Transition Plan Chapter 117 - Searching for Jeanne Part 35
Author's Notes: Rated T for romance, sexual situations, some French and German profanity with a T-rated f-bomb. In this chapter we see Jeanne and her family visit Castle Greystoke for the very first time. Our young couple explores the many amenities of it and their Greystoke land holdings. Jack and Jeanne conduct their wedding vow rededication ceremony. And sorry, Megan Lyle, I can't publish three times a week. That darn near killed me. But thanks for your support. I really like when people comment :)
…Enroute to London 1924. Somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean…
The cruise to London on the 'Destiny' was absolutely thrilling to Jeanne and the constant 20 knot speed at full sail through her now bottom-length hair made it fly straight out behind her like a flag. Her mom and dad joined her on deck and Josephine had Etienne cradled in her arms. Michelle and Paul were exploring another part of the ship with Elisabeth. Jack was on the other end of the deck chatting with his mother who was helping Andrew with some of his first steps. All of them were dressed in personalized jump suits in Clan Clayton colors, embroidered with their names on them and the Clayton coat of arms on the shoulder. The crew's suits were similar but a different color. The Jacot's knew it was family tradition for family and guests to be willing and able to help the crew with the shipboard tasks, no manner how menial.
"Isn't this amazing?" Jeanne asked her parents.
"This is all yours now honey," Josephine noted proudly, "You are 'The Lady Jeanne'. When Jack becomes Count - you are his Countess."
"Did you ever think…?" Jeanne pondered, shaking her head in mild disbelief.
Armand reflected, "No. Not for a minute. We both figured you'd find someone nice but quite common like us in Marseilles or marry a nice young French Army officer. We're so proud of you, honey. You could not have chosen better."
Armand was able to join them as he took a long, well deserved leave of absence from the Allied Headquarters, and Tarzan granted Philippe the same to take care of the combined families for this important African excursion. This was not a simple honeymoon cruise, there was much unfinished business to be done by Jeanne and Jack, and by the time they returned, it would be time to prepare for Lily and Okpara's wedding, another major milestone for the family and for English/Nigerian diplomacy.
The important first leg of the journey was to return to England for the rededication ceremony of Jack and Jeanne's wedding vows and her first visit to Castle Greystoke before the lengthy trans-African journey.
Captain Philippe D'Arnot was in personal charge of this long journey accompanied and assisted by his delightful late-20s wife, the French nurse who had brought him back to health after the flu, now three months pregnant with their first child. It was a second chance at romance and a family for Philippe, and Tarzan noted he looked a dozen years younger because of his new bride Amelie. Their wedding, which occurred in Paris while Jack was gone for two years, was truly memorable for Jane and Tarzan. Both families made a fast friendship with her, and especially since she was a French woman, Jeanne and Amelie had many animated conversations in their native language, especially about marriage and babies. Jeanne felt like she had found an honorary big sister in Amelie.
D'Arnot beckoned Jeanne to the helm, "Helmsman Jeanne. You have the next watch."
"Aye aye Captain," she answered smartly. She was part of the ship's crew right now, not a noblewoman. Dmitri taught her that discipline explicitly.
He handed her the helm and Philippe exchanging salutes with his young charge, "Now it's your ship, Lady Jeanne."
She took the wheel confidently, looked seriously at the sails for a few minutes, and barked a couple of orders to the sailors to make an adjustment in the sails she didn't think was right. At first D'Arnot was skeptical, but when her rigging request was enacted, it added 3 knots to the ship's speed. Philippe was impressed with his young apprentice.
Josephine was absolutely shocked as she watched her daughter excel in yet another unknown skill, "What is this new ocean knowledge you have, dear?"
"Remember I told you that dear Christian fisherman Captain Dmitri showed me how to be a helmsman and navigator of his fishing ship in addition to all the other skills. I told Captain D'Arnot all about it. He wanted to see what I know about seamanship. As you can see, I know plenty, Mama and Papa," she smiled.
Jack observed as he approached and stood behind her at the wheel, and her parents overheard, "Dearest, I often think all the awful things that happened to you are far outweighed by all the incredible skills you learned from the nice people you met along the way. Stuff I could never show you how to do."
She responded, "Thank you sweetheart, but there are some things I learned you never ever want me to show you, Jack," and she put one hand lightly under his chin. He saw a shadow of the past fears in there.
But then she looked confidently ahead, with fixed jaw to the horizon, gripping the helm in both her hands. To Jack, she looked amazing piloting the 'Destiny', something he had no clue how to do. And a female helmsman at the time was completely unheard of for any ship.
She winked, "Come steady me, husband. While I take us to our third wedding day."
"Third time's a charm, Jeanne," he joked, and stood behind her with his arms around her waist. It felt very good to both of them.
Much more seriously, Jeanne noted, "I think you got us right with God the first time, my dear Christian husband."
Standing together at the helm and hearing their commitments to each other made both mothers pleased.
Josephine noted to Jane quietly, "Aren't they sweet? Viscount Jack and Lady Jeanne… our families' futures are in very good hands, Jane."
"We are the luckiest mothers in the world," Jane replied, "They survived eight years apart; they can survive anything together now."
…
Jeanne only had a brief taste of the capital of the United Kingdom as they only got off the Destiny to take train north to Greystoke, but she noted, "London is incredible, sweetheart. I can't wait for our 'civilized honeymoon' here after our ceremony."
The families boarded the trains at Piccadilly station where all the trains came together and headed north to Scotland. There were so many in both families they filled two adjacent compartments.
Jeanne often carried her little brother in the big crowds because Josephine had to help Armand get around, and one elderly woman passerby said, "That's a beautiful baby you and your husband have there, young lady."
"Oh but he's not mine, Madame. This is my baby brother," she corrected kindly with a nice smile.
"Well, he should be yours, dearie," the lady answered.
Jeanne blushed hard and Jack just smiled, and her parents and his thought how endearing this was. Her grip on her brother became stronger and it was like holding her own son and presenting him to Jack. Jack placed his hand on the back of her head and stroked her neck, and gazed lovingly into her eyes. He was not shy about letting the entire family know his thoughts, "When we get home, dear. Then maybe it's our time…
Jeanne put her forehead against his and closed her eyes. All their plans were about waiting three or four years, but it was becoming more evident neither really wanted to wait.
Ahead of them in the crowd but witness to the exchange with the woman, Josephine touched her husband's arm and put her head on his shoulder, "Our baby… having babies…"
The train ride north to Castle Greystoke was relaxing, and once out of the urban sprawl, they crossed the vast green grasslands, meadows and farms, hills and mountains, and streams filled with wildlife and majestic estates and quaint villages. She looked out the window the whole time and gripped her husband's arm.
They were all excited when the conductor exclaimed, "Next stop: Greystoke Village and Castle."
The Jacot's marveled at the Scottish landscape. It was completely different than France.
Jeanne was very excited, "Ohmigosh, this is really happening. Your Scottish home. But Jack, I hardly sound Scottish. I'm still not that good at English or Gaelic."
"Cherie, it will be just fine. You're the Viscount's wife. Everyone will be nice if you are nice. It doesn't matter what accent you have."
At the train station, they saw the family limo arrive to take them to Greystoke, and she tried to engage some of the local citizens in Gaelic. They all smiled at her, and hearing her accent, one middle-aged couple spoke to her in French, which really pleased her.
But she said to Jack privately, a little exasperated, "After I say three words, everyone knows I'm a French girl."
"Good enough, dear. All the people here want is that you try your English or Gaelic. And besides, we Scots conquered you French."
"You big jungle jerk. That's not true! It's the other way around. The Normans beat you heathen Saxons and Scots!"
"I was always lousy at history," he grinned, but satisfied he yanked her chain.
There was no time for a retort. She gasped seeing the Castle for the first time. It was the biggest thing she had ever seen since the cathedral at Marseilles. It was also the oldest thing she had ever seen. Her mother was astonished too.
Jeanne felt very small and insignificant, "Omigoodness… You really are fabulously wealthy, Jack. I'm nothing. I shouldn't have even thought about being married to you."
"Too late for that dear wife," he joked, "we Anglicans believe in 'married for life'."
She smiled and squeezed him at his assurance.
He added, "You are so wrong about not being worthy, Lady Jeanne. This is your Castle too. That happened the minute you said 'I do'."
Even though she knew that, it was still hard to believe, "I am really am living a fairy tale."
Jack whispered evilly, cursing in both German and French, alluding to her sordid past, "This beats the scheisse out of living a futre nightmare in Dar es Salaam, doesn't it?"
Her jaw dropped open and she gave him a fake nasty look at his cursing, and responded in kind in her own whisper, "You think you're so freaking smart, Jonathan Robert Clayton IV."
They both snickered as he bragged, "I'm not smart, I just married well…"
She threw her arms around Jack and kissed him as hard as he ever remembered being kissed as they walked hand-in-hand along the huge floral gardens flanking the entrance way to the Castle. The parents had no idea what was said between them but chuckled at how happy it made Jeanne.
…
She immediately felt at home at the castle and the servants lavished attention on her as the wife of the heir, which actually kind of embarrassed her.
She was astonished at the size of Jack's bedroom – now hers too, especially the bed which was theirs to share - and loved that they were right next to Lily's room. When she was shown her very own private study and introduced to her personal servant, she went right to work at the coming reception only weeks away.
Jack offered to help but she barked at him with the sly grin, "Parties and receptions are my world, Viscount! Shoo! Go do something 'Viscountly'…"
He had no idea where to start on that order, so he went to help his mother and sister and servants get dinner ready for the Jacot's first meal with them.
…
The morning after their arrival, the young pair had a wonderful morning lovemaking session in their huge bed, which she had coyly made Jack work for it by chasing her around in bed before surrendering her favors to him. They became the second married Clayton couple to shock head servant Elisabeth, who actually interrupted them nearly at their peak in the early morning as the sun rose in the big window of their bedroom. She was not expecting that kind of activity so early and looked past them as they asked for her to leave the breakfast anyway. They paused for a moment, vainly attempting some modesty, and snickered as a very red-faced Elisabeth hurriedly left them some fresh tea and crumpets and profusely apologized, and returned to their intimacy. Afterward, they snuggled and sipped their tea in bed, and spent some time planning their day to visit the merchants in town to begin to order and arrange what they needed for their recommitment ceremony.
She asked, "So do we take the limo into town?"
"No, dear, let's go the old fashioned 'Clan Clayton' way. Horseback."
"But I don't have a horse," she stated, but was excited at this prospect.
"My horse Samson can handle two. And later we can look at which one of our horses wants you as their Master."
"Sounds very nice and romantic," but then she actually realized what he said, "Seriously? You would give me my own horse?"
"Exactly. We have a stable full of mares. We sell most of them to new homes, but keep the best as breeders."
She gave Jack a very sly grin, and let her hand slide well below his belly button for emphasis, "Who says I want a mare? Since you have breeders, suppose I'd rather have a stud?"
"That's 'stallion' dear," he quipped, but shuddered at her grasp and the suddenness of his reaction to her touch. They'd just made love only an hour ago.
"I meant exactly what I said, jungle boy," she said in a sultry voice and massaged just a little more intensely to prove her point.
"But you already have one of those, Meriem…" Jack teased, now barely able to speak.
"Do I ever…" she smiled and snuggled deeper into the covers and into his embrace underneath him.
That little escapade worked its way through to very happy climax, but eventually they needed to get out of bed. She discovered the enormous shower in the bedroom, beckoned Jack to join her to shower together, and they dressed each other properly for a long ride into the village to start the reception arrangements.
Kerchak and Faith and Samson greeted them at the stable, and Thomas, the stable master, was working with them. Jeanne had never seen horses that big, not even the Army's work horses.
The conversation between Jack and the three horses was lively. Jeanne was captivated with Jack speaking a language she'd never heard him do. Faith whinnied to Jack, "Your mate, Master Jack! She's so pretty. You waited many years. I can tell she'll make many foals with you. Was she worth the wait?"
"Absolutely."
Jeanne didn't want to be left out, "Don't be rude, husband. Introduce us."
Jeanne learned fast and she had a couple of greeting phrases mastered immediately.
As Jack saddled Samson for a ride with two, Kerchak asked, "Master Jack?"
"Yes, Kerchak?"
"She is such a worthy mate for you. When you come home, I might have something for you to see."
"What?" asked Jack, most curious. Horses didn't often like surprises, much less invent them.
"Can't say, Master. Just come by the corral before you go back to the Castle, please."
Jack was always amazed at the interactions he had with his father's horse. Kerchak was sometimes as human as… humans.
Jack was nearly worn out taking Jeanne on Samson, running errands everywhere in the village and countryside. Jeanne was very focused on arrangements for their rededication, and charmed the proprietors in every village shop and townspeople on the streets who wanted to meet the new Viscountess. Word had gotten out about her personality and beauty and everyone wanted to meet her. Her French accent was actually endearing in both Gaelic and English. After they left, the buzz and chatter with the townspeople was how wonderful Lady Jeanne was, how great the couple looked, and how exotically attractive she was. There had never been a biracial marriage in town before.
It was a good thing they took a pack mule and a wagon and two of the house servants with them. It was loaded when they got home. They came back with bags of stuff and lots of contracts signed for all kinds of catering – decorations, tables and chairs, food, flowers, formal clothes, photography, and many other things. The servants unloaded and stored everything for them. They may have called their event a marriage rededication ceremony, but to everyone else, it was a wedding.
Jack grinned, "For a girl who never had much money, you sure like to spend it."
She rolled her eyes, and scolded him, "Mother Jane gave me a budget. I'm right on track. I can pinch the smallest farthing. You watch. Most brides brag about how much they spend, I intend to brag about how little I spent and got so much."
"You are not going to impress all the rich girls here," Jack grinned.
She stated defiantly, "I only have to impress one Viscount and his family. No one else matters, except for the welfare of all the nice people helping us with our party."
And that was the truth of it.
They got off Samson, unsaddled him, and Jeanne saw a very curious sight in the corral.
"Goodness Jack. Look!" Jeanne exclaimed.
There was shiny, midnight-black young mare standing by Kerchak and Faith, one of their few single color offspring. The younger horse was a little bigger than Faith and had furry fetlocks like her father, and had a long black mane and tail. She was clearly a warhorse, but was perfectly built for a smaller rider. The mare paced and moved her head anxiously, looked directly at Jeanne, and whinnied and snorted happily. She reared a little, anxious to be closer to Jeanne.
"Bring Lady Jeanne over here, Master Jack," directed Kerchak, "I want her to meet one of our daughters."
Faith nudged her daughter toward Jeanne pushing her flanks with her snout, so the young mare leaned far forward against the fence line close to Jeanne.
Jeanne was mesmerized by the horse, but approached slowly, admiring the shining black mare. Her own back length black hair blew in the breeze, as did the black mane of the female horse. The sheen and texture of their hair nearly matched, as did the lengths.
"What a mane your mate Jeanne has," Faith and Kerchak's offspring told Jack affectionately.
The admiration was mutual between horse and rider, as Jeanne noted, She's… she's… so beautiful Jack. And look - she's not afraid of me. I think she likes me."
Her gaze at the horse was just short of awe and amazement. Both were drawn to each other.
Jeanne reached forward with an open hand and gently touched the exquisite black horse, soothed her snout, and they nuzzled each other. Jeanne closed her eyes in deep affection for the animal. Jack loved watching this bonding happen between them.
"Who… who is this beautiful creature?" Jeanne asked breathlessly.
Jack translated as fast as he could possibly go.
Faith answered, "She's my youngest foal. My last, probably. Her name is Redemption."
Jeanne's knees nearly buckled with the name, "'Redemption'…? Oh my! Praise God, Jack."
Jeanne's eyes moistened. They both knew the symbolism of her name was no coincidence. Every offspring of Kerchak and Faith had a religious name. Jeanne caressed Redemption's snout and rubbed her mane and neck even more affectionately. The foal leaned into the caresses.
Redemption said, "Be mine, Lady Jeanne. You are as beautiful and as dark as me. I feel your kind heart. I will carry you all of my days."
Jeanne couldn't contain her excitement, "What did she say, Jack? Tell me now!"
Jeanne cried a little at the translated tender words.
"Jack, tell her this, 'Oh yes, yes of course, Redemption. You are so perfect for me, pretty one. I want to be yours forever, too'."
Horse and master were instantly bonded.
But Jeanne had the look of worry, "Oh dear, Jack. I've never ridden in my life. Not a real horse. Just pony rides at the circus in Marseilles."
Jack said kindly, "I'll help you as you go."
He asked the stable master Thomas to fetch a saddle but she stopped them both, "No. No saddle. I have to learn it right. Like the ancient Clayton Scots did. Redemption and I will be closer with no saddle."
After some quick lessons from Thomas on bareback riding, horse and rider were exactly matched for each other. Jeanne was very confident, but knew to be careful at first. And so did Redemption, who actually had no one ride her before either. Horse and rider got used to each other quickly.
Jack remounted Samson, this time without his saddle, who was anxious to run with his master Jack bareback with his baby sister Redemption and her new master Jeanne, and Jack asked his bride, "Where to?"
Jeanne smiled, "Anywhere Jack, as long it's with you and Samson and Redemption."
They rode the grounds and some of the main trails until dusk, but tried nothing difficult or too fast the first time out. Jeanne's laughter and giggling were very evident. Jack taught her a number of different phrases to speak to Redemption.
…
Jane and Tarzan and Jeanne's parents peered out the multifaceted huge library window, watching them ride and observed, "Look at Jeanne. It's so sweet. She's a natural rider. They're both so happy with each other."
Tarzan pointed out, "Kerchak gave Jeanne Redemption. How truly fitting…"
Jane corrected her husband, "No dear, God gave her Redemption."
The double meaning was intentional and they watched appreciatively as the pair rode. Tarzan put his arms around his wife, who held Andrew against her blouse, napping.
….
Jack and Jeanne ended their ride and she said fondly in the mare's tongue, "Until tomorrow, my dear Redemption."
"I can't wait, Lady Jeanne," Redemption replied happily with a whinny.
Thomas took her away to be fed and watered and be brushed out in the stall.
"Tomorrow I will learn how to do that, Thomas. She's my horse. I need to take care of her."
Thomas nodded, "As you wish, milady."
Jack just shook his head, "Typical headstrong Jeanne. Goodness, how I love you that way."
She smiled and pecked her husband's lips for just a moment. The pair walked up toward the Castle residence calmly arm-in-arm calmly for a short distance, but Jeanne hesitated, a huge smile spread across her face, and she jumped up and down like a giddy school girl, holding both his hands and saying, "Jack. I have a horse. You gave me a horse! Every little girl dreams of having a horse. She even looks like me! I really truly own a horse!"
"I think you own each other, sweetheart."
They were up to two in the morning learning equine language basics. It was chilly that night and they ended by making love by the fireplace in their room.
Hearing the late night chatter between them, Lily wandered in and started to ask if they were all right, but saw them in the clutch and quickly tiptoed back to bed without disturbing them. She smiled for their happiness, and dreamed of the times to come for her and Okpara when he would be at the Castle, noting that loving each other by the fireplace was very romantic, and also remembered her beautiful sisterly cuddle with her brother years ago.
Lily's married life with Okpara couldn't come soon enough for her, but she was inspired by Jeanne's stories of sacrificing everything to keep her virtue for Jack until their marriage. Lily vowed to keep that promise too. She and Okpara already had strong temptations. Following a very candid sister-to-sister talk about sex and marriage, Lily knew Jeanne been alone and natural nearly six months in the jungle with her brother before they married. Jeanne told Lily about a couple of very torrid times together, but they both stopped themselves from going too far, and it was Jack that stopped them. Jeanne confided to Lily that she wanted to make love to Jack from the moment they were back together, nearly all the time at the height of temptation when the leftover effects of Meriem's personality ruled her desires for Jack. But they didn't betray the trust. If her big sister and brother could hold back until marriage, she and Okpara could too.
While Lily dreamed of her fiance, Jack and Jeanne finished with tremendous pleasure and satisfaction in each other's embrace, and fell asleep, wrapped up in each other with nothing more than a blanket over them.
…
The couple rode their horses together often, and her language skills with Redemption grew fast, as well as a number of forest animals. They went into town often, and spent nearly every day meeting and getting to know the town bakers and butchers and market place farmers to shop owners as they planned their renewal of vows ceremony. They bought the best from the locals, and had little shipped in. The only thing imported were the wines, including some Rieslings, which she still loved the taste of, but drank only in moderation like Jack had taught her.
She let her father-in-law and father pick out the best single malt scotchs to serve the guests, which Tarzan discovered was great fun doing with Armand, often going to the distilleries in the area for 'samples' most afternoons, which prompted both wives to scold them about. Having Tarzan work with Jeanne on the liquor stock for their event brought him and Jeanne closer together. Jeanne was only a little girl when she and Tarzan interacted last. He loved Jeanne as an adult even more. She was brilliantly smart and so knowledgeable of how the business world worked, even if it was often from the darker point of view. Jack was naïve in many worldly affairs compared to her, but Tarzan would never criticize his own son. Jack had lived a fairly protected life. Like Jack, Tarzan had concluded there was enough Meriem left in her to make her a very practical and realistic woman, and he knew she had a place in the family business. Letting Tarzan and her father select the alcohol also helped Jeanne not be tempted with starting back on consuming a lot of alcohol again, which relieved Jack.
After each day's work in preparation for the reception and rededication, the pair rode together into the depths of the estate. Jack was able to mercifully forget that he and Eleanor did the same, and Jeanne's exquisite, supportive love for him helped make that happen. She knew they'd ridden together, but never brought up the subject of Eleanor, and Jack's and Jeanne's experiences together in the woods as husband and wife were truly of their own making, and were very special times together. Swimming, riding, and running nude through the woods, making love amid the soft pine and oak forest and in another pond far away from the one he and Eleanor shared, was breathtaking. That lake's venue was even more beautiful than that pond with Eleanor, and was the best thing for Jack and Jeanne to bury an uncomfortable, but mercifully increasingly dim and distant past for him.
Jack wanted to reassure Jeanne of his devotion only to her by telling her a new lake they discovered was a place only he and Jeanne had ever been to. Samson and Redemption grazed and watered themselves. The young couple was cuddled naked together in an edge of this new pond near a soothing icy cold spring. It was completely crystal clear water and he could see every detail of her body in the water against the mountain background.
Jack observed, "Wow. I sure have never had a view like this one today, Jeanne."
She cuddled into his arms a little tighter. She thought he meant the spectacular forest and mountain vista behind the lake and noted, "That's sweet, Jack. It is beautiful here."
"Well, cherie, I meant the mountains, too, beautiful girl."
She swooned with his romantic praise, sealed her lips tightly against his and wrapped around the front of him, locking her legs behind him and they were effortlessly joined in the water. The feeling was so intense it took Jack's breath away. It was brand new way of expressing their love, never leaving the lake, exciting them immensely with the thrill of the cool water contrasting against the heat of their movements together. Being at 'their Scottish lake' became an instant favorite and their newest 'special alone place' was so isolated that only they could hear the echoes of their combined shouts of ecstasy, and they lingered as long as they could afterward.
…
The way Jeanne handled the reception plans continued to endear her to the populace in the small village of Greystoke, involving nearly every shop keeper in some way. They remarked this dark-skinned, dark-haired French girl had so much spirit and personality that complemented her mother-in-law Jane, whom they loved for years. While all knew the young couple was already married, they all thought it was sweet to rededicate themselves in Jack's home town in front of friends and family and the townspeople, and then throw a big reception for everyone to celebrate with them. This very special French girl who partied like a Scotsman was just fine with them. Everyone remarked with amusement it was the 'hot blood' of her Italian/Greek heritage.
Prior to conducting the rededication ceremony in the cathedral in town, the Anglican pastor counseled them like he would any young couple getting ready to marry. He found Jack and Jeanne remarkably well adjusted for each other, tremendously caring for each other, and very dedicated Christians. Their faith was remarkable among his parishioners. He had to ask them the hard questions about their relationship, given Jack's previous brief marriage, which he had also administered, and complications of conceiving an unborn child with Eleanor. He was impressed with the maturity of how they handled their own reconciliation. He had no concerns about the rededication ceremony which Jack wrote most of, much of which was very scriptural-based. He approved their existing marriage with no reservations.
People went out of their way to help make the well-organized ceremony memorable and fun. This was the social event of the village for the year and everyone was really looking forward to the ceremony at the cathedral and the open house at the Castle.
…
The ancient local church was packed with celebrants to Jack and Jeanne's rededication.
Jane savored the words the pastor had used to open the ceremony, "Today we reconsecrate this young couple, already blessed and married in the Sight of God. With you as their witnesses, we gather this day to celebrate with Viscount Jonathan Robert Clayton IV and Lady Jeanne Meriem-Marie Jacot Clayton and their parents."
It had been two generations since a Clayton wedding had happened there, and even though everyone knew this was a rededication, something very special in itself, it was celebrated much like a normal wedding celebration. The only real difference between this ceremony and a real wedding was in the vows and the fact they already wore their rings. Every other part of the ceremony was like a real wedding.
Tarzan and Jane, sitting in the front pew across the aisle from the Clayton's, were so proud of their son and daughter-in-law. The inspirational words of the Pastor's sermon and Jack's special handwritten testimony dedicated to his wife were truly moving - summarizing their true love prevailing over long-suffered adversity and separation. The twins and Michelle were so cute with Paul as best man and the girls as attendants, and with Lily as Maid of Honor. Andrew and Etienne, with a little help from the other children, toddled up the aisle and tossed flowers petals, as well as consuming a few. Tarzan and Jane already decided that their 20th anniversary would be celebrated here next year.
The young couple dressed for a real wedding, because their conditions had been so primitive in the jungle. Having a makeshift altar and Jack performing the standard Anglican ceremony together, dressed in desert tunics he'd used as his disguise to save her, impressed a lot of people, as did having a civil ceremony as soon as they returned from the wild. This was a very moral couple - a fine example to other young people seeking marriage.
It was especially poignant to watch Armand give the bride away, and despite his struggles, he was determined to do it right. Everyone had learned the story of how he nearly died in the first failed rescue attempt. He was a bonafide French hero.
Jane sighed, seeing the beautiful sight of the bride and groom silhouetted against the amazing colors of the old stained glass windows. Interestingly, from Tarzan and Jane's perspective, they were juxtaposed against the Genesis panel where God created all the animals. It did look like they were getting married in a forest.
Lily and Jane loved seeing Jeanne in her paternal grandmother's wedding dress which had been brought back to its nearly perfect white colors by the town seamstress and tailor. Lily prayed the dress would get one more wedding despite its age. Hers. Jane remembered her own special day her father arranged for her to wear that beautiful dress for Tarzan. Jane scooted closer to her husband, seeing the look on his face as he remembered their special time.
Jane and Josephine glanced at each other as they admired Jeanne's white dress. She was married now, and had not been a virgin for some time, but by keeping her virtue until her wedding day, she had absolutely earned the right to wear white for the rededication. Jeanne was indeed beautiful in her special new veil and trailer to accent the heirloom dress that spanned nearly twenty feet behind her. Her below-waist length black hair was done in cascades of beautiful curls. The 'something borrowed' tradition was a third use of Tarzan's mom's wedding ornate dress. Her olive skin contrasted against the pure white of her dress was beautiful.
The townspeople were impressed with the closeness of these two families, but as more and more people learned about Jeanne's eight year kidnapping and one year journey back through the jungle and her marriage there with her new husband, it became obvious why they all were close.
It was a truly festive and joyous affair. It was intentional that Jack and Jeanne picked the anniversary of the day she was kidnapped to forever erase that horror with the joy of rededication and commitment for all time when they could have just as easily been kept apart forever. Everyone thought it was cute that their actual marriage day in the jungle was their shared 18th birthdays.
Tarzan sat proudly with his long time bride and asked in a whisper, "Jane dear, are you sad you didn't get a wedding rededication like this?"
Jane smiled. "Remember, dear, I chose not to with you. What we did was just fine. Remember, I wore that dress for you in your parents' treehouse when Daddy married us formally. Besides, this way we can appreciate theirs."
"I'll never forget that day. They look great together, don't they?"
Jack and Jeanne gazed into each other's eyes and exchanged their renewal vows, officiated by the rare dual ceremony with an Anglican and Catholic priest who had been Colonel Jacot's Army Chaplain friend for years. They insisted in paying his way, despite all the hospitality of the Clayton's.
Both religious leaders announced, "You may now kiss your wife!"
Jeanne shed a happy trickle of tears and gave Jack an adoring look prior to kissing him.
"You have no idea how much I love you right now," she cooed.
"Try me," he grinned.
"Oh! Of course," her eyes went wide in realization.
Both closed their eyes, leaned in for a very public kiss, but more happened than could be seen by the onlookers. Their connection overwhelmed them in its intensity as wave after wave of combined loving emotions swirled and washed over the pair. The strength of their love for each other nearly knocked them over.
"Now that was a kiss, dear husband!" she beamed, and he smiled back.
When they turned, their faces were brightly flushed in love for each other.
There was thunderous applause, and even more when they were announced as Viscount and Lady Jeanne Clayton, heir to Castle Greystoke and Clan Clayton.
They stepped off together hand-in-hand, and strolled back down the aisle, got in the very heavily decorated family limo to the big celebration waiting for them at Castle Greystoke. They didn't let go of their connection all day or evening, savoring their shared feelings. It had never lasted that long before.
…
The reception in the Great Hall of Castle Greystoke was the most festive occasion that had been held in the castle for decades, even more than their frequent Christmas open houses. Jeanne had spent hours on every detail and it showed in every aspect of the party, and although she delegated responsibilities to a reception coordinator for that night, Jeanne's touch was felt everywhere in the event and everyone really knew who was in charge of this grand celebration.
The waiters and waitresses were most attentive. The recipes and quality of the food and drink were impeccable, and the band was a new American-style jazz band that could still play the classics, including a number of Scottish jigs. Several other instrumentalists had played classical violin and cello duets, and an ancient Gaelic pipe and fiddle duet filled the hall with ancient tunes.
The floor of the Great Hall was crammed with dancing guests for the jigs which followed the young couple's first dance and the dances with the parents.
People lined the dance floor, and there were no better dancers than the bride and groom.
...
Jeanne had spent hours teaching Jack how to dance in the weeks proceeding the event. During one exasperating moment, while having difficulty learning some of the moves, Jeanne threatened Jack that if he didn't get it right she'd do her old strip show in front of all the guests.
She had smacked playfully him when he quipped, "I'd rather see your strip show, dear!"
"I just might, jungle boy!" she threatened. He realized with that determined look, she very well could, so he got the moves right after that.
...
A nice, old, white-haired lady struggled to walk with her cane to talk to Jane, and inquired, "Lady Jane, who was your caterer? This is such an exquisite party. My granddaughter is getting married next year and I want the best for her. I simply must have who you hired for your party. You obviously spared no expense."
Proudly Jane stated, "I got mine for free. My new daughter-in-law Lady Jeanne."
The wooman was very impressed, "No! The bride threw the party? What a remarkable young woman. She could do a reception fit for the King and he'd be impressed."
"She may indeed someday. But I will have her talk to you. She loves doing these parties."
The woman departed very happy about the prospects.
Over at the bar, Tarzan and Armand were entertaining their men guests with the single malt scotch selections. They were having a great time. Jane and Josephine were worried a bit that they were having too great a time.
Jane's second cousin from America came over to Jane after having several of the scotchs. This was his first nephew to get married, and hugged Jane.
"Well cousin Jane, you got it all here. What a beautiful big family you have besides the beautiful couple."
Jane blushed, "Thank you, Grant. You're very kind. Thanks for coming. It was a long way from the States."
"I couldn't miss this one. You and Jonathan didn't really do a wedding like this."
"Well no. It was a lot simpler for us."
Grant invited, "I know you guys have traveled the world, but you haven't lived until you come to America and see my ranch. 20,000 acres in the middle of nowhere. You guys love living in the wilderness, come try it in the US."
Jane grinned, "Oh, you mean come to those ingrate rebellious colonies that broke off from England?"
"Yep, that's us."
Grant then dropped a bombshell, "Jane are you still skinny dipping?"
"Shhh, Grant. We were 10 for pity sake. I was smitten with you."
"You didn't answer me," he grinned.
A bit exasperated, Jane answered, "Yes. If you must know, the whole family does. In fact, both families do. Together."
"Whoo-eee! Then have I got a lake for you guys to swim in!"
Jane noted sternly, "Grant, I'm not coming if you are going to embarrass me with our pasts."
"Well the way I see it you turned down a perfect life with your 'kissin' cousin' just to take on a count who thinks he's an ape man.
"We've been through this before. You found Rebbecca as soon as you went home. If you keep pestering me, I won't come."
Grant was very serious, "Jonathan has a huge shipping operation to run worldwide. I heard he's looking at other ports besides New York. Come with him. He needs to be in New Orleans and Memphis to handle all the US central and gulf coast cargo, and then you guys can come up river to my ranch. You can afford it."
"All right, Grant. I'll talk to him about it."
The cousins hugged and kissed, and Jane turned her attention to the 'bride and groom' about to eat their wedding cake and to share a toast offered by both fathers, though it appeared the pair was going to arm wrestle each other to simply jam the cake in each other's faces instead. Jane had sternly warned both Jeanne and Jack there would be no jungle husband/wife knife or wrestling fights in the Great Hall on their rededication day. Several of their aggressive workouts had left the huge room a shambles. Twice.
…
Rather than toss the wedding rededication bouquet away to the maidens, Jeanne had another idea. Lily was disappointed she didn't get to catch it but was very happy Jeanne had made up a second one to give her. One made especially for her with artificial flowers identical to her real flowers so it would never fade. She hugged her sister-in-law enthusiastically with the present.
The rededicated 'bride and groom' departed the festivities that were clearly going to go on very late with or without them, and they were sent off in style, even though everyone knew they had married relations for a year now. Everyone thought they were going to the summer cottage that was decked out festively just for their night. A number of townspeople gathered outside the summer house to prank and tease the young couple and delay them a bit from having the night they desired.
They had something else to do first, that no one knew about but them.
After officially leaving, they came in a back gate and secretly changed to riding clothes - a dress and kilt combo - in their bedroom, and quietly made their way to the stable. They rode Samson and Redemption together in the dark at a brisk trot. It was going to be a long ride, but the moon was full.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Jack asked one last time, "We don't have to."
"Yes, absolutely we must do this. I must do this. Even if we never come back this way again, dear husband. We have to close this chapter of our lives."
They knew that Duke and Duchess DunBroch were gone to Italy on holiday to be as far away as possible from the rededication. They knew about the event, but were still too emotional about the tragedy of years past to even consider accepting the invitation. However, they sent a nice bouquet of flowers as a gift. Jack had an open invitation to a special place any time he felt like it. He was family, even if it was only for an hour.
The moonlight bathed the garden that contained Eleanor's grave.
"It's beautiful here, Jack," she softly said.
"I spent more time here than I thought I would, dear, before I came for you," he admitted.
"It's OK, dear. I know you loved her. I know you still do in remembrance. I do too. Our love is better because you loved her."
He started to go forward, but she placed a hand on his chest gently, "Not yet Jack. You'll have your time. This is just between me and her."
She knelt down in her riders dress and boots. She held her bridal bouquet nervously.
Jeanne spoke aloud, after a nervous sigh and some time of just being silently reverent in prayer before her grave, "Hello, Eleanor. It's been awhile since we talked and I don't know when we might again. We've both felt you in our lives many since… well since this happened. You're our guardian angel - I am sure of it. Thank you so much for that. So tonight, on my marriage rededication with my husband… your former husband… we needed to come here. I needed to be here. I… I'm not sure what to say, except… Eleanor… thank you for letting me have him. I… I'm a lot weaker than you in spirit even if I am stronger in my body. I couldn't have lived without him."
Tears flowed freely.
"And," Jeanne said with her voice cracking, "I know you were only married an hour. You never got to wear a white dress or stand in the big church or hold your own flowers."
She clutched her wedding bouquet like it was her first child, "Eleanor… these are for you, my friend."
She just wept quietly a moment.
She took her floral bridal bouquet and laid it on the grave before her. Tears marred her perfect make up.
"Goodbye, Eleanor…" she could barely whisper.
Jeanne got up and rushed for Jack and hugged him, knowing just how close she was to never having him. Jeanne turned back to the grave and the bouquet of flowers, "She looks so lonely here, Jack."
"Well you know she's not here," Jack pointed skyward, "She has a heavenly home now, not this terrible dark, cold place."
"Yes I understand."
Jack also paid his final respects to his first bride and then the somber couple turned to go home. They were interrupted by a blue glow. It wasn't a wisp or Eleanor's spirit, but was a glow that surrounded the flowers. They turned a brilliant blue-white and then the glow subsided.
When their eyes had adjusted to the returned darkness, they saw the flowers were gone, and gasped.
There was nothing but a ribbon left. As they looked closer, it wasn't the ribbon from the bouquet. It was a garter. A blue garter, nearly iridescent. It was Eleanor's gift to them. Jeanne knew she hadn't included the wedding tradition of 'something blue' for the renewal ceremony. The garter was imprinted with an anchor symbol on it, identical to Jeanne's anchor tattoo. While closest family had seen her tattoo whenever they were natural in the wild, none of them would be here at this place to know to leave such a touching gift of Jack and Jeanne's lasting love when it needed to be a secret from the kidnappers. Jack picked it up. His hand shook, and Jeanne gasped and looked skyward.
The pair cried together for awhile, and prayed, standing huddled together at the gravesite, but they composed themselves, and smiled at each other about their most special wedding rededication 'gift'. He knelt, removed her boot, and she raised her riding dress a little, and he placed the garter on her beautiful olive leg – the same leg where her real anchor tattoo was - then replaced the boot. With a giggle, he scooped her into his arms and placed her on Redemption and he climbed back on Samson.
They didn't look back at Eleanor's grave. They didn't need to. Every look at each other was ahead to their future now.
They arrived home and put their horses in their stalls. It was very late. Everyone was asleep, even the most fervent party-goers.
Jack led her back to the Castle in a very odd direction.
"Where are we going Jack? This isn't the way to the summer house."
"We aren't going there, dear. We're going someplace else, to seal our rededication vows in a truly special way."
"But I thought 'our night' was going to be at the summer house?" she puzzled.
"This will be even more special. The summer house was just a clever ruse. Everyone in the whole town thinks we're going there. I can still see a crowd there. We'll never get to celebrate there. My mom and I can lie too, and get away with it."
"Oh really, now?" she grinned with intrigue. She loved playing adult games with Jack.
All the gates were locked but he found and used a secret underground entrance, and then walked down a steep stone staircase deep into the catacombs. Torches were burning to light their way.
Jeanne was shocked, "I… I had no idea this even existed."
"You do now. Some day it may save your life and our family's."
That had an ominous tone, but this hidden place was built by ancient Clayton's for a purpose. Protection.
She teased, "Where are we going? Certainly not to the dungeon. I've had enough chains and ropes in my life to last for eternity."
"Never my love. I would never ever do that to you. We're going to a place that's wonderful. Someplace all my ancestors went to be safe to have special times with their beautiful wives."
They arrived. It was the ancient secret bedroom for the Clayton nobility, decorated with signs for the rededicated newlyweds and greetings and festive ribbons and bows. It even had a special split of champagne and a letter from their parents about how proud they all were of them.
She smiled broadly, sharing the champagne, seeing everything ready for them, and enjoyed the nice letter, "When did you have time to do this, you romantic Viscount?
"Our head servant Elisabeth set this all up tonight, but Mom and I planned this together. She thought it would be special for us. Your mother-in-law's gift for our 'wedding night'."
Jeanne gave a sigh and a wistful look at her husband, "I love your mother so much, Jack. She knows how to make everything 'fairy tale' special."
They sat on the bed together, sipping the bubbly drink until the bottle was empty. They were a little nervous like it was their first time. It was their first time here, and both the felt the weight of generations of history of the Counts and Countesses all being here at one time or another in special romantic moments just like this one.
She repeated an old joke to start their loveplay, "I hear ancient Scotsman don't wear anything under those kilts."
"I'm not."
Before he could react she quickly reached up between his legs, and grinned, "Yep. It's true!"
He caught his breath at her sudden grasp but let her wander and enjoyed that incredible soothing touch of hers.
"Do I know where your knife is, Meriem?" he quipped.
"In our real bedroom, jungle jerk. Don't worry dear. I need these to be safely in my hands, dear," she kidded.
They lay further back against the furs on the bed, starting to get more comfortable in their kissing and caressing. And a lot more excited.
"Well you know there's another legend about Scottish women: 'why should just Scottish men have all that comfort and freedom,'" she winked.
That really got his interest, "I don't think I ever heard that."
She pondered in jest, "Or maybe it was French women or Italian or Greek? I get so mixed up sometimes with all my heritages."
"Well there's only one way to find out..." he snickered.
After a few giggles shared removing the blue garter, Jeanne let him slide his hand where it wanted to be, and she sighed when he got to that very familiar spot. There was no underwear, just something luscious, soft, and very warm to the touch.
He quirked an eyebrow, and explored deeper, "Whichever of your nationalities has that tradition, I like it."
His movement timed with his emphasis made her yelp, and she giggled, "I gotta admit, jungle boy, you are a fast study."
Letting what was left of their riding dress and kilt outfits drop to the floor, they fell into an embrace in the very bedroom that witnessed many generations of ancient Clayton's consummate in secret and safety, often to conceive an heir without interruption or interference. While they had been intimate frequently for months, this very special nuptial celebration was as tender as the moment of their first time all over again. He smothered her in his gentle kisses and caresses and they peaked tantalizingly slowly, just the way they liked. She knew she could let go a deep cry of ecstasy that no one would ever hear, and it tore itself loose from within her with all the love she felt for him on this very special day for them. Their all day connection was in full force still.
Afterward they wrapped themselves in the soft, warm, ancient furs, and Jeanne asked, "But, dear, who's sleeping in the summer house? I saw a light on in the master bedroom."
"I don't know cherie, but I can guess…" he smiled wryly.
…
In the summer house, Jane had dropped the last piece of her lingerie on the floor, sat enticingly on the bed summoning her husband who was still fighting his way of his tux, rolled on her back, giving Tarzan ample room to join with her. He was very ready for her. Loveplay was not needed tonight. They just simply wanted each other. They couldn't wait any longer.
Gently joined as they had for nearly two decades, she greeted Tarzan, knowing the feeling of closeness that never got old between them, "Hello husband. Mmmm. Nice."
Before they got started, Tarzan settled in and just held her a moment. They savored their closeness, and the entire wonderful day for their son and his wife.
"What a great idea Jane. A little getaway at our very own estate to cap off our children's special day."
"And seemed a shame to waste a perfectly decorated rededication 'nest' since we surprised the kids with the armory bedroom. But it was very clever of you to remember the secret passage from the Castle to the summer house. No one knows we're here."
"Well dear, one great surprise deserved another. We'll do that little getaway at our 20 year rededication next year."
She smiled demurely as if they were newlyweds themselves, "Jonathan, dear, tonight I just want you to rededicate yourself to me right now."
They smiled, turned out the light, their lips met, and he grasped her tightly.
…
In the largest guest bedroom in the Castle, Armand and Josephine finished their own intimate celebration, kissed, and reflected silently on their oldest daughter's happiness while they savored their own joy, and wondered about the hoped-for happiness ahead for their youngest daughter Michelle with Paul. They were doubly blessed by their girls' relations with the Clayton boys.
…
Hearing her parents occupied with each other in the aftermath of the joy of Jack and Jeanne's rededication, Paul slipped out of the giant bed with his sister sleeping next to him. He tiptoed into the adjacent bedroom that held his beloved Michelle, and stood before her. She was awake and waiting for him. He was incredibly handsome to her. No other boy could ever mean more to her.
"Do you suppose there's room in there for me?" Paul asked gently.
"More room than the nest, Paul, sweetie. Do you think this will be OK?" she smiled and peeled back the covers, and they laid close and kissed. That felt so good they kissed again and they wrapped their arms around each other tighter.
"Of course it will. We can snuggle for a little while, then I have to get back," he promised her.
"OK," she smiled back, and put her head against his warm chest.
But instead, they were too comfortable together and accidentally snuggled the entire night.
When the young pair was discovered fast asleep in each other's arms the next morning cuddled just as they did in the Land of the Mangani in their parents' and Jack's nests, they were scolded by both sets of parents, but not that badly. It had been a special night for everyone. Especially when Jack and Jeanne intervened on their behalf and told their parents how many times they accidentally snuggled all night in the 'the big kids room' that the parents never knew about.
What pleased the parents more was what happened after breakfast. Jack and Jeanne took Michelle and Paul aside in the library and read both of them the riot act about never again taking advantage of their special privileges and trust of being childhood lovers because they were Mangani. Jane and Josephine saw Jeanne animatedly pointing her finger at her sister and Jack speaking angrily at Paul. Both 10 year old children held each other more in fear than in affection, and were in sorrowful, apologetic tears. Their older siblings completely unloaded on them, but they all hugged in the end, and then ran off to play and go for a ride and a picnic on their horses.
"Wow. She's definitely got my temper," Josephine observed.
The young pair never took advantage of a compromising situation like that again.