Author's note: this is for you, farfromhome… you read my mind months ago. Hope it satisfies.

Story List:

1. So English! – 4 parts

2. If You Got It, Flaunt It

3. Memories of Croydon

4. Her Man Bough

5. Johnny English 3 - 18 parts

SO English!

Part 1 of 4

A Special Envoy to the Crown has come to Saint Marie. Tonight is the obligatory pressing of the flesh. Richard is fussing a bit but not as much as he used to. He is growing comfortable in his new position as Deputy Commissioner. Besides, he has the most beautiful woman of the islands on his arm, guiding and aiding him with the social aspects. She has always been his shield and now she guards his heart as well as his back.

When it is their turn for introduction, they see a tall poised man, fit and trim, dark and sloe-eyed, confident and comfortable in his official state. Beside him stands his factotum, pale and quiet.

The pale man makes the introductions, "May it please the Crown to introduce Sir Jonathon English, Special Envoy to her Majesty the Queen of England. Sir, may I introduce the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Detective Chief Inspector of Saint-Marie, Richard Poole, and his good lady wife, Detective Inspector of the Honoré Police Force, Camille Poole."

The envoy gives Richard a firm handshake, bows to Camille, and says in a low cultured voice, "Charmed."

As they are ushered away to make room for the considerable queue of guests behind them, Richard thinks he recognizes a familiar flash in the pale factotum's eyes but it is only for an instant and then they are past. He leans in and whispers into her ear, "Didn't WE sound good enough to eat? That was quite the introduction!"

Camille is fanning herself and barely hears him, "Wow!" she murmurs.

"Hmm? Something?"

"Yes! That man! So handsome! So quiet and dignified! What a surprise!"

"Well, dearest, the upper-crust tends to be cultured and pampered. They aren't like we commoners."

She flashes him a keen look that usually thrills him but her next words are a dash of cold water, "I don't mean the 'Sir'! I mean the man at his side. Richard, didn't you see it?"

He turns to look back. No. He doesn't see anything. He turns back to Camille. "What?"

"He is the spitting image of you! How could you have missed it? Oh, goodness, I need a cool drink!"

"Oh, Camille. Surely not!"

"Well, he's fairer and you're darker."

"I think the word you are looking for is 'grey'?"

"He's slimmer."

"I'm fatter."

"He's … no, you're not! You are exactly your fighting weight." Here she gives him a slightest nudge in the ribs to let him know he is also the right weight for a LOT of things. They share a matrimonial smile then she sighs, "And he's so sad. Like you were when you first came here."

"Is he? I remember those days. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. But, Camille, remember... you are a married woman. Don't let this infatuation lead you astray." He smiles but she returns a speculative look.

"Hmmm. Well, if Octavia St. Remy tries to back you into a corner again, I swear I WILL drown my sorrows in that young man's arms. So watch your back." He shakes his head but hears her sotto voce none the less, "AND your front."

Later that evening, Richard has the opportunity to engage Sir Jonathon's aide in conversation. As they talk, he begins to sense a kindred spirit in Angus Bough. The man has impeccable credentials and excellent manners. As they talk, Richard watches over Bough's shoulder as Sir Jonathon spills a drink down Madame Governor's dress then trips a server who knocks over a table. Bough keeps his back to all this and doesn't bat an eye.

Richard asks, "Is this his usual demeanor?"

"Not always. He's a good man and tries to do the right thing. He's really quite personable and very brave. I could tell you stories but the Secrecies Act prevents. I'm very proud to serve with him. He's a very special friend of the Queen." There is a beat of silence then it all rushes out, "He doesn't need an assistant! He needs a keeper! A minder! Someone with a net to watch over him every moment of every day! I have to watch his every move, monitor his every word. He's so unpredictable. He needs me but I'm worn out. I'm just worn out."

"Hmm, well, my wife seems to have everything under control for now. Rather like she does with me. A wife can change your life, you know. She changed mine. I'm not even remotely like the man I was five years ago." He pats Bough on the shoulder, "Buck up. Miracles seem to happen on this island."

Richard decides to help Bough in any way he can. Perhaps Governor Patterson could use a man of immense skills and absolute discretion at Government House? Loyal defenders of the realm are hard to come by and worth their weight in gold.

Leaving Bough to enjoy a quiet moment by himself, Richard approaches Sir Jonathon and Camille as the destruction is being cleaned up, "I see my wife has been of some assistance. Jolly good." He and Sir Jonathon fall into a comfy chat about England and all its glories. The cool rain. The autumn colours. The smell of jonquils in the Spring. The change of seasons. By the time they get to sports, Camille has heard enough.

"Anyone would think your home country is Paradise. Oh, you English!"

Sir Jonathon bows to her, "At your service, beautiful lady."

She laughs, "No, that was a gentle joke at my husband's expense. Sometimes he is SO English."

Warm brown eyes gaze suggestively over her hand as he sweeps it to his lips, "But, of course, dear lady. However, remember, I am ALWAYS English," he drawls and smiles. She is struck dumb... good lord! Did that just happen?

Richard touches her arm, "Camille? Dearest? Are you feeling all right? Do you need to rest?"

Sir Jonathon puffs a small sound of amusement, bows his head and excuses himself.

Camille comes to, "Oh, goodness! That's only the second man who's ever done that to me." She whirls to follow the stately progression of the Envoy, "AND he is English too! I think I've underestimated your entire country and its men!"

END part 1