Lieutenant Commander Blake Schneider
and Lieutenant Commander Keira Sharp
Invite you to join them
at the celebration of their marriage
Saturday, March 25th, 2017
At 2:30 in the afternoon
Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth
Reception to follow at the College and later,
aboard the yacht CALEDONIA on The River Dart
Saturday, March 25th, 2017
Dartmouth
England
CALEDONIA
Keira Sharp awoke to find herself very much alone.
That was nothing strange, but she had grown used to having a man in the bed with her. The day had finally arrived. She was only twenty-five and the past ten months of her life had closed off two years of hell. It was just two years and a little over two weeks since her parents and her little sister had vanished while she had been at sea. Then just ten months previously, her life had been turned upside down for the second time in as many years when her little sister had suddenly reappeared. Unbeknownst to Keira, she had played a very minor part in bringing about young Harper's return to life. Only, Harper had not been the same little girl; instead, she was an assassin – a pint-sized assassin, but still a fucking assassin! Then, just as everything appeared to be falling into place, she had gone on the run with her friends, ultimately resulting in the loss of her little sister – yet again.
Only, it was not to be, and Harper had returned to life; beaten and tortured to within an inch of her young life. That had resulted in a long stay at a London hospital where she had met the most amazing man who had transformed her life and given her another focus in life other than the obnoxious child lying in a hospital bed covered in bandages. However, she had not come away from London with just a new boyfriend and her vaguely intact little sister, no, Keira had chosen to take in a young girl who was missing two particularly important pieces of her lower extremities. 'What the hell was she thinking?' some had demanded, but Keira was steadfast in her decisions and she loved her family which was all but complete. The final piece was about to slot into the puzzle and Keira Sharp would become a new woman with a family, and the most amazing job in the whole fucking world!
To top everything off, the threat of a murder conviction and prison had melted away just the previous day as that worm of a police Chief Inspector had informed Keira by phone that she was no longer 'a person of interest'. There was nothing which could upset her day as she made her family puzzle complete and she started on a new life.
After slipping out of the enormous bed, she swiftly emptied her bladder before running a bath and pouring in some sumptuous bath salts. As she slipped into the hot silky water, she sighed with relief as she allowed herself to relax completely. She must have dozed off as she revelled in the soothing water but swiftly came awake as she felt a hand on her left shoulder. Keira opened her eyes and she looked up into the grinning face of Natasha.
"You look like you're having fun," Natasha commented.
"The water is so soothing," Keira grinned back.
"Breakfast is ready – it's a little chilly out, right now, but I think it may warm up some in a few hours."
"I'll be up in a few minutes," Keira said as she reluctantly sat up and then reached for a towel.
Natasha vanished back up a deck to where Alexandra was busy dishing out a full cooked breakfast with the assistance of Charlotte.
..._...
The bridal party had slept aboard the megayacht which was moored alongside the MoD jetty on the River Dart below the Britannia Royal Naval College.
As Keira stared up at the 112-year-old main building which was just visible through the leafless trees, a whole host of memories came forth. Eight years had passed since she had left those illustrious halls of learning and training. She could remember her passing out parade like it was yesterday as the young nineteen-year-old, Midshipman Keira Sharp, had begun her naval career. On joining, she had been an immature eighteen-year-old from civvie street who had received the shock of her life as she had encountered the militarisation process which had rapidly turned her into a promising young apprentice officer. It had been hard – ridiculously hard! However, it had been so extremely rewarding, and Keira looked back on her twenty-eight weeks of hard work and she relished everything she had learned. When out as the vigilante pilot known as Scorpion, her Royal Navy training had provided her with incredible tactical awareness and the ability to rapidly think problems through and bypass them. Somehow, she had grown considerably since leaving the college and she had been promoted three times via sub-lieutenant, lieutenant, and then finally to the heady heights of a lieutenant commander. She had finished fourth in her class of 118 (144 had started the training), but as far as she knew, she was the very first of her fellow officers to be promoted past lieutenant.
She could remember her parents and a young three-year-old Harper at the passing out parade and they – her parents – had been so enormously proud of their eldest daughter.
..._...
Keira turned as she felt someone beside her.
"A penny for your thoughts," Harper said.
"I was just remembering my time at the college."
"Was I ever here? I feel like I recognise it."
"You were three when Mum and Dad brought you with them to my passing out parade – you kept yelling out and everybody laughed at you. It was the best day of my life – to that point, anyway."
"I'm really proud of you, Kei."
"Thanks, Harps – you okay?"
Keira had noticed that her not-so-little sister was fiddling with something.
"These knickers are riding right up my..."
"I don't need to know!"
"Well, it's uncomfortable."
"It's just for today, my little Harps."
"Thankfully! A dress is one thing, but all this frilly crap, and two weeks on the run – ugh!"
"But you looked so swe..."
"Say that word and you'll need a lot of extra makeup, Kei!"
Keira laughed at her tough-talking sister.
"That's another thing – the fucking makeup; it takes an age to scrape the damn stuff off afterwards . . . not to mention that it's too girly for me!"
"Harper, thank you for being with me today."
Harper frowned.
"I will always be there for you, Kei; especially on your big day."
Harper gave her big sister a rib crunching hug which she held, relishing the human contact which she fed off like a leech on blood. Having Keira in her life was an unbelievable feeling which the young girl never wanted to give up. However, she had wrestled with the knowledge that her sister's love was now split three ways (actually four when you came to think about it). There was herself, Harper, and then there was Diana, and then there was Blake – arguably, there was also NIGHTSHADE which Keira had been known to fawn over from time to time to the point that some were convinced that Keira and the helicopter were getting married one day. But any love lost from her big sister was returned in spades by Blake and the nutty-as-a-fruitcake legless Diana. Considering that Diana was not all there (upstairs as well as downstairs), she had a lot of love to give which was sometimes as annoying as hell, but Harper tried to see it as a benefit rather than as anything detrimental.
As young Harper stood next to her big sister, trying to ignore the uncomfortable frilly knickers and other accoutrements, she figured that her life was finally shaping up.
Early afternoon...
Britannia Royal Naval College
Dartmouth, England
The building's impressive stone façade spread some 160-yards from end to end and rose above the parade ground upon a stone terrace and then over three stories with an imposing clock tower taking pride of place in the centre.
At the main mast, a pristine White Ensign flew, rippling in the cold wind which cut in from the sea to the south. Blake Schneider stared up at the flapping ensign for a few minutes, remembering his own time as a young officer under training. That had been some twelve years before and the man had fond memories of his time at BRNC. However, never in his wildest dreams had he ever expected to return to his alma mater to wed the most amazing woman he had ever met. On top of that, he had taken on two vastly different young girls. He had first met both young girls during a truly horrific time in their lives – as their doctor after they had endured some truly horrible injuries. He had seen both girls endure major operations and he had been there when they had begun to come to terms with their injuries. In the case of Diana, he had been there when she had discovered that she was an orphan with no family and no legs. Then had come the sister of one of his two patients.
Keira was utterly amazing in every way. She lit up every room she entered, and Blake had been taken by her beauty the very first time that he had laid eyes on her. Her skin was naturally pale which added to her beauty which was bordered by her brown hair. Keira was very much no nonsense and that was also deeply attractive in a woman as far as Blake was concerned. Keira being a combat pilot and a naval officer had simply been the cherry on the cake. The courtship had been short but sweet and he had become infatuated with Keira. In fact, the hardest bit of making Keira his fiancé had been asking Harper's permission. Harper was deeply protective of her big sister and Blake had no desire to have his throat slit one night. However, it had soon transpired that Harper had her own feelings for Blake and she was swift to accept the man. Technically, Harper would be Blake's sister-in-law, but Harper was open to seeing Blake as a parent. Harper wanted a father and she had Keira who was already like a mother to her. That would mean that Harper and Diana would be sisters.
"Are you ready?"
Blake turned to his best man, Lieutenant Commander Harry Steed Royal Navy.
"Oh, yes," Blake responded. "I am making Keira my wife no matter what."
"She's truly an amazing woman, Blake."
"Find of the century, Harry, find of the century."
"You're one lucky bastard!"
Blake grinned happily.
The Chapel
Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Blake Schneider, Royal Navy, wore his full 1A dress uniform complete with medals, sword, and scabbard.
His readily visible scarlet bands laid in between the gold braid on either lower arm instantly identified him as the medical doctor which he was. As he stood at the entrance to the college's chapel, he was not alone. All around him were a mix of people in smart civilian clothes as well as many military uniforms, mainly Royal Navy but with the colourful addition of the Royal Marines and the Army. As Blake looked around, amongst the blue reefer jackets and white-topped caps of the Royal Navy officers and single senior rate, there was the blue cloth jacket and white-topped cap of the single Royal Marine present, and the khaki jacket and pale blue beret of the single Army Air Corps officer present. The American contingent was readily visible as the females all wore purple amongst the many blues and reds of the other females.
Blake rarely felt nervous, only he knew that he was about to make the biggest commitment of his life, and that single fact weighed heavily upon him.
The Wedding
As for Lieutenant Commander Keira Sharp, Royal Navy, she was not in uniform
Instead, she wore an amazingly stunning, off-the-shoulder white dress, with lace and sequins which caught the light and displayed her decidedly ample chest for all to see. As she swept inside the college building, she was accompanied by Natasha who wore a stunning navy blue off-the-shoulder gown. Keira, of course, knew the way to the chapel and she led the bridal party, holding Harper's left hand with her right. Harper wore a beautiful floor-length flower girl dress which matched the design worn by Natasha but was on-the-shoulder for a more dignified Harper. The young girl wore a sparkling tiara in her hair which was tied up on the back of her head. While she was less flowery than Kaitlin had been, she was still too 'girly' for her own tastes. Similarly clad in navy blue dresses, the head bridesmaid, Olivia, was dressed in her own off-the-shoulder dress which matched those worn by Kate, Dakota, Mary, and Charlotte. The younger girls: Diana, Jessica, Harper, Naomi, Electra, and Kaitlin, all wore on-the-shoulder dresses.
Very rapidly, Natasha sorted the girls out into their places in two orderly rows. Harper was in front with Diana in pride of place directly behind. Diana was unbelievably happy, and she felt immensely proud at having pride of place behind Harper, leading the bridal party into the chapel and down the aisle. All the girls wore floor length dresses – a decision reached by Keira and Blake to spare Diana from appearing any different to the others. Not that Diana cared – she was having the best time of her life and the two people she considered to be her mum and dad were getting married; in short, she was the happiest girl alive. The young girl blushed furiously as she noticed Jeremy and Christopher looking in her direction. The two boys were wearing smart morning suits and they were busy guiding the final guests to their seats.
There was one other person present. The man wore the 1A dress uniform of a Royal Navy officer and he bore the four gold-lace rings and curl on the lower arms of his blue reefer jacket denoting his captain's rank. On his left breast, were displayed the man's seven medals. His white-topped peaked cap with the Royal Navy officer's cap badge bore the gold braid on the peak denoting him as a senior officer. At his left side, clipped to his patent leather Royal Navy sword belt was a magnificent blacked buffalo rawhide scabbard with gold-plated brass mounts, rings, mouthpiece, and laurels. Inserted in that scabbard was an even more magnificent item. The 1827-pattern naval officer's sword was 95-centimetres long in overall length. The high carbon, hardened, and tempered steel acid etched blade was 79-centimetres from point to shoulder and 2.1-centimetres in width. The sword weighed 830-grammes and was perfectly balanced right to the 24-karat gold-plated brass cast lion's head pommel.
Captain Richard Perrin, Royal Navy was in position to escort the blushing bride down the aisle and to hand her off to her soon-to-be husband.
..._...
For the second time in as many weeks, Richard held out his right arm and he reassured the young woman.
"This will be the third time I have walked down the aisle, Keira – all will be fine. Let's get underway, shall we, we need to get you on station."
Keira grinned, despite her nerves. She had asked Richard to take on the role of father-of-the-bride as hers was unable to be present and was watching from afar – in heaven. She was nervous as hell and she had freely admitted as much to Natasha, still, she was committed.
"Harper!" Captain Perrin called out. "Lead on!"
"Aye, aye, sir!" Harper called back as Natasha lowered Keira's veil and smiled for her friend's benefit.
It was time.
..._...
The Bridal Chorus began, and all faces turned as Harper set foot in the chapel.
The youngster felt minute within the high-roofed structure, and she grinned enormously as she stepped past all the guests, a posy held tightly in her hands. Behind came Diana whose blushes were lighting up the chapel. As before, the boys were ogling the girls, taking in the curves and the exposed flesh. The girls, mostly, enjoyed the looks from the leering boys and they simply lapped it up. However, when Keira stepped into the chapel behind Natasha, there were many comments of approval and Keira found herself blushing violently beneath the veil and she felt her legs growing weak but then she felt the reassuringly steadfast arm of Captain Perrin and she knew that she could do it. Her eyes flitted around the chapel and she saw many friendly faces all offering their moral support.
As Keira passed the last pews, she grinned as Cassie smiled at her. Cassie and Andrew had just returned from their honeymoon the night before and both thought that Keira looked stunning. Then Keira's eyes locked onto her former cabinmate Lieutenant Sarah Perrin who wore her full uniform and hat but wore trousers as she was under arms – swords and skirts did not mix! Then Keira laid eyes on Blake and she took in how amazing he looked in his full uniform minus cap. Her legs nearly buckled beneath her as she yearned for the man, but she knew that would have to wait just a little bit longer. Harper took her place beside Harry Steed who grinned down at the young girl – Harper scowled back and then grinned; the pair had met some weeks previously and they enjoyed winding one another up. Then Richard handed Keira over Blake with a wink and a chuckle, "Here's your WAFU, Doc; hope you can handle her!"
"She's putty in my hands, sir!"
"Get on with it before I lose my breakfast!" Harper growled.
"There, there," Keira laughed as she patted Harper on the head and threw back her veil.
Then Chaplain Philips stepped forward and he gave Harper a pointed look.
"May I begin?" he asked.
"All yours, Chaplain," Harper responded to general laughter.
The Chaplain nodded.
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you."
"And also, with you," the congregation intoned before they all read a prayer from the wedding service printed on cards for each guest. "God of wonder and of joy: grace comes from you, and you alone are the source of life and love. Without you, we cannot please you; without your love, our deeds are worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, that we may worship you now with thankful hearts and serve you always with willing minds, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
After a naval hymn, the wedding ceremony began.
..._...
The naval Chaplin smiled at Keira as he spoke.
"In the presence of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we have come together to witness the marriage of Keira Sharp and Blake Schneider, to pray for God's blessing on them, to share their joy, and to celebrate their love.
"Marriage is a gift of God in creation through which husband and wife may know the grace of God. It is given that as man and woman grow together in love and trust, they shall be united with one another in heart, body, and mind, as Christ is united with his bride, the Church.
"The gift of marriage brings husband and wife together in the delight and tenderness of sexual union and joyful commitment to the end of their lives. It is given as the foundation of family life in which children are nurtured and in which each member of the family, in good times and in bad, may find strength, companionship, and comfort, and grow to maturity in love.
"Marriage is a way of life made holy by God and blessed by the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ with those celebrating a wedding at Cana in Galilee. Marriage is a sign of unity and loyalty which all should uphold and honour. It enriches society and strengthens community. No one should enter into it lightly or selfishly but reverently and responsibly in the sight of almighty God.
"Keira and Blake are now to enter this way of life. They will each give their consent to the other and make solemn vows, and in token of this they will each give and receive a ring. We pray with them that the Holy Spirit will guide and strengthen them, that they may fulfil God's purposes for the whole of their earthly life together."
There was a pause as the Chaplain scanned the congregation.
"First, I am required to ask anyone present who knows a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, to declare it now."
After a slightly uncomfortable pause – for Keira – the Chaplain continued.
"The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence of God, who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts; therefore if either of you knows a reason why you may not lawfully marry, you must declare it now . . . good!"
The Chaplain turned to Blake.
"Blake, will you take Keira to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
"I will," he replied smartly and loudly.
Then the chaplain turned to Keira.
"Keira, will you take Blake to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
"I will," she responded happily and just as loudly.
The Chaplain turned to the congregation.
"Will you, the families and friends of Keira and Blake, support and uphold them in their marriage now and in the years to come?"
"We will!"
"God our father, from the beginning you have blessed creation with abundant life. Pour out your blessings upon Keira and Blake, that they may be joined in mutual love and companionship, in holiness and commitment to each other. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever."
"Amen."
"Now comes the fun part," Chaplain Philips said.
"Keira and Blake, I now invite you to join hands and make your vows, in the presence of God and his people."
Keira turned to face Blake who did the reciprocal. Blake took Keira's right hand in his own hands and then spoke the words he had memorised.
"I, Blake William Schneider, take you, Keira Rebecca Sharp, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part; according to God's holy law. In the presence of God, I make this vow."
Keira felt tears of joy welling up inside her and she could feel Blake's love in her heart as she took Blake's right hand in her own and began her own recital.
"I, Keira Rebecca Sharp, take you, Blake William Schneider, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part; according to God's holy law. In the presence of God, I make this vow."
With some reluctance, Keira released Blake's hand. Then the Chaplain turned to Harry and Harper.
"The rings, commander, young lady."
Dutifully, the rings were handed over and Keira felt her entire body trembling with barely concealed anticipation.
"Heavenly Father, by your blessing let these rings be to Keira and Blake a symbol of unending love and faithfulness, to remind them of the vow and covenant which they have made this day through Jesus Christ our Lord."
"Amen."
Blake grinned like a Cheshire cat as he gently eased the diamond encrusted band onto the fourth finger of Keira's left hand, and he held it in place as he spoke. Her could feel Keira's warmth and love as he gazed into her deep brown eyes.
"Keira, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
Keira had felt warmth and love shoot up her arm from his touch and from the ring itself as it was slid onto her finger. It was happening, she was joining with the man she loved. Their hands were reversed as a shaking Keira eased the plain gold band onto the fourth finger of Blake's left hand and she held it as she gazed up into his own deep brown eyes and with a tremor in her voice she spoke.
"Blake, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
A smiling Chaplain Philips turned to the congregation.
"In the presence of God, and before this congregation, Keira and Blake have given their consent and made their marriage vows to each other. They have declared their marriage by the joining of hands and by the giving and receiving of rings. I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife."
The couple then kissed to celebrate their union, but they kissed for a little too long.
"Okay," Harper pointed out in a thoroughly disgusted tone, "that's enough!"
Amidst laughter, Keira and Blake separated and the chaplain joined Keira and Blake's right hands.
"Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.
As the new husband and wife knelt before the chaplain, the man said a prayer.
"Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you have created joy and gladness, pleasure and delight, love, peace, and fellowship. Pour out the abundance of your blessing upon Keira and Blake in their new life together. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts and a crown upon their heads. Bless them in their work and in their companionship; awake and asleep, in joy and in sorrow, in life and in death.
"Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that banquet where your saints feast for ever in your heavenly home. We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever."
"Amen."
"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully grant you the riches of his grace, that you may please him both in body and soul, and, living together in faith and love, may receive the blessings of eternal life."
"Amen."
There was a short break with music as the newlywed couple signed the wedding register. Then came the dismissal.
"God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side, and guide you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always."
"Amen."
It was done!
The Arch
Keira could not stop grinning as she turned to walk back up the aisle with her husband's right arm held tightly in her left.
There were so many happy faces as the entourage made their way out of the chapel. Everyone smiled and everyone cheered for the new couple. Harper had pride of place ahead of Keira and Blake while Diana followed along behind ahead of the other bridesmaids. As instructed, Harper kept her pace slow, ensuring that there was a delay before the new couple reached the tall wooden door which would lead them outside to their new life. Blake, his sword and scabbard held in his left hand at his side, had a shrewd idea what the delay was about, but he accepted it. As the pair reached the doors, they paused, and Keira grinned as she caught sight of the two arrow-straight parallel lines of uniformed military personnel flanking the exit beyond the doors, facing inward.
Lined up, on either side of the doorway were two lines of four. To the right there was Lieutenant Sarah Perrin, Royal Navy, Captain Trevor Lai, British Army, Lieutenant Commander Lynn Collins, Royal Navy, and Captain Richard Perrin, Royal Navy. To the left was Chief Petty Officer David Montgomery, Royal Navy, Captain Sinead McFadden, Royal Marines, Commander Jasper Collins, Royal Navy, and Commander Craig Lawrence, Royal Navy.
Captain Perrin was the senior officer present and he issued the orders.
"Guard of Honour! Ho!"
Every officer came to attention facing inwards.
"By the left and right, Dress!"
Each line of four officers straitened up and spaced themselves one arms-length out.
"Guard of Honour! Draw - Swords!"
Seven swords and a single sabre (David) were drawn and brought to the carry pointed straight up. Then, just as the two married lieutenant-commanders appeared and were a mere six paces short of David and Sarah, Captain Perrin crisply issued the next command.
"Guard of Honour! Form – Arch!"
The officers raised their swords up in front of their faces before they were then angled out at forty-five-degrees at the full extension of the arms with the blade tips barely touching and with the sharp blade angled to the left, the flat surfaces of the sword facing up and down. Keira grinned broadly and she nodded at each person as she passed, but then as they approached Richard and Craig, both lowered their swords to block the path.
"Let's see another kiss!" Craig suggested loudly.
Keira actually giggled as she turned her head to kiss her husband. Behind, loitering inside, Harper was immensely proud of her sister at that moment and incredibly happy for her. Harper knew how much the naval tradition mattered to Keira and that was why Harper was enduring all the indignities of the wedding. As the kiss ended, Richard and Craig smartly raised their swords and allowed the newlywed couple to pass.
"Guard of Honour! Carry – Swords!"
The swords were brought smartly up before the faces of the bearers before coming smartly to the right to point skywards. The Honour Guard remained in place as the wedding guests filed through. Mindy, for one, was extremely impressed by the open display of cold steel. Once the last had filed past, Captain Perrin gave his final order.
"Guard of Honour! Dismiss!"
Each row turned left and right away from the building before they dwelt for two marching paces and then returned their swords to the scabbards.
..._...
It would be a short while before the reception would begin, so the guests mingled on the terrace above the parade ground.
"Congratulations!" Cassie said as she gave Keira a hug.
"Was it as nerve racking for you as it was for me?" Keira asked her friend.
"I was truly overwhelmed," Cassie admitted. "But it was worth it."
"Yes, definitely worth it," Keira confirmed. "I feel different, but in a good way, I think."
"I feel like a different person," Cassie said. "Andrew says I am different; especially in bed!"
"That is just indescribably disgusting!" Kaitlin pointed out. "You two should be ashamed of yourselves – sex at your age!"
"You know the car you're going to be travelling north in?"
"Yes."
An evil grin spread across Cassie's face.
"Well, we had sex in the car, just last night."
"I'm walking," Kaitlin said flatly, a horrified look on her face as she bolted for safety.
"That was easy," Cassie grinned. "A quiet car for the ride home."
"I'd like to say that my sister was above that disgusting nonsense, but alas, no," Harper stated for the record.
"How was your honeymoon?" Blake asked, ignoring Harper.
"It was warm – very warm," Cassie replied. "The beach was amazing, and we had some fun in the evenings too."
"I'll bet," a voice commented. "Did Erika look after you both?"
"Hello, Mindy," Keira said as she hugged a somewhat reluctant Mindy. "Yes, Erika and her clan were amazing. Thank you for allowing us the use of your yacht."
"You're both welcome," Mindy responded uncomfortably.
"Have you been having fun in the U.K. while we've been gone?" Cassie asked.
"I think we held our own," Dave chuckled.
"Has Jasper managed to smooth over Mindy's faux pas?" Cassie grinned.
"I was well behaved..."
"This time!" Stephanie added.
"Enough from you, you little shit!"
Stephanie grinned up at Mindy as Electra sidled over.
"Would you like me slap her?"
"She'd only enjoy it," Mindy responded.
"Yes, she would," Electra greed.
Stephanie rolled her eyes as she stalked off.
..._...
Natasha was with her brother talking to Jasper and Lynn.
"It's the first time we've seen you guys in uniform," Natasha commented. "You look good, Lynn."
"Not worn it for a while and it needed some letting out some."
"The sword work looked crisp and smooth," Cameron said.
"I wasn't sure I remembered it all," Lynn grinned.
"It is good to see the old uniform still fits," Jasper said.
"You guys were good," Sinead commented as she strolled over.
"So were you," Dakota said to Sinead.
"I'm a Royal Marine – of course I'm good!"
Dakota laughed. Inside, she was envious of her adoptive mother's uniform and rank. She desired to become someone just like Sinead. The status associated with becoming a Royal Marines Commando was something to which Dakota aspired. It was still early days for women in the Royal Marines, especially officers, of which Sinead was one of only two current female Royal Marines officers. There were about half a dozen women in the lower ranks as well, but Dakota intended on becoming an officer. Okay, she enjoyed being in a position of authority over the male species, but the green beret with the globe and laurel, they showed everyone that you were the best and not to be messed with – that was the prestige Dakota craved.
"I know," Dakota agreed.
Diana came hobbling over, grinning as usual. She was having the time of her life, lapping up the accolades aimed at her performance. For once, Harper was not the centre of attention and Diana loved being the centre of attention. Harper did not mind remaining in the shadows, so she allowed her 'interim big sister' to enjoy herself. Instead, Harper simply enjoyed the day, knowing that her 'actual big sister' was having the best day ever, and that was all that mattered to Harper.
"Oh, shit!" Harper muttered as she strolled along the terrace and she peered down at a small group of guests who appeared to be keeping themselves to themselves.
Harper was about to say something to Blake, to warn him, but Keira was already moving down the stone steps to the parade ground below with Blake at her side.
"Fucking hell!" Harper groaned as she noticed someone else striding across the parade ground towards the four guests in question.
Harper bolted for the stone steps and made her way down them as fast as her flowing dress would allow her.
..._...
Harper caught up with her sister and Blake just as the pair noticed the four guests standing on their own like they had the plague or something; Keira scowled but she stepped towards her guests – wanted or not.
"Hello, Aunt Beatrice," Keira said somewhat frostily.
"Thank you for inviting us, Keira," Aunt Beatrice said.
"Is this the woman who got you arrested?" an angry voice piped up before Keira could say another word.
"Mary, not your place," Keira said firmly.
"What you did was heinous!" Mary ignored Keira as she glowered at Aunt Beatrice. "How dare you haul my friend through hell; you have no goddamn idea of what she's been through. You have no goddamn idea what Harper went through. You have no goddamn idea what it was like when Harper was taken and tortured. If I had my way, I'd have Gran throw you into the goddamn Tower and then have her throw away the goddamn key!"
"Who are you?" Beatrice asked the seething teenager in the bridesmaid dress.
"To my friends and people who I like, I am Mary, but to scum like you, I am Her Royal Highness Princess Mary of Kintyre and Lorne – good day, Mrs Standburn!"
With that Mary turned and she stormed off to be to where an astonished Harper stood a few feet beyond Keira. Beatrice suddenly felt like she had been marked for death by the looks all around her.
"Keira, I read that report you sent to us," Beatrice said quietly. "I have no real idea of what went on, but it is obvious that you had no part in Harper being hospitalised and I know that you had nothing to do with your parent's death. I can understand why you may not accept my apology, but I am terribly sorry. I acted out of petty-mindedness without thought for your wellbeing. Now, I think that we had better go."
"Aunt Beatrice, please stay, it would mean a lot to me," Keira said, surprising herself by actually meaning it.
"You looked very beautiful up there," Uncle Arthur said to his niece.
"Thank you, Uncle Arthur," Keira responded.
"You were the very image of Kimberley when she married your father," Aunt Beatrice commented.
"Really?" Keira asked.
"Yes, you and your mother are so much alike, in body and soul," Aunt Beatrice said.
"That means a lot to me," Keira admitted.
It really did. Being compared to her dead mother meant so much, even coming from Aunt Beatrice who would have known as Keira had not been born then. Keira also realised that it must have cost Aunt Beatrice a lot to say such nice things to the niece she obviously detested.
"You also looked beautiful, dear," Aunt Beatrice said to Harper who cringed at the praise.
Keira laughed.
"Ignore Harper – she hates being told she's beautiful, or anything girly for that matter!"
"Oh, one of those girls," Uncle Arthur chuckled. "Your Aunt Beatrice was one of those – that was one of the reasons I married her; she was a rebel."
"Arthur!" Aunt Beatrice exclaimed in horror.
Keira saw that Diana had worked her way down the stone steps to join the group.
"Diana, I would like you to meet your cousins: Dominic and Dominque."
Diana looked over at the older boy and girl who smiled back.
"Hi, I'm Diana, Keira's my guardian."
Aunt Beatrice raised an eyebrow.
"Long story," Keira admitted weakly.
"A story I would like to hear one day, but right now I want us to at least be friends," Aunt Beatrice offered somewhat stiffly.
"We accept," Harper said before Keira could open her mouth and holding out her hand to Aunt Beatrice.
Keira nodded as she too held out her hand and Aunt Beatrice shook them both.
"Well, I'm glad the Cold War's over!" Uncle Arthur quipped with a withering look in the direction of the two women. "Congratulations and welcome to the family, commander."
"Blake, please."
"Arthur, and this is my wife, Beatrice."
"Ma'am."
"I'm not that old," Aunt Beatrice grinned. "Please call me Beatrice."
"I will," Harper grinned facetiously.
"Aunt Beatrice to you, young Harper!" Aunt Beatrice growled.
"Harper's an acquired taste," Keira admitted with an apologetic look.
Together, the group moved up the stone steps and inside towards the Quarterdeck for pre-reception drinks.
The Wedding Reception
The wedding party gathered on the expansive Quarterdeck.
The towering stone structure with wooden rafters and iron railings was the centrepiece and main assembly area of the college. The wooden floor had seen, quite literally, thousands of young officers passing through before the white marble statue of Edward VII which was erected in 1910.
That afternoon, dozens occupied the space, enjoying a small glass of champagne as an aperitif prior to the main meal. A photographer was dutifully recording the scene for posterity and catching the younger members getting up to mischief. Keira noticed one particular young woman gazing up at the rafters high above. Kate was enthralled by the everything – not just the wedding. The old building. The history. Everything about the place was amazing . . . and she wanted to be a part of it.
"This place is hard work, but it was enjoyable," Keira said.
"Could I ever be good enough to come here?" Kate asked.
"I don't see why not."
Kate grinned happily as she ran off to seek out Craig.
..._...
After drinks, everyone moved off the Quarterdeck and into the main dining hall, a grandiose structure with a towering arched ceiling and tall arched windows around the top of dark wood panelling which covered the walls and extended all around the room.
Eight long tables were arranged in a herringbone fashion throughout the length of the dining hall with another, longer table, arranged along the port side facing inward. Each of the seven tables was equipped to seat eight (except for Table 3 and Table 6 which seated nine), four (or five) per side with a plain white tablecloth spread end to end. Each table was equipped with a pair of triple silver-plated candelabra with lit candles and silver-plated cutlery. At the top table, four settings were laid along one side. Everyone consulted the seating chart to find out where they were sitting. Naturally, there were a few grumbles as Jamie found himself sitting between Stephanie and Electra while Kate found herself sitting next to her brother Craig. Jake was not all that overjoyed with being seated between Tanya and Georgia.
Indeed, it was a first for Georgia and her parents to have been invited to such an event and Georgia was very quick at figuring out who might be who amongst the American contingent. She sat at Table 8 with Rylee, Simon, Tanya, Jake, Danny, Mackenzie, and little Isaac who was having the time of his life at his second ever wedding. As for Harvey and Melissa Watson, they were at Table 5 with Rachel, Hillary, Jasper, Lynn, Beatrice, and Arthur. At Table 4, Joshua found himself sitting next to Amy Montgomery and across from Lucy Ford. At the same table were Alya, Eric, Saoirse, and Morgan. Lucy had the not-so-enviable job of keeping a weather eye on Table 3 where Harper, Anne-Marie, Katlin, Naomi, Annabelle, Diana, Dominic, Dominque, and Jordan sat. As for Table 6, Olivia sat next to Scarlett who sat next to Charlotte who had Amber for company. Across from those four girls sat Shannon, Lily, Craig, Kate, and Megan. Behind them, at Table 7 were six girls and two boys. Owen and Jamie were very much outnumbered by Dakota, Mary, Abigail, Yvette, Stephanie, and Electra. Table 2 consisted of Richard, Lara, Patrick Haig, Kensi, Alexandra, Cameron, Sinead, and Trevor. Table 1 was occupied by Dave, Mindy, Sarah, Craig Lawrence, Marinette, Andrew, Cassie, and Adrien. As the occupants of top table entered, there was clapping and cheering. Keira and Blake were flanked by Natasha and Harry Steed as they took their seats at the top table.
At almost the exact moment that Keira sat down, stewards appeared with the starter – an amazing array of smoked salmon and lobster. Chatter eased slightly as everyone dug in. As expected for a dinner at a Royal Navy establishment where etiquette was paramount, wine was served to go with the starter – although the younger members had to make do with grape juice (again). Even the usual noisy suspects were limited in their behaviour as they ate ravenously. Keira found herself drinking quite a bit as she steadied her nerves which were still a little shaky with the day's events. She could not believe that she was finally married and to the most amazing man. She had also gained a good friend in Harry Steed who Keira enjoyed talking with, despite his often politically incorrect views and jokes. Harry was a warfare officer by trade, and he was on leave from HMS WESTMINSTER for the wedding.
After the starters, the main course arrived – an amazing area of Steak and Kidney puddings ('babies heads' in Royal Navy parlance) in deference to the cold weather outside. Fresh vegetables accompanied the puddings as did an expensive wine. There were many cringes from the children as they tentatively prodded the puddings. Some had eaten the puddings before, and they encouraged others to try them.
"How is Cockburn Hall coming along?" Alexandra asked Lara on Table 2.
"The rebuilding work is underway and almost everything has dried out. Some of the new facilities are going to cause things to take a little longer, especially the children's bedrooms, not to mention the enhanced security," Lara replied. "The rain did a number on the ground floor and the staircase needs a lot of work which has set things back a bit. We're taking the opportunity to update the central heating which isn't really central and doesn't really heat either. All being well, we should be back into the Hall come June."
"Has Mindy offered any advice for additional security?" Patrick chuckled.
Lara sighed.
"Yes, I'm afraid so," she confirmed. "Who in their right mind would want a bloody minefield around their property?"
"I can think of one person, but she may not be in her right mind," Richard commented.
The entire table burst out laughing.
..._...
At Table 1, Mindy scowled as she overheard Richard's comment.
Yes, sometimes she went a little over the top, but she was only thinking about the safety of Lara, Hillary, Lily, and the children. Mindy laughed – she was used to the friendly ribbing and it made her feel wanted.
"It's been quite a while since I was last here," Craig Lawrence said. "Best few months of my life, I have to admit."
"Were you aboard HMS Britannia or HMS Hindostan, sir?" Sarah asked cheekily, referring to the two wooden hulks which had predated the stone-built college buildings until January 1906.
Cassie took a sharp intake of breath at her sister's barbed comment, a little worried that a mere lieutenant teasing a full commander was not a good career enhancing idea.
"I think they may be looking for a new lieutenant in the Falkland Islands, Miss Perrin," Craig commented with a sly grin. "I can put in a word with drafty if you wish."
Mindy laughed at Sarah's expression as the young officer visualised her promising career circling the proverbial plug hole.
"I would have to decline your offer, sir," Sarah tried.
"A very wise choice for someone with such a promising career before them," Craig laughed.
"Sarah's always had a big mouth, commander," Cassie said as she grinned at her big sister.
"A female trait," Dave said.
"I'll second that!" Andrew piped up.
"Me, too," Adrien grinned as Marinette scowled.
"You can hit him," Mindy said to Sarah who sat next to Dave.
Dave grinned as he turned to Sarah.
"Men!" Sarah growled.
Craig and Andrew laughed; they both enjoyed ribbing the womenfolk.
..._...
On Table 3, Kaitlin could not have been happier.
Jordan, on the other hand, was not so happy. He was surrounded, quite literally, by girls. In fact, other than Dominic Standburn, the table was all girls – seven versus the two boys. Not that Jordan could not look after himself, of course. Kaitlin and Anne-Marie were constantly jabbering on in between mouthfuls and Annabelle was busy shouting across Kaitlin to Harper and Diana. Therefore, after twenty minutes, the boy swapped seats with the still-talking Anne-Marie so that he could sit next to the beleaguered Dominic who was also surrounded by girls, including his own sister, Dominique. The twelve-year-old girl was not a big fan of kidneys, but she ate the food, nonetheless, not wanting to embarrass or upset Keira any more than they had done.
She and her brother were unsure of what their mother had done, but it seemed to have been really serious, and they had never known their mother to apologise to someone – ever! Their Dad had been just as concerned and just as much in the dark, but then a package had been delivered by courier and their mother had gone quite pale as she had read the document inside. Indeed, their mother had then spent a good hour on the phone with some policeman. Then, they had received a very unexpected invitation to Keira's wedding, just the week before, and they had kept very much to the shadows during the service. Dominic had been quick to identify the Royal Princess and the two siblings had been shocked to then have said Royal Princess berate their mother for something obviously unbelievably bad. Their younger cousin appeared to have changed some – she was no longer the bossy annoying youngster – but there was something dark about her which Dominique had identified but which her brother had not noticed – boys never noticed small subtleties.
In fact, Harper had smiled and then held out her hand for them both to shake.
..._...
Table 7 had a similarly uneven disposition of the sexes.
Jamie was sitting between two bitches – his sister and Electra. However, he had someone special across from him, Abigail, which was good. Yvette, who sat across from Electra and beside Abigail kept trying to embarrass the boy but only succeeded in annoying Abigail. As for the other boy, he sat on the opposite side of Stephanie to Jamie, and across from Dakota who sat next to Mary. As was expected, Owen was enjoying his time surrounded by pretty girls, and he was ensuring that Dakota and Mary were both aware of how manly he was. However, Owen was not aware of Dakota's sexual persuasion, so the fifteen-year-old was soon getting annoyed as the eleven-year-old tried to pull her.
"Look, Owen," Mary said, "If you had breasts and a vagina then you might stand a chance."
"Rylee has told us all about you," Stephanie grinned.
"You sure you don't want to go on a date, Steph?" Owen tried.
"I'd rather go on a date with Electra!" Stephanie responded.
"Electra, you want to go on a date with Stephanie?" Jamie asked, turning to his right.
"Nah," Electra replied. "She's not my type – sorry, Steph."
"You're not really my type either, 'lectra."
"Bet Abigail would go on a date with you, Steph," Yvette grinned as Abigail's face turned an interesting shade of puce.
"There is nothing wrong with fancying a girl, Abigail," Dakota grinned.
Stephanie cringed as Abigail sank down in her chair.
..._...
Georgia had no problems on Table 8.
She was with her friends and having great fun. Isaac sat beside her, and she thought that the five-year-old boy was really sweet, much to Mackenzie's annoyance as her brother lapped up the attention. Danny was pleased to find that he was not the only American at the table and he enjoyed chatting with Mackenzie. As for Rylee and Tanya, they were teasing Jake while Simon was doing his utmost to wind up Rylee.
Both Jake and Simon knew that Rylee was a tough nut to crack but that did not stop the pair of them from having a damn good go at the girl. However, Rylee was enjoying herself and keen just to be herself, especially as she had Georgia with her – which actually meant that Rylee would show off and generally get herself into trouble. However, Rylee was a good distance away from her mother, so she considered herself to be free of any adult interference. But, as Rylee peered over at her mother who sat at Table 5, she squirmed as she saw her mother glaring directly at her. Somehow, her mother seemed to instinctively know whenever Rylee was about to do something naughty which really annoyed the young girl.
Tanya had seen Rylee's shifty glance and she knew full well why Rachel knew what her daughter was up to – Rylee just looked guilty, whenever she was actually guilty of something, simple as that. Tanya sighed as her best friend returned to her steak & Kidney pudding, scowling slightly.
"Poor little Rylee," Tanya grinned.
"She looks lovely when she pouts," Simon stated.
Rylee grinned sheepishly as Simon and Tanya laughed at their joke. They both enjoyed ribbing Rylee, and both were able to get away with it too. Rylee could be as soft as she could be ruthless and that was something which both Simon and Tanya loved about their leader.
"What are we going to do with you, Ry?" Georgia asked rhetorically.
"She's a hopeless case," Tanya replied.
"You are making a lot of sense, Tanya," Jake admitted.
"Have you all quite finished?" Rylee tried with mock anger.
"No," Simon said as he gave Rylee a kiss on the cheek.
Rylee deflated as everybody laughed.
..._...
Over on Table 4, Lucy was struggling to keep a straight face as Joshua, who was seated opposite her kept up with his usual form of jokes which had Alya laughing like a walrus which David was not helping as he added his own salty jokes to those of Joshua. His wife was not overly amused, but Saoirse and Morgan thought it was great fun.
The increasingly salty jokes continued through the main course and onto dessert which was Baked Alaska. The ice cream meringue dessert was extremely popular, and it went down swiftly, as evidenced by the marked absence of talking. The dessert was washed down by an ample supply of a sweet dessert wine which added to the alcohol-fuelled atmosphere. Somehow, Saoirse and Morgan had acquired a glass of wine which the pair were sharing. Lucy herself was also drinking even though she was about six months short of being legal, but she knew that she had the figure and maturity to come across as eighteen.
Meanwhile, a short distance away, Table 6 was occupied by mostly those of the Predator persuasion.
..._...
However, of the four girls who were not Predators, two were almost there.
Megan and Olivia were both wild girls with a similar vocabulary and behaviour level to those others and were a stark contrast to Scarlett and Amber who were keeping themselves very much to themselves – especially Amber. Scarlett was seated in between Olivia and Charlotte, both of whom were behaving like virtual imbeciles. Kate, who was the eldest at the table was not exactly helping as she remained at the same level as the younger girls. Craig was the only boy at the table, and he had to endure the verbal abuse, annoyed that he was out of reach of Olivia.
Megan, of course, had no problem whatsoever with the crudely disgusting comments and generally lowering herself to the same sewer level as the Predators sat at the table.