Christopher Teitjents walked along the great Groby estate with his young son 11year old Michael . This was their time together. Some times Valentine ( Christopher's young mistress) would join them. But more often it was just the young father and his son. They would bring a lunch with them. This was their quality time together.

They soon sat under one of the many trees on the estates. They sat eating the sandwiches and the jug of cold lemonade they had brought with them.

Christopher looked down at his son and smiled gently. He then ran his hand through the child's hair.

Christopher spoke kindly "Michael, I have something I would like to discuss with you..." The little boy looked at his father worriedly " You said discuss... I know what that means. Am I in trouble?"

Christopher shook his head as he hugged his son to his side"No my dear lad . You are not in trouble. Far from it I promise you."

A smile crept across the boy's face as he looked at his father in earnest. He enjoyed when his father asked for his opinion on certain matters. His father was one of the few grown ups that seemed to valued the young boy's opinion. It made him feel grown up.

His father spoke

" It is about Miss Wannop or Valentine I wish to speak to you about, Michael."

The little boy grinned "I like her, father . She wears boy's clothing. She likes to play and climb trees with me. And she lets me dunk my biscuits in my milk."

Christopher smiled at this, his young mistress Valentine Wannop was like no other woman Tietjents had ever known. The young man had fallen in love with her almost on sight.

How different she was from Michael 's late mother Sylvia when it came to Michael. Sylvia only ever hugged their son for show in front of company. She never ever played with him. that was unheard of. That was what nannies were for. Sylvia also believed children should be seen but not heard.

Valentine on the other hand seemed to enjoy Christopher's son's company. She along with Michael's nanny, Marchie ( who had also been his father's nanny growing up, took the young boy on outings in town and on nature walks in the local park and the Groby estate.

Valentine even gave him basic cooking lessons. Christopher was amazed on how his young son took to the lessons. The lad also picked up after himself which was a habit he had picked up while the trio lived at the Grey's Inn. Christopher secretly knew that these were good traits for a young man to have. Traits that would come in handy when the time came for Michael to strike out on his own as a bachelor .

Valentine also helped him with his studies. It warmed Christopher's heart to see the way the two most important people in his life got along so well. Christopher ,at first had been worried that Michael would not be accepting to his father's mistress but right from the start the two had formed a close friendship.

Thanks to both his father, his nanny, Marchie and Miss Wannop, The 14th heir of Groby was growing in to a polite ,well adjusted young man.

Teitjents spoke "Michael how would you feel about my asking for Valentine's hand in marriage ? To become a member of our family? Would that meet with your approval?"

The little boy took a bite of his sandwich ,chewed and swallowed . Michael then looked at his father. "Would my real mummy in heaven be mad if I call Valentine mummy.?" Christopher looked at his young son " Michael , it is up to you if you call Miss Wannop mummy or not. It is your choice. So shall we make our miss Wannop a member of our family."

The little boy looked at his father and nodded. Christopher hugged his son close." How would you like to be there when I propose, in fact if you would like you can help me do the proposing?" Michael grinned " Really ? " Teitjents smiled as he nodded. " in fact I have a idea on how we might do it. Are you game?"

Ok this chapt is the first of two parts... The proposal will be in the next chap. Akula I hope you like. I have a idea in the works ... There will also be some private romance time for the gentleman and his mistress. Remember if you have any suggestions ... Let me know.