Author's Note: Here's a little Christmas present for all my loyal and supportive fans. A double length new chapter published today instead of Thursday or Friday's normal publish dates. :) Happy holidays to all!

Transition Plan Chapter 20: First Homecoming Part 7 - It's Official!

Jane's servant Elisabeth entered the darkness of her chambers, opened the drapes to the bright but cold new day, but discovered they were entwined, undressed, and uncovered. She was prepared by James for the sight of the married couple, smiling at sleeping Jane's contented look, knowing the many conversations she and Jane had about her dream of meeting a 'dashing young man' to become her husband some day. For just a moment she noted just how dashing that young man was in Jane's arms, and knew she had to do something to not embarrass them as she wakened them.

Elisabeth had often been a mother to Jane when she needed advice in the long absence of her true mother, a role Elisabeth cherished. The truly devoted and handsome young man beside her, whose origin was still a complete mystery to the household staff, was there beside her. She carefully drew their blankets up around them, realizing she'd find them like this often, and after covering them modestly, she roused them. She left some hot water, tea, and snacks for them to greet the day. As Elisabeth left the sleepy kissing pair to their private waking moments with a cheerful greeting to them, she wondered happily where Jane's old crib was. They were going to need it soon.

Tarzan and Jane could hardly wait for the coming day, and dressed quickly in their finest. She had to explain to him that gentry had housekeepers that took care of them and they joked that Elisabeth was probably very surprised to find them naturally in the morning, and joked they should probably try to be more modest in the future after they had their fun together.

She was excited to be wearing an ankle length white and light gray bustle dress, knowing how much Tarzan loved that style no matter what color it was, and keeping in mind what they wanted to do in addition to the peerage legal papers. Today everything would become 'official'. Archimedes ordered the formal carriage and gave the horseman explicit instructions. The old Professor carried a box of the formal papers that Tarzan's father had prepared two decades before.

"Today you truly become an English nobleman, Tarzan," the old Professor said with pride.

"It is a good day to do so, Professor. I am ready," and he took the box.

Jane gripped his arm and hugged. They passed by a huge park. Unlike the jungle it was perfectly manicured.

"That is Hyde Park, where all Londoners go for walks together," Jane observed whimsically.

The carriage approached a long expanse of huge, intricately carved stone buildings.

"These are the courts, Jonathan. We get out here."

They walked across the tiled plaza and up the stairs, passing through a set of enormous doors, and stopped at the reception desk.

The Professor inquired, "Pardon me, Madam, but where might we find Magistrate Preston Rutherford's chambers, please?"

She politely gave him the instructions, and they proceeded to the courtroom's business office.

Tarzan sighed deeply, opened the door, and met the judge's administrator. They exchanged greetings and she set the appointment.

She explained, "It will only be a few minutes wait. He has a very light day. Judge Rutherford is close to his retirement, and many affairs are delegated to the other judges. Only the old families tend to their business and legal affairs with him. Who shall I say is calling upon him?"

Tarzan stood tall, and said, "A member of an old family. Jonathan Robert Clayton the Third, Madam."

She startled and said anxiously, "Uh, sir, excuse me for a moment, Mr. Clayton. I will be right back."

She rushed out of the lobby area, and nearly slammed the door. They could hear a considerably animated conversation muffled by the big oak door, followed by silence. The door opened, and there in full robes and sporting the powdered wig of the tradition of the English courts, stood the Magistrate, with a welcoming grin.

The old man chuckled, shook his hand vigorously, and held him by his shoulders, very pleased, "Yes, by Jove, it truly is Jonathan Robert Clayton III. You, young man, are your father's son. With your mother's eyes, it is like looking back across the decades to my forgotten youth as an older brother-in-law to your father. I remember the very day you were born like it was yesterday, my boy, and how happy they were. I never saw my baby sister so radiant! There are many stories to tell of him and your colorful grandfather as I and my sister Alice – your dear mother - got closer to this remarkable family, Jonathan. But looks alone are not good enough for English law, so let's get started here. I trust you have brought all the legal paperwork."

"As much as my father provided and survived his exile, yes sir, thanks to Professor Porter's involvement."

He motioned them all to enter his chambers, and they were seated. The Magistrate spoke affably before he began, "It is so very good to see you young Lord Clayton. I, with many others, have prayed for this day."

He turned to his administrator, "Mrs. Altbey, please get us all some tea and some cakes. There is much work to be done here for our family."

Inside his office with them for several hours, the Magistrate cancelled all his other appointments, as he tended to long-awaited Greystoke family business. He had all the papers from Tarzan's father spread out across his huge dark walnut desk, went to an ancient safe and obtained other papers, matching them all together with what Tarzan presented. Preston had an intense look about him, and the trio sat patiently, as the Magistrate asked questions, had Tarzan sign documents, and asked him to hold his hand up in sworn testimony. Finally the frenetic activity came to a conclusion.

"My dear Count Clayton, it is all done."

The trio started breathing again.

The judge observed, "Even in death, so I am sad to declare officially, your father took care of every detail as he always did, young Count Clayton. You brought all the matching proof: the peerage ring, your infant and adult footprints and your father's last will and testament. Your peerage is re-established. Is there anything else I can do for you, Lord Clayton?"

"Um, yes, there is another important matter, Magistrate Preston. My wife Jane Porter and I were wed in the jungle. We wish to legalize that Professor Porter married us in the absence of a Magistrate or priest."

"Tut tut, dear boy. A matter so easily rectified. I haven't done one of these in years, especially for family. It seems everyone wants younger justices to do the civil marriages," and he reached for his marriage registration book.

Tarzan and Jane signed the book, paid the fee, and, led by Preston, they stood hand in hand and face to face to take their vows again. It was just as thrilling. The Professor looked on happily for the young couple as the witness. It brought back decade's old memories of his promises with Jane's mother.

It ended, as these ceremonies always did, with the Magistrate announcing, "…you may now kiss the bride."

They obligingly did, although with restraint.

"You are now Lord and Lady Clayton. It is irrefutable."

"'Third time's a charm' as they say," Tarzan teased his wife, recalling their self-marriage in the family nest and her father's surprise ceremony in the treehouse.

They just pecked each other but exchanged knowing glances.

"Now, Jane Porter, everything I have is yours," stated Tarzan proudly.

"Like I said a long time ago Jonathan, all I ever wanted was you."

They sat as Preston finished signing the papers, affixed his seal and called his administrator into the great room again, "Mrs. Altbey, file these, and I would like you to meet my young kinsman, Jonathan Clayton, Count of Greystoke and his wife, Countess Jane. I would ask that you delay informing the public records department until next Monday."

The sounds of those words and titles thrilled Tarzan and Jane, especially the word 'wife'.

Mrs. Altbey curtsied, and greeted them, and took the huge pile of paperwork to be filed next week.

"Now, young Lord Clayton, I believe I can retire in peace in the coming year, knowing Clan Greystoke is once again established. Off the record, you have much to repair, and I would recommend you move immediately with the Executor of the Estate. I cannot keep what has happened here private from their eyes and spies for more than a few days. These transactions are public records."

"Thanks to Baron Porter and others, we are prepared to act," noted Tarzan.

"I understand. Do not hesitate to call upon my services again as you move forward. I have complete jurisdiction over your peerage, as the senior justice here, having just now reestablished it. The only reimbursement I would take in payment is that I hope to dine in the Great Hall of Castle Greystoke in your honor on Christmas Day as your family always did. The family going back for generations always had such a joyful holiday party."

Jane's eyes opened wide and curtsied, "Thank you Magistrate Preston. You have given me a simply splendid idea."

Tarzan gave her a puzzled look, but knew they'd chat later about what a Christmas party was. They thanked Judge Rutherford profusely and left the courts.

On the way back to the Porter Estate, Archimedes had them stop at the Hospital, visited his family doctor to inoculate Tarzan against the 'civilized' diseases. Since he was the son of English citizens, and having been nursed as an infant, he had inherited a lot of natural immunities to fatal diseases. But they wanted to protect him against any kind of illness that might infect him being in England.

As they went by the gigantic park, Tarzan asked for the carriage to stop. He grinned, "Here is where we get out for awhile."

"Tarzan?"

"When we danced last, you dreamed we were taking a walk in the park. It may not be summertime, but would you…"

"I'd love to!" she beamed.

They bundled themselves extra tight, she took her hand muff and ear muffs, and they began to walk. It was not too cold, and the day was bright and clear. Their breaths rose and mingled. They strolled closely. Just like in her vision, older couples acknowledged the handsome young couple as they walked together arm in arm.

"You are so sweet, Tarzan. This was my honeymoon wish to walk with you here."

"You are welcome, my dear Countess."

She turned immediately, threw her arms around him, and exclaimed, "Countess Clayton. What an amazing sound that has for my English ears. Oh my goodness, Jonathan, you have made me happy beyond anything I ever imagined. This past year with you is really like a fairy tale. Only it all really happened!"

"Happier as the wife of a nobleman than being my mate in the jungle?" he quizzed. He was actually prepared for yes. He would go anywhere and do anything for her. He actually considered leaving the family in Kirok's capable hands.

"No. I'm simply just as happy with you here as there. The jungle is still our home. I made my choice, dearest. And frankly these cumbersome dresses are really uncomfortable to me now. I much prefer my one piece loincloth."

"Me too," he winked.

"I know…" she teased.

They kissed discretely, knowing they were being watched, walked silently just enjoying each other's company, and watched others in the park, "Look at all the people, they are admiring us, and I am enjoying our stroll together immensely, dear."

"It is very beautiful. The cold air is actually invigorating, Jane. Everything is alive, but is so carefully managed and controlled."

"Such is English society."

Tarzan understood immediately.

They met their father's carriage at the other end of the park after a couple of hours strolling. On the way home Jane just savored the memory of their first traditional stroll in the park as a married English couple. She said nothing but held his arm tightly and rested her head on his overcoat shoulder. A tear dropped and froze on his wool coat. Tarzan knew. Jane always cried when she was happiest. It felt just as good to be Count Jonathan Robert Clayton III as it did to be Tarzan of the Apes. In each case, he had 'his Jane' always in his arms.

When they arrived home. He suggested, "We've done enough business for today. It is time to find out about the Porter Estate. It was so nice for a walk, it seems even better for a ride."

"Oh yes! Let's! Daddy? The horses?"

"The horses will be happy to see you, and I bet that Jonathan will have a stable full of new friends in about two minutes after he meets them, Jane dear," he chuckled.

They changed, with Jane's help, into riding clothes and boots, and carrying crops and dressed warmly, the walked to the barns. Tarzan fit her father's ancient riding clothes from the days he was as fit and trim as Tarzan.

The horses responded to their master Jane, but were initially skittish with Tarzan. With his natural connection with all animals, soon they were very comfortable with each other.

They saddled, mounted, and trotted through the Porter estate grounds, heading for the deep forest, "This is exhilarating, Jane, I have never moved this fast."

"Now my dear husband, you see why I ride."

Archimedes looked out of his study window, and smiled upon seeing them ride together happily. They explored the woods far and wide. Tarzan was able to see the deer, foxes, rabbits, mice, squirrels and birds, especially the hawks and other birds of prey in the forest. He gave her a very satisfied look at their exploration. They heard a dinner bell from the estate in the distance. Their mounts were wearing out. It was a good time to turn back.

"Jane, you have an enormous estate," Tarzan commented on their way back.

"We are but a tiny piece of land compared to your mansion and grounds, Tarzan."

"That is hard to fathom, Jane, that one family can own so much."

"Don't forget the vast land you watch over in peace in Africa, Tarzan. It makes both our English homes look small."

He just smiled and leaned across his saddle to kiss her as they cantered side by side. She kicked the stirrups and headed out. They returned to the stable, and their rides were ready for their rest.

"Sorry my friends, we will ride you again," Jane said patting each horse tenderly.

After dismounting, Jane showed Tarzan how she cooled, groomed, covered, and fed the horses and started back to the estate.

He heard barking, "A new sound, Jane?"

"Dogs. Our hunting hounds I mentioned."

"I must meet them, even if we are late to dinner."

They greeted all the hounds in the kennel next to the barn, which were happy to see Jane and delighted she brought a playmate that they immediately liked. She cuddled several of her favorites, and promised they'd be back. Tarzan immediately got licked and he petted a number of them. They threw them some treats. Tarzan was clearly attempting to communicate with them by mimicking their sounds.

Jane smiled broadly, "I would love it if you could talk to them, then teach me."

"A few more days, my dear. I think I am getting through to them and the horses."

They dressed for the meal, but before they began, the Professor called the staff together.

"My dear family, and that is how I feel about all of you, I want to thank you for your many months of uncertainty with no sign of us, and in fact all signs pointed to our demise in the jungle. We had an adventure beyond all imagination, and I don't doubt that you would all like to know of it. Suffice it to say for now, that we had very close encounters with many animals in the deep jungle, but discovered a hidden treasure even more precious. This man. I am sorry about all the secrecy about Jonathan. It was necessary."

Jane reached and took Tarzan's arm. Their rings glinted in the candlelight.

Archimedes continued, "We discovered that his family survived a shipwreck and that even after his parents were killed, he was able to survive in the jungle. We found him, barely more than animal."

James interjected, "Begging your pardon, Baron, but this well-mannered young gentleman doesn't behave in the slightest like a feral creature."

Archimedes immediately responded, "His intelligence and inherent ability to adapt to any situation, my dear James, is because he is the only son of an English nobleman."

It was dead silent in the room. Tarzan blushed at the compliment.

Jane cleared her throat, stood very proudly, and formally introduced Tarzan, "Dear family, may I present to you, my Lord and husband, Jonathan Robert Clayton III, the Count of Greystoke."

There was a collective gasp and joyous applause. They all realized she was Lord Clayton's Countess, instantly elevating the status of the Porter Barony in English society.

James grinned broadly,"May I suggest the finest champagne for tonight's celebration, Sirs and Madam?"

Archimedes accepted but calmed the celebration for a moment. "You may indeed. Before we proceed, I must ask you to maintain a sacred trust between us all. There has been much treachery done within Clan Greystoke more than two decades to seize power from the nobleman and his heirs. To keep the element of surprise as he consolidates his peerage with the help of Clan Porter, no one must divulge a single word of his name, title, or Jane's marriage until we permit it. We are dealing with dangerous, unscrupulous people, who have been entrenched in ill-gotten power for years, and we need every advantage until time is right. I need your promise for your strictest adherence to my request."

Unanimously they swore to the Baron Professor, and pledged whatever help they could provide. The banquet that night was otherwise as joyous as the night before, with champagne and wine flowing a little more freely for everyone that night. That made some rather unrestrained infectious giggling from Jane's bedroom later that night even more amusing to all of them.

Knowing that Jane and Jonathan were both a bit inebriated, Elisabeth wondered what kind of disaster zone the bed covers would be and in what state she would find the young couple in the morning, and James, sharing the same thought, rolled his eyes. Neither was surprised in what they found - with every sheet, pillow, and blanket scattered about in her room, and the couple's bedclothes never touched. They had to work very hard together quietly to make sure the young pair was modestly covered at their waking.