Dramatis Personae:
Mansfield family
M / Olivia Jenkins-Mansfield 1945-married Nigel 1972
Nigel Mansfield 1943-2009
Judith Olivia Mansfield- 1973 (Sam)- children-Emily 2000 & Jason 2002
Ryan Nigel Mansfield 1975 (Sarah)- children-Elizabeth 2003
Marshall Mansfield 1941- (Josephine) 1943-2008 - two children David 1965- & Isabel 1968-
Bond Family
Charmian Bond 1926-1999
James Bond 1935-71
Andrew Bond 1934-1979
Monique Delacroix- Bond 1941-1979
James Andrew Bond 1968-
Kincade 1936- Family friend and caretaker of Skyfall. Married to Anne 1940-2000
Maggie 1940- Friend of Kincade and Anne. Kincade hires her as cook for Skyfall
MacKenzie family
Callum MacKenzie Sr. 1910-1980
Katrina MacKenzie 1936- Son - Alistair MacKenzie 1960 -Grandson-Callum 1986-
Callum MacKenzie 1938- (Married 1970 Jane) widowed 2 daughters-
Fiona MacKenzie 1971- unmarried
Kenna MacKenzie 1973- divorced no children.
Tracy MacKenzie 1938-1965 twin of Callum
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Note: I need to thank everyone who is sticking with this very long and evolving story. This is a shout out to all the nice people who have commented. You all make my day and are the reason I continue to write.
Love and respect to: detectivecaz, liz1967 , cjjosh4ever , SassyRaydorGirl, LadyDuchess82, Guest James, and other Guest.
Guest "James"...if you read this the click on the highlighted saye0036 and look at my entire list of stories. The Proposal is part 4.
The first is called Care to Explain. s/10217422/1/Care-to-Explain
The second is Care to Explain 2. s/10233664/1/Care-to-Explain-2
The third is a darker story called The Invisible Man. s/10939433/1/The-Invisible-Man
Chapter 31: The Party
The morning arrives after their disturbed sleep, James is up early and heads out for a run with Ryan.
The two of them have found this one thing in common besides Olivia. They don't speak much, they just run until they take a break and turn back.
"How do you think today will go James?"
"Good, I hope. Just as long a Dower is taken before the event. Although, I wouldn't mind taking her down a peg myself after the way she treated your mother."
"They met and didn't hit it off?"
"You could say that. She insinuated that MI6 was your mother's personal playground to surround herself with attractive agent types."
"You I gather."
"Yes and it didn't help that M told her about coming to Scotland to reopen a MI6 base. Then the questions of why I would give up my estate for MI6 came up...she suspected our affair at that point."
"How will you manage to keep to yourself tonight or even...keep Tanner from hanging off Judi so it looks like she is still your girlfriend?"
"I am not concerned about that. As far as I care they can think Judi is fooling around with Tanner...she bloody well is so it really doesn't matter to me if they all assumed Judi was my love and not your mother."
"Mum may still care."
"At this point I don't think your mother is going to perpetrate the lie any further. She will just choose to stay stubbornly silent on the matters of her heart."
"Did you manage to propose again?"
"No...I will do it tonight...it is our last night after all."
"Good luck...we should head back...I'm hungry."
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Kincade arrives dressed and ready to go by 3 pm. They are all getting ready for the gathering and the MacKenzies have requested that they all arrive an hour earlier than the scheduled guests. Considering them part of the extended family.
James just smirks as he helps M with the zipper on her dress and kisses her neck. "You are too beautiful for words M. Callum better watch his hands tonight or I will be cutting them off."
"James, I am hardly concerned about that when Clare Dower is still not accounted for and the team is delayed because of MI5's issues...argh...I think I will be conducting an in depth investigation into any possible connexions of hers in our sister agency."
Bond assist M place her gold chain on and then M takes a long triple strand of pearls with two large decorative gold segments for accents. While M is occupied adjusting her necklaces in the mirror James pockets the small velvet box containing two diamond rings.
M's dress is deep crimson, sleeveless with a low scoop neck that is making James' heart palpitate. The bodice is tight and the skirt fits tight but flairs a bit just under the knee. It is shorter at the front than the back.
"M this dress is killing me. You challenge me for wanting a woman of your age but damn it M you are bloody gorgeous. You have a figure that defies any criticism of your age.
"Thank you James. I like the 40's style. I am glad you think I can pull it off."
James puts on his suit as M applies her make up. He freezes for a moment to watch her do it in the mirror. He has a secret obsession in watching her apply the mascara and lipstick.
The deep red that she uses on her lips make him utter a low growl as he puts his cufflinks on.
"You like to watch me do this don't you. I have noticed it in the past."
"Yes...and here I thought I was being subtle."
"I observe for a living Bond...you should know that by now."
"Yes...I should. I realize know, that I should have jumped you before you got ready because this is going to be a long night and we didn't manage last night. I am still turned on from our make-out session on the picnic blanket."
"James...be serious you can survive a day or two without it."
"No...not with you around I can't."
James leans in and kisses her neck as she sits in front of the mirrored dresser.
"Enough of that...I don't want you all hot and bothered during the party."
"Am I allowed to touch you at this party M? I don't think Judi and Tanner will like me suddenly spending all my time pretending to be her lover."
"No...I am suggesting a relaxed comfortable attitude for all of us. Not too many public displays of affection. Keeping it simple is the best policy. I already told Tanner and Judi and hopefully it sticks."
They all gather in the sitting room with a waiting Kincade. He looks somewhat nervous and very handsome in his suit.
M tells him this as she helps adjust his tie. Kincade will drive them all, cramped though it may be in his range rover and bring them home later.
James is wearing a silver, grey suit and Ryan and Tanner both are in dark blue. Kincade is in a black suit with a grey pinstriped waistcoat.
Judi is in a short green dress with a low cut v-neck and no sleeves. It is a very flattering cut on her and displays the fullness of a figure that only nature could provide making her look even more like her beautiful mother.
Kincade offers to drive them all because, "I don't plan on drinking much for such an occasion."
James smiles. "I think this occasion is the perfect reason to drink a lot."
They all laugh and head out to the vehicle. Judi has to sit on Tanner's lap…not that she minds.
"Remember Tanner...tonight she is my fake girlfriend and your secret lover...I know how difficult it is for you to play fake lover, so don't screw up secret lover."
The occupants of the car laugh except Kincade who asks for the reason.
"I had to play M's lover on a mission where she was Bond's mother."
"I think I may have heard mention of that and it sounds like a story...I suppose you cannot tell."
"That is correct Mr. Kincade. No more details Mr. Tanner."
"Yes ma'am!"
Judi giggles in his arms and blurts out. "I still can't believe I have made out with the same man my mother did!"
Kincade's eyebrows go up as the car dissolves into chuckles and M just glares at her daughter from her position in the front seat.
"Sorry mum...really...don't have me wacked."
By the time they arrive at the MacKenzie estate the giggles from the back seat have gotten under control.
The day is beautiful and the decorations outside are lovely. There are parking attendants that take the vehicle keys from Kincade as they exit and come into the house for introduction.
Callum meets them with a smile and an affectionate kiss and hug for Judi and M. They introduce the entire family to Alistair and Callum Jr. Katrina assists with the introductions and begins showing them into the sitting room.
Callum Jr. excuses himself to go see to his friends outside in the rear of the house in a massive tent set up and currently a hive of activity as the caterers and bartenders set up for the dinner at 6.
Callum waves a person forward with glasses of champagne for the two assembled families.
"Callum don't you think this is early...we may be too far along when the guest arrive." Katrina laughingly says to her brother.
"Kat...I think we need it just to deal with all the guests that are about to arrive."
They all raise a glass in salute and take a sip.
They all laugh and Callum takes M by the arm to show her around the yard. James views the action as Callum taking his opportunity to get her alone and he frowns but then Kenna is at his side. Judi is standing with Tanner, Ryan and Fiona are chatting away.
"My father is in love with Judi's mother...I am positive he is. He just lights up whenever he sees her."
"So it would seem." James says without much emotion.
"Em claims to have a man in London...do you know him?"
"Yes I do and he would be very upset to see her in another's arms."
"Why didn't he come with you."
"He doesn't get along well with her son...there is friction there. Ryan thinks he is replacing his father and no one is good enough for that."
"I understand...I feel the same way about dad but I wish she were free. That is just the type of woman who would be perfect for him in every way. I have to show you some interesting photos later. Some family photos of my parents wedding and your family were there."
"I would like that. How do you feel about Kincade and Katrina."
"I know right! FINALLY! He is such a sweet and kind man. It is about bloody time the two of them got together officially. Alistar is very glad to finally have her admit to what he has always suspected."
"They do have a family resemblance...especially in the way they stand." They watch as Kincade, Katrina and their son speak and then walk outside after M and Callum.
The young Callum has friends from university hovering around him not paying the older set much attention until his uncle pulls M into the tent to introduce them to her.
M is playing the role of hostess, girlfriend it seem and as much as she tries to separate from Callum's grasp he seems determined to hold on to her.
M meets all the young people who are ready and willing to begin their drinking just as early. They are all polite and charming. Callum introduces M to his friends as the lovely woman who has turned his great uncle's head.
The others nod and charmingly say that they can see why. Callum just wraps his arm possessively around her waist and rests it on her hip smiling with pride as he parades M around as his prize.
M is tempted to remove his hand and for a second considers objecting and rolling her eyes at this obvious display.
One of the men asks how long they have been dating and M replies quickly to dispel the assumption that they are in fact a couple.
"We only met this week and are friend. I am already spoken for."
Callum Jr. frowns. "I am sorry. I assumed by the way uncle spoke of you that you and he were an item. You are already in a relationship?"
"Yes unfortunately M is but he is not here now and there is still hope I can convince her otherwise."
They all laugh and hold their glasses up in salute to the older Callum.
M tries not to grimace as her eyes dart about looking for James. James is occupied with Kenna as the other begin to spread about talking, laughing and drinking. A woman brings a tray of appetizers up to them and M takes a small bite of one.
Callum laughs at her, "better to have a bite considering the champagne I have been plying you with. I would hate for you to feel too tipsy too soon."
"Yes...I didn't realize that you did not tell your family that you and I are not together in that sense."
"They know that I am still trying and they live in hope that your relationship with the other man is fleeting and not good so I can seduce you away from him."
"Callum...that will not happen and you have to stop parading me around like a prized piece of meat. I have been patient and understanding but if you want this evening to go smoothly you do have to keep your hands to yourself."
Callum frowns. "I am sorry Emma. I have always been like this and resisting you is very difficult. I will stop and please should I do it again remove my offending hand."
James Bond will do it for him if he continues. M sees Tanner wave to her out of the corner of her eye.
"Excuse me Callum but my children are waving me over." M moves away from him and over to Tanner.
"M...I have had an alert from base. Dower is in Scotland but is not traveling in her own or a government vehicle so there is no tracer on her. Best bet is that she is traveling with a friend and headed here. What do you want to do?"
James see Tanner's face as he waves M over so he attempts to excuse himself from Kenna who is chatting away beside him.
Kenna is a very attractive woman and he knows if times were different he would have already stolen away with her upstairs and had a quick fuck before the party.
James is not that man anymore and he really want to get to M. There is something going on by the expressions on their faces.
"I need to see to my friend Tanner. I have left the poor bloke alone with the family so much this week he is probably cursing my name by now."
"Bill is a very nice man and he seems very close to your Judi. Is he single?"
"Yes he is and Judi and Tanner are becoming fast friends causing no end of trouble."
"James...you had better watch him around your girlfriend or you may just lose her."
James frowns down at the shorter woman. "I will take that under advisement. I will be right back."
"I will be waiting. We are all at the same table together for dinner. Katrina wants us all to seem the big happy family after all these years."
"I bet she does. We are actually family since your aunt married my uncle no matter how tragic that ended."
"True...it would be nice to join the families even further." Kenna says flirtatiously. James smirks at her.
"Would that be your father and M you are referring too?"
"Well, yes and there could be more if the circumstances were right. I hate to break this to you but Fiona has a massive crush on Judi. It is almost as bad as my father and her mother."
"I am afraid that those lovely ladies are spoken for. I will see you at the dinner table later."
"Yes...we are beside each other so I can talk your ear off more later."
"Fantastic." James says with a plastic smile as he turns and heads towards M.
Tanner brings him up to speed. "Tanner are you armed?"
"Yes I took that precaution."
"Good. Judi you and I had better walk around together for a while...Kenna is starting to suspect my good friend Tanner is after my girl...oh and Fiona has a crush on you."
"What!"
"I told you sister dear. Fiona asks about you and your upcoming divorce a great deal. Should I have a gun also James?"
"Not now but if I toss you one...be ready to use it. I need to speak with Kincade. Judi come with me and strike up a conversation with Katrina and Alistair while I tell the old man. As for you M...try to keep Callum's hands off your hip."
M smiles at him. "I already told him love and he said he will try."
"Good. I just hope the team finds that damn car before it reaches here."
Judi links her arm in James' as they walk back up into the house to find Katrina and Kincade.
M notices Callum watching her so she goes over to him. "When do the other guests begin to arrive?"
"Any second now my dear. Would you do me the honour of standing at my side as I greet them?"
"I will but no more staking your claim."
"You are a frustrating woman Emma...I hate that I wish horrible things on the man who holds your heart."
"That is flattering and cruel all at the same time."
"I know...but should you ever need a friend's ear or a hug...or anything else you have to call me. I will fly to London in a second to be at your side."
Judi begins chatting amicably with Alistair, Katrina and Maggie who has just arrived, as James pulls Kincade aside and tell him of the threat.
Maggie entertains Katrina and her son with tales of construction at Skyfall with Judi and Tanner who has now joined them.
Tanner nods to Bond as he leave with Kincade. Tanner will cover the front entrance. Ryan looks at Bond in a questioning way.
Bond quickly whispers. "When Tanner or I am not in visual contact with your mother, you are her bodyguard. If you hear shots stay low and get M hidden."
Ryan nods nervously and leaves out the back of the house to the outdoor portion of the party to find his mother.
Kincade frowns. "There is a gun room in the house boy. Come slip away there now and look at what is available."
The two of them slip into a den at the end of the hall and close the door. Kincade goes to the cabinet and opens it to reveal 6 guns. Two shotguns and a few rifles. They examine them quickly and look for any ammunition. There are shotgun shells and Kincade pockets some and picks a shotgun.
It is not safe to load now but he has the shells.
James grabs some shells also and the second shotgun. "Where should we stow these...how will we grab them if we need them?"
Kincade walks over to the window at the side of the massive old house and opens it. He drops the shotguns out the window into the bushes.
"There and we can grab them should we need them fast. How many will she be traveling with?"
"Hard to say as this is a private function but at least 3 men. One date and two guards. The danger is that members of Quantum may be following her and be providing back up. I want you in charge of the guests, Tanner and I will deal with Clare Dower. Ryan will make sure his mother is safe."
"Try to keep my future wife's family and house safe too lad...or there will be even more repercussions."
"I will...and wife? Good for you old man. I will be there if you want me there or not."
"You will have to be...as best man."
"Really I would have thought that the son?"
"You are more a son to me than he will ever be boy."
James smiles at him. "Let's just hope this son doesn't have to resort to gunplay at this family party."
"Is it always going to be like this when you come to visit boy?"
"Why...too much for you old man?"
"No...you jumped up little shit! This is tame compared to back in your father and uncles day. The parties were a hell of a lot more fun back then also."
Bond smirks at him as they leave the gun room to rejoin the party.
To be continued…