I'm splitting this into smaller chunks, as I think its easier to read. Will update again tomorrow :)
Wildblume, I've tried to take on board your suggestions, please let me know if its any better :)
Chapter 48 - Orchard Farm (Mimi's Parents House - Part 1)
Mimi looked at her father...
Hugh, a bright-eyed middle aged man, was relaxed and smiling. He was the most farmer looking farmer you had ever seen. He had a massive neck and wide spread shoulders. Strong-jawed face, clean shaven with, untidy, chestnut brown hair streaked with grey. He wasn't tall but he wasn't short either. He was wearing an old tweed jacket and shapeless flannel trousers. Underneath the jacket he was wearing a tweed waistcoat, a check shirt and a necktie that was carelessly knotted. He looked as though he didn't spend much time in front of the mirror, he also looked like he was from the 20th Century. He must have been involved in one of the demonstrations on the farm Mimi thought to herself. He was holding a chipped mug, probably filled with strong tea, in his broad well-calloused hands. Hugh's character was not unique in any way – there were thousands of farmers all over the galaxy just like him – he embodied the best qualities of any farmer; toughness, indestructibility, unthinking generosity and hospitality. There was an integrity, which could be read, in his steady eyes. And humour, which was never very far away.
Mimi's mother, Abigail, was a bright-eyed middle-aged woman. In the current circumstances she was not as relaxed and smiling as her husband, there was an obvious tension in her stance. The deep blue of her eyes made a dizzying partnership with her deep red hair. In her prettiness there was something of the wind and sun, the freedom of the Scottish moorland. She was dressed in a more modern style than her husband, a long-sleeved blue shirt and a pair of camel coloured trousers and a blue jacket with camel coloured cuffs and lapels. She was generous to a fault. Whenever a visitor left the farm they would invariably find something on the seat of their cruiser – homemade scones, eggs, butter, jam, honey – and she would always remember their favourite things.
Mimi's mum pushed back a few stray strands of hair from her forehead.
"Would you all like to come in?" She asked a forced smile on her face. This did not bode well...
*'*
Avarak listened intently to Mimi's mother, who in a few days time would be his step grandmother. She was giving them all, T'Shahel, Peter and Adam (who fortunately had arrived earlier than originally planned), and himself important instructions. She did not look as formidable as his own grandmother, T'Rama, but he instinctively knew that he needed to listen very carefully to what she was saying. Even the dogs, Madra and Dug, were sitting listening attentively.
"You can play in the garden and around the farm," she said in a British accent. "You are not allowed to go near the river or onto the beach. Also stay away from the fields where they are harvesting. Do you all understand?" She looked around at the small group.
Avarak nodded his head, as did the other children. The dogs wagged their tails.
"Dinner will be at 6pm. Don't be tardy!" she said.
They all ran out the door as fast as they could, with the dogs following closely behind.
*'*
Hugh, who had a mug of tea in his hands, led Sordd, who had a mug of tea in his hands, into his study, "So young lad," Hugh spoke in a soft Scots, almost highland, accent, "tell me about your self." as he indicated for Sordd to sit in one of the armchairs.
Sordd decided not to correct him regarding age differences...
*'*
In the kitchen Mimi was standing at one of the work tops peeling bramley apples, from the orchard, in order to make apple crumble. The atmosphere in the room was tense, it was also hot due to all the cooking.
"Do you not think it's a bit soon to be marrying him?" Her mother asked.
Mimi paused before answering; she didn't know where to begin. Never in a million years would her mother understand! "Great Aunt Annie and Great Uncle George were married after two weeks of knowing each other. They were happily married for over sixty years," she finally replied.
"They were human," her mother retorted.
Mimi looked askance at her mum, "Your not xenophobic are you?"
Mimi's mum shook her head, "No. You know that I'm not. We have a number of good friends who are from other planets in the galaxy. Laabrih Aze and Morox, who work on the farm are not from Earth. They are amazing. I have no issue with different species."
"So what's the problem?" Mimi asked, with fire in her eyes.
"I'm concerned because it is so quick!" Mimi's mum hesitated, she was genuinely concerned. "It was quick with Michael and look what happened!"
"Sordd is not Michael!" Mimi said with a flash of anger in her voice.
*'*
In the study Sordd was having a civilised talk with Mimi's father. "… you have no objections?" Sordd asked him.
"My daughter knows her own mind. I learned long ago not to go against it. I can see how happy she is ... how happy she has become since meeting you. No I don't have any objections," Hugh replied.
Sordd breathed an inward sigh of relief; this conversation was turning out better than anticipated. While he was thinking on these things he suddenly became very aware of Mimi. Although the bond he had with Mimi was very much in its early stages he was beginning to be able to tell when his future bond mate was in distress, even when she was in another room. At this precise moment in time she was in distress.
"Perhaps we should see if they require assistance in the kitchen?" Sordd said while moving to stand up.
"Sorrd, sit," Hugh replied with a gentle but firm tone. "It will be best to leave them be. I told you that I don't have any objections; I cannot say the same for my wife. Let them talk it out."
Sordd frowned inwardly, "I believe they may be having an altercation," he replied.
"There are things that women need to discuss. In my experience it is best to stay away until they have finished."
Sordd looked at the door, then back at Hugh.
"Trust me Sordd. I've known them both for many years...It is best to stay out of it until the coast is clear."
Sordd frowned again, inwardly, "How will you know when the coast is clear?" he asked.
Hugh raised an eyebrow, "I will know... Male intuition!" he replied with a slight twinkle in his eyes.
*'*
Mimi had finished stewing the apples and was now making the crumble topping. She was trying as hard as she could to keep her inner peace. She carefully measured out the plain flour, scotts rolled oats, golden caster sugar, and butter; cut into cubes. When it was all measured out and in the mixing bowl she started to rub the mixture together, maybe a bit rougher than usual. She looked over towards her mum, who was standing at the stove making cheese sauce for the vegetable lasagna. Mimi waited for the next onslaught.
"I'm only concerned for you…" her mum turned around to look at her while still keeping an eye on the cheese sauce. "they don't have the warmest of personalities!" she said.
"How can you say that? You don't know any Vulcans," Mimi replied, deep down knowing that her mum was right.
"No, but I have seen them on the news… that Ambassador… what's his name?"
"You mean Sarek, Sordd's brother. Who is coming to the wedding! His best Vulcan?"
"Yes, him," her mother replied.
"What about him?" Mimi was getting more and more defensive; she only hoped that Sordd was having a better time talking to her father.
Abigail started to reel of her observations from the news casts. "They never smile. They are cold. They are arrogant and aloof..." she continued, "Ambassador Sarek always looks so dour..." she looked out the kitchen window. "Look at the children, they don't smile. They don't even look as though they are enjoying themselves." She turned to look at Mimi again. "How can you marry someone like that? Has he even said he loves you?"
"You always said never to judge a book by its cover!" Mimi exclaimed. "And no he hasn't said that he loves me. He doesn't need to say it because I know he does by his actions." Mimi deep down knew there was something more to this, "What's the real problem mum?" she asked.
*'*
