Just Breathe

by Mother of Pearl Fetish

What happens when Christian and Ana don't meet at the interview? What steps will he take when he first sees her at graduation? What will change when he inadvertently injures her before he can introduce her to the Red Room of Pain? 2015 Nominee - Fanatic Fanfics Multifandom Awards.

27. Chapter 27

Just Breathe Chapter 27 – The Grand Tour

I should like the window to open onto the Lake of Geneva and there I'd
sit and read all day like the painting of somebody reading.
John Keats, Letter, 1819

XXXXX
Saturday, October 1, 2011 – Seattle - Taylor's POV

I get one last dance with Sophie and Gail; kissing them both goodbye. Prescott will take Sophie home for me after she returns from the airport. I don't want Evette to see Gail or even get a hint there's a woman in my life. I don't need her to play games with Gail while I'm gone for the next three weeks. Gail will see that Sophie changes back to her normal clothes before she goes home. When I take Prescott aside, I warn her about the decorated SUV. One of the temp security staff will deliver it to the marquee. She will drive the second SUV. I tell her to pull in front of the decorated one, stay in the vehicle with it running and unlock the doors. The moment Mr. and Mrs. Grey are in the vehicle, she is to head to Sea-Tac. We'll be in radio communications with her afterward.

XX

Prescott's POV

Taylor radios the second SUV is behind me transporting staff and luggage. Mrs. Grey is sitting on Mr. Grey's lap and they are making out like teenagers. Sheesh…we have to buy some SUVs that have privacy screens. I'm glad I didn't catch the bouquet or any part of the bouquet. I'm glad to use my leg wound as excuse not to dance. I know when I look at Ana and Mr. Grey that they are destined to be together. Through her eyes, I have been able to gain a greater appreciation of Christian Trevelyan Grey, beautiful billionaire who is besotted with Ana. He's a tough boss, but I've had tougher. I slipped a thank-you note into his computer bag when we were loading the SUV. I thanked him for the iPad at the hospital with the loaded gift card to buy music, books and movies to boredom from impeding my recovery.

However; days like today remind me how much I miss Marc. I miss our life together. I made a decision during the reception; I'm flying out to Jacksonville, North Carolina tomorrow. I have three weeks to solve family issues there. The mortgage on our home was paid off when Marc died during deployment in 2009. I didn't re-enlist when he died. I got out in 2010 and moved to Seattle to live with my parents. Monday morning I'm contacting our lawyer in Jacksonville to quit claim the house to Marc's niece and nephew, Madison and Maxim, with Marc's sister Melissa as the trustee until the children are of age. I'm leaving Marc's vintage car and motorcycle in the garage; signing off on the titles. The lawyer will have instructions to sell them and put the funds into savings accounts for the kids for college. Melissa and her family have been living in the house since Marc died. It's time for me to move on. I don't want the house or anything in it. I brought Marc's personal effects home with me when I came to Seattle. I'm not ready to give them up. Someday, if I fall in love again…I might ship them back to Melissa to remember her brother. Seattle is my life now. I can't exist in limbo any longer.

XX

Ana's POV

We arrive on the tarmac of the private airfield at SeaTac. Prescott pulls up to the GEH jet, followed immediately by the SUV with our luggage, Taylor, Sawyer, Ryan and Marshall and their luggage.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Grey," Prescott opens the door on my side of the SUV.

"Thank you, Prescott," I say to her. "I'm sorry you won't be coming with us."

"You'll be alright," she says. "I've had a talk with Marshall about the best ways to guard you. If you feel uncomfortable about paparazzi or anything when you are out of the country, just tell Taylor or Sawyer. They'll handle any issues for you."

I hug her and she whispers one more thing in my ear. "Don't do any clothes shopping because you won't know who is taking pictures behind mirrors. Be aware of your surroundings; don't get naked pictures printed in the press. We don't want to bail Mr. Grey out of an international prison. I have personal business near Camp Lejeune. I'll be available via email if you need me."

Christian urges me up the steps to the plane and then carries me across the threshold.

Stephan stands by the open hatch on the plane, dressed in his captain's uniform. "Congratulations, sir, Mrs. Grey…and welcome aboard."

"Thank you, Stephan," Christian replies as he sets me down. He shakes hands with Stephan. "Anastasia, Stephan Morrow. He's our captain today. This is First Officer Jane Beighley."

She blushes as Christian introduces her and blinks rapidly. I want to roll my eyes. Another female completely captivated by my too-handsome-for-his-own good husband.

"Pleased to meet you; thank you for allowing me to join your crew," gushes Beighley.

"Stephan, I'm sorry you had to leave the reception early for the pre-flight check. Taylor is bringing a picnic basket onboard with food from the reception and wedding cake. I think there is enough to feed a dozen of us." I offer.

"Thank you, Mrs. Grey; we'll coordinate with security staff for a late supper." Stephan announces.

"All preparations complete?" Christian asks as I glance around the cabin. The interior is pale maple wood and pale cream leather. It's lovely.

Another brunette woman in uniform stands at the other end of the cabin - a very pretty brunette. Stow the jealous claws, my inner goddess purrs. You are Mrs. Christian Grey. He doesn't have anything to do with his submissives after they terminate the contract. She's just an employee. There's no need to make her or you miserable; or embarrass Christian with unwarranted jealousy.

"We have received clearance. Weather is good from here to New York." Stephan reports.

New York? My inner goddess sighs.

"Turbulence?"

"Not before New York. There may be turbulence over the Atlantic, but we'll let you know before we cross the pond." Stephan assures him.

New York? The Atlantic? Am I packed for this? Of course I am, the devil is in the details…and Christian knows the details. My subconscious hopes it was Gail who packed for me. I'm sure she packed some comfy clothes for me.

"I see. Well, I hope to sleep through it all," says Christian matter-of-factly.

Sleep? My inner goddess snorts.

"We'll get underway, sir," Stephan says. "We'll leave you in the capable care of Natalia, your flight attendant."

"Excellent," Christian says. He takes my hand and guides me to a seat, locking my seatbelt for me before fastening his own.

"Welcome aboard, Mr. and Mrs. Grey and congratulations." Natalia is at our side, offering us both a glass of pink champagne. "Bollinger from the wedding. Mrs. Jones also sent two chilled bottles of Sancerre."

"Thank you," Christian says. Natalia smiles politely and retreats to the galley.

"Here's to a happy married life, Anastasia." Christian raises his glass to mine and we clink glasses. The champagne is delicious as always.

"Where are we going?" I'm unable to contain my curiosity any longer.

"New York to refuel the plane," Christian says, his eyes alight with excitement. He looks like a mischievous small boy.

"Then?" I prompt.

"London," he says, gazing intently at me, trying to gauge my reaction.

"London?" I'm lit up from within, incandescent with happiness. My inner goddess is strutting her stuff in a Union Jack teddy. Where did she find it? Not like I'm going shopping for one.

"Then France, Italy and a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea. I know you've always dreamed of going to Europe," he says softly. "I want to make your dreams come true, Anastasia. This is your Grand Tour. We're going to visit places from those books you read. I would love to take you on a yearlong tour of Europe; but we'll have these three weeks."

"You are my dreams come true, Christian." I whisper to him.

"Back at you, Mrs. Grey," he whispers.

As the plane taxis out to the runway, we sip our champagne, smiling at each other; holding hands. I can't believe it. At twenty-two years old, I'm finally leaving the United States and going to Europe. I feel just like Lucy from While You Were Sleeping. I'm finally going to have a stamp in my passport. It sounds like there will be three stamps in my passport, one for the UK, France and Italy. Then more, depending on where we go on the Mediterranean cruise.

Once we're airborne, Natalia offer more champagne and asks if we would like to eat?

"Later," Christian says as the seatbelt light goes out. "Come," he says, rising from his seat and offering me his hand. "To the right as you step on the plane is the galley, a bathroom and security quarters. Security quarters has a monitoring station, gun safe and a set of reclining seats for staff to sleep. Beyond that is the cockpit. This is the main cabin which seats twelve or converts to sleeping accommodations for six." He leads me to the back of the cabin; down a short corridor and through a door at the end. "We have an ensuite attached to the master quarters. It is built into the tail section of the plane and is only available through the master quarters."

The master quarters have cream-colored walls and maple wood built-in fixtures. The queen-sized bed is covered in chocolate and caramel linens.

Christian turns and pulls me into his arms, gazing down at me. "We're spending our wedding night at thirty-five-thousand feet. But first I have to get you out of your wedding gown. Someone promised me X-rated lingerie," He smiles and then kisses me. "The cabin is sound-proof, Mrs. Grey." He lets me go. "Turn around." His voice is low, authoritative and sexy as hell.

Willingly I comply and his hands move to my hair. Gently he pulls out one hairpin at a time, his expert fingers gently removing my headpiece and veil, taking time to lay them gently across an armchair. "I love your hair," he kisses it, running his fingers through it, gently massaging my scalp. He braids my hair and finishes it off with a white lacy hair tie which looks like it came from Gail's wedding kit.

He tugs, tilting my head to the side to expose my throat. "Mine," he breathes and his teeth tug my ear lobe.

I groan and shiver in anticipation.

He plants a tender kiss on the nape of my neck, above the first button on my dress.

With infinite slowness, he unfastens each button, marking the spot with a kiss. "I love you so much." He groans. "Mrs. Grey, did you deliberately plan this many buttons? Your skin and your smell are driving me crazy." He plants more kisses down my back as he continues his task of unbuttoning me.

For once, I am as still as I can be; waiting for my husband to undress me. Finally he is at the last button on my tailbone. He stands to kiss my fingers and unbuttons the tiny pearl buttons at my wrists to free me from my long lace sleeves.

"Mine," he whispers once more. He peels my dress down my arms and bodice. He kneels to help me step from the dress as it pools at my feet in a cloud of white satin and lace. He drapes it over my veil.

I'm dressed in a strapless white silk and satin corset with garter straps, matching lacy briefs and white silk stockings ending in a pair of bridal white Jimmy Choos.

Christian's eyes travel greedily down my body, but he says nothing. He just kneels and gazes up at me, stroking my legs in the stockings.

"You like?" I whisper; aware of the blush creeping across my cheeks.

"Oh god," he breathed. "I can't wait to unwrap my wedding present."

XX

When I wake, Christian brings food and wine to me in bed. "Hungry, Mrs. Grey?"

"A little," I admit, pulling on a silk nightie he laid out for me and propping pillows behind me so I can sit up.

He sets down a bed tray for us with a full antipasti plate and pours me some Sancerre. "It's just after 5:00 a.m. New York time. We're set down in New York. Once we refuel, we're headed to London. We'll be in London in our hotel by eight o'clock tomorrow night which will be Monday, October 3."

When we finish eating; Christian hands me several pieces of parchment.

"What is this?" I ask.

"Your Grand Tour, baby. It took some research in the books you love, but short of accessing H.G. Wells' time machine; I think you'll approve of my modern version of it. The Grand Tour was a traditional trip of Europe; generally a custom of young men of means. It was an educational rite of passage. I tried to take Zann's suggestion and make sure we have leisurely breakfasts in our hotel room. Any day you feel tired; we'll take the day off touring and spend it in bed."

"Like that won't make me tired," I laugh and then kiss him several times before I begin reading the itinerary. He accesses his laptop for emails and projects while I settle in for a good read.

XXXXX
October 3, 2011 – Day one of Honeymoon – Enroute to London

Yum, breakfast in bed, a petite quiche with fresh fruit and mini croissants, cold juice and hot tea for me; coffee for Christian! A single white rose bud in a vase adorns my breakfast tray. I'm simply pampered on this flight. After breakfast, Christian and I head for the shower. The ensuite bathroom is regulation size for one, but it is close quarters for two! We have to take a fast shower because we don't have unlimited water on the plane. Christian brushes and towel dries my hair. He looks through the lingerie that Roz and Gwen sent. "That's for after," he whispers naughtily to me, laying out silk panties and robe. "I prefer you in various states of undress during our flight." He pulls a large black duffel bag out of the closet. "Toys," he says, winking lasciviously at me.

XXXXX
Tuesday, October 4, 2011 – Day 3: London
Hang out at hotel, sleeping/walking off jet lag
Charing Cross Road bookstores, double decker bus tour, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square

I love waking up in Christian's arms, even though we didn't sleep well last night; despite our efforts to exhaust ourselves. Jet lag must be catching up to us. Tuesday dawned cool and overcast. Some fog attached itself to the river. Christian opened the balcony shades to give us a view of the day before we peel ourselves out of bed. He calls for room service, which gives us enough time to get in a hot shower and quick sex before getting dressed for the day. I'm wrapped in a robe, but I have to look at the weather. I found a glimpse of blue sky by leaning to the east off the balcony of our room. Different continents… same weather. Our suite has a view of the river.

I dressed for a drizzly day in Seattle: navy gabardine slacks, navy walking shoes, navy argyle socks, white cotton shirt and a light blue pullover sweater. I tucked a coordinating corduroy jacket, scarf and gloves into a travel backpack, along with two collapsible umbrellas, digital camera and my Blackberry with earphones. Marshall saves me and my hair. It is constrained with wide navy barrettes at my crown and nape.

I fire up my laptop before breakfast arrives. I wonder how the house is going. I find the link to our wedding announcement in the Seattle Times. I email Kate and ask who received copies of it. Now that we're out of the country, Carla can tell the world her daughter married Christian Grey. I'm excited to see the UK stamp in my passport. Christian just shakes his head at me. I take a picture of it to email to Sam.

Our hotel is ten minutes from 84 Charing Cross Road. I'd like to see it; although the guidebooks tell me it's no longer a bookstore, but a restaurant. I loved the movie with Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins and Judi Dench. I love the thought of living in the U.S. and acquiring excellent vintage books from a real British bookstore. Charing Cross Road is on our list of things to do today if we are energetic.

XX

I buy half a dozen books from three bookstores on Charing Cross Road. We see a community garden and I see 84 Charing Cross Road. We go for a double decker bus tour, where I cuddle in Christian's arms while the tour guide tries to make everyone enthusiastic about blustery weather and open transportation. Christian kisses me senseless at the Statue of Eros in Piccadilly Square. I think it was payback for playing with him under the blanket on our bus tour. Taylor arranges for us ride on the tube...which is quite fun. Christian suggests an early dinner at one of the local gourmet restaurants followed by an early night.

We are back at the hotel before eight o'clock and both of us are whipped.

"I don't know about you, but I need a hot bath," Christian said, heading for the ensuite. "I enjoyed our day. If we didn't have a schedule, I'd be tempted to lie around in bed all day tomorrow if you want."

I laughed. "Someday I'll play the end of Jane Eyre for you just so you hear Mr. Rochester's comment about staying in bed all day."

"Save that for when we return to Escala. I think we're going to need to decompress for a couple days after we return home. We can have a date night, eat pasties, drink ale and watch Jane Eyre."

"Don't think I won't take you up on that offer," I snuggle into his arms in the tub.

We soak for a long time in the large tub in our ensuite. We have very sweet, very slow sex and soak for a long time in the massive tub. After Christian changes the water twice, he washes me and I wash him…and we stagger to bed to sleep.

XXXXX
Wednesday, October 5 – Day 4: London
Morning: One Hour Helicopter Tour of London – Central London, Wimbledon, Wembley Stadium, River Thames, St. James Park, St. James Palace, Royal Albert Hall, private gardens at Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Westminster Abbey, Vauxhall Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Millennium Eye, Trafalgar Square, the Horse Guards, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Globe Theatre, Tower of London, HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge, Olympic Stadium, Canary Wharf,the O2 (Millennium) Dome, the Thames Barrier, Greenwich Park, the Royal Naval College, the Royal Observatory, return to Stansted
Late Morning: Two-hour Tour before Lunch: The Shard, the tallest building in London; private capsule tour at the Millennium Eye; London Aquarium, London Eye Millennium Pier on the Thames; speedboat trip up and down the Thames
Late Lunch: Picnic lunch in horse drawn carriage; Hyde Park, changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square to Royal Horseguards Hotel
Afternoon: Nap and dress for tea
Late Afternoon: Tea at the Ritz, 5:30 p.m.
Evening: Theatre in the West End, 8:00 p.m.; Ambassadors Theatre; The Mousetrap; five course dinner at gourmet restaurant with wine tastings
Midnight: back at hotel for the night

Our tour guide and driver arrive at the hotel. Taylor rides with us. He will stay with the driver at the heliport pad because we're in a four-seat helicopter this morning and there is no room for him in the helicopter. Taylor checks out the helicopter and the pilot before we take off. He seems pleased the helicopter pilot is ex-military and has excellent qualifications and references. The helicopter is a few years old, but very clean and in excellent condition.

"Welcome," our tour guide greets us; introduces the pilot who gives us a brief lecture on the rules and regulations for the flight. She takes several candid shots of Ana and me before we board. I help Ana into the helicopter and fasten her harness with a kink wink. I love it when she's restrained.

"We'll start our flight towards Central London." The tour guide explains Ana could take pictures from the helicopter; but they have aerial photographs back at the office and she will send Ana a list of them if she would like copies. She will have copies of the before flight pictures and itinerary for Ana when we land if Ana wants them for honeymoon memorabilia. She knows her NDA prevents her from posting our itinerary or any pictures of us until November 1. It took two weeks to vet her – she came highly recommended and I hope she's worth the trouble of hiring her.

XX

Christian's POV

"I don't have to ask," Ana laughed when I unfastened her harness. "I can tell you enjoyed our helicopter ride."

"I did indeed, Mrs. Grey. The weather was perfect, the view was incredible. I have to remember to thank the tour guide for letting me ride next to the pilot." I nibbled on her ear to the sound of our pilot clearing his throat. I guess I'm not supposed to engage in PDAs with my new bride.

"I don't mean to interrupt Mr. Grey," the pilot hesitates for a moment. "If you are ever in the UK again; my company does a two-day helicopter tour of the UK – everything from the White Cliffs of Dover, to Stonehenge, to the Giant's Causeway to the Callanish Standing Stones. We can arrange a third day just to fly over two dozen castles and historical homes in Scotland if that would interest Mrs. Grey. We also offer tours by plane and we have gliding equipment if you would be interested in taking a course." He offers a business card which I gladly take.

"Where are the best thermals in the UK?" I ask eagerly. "I'm a licensed glider pilot in the U.S." This is Ana's Grand Tour; but if I have to come back to the UK on business; I would consider buffering in a few days for other flights of fancy.

"I prefer Surrey; but I grew up around there, so I could be prejudiced." He admitted. "Look us up the next time you're in the U.K." He bade us goodbye and our tour guide whisked us to our car to begin the next part of our journey.

XX

Taylor's POV

I take pictures of the newlyweds when they tour The Shard, the tallest building in London. The lift took us quite quickly to the 70th floor where they had a breathtaking 360 degree view of London. Mr. Grey stood in a corner of the elevator with his arms wrapped around Mrs. Grey; his chin resting against her hair. The tour guide points out landmarks the newlyweds just saw on the helicopter tour. We had a small pause in the action when Ana had to purchase one of their postcards to send it to Elliott.

My second set of pictures of the day was at a private capsule of the Millennium Eye. Mr. Grey pointed out sights they just saw on the helicopter tour and at The Shard. After the 30-minute ride on the Millennium Eye, our group is guided to the London Aquarium. We have a one-hour private tour there before walking down to London Eye Millennium Pier on the Thames. I inspect the speedboat the Greys will use for an hour trip up and down the Thames through central London. I quiz the pilot on his qualifications and background. Again, their equipment is just a few years old and maintained to the highest standards. Mr. Grey seems to take great pleasure in helping Ana into the life jacket and checking the fastenings. The tour guide gets pictures of the newlyweds to email to me to pass on to the Greys. I'm on the speedboat with them, not that there are pirates in the river or paparazzi on the pier. I can tell Mr. Grey liked the tour by the excited look in his eye. I wonder if the next toy he acquires is a cigarette speedboat.

The next mode of transportation for our newlyweds is a horse drawn carriage. I sit "forward" as Ana says, with the driver. They eat a gourmet picnic lunch while driving through Hyde Park. They are treated to an outside tour and the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. The carriage travels through Trafalgar Square on our way back to the hotel. Mr. Grey stops to pet the horse after thanking the driver for the tour. Ana stays her distance from the horse; which makes me laugh. She's missing another girl gene...love of horses. The tour guide announces she will pick our newlyweds up at five; they are scheduled for tea at the last seating at the Ritz, followed by theatre in the West End, followed by a late dinner.

XX

Ana's POV

Christian and I have time to freshen up from our "transportation" tour. Freshen up equates to hot and fast shower sex and a short one-hour nap before dressing for tea. I think wearing slacks today frustrated Christian! He didn't even try to grope inappropriately during our carriage ride. Taylor agrees to accompany us to the Ritz, but he begs off theatre and a late dinner. Marshall and Sawyer are up for tonight's events.

"You look lovely. I know dressing up is not your favorite thing to do," Christian kissed me on the cheek and tucked my hand into the crook of his arm. He escorted me to a table. Then he rearranged our chairs so we had a stunning view out the window. The rearrangement of chairs turned our backs to the crowd in the foyer and the crowd in the room. "No one can read our lips this way," he smiled with a conspiratorial wink. "The 5:30 seating allows the most time for us to relax and enjoy the place."

"I feel like an extra from Four Weddings and a Funeral." I laughed. "Caroline Acton sent suitcases full of suitable outfits, but I had to get our tour guide to find me a posh hat for a posh tea." I smothered a giggle. "She's quite dismayed I don't want a fashion tour of London, or perfumers' tour, a historical fashion tour, or a tour of Princess Diana's clothes at Kensington. I think she's dying to show me Harrods or Marks and Spencer." I look around at the crowded venue. "Have you ever done this before?"

"I've been to tea rooms with Mom and Grandma in Seattle. My favorite things on the tea menu are the smoked salmon sandwiches, almond scones and Dundee cake. I don't care for cucumber and watercress sandwiches." Christian admitted. "I'm ordering a full tea for two with Earl Grey since we're not having dinner until late." Christian ordered from the waiter who stared at me while trying to write the order.

"I wouldn't leave him much of a tip," I said, noting our waiter alerted people in the queue to our presence. "I think the paparazzi have already paid him well for information."

"I think you are right." He turned in his seat and waved jauntily at the crowd. "I'm sure we're certainly being watched by the press – who cannot enter, cannot get a table and cannot get close enough to know what we're discussing. The waiter is obviously a fan of yours." He chuckled.

"No, I think he's a fan of yours," I laughed, watching our waiter looking back over his shoulder at Christian. "He was staring at me because he was wondering if I'm your skirt."

"You are my skirt, tomato, tart…any other slang for wanton woman," he winked and then became serious. "Ana, I had to bring you to a decadent tea at least once during our honeymoon. I'm sure I'm not as dashing as Captain Frederick Wentworth in Persuasion, but I hope you enjoy being here with me as much as Anne Elliott enjoyed seeing him." He picked up my hand and gave it a lingering stage kiss, much to the enjoyment of the crowd watching us. "I'd kill to slide my hand up under that dress and play with your stockings."

"You didn't get enough stocking action on the plane?" I question. We christened the sound-proofed master quarters on the jet three times and the ensuite once. That shower was certainly close quarters! My stockings survived the first round…but they were destroyed in the second round when Christian restrained me with them. "I need you to take a picture of me in this dress. Kate and Mia ought to get enjoyment out of Carolyn Acton's shopping spree."

"I will, just because I love that dress," he said gallantly. "It reminds me of the Pacific Ocean on a summer's day. It accents your lovely blue eyes. I wish it was the last week of our honeymoon; I can't wait to take you sailing."

I smiled and the conversation lapsed while the waiter served our order. He hovered long enough to realize Christian and I had no intentions of talking in his presence and we were laughing about it. He finally broke down and asked Christian if he's an American movie star. LOL. Christian gave him such a beaming smile that the poor lad blushed redder than a crossing signal at Victoria's Station.

I could barely move after our posh tea…savory mushroom and leek tarts, chicken salad sandwiches, smoked salmon sandwiches, dark chocolate drizzled miniature almond scones, cheddar cheese and veggie bits scones, berry cheesecake tarts and slices of Dundee cake. When we returned to the hotel; Christian took pictures of me on the balcony in my dress and hat. We have less than an hour to get ready for the theatre.

Marshall laid out a lovely navy blue floor length dress with matching wrap for me with coordinating underwear and accessories. She is already dressed in a dark grey full length dress with a knee-high slit in the back. Her red hair is captured in a French twist. Once I'm in my underwear, Marshall creates a sleek updo with my hair and helps me with a light natural makeup finish. On with the dress and wrap, slip into shoes, grab the evening bag Marshall's already loaded for me…and we're on our way.

Christian got us box seats to The Mousetrap at the Ambassadors Theatre. Sawyer stands outside the box and Marshall sits inside the box to keep overly interested parties out. They were more security than guests, but it was the thought that counts. Marshall accompanies me to the powder room at intermission; Sawyer accompanies Christian to the bar to get white wine for us.

After attending the theatre, we are photographed coming out of the theatre, but it's just the normal paparazzi that haunt the theatre district. The four of us eat a late dinner at a posh restaurant, decorated in old world motif. Christian ordered dinner for us; asparagus and pecan salad on a bed of romaine with orange vinaigrette dressing; a miniature Beef Wellington; herb-crusted roasted baby red potatoes; orange-zested roasted Brussels sprouts; lightly sweet cracked-wheat rolls with citrus-seasoned butter and a decadent chocolate caramel trifle for dessert.

XXXXX
Thursday, October 6 – Day 5: London

******Times Foreign Desk, London, UK******

Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey share cozy tea
You read it here…the internationally famous entrepreneur, Christian Grey married Anastasia Steele, Saturday, October 1 in a small and private ceremony in Bellevue, Washington, USA. The couple is vacationing in Europe. We caught a tasty picture of them holding hands yesterday while they were at the late afternoon sitting for tea at The Ritz. Mrs. Grey reminds us of our lovely fashionable Princess Kate! Youth, beauty, fashion and a billionaire husband. Swoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey attend theatre in the West End
Sources caught Christian and Anastasia Grey exiting the Ambassador Theatre, where they and an unknown couple watched The Mousetrap. Mrs. Grey wore a navy lace Versace gown with matching wrap. Mr. Grey wore a navy Brioni suit. It is rumored that the Greys are honeymooning in Europe for three weeks.

******Times Foreign Desk, London, UK******

XX
Thursday, October 6 – Day 5: London
Morning: Private One-Hour Tours each atWestminster Abbey, Kensington and Buckingham Palace
Lunch: Pub
Afternoon: Private Tour at the British Library
Evening: London Picture Gallery with dinner

The tour guide explained the itinerary for the day. Our newlyweds have private tours today. The tour guide has tickets for four, so I accompany them. I take pictures of them at Westminster Abbey, Kensington and Buckingham Palace. Ana seems to enjoy seeing Queen Victoria's Red Salon at Kensington; but passes on the extended tour of Princess Diana's wardrobe. She threatens to inflict Young Victoria on Mr. Grey on a date night. We had lunch at a pub. Grey and I tried the bitters. Had a very savory chicken pasty. The crust was light and fluffy with rosemary in it, I think. The filling was chicken, leeks, potatoes in a white wine/mushroom base. I tried to get the recipe for Gail – but no such luck. I savored every bite, memorizing the flavors to recreate if possible. There was something else in it – maybe a lemon balm. It wasn't lemon zest or a lemon twist, but it had the faintest flavor of lemon. I will email Gail. Maybe she will know what it is.

After lunch at the pub we went to the British Library. The docent showed us the massive collection of over 15 million books and periodicals; almost 300,000 manuscripts from medieval to current times covering everything from science to literature; 1.5 million music scores from Bach to the Beatles, over 2 million maps of every country in the world…and more. My favourite thing was Charlotte Bronte's manuscript of Jane Eyre. I tell Christian I have the 2006-2007 Masterpiece Theatre version of Jane Eyre on DVD with Toby Stephens. I promise to inflict it on him some time. He asks me why I would do that to someone I loved...and I giggle. My Mr. Rochester will never know that sometimes I feel very Jane Eyre around him.

We went to the London Picture Gallery and had dinner there. If any of the pictures had done a Harry Potter…I would have been out of there like a shot. A picture of Charles Dickens reminded me of a quote: It is a melancholy truth that even great men have their poor relations, from Bleak House. It is a sobering thought that I have gone from being a middle class college graduate to being the wife of a billionaire…even if the billionaire is obsessed with me. I wonder how Sarah's pictures turned out and am resolved to email José to send me a few candid shots each day.

XXXXX
Friday, October 7 – Day 6: London
Midmorning: Private Tours at Madame Tussauds, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London
Lunch: Fish and Chips at the George Inn
Afternoon: Private Tour Albert and Victoria Museum
Early Evening: Private Tour at Globe Theatre
Evening: Midsummer Night's Dream, Globe Theatre
Dinner: Balcony of Suite at Royal Horseguards

Email from Ana to Sam
This morning we saw Madame Tussauds, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. I'm thrilled we have a tour guide who is so knowledgeable. She managed to get "skip the line" tickets for us for the whole of our trip. No standing in queues! She will come with us when we leave London for the tour of England. She is handing us off to a compatriot in Paris who will hand us off to a compatriot in Rome. I'm thrilled that she's in her forties; wears tweeds; is a teacher on sabbatical; and is not attracted to my husband. My favourites at Madame Tussauds are Charles Dickens, Judi Dench and Helen Mirren. I loved Judi Dench in Shakespeare in Love and Helen Mirren in The Queen. I love Dickens' books. I'm also fond of Judi Dench from 84 Charing Cross Road and the James Bond movies.
How are classes going? When I get back, we need to Skype and talk about your upcoming vacations. I don't want to lay claim to all of them, but I would like to see you again and I know Ray feels the same. I will email pictures to you as I get them.
It was great to see you and Susan again. Ana

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We saw the Tower of London today. The Tower of London's history was impressive, the crown jewels impressive – I purchased one of their postcards and will send it to Carla. I think she will be more impressed than I was. Our one-hour tour was conducted by a costumed Beefeater. Although we had a skip the line ticket; we still queued to skip the line. It was only a ten-minute wait for us compared to the other tourists.

During our English fish and chips lunch at the George Inn, we listened to a lecture on the historical and literary aspects of the inn. After lunch we visited the Albert and Victoria Museum. I love the place. My favourite current exhibition is the collection of Beatrix Potter's botanical illustrations. Christian bought me a book of her illustrations. It is lovely. If I lived here…I'd haunt this place regularly.

We visited the Globe Theatre for the tour, a viewing of their current exhibition and a lecture about Shakespearean comedies. We receive a review of the costumes and characters for tonight's play. Our tour guide obtained tickets for us to a Midsummer Night's Dream. There was a six-seat box available. Marshall takes a picture of me in one of my posh dresses so I can email it to Kate, Mia and Carla. Sawyer and Marshall dressed up and sat in the box with us, along with our tour guide. I feel guilty about inflicting Shakespeare on Sawyer. After dinner, Christian put on some soft music and we danced for a while on the balcony, but there's too many lights out to see stars. We had a candlelit hot bubble bath with some champagne...and really memorable sex in the tub before we went to bed.

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Saturday, October 8 – Day 7: England (Stratford upon Avon, Stonehenge, to Bath)
Morning: train from Victoria StationtoStratford-upon-Avon, walking tour of Stratford, Juliet's home in Hall's Croft, Short drive to Shottery to see Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage, Wilmcote to see home of Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden
Afternoon: Cream tea with entertainment provided by William and Anne Shakespeare (actors); check into local bed and breakfast for nap and change into clothes for theatre
Evening: Royal Shakespeare Theatre of Much Ado about Nothing
Late Evening: Drive to Bath; dinner at Green Park Brassiere

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Tara Marshall's POV

"I think I like that one the best," Ana pointed at the tabloid pictures of Christian and her in Trafalgar Square; walking hand-in-hand and laughing. "Although that one of us exiting the Globe Theatre is nice also."

"I got an extra of each one to mail to your mother." I admitted. "By the way, I think paparazzi are camped out across the street; waiting to see what you will do next." My gun is locked in the gun safe onboard the plane along with my Taser. I have my mace and martial arts skills to protect Ana…but she has been so easy to guard this trip.

"Well, they'll be bored silly following us to Stratford-upon-Avon," She laughed.

"We have to get going; it's two hours from here to there. We're taking the train from Victoria Station. You can nap but I think you'll enjoy the scenery and then we'll stop for brunch and do your tours. Your car and driver will be available in Stratford by the time we get there."

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All Shakespeare, all day. The security staff is bored shirtless. We alternate between dressing up versus security clothes. We mostly keep paparazzi away from the newlyweds. We take pictures of the newlyweds on a walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, seeing Shakespeare's birthplace, school and a walk along the River Avon to the church where Shakespeare is buried. The walking tour of Stratford took no time at all. Stopped by his daughter Juliet's home in Hall's Croft. Short drive to Shottery, to see Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. The tour guide said it is the most famous thatched cottage in the world. I should have been more impressed. On to Wilmcote to see home of Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden. Ana seems to enjoy an afternoon cream tea with entertainment provided by William and Anne Shakespeare (actors). She knows some of the skits by heart and quotes lines to Mr. Grey. I think she could whisper a grocery list in his ear and he'd pay attention. So far it's been a dream to guard them.

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Ana's POV

We checked into a local bed and breakfast, just to have a place to rest for a bit (ha!) and change clothes for the theatre. We watched a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre of Much Ado about Nothing. Christian was surprised when I whispered to him that nothing was Elizabethan slang for vagina, derived from a pun about women having nothing between their legs. Christian whispered back a very risqué comment about making sure I had something between my legs every day of our honeymoon.

Marshall tells me the staff is tired of high tea and wants real food. LOL. After the theatre in Stratford, our driver takes us to Bath, which is about a two hour drive. Late dinner at Green Park Brassiere. Other than candles and wine, the only thing I remember is a roasted tomato, thyme and cheddar tart for starters. It was yummy. Taylor offers to email Gail asking her to find a recipe we can experiment with. I don't know if I was hungry from the walking tour, hungry from the amazing shower sex before we went to the theatre, or just hungry in general. I'm dead asleep when we get to the hotel; and am awakened immediately when Christian starts to remove my clothes.

Email from Mia to Ana:
Ana…Seattle to Ana…where are you? What are you doing? What's your itinerary? I'm dying to see jpegs of you in those posh frocks! I can tell you, because you won't be here to tell anyone…Ethan asked me to go to the U-Dub homecoming parade, game, dinner and dance with him…as a date…not a friend. I'm gob-smacked as you would say.
Email me, sister! Love Mia

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Sunday, October 9 – Day 8: England (Chawton/Winchester/Bath/Bristol)
Morning: Chawton, for private tour of Jane Austen's House Museum; Bath for private tour ofGuildhall, the Pump Room, the Assembly Rooms and the Roman Baths.
Lunch: local pub
Afternoon: lecture of Jane Austen's life, performance by Italian opera singer in Georgian costume at the Jane Austen Centre, private walking tour of Royal Victoria Park, the Botanic Gardens and the Royal Crescent Terrace
Early evening: drive to Stonehenge, watch sun set, return to Stansted
Evening: dinner, fly to Paris, check in at hotel

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Ana's POV

Visit to Chawton, saw Jane Austen's House Museum where she wrote Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion. I warn Christian I have the DVD of Persuasion with Ciarán Hinds and Amanda Root. IMHO, it's the best version of Persuasion, EVER. I have the soundtrack which has Chopin and Bach. I promise to play it for Christian sometime. We stopped at a pub for an early lunch and then spent the afternoon in Bath. We saw the Guildhall, the Pump Room and the Assembly Rooms, which Austen wrote about in Persuasion. We visited the Roman Baths, attended a lecture and watched an Italian opera singer in Georgian costume at the Jane Austen Centre. I appreciated the costuming and the set; Christian appreciated the music. Royal Victoria Park (laid out around 1830) and the Botanic Gardens in the north-west area of the city were wonderful to walk around as was the Royal Crescent Terrace. Christian and I held hands and talked. These walks have been great because I have not had the time (or energy) to work out at the hotel.

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Luke Sawyer's POV

I'm glad when our newlyweds ignore the plea of their tour guide. They skip ball lessons in Bath to travel to Stonehenge and watch the sun set. It was impressive. I take pictures to email to Sam. Grey suggests we postpone dinner until we're back on the plane and on our way to Paris. He rented a hanger for the GEH jet at Stansted. He did not want to deal with commercial flights during the honeymoon. The airport personnel who leaked the picture of a faux Miss Steele flying to New York put him off commercial flights for a while. There will be another hanger waiting in Paris, Rome, Florence and Monaco.

Something is going on at home with Taylor. He and Grey disappeared behind closed doors for a little bit. While Taylor packs he explains there are legal issues with his ex-wife. He and Ryan are headed for home on commercial flights. Once the driver leaves us at Stansted; Taylor and Ryan are off to Heathrow. We're picking up two bodyguards, Philippe and Gaston when we get to Paris. I think they are twins. Anyhow, they are qualified to carry weapons in Europe, which makes up for Marshall and me leaving our weapons in lockdown on the GEH jet.

Since it is only an hour and a half flight to Paris from London, the staff eats with our newlyweds. Natalia takes some urging, but she joins us also for Chicken Parmesan, pasta, salad, bread sticks and a Silver Oak 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. We had a great time, talking with one another, sharing pictures. Grey was more relaxed with the security staff than I've ever seen him.

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Email from Sam to Ana;
Home again, home again, jiggery jig. Your picture and article in the Sunday Seattle Times was great! I had to buy a couple copies of it. José Sr. took us on a tour of the fish hatchery. Mom and I took Ray up on his offer to see Montesano on Monday. We saw the shop and it's great. He took us for a picnic lunch to Lake Sylvia. It was great too. I loved the picture of you and Kate over his mantle. Mia scrambled to change our reservations to fly out of Portland into Vegas. José drove us from Montesano to Portland. He said to say hi; he's only missing one day of classes so don't fret. Ditto from me; I'm covered on the classes front as well. Tell Mia I said thousands of thanks. Sawyer emailed me before he went to sleep on the plane on the way to London. Tell me where you have been! I want to go to Germany someday.
Love, Sam

Email from Ana to Sam:
Bored to tears with the UK tabloids. I'm also desperate for the opportunity to walk, run or workout without paparazzi watching every move. Paris has a plethora of them, so we probably won't get any peace until Rome. Supposedly there are no tabloids in Italy (yeah, right) so we should have fewer incursions with the media. Sending a picture of Sawyer, all spiffy for our Shakespeare theatre night. I'm glad Sawyer emailed you the first night. We flew from Seattle to New York to refuel, New York to London. I'm emailing as we fly to Paris. Will send pictures one night when we're just hanging out at a hotel.
Love, Ana

Email from Ana to Mia
A date with Ethan? Be still my heart! Tell all! Well, tell the good stuff anyway! Are the pictures of my dresses in the online tabloids good enough, or do you want a video of me modeling them? Just kidding! Sam and Susan say thank you for fixing their plane tickets for them. I'm thrilled they spent more time with Ray. I may be inviting them back at Christmas. We want to be in the new house by then. How's Elliott coming with it – or should I ask Kate?
Love, Ana

A/N:

Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows!

I do not own Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to E. L. James. My story is the interpretation of my thoughts about how the characters could have, should have, would have acted.