Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2023 14:28:08 +0000 (GMT)
From: blackscar01 <blackscar01@btinternet.com>
Subject: Operation Pied Piper - Part 153a

IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL READERS

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, organisations, and
incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used
fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, locales,
organisations, or events is entirely coincidental.

The author claims all copyrights to this story and no duplication or
publication of this story is allowed, except by the websites to which it
has been posted, without the consent of the author.

*******

If you enjoy my story or any others on the Nifty site, please show your
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*******

Finally, thank you once again to my editor, Jim.

*******

Forts had recovered himself, he hopped in the back, "Come on, take us for a
spin."

Chris and I stood back as Davy hopped in the front and Duke jumped in next
to Forts.

Dougal was still shaking his head in disbelief. He turned the key and
started the engine. He turned and smiled at Forts and Davy. "Thank you."

Forts grinned, "Oh, it's not us you have to thank. It is Daphne and
Pegasus."

Dougal nodded, he stood and shouted, "Thank you, you two, too!"

There was another whinny, and the Jeep pulled away.

**

Operation Pied Piper – Part 153a Christmas 1943

Part 153a minor characters making an appearance or receiving a mention:

Grand Duchess Katrina Truorwskoy – (Grand Duchess Truorwskoy /Grandma/
Katrina) Wife of late Grand Duke.

Princess Anastasia Chikenoff – (Princess Chikenoff) The mother of Dima
and Theodora.

Fergus Toussaint – (Fergus) Earl of Wick – Serving British Army
Officer. 28yrs.

Robert Meisner – (Robert) Dima's partner 27yrs old Cambridge law
graduate, specialising in Russian language and culture. Now Forts and
Davy's secretary.

Cailin – (Cailin)_ 18yrs old. One of the King's stable boys at Balmoral.

Calvin – (Cal/Calvin) 16yr old, new clumsy footman. Gary's new beau.

Dexy Mackenzie – (Dexy/Lieutenant Mackenzie) US Army. Promoted
Lieutenant in 152b.

Count Samara – (Count Samara/Stepan) 60ish Advisor to Forts and
purchaser of Russian art. Russian émigré escaped the slaughter by the
Bolsheviks. Knew Fort's parents and Tsar Nicholas II.

Captain James Brandt – (James/Brandt/Captain Brandt) Officer in the 4th
Battalion of the Black Watch.5'10 'The Viscount Tilney'. Forts Equerry.

Squadron Leader Stuart Burgess – (Squadron Leader Burgess/Stuart) RAF
Squadron Leader - King George VI's new equerry.

**

Chris takes up the story

It was the afternoon of Friday, the 24th of December 1943, Christmas Eve. I
had just finished wrapping James and my presents for the three boys and was
heading down with them to the Garden room where Forts, Davy, and the boys
were spending some time together as a family before this evening's grown-up
entertainments and the arrival of the Father Christmas. With the boys
older, this Christmas promised to be a lot more fun.

I gingerly headed down the main stairs and towards the Garden Room. One of
the security detail was sitting just outside the door, I couldn't initially
make out who it was. As I got closer, I could hear the singing.

"Walking through a winter wonderland... Hark the Herald Angels."

It was Duke seated outside wearing a bright red Father Christmas hat. He
grinned as once more from within the room, Forts belted out the start of a
number of Christmas carols and songs. Duke smiled, "Afternoon, Chris."

I smiled, "Hi Duke... He is in good voice, I hear."

He raised his eyebrows, "Is that what you call it."

He opened the door for me and I slipped into the room. Forts was waltzing
round in front of the very large tree in this room. He was wearing a dark
green Cossack tunic, baggy dark blue trousers and huge sheepskin slippers,
oh, and a Father Christmas hat. Draco and Aaran were perched on his hips,
giggling madly and also wearing little Father Christmas hats.

"Chestnuts roasting by an open fire. Jack Frost biting at your toes." Forts
was snuggling his face into each of the boys in turn.

I cleared my throat. "Afternoon chaps, ... Forts, you are probably standing
too close." I burst out laughing.

"Hi Chris!" Forts beamed back. "Look who it is, boys, Uncle Chris."

Davy was on his knees, placing presents under the tree. He too was wearing
a Father Christmas hat. He turned, smiled, and stood. He was shaking his
head, "Afternoon Chris, don't encourage him... I keep telling him the next
line is 'Jack Frost nipping at your nose' but no, all we get is, 'Chestnuts
roasting by an open fire and Jack Frost biting at your toes'"

Forts chuckled and lifted his foot, waggling it at us, "That is because I
am wearing sheep skin slippers! ... Jack Frost isn't nipping at my toes."

Davy shook his head. "Every song, every time ... new lyrics."

Forts pouted and cuddled the two boys in his arms. "You like Daddy's
singing, don't you? Daddy Davy is just a Mr Scrooge... isn't he?"

Draco and Arran grinned and nodded. Forts stuck out his tongue.

I just laughed. "I have got the boys' presents from James and me." I
glanced round the room, "Where's Andrew? I have his too."

Davy came over to me and gave me a hug, "Thank you Chris, oh, Andrew is
with Mum and Dad. They should be all down soon. You are staying for the
boy's party, aren't you?"

I grinned, "I wouldn't miss this for anything, James will be popping along
soon too."

The movement from the corner of the room caught my eye, I glanced over.

"You met Monty, the artist and photographer, didn't you?" Davy said as he
followed my eyes.

"Yes, I was here when Robert Milner brought him over."

"Sorry Chris, with so many people arriving, I forget who has met who. We
have just to ignore him, apparently. He wants to just observe Forts and me
quietly, naturally, before he does any pictures." Davy dropped his voice,
"He wants to get a feel for us, whatever that is. He has been sketching all
morning."

I called over, "Afternoon." Monty gave me a wave.

Davy locked his eyes on me. "You haven't said anything... You know about
the other day to ... Forts, have you?"

"No, you asked me not to."

Davy nodded, "I know... I just can't help thinking he is going to blow a
gasket when he finds out how much it all cost."

I put my arm round Davy's waist, "Don't be silly, he is going to be over
the moon."

"God, I hope you are right. Mishcon thought I had gone absolutely crazy."

"I know, I heard him."

Davy sighed.

"What are you two plotting?" Forts momentarily interrupted his singing.

I turned and grinned, "Us? Nothing." I winked, "I am just trying to
manoeuvre Davy under this mistletoe."

Forts roared with laughter and went back to dancing.

*

Davy was right, Mishcon had nearly had a fit. A few days ago, I had walked
in on Davy on the phone to Count Samara. The sums being spoken about even
caused me to balk. "Are you sure it is the very same one?" Davy had asked
Samara again. He obviously had answered in the affirmative. "Well, in that
case, buy them all." Mishcon had leapt up, "Davy! Have you gone mad? Do you
realise how much money that actually is?" Davy, had just repeated, "Buy
them. No, Mishcon will do as he is instructed to do! Yes, Count, thank
you." Davy had put the phone down. Mishcon had gone to speak again, but
Davy had cut him off. "You, will do as I ask..." Davy turned to face Dima
and me, "And none of you will speak about this in front of Forts. Do you
understand me?" We had all nodded.

*

"Davy, don't worry. Forts is going to love it and I promise I won't say
anything."

"Jack frost biting at your toes."

Davy smiled at Forts and nodded to me, "Well, at least you're not wearing a
daft hat."

I handed Davy the presents and reached into my back pocket. I whipped out
my Father Christmas hat. "Au contraire, Your Grace!"

Davy's expression sank. "Oh God, no, you have one too?"

I laughed, "Yes, I think Gregor's sister made them for everyone."

"Oh, gooodddd." Davy shook his head again. Forts pulled a playful,
miserable face behind his back. Mouthing, "Mr Scrooge, Mr Scrooge."

I winked and joined Forts. He handed Draco to me. Now the four of us were
dancing round, Forts and me, crooning out, "Chestnuts roasting by an open
fire..."

Davy shook his head and mumbled as he placed the presents under the
tree... "I give up." He paused and then jumped up, swaying his hips, "Well,
if you can't beat them, join them!" With that, he crossed to the gramophone
and put on 'Santa Claus is Comin' To Town', by the Riley Farley
Orchestra. Then he came over and joined Forts and me singing and dancing
around as the boys both squealed with delight.

*

There was a knock at the door. "Come in... unless you're Mr Scrooge!" Forts
called out, too much hilarity from the rest of us, well, apart from Davy.

The door opened and Denis peaked in, "Sorry to interrupt... It is just that
the Grand Duchess has arrived from the station."

Forts beamed. "Bring them in, bring them in... Oh, can you ask Marcus to
fetch some hot drinks for them, I bet they are cold."

"Certainly." Denis bowed and opened the door.

"Grandma!" Excitedly, Forts flopped over in his slippers to the Grand
Duchess Katrina Truorwskoy as she entered the room. Davy hurried over too,
I handed him Draco.

Katrina was beaming, "Drageon, Davy, so good to see you both again... and
you two." She stroked Draco and Aaran's' cheeks, "Are you all excited about
Santa Claus coming?" Both of the boys nodded enthusiastically.

"Princess Chikenoff." Forts gave a head bow to Dima's mother, "So lovely to
see you again. We are so glad you could come. Dima and Robert should be
down very soon."

Davy showed both of the ladies over to the chairs just as the door burst
open and a booming voice called out, "Ho, Ho, Ho, where are my little
Grandsons?" Athol burst through the door followed by Archie, both of them
in full bright red Father Christmas outfits."

I have to admit, even with the wild ginger beard, Athol looked just like
you would imagine Santa. Draco and Aaran both froze momentarily, their eyes
wide open. Forts came to the rescue, sweeping them both up again, "It's
your Grandads... Don't be frightened, they have dressed up as Santa, just
for you!" He cuddled them reassuringly. The boys didn't look convinced, if
I am honest.

Archie nudged Athol, he looked worried. "I told you we would frighten
them."

Athol, 'Ho, ho, ho'd' again "You're not frightened are you!" Finally, he
lifted his hat, both boys immediately recognised him and smiled, "Grandad!"

The boys, now happy, dragged Athol and Archie over towards the tree,
pointing, wide-eyed, ... "Look, presents!"

*

Forts and Davy were being the perfect hosts. As soon as the clock chimed
two o'clock, the guests started arriving. After the arrival of Brenda and
William; Davy's parents, with Andrew, the three boys commenced running
excitedly round and round, playing. I think Forts and I may have been with
them too... Much to the amusement of the Grand Duchess and Princess.

Marcus and several footmen, avoiding the chaos, worked the room, serving
canapes and glasses of Champagne to the guests as they arrived. The door
continued to open as we were joined by more and more people. Dima, Edik,
Vlad, and Robert arrived with Alexandra and Fergus Toussaint, then, Percy,
and Nathan, with Professor Harding, and Van Cusen, followed by Gethin, and
Callum, Squadron Leader Burgess, with a very quiet Cailin, gripping his
arm. Enzo, and Dexy, Dougal, the vet, and his lady friend. Mishcon, and his
secretary, Count Samara, Landers, Gregor, and his sister, Mary; who was
responsible for all the Santa hats. Last to arrive was Lillis, the prefect,
and yes, before you ask every one of them was wearing a bright red Santa
Claus hat, too.

It was great to see everyone again. Squadron Leader Burgess came over to me
with a very uncomfortable and nervous-looking Cailin.

"Stuart, good to see you."

He smiled and nodded. "Chris, I think you met Cailin at Balmoral."

"I did indeed, nice to see you again, Cailin. I know Forts and Davy are
pleased you could get away."

Stuart put his arm round him. "Cailin is worried he won't fit in with all
the folks here, not being a royal himself."

I smiled, making eye contact with Cailin. "Don't ever worry about that,
Forts and Davy are two of the nicest and down-to-earth people you will ever
meet... But I think you know that already... From what I heard." I
chuckled.

Cailin blushed and looked round at Stuart, "You told him!" he whispered.

Stuart gasped, in mock shock, "Not me, Forts did." The three of us began
laughing.

*

Davy had kept the gramophone playing Christmas tunes and with everyone
chatting and laughing, it would have been easy to miss, James being called
over to the door by Darius and then hurrying back into the room and over to
Forts. He leant in to Forts' ear, whispering something. Forts' smile
vanished. I was sure his lips formed the words, "They are here?" He glanced
towards the door, where Darius was standing, looking equally serious. James
nodded, replying, "What do you want me to do?"

I waited as the ever-watchful Davy appeared at Forts' side. They exchanged
a few snipped words. Davy appeared to sigh, saying, "What choice do we
have?" Forts nodded and forced a smile, then kissed Davy's cheek before
slipping out of the room with James. Davy returned to the company. I made
my way over to him.

Keeping a smile on my face, I asked, "Is something wrong?"

Davy shook his head, "Let's hope not," he swallowed. "Gary has arrived back
from London with Calvin."

"Ahh."

Davy nodded his head, keeping an outward smile on his face, "I suppose it
was only a matter of time before they did," he whispered.

Now we had heard two days ago about the death of Count Sergey Uvarov and
The Countess Formoye, in what had been reported as a terrible accident by
the papers. All of us, especially Forts and Davy, wanted to believe that
was just what it was, but, knowing Gary, none of us really believed it.

"Come on you two, we are just about to play 'Pass the Parcel'" Athol's
great hands grabbed Davy and me, he glanced round, "Where has my son gone?
Oh, well, just means we all have a better chance to win." Athol was
grinning excitedly, he always loved Christmas.

We were ushered over to a quickly forming circle down on the carpet. "I'll
do the music!" It was Archie. So, there we all were playing pass the
parcel, while the Grand Duchess, The Princesses Chikenoff and Alexandra
watched on, yes, all now wearing Santa hats.


**

Forts takes up the story

I left the Garden room with James. Outside the door, we were met by Darius
and Dan. Duke stood and pulled off his Santa hat. "Do you want me to come
too?"

Darius answered, "No, can you remain here? Tobias and Andrei are outside in
the garden. Dan and I will accompany Forts."

I waited until Darius had finished. "I really don't think any of you will
be necessary... Where are they?"

James looked pensive. "They are waiting in the reception room by the
entrance."

I nodded, "Come on then, let's hear what they have got to say... Hang on."
I stopped and removed my Santa hat. I chucked it to Duke, "Hang on to this
for me... I will need it for the party later." I smiled and winked.

Duke nodded as he caught the hat. "Yes, Forts."


**

Davy takes up the story

So let me help you catch up. What a week!

It had started with the Fraser Castle schoolboys and estate children's
party in the Ball Room, here at Pittodrie. Like last year, we managed to
secure a Christmas film for everyone to watch. This year it was the 1938
version of 'A Christmas Carol' with Reginald Owen as Scrooge and Gene
Lockhart as Bob Cratchit. Not my best choice, as since he had watched it,
Forts had been calling me Mr Scrooge at every opportunity.

The film was shown before the arrival of Father Christmas. Once more, Athol
had done the honours. To excited squeals and cheers, he was welcomed in to
the hall by the children. Several elves, who looked suspiciously like
Lillis and a few of the other prefects, helped to carry in his sacks of
toys. Father Christmas was installed in a small grotto at the base of the
'HUGE' Christmas tree Forts had insisted on for the Ball Room, and from
there the excited children were called forward to receive their
presents. Forts was beaming, he loved all this. I wasn't sure how James,
Dima, Chris and Robert had managed it, I strongly suspected it involved the
help of Dexy and Enzo, but each child was given a small wooden toy and an
orange as a present.

Then came the party food and then party games, pass the parcel and musical
chairs, to name two. Again, as prizes, there were sweets for everyone. This
year, it was a joy that Draco, Andrew and Arran could all join in with the
fun. Forts and I were determined that they would all grow up as normally as
possible.

The following day was the Estate workers' and American Army friends,
Christmas dinner, again served in the Ball Room. It had started formally
enough. The turkey meal cooked by Chef, with the help of Gregor and
Landers, was amazing. However, as the booze flowed and the US Army Dance
Band started playing, the decorum went downhill rapidly, but it was still
great fun, a tremendous laugh, and was enjoyed by all. After dinner, before
the dancing and party, Forts and I handed out small cash presents to all
the families. As they were opened, there were many a tearful, 'thank you',
directed to us both.

*

So why now, at the family party, was I finding it so hard to keep smiling?
Mum and Dad had arrived earlier this morning. I had gone with Tobias in one
of the Rolls Royces with Andrew to meet them at the station. It was great
seeing Mum again, and dad too, but Dad was always so cold around me. I
stood almost envious of Andrew as Dad picked him up and hugged him, saying,
"And how is my little man?" I had no memories of him ever having done that
to me. I doubted now he ever would.

I had got a curt nod from him, and one word, "Davy." Mum saw my face and
gave me an 'I love you smile'. I knew that, though. What I wanted was for
my Dad to do the same.

I had carried on as if it didn't matter, but it did. Suddenly, all the
excitement of the week, and even Christmas, had vanished. It was like being
thrown back in time... I hadn't told Forts when we arrived back how sad I
was feeling. He did realise something was not quite right, though.

Forts had met us all at the door. He had hugged mum and then shook hands
and hugged my particularly obsequious acting father. Maybe my lack of
excitement and quietness gave me away. Forts had given me a funny look and
then smiled and led us all past the 'first' Christmas tree in the foyer and
through to the Garden Room, it had kind of become our main entertaining
room, when we weren't in our own apartment.

All the way there, Dad didn't let up with his fawning, "Oh Forts, you have
made it so beautiful... Oh Forts, what a lot of work you have put in... Oh
Forts, you are so generous. Oh Forts, we are so honoured you invited us
again."

I was looking at the ground. You should never be embarrassed by your
parents, but at that moment, I was. Forts noticed and took my hand. He
looked straight at Dad, "William, I am afraid you are mistaken, it was Davy
who has arranged all of this, not me. It is him you should be thanking, not
me." Forts pulled me closer and kissed my cheek, "It is Davy who has turned
this in to our home."

Dad swallowed, "Oh, but of course... Err, well done, Davy," that was all
the acknowledgement I got.

*

I was miles away when the newspaper wrapped parcel landed in my lap as the
music stopped. "Come on, Daddy, your turn!" It was little Draco. Smiling
down at him, I felt myself welling up... I hugged him, biting my lip and
exhaling, "Can you help Daddy?" With obvious delight, he nodded and began
tearing at the paper, that was all I had ever wanted, to feel wanted.

"You not won Daddy." The music started up again, and Draco passed the
parcel on to Chris. He turned and hugged me, looking up into my face. "Love
Daddy."

I hugged him tightly, "Daddy loves you too and don't you ever forget it."

*

With the parcel on its way round the circle again, I felt a tap on my
shoulder; it was James. "Davy, can you come with me?"

Chris looked round and then leant into me, "On you go, I will fill your
place with my helper," he gave me a reassuring smile.

As I got up, Draco held his arms up to me. I patted his head and kissed the
top of it, "You play with uncle Chris, Daddy will be back in a minute."

Chris gave me a wink and shuffled over, lifting Draco up on to his knee as
the game continued. "Come on, little man, you help me now."

I hurried out of the room with James to a couple of concerned glances from
some of the other guests. James whispering, "Forts wants you to join him."

*

With James following me, I entered the small reception room, not quite sure
of what I would be walking into.

Thankfully, Forts was smiling, Gary and Calvin were smiling too.

Gary stepped forward, "Davy!"

I nodded, glancing sideways at Forts, as yet unsure what was
happening. "Gary. Calvin."

Forts stepped forward, "Davy, Gary has confirmed that it was a terrible
accident... You know, Uvarov and Formoye..." Forts chuckled, repeating I am
sure what Gary had told him. "After all, who would take a bar heater
anywhere near a bath full of water?" That was a very good question... Well,
to me anyway... Who would be that daft? There was one thing about Sergey,
he wasn't daft.

Forts winked at me. "I have asked them both to join the party and then join
us for dinner tomorrow."

I smiled, what else could I do? "That's lovely," I mumbled.

Forts looked relieved. "Come on, then let's all get back to the
party... Oh, you must come to tonight's drinks party too."

Forts took Gary's arm and began leading him to the door. "Oh, Forts, I was
told to pass on the 'regards' of General Menzies."

The name obviously didn't mean a lot to Forts, "General Menzies? I can't
say I remember him."

James glanced at me, we both remembered the name. What had Gary gotten
involved in now?


**

Dima takes up the story

The Christmas Eve drinks, meal, and party were to be a formal affair. After
the child led, or should I say Forts led, riotous fun of Draco, Arran, and
Andrews' party earlier, now with the boys all off to bed, Forts had
insisted we all dress for the meal and drinks tonight. We were also all
under a 'three-line whip' to attend the evening service in the chapel Vlad
was going to be conducting afterwards.

At six o'clock, we all assembled once more in the Garden Room and each of
us was provided with a glass of champagne. After a beaming Davy and Forts
arrived, immaculate in their white and silver bullion'd tunics, with
turquoise sashes and award stars, Denis announced that dinner would be
served. What then followed was in no way a small bit of theatre from Forts,
he proudly invited us all to join Davy as he showed him one of his
Christmas presents; the newly completed family dining room. It suddenly
dawned on me that Davy hadn't been allowed to go into the room before,
either.

Forts could barely contain his excitement. The doors to the recently
completed dining room were flung open by two footmen, to audible gasps from
all of us and Davy. Open-mouthed, we all went through into the newly
finished room. None of us had seen it since it had been finished. Forts had
wanted it to be a big surprise for Davy's Christmas. He had been planning
it with Count Samara for months. Proudly he turned to Stepan and held out
his hand to him, "Join us."

Forts turned to Davy, "Surprise, Merry Christmas, darling. I hope you like
it, I know how much you like having people over for dinner."

Davy stood open mouthed, his eyes dancing over the room. He shook his head
and hugged Forts. "You are crazy... It's beautiful."

Robert touched my arm, "God, Forts said he wanted it to be a surprise, well
he has achieved that! ... I am not sure it is really a family dining room,
though." Robert chuckled as he held my arm, "Well, ours never looked this
grand."

I nodded, "You, my dear Robert, are not the heir apparent."

Robert nodded and smiled. "Thank goodness."

The walls of the large room were covered in carved wood, covered in gold
leaf and festooned with gleaming mirrors which bounced the light from two
enormous overhead crystal chandeliers to every corner. The portraits of
Forts parents hung at one end and those of Davy's at the other, with the
family painting recently completed by Robert Milner of Forts, Davy and the
boys hanging in the middle. And yet another Christmas tree glittered in the
corner of the room. The table itself was enormous, each place was
beautifully set with pieces of the golden Kornilov Imperial banqueting
dinner service and several crystal glasses. Even the silverware, as our
American friends called it, was in fact gilded.

Forts invited us all to take our places. I was pleased to be seated
directly opposite Forts and Davy. During a lull in the conversation. I
watched as Forts looked up at the paintings of his parents, then down at
those of Davy's, then across at Davy's parents sitting further down the
table. He looked deep in thought. He swallowed, and when he caught my eye,
he smiled. I couldn't imagine what it must be like for him never to have
met his parents; well not that you could remember, anyway. My eyes met
Davy's, he had been watching Forts too. Davy gave me a concerned smile, and
I saw him grip Forts' knee. He leaned in and give him a kiss on the
cheek. Forts seemed to snap out of where he was and beamed again and the
meal continued.

Once more, Chef had outdone himself, the meal of Roast Beef, sublime. Forts
called over Marcus and Denis and thanked them both on behalf of us
all. Then joked, we would all be back around one o'clock on Christmas day
if that was okay.

*

The interior of the chapel shimmered, the smells of incense, or was it
heaven, greeted our noses as we entered, that and fresh hay, which had been
strewn on the floor to represent the floor of the stable, a white cloth lay
over the altar, representing the first clothes of the baby Jesus. Now I bet
you are all thinking we had the wrong day, the Russian Orthodox Church
celebrates Christmas on the 7th of January, not the 24/25th of December;
and you would be correct, but this was England and Forts wanted to stick
with the traditions we all knew.

Arch Priest Vladimir had changed from the black robes he had worn at the
meal, in to glittering gold and jewel incrusted Episcopal Mantel and
Mitre. He welcomed us all warmly and invited us to take our places.

Forts, Davy, the Grand Duchess, mum, Edik, Alexandra, and myself, moved to
the front, taking our places just before the altar. The rest filed in and
stood behind us. Vladimir welcomed us all with a prayer and then with the
choir chanted a Russian Orthodox Christmas Carol. The service then
continued to the moment at midnight when the Christ child was born.

The Choir, led by Vlad, immediately began singing "Be It Known To All That
God Is Born."

All in all, and despite that the room was filled with many none-believers,
it was a beautiful service. At its conclusion, Father Vladimir blessed us
all and wished us all a very Merry Christmas.

Davy and Forts, in fact, all of us thanked him and then it was time for us
all to head our separate ways, until later in the morning. James had
reminded Forts of something, he had nodded and after a quick word with
Davy; they headed off downstairs.


**

Chef takes up the story

"Gentlemen, Ladies, His Imperial Highness and His Grace."

We all stopped what we were doing as Denis, the Chamberlain, spoke. The
footmen hurriedly formed up in to a line, along with the scullery maids and
myself. A moment later Forts and Davy came into the kitchens, both of them
smiling broadly.

"Chaps, ladies, sorry to interrupt your work." Forts made eye contact with
everyone. "Davy and I would like to say a great big thank you to you all
for an amazing Christmas dinner." Forts rubbed his tummy. His comments met
with a mumbled appreciation. Forts continued, "We both realise all you have
done and all the hard work you have put in, not only for today but for the
last couple of weeks of festivities and parties, indeed actually for the
whole year."

He gestured behind him and into the room came Marcus, carrying a crate of
beers and a couple of bottles of champagne, he placed them down on the
table in front of us all.

"We would like you all to accept a drink and a small gift from us." Davy
gave Forts a nudge, "Oh and there is an envelope here for each of you
too. Merry Christmas everyone!"

Denis handed the pile of envelopes to Davy and Forts, they both came up to
us in turn, thanked us again and handed us each an individually named
envelope.

"Right, we had better get out of your way and let you get on with your
jobs. Thank you all again."

Denis stepped forward, and Marcus moved to his side. Now, a few of us
recognised the look they exchanged. Hmmmm. Denis winked at Marcus and then
continued. "Your Imperial Highness, Your Grace, on behalf of all the staff,
may I wish you both a very Merry Christmas." I was sure he winked at Forts,
before he continued, "Three cheers for Davy and Forts, His Grace and His
Imperial Highness!. Hip, hip, Hooray, Hip, hip, Hooray, Hip, hip, Hooray!"

Forts and Davy looked quite moved. Standing with his arm round Davy's
waist, Forts pulled him closer and kissed his cheek. He turned back to
us. "Thank you all."


**

Davy takes up the story

"Can I get you both a nightcap?"

It was Albert. I looked at Forts; he shook his head. "Albert, please, you
have done enough for today. Just leave the bottle there. Davy and I can
sort ourselves out. Tomorrow is going to be another busy day. You get
yourself off to bed."

Albert nodded, "Thank you, good night both of you and Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Albert."

*

Forts waited until Albert had left us. "Are you okay?" Forts shuffled
closer to me on the couch. I nodded.

Forts took my hand and sighed, "Davy, don't let your dad ruin your
Christmas, please."

I just nodded, not willing to risk getting upset. Forts smiled and kicked
off his shoes as he stretched out. "Do you know, my feet are killing me;
those bloody boots. I should have stayed in my furry slippers."

"It was all the dancing you were doing, plus you have been on your feet all
day." I slipped off the couch and knelt in front of him, "Let me give you a
foot rub, Frodo."

Forts giggled, "And there was me thinking you were being all nice... then
calling me Frodo." He pouted. I took hold of his feet and slipped off his
damp socks. He squirmed as my touch tickled him, "You're brave, I bet they
don't smell very good either."

I massaged his feet. I glanced up. He was lying back with his eyes
closed. God, I loved him.

"Forts, thank you for my present."

He smiled at me, "I am just so pleased you like it... There are others."

"Forts no... Forts?"

"Mmmm."

"You won't be cross with me, will you?"

Forts opened one eye and squinted down at me, "Why, what have you done?" I
continued massaging his feet, "Ohhh, that feels nice."

"Promise you won't be angry."

Forts shuffled both eyes now open. "Davy, why, what have you done?"

Patting his foot, I jumped up, "One minute." I rushed into our bedroom and
grabbed the present I had gotten him for Christmas. When I returned, Forts
was barefoot and pouring us both a glass of whisky. He ginned, "Just in
case we need it." He handed one to me as I handed him the leather box.

He looked at it quizzically, "What is it?"

"Your Christmas present from me... Samara heard of it for sale in London. I
knew you would want it... Well, I hoped you would... So, I told him to buy
it... Mishcon went crazy when he heard how much it cost..."

Forts slowly opened the box. His eyes going wide. "Davy!"

"It was once owned by your mother, it is the same set she is wearing in the
painting in the dining room. I saw you looking at it earlier."

The huge glittering diamonds and rubies of the matching tiara, necklace,
bracelet, and broach bounced the light from the chandelier above us around
the room.

Forts didn't say a word. I moved closer to him and slipped my arm round him
as he stared into the box, tears began rolling down his cheeks. He turned
to face me, "Oh Davy, thank you... Thank you so much. I wish they could
both have been here."


****

Blackscar continues the story

"Err, sorry Forts, Davy, I was just packing up, was there something else?"

Forts beamed as the two of them came forward. "Actually yes, Davy and I
would like to wish everyone following the story a 'Very Happy Christmas and
an excellent New Year', both on behalf of ourselves and all the other
characters."

Hey, well, you just did that. "Merry Christmas to you all too!"

*

Cheers everyone, I am around over Christmas if any of you fancy dropping
Forts and Davy or any of the other characters or even me an email; I
promise they/I will reply. Folks, never feel you are alone over Christmas!
No member of the OPP family is ever alone.

Merry Christmas everyone, OPP will all be back with Chapter 152b after
Christmas.


                             **********************

Folks, there is nothing more rewarding than hearing from you that you are
enjoying the story. Please take the time to email me to let me
know. Blackscar.

Other Nifty stories by Blackscar.

'NightCam Fun'                      – Gay/Encounters
'Exploring my brother'              – Gay/Incest
'Josh's Adventures series'          - Gay/Adult Youth
'An Army life for me'               - Gay/Adult Youth/Military
'Grandmas Bedroom'                  – Bisexual/Incest
'Dominic Online'                    – Gay/Adult Youth
'Vampyre'                           – Gay/Adult Youth
'Operation Pied Piper'              – Gay/Adult Youth
'Scream if you want to go faster'   - Bisexual/Adult Youth
'Red and Nick'                      – Bisexual/Military
'The Extraordinary Christmas Party' – Bisexual/Incest
'A Brother Used'                    - Gay/Incest
'A very English Trailer Park'       - Gay/Adult Youth
'Special lube Oil'                  - Gay/Adult Youth