Chp11 duchess Ana

verum litterarum dominae

The blacktop winds thru the pouring rain, the trees are sentinels to our fleeting passage. The press was forced to retreat as the WHP and local police forced them back to Port Angels. I marvel as the time is frozen in the SUV. The three couples have split. Mia and Sawyer headed north, Taylor and Gail head south. We turn off the blacktop to gravel and dirt, bouncing thru a series of logging roads thru Olympia Forrest. The local driver is a Forks Deputy, name Charlie.

I just let the world shrink to Chris's arms around me; fading into happy peaceful sleep. I dream of our future, our present and my relatives in Seattle. The sisters, Aunt and English noble titles and responsibility. I miss the enclosed world of us, camping on the California and Oregon coast. I miss the quiet of just us.

We emerge onto paved roads South of Skokomish. At Brockdale, we head east on which changes to Mountain View's N. 13th street. At Mason General Hospital turning east again on to Northcliff road. The road changes names again to N. 1st street; making our way through Shelton. Turning again onto E. Pine street past the Serra Pacific Lumber Wharf. Tracking the street signs calm my nerves, bring me markers of my time. Arriving at the Shelton Yacht Club on the tranquil Oakland Bay. There is Christian's Skater 46 powerboat. Mac his yachtsman is smirking from the deck.

Thanking Charlie, Chris lift me onto our boat. The paparazzi is staking out the bridges and Ferries. Chris cruise us, at close to a 100mph, across the lower reach of Oakland bay to Hammersley Inlet. Swing south at Arcadia past the Hope Island Marine State Park, the beautiful birds watch are passage; turning east again passing the Squaxin island Reservation. Several children on the shore enjoying the warm day and cool waters wave to us, I wave back, feeling at peace with the world. We steer into the Nisqually Reach passing Puget. Flying thru the channel between McNeil and Anderson islands paralleling Highway Five into Tacoma.

Chris is smirking as we pass under the Highway 16 bridge, swing into the Sound passing around Point Defiance Park. I watch the Children play below the Gig harbor viewpoint, Cheering are rooster tail spray.

I longley look at the Owen Beach on the north side of the Park; Ray like to take me here after the Doctors' appointments at CHI Franciscan Rehabilitation Hospital. We would get food at Tatanka Take-out on N. Pearl street and N. 49thstreet. Eat and swim at Owens Beach; if the weather was good, and the beach not too crowded.

Cruising between the Maury Island Aquatic Reserve and Saltwater State Park. I wiggle my way between Chris and the Wheel. Stealing the driving of the sleek Skater 46; We fly by the land at close to a 100mphs pulling around Alki Lighthouse into Elliot bay, we slow to thirty mph. Mac takes the wheel as Luna Park fall behind us.

We slide easily into the boat dock on the north side of Pier 48, just south of the Ferry terminal at base of Pioneer Square district. We are greeted by Roz and Gwen, cruising north on the Alaskan Way before turning east for Escala. Roz and Chris are arguing about business. Gwen and I just laugh like loons at the two stubborn, pigheaded, business genius.

Gwen is showing me Video of Cameron and Phoebe play dates. Then the two imps are joined by my sister's Anna Marie and Sonja. I see carbon copies of myself in them. There is not doubt they are my sisters. Gwen holds me as I weep at the pain they suffered because our father was a snob, narcissist male chauvinist asshole.

But from the videos and Gwen I know they are kind, caring girls. I can't wait to meet them at our penthouse in Escala. Arriving home, Roz and Gwen rush off to get Cameron from babysitting Andrea and Barney. "They were talking about Star Fleet uniforms before we got out the door. Trekkie" Roz whines.

"Hey, ROZ! Life long and prosper!" giving her the Vulcan salute. "Hey Anna isn't my Star Fleet Commodore uniform back from the cleaners?" Chris ask desperately trying to hold a straight face.

As soon as the Elevator doors close, we break down in laughter till the doors open at our home. Giggling like school kids, we wander into the great room to find Gail cooking and Taylor sitting on a stool all goggily eyeing her. The Guys escape to the security office.

"Mia and Sawyer decided to go to Victoria on the Ferry. She told Jason, she was kidnapping the boy till Sunday. Since he's her CPO she should be safe. That girl will surely turn Grace's hair gray."

"I'm sure Jason has sent backup to shadow are way-ward Rapunzel and Flynn Rider duo. O' what a Tangled mess airhead make." I spout knowing the Tangled Movie young lovers is perfect to my sister-in-law and Luke.

"Anna we are watching way too many Disney movies. Should have a fright night with just our guys."

"Ye-pa, a Halloween marathon is due soon. Otherwise I fear a Fast and Furious Marathon, Boys and their toys." I smile kneading some dough for bread tomorrow.

Making bread for tonight and tomorrow, the dough has just risen. I see my reflection in the window pane, flour smudged nose and cheeks, hair a mess, not a lick of make-up. Un-shower since this morning, in jeans and Graphic English Translator Because Badass Miracle Worker Isn't An Official Job Title T-shirt. I look like shit.

They had to walk-in with me looking supremely uncool, messy and beyond any doubt not nobility worthy. I turn to them, waiting for them to leave.

"HI? I'm Anna too, call me Marie. Can I help make bread?" my sister Anna Marie asks,

"Sure. You want to try Sonja?" I help Anna Marie get settled and Sonja come to the other side of me. we make several loafs of bread, in several styles. After a bit, I see Gail and my Aunt head together at the stove, trading recipes. Maybe I'm not so unworthy of my new Title.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Theresa-pov

The girls can't wait and neither can I. We head upstairs, unsure at our reception. The elevator doors open to a tall, messy haired copperhead young man, in jeans and Radio head tour t-shirt. Bare foot, he smiles. I see visions of my son at that age, so like his father. assured master of the universe and himself. If Anna didn't have him, I take him in a heartbeat. The haunted gray eyes pull at my soul. The eyes are so like my late husband, and Rays. The girls are giggling mess at his demeanor.

"Hello, I'm Christian, your Brother-in-law. Please? Anna in the kitchen baking." He says ushering thru the magnificent great room. Just the glancing view of the outside world is worth the trip. Arriving at the entry to the kitchen, watching her emotions rush over her face. This divine creature is my niece. The oldest child of my brother. How it the frigging hell did he get so frigging lucky to have such perfect daughters. A what a loser prick for not wanting or keeping them. I see the flour smudged face, hair in a mess bun. The shirt easily proclaims her English Literature degree. I watch a woman, secure in herself, undaunted by adversary. Simply smile, welcoming us into her world.

"HI? I'm Anna too, call me Marie. Can I help make bread?" Anna Marie begs, she loves to cook and bake. I see Sonja unsure if she should intrude.

"Sure. You want to try Sonja?" Anna says bright a cheerful. I watch her getting the girls involved in Kneading and shaping the bread. Making sure both are giggling and included.

A Blonde older woman gets in my face, "Follow me!" she whispers harshly. I follow back thru the Great room to foyer of the elevator. We three head out joined by an older hard as nails guy, who scream career NONCOM.

"I'm Gail Jones, the housekeeper and Anna's adopted mother" This was not mentioned in any of the briefings'. The news burb about the kidnapping attempt by Anna's mother. Mentioned the housekeeper going nuts on the evil bitch. Could Anna have chose this woman to be her replacement, no that's a stupid word. Anna chose this strong woman to follow, filling the hole of her birth mother abandonment.

"I'm Anna's Aunt. Theresa Beauchamp. The Girls are Anna Marie, she decided to go by Marie now, and Sonja. Her sisters!" I challenge back.

"If you cause her pain over this bullshit of being worthy? Title or no title I will end you, are we clear"

"You don't have any worries about that. She just proved all our fears were for nothing. No, lacking person, would have welcomed the girls like that. I could see the concern of her appearance in her eyes. She just ignored that and took the girls in, making their comfort and ease her only concern. She is perfect. just perfect!" I say to Gail serious face turn to a happy smile.

"We were making dinner, could I get you anything while you wait?"

"No, but could you use some help? I love to cook. Marie is addicted to cooking and baking. I usually try to cook on the weekends."

"sure, come along. (we walk back to the kitchen) were making rigatoni bolognese. We hand-made the noodles earlier. I prefer the oregano, basil, carrot, celery, onion with some white pepper."

"I like to use penne noodles with fennel instead of basil, diced cauliflower and shallots over onions. My mother used Leeks instead."

"Come let's see how the sauces is going. Anna makes a heavenly bolognese but humors me mine better." Gail gushes over the girl. I hear her words. Anna is unassuming, putting other first. I remember the mugging article.

That Mrs. Grey is extremely humble and down to earth. Requesting she not be put above Miss Sargent or the people who rendered first aid. Seattle times:

This is a woman to take the reins of the being a Duchess in the snobby world of British nobility. I can let the next generation take over. I will enjoy being just a wife to a carpenter, and dotting Aunt to my three girls. I wonder how she will take the news of me and Ray?

The large herd of Grey and friends arrives is force, I original worried we were making to much food. I see I was wrong. I laugh as Anna, Gail, and Grace take the food from Christian brother. I suspect he would eat all the appetizers, his girlfriend Kate is no help, stealing back items to feed him. Talking about 'he need the energy for later'.

The cloister of teen and preteen girls are playing in the media room. Cameron, Phoebe, Marie, Sophie, Gail boyfriend daughter. I suspect Marie and Sophie will be fast friends since they are close in age. Under the watchful eyes of Sonja and Anna CPO Parks. Seems Mr. Parks has six sisters, so he can, we desperately hope, cope with our four hellions'.

I feel a soft hand take my arm, down the hall to a bedroom. A beautiful seascape hangs over a huge bed. Looking into blue eyes I see naïve, caring, and hard, almost vibrant passion to protect her love ones. My niece has backbone, and I sadly suspect her fathers temper.

"Well?" she asks

"you're my niece I love you and I think you'll make a great Noblewoman. I have no worries."

"that was settles hours ago. I mean what are your intentions in regards to my father."

I am take aback, seriously back. I never thought I would have the conversation with anyone, let alone the second love of my life. I was awash in the joy of re-finding Ray my soulmate. How lucky I am to have found the two men who rule my very existence. Most people are lucky to fine one.

"I plan on living with him here, wherever he chooses. I don't know if he wants to marry or something more official?"

"Do you love him?"

"with all of my heart!"

"Good, you have my permission to ask for his hand in marriage"

"Anna? It's the guy who ask."

"Aunt T, if you don't; Ray will never ask for fear of embarrassing you. the titles and all"

"That stupid Anna. Ray could never embarrass me."

"o'yea; tell me Ray isn't like that?" Anna counters. Shit she's right. He will never want to intrude on my first husband, nor bullshit social garbage of aristocracy.

"What can I do to make him happy and secure?"

"Marry him, just walk up and says Ray 'we are scheduled to wed on Saturday' go get your Tux fitted." I gawk at this girl before me. That is so how to handle Ray. Simple, straight forward and unapologetic verbose solution. I see she has her dad wrapped around her finger. But she is more concerned with his happiness and safety. This young woman is a marvel to behold.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jason-pov

The party is in full swing, I marvel at the Kids, Anna and Chris. This time around they have everything that counts. Everything that really matters, family and friends. I sneak out and down stairs. A car whisks me to Police headquarters, a video conference call.

Looking at the thing, dying in a prison hospital in super-max. I have not mercy, no pity no sympathy for the devil.

"Carla. I wanted to save Ray and Anna the pain of having to tell you this. But Anna birth father died last year. His sister, Theresa; you remember her. Ray wanted to leave you for her. Well she here with Anna sisters. Didn't know Arthur had more kids. Well they are all here, at a party. A party being hosted by Anna and Christian. I know you can't speak, Grace did a number on your jaw." I stop stake a sip of water, letting the tension hurt her more.

"Ray and Theresa are getting married (Gail tell me this is so, but Ray hasn't popped the question. But she doesn't need to know that). Anna is the new Duchess of Cleveland, Viscountess of Moorfall. Wealth and position in her own right. You should see the press tomorrow when its announced. I will make sure the nurse read you every single press clipping. You failed, you always failed. As wife, mother, woman; you are everything that makes me sick. I have to go back the party. And enjoy the rest of our lives. I have a nice cesspool lined up for your ashes. Bye now. Die in pain and misery." I stand a leave. this chapter is closed, forever.

Returning to strangely quiet home, I see the bulk of the people have left. I find Chris, Anna, Marie, and Sonja playing star trek monopoly. Under the parental gaze of Ray and Theresa on the couch. I find Gail and Sophie doing needlepoint in our home. Sophie is soon moving with us permanently to the house on the Sound Christian has found. I change into comfortable clothes and sit with my girls reading a book of spy thrills. Enjoying the quiet and serenity of this moment.

Anna sneaks in setting plates of Apple pie, that Her and Sophie made. Before each of us, kissing Gail goodnight then me, an finally Sophie who beams at her big sister. This is how family and life should always be.

sorry for the redo, the web site didn't save the first set of corrections.

note: if you follow a map from Forks to Seattle, the streets and landmarks should line up with the story. the paragraph are meant to convey a sense of lost time, monotonous because of her position as Mrs. Grey. yet she finds point along the way that counter this, making them find happiness and joy i just being together.

Also Anna English translator t-shirt is real and can be found on the web.