Chapter XXX: Surprise Visitors
A/N: What fun this chapter was to write! I cackled at certain points, I'm sure you will too! Thanks go out to cowgirlbookworm. You've been quite the help and have been quite fun to talk too! Bold is different languages. Looking forward to seeing what you all think! SSD
With Charles now occupied with bothering/calming Will down, Sylvia brought the boys with her to see Ada.
Upon entering the sitting room where her friend was she said, "Congratulations Ada. If I'd known sending you to America would help, I'd have sent you here much sooner and under much less strenuous circumstances!"
Ada chuckled, "Circumstances weren't ideal, but I wouldn't trade them for anything."
"I bet they weren't, how are you feeling," Sylvia asked.
"Nauseous, snappy at everyone, and trying to deal with Will who's turned into a lunatic. I can barely leave the room without him trying to carry me," her friend massaged her temples in frustration.
"Well Bertie is well on his way to making sure your husband is nice and drunk, then we'll lock him up somewhere. The other symptoms will ease up in time," she soothed.
"Could you please ask me a question unrelated to the baby," Ada begged.
"How drunk was he when he met you at the train station back in July," Sylvia inquired.
"Not in the slightest. But our host's head of security brews this delightful moonshine. Will's entertained me with it many times," Ada smirked before asking, "Now what did you do to poor Harry? He was giving all of you the side eye."
"Not a thing. Roger and Trevor decided they wanted to learn everything about the ship from him," Sylvia sipped some of the delicious ginger tea. She was going to try and get the recipe from that excellent cook.
"And I'm sure you didn't suggest that to them?" Ada knew her all too well.
She grinned back, "Now where is Miss Lethbridge? I'd like to introduce the boys to her."
Ada gave her a worried look, "What are you planning to do to Cecily? I've grown rather fond of her you know."
"Nothing harmful. But if she's planning on marrying that boy, and judging by the greeting she gave him she is, she'll need to be prepared for the inevitable results," Sylvia replied.
"You should compare notes with her aunt then. I think there's been quite a bit of education on that subject," Ada answered.
"I think I will do just that. Now where do you believe Cecily to be?"
"Probably in the library. That's her and Harry's favorite place to go when they want to be alone," Ada waggled her eyebrows.
Turning to her boys Sylvia asked, "Roger, Trevor why don't you two go find the library? If you get lost, ask Rafaela." They were off like firecrackers.
Now she and Ada could speak of thing not meant for little ears!
Harry wanted to find Will and offer him his congratulations. And hopefully avoid those menaces that Lights had helped bring into the world.
Cecily and he had enjoyed a delectable time in the library. Though they'd had to skirt around said menaces to get out of the library unnoticed. They'd been doing things not meant for children's eyes. Or ears.
He was minding his own bloody business walking past a room when he was yanked by the collar into the room!
Swearing an almighty blue streak in Welsh, Harry turned around to see Lights, Will, and Roland. This was the billiards room.
"Now that we're here certain traditions need to be maintained," Lights handed Will a glass of what smelled like Antin's moonshine, "The soon to be father needs to down this in one go!"
While Will knocked back the shine, Roland groused, "I don't know why I'm here!"
"We're celebrating. When your turn for this blessed even comes around, we'll do the same for you. Now get the pool sticks down," Lights ordered before turning to Harry "We'll figure out something else for you when the time comes. There's more food than we could ever eat and there's water around here somewhere."
He walked over to the food table to grab a sandwich. Rafaela did something to the roast beef that made it extra tender, it just fell apart.
The others were a couple of drinks in when Harry noticed Roland eying the pool table oddly. Soon his old friend was blushin.
Switching to Welsh immediately as Harry felt his German wasn't good enough he asked, "Pam ydych chi'n edrych ar y bwrdd felly?"
Thinking over how to answer Roland replied, "Ti'n gwybod sut wyt ti a Cecily gyda'r llyfrgell? Mae Ghislaine a fi yma!"
"Crist ar cracer, mae angen i mi adael!" Harry gingerly put down the pool cue and tried to leave.
"Un, nid ydych yn fy ngadael i mewn yma gyda'r gwallgof o Chorley. Dau, nawr ti'n gwybod sut dwi'n teimlo am y llyfrgell!" Roland grabbed his arm snarling.
"I heard the name of my hometown. So I know I'm being talked about," Charles's eyes were alight with glee and alcohol. The man then inquired, "So... Harold. Have you and Cecily made your way to the library yet?"
"You're not getting anything out of me," Harry picked up his cue and took a shot at a ball. Which hit Lightoller's fingers.
"I wanted to get a book from there a few hours ago. Door was locked," Will hit a few more balls.
"The maids must have been cleaning," Harry glared at Roland's snigger.
"I heard moans," Lights cackled outright at Will's comment.
"Moving heavy wooden tables for dusting. Besides, I'm sure this table moans when it moves doesn't it Roland," he drawled.
Roland missed the ball, spluttering in Spanish.
"So you and Ghislaine have a hideaway of your own, I see. I wonder if your tongue is as skilled here as it is with languages," Lights choked admidst laughter.
"Rwy'n mynd i'ch clymu ac a ydych chi wedi fflangellu," Roland hissed. Harry cheekily smiled before going for heading for more food.
"I've heard a funny tale from one of the 40 Thieves. I think it was Max. Something about how no Lethbridge can be quiet in bed. Apparently he heard about it from your cousin Matt," Will drawled.
"So does it apply to the men as well as the women," Lights asked with glee.
"If you want to keep your teeth in your skull, you'll stop asking," Roland growled before heading for the whiskey.
This party was going to last for hours. Harry doubted he would be able to sneak off to see Cecily any time soon. Roland certainly wouldn't let him get away.
Lights definitely wouldn't!
Ghislaine watched her future sister in law sneeze yet again. Despite Cecily's violent allergy to most flowers, she had not backed out of coming with her to look for them.
Upon being invited, she'd said yes quickly. gotten dressed even faster, and was out the door before anyone noticed she was leaving.
Ghislaine had decided on two flowers so far, the calla lily and gooseberry. She, Cecily, and her mother were looking for a third to round out the bouquet.
Cecily had a good working knowledge of the flower language, the knowledge of a few obscure meanings.
There was a rather loud sneeze close behind her. Ghislaine turned around to see a red eyed Cecily.
"My apologies Ghislaine. But I think I've found the flower that's perfect," she was smiling through her clear allergic reaction.
"It's alright, why don't you bring me to it," Ghislaine smiled back.
Cecily dragged her through the greenhouse, holding her hand till they got to the flowers in question.
"Spanish Jasmine," she certainly looked pleased with herself. "Do you know what it means?"
"I know jasmine means amiability. Judging by the look on your face, you're bursting to tell me," Ghislaine replied.
"It's perfect for a wedding. It means sensuality," her future sister in law's grin grew even bigger.
Blushing she asked, "Do you know anymore flowers with meanings like that?"
"I do." Before Cecily could say anything further Ghislaine's mother bustled out.
"It's time for lunch. Cecily you will be joining us as a thank you. I know your allergies must have made the experience intolerable."
"I'd love to."
When they got back to the embassy, lunch turned out to be bouillabase with fresh bread. It was nice, warm, and the table had no flowers as her mother had ordered them taken away for the time being.
While Cecily was eating properly, it was clear that she was enjoying the meal with healthy appetite.
Ghislaine let out a noisy breath when her mother left for a time.
"Could you tell me a funny story about Roland," she asked.
"I've got just the one. It has to do with flowers and the Spanish ambassador," Cecily giggled at the memory.
"Go on," she encouraged.
"Most of the ambassadors from the Spanish speaking parts of the world love how well Roland speaks Spanish. Except for one. The Spanish ambassador was always making little snide digs about how his Spanish wasn't proper Castilian. Roland was always polite to him, but was always looking for a way to prank the man. He finally got the opportunity when he had to send flowers to that embassy." Cecily paused to take a drink.
"Keep talking," Ghislaine was enjoying this. The Spanish ambassador was a known ass to women.
"He sent me a fast telegram asking what kind of flowers to put in an arrangement to insult someone as much as possible. So, I gave him a list of flowers and plants he could use." Cecily's grin turned diabolical.
"Which ones did he use," Ghislaine was getting invested in this now.
"Roland used: Basil, frog orchids, stinging nettles, hellebore, scarlet geraniums, lavender, bee balm, and yellow roses. He left the arrangement unaddressed. It caused quite the uproar!" Cecily was cackling. I got him a flower language dictionary as a gift that Christmas for future use!"
Cecily was thanking God that she'd chosen to wear trousers today and that she was fully recovered from yesterday's flower expedition.
For whatever reason, Sylvia wanted her to spend some time with Roger and Trevor. Without her around. She'd barely spent *any* time around children with her and Roland being so close in age.
Unfortunately, it was downpouring rain. So letting the boys run wild outside couldn't be done. Thankfully Max was with her and he came from a large family full of children. They'd been tossing a ball around for a bit when Cecily saw Harry watching out of the corner of her eye, leaning on a doorway.
Taking full advantage of the situation, she decided to bend over to pick up the ball. Giving him a nice view of her arse in her trousers, which she knew he liked.
What Cecily did not expect was for him to stride into the room to spin her around saying, "Byddaf yn eich darlithio ar gyfer hynny yn nes ymlaen. Gwelais y hynny!" He dove in for a kiss that made her moan.
"YUCK!" Roger and Trevor yelled at the display of affection.
"Save that for stargazing," Max called back, "We've got a game to play!"
Cecily dodged the boy's questions about what that meant. "It's time for lunch anyway. Let's head down to the kitchen and Rafaela."
Carrying a boy each on their back (she had Trevor) they headed down to the kitchen.
As they were busy eating a hearty lunch, Max said in an undertone, "You're going to have to figure out a way to calm those two down."
"I've got ideas, none of them would go over well with their mother," Cecily drawled. She had a feeling she was being tested in some manner and didn't like it at all.
"There's a pool in this house. I'd be shocked if these two didn't know the basics of how to swim," Max suggested.
"They're young. It'll wear them out fast. After the meal, I'll bring them to Sylvia. She can help them with that!"
Utterly exhausted Cecily dragged herself to her feet saying, "Roger, Trevor. Why don't we go upstairs? Your mom can help you get your swimsuits on so we can go swimm- AH!"
They nearly yanked her feet out from under her in their excitement, and dragged her up the stairs.
Barging into the room they shouted, "We're going swimming! Can you help us mom?"
Sylvia scanned her with a look and seemed pleased with the idea, "That sounds excellent."
Cecily headed off to her room, finding Max along the way, "Please help me with the grifft cythraul," she begged. "I'll talk to Antin about getting you some extra time off?"
"And an extra week's pay."
"Done. Just meet us at the pool please." She went to get into her swimming attire.
Cecily left her hair loose. Hopefully she would avoid mermaid jokes.
She was the first to arrive, with Max getting their shortly thereafter. His suit was black, hers blue.
Though before either could jump in, two blurs ran past them yelling at the top of their lungs, to jump into the pool.
Whilst Cecily was climbing into the pool, she noticed Sylvia had brought Ada along. And Harry. Who was occupied with with drinking in her form.
She was contemplating how to get him into the pool, even though he was wearing regular clothing.
It would be the perfect excuse to run her hands over him. And judging by how his hands were lingering on her breasts, she could distract him easily.
Swimming towards him, Cecily asked, "Would I make a good mermaid?"
Looking her over Harry answered, "Well you're lacking a tail. But your hair is long enough."
"I'm supposed to be enticing you," she propped herself up on the pool's edge piutting her breasts on prominent display.
Kneeling down, "I'd say you're doing a pretty good job," Harry's eyes were glued to her chest; he was down on one knee. Perfect.
Taking full advantage of where his eyes were, Cecily climbed up, grabbed him around the shoulders, and pulled him into the water with her!
However she hadn't counted on Harry dragging her down with him!
While they were still underwater, Harry smiled at her. He was clearly planning ways of delightful torment later!
When they surfaced, there was laughter echoing throughout the room.
"You distracted me," he growled but pinched her waist beneath the water, pulling her close.
"Yn syml, defnyddiais yr asedau a oedd ar gael imi ar unwaith. Wyt ti'n iawn," She ran her hands over him.
"Dwi'n iawn. Os nad ydych chi'n meddwl na fyddaf yn eich cael chi am hyn," Harry ghosted against her ear then nipped at it, "Rydych chi'n ffwl. A gwn nad ydych chi'n un Cecily."
Cecily shivered and it had nothing to do with the cooling water.
With the boys in bed and out cold from their busy day, Charles decided that now would be the perfect time to take Sylvia on a walk.
He loved that his greatcoat was big enough for Syvie to burrow next to him under it.
"So has William calmed down at last," she inquired.
"Yes. He's finally gotten it through his thick skull that Ada is not made of glass, he can touch her, and even enjoy her, " Charles could not help but smirk at that last bit.
"You were horrible when I was pregnant with Roger. I had to threaten to hit you with a cricket bat before you'd let me leave the house unaccompanied," Sylvia giggled.
"I was afraid to hurt you! When he was born I..." he trailed off, her finger on his lips.
"I know. And you've been wonderful with them both ever since. Would you like to know how their day was?"
"Of course. How did Cecily do with them?" Charles was genuinely curious about this.
"Better than I thought she would. Took them all over the house, tossed a ball around, got them lunch, then took them swimming," Sylvie ticked off her fingers.
Pulling her close again, "I saw Harold walking back to his room with quite damp clothing. Do you know anything about that?"
"I know everything about that. The thing is, do you want to," his wife's eyes were gleaming with barely suppressed mirth.
"Did the boys do something to him?"
"No. It was all Cecily. And her using her wiles and abilities to distract him."
"She pulled him into the pool didn't she," Charles stated.
"Oh yes. Then they started flirting in Welsh. Couldn't understand a bloody word," Sylvia groused.
"We need to start learning some Welsh so we can spook them. I think Mina and her son Matt might be willing to teach us a thing or two," he replied.
They walked in enjoyable silence, talking in the crisp fall air and the night sky.
Suddenly Sylvia stopped walking; tilting her head. Then she began to giggle.
"What is so funny?" Charles wanted to know.
"Listen Bertie," she giggled even louder.
It was then that he finally heard certain noises. Quite distinctive ones at that.
Trying not to laugh, he said, "Well then. I think we now know what Harold and Cecily were talking about!" Charles moved his hand to whistle.
"Bertie love, don't go too hard on them," his wife begged.
"It could have been someone else, who wouldn't have been as sympathetic as we are," he laughed before putting his fingers to his lips, letting out a piercing whistle.
Sure enough there was a feminine squeal followed by what he assumed was cursing in Welsh.
"Jesus Fuck, Lightoller! One Goddamn moment of peace, will you not give us that!?" Harold yelled
"Harold, there are ladies present. Unless you were the one making the racket up there by yourself," Sylvia laughed.
"You and I are well accustomed to sailors swearing a blue streak Sylvia. He's perfectly justified," Cecily was trying to regain some dignity."
She watched as everyone was packing up for the return to New York, and for several, the return to England.
She watched her husband chase the young Lightoller boys aroudn the house in an attempt to wear them out. Albert would make an excellent grandfather in a few years time.
They needed to have a chat about how he was handling the courting of Harry and Cecily. The two of them had done far worse things than their daughter and her future husband. Or their son and his future wife for that matter.
Maeve was having trouble reaching him though. She'd probably have to wait for the holidays when things were thinner between the worlds.
As for both of her children, Cecily and Roland had gotten the Lethbridge noisiness from their father. Their future spouses would have to get creative in finding ways to keep them quiet.
Thankfully Cecily had been well out of sight of the Lightollers. As she'd needed to button up her blouse.
Roland and Ghislaine on the other hand had been caught by Rafaela on the grounds. Her son quiet literally had been caught with his pants down!
Maeve looked forward to Cecily giving Mr. Murdoch the money from the bet. As it would be quite entertaining for all!
A/N 2: That's all folks! And Happy Valentine's Day! Looking forward to seeing what you all think! SSD