Author's Note:
I would like to offer the readers a huge apology for the delay in updating. I had no idea that it would take this long and I am very sorry for making everyone wait. Shortly after the last update, I went overseas on a business trip and came home eager to start this chapter. Unfortunately real life sprung a huge surprise on me that left has left me both physically and emotionally drained. This chapter was written in fits and starts, and hopefully comes across more cohesively than I think it does.
Thank you for all of the encouraging reviews and messages while I was off on 'hiatus'. I hope to update sooner and cannot wait to begin writing Chapter 13 this week. I promise that it is going to be explosive.
Chapter 12
Pennyhill Park Hotel
Bagshot, Surrey
United Kingdom
"It looks like it's just us for breakfast, Son," my father announced as I joined him on the terrace. "Your mother has a migraine, and Sam was still asleep when I checked on him earlier."
"I'm not surprised to hear that Mum has a migraine." I frowned.
"I suggested she stay inside and rest while we take Sam to Legoland. Fortunately, she never leaves home without her migraine medication."
"Care to tell me what you were playing at yesterday?" I abruptly changed the subject.
"Not beating around the proverbial bush this morning, Charles?" my father seemed impressed by my assertiveness.
"It's brass tacks time, Dad. You better have a good reason for the stunt you pulled yesterday. I'm not some bloody pawn at your disposal to exercise your latest whim."
"You're not a pawn, Charles, nor was yesterday a whim."
"Then what the hell was it?" I was becoming increasingly frustrated with my father.
"Yesterday was my way of ensuring that you do not repeat the sins of my past…"
-X-
"My marriage to your mother began as an arrangement between two families. My father, along with your grandfather, did not always excel at managing the family coffers. While your uncle would go on to inherit the barony, there was very little money to sustain the family estate. My father, fearing that the barony would fall into financial ruin, mandated the necessity for your uncle and I to marry expediently in order to preserve the family's wealth and stature. As the second son, I had always been destined to become an Army Officer, and to marry a woman from a suitable background. Your mother's family had acquired its wealth through property investments and real estate holdings, but lacked standing within the aristocracy. Uniting the two families would prove mutually beneficial."
"Are you trying to tell me that you married Mum for her money and that she married you for your aristocratic lineage?" I struggled to comprehend what I was hearing. "Are you sure this isn't the plot of a contrived Regency romance?"
"Your mum and I were raised to perform our respective duties. We recognised the benefits of the proposed union and thought we could build a suitable foundation to sustain a marriage."
"Did you love Mum when you married her?"
"I found Jacqueline attractive and her personality amiable."
"That hardly sounds like love," I objected.
"While it may not have been love, we felt the potential was there to build a solid partnership based upon mutual fondness and respect. Your mum was fully aware of the reasons for our marriage and accepted them."
"Do you love one another now or have the past forty years been a sham?" I raised a sceptical eyebrow at my father.
"I adore your mother, and we both share a great love and affection for one another. While we may not have loved one another in the beginning, we grew to love one another over time."
"How does this have anything to do with forcing me to witness the complete spectacle Molly made of herself yesterday with Bones?"
"Like you, Charles, I too, know what it is like to lose the love of your life," my father confessed.
"I don't understand. You just told me that you love Mum. What are you implying, Father?" I was appalled to think there was more that I had yet to discover.
-X-
"Shortly after proposing to your mum, I was sent to Cyprus for six months. I was a Lieutenant at that time, and your mum and I thought it best she remain in the UK to focus on our upcoming nuptials. While in Cyprus, my good friend and fellow Officer, Captain Wells, invited me to stay at the villa he had rented for the summer. It was located on the beach and had stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. His wife, children, and their nanny would be joining us there."
"I'm not sure what any of this has to do with yesterday," I observed.
"Let me continue, Charles, and you will see," my father assured. "I remember returning to the villa one night, after a particularly bothersome day, to find the most beautiful woman that I had ever laid eyes upon standing on the beach. I was completely and utterly 'gobsmacked' as Molly likes to say."
"Who was she?" I wondered.
"The nanny."
"Christ," I could only imagine where my father was headed with his story.
"It was love at first sight for me and I quickly became obsessed with her. My pursuit was relentless. I needed to possess her both body and soul."
"Where did Mum factor into your obsession?" I gave my father an accusing look.
"She didn't. I hardly knew your Mum, then. I pushed our engagement to the back of my mind, and let myself be consumed by my burning desire for the woman I had fallen madly and passionately in love with."
"Did she know? This woman you had an affair with in Cyprus? Did she know that you were engaged to another woman?"
"Of course not!" my father was appalled by my suggestion.
"Not only did you betray Mum, you also deceived the woman you professed to love." I couldn't believe how callous my father had been.
"I know it was dishonourable, but I could not control my feelings for her. I recognised that she was my soulmate, and when I promised to love and adore her for always, I meant it."
"Why didn't you, then? Why not break off your engagement to Mum and marry your professed 'soulmate' instead?" I challenged.
"Because I was a fool. I was arrogant, prideful, deceitful, stupid, and worst of all, a bloody coward. Instead of fighting for the woman I loved, and risk being cut off from my family, I returned to the UK to marry your mother. At the time, I justified my actions by telling myself that I had no choice, and that even if I hadn't been engaged to your mother, it would never have worked because she was unsuitable."
"Unsuitable?"
"The woman I loved was much like Molly. She had been raised in Essex to a working-class family. While she had qualified as a nanny, I believed that she would never be accepted by my family or our social circle. Even though I loved her with every fibre of my being, I refused to let go of my mistaken belief that she was not my equal and that I was somehow to superior to her because I had been born into an aristocratic family. She had such a passionate personality and zest for living that she brought colour and excitement into my world. She was also funny, kind, and full of compassion. She would light up every time she saw me and I adored being the centre of her world. How I thought I could walk away from her boggles my mind even today."
"Is this why you never once raised the slightest objection about Molly's background or lack of education."
"Yes."
"And, Mum? Does Mum know about this woman?"
"Yes," my father nodded. "Being the arrogant arse that I was, I honestly thought that I could settle into married life without a single regret. Instead, I was wracked with guilt and shame and resented my situation. I found I could not bring myself to give your mother the chance she deserved when my heart belonged to another. Regretfully, I took my feelings out on your mum."
"Is this why it never seemed to bother Mum that you were always away on tour?"
"Yes."
"And the affair, was it with her?"
"No," my father looked appalled at the mere suggestion. "The affair was meaningless. She was a divorcee and a convenient outlet. I was so eaten alive with unhappiness and regret by that time, that I was merely looking for a way to feel human again. Your mother and I hadn't been intimate in years, and I had accepted that I was trapped in a misery of my own making. Like you, I found myself going through the motions and had numbed myself to any real feelings or connections."
"If things were so broken between you and Mum, how did you two salvage your marriage?"
"When you were thirteen, your grandfather passed away and your mum finally came into her inheritance. Jacqueline was now financially independent, and no longer had any real need for me. She had fulfilled her duty to her parents and wanted to use her inheritance to build a new life for herself. By this time, she despised me, and was fearful that you would fall prey to my influence. It was why she pushed you to attend Eton. She wanted you away from me, and in an environment where you could thrive. Shortly after you began at Eton, your mum served me with a petition for divorce. She was willing to offer me a generous financial settlement in exchange for full custody of you."
"I had no idea," I was astounded that my mum had kept all of this from me, and had never let on that there had been any problems in their marriage.
"Your mum wanted to protect you from our marital discord. I will always be indebted to her for acting with civility towards me in your presence."
"Did you contest the divorce?"
"No. I felt the least that I could do for your mum was to allow her the opportunity to build a new life away from me."
"I apologise for being obtuse, but how did you and Mum go from agreeing to a divorce to staying married and having two additional children?"
"Not obtuse at all, Son. After I agreed to the divorce, I came up with a rather quixotic notion that I could finally claim the woman I loved. It did not seem to matter that I hadn't spoken to her in over fifteen years or that she was married with two children. All that mattered was the possibility that she could forgive what I had done to her and that we could live happily ever after. Looking back, I realise how appallingly arrogant I was. I honestly thought she would leave her husband for me."
"Am I to assume that she did not?"
"No. Instead of pining for me, like I had imagined, she was happily married with two sons. Not only had she found happiness with the man she described as her one true love, she was now a countess. She proceeded to inform me that her husband was everything to her and that he loved her more than his title, wealth, and family. The irony of the situation was not lost on me. She suggested none too gently that I go back to you and Jacqueline."
"Is that why you reconciled with Mum?"
"No. Shortly thereafter, her husband paid me a visit. After giving me the telling off that I deserved, he proceeded to thank me for being such a spineless coward. He also used the opportunity to make it abundantly clear that I was not fit to hold even the smallest piece of his wife's heart. He was right," my father acknowledged, shame evident in his eyes.
"That must have hurt," I conceded, knowing too well what my own self-importance, stupidity and recklessness had cost me.
"I was devastated. In that moment everything became clear. Not only had I lost the woman I loved, I had also ruined your mum's life, all while being a terrible father to you in the process. I wasn't worthy of anyone's love. While I still had my career in the Army, it was little consolation when my personal life was in complete shambles. I remember being rat-arsed for days after. One evening, a young Second Lieutenant found me passed out in my office and insisted on helping me pull myself together. You know him today as Colonel Beck."
"I had no idea. That's why you are so close to Beck," I realised.
"Yes. He's an exceptional man," my father noted. "Shortly thereafter, I decided to visit Jacqueline in Lake Garda. She had recently purchased a villa there, and I felt I had no one else to turn to, but her. You were away on a school trip, and she was staying at the villa by herself. Your mum, being the gracious woman that she is, saw that I was a mess, and allowed me to stay the night. I remember her offering a kind ear as I poured out my sorrows to her over a bottle of Nebbiolo. I think she pitied me, seeing me reduced to a pathetically broken man with only myself to blame. It's the only explanation for why she didn't object when I reached out to her for comfort. I remember waking up in her bed the next morning with one hell of a hangover. Your mum ordered me to leave shortly thereafter, and confirmed that she still had every intention of moving forward with the divorce. I returned to the UK with my tail between my legs."
"What happened next?"
"About eight weeks later, your mum came to see me at my barracks, where she announced that she was pregnant. Jacqueline felt I had the right to know. She announced that she still wanted to proceed with the divorce. Seeing your mum stand her ground like that was astonishing, and gave me a lot to consider. I realised that while our marriage was over, it did not mean that I needed to be an absent father this time around. After the appalling way I had treated your mum, the least I could do was provide her with my full support for the duration of her pregnancy."
"How did manage to accomplish this when she clearly despised you?" I wondered, being in a similar predicament myself.
"I insisted, much to her distinct displeasure, in accompanying her to all of her prenatal appointments. I also requested a transfer to Tidworth Camp in Wiltshire to be within driving distance from Bath. Fortunately, due to a recent retirement, there was an opening for a Colonel. I then started dropping by Royal Crescent on the weekends to check up on your mum and to ensure she was taking care of herself. We agreed that during the weekends you came home, I would stay over and we would pretend that everything was business as usual. Soon, I started staying for the weekend regardless of your visits. I used those visits to pamper your mother. As your mum's pregnancy progressed, I started to worry about her being alone at Royal Crescent and having to climb up and down the stairs. I worried that she might fall or that it might become too much for her. I decided to commute from Royal Crescent to Tidworth daily until after the baby arrived. While initially against this arrangement, Jacqueline ultimately came to appreciate my support. It was during this time, that we started communicating with one another in ways we had never communicated before. For the first time, we were letting our respective guards down and were sharing in our excitement over the baby. We soon started doing things that normal couples do like going to dinner, talking walks, and watching films together. I'm not exactly sure how, or when it happened, but shortly before Andrew was born, I realised that I had fallen in love with your mum. I knew that if I had any hope of convincing her that my feelings were genuine, that I needed to change, and to make her my priority. When I finally found the courage to confess my feelings to her, she revealed, that she too, had developed similar feelings for me. We agreed to put the divorce on hold, and to pursue a trial period of reconciliation. Much to our surprise, we found ourselves falling deeper in love, and by Andrew's first birthday, we were the happiest we had ever been together. It was for this reason that we decided then to try for another baby."
"Have you truly been happy with Mum since then or is that another lie?" I questioned, needing to know the full unvarnished truth.
"Your mum and I have had a happy marriage for over twenty years now, Charles. While I will always regret how I treated both my first love and your mum, I have made peace with my past."
"How did you make peace with it?" I doubted I would ever make peace with my own past.
"I had to make a conscious effort to move forward and to leave the past behind. I owed it your mum and to you, Andrew, and Emily. Your mum also pushed me to become a better man. She recognised my failings as a father to you and did not want the same to happen with Andrew and Emily."
"If she wanted you to be a better father, why didn't you try harder with me, rather than focus all of your energy on Andrew and Emily?"
"I had been absent for so much of your childhood that, I found it difficult to connect with you. By the time you started boarding at Eton, you showed much promise, and seemed to have little use for me. The few times I tried to make overtures towards you, you rebuffed them."
"I didn't find your efforts genuine. Not after you had been both physically and emotionally absent for so many years."
"It's no more than I deserved," he acknowledged. "While my efforts with you were clearly failing, an opportunity arose for me to become a mentor as part of the Gordonstoun Association's mentorship program. I had been asked several times previously to volunteer, but had declined because I was rarely in the UK. Your mum encouraged me to accept this time as she thought it might help me find better ways to relate to you."
"Instead, it only served to drive us further apart," I sighed. "Whenever I came home for leave out weekends or half term holidays, Bones was all you seemed to be interested in talking about. I could not understand how you could be more interested in a virtual stranger than your own son.
You seemed proud of his ever accomplishment, yet barely acknowledged mine."
"I'm sorry you felt that way, Charles, but as we discussed in therapy last year, you must know I am truly proud of everything you have accomplished. I'm afraid I did not know how to express it properly, and I deeply regret that now."
"I don't understand why you didn't know how to express it when you had no problem sharing your pride in Bones."
"I knew Bones's uncle. He was a highly decorated SAS trooper who died in the Balkans shortly before Bones started at Gordonstoun. When I was contacted by the Headmaster, and learned that Bones was struggling to accept his uncle's death, I felt duty bound to help him. Bones needed me to instil discipline into him and to help him channel his anger and grief into meaningful pursuits."
"I'm not sure how well that worked," I rolled my eyes.
"Charles, I'm aware that there's no love lost between you and Bones, but even you know that he is a highly disciplined Officer."
"I suppose," I shrugged, unwilling to give credit, where credit was due.
"Couldn't he rely on his own father for this?"
"No," my father did not choose to elaborate further.
"This seems a bit like a cock and bull story to me."
"Believe me, Son, every bit of it is true."
"And the moral of said story?"
"You have a decision to make, Charles. There are three choices available to you. You can choose to act like me, and lose the love of your life…"
"I think she's already lost," I interrupted.
"Not necessarily," my father countered. "You can also choose to move forward with your life without Molly, or you can become the man Molly deserves, the man I know is inside of you, and find a way to gain not only her forgiveness, but to also regain her love and trust. What you cannot continue to do, is live in limbo."
"Was yesterday's stunt meant to illustrate this point?"
"Yes. You needed to see what has transpired during your inertia. Now, I cannot presume to know your true feelings for Molly, not after everything that has occurred, but what I do know is that if she is the love of your life, and you want nothing more than to earn her forgiveness, your window of opportunity has narrowed greatly."
"You cannot possibly think his feelings for her are genuine?" I scoffed. "Not when it's bloody obvious that he is using her."
"Is he?" my father challenged. "Perhaps your hubris is clouding your judgment?"
"Of course, he is," I gave an exasperated sigh. "What better way to extract his pound of flesh than to steal Molly away from me."
"Molly's not your possession, Charles. Nor, is she the adoring young woman who used to hero worship you. I suggest if you truly love her, you stop feeling so flagrantly self-important, and see Molly for what she truly is, your equal. In many ways, I would argue, she is more than your equal."
"You're right," I conceded sheepishly, annoyed with myself for acting, yet again, like an arrogant arse. "She always has been, but I was too bloody stupid to realise it."
"While both cunning and ruthless, I do not think Bones would be deliberately cruel to Molly. To all appearances he seems to possess legitimate feelings for her."
"What do you expect me to do?"
"I cannot tell you what to do, Charles. That is for you to sort out yourself. If, you decide to move on from Molly, I will fully support your decision. If, instead, you decide you are unwilling to give up on Molly, and you feel you have changed enough treat her as an equal partner and to provide her with the love and respect she deserves, you will have my full support," my father promised. "What I will not support is your continued belief, along with your siblings' belief, that Bones is using Molly as some twisted form of retribution against you. If you choose to uphold this belief, the only loser in all of this will be you. I know, from my own experience, that there is nothing worse than being trapped in a misery of your own making."
-X-
Winchcombe
Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
"Good morning, Poppet," Bones entered his bedroom wearing a pair of low-slung black swim trunks.
"Hi," I greeted him shyly, as I sat up in bed. "Were you swimming?"
"I went for a 15k run on the Estate and thought I would cool off with a 1600-meter swim before Thing 1 and Thing 2 hijack the swimming pool."
"It's only eight o'clock."
"There's no slacking off in The Regiment, Dawesey. Keeping fit is an important part of my job."
"I know."
"How are you feeling this morning?"
"Good," I smiled at him.
"Think you can manage Saturday brunch with the family? Olly and Melissa arrived with Dad while I was in the swimming pool."
"Definitely," my stomach growled in agreement.
"I'm glad to see your appetite is back, Dawesey. Saturday brunch at Mulberry Lodge is first rate."
"What should I wear?"
"I told you this isn't Downtown Abbey. Wear whatever you would like," Bones suggested.
"That's not exactly helpful advice."
"We don't stand on ceremony around here, especially on Saturdays. Mum and Dad will likely be in their tennis kit, as they typically play tennis on Saturday mornings. Olly and Melissa will likely be dressed to take the girls swimming."
"Thank you," I gave Bones a wide smile.
"You're welcome, Poppet. Now, you had best get changed while I grab a quick shower."
-X-
"You look much improved today, Dawesey," Bones took my hand and led me downstairs to the orangery. I had opted for light purple linen cargo shorts, a fitted white T-shirt, and strappy, nude coloured, flat sandals. I had decided to pull my hair back into a ponytail and apply lightly tinted SPF cream to my face.
"I feel much improved," I smiled up at Bones. He looked extremely fit in the tight jeans and black T-shirt he had changed into for breakfast.
"It's still fairly warm today, but it should not be as bad as yesterday. If you get too warm, we can always take a dip in the pool."
"I'm not much of a swimmer," I confessed.
"Define, what not much of a swimmer means?" Bones raised an eyebrow at me.
"We didn't have swimming pools in Newham."
"If you didn't have swimming pools in Newham, where did you learn to swim?"
"I didn't," I looked at him sheepishly.
"How did you make it through Basic if you couldn't swim?" he looked at me with suspicion.
"I pulled a sickie."
"For fuck's sake, Dawesey. Not knowing how to swim is bloody dangerous in the Army. How the hell did I not realise that you cannot swim?"
"I know how to swim now, I'm just not very good at it," I corrected in an irritated voice.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Bones demanded, unsatisfied with my explanation.
"Stop being so shirty," I glared at him.
"If you didn't know how to swim during Basic, how did you learn to swim?"
"He taught me. His parents own a villa in Lake Garda with a swimming pool," I offered by way of an explanation.
"Well, he clearly made a fucking cock-up of it, like everything else he does." Bones scowled.
"In his defence, I'm no Rebecca Adlington…" I protested, referring to the famous British Olympian swimmer.
"Stop right there, Dawesey. There is no way in hell I will abide by you defending that fucker. The ability to swim well is a critical skill that should never have been overlooked. If that knobhead had given a fuck about your safety, he would have taken his responsibilities as your fiancé seriously and made you a proficient swimmer. I don't care if you're a rubbish swimmer or not, there is no excuse for allowing you to compromise your safety."
"Did you ever stop to think that perhaps you are making a mountain out of a molehill?" I rebuffed.
"Do you have any idea what it does to me to know that I carried you through a river in Sierra Leone that was full of dangerous rapids and was at least 10 meters deep in certain areas. If I had lost my grip on you for a single second, you could very well be dead, and it's all because that bastard couldn't be bothered to do his fucking job!"
"But I didn't drown, Bones," I paused on the landing, and gazed directly into his eyes. "You kept me safe, and I am eternally grateful to you for that," I confessed before wrapping my arms around his chest and pulling him into an embrace.
-X-
"Look what the cat dragged in," a younger looking version of Arthur, who I presumed to be Bones's brother, drawled as Bones and I entered the orangery to find his entire family already seated at the dining room table.
"Piss off, Olly," Bones rolled his eyes at his brother, before the two exchanged a backslapping embrace.
"Uncle Bones, you owe a pound to the swearing jar," Ella chastised her uncle for his language.
"I reckon your uncle will be donating at least twenty pounds to the swearing jar before breakfast is finished," Victoria gave Ella a knowing smile as she ruffled her granddaughter's hair.
"Molly, Victoria are I are delighted to have you as our guest this weekend," Arthur rose from his chair and walked over to greet us.
"Thank you, Mr. Mc…"
"None of that, Molly. It's Arthur."
"It's lovely to see you again, Arthur," I smiled.
"Oi, knobhead," Olly cocked his head at Bones. "Are you going to introduce me to your poor, beleaguered girlfriend or what?"
"Daddy, you owe a quid to the swearing jar," Ella announced, causing the adults to laugh.
"Thank you, sweetheart," Olly chuckled at his daughter. "I'm Olly by the way," he leaned forward and kissed me on both cheeks.
"He's the more civilised of the two," Olly's wife, Melissa, added before formally introducing herself and kissing me on both cheeks.
-X-
True to his word, Bones's family were not much different from what I presumed to be a typical family. They were also far from toffee nosed. It was clear that they shared a great love and affection for one another. Breakfast had been filled with both laughter and love, along with occasional profanity from Olly and Bones.
The McClyde's housekeeper had prepared a scrumptious breakfast buffet that I thoroughly enjoyed after having been ill. Bones, of course, did not indulge, and had one of his noxious green smoothies and an egg white omelette.
"Molly, I must say I'm impressed that you have put up with my brother for two months now. If you had any sense you would do a runner," Olly advised with a smirk.
"Who says I haven't tried?" I returned his smirk.
"You're feisty. Bones needs someone who will send him to Coventry when he warrants it."
"What is Coventry, Grandma?" Ella inquired.
"Oh, it's just a place where adults go when they've been naughty," Victoria explained.
"Think of it as time out for grown-ups," Arthur added.
"Why would Molly need to send Uncle Bones to time out?" Mia wondered aloud. "Uncle Bones might swear a lot, but he's not naughty. He's the best!"
"I'm glad to see that at least one person around here respects me," Bones winked at his niece.
"Molly, can you come swimming with us today? Mia and I are taking swimming lessons. Mark is our instructor. He comes here every Tuesday and Thursday to teach us how to swim. I heard Grandma tell Mummy that Mark is fit. Mummy agreed. What does fit mean, Daddy?" Ella turned to her father who looked like he was about to spit out his orange juice.
"Yes, what does fit mean, Olly?" Bones gave his brother an evil grin.
"It means that he likes to exercise like your Uncle Bones," Arthur offered deadpan, clearly trying to hold in his laughter. It was clear that he found his wife and sons' high jinks entertaining.
"Uncle Bones is going to take Molly on a tour of the Estate this morning and then to Sudeley Castle," Bones revealed. "There should be plenty of time for us to join you in the swimming pool after lunch. It turns out that Molly is not very good at swimming, so it is up to us to teach her how to swim," he announced.
"Bones," I protested with embarrassment. "Why don't we leave the swimming lesson for another day. I'm happy to amuse myself while you swim with Ella and Mia."
"Not a chance, Poppet. Your arse is getting in the pool this afternoon even if I have to throw it into the pool."
"I take it my brother still hasn't quite mastered the art of romance?" Olly observed.
"Your brother finds losing his rag over trivial things romantic," I offered in an annoyed voice.
"Your safety is far from trivial," Bones gave an aggravated sigh in response. "Now, enough with your piss taking," he warned his brother. "Some of us would like to enjoy the remainder of their breakfast in peace."
-X-
"I've been dying to meet you, Molly," Melissa and I remained seated together in the orangery after Victoria and Arthur had left to play tennis. Olly had taken the girls out to the swimming pool, while Bones had mysteriously disappeared. "Olly and I were utterly gobsmacked when Victoria told us that Bones had a girlfriend last month. We still cannot quite believe it," she remarked.
"I'm not sure I quite believe it," I giggled nervously.
"How did you meet? Arthur assumed that it was while Bones was in hospital last year, but Mum seems to think it was before. Bones, of course, has been tight lipped as ever about it."
"I met Bones when I was in Africa at the end of 2017. I was there with the Army to provide medical relief and found myself in a spot of bother. Bones rescued me."
"I had no idea," Melissa stared back at me in shock. "I'm glad that Bones could be there for you. I cannot even imagine what happened for him to be involved, but I'm certain it must have been a terrible ordeal."
"Your brother-in-law is an incredible soldier, and I am extremely fortunate that he was there when I needed him."
"I don't mean to pry, but how did you two become a couple?" Melissa questioned.
"Bones sought me out after a follow-up appointment with his doctor this past April."
"Did he at least ask you out properly? Olly and I cannot picture him asking a woman out for a proper date."
"He more ordered than asked," I gave Melissa a knowing smile.
"Of course, he did," Melissa rolled her eyes. "Olly will enjoy that one," she laughed. "I hope he hasn't been too much of a pillock in the boyfriend department."
"Let's just say it's been a learning experience for him," I grinned.
"I can only imagine," Melissa rolled her eyes. "Victoria is in a state of absolute bliss. She has been trying to fix him up with every eligible female in the Cotswolds for as long as I can remember. I still remember several years ago her questioning me as to whether or not I thought he might be gay. She thought that perhaps he and Jack were in a secret relationship."
"I'm sure he loved that." I could only imagine how Bones must have reacted to his mother's suspicions.
"Fortunately, Arthur shot down that line of inquiry before Bones found out."
"That's a relief."
"Things came to a head this past November," Melissa revealed.
"What happened? I wondered.
"After Bones completed rehab, he decided to stay here until he was due to re-join his regiment. This gave Victoria ample opportunity to increase her matchmaking efforts."
"Oh, dear," I could sense what was coming.
"Naturally, Bones completely lost it with Victoria and went off on her like none of us had ever witnessed previously. He was literally apoplectic with rage. I don't think he intended it, but somewhere in the midst of his ranting and raving at Victoria he confessed to being in love with someone. None of us knew how to react. We were utterly speechless," Melissa confessed. "Bones proceeded to inform Victoria that any further effort on her part to play matchmaker would be futile on her part."
"I had no idea," I mused, realising that the woman in question must be the same woman he had told me about a few weeks ago. I couldn't help feeling a twinge of jealously at the intensity of his feelings for this mysterious woman.
"Until that evening, Bones had never so much as hinted that he had feelings for anyone, let alone talked about a woman before. It was only when Victoria told us about you, that Olly and I realised that it had to be you that he had been referring to in November."
"Umm," I didn't have the heart to tell Melissa that she and Olly had gotten it completely wrong. If only someone like him, could love someone like me, I surprised myself by thinking.
"There's no need to be embarrassed. It's as clear as day that he is crazy about you."
"Perhaps he's just crazy in general," I offered, trying to lighten conversation as it was becoming increasingly uncomfortable for me.
"Well, there is that," Melissa laughed. "However, the one thing I have learned about Bones over the years is that he has an intense need to protect those he cares about. This is why he threw a wobbler at breakfast about teaching you how to swim. I suspect it terrifies him to think of you in any type of danger."
"I hadn't considered that," I couldn't tell her that caring had little to do with it and that his concern for my welfare stemmed from his need to ensure I completed Operation Bellend to his satisfaction.
"Believe, me, Molly. Bones adores you," Melissa assured me. "I also suspect that you are perfect for him," she declared, confident in her belief that our relationship was genuinely based upon love.
-X-
"What's that?" I met Bones in the foyer an hour later to find him holding what appeared to be a picnic hamper.
"I thought after I showed you around, we could have a picnic," Bones offered.
"You do realise that being in the back of beyond with trees, fields, and nature give me the willies, don't you?"
"You're not worming your way out of this one, Dawesey," Bones announced. "Besides, isn't this the type of thing that couples do? Just think, instead of being in the middle of a jungle noshing on snake for lunch, we'll be lazing about in a beautiful garden enjoying the wonderful delicacies that have been prepared for us."
"At least I won't need to worry about whether or not my vaccines are up to date this time," I rolled my eyes at the thought of the snake that Bones had killed and roasted over a fire for us to eat.
"I made sure snake was off the menu this time," he smirked.
"You look like a bloody toff," I shook my head at the sight of him. He was dressed in a white linen button down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His shirt was carelessly half untucked from a pair of faded jeans, which I suspected were designed that way, and not faded from overuse. He had the top three buttons of his shirt unbuttoned, giving me a glimpse of his toned upper chest.
"Would you rather I wear my fatigues?"
"Piss off."
"And here I was about to tell you how nice and feminine you look this afternoon, Poppet," he took in my black peasant skirt with a scalloped hem that reached mid-calf, along with my white tie front, short sleeved shirt, and black flip flops.
"Do you always have to be this bloody exasperating?" I sighed.
"With you, Dawesey, always," Bones smiled, before taking my hand and leading me out the front door and into the courtyard.
-X-
"What's your pleasure, Dawesey?" Bones led me into a large outbuilding which turned out to be a garage.
"My pleasure?" I looked at Bones sceptically as I took in my surroundings. Having grown up in a neighbourhood where most could not afford a single car, let alone, multiple cars, the McClyde's owned appeared own at least seven.
"The red Jaguar F-Type SVR convertible is Mum's. Dad gave it to her last year for her birthday."
"Oh," I honestly did not know how to respond to what I considered to be such an ostentatious display of his family's wealth.
"My parents use the Rolls-Royce Phantom when they require the use of their chauffer," Bones pointed to a stately black vehicle.
"Your parents have a bleeding chauffer? I thought you told me this wasn't Downtown Abbey?"
"I knew that would wind you up. Jenson has been with the family for years. Not only does he drive my parents and Olly and Melissa when required, he also takes care of the cars, which is a full-time job in itself.
"You do realise this is obscene," I pointed out. "Normal people do not live like this."
"I'm well aware of that, Poppet. How about for one afternoon, you put your bias against upper-class toffs like myself aside, and have a bit of fun?
"You do realise that I know next to nothing about cars."
"Which makes this all the more entertaining," Bones smirked.
"Stop being a bloody wind-up merchant," I rolled my eyes.
"This beauty right here, is an Aston Martin Vantage," he pointed to a low-slung black coupe. "She belongs to Olly and it makes him absolutely mental when I take her out for a spin."
"What about this monstrosity?" I walked over to a dark grey convertible coupe.
"This, Dawesey, is a McLaren 600LT Spider. It has a 3.8 litre twin-turbo charged engine and can get up to speeds of 324 KPH. It has a unique carbon fibre…"
"This isn't Top Gear, Bones," I cut him off. "I take it, she's yours?" It was obvious from the pride in his voice.
"Want to take her for a drive?" Bones grinned at me, clearly proud of his toy.
-X-
"I take it the over the top sports car is one of the key accoutrements of a Four-Star Manwhore?" I observed dryly once we were seated in the McLaren.
"Now who's playing wind-up merchant?" Bones challenged as he handled his car like a consummate professional. "I'll have you know that most women would be duly impressed by my taste in sports cars."
"I'm not most women," I pointed out.
"Believe me," he chuckled, "I'm well aware of it."
"How much quid does one need to purchase a car like this?" I wondered.
"You don't want to know. If I tell you, you're likely to accuse me of committing all sorts of crimes against humanity," Bones chuckled.
"I can always Google it," I threatened.
"Two hundred thousand pounds."
"Come again?" my jaw dropped open from shock.
"You heard me. Sooner or later you are going to have to come to terms with the fact that I'm 'minted' as you like to say."
"And if I cannot?" I countered, unsure as to how I felt about his excessive wealth.
"Then I will be grossly disappointed in you. I realise this must be overwhelming and unfamiliar to you, Molly, but I would hope that you could eventually put your class bias aside and realise that underneath all of the aristocratic trappings, I'm just a normal bloke doing a normal job."
"You're hardly, normal," I rolled my eyes at him in response, not wanting contemplate his wealth any further.
-X-
Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Winchcombe, Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
"Do you ever find it a bit blinding to have castle in your backyard?" I asked Bones as we toured the grounds of Sudeley Castle.
Upon arrival, Bones had provided me with brief summary of the Castle's history. The current Castle had been built in the 15th Century and was sold to King Edward IV in 1469. He granted it to his brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester who would later go on to become King Richard III. Henry VII inherited the castile after Richard III died and granted it to his uncle and staunch supporter, Jasper Tudor, Duke of Bedford. It reverted back to the Crown upon his death. Henry VIII's son, Edward VI, granted the Castle to his uncle, Sir Thomas Seymour who married Henry VIII's sixth wife, and widow, Katherine Parr, who was buried in the Chapel of St Mary on the Castle's grounds. The Castle was ultimately attacked and surrendered to Parliamentarians in 1644. It would be used as a garrison for Parliamentary Troops for five years before being left neglected at the end of the Civil War for the next two centuries. During this period, the Castle changed ownership numerous times, and was rescued in 1837 by the Dent Family who were wealthy glove-makers from Worcester. The Castle had been owned by descendants of the Dent Family ever since.
"I suppose it may seem a bit surreal, but it's all I have ever known," Bones responded. "It's no different than you living next to Upton Park if you think about it."
"I never thought of it that way, but you make a fair point," I conceded as we approached St Mary's Church.
"My Mum and Dad were married here," Bones revealed.
"Really?" I looked at Bones in surprise.
"Yes," he nodded, before continuing with the history of the Church. "The current structure was built in 1460. Unfortunately, while in the hands of the Parliamentary Troops, St Mary's was desecrated. Not only did they destroy Katherine Parr's memorial, they also removed the roof of the Church which left it exposed to the elements. The body of the Church remained in ruins until it was restored by the Dent Family and rededicated in 1863."
"It's incredible," I was in awe of the small Church's history. "The glass windows are beautiful."
"They were designed by Emma Dent to commemorate the significant figures in the Castle's history," Bones explained. "She also commissioned a new tomb for Katherine Parr. Olly and I were both baptised here," he continued. "Mum had hoped that Olly and Melissa would marry here, but they chose to marry at Melissa's local parish church."
"Perhaps you might marry here one day?" I suggested.
"Not going to happen, Dawesey," Bones chuckled. "I think we both know that I'm not husband material."
-X-
"Welcome to Sudeley Castle's Secret Garden," Bones led me from St Mary's Church to an archway covered in roses. Inside the archway was an intimate and sheltered garden, hidden on one side by a large yew hedge and on the other by a stone wall complete. The garden was filled with foxgloves, alliums, irises, and roses. It also contained shrubs, ferns, and climbers of varying height and colour. "Hopefully it doesn't give you the willies," he smirked.
"Is this for us?" I was surprised to see Bones's picnic hamper and a blanket laid out for us on the lawn.
"I'm told it's the most romantic spot on the castle grounds," he remarked offhandedly.
"Since when do you do romance?" I raised a suspicious eyebrow at him.
"I don't. However, I'm not willing to take the risk of my family sussing us out."
"And if they did?"
"I would never hear the end of it," Bones frowned.
"Not to mention the fact that your Mum would be devastated."
"There's that, too," Bones acknowledged with a frown.
"Have you considered how she is going to handle our eventual break-up?"
"There's still plenty of time before we need to worry about that, Dawesey."
-X-
"I cannot believe I am sitting on a blanket next to you in a 'Secret Garden' of all places eating smoked salmon canapes, mini beef wellington, and green bean salad," I remarked, as Bones refilled my wine glass.
"Missing my grilled snake?"
"Very funny."
"Your housekeeper makes one hell of a picnic."
"I suspect, she like my Mum, wants to ensure that you stick around," Bones smirked.
"You know, putting aside the fact that you are insufferable more often than not, most women would be lucky to have someone like you as their partner."
"Because I'm a minted action man who drives a flash car?"
"No, you prannet," I rolled my eyes at Bones.
"Now this I need to hear," he invited.
"While you may choose not to reveal your true self to even those closest to you, I sense that you know who you are. I've come to realise that underneath your smart arse, cocky exterior you're loyal, brutally honest, principled, and intelligent."
"And here I thought you had me pegged as a Rupert."
"I seem to recall someone rather rudely educating me as to why he was not a Rupert," I reminded.
"That wasn't my finest hour," Bones begrudgingly admitted.
"You were right, though."
"What did you ever see in that bottom feeder?" Bones surprised me with his question.
"I thought you weren't into playing the role of agony aunt?" I deflected.
"Humour me."
"You honestly want to know?" I gave Bones a hesitant look.
"Yes," he responded with an impassive expression.
"He was a bit of a dick when we first met and was always finding a reason to be brassed off with me. In his defence, I was in way over my head. I was nineteen, had never been out of the country, had never even heard of Afghan, and certainly couldn't locate it on a map. I was scared shitless. I also had the tendency to mouth off and say the stupidest things at the most inopportune times."
"That certainly hasn't changed," Bones smirked.
"Very funny," I rolled my eyes. "After he witnessed me save my mate's life, he started to realise that perhaps I wasn't the dim Cockney he thought I was, and that maybe I wouldn't make a botch job out of being a medic. He started being more respectful to me and made a genuine effort to get to know me. As the days passed, he became interested in what I had to say and seemed to be developing a smidgeon of respect for me. This was unprecedented for me as the blokes I had known in Newham had been complete and utter bastards. Hell, the only serious boyfriend I'd had before him, shagged my best mate in the toilets during my eighteenth birthday celebration."
"You sure know how to pick them, Dawesey," Bones observed with sarcasm.
"You think I don't know that by now, Captain Obvious?" I glared at Bones.
"Point taken. So, when did you start to fancy the arsemonger?"
"I dunno, I guess it was once he started treating me with respect. Any woman would have to be blind not to find him attractive. I honestly thought he was out of my league and that he would never fancy me in return."
"It turns out, he was out of your league," Bones corrected, causing me to blush.
"When we finally did admit that we were attracted to one another and were developing feelings for one another, he insisted that we wait out and abide by Army rules. He was a real sticker for rules back then. It sickens me to think how easily he threw the rules out the window for her. I still struggle to understand why he insisted on following the rules with me, but didn't stop to give them a moment's consideration for her. Was she really that much more desirable than me?"
"What if I were to tell you that his being a stickler for the rules was all an act?" Bones posed.
"What do you mean?" I was taken aback by what he had implied.
"Let's just say that I've known him for a hell of a lot longer than you have, Dawesey. He is quite fond of playing the rule abiding Lieutenant General's son, when it suits him, but underneath his façade lurks a man who is rather unprincipled. I suspect he made you wait out because he enjoyed being in a position of power over you and liked being the one to dictate the terms of your relationship. You're well rid of him," Bones declared.
"For once we agree on something," I sighed. "Enough about me. It's time we talked about you."
"Me?" Bones raised a suspicious eyebrow at me.
"We're two months into this bleeding Op and I still know very little about you. If you want to keep your family fooled, you had best start telling me more about yourself," I recommended.
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything, and don't tell me that curiosity killed the cat," I warned.
"Everything's a bit broad, innit, Poppet?" Bones smirked.
"Stop being a git," I rolled my eyes at him.
"Fine, crack on, Dawesey, but my name is still off limits."
"I'll let that slide for now since it appears that your family really does call you 'Bones'," I observed. "I suppose you could start by telling me what you're doing in the SAS when you could easily be playing 'Lord of the Manor' so to speak?"
"It was very important to my Mum and Dad that Olly and I were raised to appreciate the fact that we were incredibly fortunate to be born into the life we had been given. They instilled in us from an early age, that with great wealth and privilege comes certain moral obligations. Mum and Dad are patrons of several charities and firmly believe in supporting those who are less fortunate. I remember Uncle Robbie often explaining to me that the greatest honour in one's life was to defend Queen and Country against all enemies. The more I learned from my parents and Uncle Robbie about having respect for others and putting the needs of others in front of my own, I realised that joining the Army was how I could make my own contribution. It also helped that the Army's values were much aligned with my own. I was raised to have respect for others, selfless commitment, courage, integrity, discipline, and loyalty. The Army allows me to live up to my core values. I also enjoy the hell out of it. There's nothing like defeating the enemy and knowing that my actions have not only improved the lives of others, but kept them safe. The satisfaction I derive from this far outweighs all of the money in the world. When I'm with The Regiment or going about my business in Hereford, I can be a normal person doing an honest day's work. I don't have to worry about being judged for my money or warding off sycophants hoping to benefit from my wealth. Don't get me wrong, having money is convenient, and I do enjoy the perks, but I'm just as happy living a simple life."
"That's quite admirable," I observed. "Have you thought about what you will do when you inherit all of this?"
"As I have told you before, I don't expect to live much longer doing what I do. Besides, Olly is much more cut out for being the 'Lord of the Manor' than I am."
"Not everyone in The Regiment dies," I pointed out. "Just because your Uncle Robbie died, does not mean that you will die."
"I'm a realist, Dawesey."
"Is that why you won't fight for her?"
"Not this drivel again," Bones scowled.
"Is it?" I challenged, refusing to back down, much to his chagrin.
"Perhaps," Bones conceded stiffly. "Now I suggest you bloody drop it. I think I've answered more than enough of your questions for one afternoon," he announced, making it clear that I had hit a nerve.
-X-
"Look, Mia, Molly's here!" Ella enthusiastically called out as I approached the swimming pool later that afternoon.
"Hi Molly!" Mia looked adorable in a pink swim costume.
"Hiya," I greeted the girls, before sitting down on a sun lounger next to Melissa.
"Are you coming in the water?" Ella asked.
"Maybe in a little bit," I hedged. "I want to talk to your mummy first."
"I know what you're doing, Dawesey," Bones warned from the swimming pool.
"Shove off, Bones."
"Do you always banter like this?" Melissa asked me with an amused look.
"It's unavoidable when dealing with someone who is as mad as a bag of ferrets," I remarked, watching Bones frolic in the pool with his brother and his nieces.
"How was Sudeley Castle?"
"Brilliant. I'm not one for nature, but even I have to admit that the grounds and gardens were beautiful."
"Victoria said that Bones arranged for you to have a picnic in the Secret Garden. I guess he does do romance after all," Melissa observed.
"In his own way, I suppose."
"Dawes, you better stop faffing about and get in the bloody pool," Bones ordered, clearly annoyed by the fact that I had yet to join them.
"Uncle Bones, you owe another pound to the swearing jar," Ella announced.
"Olly, you've got quite the enterprising offspring, here," Bones laughed.
"Blame Mum, she is the one who came up with this asinine idea. I'm going to be skint before I know it."
-X-
"Times up, Dawes," Bones pulled himself over the edge of the pool and stalked over to me. "I hope you have a swimming costume under that T-shirt you nicked from me."
"I might," I gave a nonchalant shrug, knowing full well it would aggravate him.
"Then it's time your short arse got into the bloody swimming pool," he barked.
"I believe you owe Mia and Ella two quid," I smirked.
"Quit thumbing your nose at me. The way I see it, you have two options, you can either get in the pool yourself or I can throw you in. Which is it?"
"Keep your hair on, McClyde. I am more than capable of getting into the pool myself," I stood up from the lounger and lifted his t-shirt over my head to reveal a black one-piece swim costume with a high-rise leg and ladder insert detailing around the v-shaped neckline.
"No, string bikini, Poppet?" Bones cocked an amused eyebrow at me.
"Piss off, Bones." There was no way in hell I was wearing a bikini in front of the man. Especially when I lacked the voluptuous curves and mile long legs he seemed to prefer in a woman. It didn't help matters that he looked incredibly masculine in his low-slung swim trunks. While he had possessed an impressive physique, Bones's physique took things to a whole new level of fit. He looked like a virtual Adonis with the water glistening off of his flawless, tanned body.
"Now who owes a quid to the swearing jar," Bones interrupted my thoughts, prompting me to walk over to the edge of the pool, sit down, and dip my feet into the water. Naturally, Bones took the opportunity to do an elegant dive into the pool and show off swimming prowess.
-X-
"Lazing about with your feet in the pool was hardly what I had in mind for you, Dawesey," Bones swam up to where I was seated a few minutes later.
"For the umpteenth time, I'm not much of a swimmer. Did it ever occur to you that perhaps I'm not interested in you barking orders at me and losing your rag when you realise, I'm not only rubbish at swimming, but that being in deep water gives me the absolute willies."
"I had already sussed that out for myself, Poppet. As for barking orders and losing my rag, you honestly think I would do that to you?" He gave me a thoughtful look.
"Of course, you would!" I gave an exasperated sigh. "It's all you ever do around me."
"What if I were to promise to behave myself? Would that be enough to entice you into the pool?"
"What would behaving yourself entail?"
"No barking, making sure you feel safe and comfortable, and only doing what I think you're up for," Bones elaborated.
"The moment you start acting all Captain Sykes on me, I'm done," I warned.
"I think you'll find that Captain Sykes is otherwise occupied today," Bones smirked. "Do we have a deal?"
"All right," I conceded, allowing Bones to reach for me and gently pull me into the swimming pool with him.
-X-
"How was that?" Bones asked, as we climbed out of the swimming pool an hour later.
"A bit of a turn-up for the books," I conceded. Surprisingly enough, swimming with Bones hadn't been nearly the ordeal I had anticipated. Rather than being shirty with me, he had been patient and solicitous. He had made sure to remain by my side at all times in the deeper parts of the pool where my feet could not touch, and had given me a couple pointers on how I could improve my form. Instead of barking at me, he had been helpful, which aided in easing my fears and making me more amendable to practicing my strokes. We had also spent time in the shallow end of the pool with the girls tossing balls, diving for rings, having races, and giving them piggy back rides. My favourite part of the afternoon had been when Bones led me out to the deepest part of the pool and let me wrap my warms around him while he held me close. He claimed it was to help me become less anxious in deep water, but I relished the feeling of being held securely in his warm embrace. For a moment I let myself remember what it was like to feel cherished and loved by someone, before reminding myself that this was all pretend.
"I might be an arse ninety-five percent of the time, but I am capable of behaving myself when the situation warrants it," he smirked, before reaching for a bath sheet and wrapping it around me.
"You should try it more often," I mocked.
"And risk losing my edge?" Bones pretended to look aghast. "I think not, Poppet, not when the ladies desire it so much."
"Keep telling yourself that, McCylde," I rolled my eyes, before following him back to the house.
-X-
Later that evening, Bones and I returned to Mulberry Estate with Olly and Melissa after having gone out for dinner and drinks. We had dined at Restaurant 5 North Street in Winchcombe. The restaurant was owned and operated by a married couple who had lovingly created a warm and welcoming atmosphere devoid of pretence and fuss. The Michelin award winning chef had outdone himself with a flavourful menu.
During dinner, Olly had regaled with me tales about growing up in the Cotswolds. It was clear he held a great affection for his brother. I also learned that Melissa was also a solicitor and had taken to working part-time after the twins had arrived. Victoria, it turns out, had developed quite the head for business over the years, and devoted most of her time to managing the Estate's business affairs and acting as a patron of several charities, including the Sandhurst Trust. This allowed Arthur to focus on his law practice and organic farming, which were his two passions. I was impressed that the McClyde's saw the value in honest work, and made sure to give back to the community. In all honestly, it was more than I could say for Dave, who preferred being on the dole and pissing away his benefits on drink rather than doing an honest day's work.
After dinner, we had visited the Corner Cupboard, which was a 15th Century inn and ale bar complete with flag stone floors, oak panelling, and Cotswolds stone walls. There, we had enjoyed a few rounds, where Bones, Olly, and Melissa and had shared hilarious anecdotes about Victoria. It was clear that they adored her authenticity and even her infernal meddling to a certain degree.
Upon returning to Mulberry Lodge, Olly and Melissa had bid us goodnight and had gone upstairs to check on the girls. This left Bones and I standing awkwardly in the foyer, with Bones staring at me with a look I couldn't quite place.
"Shall we head up to Bedfordshire?" I tried to make light of the tension I felt pulsating between us.
"You go on up," he responded coldly. "I'm going to get another work out in."
"I-I could join you?" I offered hesitantly, wanting to remain in his company.
"I prefer to work out alone," Bones declined, once again rejecting my overtures.
"I-I'll umm, see you upstairs then," I tried my best to mask my feelings of embarrassment and disappointment.
"It probably won't be until the morning."
"You're not planning on coming up to bed?" I looked at him with befuddlement.
"I'm not that tired," he shrugged, before turning towards the kitchen and leaving me wondering why, each time it felt as if we were growing closer, he would suddenly close himself off and reject me. I knew I wasn't his type, and that someone like him would never love someone like me, but I couldn't help but wonder if I was truly that unlikeable. As much as I hated to admit it, his aloof manner hurt me. No matter how many times I told myself that he was incapable of developing feelings for me, I had somehow started to develop feelings for him. It didn't matter that he was a lost cause, my heart wanted what it wanted, and I was likely destined for heartache once again.