7.30 pm
The Rochermann Apartment
Ally made her
way down the staircase, smiling as she looked at the catering staff making the
final preparations. Her face was covered
in white make up, and she had a black and red harlequin costume on, a matching
hat on her head and a black diamond mask over her eyes. In her hand was a large baseball bat, “Hello
Pumpkin” written on it.
“Well now, do I
need to bust you already?”
“You could try,
Pops,” Ally said as she looked at Daniel in his Batman costume, “but my friends
may have something to say on the matter.”
Daniel smiled as
he looked to the staircase, watching as Nell and Kelly came down. Nell was wearing a green body stocking, vines
wrapped round it, and a red wig, while Kelly was in a black leather cat suit,
with thigh high boots and a mask over her head complete with cat ears.
“The Gotham
City Girls, eh? I’ll have my eye on you
all night…”
7.30 pm
The
Astoria-Waldorf
"Why are
there far more Sinners then Saints do you think Mom?" Miley asked as Agnes
inspected both her daughters.
"I don't have a clue darling," Agnes brushed some lint off her
daughters costume, "it's either just a fluke of coincidence, or something
genetic, but I can't tell you which, it's beyond my knowledge." She stepped back and looked at the girls – both
of them has decided to wear the costumes they had brought with them, Laura
dressed as Lara Croft, while Miley had chosen a costume that made her look like
an angel.
"Girls you
just witnessed a rare moment," Donald smiled as he adjusted his leather
waistcoat, "your Mother actually admitting she doesn't know
something."
"There is
a lot I don't know," Agnes too smiled as she checked her own appearance in
the mirror, "and I'm not egocentric enough to not admit that."
"Mum you
know more than anyone I ever met," Laura brushed something off Aggie's
deep maroon velvet, Victorian style dress, "and changing subjects, you
look amazing."
"Thank you
darling, and so do you."
"You know
Marianne I can't thank you enough for getting Peter and I invitations to this
party tonight," Alexandra Green-Hope said as she kissed her old friend on
the cheek.
"Well
Francesca helped as well."
"I know,
I'll have to thank her," Alex paused to inspect John and Marianne's
costumes, "I just hope mine and Peter's costumes are up to standard."
"Oh I
don't think you need worry," John smiled, "I think we all look pretty
good."
"That's
something I'll decide when I see what Francesca is wearing," Marianne
looked at herself in a mirror.
"Meaning
what?" Peter looked confused.
"Meaning
that my wife along with a lot of the women who will be at this party tonight
will judge themselves in comparison with the Marchesa," John smiled again.
"Damn
straight we will," Marianne smiled as well, "and we all know
beforehand that as good as we look, she will look much better."
"I
remember that about her from the old days in Pretoria," Alex said as she pulled
her gloves on, "all that stuff in the newspapers and magazines talking
about her amazing style."
"Yes," her husband nodded, "who'd of thought all that glamour
was hiding a spy?"
“Enough – final
checks,” they said as Marianne looked at John dressed as a Boer scout, Marianne
as Annie Oakley, and Alex and Peter as Nick and Nora Charles. “Let’s go…”
8 pm
The
Rochermann Apartment
“I see the
party has indeed started without us,” Alex said as he handed his coat to the
maid, then smiled as he saw Nessa coming in with David.
“Well, no
prizes for why you came dressed in that,” Nessa said as she saw Alex in his
college rugby kit.
“And why should
I not come as one of the Four,” Alex said with a smile, “and you appear to have
revisited our past as well. The red wig
suggests our esteemed great grandmother, true?”
“True,” Nessa
said as she twirled round in her silver flapper dress. “We appear to have a good turnout so far,
Kelly.”
“And you David
– who have you come as?”
“Babe Ruth, of
course,” David said as he looked round.
“I must say, we have a good selection of costumes here.”
“Indeed –
although…” Kelly suddenly looked at the
latest arrivals.
“Oh my Goddess
those are MAGNIFICENT!" Alex Richmond shook his head as Francesca and
Charlotte made their entrance.
"And they
are authentic as well," Piet said as she shook his head.
"They are?" Kelly asked disbelievingly.
"They are
indeed," Francesca smiled, "this dress was one actually worn by
Caterina Sforza..."
"The She
Wolf herself?"
"Yes,"
Charlotte laughed, "while mine was worn by my ancestor Francesca, Marchesa
di Sentova..."
"The
Marchesa who defended Sentua against Cesare Borgia," Shirley shook her
head.
"You know
a little of our family history," Francesca smiled again. "These
dresses hang in my little family museum in Rome normally, but I thought for an
occasion like tonight..."
"You'd
blow us all out of the room and wear them," Alex shook his head again.
"So is
your outfit authentic Piet?" Heather asked, "you all look as though
you stepped out of a Renaissance picture."
"No this
is a copy," the big man laughed, "but I think I can pass just about
as Cesare Borgia."
“I’m glad we
decided to come as a family group,” Sands said as the came into the apartment.
"Indeed –
and just for once we aren't the first to arrive," Curt looked round as he
took Jo's coat off her.
"Not by a
long shot it seems." Heather said as she passed her wrap to the maid.
"I'm glad
we made up a party for this," George Graham helped Orlagh out of her coat.
"Well
Mother came with David and Uncle Alex, not us," Sandy smiled happily.
"And Katy
is coming with her family," young George looked round to see if his
girlfriend had arrived yet.
"But the
rest of us can come as one big family," Sands looked to see if Holly had
arrived yet.
"There are
some amazing outfits here already," Jo said as she looked round as well. Sandy was wearing a nineteen twenties white
dress, while Heather wore a blue jump suit, the legs tucked into white
boots. Jo was wearing a matching outfit
in red and black, while Sands was wearing a tennis outfit, her hair under a
short black wig.
“Billie Jean
King?”
“Got it in one
Bestie,” Sands said as she hugged Katy.
“What about you?”
“Well, if Mom
and Uncle Adam can go Wild West, so can I – as Annie Oakley…”
“Is that a hint
of jealousy in your voice,” Juliette said as she stood with Tonia and Roy.
“Well, I still
say it’s very unfair," Tonia shook her head, "how can we mere
Americans compete with European aristocrats who own actual costumes worn by
historical figures?”
"We can't," Roy laughed as he handed his wife a glass of champagne,
"we can however just relax and enjoy the show.
"I'm don't
feel outshone," Juliette sipped her drink.
"Nor
should you Ju," Mary Thomas inspected her old friend, "coming as your
Aunt Jane was an inspired choice."
"Well I
had this old evening dress of hers, and writing this book has proved to me at
least that she was a genuine heroine, and with Sandy coming as her Great Aunt
Annabelle, it just seemed right."
"I'm very
much looking forward to reading it," Roy smiled.
"But again
Ju, you had access to something wonderfully historic," Tonia complained.
“True –
but… Oh come on, only you would do this
Pru?”
“Do what,
Pelican darling?”
“Come as
Barbarella…”
“Oh come on,
what else was she going to do,” Jerry said with a smile as he stood in an old
lab coat, Pru smiling in her silver bikini and high boots.
"Now is
Francesca here as a heroine or a villain?" Claire Morse asked as she
looked across the room.
"Oh most
definitely as a villain," Carina looked across the room at the sumptuously
dressed Marchesa. She had come dressed
as a New York cop, while Annie was wearing a running outfit.
"Caterina Sforza was a true product of her times," Alexander spoke as
he loooked over, "there were many Italian princes and nobles who were just
as amoral as she was..."
"But she
is better remembered because she was a woman, and women weren't, and aren't
supposed to act that way...Are we?" Carina interrupted.
"As you
say, women are held to different standards," Alex nodded.
"A fact
that we are all too well aware of in our family," Ingrid spoke, "the
notoriety of both Birgitte von Furstenheim and the Blood Princess is I'm sure
boosted by the fact of their gender."
"Well from
what I know of the crimes of both I might slightly disagree," Alex smiled,
"but yes I agree in part you do have an argument."
"That all
got very serious, rather quickly," Claire sipped her champagne, "all
from a little question about Francesca's costume."
"I know
and I apologise Claire," Alex lightly chuckled. "The theme for
tonight does though focus one’s mind on the blurred lines often between who is
a hero and who is a villain."
Carina said
nothing, as she sipped her drink and looked round the room. She could tell a few tales, if they really
wanted to know…
“By the way,
how is the election looking?”
“As far as Tom
goes, he thinks he’ll be returned. Our
fear is the main event – he has a horrible feeling that e-mail thing may be the
last straw for Hilary…”
"You know
House you almost sound like him as well," Tony McNally said as he stood
chatting with Abby, Jeannie, and Winston.
"His voice
isn't quite as deep as James Earl Jones," Jeans said as she looked up
happily at her man, in her white dress, "but it's not bad."
"I'm trying," Winston laughed as he took the black helmet off.
"And
succeeding," Abigail said with a smile as she passed him a drink,
"you and Jeans together look incredible."
"Wait till
you see some of the others in their Star Wars outfits," Jeannie sipped her
champagne.
“such as?”
“Well, the
Burton’s for one,” Jeannie said as Erica came in with her mother, both of them
wearing Padma dresses…
“Wow – this is
amazing,” Mel said as she rubbed her arm.
“It is,” Poppy
said as she joined Erica and Mel, wearing a Roman dress. Mel, by contrast, was in a white lab coat and
a blue blouse with a string tie.
“Doc Brown?”
“Just a little
bit…”
“Never fear,
the Heroes are here!”
The room turned
and applauded as Cassandra and her family came in, dressed as The Incredibles,
while behind them two Scooby Gangs appeared, Mary and Vicky playing Daphne
while Suzie and Allison were Velma, then Dave as Fred and Tommy and Bobby as
Shaggy.
“Any mysteries
to solve,” David said as he looked round, wearing a moose costume while Sally
giggled in her racoon suit..
“Just the
snacks,” the younger boys said as they went to the buffet…
“All right, go
have fun,” Mary said, “and Allison…”
“I know, I
know,” Allison said as she went off.
"Not
drinking tonight Bobs?" Judy McNally asked as she noticed her friend
drinking soda.
"I've had
a slightly upset stomach, I thought it was maybe best I stuck to something like
this," Bobbi said quietly, hoping she sounded convincing.
"Well you are missing out on some wonderful champagne."
"I know,
but what is best, especially at the moment,” Bobbi said quietly, “drinking and
then throwing up over this costume, or abstaining?"
"You have
a point Bobbi," David Fitzstuart said as he put his arm round Judy.
"She's looking after herself," Simon quickly smiled at his girlfriend
as he said “and I’m joining her in the purgatory as well…”
“Must be true
love,” David said as he shook his head, “to join her in that.”
“What is,” Tony
said as he came over with Abby.
“Having soft
drinks with Bobbi because she has an upset stomach.”
Tony looked at
Simon, who just shook his head and smiled…
"Did Mary
read you the riot act like my Mom did to me?" Capricorn whispered to
Allison Clarke.
"Yeah,”
Allison said as she fiddled with her glasses, “I think if I even look at boys
tonight, I'm in trouble."
"Tell me about it – Mom has made her views VERY clear on the subject."
"It's so
unfair," Allison watched as Richard, in costume as William Tell, kissed
Miley on the cheek. "All we did was play a little game to stop getting
bored at the race."
"Anyone would think we raped him from all the fuss," Capricorn
giggled.
"I
know."
“So who are
those kids anyway?”
“The British
contingent I think – want to go talk to them?”
“All right then
– what say we go and…”
“And what?”
“Oh come on
Suzie,” Allison said in an exasperated voice as she turned round, “don’t tell
me you are going to play hardball as well.”
“When it comes
to the lads from Britain, yes,” Suzie said quietly, “see the two girls there
with the redhead?”
As Allison and
Capricorn nodded, Suzie said “that’s Laura and Miley McAdam – their foster
mother is the redhead, Agnes McAdam. I
do not want you doing anything that might upset them – got it?”
"Well I warned her, she's on her best behavior or else," Cassandra
spoke quietly to Dave Clarke.
"And Mary
did the same," Dave looked at the two young girls laughing and giggling,
"but why do I think we are still going to need eyes in the backs of our
heads to watch out for them?"
"I
know," Cassie sighed, "I know they see what their slightly older
friends do and want to do the same things, but I wish they had waited a year or
two more before becoming sexually active."
“That much is
true – but we can only try…”
"Oh that
takes me back a few years," Mary Thomas shook her head, "Seeing young
Mick and the others dressed as The Who."
She looked over to where Billy Fitzstuart, Charlie and Mick Treharran,
and Richard Babbage were standing talking to some of the girls.
"Did you
know them when they looked like that Mary?" Harriet asked.
"No that's
a sixties look,” Mary said with a smile, “I knew Pete, Roger and the others in
the seventies."
"When they
weren't still Mods?"
"Yes. Actually, fun fact – look in the commune
scenes in Tommy – you may recognise me and Fiona in the background…"
"I wonder
what made them choose those costumes?" Sarah asked as she stood with them.
"That I
know the answer to," Grace smiled as she arrived with a tray of food.
"Roger Daltrey is an old friend of the Treharran family, and Olivia told
me that it was he who largely inspired Mick to try a career in music."
"Ah that
explains it," Sarah took a bite.
"So do you
think we will see more people coming as music industry heroes Mary?"
"I'm not
sure Harriet, I'm not sure," Mary smiled to herself, “but if you will
excuse me, I need to see a man about a song.”
“What’s she up
to now,” Harriet said as Mary walked over and whispered into Kelly’s ear, the
hostess raising an eyebrow before she nodded.
"Can you
even speculate what it might cost to photograph all of them?" Adam Cabot asked
as he stood chatting with Gio, while they watched the large group of models
gather round Grace.
"More than
any magazine I ever worked for would ever pay mate." Gio smiled as he sipped
from his glass.
"Wot are they talkin' 'bout anyway?" Kerry asked.
"The
arrangements for Fiona's funeral and memorial service darlings," Kylie
drawled slowly, "Grace Brand just got back from Scotland."
"Gotcha,"
Gio looked saddened.
"Are you
going?" Adam asked.
"To the
service at St Paul's? Yeah I am...You?"
"Probably,
I think much of the fashion industry is going to try and be there."
“So we’re clear
girls,” Grace said as she looked at the group, “unless you are specifically
asked, come to the service at St Paul’s, and if you want to say something, or
have a message, pass it through Mary.”
“How’s the
tribute issue coming along,” Christine asked.
“Mary has got
some amazing things together, but you’re better asking him – excuse me, someone
I need to catch,” Grace said as she walked away, the tight black skirt moving
with her bottom as she walked to where Juliette was standing.
“Grace – how
are you feeling,” Juliette said as she came over.
“Tired – look,
got a minute?”
“Of course –
what’s up?”
“You’re one of
the people who need to come to a meeting the morning of the memorial service –
I’ll let you have the details be letter,” Grace said quietly as Juliette
nodded.
"What was
I saying about needing to see Francesca first?" Marianne shook her head as
she looked over.
"That
dress is truly magnificent," Shirley looked across the room at the
Marchesa.
"Agreed,"
the South African lady sighed, "anyway Shirley Xavier please meet
Alexandra Green-Hope."
"It's a pleasure
to meet you," Shirley shook hands.
"Alex is a
very old friend from Pretoria."
"Oh do you
know the Marchesa as well from there?"
"Not
really,” Alex said with a smile, “we might have met at a couple of parties, but
neither of us can really remember if we did."
"Okay, I
just wondered," Shirley wondered why Alex's eyes had suddenly, and very
briefly darted back and forth. Hadn't she once been told that was a sign
someone was telling a lie?
“Eleanor, come,
join us.”
“Of course,”
Eleanor said as she walked over in her dress uniform. “Another friend, Marianne?”
“Yeah –
Alexandra Hope-Green, this is Eleanor Ball, a fellow South African. Eleanor is one of the New York sinners.”
“Have we met
before,” Alex said as she and Eleanor shook hands.
“I’m not sure –
South Africa is not a country I can say I have visited,” Eleanor said with a
smile as Marianne looked at her. “Excuse
me – I need to go and talk to some others.”
As she walked
over, Caroline watched in her Valkyrie outfit, and then she looked at
Shirley. Eleanor had recognised the
other woman – why?
As Rachel McNally
looked round the room, she smiled and admired the costumes – and then she
noticed Tamsin, standing quietly, wearing a grey cardigan and skirt with a blue
blouse, her hair under a grey wig, glasses perched on her nose.
“Who has she
come as,” she asked Paula Gaunt as she passed in her Irish rugby shirt.
“Go and ask
her,” Paula said with a smile, as she looked at Rachel and George dressed in
Revolutionary War outfits. The couple
nodded as she walked over, and said “Who are you dressed as Tamsin?”
“My personal
heroine Rachel,” Tamsin said with a smile.
“And who is
that?” George asked with a smile.
“My sister
Agnes,” Tamsin said quietly, and with more than a hint of emotion in her voice.
“Your
sister? I don’t understand – I mean, I
know she’s a big brain, but…”
“Well, it may
have taken me a long time to see it,” Tamsin said quietly, “but if the
definition of a hero is someone who does everything for others, and not think
of themselves, then she fits the bill.”
Rachel and
George sat down with Tamsin as she said “you know our father died when Agnes
was starting her degree in London, and I was at Benenden. Well, what neither of us knew was just how
much our father had built up in debts after our mother died – but Agnes found
out when she talked to our family lawyers.
At the same time, our beloved Inland Revenue slapped a huge bill on us
for death duties – Inheritance taxes and other things.”
“Is that why
she did what she did?”
Tamsin nodded
as she took a sip from her glass. “Once
she had paid off those bastards at the Treasury for inheritance taxes, and also
started to pay off my Fathers huge gambling debts, she knew she needed to do
something fairly desperate to keep us afloat financially. So she looked for a job – and the rest, as
they say, is history.”
“Why didn’t she
just economize?”
“Because of
me,” Tamsin choked back a tear. “I asked her just that question when I went to
see her for the first time in all those years before we all went to the
birthday party in France.”
“And what was
her answer?”
“That it
wouldn’t have been fair otherwise,” Tam tried to smile. “She wanted me to have
everything she had, so that I was the same as her – and in doing so, my sister
ruined her own life to give me all the advantages that she had had.”
“Oh my
God…really?”
“She sacrificed
so much just for me,” Tam took a sip of drink to steady herself as she realised
others had joined them.
“Well I for one
can see why you came dressed as her,” Pussy van Roon said quietly. “I may jest and jibe with Liz, but I’d like
to think I would do anything if she needed my help.
“In a world
where too often we look out just for ourselves ,it’s nice to remember there are
people like Agnes still,” Frieda spoke softly as well.
“And we aren’t
even touching on her work with young homeless people,” Margaret Harker added. “I mean, look at her girls – they are so
happy with her in their lives as their mother now.”
“Anyway that’s
why after much thought I decided to come tonight as Aggie,” Tamsin took another
sip of drink, “She’s a real life heroine.”
“Is your mum
all right,” Erica said as she and Simon stood with Kit. She was in a 17th century man’s
outfit, as the original Red Hand.
“Mum?” Kit looked over and nodded. “She’s fine, just thanking the lord we’re a
family again…”
"Something
isn't quite ringing true," Judy whispered to herself as she watched Bobbi
talking to Carina and Ingrid, "since when does anything, even a stomach
upset, ever prevent Bobbi from being the life and soul of the party?"
"Penny for
them," she suddenly heard an English voice.
"What?"
Judy suddenly looked round and saw David, Jack, and Pepsi looking at her.
"You
looked like you were a million miles away," Pepsi sipped her champagne.
"Did
I?" Judy looked over as she said “I
guess I was…”
"You did," David smiled, "so what was so distracting?"
"Oh
nothing really," Judy smiled back and took a little drink from her glass.
"So it
wasn't anything my parents said?" Jack asked.
"No...Why?"
Jude looked puzzled, "why might Will and Mandy have said something?"
"Well not
necessarily Dad," David glanced at his parents dancing, "but my
Mother keeps mentioning that now Jack and Peps are engaged, are we going to
announce an engagement as well?"
“Oh – that…”
"She asked
me about it."
David and Judy
looked at their friend, before David said "And what did you tell her
Peps?"
"That I
had no clue what you were thinking, and that short of you getting pregnant
there was no way I thought it would happen before you both graduate from
Yale."
"I
agreed," Jack smiled this time, "I told Mum that you were safely on
the pill and that she'd have to wait for both me and David to get married.”
"I think
we all saw how giving birth to Judith changed Carina's life," Judy took
another sip, "I think all of us are determined that we won't get pregnant
before at least we finish school."
Suddenly, she held her glass in mid-air, and then slowly turned to look
at Bobbi again.
“Jude? You’ve gone into your own little world
again?”
“Sorry,” Judy
said quietly, “I just realised something…”
“Your highness
– I am so glad you and your friends were able to come,” Kelly said as she
greeted the three African women.
“Well, it was
good of you to allow Charlotte to extend the invitation to us,” Itzy said as
they stood in their Charlie’s Angels outfits.
“We have a meeting tomorrow for the charity she runs, so she felt we
could blend in here.”
“Well, you know
most of the others, so please feel free to circulate, I just need to check if
our entertainment has arrived,” Kelly said as she walked off, Liz and Itzy
trunign and looking at Karen.
“Okay, I know
that look – what is troubling you,” Liz said quietly as Karen Kumalo looked
round the room.
“There are
tensions in this room that even I am having trouble comprehending,” Karen said
as she took a sip of her wine, “and that isn’t something that happens very
often.”
“There are?”
Liz looked round before she said, “virtually everybody seems to be totally
enjoying themselves. It’s what Poison would call ‘a bonzer pissup’.”
“Yes it is,”
Karen said quietly, “but I can sense undercurrents and I think that before this
night is over secrets will emerge, and lives will be changed.”
“Umlimo, I know
better than to challenge your powers,” Itsy whispered, “but are you sure?”
“I am Leader,”
the voice of the Umlimo came out of Karen’s mouth, “we all need be both on our
guard, and prepared to help.”
“Well, this is
a nice surprise.”
The three girls
turned to see Agnes in her red dress. “I
heard you might drop in – let me walk you round…”
“Hey,” Judy said
as she walked up to Bobbi, “I hear you’re unwell?”
“Just a stomach
upset, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone,” Bobbi said as she looked
round, then was surprised as Judy walked her into a corner.
“All right,
Bestie,” she said quietly, “we need to talk.”
“About
what? You’re voting for Dad aren’t you?”
“Not that,”
Judy whispered, “is there something you want to tell me about you and Simon?”
She saw Bobbi
blush slightly, as she whispered “oh my god – you’re not are you?”
“Yeah – but please,
don’t say anything to anyone else. Apart
from Cari and Annie, only the family know – and Becky is on a very short leash
for this one…”
“Got it – but
what are you going to do?”
“Plan – very
carefully…”
“So how is life
in the web offices,” Marina said as she stood with Janine and Alexis.
“It’s a new
challenge – and just what I needed,” Janine said with a smile, “how’s Trace
working out Alexis.”
“I’m not sure
if I was like her when I first started, but she seems to be doing fine – gotta
say, I wasn’t expecting to get an invite here tonight.”
“I think
Juliette swung it – anyway, got some news for you girls.”
“Oh – and that
is?”
“Henri has
asked me to marry him,” Janine smiled as she dropped the words into the
conversation.
“WHAT?” Marina
practically choked herself.
“He’s asked me
to marry him,” the Californian smiled.
“And your
answer was?”
“What do you
think?” Janine laughed, “I said yes of course.”
“Oh
CONGRATULATIONS!” Marina said as she threw her arms round her friend.
“Thank you,”
Janine smiled again.
“Hey you
aren’t?.”
“No I’m not
knocked up Marina.”
“Whose
preggers?” Sami asked as she arrived with her daughter and a tray of food.
“No one,”
Marina laughed as well, “Henri asked Janine to marry him, and in a break from
Sinnerz tradition she’s not got a baby growing.”
“Oh huge
congrats darling,” Kylie kissed her friend.
“Another wedding to look forward to – any idea on dates yet?”
“No rush – and
Henri has to do something first instead…”
“Tell me that
again, Papa,” Jeanne said as she stood with Henri.
“I have asked
Janine to marry me, and she has accepted – so, my child, your mother is going
to be younger than you are.”
Janine just
stood still for a moment, before a grin grew on her face.
“We obviously
missed something,” Adam said as he and Jan saw her embrace her father. “Wonder what…”
“Alright how
did anyone talk Ed into putting on a costume and come to another New York
society party?” Veronica asked Eleanor as they saw the Admiral in a Roman
Gladiator costume.
“That I don’t
know,” Eleanor looked at the Admiral standing chatting with Tom Morse, “and it
certainly wasn’t me he asked to get him an invitation.”
“I thought our
operation up here was being wound down?”
“So did I,”
Eleanor tried to think, “with the election so close I thought it had been
agreed we ceased and desisted.”
“Except someone
forgot to tell the FBI,” Veronica shook her head, “that revelation about them
still looking at Mrs. Clinton might just cost the election.”
“It might,”
Eleanor sighed. “We are living in
strange times V, strange times…”
“John – a
word,” Alex said as she dragged him into a corner.
“You look like
a woman with a mission – go on,” he said with a smile.
“Okay John why
are there several faces here of people who I know just what they do, and who
know just who me and my husband are?” Alex whispered urgently.
“Are there?”
John said with an amused smile.
“Yes, and you
bloody damn well know there are John.
Heads current and past of UK, US, Italian and other agencies – and one
or two others I suspect.”
“Okay,” John
laughed, “certain people here may, or may not, have ties into the intelligence
game. However as far as I’m aware no body is here in their official capacity,
and truthfully I can tell you to relax and enjoy the party.”
“I hope so,”
Alex whispered quietly, “I hope so…”
In another
corner, the Juniors of St Angela’s Academy for Young Ladies had a serious
matter to discuss…
“You seem
distracted Becs?” Nikki asked as she looked at Rebecca Morse, “anything wrong?
Have you go this same stomach complaint as Bobbi?”
“NO!” for a
second Rebecca giggled as she blushed and realised how loud she had shouted.
“And what
caused that reaction?” Doc looked quizzical.
Rebecca looked innocently at her and said “What reaction?”
“That very
un-you giggle when Nik asked if you had a stomach problem. Velly Interestink…”
“Your entire
family is acting just a trifle strange,” Ama commented.
“As are the
Leventhal’s,” Pepsi added.
“Which makes me
for one very suspicious,” Doc said as she looked straight at her friend.
“Indeed,
something is going on and you are keeping secrets from your best friends,” Ama said
quietly as she sipped her lemonade, looking at Bobbi and Simon.
“And I thought
we’d promised not to do that?” Jeannie asked as Kylie pushed her over to join
the conversation. “So come on, Ms Morse
– tell all…”
“Look it’s a
family thing and I’m sworn to secrecy,” Rebecca sighed as she rolled her eyes,
“but I’m busting to tell someone…”
“No those you
keep secret,” Ama suddenly looked very serious as she spoke, “even we don’t
need to know that kind of thing…it will come out when others need to know.”
“When others?”
Doc turned and looked at her black friend, “you’ve worked it out haven’t you?”
“Yes,” Ama
laughed, “and unlike Becca I find it easy keeping important secrets.”
“You know Ama
Jameson you can be an enigmatic bitch,” Doc looked intently in her friend’s
face for clues.
“That may be,
but I think Kylie knows a secret she can now tell us,” Ama smiled as she looked
to where people were congratulating Henri and Janine.
“I do indeed
darlings,” Kylie sipped her champagne, “Henri and Janine are getting married.”
“They
ARE?”
“Indeed –
another cause for celebration…”
“What is the
main difference between a rhinoceros and a lawyer like you?” Mercy Kinman asked
Sigi.
“Not a clue,”
the German woman eventually said after she thought for a few seconds.
“You charge
more,” Roy Razinski laughed as he got in the punch line before Mercy could.
“Uggghhh that’s
worse than the jokes my children tell,” Sigi laughed as she shook her head.
“Well if I’m
being honest Letty told it to me,” Mercy laughed as well.
“One of the
guys on our trading desks told me,” Roy said with a smile as he topped up the
ladies glasses with champagne.
“So what is
happening now?” Sigi asked as Mary started to help a couple of the others clear
a space round the piano.
“Ladies and
Gentlemen,” Daniel Rochermann said as he stood by the piano, “as you know, part
of our parties is always the best we can find in entertainment – and I want to
thank Tom and Claire for calling in a small favour with the man we have asked
to entertain you tonight. Ladies and
Gentlemen, for one night and unplugged – Billy Joel.”
“Oh my GOD,”
Mick Harran said as the man sat at the piano, smiled and then started to play
the intro to New York State of Mind, “someone find Nessa, we need to meet this
man…”
"So are
all the bedrooms safely locked Kelly?" Liz asked as she and Tonia stood
with their old friend watching the partygoers circulating round the downstairs
area.
"Yes, and I've checked them recently to make sure."
"So no
repeats of last year then?"
"I hope
not Ton," Kelly looked heavenwards, "God I hope not."
"It helps
that Caroline this year only brought one date..."
"And that my girls at least to have settled down Liz," Kelly
interrupted.
"They may
have," Tonia smiled, "but have you noticed the abundance of potential
replacements for the New York Sluts darling?"
"I have,
and I'm thankful at least they aren't my daughters," Kelly looked at
Capricorn and Allison.
“You mean the
young West Coasters? Someone said they
did a stadium visit of their own with one boy – only to be caught out.”
“At their age?”
Kelly nodded as
Tonia let out a soft whistle. “Well,
maybe Ally and Nell should talk to them…”
“Okay you two –
spill.”
The two
California girls turned round to see Katy and Sands standing behind them.
“Spill? But we’d have to clear the drinks up…”
“That’s not
what we meant,” Sands laughed. “Did you
or did you not get a certain young man bound and gagged at the race a few weeks
ago?”
“Oh – that,”
Allison said quietly, “did your grandmother tell you?”
“She had other
things on her mind,” Katy grinned, “but we heard about it after. I mean, we can’t judge, but – how bad is it?”
“It was amazing,”
Capricorn grinned, “but my mother and her sister… They’re behind us now, aren’t they?”
Sands nodded as
she looked at Cassandra and Mary, the other two nodding as they walked off and
the adults looked at Sands and Katy.
“Like I said –
we can’t judge,” Katy said as they went in the other direction, Cassie saying
“now what did they mean by that?”
"Okay with
the Breeders Cup approaching fast why for once aren't all the men clustered
together talking racing?"
"Because,
darling, several wives I think laid down the law that tonight at least all
thoughts of the coming race should be banished," Nessa relied as she smiled
at Paulie.
"Oh - is
that how April has got Grant dancing?"
"So I heard," Vanessa smiled again, "and look even George has
relaxed enough to dance." She
smiled as she saw the bearded Englishman twirl Maddie across the floor.
"Miracles do happen," Paulie laughed.
"It seems
so."
"What was
it I saw you discussing so intently with Gio darling?"
"Oh we
were setting a date for him to photograph me and the girls for the cover of our
Nessa and the Monsters album."
"I'd
forgotten about that, how has it gone?"
"Well we
are pretty happy with it, and so is the record company. I got Mick to listen to
a rough copy and he liked it."
"So
another hit record Nessa darling?'
“Possibly –
Mick, what has got you excited?”
“Have you not
heard the pianist, Nessa?” He stopped as
Nessa listened for a moment, and then whispered “No…”
“Yes – come on,
I’ve got an idea…”
“Well, this is
a meeting of minds,” Ed Preminger said as he joined Francesca and Eleanor. “I must say, it is a most unusual gathering.”
“And your
presence makes it unusual,” Eleanor whispered quietly, “just tell me we’re not
getting into another melee…”
“No, no – I’m
taking the opportunity to convey quiet thanks to others who have helped, as
well as yourselves, and assure you every scrap of information you have given us
will be used – one way or another.”
“So we did some
good.”
“Ultimately,
Admiral, you did – our fear now is it may be too little too late. Only time will…” Ed looked across the room, and whispered
quietly, “am I seeing things, or is that Alexandra and Peter Green-Hope over
there?”
“It is indeed –
they are old friends of John and Marianne Vosloo,” Francesca said with a smile,
as Eleanor looked at her. “I was not
aware you knew them?”
“Peter more
than her – for obvious reasons – but I do need to have a word with them. If you will excuse me ladies…”
As he walked
across the room, Eleanor turned and whispered to Francesca “I know you’re not
going to confirm or deny, but the way you are watching over her – she was one
of yours, wasn’t she?”
“You’re right,
I can’t,” Francesca said quietly.
“Is Roberta
feeling all right,” Juliette said as she stood with Claire, “she doesn’t seem
to be completely enjoying herself.”
“It’s just an
upset stomach,” Claire said quietly as Yvonne came to join them, “she should be
all right come the morning.”
“Claire, I know
you’re a politician’s wife – and Yvonne is the wife of a very well respected
banker – but I have to say, neither of you make very good liars.” Both women looked at Juliette as she
continued “how far on is she?”
“We’re… We’re not certain, but please, Ju, keep it
quiet for a little while,” Claire whispered, “this will sound awful, but we
need to keep it quiet for a few more weeks.”
“Oh don’t worry
– but congratulations – and welcome to the Grandmother branch of the
Sinners. Nessa will collect dues from
you later…”
"So are
there any current members of the diet coke club here tonight?" Gale
Callaghan asked a group of her friends.
"If that
is a way of enquiring if anyone has any news about babies on the way
darling," Mandy drawled, "then I have to plead ignorance, I've been
too busy helping with the arrangements regarding the funeral and memorial
service to have even heard a fraction of the current gossip."
"She can
give you chapter and verse though regarding my Marigold's current pregnancy
though," Will laughed.
"Who is
Marigold?" Denice knitted her brow, "is she one of the European
Sinners?"
"No
darling, merely one of my husband’s favourite sows," Mandy sighed as she rolled
her eyes, "and yes I know far too much about Marigold and her current
pregnancy."
"It's the perils of you being a farmer’s wife Tufty," Alice sipped
some champagne. “The real question is,
are you going to be involved in the happy event?”
“Not if I can
help it,” Mandy laughed as she sipped from her glass…
“Ray, do you
have a moment for a quick word?”
“If this is
anything to do with racing or cars, Jerry,” Ray said as he stood with Jerry
Levine.
“Neither – over
here,” Jerry said as he pointed to a quiet corner, Ray raising an eyebrow as
they walked over together.
“Okay – what’s
the problem,” Ray said quietly as they stood there.
“I had a call
from a – representative of a well know local financier,” Jerry said quietly,
“and no – not him.”
“But by the
look on your face, someone equally repugnant?”
Jerry nodded as
he said “Mister Epstein wanted to do some business with our brokerage – I
politely declined, but they may try you next.”
“And I would
refuse as well,” Ray said quietly. “When
that Ukrainian gangster was killed a few months ago, and there were those
arrests for trafficking, I was amazed his name did not appear on the list?”
“Knowing him,
he was, and he slipped through the net – again,” Jerry said as he looked at
Pru, who was laughing as she talked to some of the other models. “But – well, I have another reason to be more
careful about that sort of thing now.”
“Oh? And that is – OH! Are congratulations in order?”
Jerry merely
nodded as he said “Pru will let the others know in good time…”
As they talked,
Karen Kumalo quietly slipped away from where she had been sitting, heading to
talk to Liz and Itzy…
"Enjoying
yourselves girls?" Donald said as he sat down on a couch next to his
daughters.
"Immensely,"
Laura smiled. “This has to be the most
amazing party we’ve been to yet.”
"Then how come you aren't dancing?"
"We are having a pit stop, as the American girls call it," Miley
laughed as Sean and Richard fought their way through the throng carrying drinks
and food.
"Ah," Donald smiled as well as they came over.
"Even we
can't dance all night without refueling Dad," Miley said with a smile as
she took a glass of coke from Richard.
"Well as long as you are having a good time darling."
"And
before you ask Dad, this is a non alcoholic cider," Laura pointed to her drink,
"I'll have my second glass of champagne that you and Mummy said I could
have later."
"Did I
just overhear Laura refer to you as Mummy sister dear?" Tamsin enquired as
she and Charlie Winmouth stood chatting with Agnes and several other friends.
"You might
have," Agnes looked happy, "one side effect of my adopting them seems
to be they are acquiring by osmosis a different accent and language..."
"Or in
other words they are starting to sound posh," Kay Cornwall laughed.
"It's what happened to me at Oxford when I started hanging out with you
and Sherry Aggie. I somehow lost any
trace of Norfolk in my voice."
"Well
Colin says he occasionally likes too hear moi old accent com out," Sue
giggled as she spoke.
"I think
most of us learn to use the language in different ways according to where we
are, and what the situation is," Charlie looked serious, "I know for
one when I'm with the lads I try and speak in a way they will understand
me."
"I think
most officers do that nowadays Charlie," John Hammond looked serious for a
second, "the old ideas of the remote gentleman office don't work
today...even in the Grenadiers."
“By the way,
before I forget Agnes, we need to have a chat when we get back to the UK about
something,” Sue said as she sipped her drink.
“Oh – what
about?”
“My benefits
over the next few months…”
Tamsin looked
at Sue, and said quietly “no – don’t tell me…”
“All right,”
Sue laughed as Agnes hugged her, “I won’t…”
"So Mrs
Babbage I know your husband is a police officer, what do you do?" Peter
Hope asked as he made small talk.
"Nothing
exciting I can assure you," the Englishwoman replied as she nibbled on a
canapé, "I'm a full-time mother and housewife, and please call me
Sherry."
"She's not
quite telling you the truth Peter," Kay Cornwall laughed gently.
"How
so?"
"My dear
old friend has a little hobby, she creates fiendishly difficult crossword
puzzles for the newspapers."
"You
do?" the South African looked and sounded interested.
"Yes, but
those are my recreation, not work really." Sherry blushed slightly.
"Well I
can think of worse things to do in your spare time," Peter paused for a
second and wondered to himself whether such an obviously intelligent woman who
was friendly with a very senior British Intelligence officer maybe also had
another role in life.
“Well, this is
a gathering of minds.”
Peter looked at
the teenager that had joined them, as he said “I’m sorry – are you the daughter
of one of the others here?”
Kay and Sherry
looked at each other as the young woman stood, wearing a black catsuit with cat
ears on her head, before she said “allow me to introduce myself – I am the
Baroness Sigrid van Manschenn. And you
are?”
“Very
embarrassed,” Peter said as the other two women shook their heads, “Peter Hope. I am a friend of the Vosloo’s.”
“Ah – our
growing African branch,” Sigi said with a smile. “May I borrow these two for a few minutes…”
“Good evening,
Admiral.”
Ed Preminger
smiled as he saw Liz and Itzy standing next to him.
“Your Highness
– and Thinker, or would you prefer Liz here?”
“Liz would be
fine,” the dark skinned woman said with a smile, “we wanted to thank you for
the information forwarded to the Sisters.
Be assured we are taking an interest.”
“I thought you
might be – for whatever reason, we cannot move on the situation here, but we
knew it would be of interest to you.”
“Indeed,” Itzy
said softly, “be assured, we are watching him and others, and if we see true
evidence, we will move…”
"So is
there any truth in the rumours that Mrs May might go for a quick election to
give herself a bigger majority, and a fresh mandate, for Brexit Colin?"
Tom Morse asked, "and be assured, I'm asking completely off the
record."
Colin looked at Tom for a few minutes, obviously choosing his words
carefully. "You might be better off
asking Dame Margaret Congressman, she's far higher placed then I am," the
Englishman eventually replied slowly.
"Well on that I'd certainly disagree," Tom smiled, "party
staffers like yourself tend to know these things long before the elected
politicians do."
"It's why
I frequently ask junior officers and enlisted personnel what is going on
really," Ed Preminger looked thoughtful as he joined them, "they tend
to be far better informed. Forgive me –
I could not help but overhear the question."
"Well in
this case Admiral,” Colin said as he sipped his drink, “all I can say is that
there are office rumours, but how real the stories are I have no way of
knowing."
"Especially as Colin has been working hard on behalf of my little
sub-committee preparing a paper on child abuse for internal discussion,"
Margaret said as she sipped her drink, "he's worked hard."
"Knowing a little of your wife's like story, I can understand that,"
Ed nodded.
"I just wish I could talk my party into taking it seriously, our election
platform was very week on the subject.
But the PM’s focus seems to be entirely on Brexit, and trying to get it
through with minimal interference."
“You mean she
wishes to keep it away from your parliament?”
“She can try,”
Margaret said with a smile, “but I assure you, she will not succeed. We tend to be very protective of the role of
the Commons in this sort of decision making…”
"Kylie can
I make arrangements for you to come and see me this week please?" Shirley
asked as she walked over to where the young blonde was sitting with her
friends.
"Certainly
Mad... " the young woman paused, "I mean certainly Shirley."
"Good,
shall we say Tuesday evening?"
"I think I
can make that darling, is this something I should worry about?" Kylie
discreetly scratched her nose.
"No, I
just have finally made up my mind which of your ideas for my wedding dress I
like most and I want to talk to you about it."
"Aha,"
Kylie relaxed. “In that case, I will be
more than happy to discuss with you…”
"So will
you wear white for your wedding Janine?" Penny asked.
"I refuse
to answer that on the grounds it might incriminate me," the Californian
laughed, "and besides I know already that Sandy Richmond has started a
book on wedding dresses for upcoming nuptials, so I'm not giving out inside
information."
"Spoilsport,"
Penny laughed gently. “I know Shirley is
talking to Kylie, but she is not thinking white.”
"I know one wedding dress that no one will bet on Penny," Susan said
as she looked across the room, "everyone agrees that Agnes has both the
right to, and will, wear white."
"That's a
certainty," Penny said with a smile.
“Ladies and
Gentlemen,” Nessa said as a crowd gathered round the piano, “with the kind
permission of our musician for the night, Mick and I are going to try something
as an acapella. If you are both ready?”
“Let us begin,”
Billy said as he stood up and started to clock his fingers, all three starting
as they harmonized.
Woah, oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Woah, oh, oh
For the longest
Mick then nodded as he sang
If you said goodbye to me tonight
There would still be music left to write
What else could I do
I'm so inspired by you
That hasn't happened for the longest time
Nessa smiled as she took over.
Once I thought my innocence was gone
Now I know that happiness goes on
That's where you found me
When you put your arms around me
I haven't been there for the longest time
All three then
joined in
Woah, oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Woah, oh, oh
For the longest
Before Billy Joel sang
I'm that voice you're hearing in the
hall
And the greatest miracle of all
Is how I need you
And how you needed me too
That hasn't happened for the longest time
Maybe this won't last very long
But you feel so right
And I could be wrong
Maybe I've been hoping too hard
But I've gone this far
And it's more than I hoped for
Who knows how much further we'll go on
Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone
I'll take my chances
I forgot how nice romance is
I haven't been there for the longest time
Mick then sang as he took over
I had second thoughts at the start
I said to myself
Hold on to your heart
Now I know the woman that you are
You're wonderful so far
And it's more than I hoped for
Before Nessa
continued
I don't care what consequence it brings
I have been a fool for lesser things
I want you so bad
I think you ought to know
That I intend to hold you for the longest time
The crowd
clapped and cheered as they continued to harmonize on the closing lines.
Woah, oh, oh, oh
For the longest time
Woah, oh, oh
For the longest time
Woah, oh, oh
For the longest time
Woah, oh, oh
For the longest time
Woah, oh, oh
For the longest time...
“Have you seen
the latest report,” Maddie said as she stood with some of the others, “the
‘pussygrab’ tape?”
“Don’t remind
me,” Emma said as she stood with Cassandra, “that should have killed his
chances off – and instead, they’re claiming it is just locker room banter?”
“What amazes
me,” Cassie said, “is that he is getting away with it. What is wrong with people?”
“I have a
theory,” Rick said quietly, “he is sinking to the lowest common denominator,
and people therefore think of him as one of them – and it seems to be
working….”
"Well
Cherie I'm hearing a lot of rumours and gossip mainly centring on the topics of
weddings and babies," Diana said with a smile as she stood talking with
Juliette, "life seems to be reverting pretty much to normal."
"Perhaps,"
Juliette looked doubtful for a few seconds as she looked around the room.
"Meaning
what darling?" Sandy asked.
"Meaning
that I'm beginning to worry that life for everyone is about to be changed, and
not for the better necessarily."
"Are you
talking about the elections? I'm sure that even if 'he' does somehow win that
others will ensure that things run as normally as ever," Diana smiled as
she watched her daughter dancing with Tony.
"Hopefully,
but I have this nagging thought in the back of my head that somehow the world
as we've always assumed it would be is coming to an end, that 'others' are
going to start dictating the terms of life."
"What a
depressing thought," Sandy shook her head, "I thought 'we' did what
we do to control our own destinies?"
"Just my
thoughts darling," Diana added.
"I guess
so," Juliette gave herself a mental shaking, "But I still think that
people are rapidly dividing into two opposite camps, each convinced they are
totally right and good, and that some kind of struggle to the death is
approaching..."
"Ju
darling, how many glasses of champagne have you had to drink? That is so
pessimistic."
Diana interrupted.
"Not
enough to be morbidly drunk girls, but just enough to listen to what others are
saying and to worry."
“Well, for
tonight, stop worrying,” Sandy said with a smile as Alex took her onto the
dance floor, “and have fun…”
“Colonel Vosloo
– enjoying your retirement?”
“Very much so,
Admiral,” John said as he was joined by Ed Preminger.
“See much of
Hennie now?”
“We keep in
touch, but my work now is with Xavier’s, amongst others. They keep me busy.”
“I can imagine
– a fascinating woman, Shirley Xavier, with a very interesting family history,”
Ed said as he looked over. “But she’s
not the only one. Don't I remember that
Peter Hope has roots in Stratcom in the bad old days John?" Ed stood by
the bar nursing a glass of bourbon and chatting with John.
"Ja,” John
said as he sipped his drink, “he was part of so-called Strategic
Communications."
"The dirty
tricks squad..."
"Ja the
nasty buggers," John shook his head, "the crap they were pulling
revolted even someone like me."
"De
Klerk's goons as I once heard them referred to."
"They were," John quietly nodded as he took a sip of wine.
"Still
like so many people from that era he prospered after majority rule?"
"Yeah - we
were too good at our jobs to throw out, and being career guys we kept our noses
out of politics and kept on working."
"Our political masters come and go, but we are permanent," Ed
smiled.
"And Peter
has always played the game better than most."
"What
about his wife?"
"Alex?"
John smiled, "she doesn't play games, she's a straight by the book type
who has got on simply by being amazing at her jobs."
“A strange
combination then? But life is full of
such things,” Ed said with a smile.
“Enigmatic,
much?”
“John, we both
know there is a lot more below the surface of this group,” Ed said with a
smile, “almost a Sisterhood, you might say.”
“I cannot
confirm or deny anything…”
“Still, she has
done well for herself, given where she came from.”
John raised an eyebrow
as he said “what do you mean, where she came from? She’s born South African.”
“True – but
according to her files, her parents emigrated there in the sixties.”
“Where from?”
“Italy –
Guiseppe and Antonia Verdi. She was born
Alessandra.”
John stared at
the couple across the room as Ed said “so Alessandra Verdi became Alexandra
Green."
"I wasn't
aware of that Ed," John paused to think, "I didn't know she had
changed her name."
"From what
I read, when she was about 18 months old her family Anglicized their names and
Verdi became Green."
"So Alex is ethnic Italian according to your records?" Jon Vosloo
thought hard before he said, "I wonder why I never knew that?"
"It's not in her records?"
"Not that
I remember, and she certainly never told me that detail."
"Well
perhaps our files are wrong?"
"Ja maybe
they are…"
“Emma – I’m
glad I bumped into you,” Cassie said as she and Rick found Maddie and Emma, “we
need to get you and the girls together – the first cut is almost ready.”
“Really? Well, they’re coming to LA next week, and to
the race – we could talk then?”
“Sounds
good… So are we in the same league as
your last film?”
“Completely
different feel…”
As John watched
Alex, one thought was still uppermost in his mind. What was it Francesca had once told him, that
all her people were either of Italian descent, or had deep Italian roots?
"So what are you trying to tell yourself John?" he asked himself,
"that Alex may have been the legendary 'Mouse'? That she was Francesca's
mole in our intelligence services?"
Oh no that was too ridiculous for words, just because her father may, or may
not, have changed the family surname was he jumping to conclusions that
couldn't be supported?
No, Alex's
record and career in the service of her country had been impeccable.
"Still she did spend time at the Italian Naval Academy at Livorno, just
like Francesca did," the thought rushed into his mind as he looked round. The old instincts were kicking in…
“Mamma,”
Charlotte said as she came over to Charlotte, “are you all right?”
“I think so,”
Francesca said as she looked at Alex with Peter, talking to some of the
others. “Tell me, Charlotte, if I was to
ask Liz about Alex Hope-Green, what would she say?”
“Not a lot I
suspect – but if you are thinking what I am thinking, we can always discuss it
with her. Why?”
“Something
tells me we may need ot offer her protection.”
“Now why would
we…” Charlotte suddenly looked at her
mother and said in a whisper “she’s Mouse?”
As Francesca
nodded, Charlotte said “then I need to talk to Itzy, not Liz…”
“Your highness
– this is an unexpected pleasure.”
“Here, I am
just Itzy, Madame Hope-Green – but it is a pleasure to see you as well. What brings you to this country?”
“Oh a surprise
trip – and you?”
“Business – I
support a number of charities and work with Marianne Vosloo as well as
Charlotte Gordon.” As Itzy sipped her
drink, she said “may I introduce you to Karen Kumalo?”
“It’s a
pleasure as well,” Alex said as she shook hands with the other woman, “you work
with Itzy?”
“And others –
but I have a word for you.”
“A word?”
“As the Umlimo
– prepare yourself. I fear the truth
will be out.”
Itzy looked at
Karen, then at Alex, before she said “are you all right?”
“I… I think
so…”
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