**author's note: I've seen it twice (so far) in packed theatres with energetic crowds of all ages, laughing, snorting, and applauding. I don't know what movie the so-called critics have been watching but the public is loving JE3 here in my neck of the woods. Next time I go, I am going to shout out 'Bough' and to heck with whichever family member is cringing beside me! I'm proud to be a fan and I don't care who knows it**

Part 2 of 18

It's late even by 'island time'. The children have all been put to bed, the Bough young'uns bunking down with the Poole hellions. Doris finally comes out to the candle-lit terrace once the last pair of green eyes has closed for good and falls into the vacant chair awaiting her at the table.

The three other women turn to her with raised eyebrows and Doris laughs, "They are all finally asleep, the dears. God bless 'em and Erzuli watch over 'em."

Camille and Celeste snort, a sound that would surprise anyone who didn't know them well but not their long-suffering husbands in the least. "I don't know how you manage it," Celeste says, pouring Doris a hot cup of tea, "especially when they all get together like this."

Camille laughs, "Well, it helps that I nailed all their bedroom windows shut before you got here. Now we at least stand a chance of seeing them trying to sneak off on one of their adventures." She lays a hand over Celeste's, "I can't tell you how much I appreciate you coming here to stay with me. You too, Maman," she says to the shadow nearest the ocean. "I would be going out of my mind if I didn't have all of you here with me."

Maman stirs, "None of us should be alone at such a time. Imagine the nerve of those men, sneaking off on a mid-life crisis like this! I will certainly have something to say when they get back!"

"IF they get back," Celeste gulps, holding her baby-bump and her sudden tears. Camille and Doris lean in to pat Celeste's back and look to Catherine's shadow.

Catherine stirs, candle light flickering over her eyes as she turns to face them, "They will return. I have been assured that they will be watched over with the utmost care."

Camille hems, glances to the other women who shrug back, "About that, Maman. I read your letter, as did Celeste, but I still don't understand how Erzuli can possibly…"

"Not Erzuli. Not in Europe. There are others almost as old who can be called upon with Erzuli's help." Catherine gives the two younger women a knowing glance, "Erzuli is MOST solicitous of your men," her eyes flick up to the darkened (sealed) windows on the second floor, "and of your children." She stretches and sighs, "I'm sure the men are having a great time, roaring around in fast cars, flirting with femme fatales, drinking exotic drinks. They will have such stories to tell!"

"But, Maman," Camille hesitates, looks to Celeste who nods, "they all had to sign a non-disclosure contract right in front of us. There's no way they can ever tell us anything."

Catherine gives a soft snort of her own and looks back out to sea, "You are no daughter of mine if you can't make a man tell you anything in bed."

Camille's stunned silence is broken by Celeste's laugh, "You are right, Madame English. I have every intention of prying all of my husbands' secrets out of him at the first opportunity." She turns to face Camille's outraged countenance, "As do YOU, Madame Poole."

Doris bursts out laughing, "Oh, you know it! I think I'll take my holidays whenever the mister returns. You won't mind, will you, Camille?"

Camille drinks deep of her tea in order to hide her sudden blush, "Um, sure, if you want."

Catherine laughs too, "And I will take all the children off to Saba for a while, if you like. I'm sure the house staff won't mind being run off their feet by my dear grand-babies and their closest friends."

Camille, Doris, and Celeste share a smug glance. No, the Saba house staff will NOT mind. Not if they know what is good for them.

Everyone settles back into their chairs and watches the sea roll endlessly in.

Out there, somewhere, three dearly beloved men are risking life and limb in whatever fool errand they are currently on. The gods had BETTER be watching over them! And, once they return home, solemn vows have already been made to keep them home forever after.

By whatever means possible.

End – part 2