Author's note: Got a Private Message berating my support of a favorite author, who is daring to be original...not easy with fanfic, believe me. I didn't reply, and won't go into detail here, as both would be pointless exercises. But I would like to publicly plead that, if you don't like a particular story, simply stop reading it. In the meantime, I'll follow my own counsel on what I write or read. So save your fingertips for writing the story how you'd like it.

Chapter Thirty-nine

Snug in each other's arms, exhausted from their rough and then gentle lovemaking, Ana is almost asleep when Christian suddenly excuses himself, sits up and reaches for his phone. Confused, because she hadn't heard it even vibrate to announce another call, Ana then hears a sound that has never come from his Blackberry before. "Did you just switch your phone on?"

A little sheepishly, Christian says, "Yeah."

Now utterly confused, Ana says, "But…you must have turned it off. Christian, you never turn off your phone."

Still clearly embarrassed, he explains, "I know. I'm sorry. But I'm still relatively new to this having a lover thing."

Finally catching on, Ana guesses, "You intend to switch it off every time we have sex?"

"Will turn it off, baby. I might forget for a while, so you have my permission to remind me…gently." With that almost too charming lop-sided grin, he points out, "Still dominant."

Knowing how much this concession will cost him; to trust that those in charge of his empire will cope while he's out of contact, Ana's heart swells with so much love that she's almost dizzy with it. And, despite his caution, she knows by now how far she can push him, so cheerfully commands, "Put the phone down and get back here."

His grin widening, a flare of passion in his eyes, Christian does as bid, enfolding Ana in his arms and asking, "You going to fuck me again?"

"Tempting. But my husband loves me very much and would prefer that I get enough sleep every night."

Kissing her forehead, Christian says, "Yes, he does. Sweet dreams, Adorable Ana."

One hand resting on his bare chest, Ana is again almost asleep when she practically purrs, "Night, my darling Dominant."

A groan and, "Fuck, Ana, how am I going to sleep after that?"

Barely able to summon the energy to giggle at his aroused outrage, Ana is asleep before she can think of a reply.

With the streets of York blanketed in snow overnight and debris from the storm littering roads and sidewalks alike, our travelers enjoy a leisurely start to their day. When Christian is sure that it's safe, he leads Ana, Carla and Lea to nearby York Minster; that masterpiece of Gothic architecture that, even today, contains the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. Their guided tour of the ancient building – including the undercroft and a trek up the central tower for stunning views of the suddenly snowy city – finishes in the spectacular nave.

Carla, already deeply affected by this stone and glass celebration of worship, grips Ana's arm for physical or emotional support when a visiting choir spontaneously breaks into song: non nobis, Domine. Not even the hostile weather has kept the cathedral from filling with awed pilgrims and rowdy tourists alike, but they all fall silent and stand in rapt attention as the harmonic voices celebrate their connection with the divine. When they're done, there's a hush, until one brave person expresses their joy with polite applause, soon joined by everyone within earshot.

Suddenly struck by inspiration, Ana taps Christian's arm twice and instructs, "Wait here."

His forehead creased in confusion, but the corners of his mouth lifting in a quiet smile, he says, "Okay, baby."

"What's she up to now?"

Turning his smile on Carla, he replies, "Hey, she's your daughter. I've no idea." He watches Ana approach the choir and say something to the conductor. "But I have a feeling it's for our benefit. She's the most generous person I know."

Eyeing her son-in-law with bemused respect, Carla reveals, "Funny; she says the same thing about you."

Christian inwardly curses the tell-tale reddening of his ears at this praise when he says, "Well, she inspires that in me."

Apparently enjoying his discomfort, Carla smiles and says, "Oh, I suspect it was already there."

"Next subject, please."

Thankfully, he's saved by Ana's return, and she tells Christian, "They couldn't do the one I want, but the next one is for you." Smiling at her mom, she adds, "Though I think you'll like it, too."

Christian has an idea what she might have requested, but keeps silent, encouraging Ana into his arms, then turning her to face the choir, his arms encircling her and their joined hands resting over their son. Seconds after the melodious voices again fill the massive room, he kisses her cheek and whispers, "Thomas Tallis. Thank you, baby."

This time, when the singers conclude, there is no hesitation to the applause. They accept graciously, making it clear that the unscheduled show is over. Carla is shaking her head slightly and asks Christian, "So, you're not religious, but you're a fan of hymns?"

With eyes only for his wife, Christian says, "Even atheists can appreciate great beauty."

Carla breathes a laugh and says, "Good answer."

Ana can't resist kissing a justifiably smug Christian, and agrees, "Yes, it is."

That evening, Christian exits the bathroom to find Ana chatting on her phone, animatedly discussing the details of their day exploring York. On seeing him, she mouths, "Ann." When he nods and offers a cursory wave, she relates, "Christian says hello." Then she giggles and quotes, "Hello back."

Still concerned about the rubber recycling plant, he grabs his computer and kisses the top of her head before quietly explaining, "Work. I'll be downstairs."

"Hang on, Ann." Covering the phone with her hands, Ana says, "Then I think a proper kiss is in order."

Smiling at her temerity, Christian kisses Ana well enough that he knows she'll be turned on, then brushes his nose against hers before straightening and saying, "Be careful what you wish for."

Having to leave Ana while his cock is straining to get out of his jeans is made worthwhile when he hears her stammering some red-faced explanation to her great-aunt as he shuts the door.

Finally satisfied that the plant is back on track, Christian packs up and returns to the suite. Ana is already in bed, though it's relatively early, and she's left a lamp on for him. He can tell from her breathing that she's awake, so he quickly sheds his clothes and climbs in beside her. She turns into his arms as if he'd ordered it. Just in case she's not in bed at this hour because she's horny, he asks, "Tired, baby?"

She hesitates long enough that he's sure she's not in the mood to fuck, and then says, "Not really." Her eyes are clear, and her cheeks are dry. But, when Ana lifts her face to his for a long, tender kiss, he knows and says, "You've been crying." When she tenses in surprise, he gently continues, "Your lips are softer than usual. What's wrong, baby? Is Ann okay?"

With a profound sigh, Ana snuggles into him and reveals, "No worse than usual. I just…it really hurts that I'll never see her again."

She hasn't asked, and somehow he knows that she never would, for fear of disappointing him. He considers for a moment the time and expense he's put into planning the perfect vacation, but only for a moment; she's all that matters. "Would you rather just spend the rest of our time with her?"

Ana's quiet for a long time, and he only knows that she's been holding her breath for the duration when she suddenly gasps for air, then whispers, "You'd do that?"

Shuffling a little so that he can tilt her gaze to his, he reaffirms, "Anything, Anastasia. I'll do anything for you. If being with your family is what you need, then I'll make that happen."

He knows that she's seriously considering it when she unconsciously bites her lip. Thinking of work to distract his need for her, Christian waits until Ana finally releases her slightly swollen bottom lip and asks, "What about Mom?"

"You mom is here for you, baby, and she also loves Ann. She'll comply." With a fierce grin, he adds, "Or she'll answer to me."

It seems that Ana's decided; her face lights up at the idea of seeing her newfound family again. But then she nestles back against his chest, her face and thoughts hidden from him, and eventually says, "You've put so much effort into this trip."

"Only because, at the time, I thought it's what you'd like. We can do the tourist thing next time. But you know that Ann…."

He doesn't need to finish that sentence. They both know that the cancer is in Ann Lambert's blood; now unresponsive to treatments, only regular transfusions keeping her symptoms at bay. This time he doesn't need to distract himself; remembering that not even his billions will keep the remarkable woman alive much longer definitely dampens his ardor. He's still lost in thought when Ana quietly says, "Yes, please."

"Look at me." When she's complied, and Christian can see the sincerity in her eyes, he decides to lighten the mood, so she'll know he's okay with her decision. "You'd rather hang out with some old woman than visit Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in Shakespeare's footsteps, ending with a live performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre?"

Her eyes widen with delight at his description, but then she repeats, "Yes, please."

Hoping she'll realize he's teasing, he asks, "You don't want to visit Hay-on-Wye, known as 'the town of books'?"

With a grimace, Ana squeaks, "No."

Despite her apparent anguish, Christian can see the light returning to her eyes, so he continues with the game, "Not Bristol, Bath, Winchester and Chawton; places important to Jane Austen?"

Beginning to smile now, Ana shakes her head and says, "Uh, uh."

"Not Agatha Christie's house in Devon? Stonehenge? Canterbury and Kent; the Garden of England? The Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221b Backer Street? The Poet's Corner of Westminster Abbey? The Charles Dickens Museum? The Globe Theatre?" All of these are met with a smiling but negative shake of Ana's head. Saving the best for last, Christian grins and asks, "Not the British Library?"

That draws a groan of pain from Ana and she begs, "We'll come back?"

Unable to stop a breath of laughter at her minor distress, he hugs her a little tighter and promises, "Yes, baby. So, you're sure?"

"I'm sure. Family is what's important, right?"

Resting a hand on her belly, Christian kisses her and vows, "Family is everything."

What Ann Lambert had described as "the family home in Suffolk" turns out to be a stunning mansion by a lake, on a rambling estate of horse yards, meadows and woodland. In awe of the sight, as they approach, and having verified that they're at the correct address, a dazed Ana asks, "Mom, did you know your in-laws are rich?"

Also in a state of shock, Carla shakes her head and reveals, "Frank said something about his dad coming from money, but I had no idea." Then looking to Christian, she asks, "Are you sure it's all right for us to stay here?"

Grinning, Christian explains, "Ann insisted. She refused to consider any alternative when she and her few house guests are, and I quote, 'rattling around in this musty old place'. I only managed to dissuade her last week because I specifically wanted to start in Thetford, the home of your ancestors." One eyebrow raised, he teases Ana, "It seems that your stubbornness is inherited from your father's side."

Carla laughs and says, "Well, that's certainly true; though he was taken from me too soon, we had time for some fine arguments."

Still smiling, Christian postulates, "Wouldn't that mean you're both stubborn?"

Carla is opening her mouth to reply when Ana interrupts, "At times like this, I find a simple 'no comment' is best, Mom."

Her eyes sparkling with good humor, Carla tells Christian, "No comment."

After an emotional reunion with Ann Lambert, Jerry and a few other familiar faces, then an introduction – over a lavish afternoon tea – to friends who apparently also live in Elspeth Hall, Ana and Christian take a tour of the grounds, accompanied only by Nigel. Though the nationwide blizzard has abated, there's fresh snow on the ground and the air is bitterly cold, so it's not ideal circumstances for a stroll. Still, after spending most of the day travelling from York, Ana brightly comments, "Good to use our legs, isn't it?"

"It is." Glancing back at Nigel, he receives an eager nod when he more loudly adds, "Might go for a run before dinner." Returning his attention to Ana, he asks, "Feel good about deciding to come here?"

Smiling, so he'll know she's in earnest, Ana says, "I do, thank you. I didn't realize just how much I was missing Ann until we got here. She looks pretty good today; probably because of her grease and oil change, yesterday."

"Sorry?"

"Oh, the transfusions; that's what she calls them."

Christian smiles at that, and they're silent for a while, then he softly confesses, "When Ann…when she's gone, I'm going to need your help."

Suddenly understanding why, Ana gasps at the enormity of it, and guesses, "No one you care about has died since…." Unable to mention his birth mother, in this context, she instead asks, "Not even grandparents?" When Christian only shakes his head – distress rolling off him in waves – Ana suggests, "Do we need to call Flynn?"

Taking a calming breath, Christian shakes his head. "No. I will, when the time comes. He's aware of the situation. But I just thought you might need a heads-up, because you'll be grieving, too. But you've had a little more practice than I have, and…I mean, I'll try, obviously, to be a source of comfort, but I cannot know if I'll be up to the task."

Grateful that he's now able to relatively calmly discuss matters that he can only see as a weakness or failing, Ana silently vows to go easy on him, and says only, "Okay."

"Okay?" Exasperated, he continues, "Can you give me a little more idea as to how you feel about this? You know this shit still isn't easy for me."

She does. Bringing them both to a halt, Ana takes their joined hands and places his palm against her upper chest, even as she mirrors the gesture over his heart, and says, "Okay; I understand why you're afraid of maybe letting me down. But you cannot, because you are still the bravest person I've ever met, and just knowing you inspires courage in me. When the time comes, we'll comfort each other." When Christian's frown disappears, to be replaced by the joyful, boyish grin that she would do anything for, Ana leans close and whispers, "You kind of wanna fuck me right now, don't you?"

His smile widening at what has become a private joke between them, Christian says, "Always. But it's too fucking cold out here. I'll fuck you in the comfort of our antique bed."

But his plans are unknowingly thwarted by their hostess. Eager to again share Ana with her relatives, the matriarch has put out the word, far and wide, and the empty rooms of the mansion begin filling even before dinner is served on this chilly Friday evening. Reunited with her family, Ana doesn't retire until she's so exhausted that Christian has to sternly say, "Time for bed. They'll be here in the morning."

Ana wearily nods and bids everyone goodnight. She's actually leaning on Christian as they climb the stairs to their room – she'd been both pleased and embarrassed to find that it was deliberately distanced from others – and he suddenly lifts her in his arms, still easily able to carry her and their growing baby. Letting her feet touch the floor only so she can pee, he guides her to the bed and tenderly removes her clothes before helping her into an oversized t-shirt. He's pulling back the covers when she remembers, "Teeth…haven't brushed."

"Just for tonight, you can skip it."

Snug under the covers, Ana suddenly realizes that he's made no move to join her. "Not tired?" Her sleep-fogged brain then catching up, she says, "Oh; too many affectionate people. You'll take Nigel?"

"Yes, baby. And I won't be too long. Just need to run off the day."

Apparently now at ease even with this side of him, though it had often upset her early in their marriage – too often seeming like he was running away from issues – And finds the comfiest spot in the bed and begs, "Wake me when you get back?"

Smoothing hair from her face, so he can kiss her cheek, Christian promises, "It will be my pleasure, Mrs. Grey."

"Mmm…mine, too."

Ana wakes on Saturday morning to bedlam; she can hear the happy squeals of children outside her window, large machinery is roaring to life nearby, someone is pounding on the door, Christian is nowhere in sight, and it takes her several seconds to recall where she is. By then, the door has burst open, revealing Pru, apparently dressed as a Friesian cow, complete with horned hood, her headlong charge halted by Nigel's iron grip on her shoulder. "Babe, would you call off your bulldog? It's just me."

"Uh, that's fine. Thank you, Nigel. Where's Christian?"

Nigel releases his captive as he explains "Gone for a run, ma'am," just as Pru shrugs and says, "No fucking idea."

It takes everything Ana has to stifle her giggle when Nigel glares his disapproval of the comment, even as he grabs the door handle to leave them alone. Pru bounds towards Ana and leaps onto the bed, landing on her knees and exclaiming, "I can't believe you fucking cancelled your trip to come here! We're going to have so much fun! I had to pull double shifts the last couple of days, so I could take the weekend off, and I've had like three hours sleep, because I didn't get here until almost dawn. But I'm all yours until you have to leave on Saturday. You have no idea, Ana; I know all the best spots around here. Oh, and we simply must flit up to London for a night or two…do you think Christian would be okay with me kidnapping you? I know he's kind of possessive, but I'm not going to get you drunk or anything…. Ana?"

Realizing that she's been staring in slack-jawed shock this entire time, Ana shakes her head and says, "Sorry. But…you're a talking cow."

Laughing, Pru pushes the hood back from her head and says, "Well, I'm always being called 'cow', so I thought that I might as well dress like one. So, what do you think?"

Still in a daze, Ana says, "Uh, I think that I'd like a cup of tea before I make any decisions, and then you'll probably have to repeat everything you just said, Daisy."

Pru lightly punches Ana's arm and says, "Daisy…good one. Come on, get out of bed and come downstairs. Just throw on a dressing gown. Nan doesn't care what we wear to breakfast, but for dinner…well, she calls it 'supper', she insists on smart-casual and decent shoes."

Finally waking up a little, Ana points out, "Or, in your case, hooves."

Her face lights up and Pru throws herself into an awkward hug before just as quickly leaping up as she says, "I'm so glad you're here. I'll see you downstairs."

"Wait!" When Pru turns and snaps to attention, Ana asks, "Why are you dressed like a cow? Who is Nan…is that Ann? And what double shifts? You work at Go Ape, right? But they're closed for winter."

Pru holds up a hand to tick off her answers, "It's a onesie; you simply must get some. Yes, Ann has been 'Nan' for as long as I can remember, though I like to call her Ann-tique…don't look at me like that; she loves it. During the winter, and when things are slow in the forest, I work at a pub…oh, we must go there, too. Was that it?"

Thinking that Pru's energy levels would give even Mia a run for her money, Ana relaxes and says, "Yes, thank you." Then she smiles, truly meaning it when she says, "I'm glad I'm here, too."

By the time Ana is downstairs enjoying a modest version of the English breakfast, served by a genuine butler, a deliciously sweaty Christian breezes in, looking downright edible, with an exhausted Lea close behind. He brightly greets everyone, passionately kisses Ana, murmurs "You wouldn't wake up, so I put in eight miles," and is gone.

There's a heavy silence at the table for a few seconds after he's gone, then Pru exclaims, "Fuck me! Was he that good-looking last weekend?"

"Prudence! Language."

"Sorry, Nan. But, come on, he's sex on a stick."

It's too much, and Ana erupts in a fit of laughter, finally calming down enough to say, "I'm sorry, Pru, it's just…I'm not used to hearing livestock speak like that."

This sets everyone off, until they eventually settle down enough to finish their meal, returning to less provocative conversation. Eager to see Christian, Ana then excuses herself, and is forced to leave the room blushing when Pru mimes reaching into a pocket and holds out her hand, asking, "Earplugs, anyone?"

"Prudence!"

Shaking her head at Pru's cheekiness, which would rival even Kate's perpetual teasing, Ana climbs the stairs with Nigel, surprised to find the door unmanned. "Uh, if I'm staying in for a while, will you be able to go have breakfast?"

"I ate earlier, ma'am." Suddenly grinning, Nigel says, "But I can always eat more. You'll tell me if you're planning to go out?"

"I promise." Surprised, when he merely informally salutes her and leaves, Ana guesses that he must have been in communication with Lea during breakfast, and is glad that Christian seems to have relaxed security a little. Opening the door, she sees why; he's naked on the bed, apparently fresh from the shower, reclining against the many pillows, his half-mast erection growing at the sight of her as he demands, "What the fuck took you so long?"

Ana giggles and starts stripping as she says, "Sorry, darling. I didn't know dessert was waiting for me."

She's almost to him when he instructs, "Lock the door, baby."

Waving a hand in dismissal, Ana says, "Don't worry. Pru is handing out imaginary earplugs downstairs. No one is knocking on this door, believe me. Shocking a thought as it may be, I think she was actually a little shy and retiring when we first met her, because she's a slightly vulgar replica of your sister now. I can barely keep up when she speaks."

Resting his hands on her hips as she mounts him – sliding down the length of him and sighing her approval as their bodies join – Christian also sighs and comments, "Another Mia? That's a horrifying thought. Still, maybe there's something to be said for people knowing about our sex life."

"That's because you weren't at breakfast to hear your cousin call your husband 'sex on a stick' and see the look of frank admiration in your great-aunt's eyes."

Christian practically guffaws at this, seriously messing with Ana's concentration when the effects are felt inside her. Eventually, he calms down and says, "Sorry, baby. But…seriously, Ann, too?" Then ogling her, his hands gliding up her ribs to cover her breasts, he jokes, "And, from where I sit, you're sex on a stick." This last accompanied by a deliberate flexing of his penis, still deep inside her.

Ana groans and says, "Yes, Ann, too. She's confined to a wheelchair, but she's still got a pulse." Too late, she realizes what she's said, and is filled with something like grief when she again remembers that "Nan" won't be around much longer.

Sensing her disquiet, Christian cradles her to him as best he can, caressing her hair and back as he says, "Hey, it's okay. Let's have fun while we're here, okay?"

He's right. The reason she cancelled her dream vacation is to enjoy Ann's company while she can. Gasping a few times to forestall her premature tears, she mumbles against his neck, "I'm okay. Thank you."

Lifting her gaze to his with hands cradled either side of her face, Christian's expression is one of aching concern when he asks, "Rather fuck later, baby?"

Banishing the last traces of her melancholy, Ana sits up, leans back a little to grip his thighs and commands, "Make me forget my troubles, Mr. Grey."

As always, eager for any challenge, Christian offers an intent, salacious grin and does just that.

Where credit's due: To AriadneInNaxos, for generously sharing her experience of York Minster. Sorry, they didn't get to try a "Fat Rascal";-)

"If ye love me" by Thomas Tallis is the second song. Can you guess what Ana requested, but would have been politely informed that it's simply too much for a small choir to manage, especially without rehearsal?

"Elspeth Hall" is, I think, made up. I could only find reference to it as a woman's name. So, if you do find an estate of that name, it's not that one.

Their itinerary was a mix of several sites, but the one I used the most was Operation Europe, the tour being English Literature Tour. That's the extent of my knowledge, as I've never been to the UK.