This chapter provides context for the next chapter of the author's Victorian Legacy series. It summarizes the previous chapter and introduces several storylines that will be explored further, including Emmi's musical talents, Carmen and Eddie wanting another child, Alexandra helping Zane feel more comfortable in his adopted home, and Christopher potentially facing consequences for dyeing a specimen at school. The chapter sets the stage for multiple characters and plotlines to progress in the next installment.
Aranel makes her bid to get into private school, while Anariel grows into childhood, the adults scheme, and the three musketeers do their own thing once more.
- The document describes the daily life of the Starr family in the Silver Bend neighborhood over the course of a week. Key events include multiple birthdays for the Starr children, including Aquari becoming a teen, and the birth of the youngest Starr, Libra.
- Ani-Mei is pregnant again and is working towards her goal of having 12 children total. The large family is starting to feel cramped in their current house as it fills up with children.
- The narrative highlights the growth and activities of each Starr child from the newborn quads to the older teens. Business and careers in the town are also developing.
Danielle encounters a strange woman in the garden who claims she will turn Danielle into a witch. Danielle tells her mother Maddie, who promises to handle it if the woman returns. Danielle becomes interested in witches after reading books from Maddie's aunt. Meanwhile, Lee, Samantha and Hex visit an underground supernatural bar called the Dawnwolf to ask about the locations of institutes that are imprisoning supernaturals.
This chapter introduces plot developments in the Lightning Legacy story. Annabeth is struggling in school and receives a poor grade, which upsets her. She tells her brother Anakin about her grade in secret. Anakin wants to tell their parents about Annabeth's grade but doesn't want to break her trust. The chapter also covers Anakin's birthday and shows he has developed a romantic aspiration despite his character being focused more on mechanics.
The Calypso Family Apocalypse - Chapter 9Twilight77
1) The chapter documents the Calypso family's return to college for their sophomore year. All four siblings max out their skills at home.
2) At college, they write novels, do homework, and share a typewriter. Ian and Isaac graduate first, followed by Electra and Ethan.
3) All four siblings are taken away by a secret society at different times but given nice suits before leaving college. The chapter ends with the family returning home with eight people and only six beds.
Bigga, Olive, and Opal are siblings who have all finished their schooling and are moving on to new phases of life. Bigga and Olive have moved into a Greek house together near their college, while Opal is preparing to start college. Their mother Eleonore has opened a new store selling robots after reaching the top of her career. The family celebrates Eleonore and Randy's birthday, where the siblings have reunited before Opal begins his college journey.
Generation A teenagers Adam and Marsha are sent back in time to 2008 to get a proper education. They attend college together where Adam works in the dorm kitchen and starts a fire. After their freshman year, they marry and live on campus. Meanwhile, their sister Adrienne also attends college and marries her husband Alvin. They all graduate, and Marsha and Adam have their first child while Andrew starts his second year of college. The week ends with 8 sims, 3 businesses, and a growing legacy.
1) Anna is worried after a cryptic warning from Tara Kody about replacing what was lost and the Pokémon legacy.
2) Anna calls her friends Ani-Mei and Pony for advice but they cannot make it. Unexpectedly, Anna's ex Andrew shows up at her house.
3) Anna tells Andrew to leave, as she is now married to Cleve. However, Andrew does not seem willing to leave without a confrontation.
Aranel makes her bid to get into private school, while Anariel grows into childhood, the adults scheme, and the three musketeers do their own thing once more.
- The document describes the daily life of the Starr family in the Silver Bend neighborhood over the course of a week. Key events include multiple birthdays for the Starr children, including Aquari becoming a teen, and the birth of the youngest Starr, Libra.
- Ani-Mei is pregnant again and is working towards her goal of having 12 children total. The large family is starting to feel cramped in their current house as it fills up with children.
- The narrative highlights the growth and activities of each Starr child from the newborn quads to the older teens. Business and careers in the town are also developing.
Danielle encounters a strange woman in the garden who claims she will turn Danielle into a witch. Danielle tells her mother Maddie, who promises to handle it if the woman returns. Danielle becomes interested in witches after reading books from Maddie's aunt. Meanwhile, Lee, Samantha and Hex visit an underground supernatural bar called the Dawnwolf to ask about the locations of institutes that are imprisoning supernaturals.
This chapter introduces plot developments in the Lightning Legacy story. Annabeth is struggling in school and receives a poor grade, which upsets her. She tells her brother Anakin about her grade in secret. Anakin wants to tell their parents about Annabeth's grade but doesn't want to break her trust. The chapter also covers Anakin's birthday and shows he has developed a romantic aspiration despite his character being focused more on mechanics.
The Calypso Family Apocalypse - Chapter 9Twilight77
1) The chapter documents the Calypso family's return to college for their sophomore year. All four siblings max out their skills at home.
2) At college, they write novels, do homework, and share a typewriter. Ian and Isaac graduate first, followed by Electra and Ethan.
3) All four siblings are taken away by a secret society at different times but given nice suits before leaving college. The chapter ends with the family returning home with eight people and only six beds.
Bigga, Olive, and Opal are siblings who have all finished their schooling and are moving on to new phases of life. Bigga and Olive have moved into a Greek house together near their college, while Opal is preparing to start college. Their mother Eleonore has opened a new store selling robots after reaching the top of her career. The family celebrates Eleonore and Randy's birthday, where the siblings have reunited before Opal begins his college journey.
Generation A teenagers Adam and Marsha are sent back in time to 2008 to get a proper education. They attend college together where Adam works in the dorm kitchen and starts a fire. After their freshman year, they marry and live on campus. Meanwhile, their sister Adrienne also attends college and marries her husband Alvin. They all graduate, and Marsha and Adam have their first child while Andrew starts his second year of college. The week ends with 8 sims, 3 businesses, and a growing legacy.
1) Anna is worried after a cryptic warning from Tara Kody about replacing what was lost and the Pokémon legacy.
2) Anna calls her friends Ani-Mei and Pony for advice but they cannot make it. Unexpectedly, Anna's ex Andrew shows up at her house.
3) Anna tells Andrew to leave, as she is now married to Cleve. However, Andrew does not seem willing to leave without a confrontation.
Rupert, Lynne, and Lorne spent five days constantly making robots and toys at a shop Rupert had purchased in order to earn Rupert enough money to become permaplat. Through rotating shifts operating the robot bench, toy bench, and maintaining the Energizer, they were eventually successful. Meanwhile, Wesley stayed home to care for the twins and Riley. When they returned, Lorne got an instant promotion at work but also caught a cold circulating in the neighborhood.
This summary provides the key details from the multi-paragraph document in 3 sentences:
Hollie tells Thai that she is pregnant with their second child. Thai proposes marriage to Hollie, which she joyfully accepts. Meanwhile, Anna and her family prepare for the girls to start their first year of college while dealing with Tara Kody's continued unwanted presence and influence attempts in their home.
The Name Game - An Alphabet Legacy - Chapter 2rexsims2
1) Yusun cheated on her partner Last and had twins Andrews and Ainsley with another sim. Last finds out and kicks Yusun out of the legacy home, leaving the twins behind.
2) It is now time to vote for the heir of generation A from among Yusun and Last's original three children - Adler, Araya, or Akiyama.
3) The narrator provides a parting message, advising readers to not cheat on partners in real life as it is considered rude behavior.
The Name Game - An Alphabet Legacy - Chapter 3rexsims2
The first heir, Araya, was chosen in a vote. Her backup heir is Akiyama. Araya started working towards her want to woohoo 20 sims in university. She met Ralph Kwa, who would become her real spouse. Akiyama also found someone at college, an older woman named Elizabeth Akagi. The three kids graduated from college. Araya and Ralph had their first child, a daughter named Balik. Drama ensued when exes Aiden and Yusun came around trying to be involved. The twins Ainsley and Andrews grew into teens. Araya warned Balik about the dangers of a cheating spouse. Araya and Ralph then had
The document describes the developing relationship between Cristal and Terry, two shy teenagers in Nebraska City. Cristal has red hair and low self-esteem due to bullying and family problems. Terry is quiet and likes comics. They bond over sharing comics on the bus ride to school, though they don't speak. Their shy friendship grows as they learn more about each other, but Cristal's abusive stepfather threatens her, forcing her to leave town to live with an uncle. Terry is heartbroken by her departure and keeps hoping to reconnect with her through letters.
The Name Game - An Alphabet Legacy - Chapter 1rexsims2
Last Name begins the Name legacy challenge with his wife Yusun. They have three children: Adler, Araya, and Akiyamama. Last tops his career while Yusun and the nanny do a poor job parenting the children, leaving Adler outside his crib and Araya in inappropriate clothing. The founder sets a legacy tradition of getting married in underwear. Updates on the family are provided in a casual style with some humor.
Charrie announces that Squirtle will be the heir to the Pokémon Legacy. While Squirtle is unsure, her family supports the decision. Squirtle's friend Mia will accompany her to college to help her adjust to her new role and protect her from potential threats. The family prepares to say goodbye as Toise, Wartortle, and Blastoise leave for college that evening with their father Thai.
The Calypso Family Apocalypse - Chapter 22Twilight77
The chapter documents the Calypso family's time in college, with each child graduating with honors. Matthew graduates first with a 4.0 GPA. The twins and Tobi then graduate as seniors, also with 4.0s. Katie remains to complete her degree, making friends and having romantic experiences. By meditating extensively, she is able to max her skills and grades. The chapter marks the end of the family's prolonged time spent in college.
An Official Wacky Boolprop Challenge: Chapter 11Rflong7
It's a large update... I wanted to get to the Heir Vote. 3 girls are ready to be the heir to the family but only one can do it. Who will it be? It's up to the votes to see... Please vote- Ends April 13th. Thanks so much-
http://boolprop.prophpbb.com/topic3622.html
Seren and her siblings had a fun day playing and doing homework. In the evening, they had dinner and then it was time for bed. The next day, Ryelle and Sanar received a message that help would not be sent for their current task, so they decided to investigate themselves. Stella's kids rescued a kitten from a tree at baseball practice. Stella agreed they could keep the kitten.
This chapter provides updates on the Pokémon Legacy families. Anna gives birth to twin baby girls, Charmeleon and Charizard. The older daughters enjoy their first day of school. Cleve receives a promotion at work. Pony proposes new legacy rules involving Pokémon evolution sets and various handicaps. The chapter ends with Pony and Thai playing video games at the beach house.
The summary introduces AliiDossimself returning to the Costello legacy after a year-long hiatus. Key events include Stuart Costello's death at age 70, the triple birthday of Bruno, Bianca and Brunella as they age into children, and Bella expressing her desire to become a romance sim like her father. The summary concludes by teasing that the next installment will feature the older kids departing for university.
The Quest For Reace Redux Chapter Eight Pt. 2 and 3animeangel1983
The summaries are:
1) Dion considers whether to name his oldest son Marc Antony as heir to the family tradition or to wait and see if he has more children. Meanwhile, Liam tells Eddie about recurring dreams he's having of having a sister named Lila and a father with red hair.
2) Roxie discovers she is pregnant with Reias's child, bringing up painful memories for him of losing previous loved ones. Eddie remains concerned about Liam's dreams and what they could mean.
3) Marc Antony has his childhood birthday but seems to be growing up faster than normal children. Dion wonders if this could be connected to his family history and mission to restore the God of Peace.
Lexie escapes from her guardian Robert who wants her killed and enrolls in university under a new name, Alex. She studies hard to keep her scholarship but is very lonely. In her third year, she meets an exchange student named Leif from another country. They bond over their love of games and dislike of violence. Alex and Leif fall in love and get engaged by their senior year. Alex is happy but still worries about Robert trying to find her.
Edmund tells his daughter Abiona that he is dying from an illness. After his death, Abiona is mistreated by her stepmother Amelia and stepsisters Helena and Isabel, who make her feel unwelcome. While emptying Edmund's chest, Abiona discovers her mother Diana's journal which reveals that Diana was a witch and her powers will be inherited by her eldest daughter, meaning Abiona is a witch. Abiona decides to leave her home to seek answers about her magical heritage.
The children are growing up and going to University. Hoping for 7 lifts this generation.
*The quality of these slides are terrible. The pictures are really so much better. =[
Anna tries giving Abbie a makeover to style her hair and do her makeup. Abbie is uncomfortable but goes along with it. At school, Abbie becomes friends with Alissa and Sofiya and drifts apart from Anna. Alissa and Sofiya spread rumors about Anna. Abbie's grades start slipping as she spends more time with her new friends. Abbie's mother calls her, upset about a call from the school about Abbie's poor performance. Tensions rise between Abbie and her mother.
This document provides a summary of chapter 18.1 of the Discworld Legacy series. It discusses several events:
1) Edward confronts a burglar trying to rob his family's home but is warned by a police officer not to engage with criminals.
2) Roxy gives birth to her newest child, Enrico.
3) All the children are enrolled in a new private school, Sto Helit Academy. Edward is worried about making new friends but is introduced to his cousins Viola and Sebastian who already attend.
This poem is dedicated to the author's mother, Priscilla Allen. It reminisces on their relationship over the years, from the author being a baby to growing up and having her own family. The poem discusses many milestones, from the author's first steps and cries as a baby to graduating high school and getting married. It expresses how the mother has been there through all of these moments and will continue to be there for her daughter. The author wrote this poem to help her mother never forget the good and bad times they have shared together over the years.
The family grows larger as Anette has twin boys, bringing their total to six children. Money is tight until Phil finds a magic lamp with a genie inside. The genie cannot grant Phil a promotion at work but instead gives the family great wealth. This allows Anette to buy a huge new home to accommodate their growing family. The chapter ends with the family settling into their new larger home.
The document discusses sharpening images with different levels of treatment, including no treatment, 1x sharpen, and 2x sharpen. It also mentions resizing an image in Photoshop to fit slide dimensions and pasting an image straight from a folder that was then sharpened and resized.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 4 Hatches, Matches and DispatchesDi Meeeee
George Legacy has married Allyn and they now have twin daughters, Charlotta and Anne. Allyn gave birth in the drawing room, much to George's annoyance. Violet and Elizabeth are now attending private school. Gabe seems tired but insists he feels fine. The legacy continues with two new babies and the search still on for a male heir.
Rupert, Lynne, and Lorne spent five days constantly making robots and toys at a shop Rupert had purchased in order to earn Rupert enough money to become permaplat. Through rotating shifts operating the robot bench, toy bench, and maintaining the Energizer, they were eventually successful. Meanwhile, Wesley stayed home to care for the twins and Riley. When they returned, Lorne got an instant promotion at work but also caught a cold circulating in the neighborhood.
This summary provides the key details from the multi-paragraph document in 3 sentences:
Hollie tells Thai that she is pregnant with their second child. Thai proposes marriage to Hollie, which she joyfully accepts. Meanwhile, Anna and her family prepare for the girls to start their first year of college while dealing with Tara Kody's continued unwanted presence and influence attempts in their home.
The Name Game - An Alphabet Legacy - Chapter 2rexsims2
1) Yusun cheated on her partner Last and had twins Andrews and Ainsley with another sim. Last finds out and kicks Yusun out of the legacy home, leaving the twins behind.
2) It is now time to vote for the heir of generation A from among Yusun and Last's original three children - Adler, Araya, or Akiyama.
3) The narrator provides a parting message, advising readers to not cheat on partners in real life as it is considered rude behavior.
The Name Game - An Alphabet Legacy - Chapter 3rexsims2
The first heir, Araya, was chosen in a vote. Her backup heir is Akiyama. Araya started working towards her want to woohoo 20 sims in university. She met Ralph Kwa, who would become her real spouse. Akiyama also found someone at college, an older woman named Elizabeth Akagi. The three kids graduated from college. Araya and Ralph had their first child, a daughter named Balik. Drama ensued when exes Aiden and Yusun came around trying to be involved. The twins Ainsley and Andrews grew into teens. Araya warned Balik about the dangers of a cheating spouse. Araya and Ralph then had
The document describes the developing relationship between Cristal and Terry, two shy teenagers in Nebraska City. Cristal has red hair and low self-esteem due to bullying and family problems. Terry is quiet and likes comics. They bond over sharing comics on the bus ride to school, though they don't speak. Their shy friendship grows as they learn more about each other, but Cristal's abusive stepfather threatens her, forcing her to leave town to live with an uncle. Terry is heartbroken by her departure and keeps hoping to reconnect with her through letters.
The Name Game - An Alphabet Legacy - Chapter 1rexsims2
Last Name begins the Name legacy challenge with his wife Yusun. They have three children: Adler, Araya, and Akiyamama. Last tops his career while Yusun and the nanny do a poor job parenting the children, leaving Adler outside his crib and Araya in inappropriate clothing. The founder sets a legacy tradition of getting married in underwear. Updates on the family are provided in a casual style with some humor.
Charrie announces that Squirtle will be the heir to the Pokémon Legacy. While Squirtle is unsure, her family supports the decision. Squirtle's friend Mia will accompany her to college to help her adjust to her new role and protect her from potential threats. The family prepares to say goodbye as Toise, Wartortle, and Blastoise leave for college that evening with their father Thai.
The Calypso Family Apocalypse - Chapter 22Twilight77
The chapter documents the Calypso family's time in college, with each child graduating with honors. Matthew graduates first with a 4.0 GPA. The twins and Tobi then graduate as seniors, also with 4.0s. Katie remains to complete her degree, making friends and having romantic experiences. By meditating extensively, she is able to max her skills and grades. The chapter marks the end of the family's prolonged time spent in college.
An Official Wacky Boolprop Challenge: Chapter 11Rflong7
It's a large update... I wanted to get to the Heir Vote. 3 girls are ready to be the heir to the family but only one can do it. Who will it be? It's up to the votes to see... Please vote- Ends April 13th. Thanks so much-
http://boolprop.prophpbb.com/topic3622.html
Seren and her siblings had a fun day playing and doing homework. In the evening, they had dinner and then it was time for bed. The next day, Ryelle and Sanar received a message that help would not be sent for their current task, so they decided to investigate themselves. Stella's kids rescued a kitten from a tree at baseball practice. Stella agreed they could keep the kitten.
This chapter provides updates on the Pokémon Legacy families. Anna gives birth to twin baby girls, Charmeleon and Charizard. The older daughters enjoy their first day of school. Cleve receives a promotion at work. Pony proposes new legacy rules involving Pokémon evolution sets and various handicaps. The chapter ends with Pony and Thai playing video games at the beach house.
The summary introduces AliiDossimself returning to the Costello legacy after a year-long hiatus. Key events include Stuart Costello's death at age 70, the triple birthday of Bruno, Bianca and Brunella as they age into children, and Bella expressing her desire to become a romance sim like her father. The summary concludes by teasing that the next installment will feature the older kids departing for university.
The Quest For Reace Redux Chapter Eight Pt. 2 and 3animeangel1983
The summaries are:
1) Dion considers whether to name his oldest son Marc Antony as heir to the family tradition or to wait and see if he has more children. Meanwhile, Liam tells Eddie about recurring dreams he's having of having a sister named Lila and a father with red hair.
2) Roxie discovers she is pregnant with Reias's child, bringing up painful memories for him of losing previous loved ones. Eddie remains concerned about Liam's dreams and what they could mean.
3) Marc Antony has his childhood birthday but seems to be growing up faster than normal children. Dion wonders if this could be connected to his family history and mission to restore the God of Peace.
Lexie escapes from her guardian Robert who wants her killed and enrolls in university under a new name, Alex. She studies hard to keep her scholarship but is very lonely. In her third year, she meets an exchange student named Leif from another country. They bond over their love of games and dislike of violence. Alex and Leif fall in love and get engaged by their senior year. Alex is happy but still worries about Robert trying to find her.
Edmund tells his daughter Abiona that he is dying from an illness. After his death, Abiona is mistreated by her stepmother Amelia and stepsisters Helena and Isabel, who make her feel unwelcome. While emptying Edmund's chest, Abiona discovers her mother Diana's journal which reveals that Diana was a witch and her powers will be inherited by her eldest daughter, meaning Abiona is a witch. Abiona decides to leave her home to seek answers about her magical heritage.
The children are growing up and going to University. Hoping for 7 lifts this generation.
*The quality of these slides are terrible. The pictures are really so much better. =[
Anna tries giving Abbie a makeover to style her hair and do her makeup. Abbie is uncomfortable but goes along with it. At school, Abbie becomes friends with Alissa and Sofiya and drifts apart from Anna. Alissa and Sofiya spread rumors about Anna. Abbie's grades start slipping as she spends more time with her new friends. Abbie's mother calls her, upset about a call from the school about Abbie's poor performance. Tensions rise between Abbie and her mother.
This document provides a summary of chapter 18.1 of the Discworld Legacy series. It discusses several events:
1) Edward confronts a burglar trying to rob his family's home but is warned by a police officer not to engage with criminals.
2) Roxy gives birth to her newest child, Enrico.
3) All the children are enrolled in a new private school, Sto Helit Academy. Edward is worried about making new friends but is introduced to his cousins Viola and Sebastian who already attend.
This poem is dedicated to the author's mother, Priscilla Allen. It reminisces on their relationship over the years, from the author being a baby to growing up and having her own family. The poem discusses many milestones, from the author's first steps and cries as a baby to graduating high school and getting married. It expresses how the mother has been there through all of these moments and will continue to be there for her daughter. The author wrote this poem to help her mother never forget the good and bad times they have shared together over the years.
The family grows larger as Anette has twin boys, bringing their total to six children. Money is tight until Phil finds a magic lamp with a genie inside. The genie cannot grant Phil a promotion at work but instead gives the family great wealth. This allows Anette to buy a huge new home to accommodate their growing family. The chapter ends with the family settling into their new larger home.
The document discusses sharpening images with different levels of treatment, including no treatment, 1x sharpen, and 2x sharpen. It also mentions resizing an image in Photoshop to fit slide dimensions and pasting an image straight from a folder that was then sharpened and resized.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 4 Hatches, Matches and DispatchesDi Meeeee
George Legacy has married Allyn and they now have twin daughters, Charlotta and Anne. Allyn gave birth in the drawing room, much to George's annoyance. Violet and Elizabeth are now attending private school. Gabe seems tired but insists he feels fine. The legacy continues with two new babies and the search still on for a male heir.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 22.1 HappinessDi Meeeee
The document provides an update on the Victorian Legacy story. It summarizes that the author is returning to share the next part of the story, which sees Edward getting engaged. It then describes several events that have occurred, including birthdays, births, university starts, and a kidnapping. It previews that more events are upcoming that will demand the characters' attention, beginning with Alexandra reflecting on her children growing up as they celebrate their birthdays. It also shares that Charlotta has passed away, deeply upsetting her twin sister Anne.
AVery Victorian Bachelor Challenge - Day 6Di Meeeee
Theodore Harrison must decide which of his two remaining bachelor challenge guests, DrSupremeNerd or Annie, will stay on for one more day. He finds himself developing feelings for both women. They each have private conversations with Theo where he hints at wanting to see them again once the challenge is over. Both women hope to be the one Theo chooses to spend more romantic time with. Theo sings to each of them and struggles with his decision, as he cares for both guests. He tells them he needs time alone to think about his choice.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 24.2b First ImpressionsDi Meeeee
Derri has not been writing back to his friend Celestia for months since leaving for university. Celestia is upset and losing her sparkle. Dean visits Derri at university to confront him about not writing Celestia. Derri admits he has feelings for Celestia but believes she only sees him as a friend. Dean calls Derri an idiot for giving up their friendship and insists he write Celestia a letter. Derri agrees to write the letter.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 24.1 University Days are Here AgainDi Meeeee
1) Bertie has left for university, leaving his family missing him, especially his brother Stuart who is used to Bertie always being by his side.
2) Stuart tries to spend more time with Emmi to fill the void left by Bertie, but frustrates her with his overbearing presence during her piano practice.
3) During an argument, Emmi tells Stuart that she needs space and does not want him with her constantly. Stuart is initially upset but understands Emmi's perspective.
V. & R. Legacy Investigate the Case of the Viridian Child - Part 2Di Meeeee
Vicky follows a suspicious man she encounters at the bakery who purchases a large amount of bread. This leads her to a run-down factory where she overhears a group of men mentioning they have kidnapped eleven strangely colored children to sell to a freak show. Vicky realizes she may have found the kidnappers and children she has been searching for. She returns to tell Rosie of this new lead.
This summary provides an overview of the key events in the document:
Eddie and his family return home from their honeymoon in Takemizu. Upon their return, they learn that Eddie's sister Alexandra gave birth to a baby boy named Mickey. Meanwhile, Bertie turns 13 and has his birthday celebration with his family. He remains close with his younger cousin Andrew and plans to attend Andrew's upcoming birthday party.
The Devereaux Legacy: Chapter Three - Part 2peasant007
This summary provides context and key details from the document in 3 sentences:
The document introduces the next chapter of the Devereaux Legacy, where Tristen has been essentially living at the Greek house and squatting there without officially moving in. Sebastian proposes to Tristen, who happily accepts. Xander, a new member of the Greek house, questions why Tristen never leaves and tries to politely ask her to go home, but is interrupted and kidnapped to join a secret society.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 18 The MarriageDi Meeeee
Thomas Harrison passes away in his home, leaving his wife Violet grief-stricken. Meanwhile, Doc gives birth to twins Peter and Andrew. Eddie also welcomes a newborn, Bertie, and discusses getting a puppy with his father William. Beth visits her daughter-in-law Marielle and finds her dissatisfied with domestic duties. At a family dinner, Alexandra announces that she too is expecting a child.
This chapter provides background on the Bradford family and introduces some new characters. Elias Bradford, the patriarch, suddenly passes away at his home, devastating the family. His death occurs just as his son Thomas hopes to find Patrick, Elias' youngest son, who has been missing for years. The chapter also shows Patrick in a bar, now an alcoholic after leaving his family, where he runs into Margaret Turner, a woman from his hometown. She invites him to lunch to catch up.
Sidneyia asks his brother Vauxia if he has untangled himself from all the girls he usually dates. Vauxia says he had to chain himself to a telescope last night for stargazing. Later, Vauxia has a dream that the energizer nearly killed him and that Sid had something to do with it. In the morning, Vauxia questions Sid about messing with the energizer, but Sid denies it, saying he finds the idea of Vauxia being probed hilarious. Gadus suggests Vauxia may have just dipped out of his aspiration instead of Sid tampering with the energizer.
Kingdom of Avonlea Chapter 10: Hamilton Family Round 2 MysteryMusic7
1) Adrianna Hamilton gives birth to a healthy baby boy named Cicero and her family is overjoyed.
2) Emilia continues her lessons which include painting, tea etiquette, housekeeping, and bookkeeping.
3) Edward Hamilton surprises his family with an extended stay at home after returning from a business trip to be with his growing family.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 15.3b But I Love YouDi Meeeee
Alexandra has accepted Anthony's marriage proposal despite just discovering she is pregnant by another man. Her family is supportive of the match as Anthony proves he genuinely loves Alexandra. Meanwhile, Eddie has returned from an upsetting trip with anger in his heart but finds solace playing piano with Theo and Stanley at the campus lounge.
The Science of a Legacy: Chapter Thirty-Threegintasticnecat
Sid and Amy finally got married and had another child named Thermisto. Sid has been working late nights for mysterious reasons. He convinces Amy to go on a vacation to Twikki, leaving Marella in charge of watching their four children plus two nieces. At school, Vesper worries about disappointing her teacher with poor grades while her cousin Lacey doesn't take her homework seriously. All the children play at the Tegenaria home, except for Ivan who storms off alone. Vauxia decides to cook a special treat for the children to boost Vesper's confidence.
Cecily decides to take a more active role in her situation by apologizing to Bayes and offering to accompany him on his errands that night. Meanwhile, Fricorith argues with his mother Jennail about enjoying his work with their grandfather, which involves torture. Jennail blames her father Jennicor for what has happened to Fricorith.
Boolpropian Round Robin Legacy - Generation Five - Part Six
The finale of Ainsley Doran's story. What does the future hold for her and her children? Read and find out.
Boolprop Round Robin Legacy Spare Story - Desdemona Doran Part TwoSilverBelle1220 .
Desdemona encounters a threatening vampire in the park who warns her not to let her father encroach on her territory. A mysterious man comes to Desdemona's aid and the vampire leaves. Later, Desdemona's cat Shadow scratches her arm unexpectedly. The next morning, Shadow is affectionate again. Several months later, Desdemona is playing solitaire at work between calls.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 14.1 Back to NormalityDi Meeeee
This summary provides context and key details from the Victorian Legacy document in 3 sentences:
The document is a chapter in a story about the Legacy family set in Victorian England. It introduces William Legacy, who has just been released from prison, and focuses on his daughter Alexandra seeking permission to invite her boyfriend Joe to stay with the family. The chapter also includes scenes of the family attending a birthday party for William's sister and discussing Alexandra's request, which William ultimately agrees to after some hesitation.
The document describes a typical day for Seren and her family, including playing with her friend Susanna, doing homework, having dinner, and going to bed. It then shifts to describing Susanna's less enjoyable visits with her zombie parents who insist on calling her by the wrong name, Francine, instead of her actual name Susanna.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 21.2 I'm Getting Married in the MorningDi Meeeee
Eddie's lawyer Indy Vetinari arrives at Stuart's birthday party with good news - Eddie will retain custody of his children. Inside, guests are enjoying the party. Later, Eddie dances with his friend Carmen Leong in the garden, realizing he has feelings for her. Beth sees them and hopes Eddie finds love again. At Louisa's wedding, the children fidget in their formal clothes. Stanley is questioned by Peter about never marrying. Vicky is stressed about her new business having no clients, but Rosemary reassures her.
The Bookacy Family Alphabet Adventures, ch. 15katrisims
Aadam tells Joy about his difficult family situation. His father Salahuddin had kidnapped and killed Rebecca, and Aadam helped him escape but now feels guilty and alone. Joy shares that she had suspicions about Salahuddin for some time and thinks he is a dangerous man. Aadam is unsure what to do now that he is wanted by police and abandoned by his family. Joy comforts him and says they will figure something out.
The Devereaux Legacy: Chapter Four - Part 2peasant007
Mary and Miles had a playdate with their friends Amelia and Aviendha. Amelia's father Keith insisted on coming along and spent the visit in the hot tub. The children had fun playing games in the house. Later, Marsha lectured Aviendha for using naughty language again, warning her she may not have a birthday party if caught again. Hunter continued feeling useless and missing his late wife Ansley.
The children Erin, Quinn, and their friend Emily sneak out at night to take Emily to visit her father, who lives a few miles away. However, they get lost on the way. While trying to figure out their location, they encounter a strange man who threatens them. Erin punches the man and the children flee. They eventually find their way to Emily's father's apartment, but are unsure if he is actually home as the building looks run down.
Jesse has been transported from his home dimension to a new one called Belladonna Cove to become the founder of a legacy family. He meets Ellie, the SimSelf of Belladonna Cove, who explains the situation and convinces Jesse to take on the role. Ellie enrolls Jesse in college where he meets and befriends Tara DeBateau. They spend time studying together but Jesse also wants to enjoy college life as a Pleasure Sim. He, Tara, and their friend Jules go downtown to party one night, where drinking and dancing ensue.
This summary provides the key details from the document in 3 sentences:
Steven Bradford proposed to his girlfriend Mary, though his sisters Peggy and Nettie were skeptical of Mary and didn't trust her intentions. Mary lost her virginity to Steven on the night he proposed in an attempt to cement his loyalty to her. The document concludes with Steven and Mary's wedding day arriving amid the Bradford family celebrating the union, while Peggy and Nettie remained wary of Mary.
Jessica had her first kiss with her shy friend Benji at school. Over the next month, their relationship grew closer. On her parents' birthday, Jessica invited Benji to a party at her house with the intention of officially asking him to be her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Puck accidentally turned himself into a plant sim after a gardening mishap. Elijah reassured Puck that he still loved him regardless of his appearance. Puck decided to take a potion and change back to his normal human form. At the party, Jessica asked Benji to be her boyfriend and he happily accepted.
Similar to A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 23.2 Time Marches On (20)
This summary provides the key details from the document in 3 sentences:
The document recaps the story so far of the Victorian Legacy series and introduces the setting of a fall day in Simdon. It describes Bethany Smith sorting through her trousseau as she prepares for her upcoming marriage to Ezra Howard. Her mother Alexandra enters and has an unexpectedly candid conversation with Bethany about love, marriage, and avoiding mistakes, while also inspecting Bethany's trousseau and an advice book on wifely duties.
Stuart, Elle, and Tristan discover a secret underground lab beneath the military base. Stuart determines that Elle has been dosed with deadly Huon particles, which were being manufactured in the lab. Their presence alerts General Raikov, who reveals that Tristan has been working with him all along and was responsible for dosing Elle. Tristan's true identity is Colonel Tristan Smith, Raikov's second in command, showing that he betrayed Elle from the beginning.
Stuart, a time-traveling alien, has accidentally brought a bride named Elle aboard his spaceship, the TARDIS, on her wedding day. Elle is shocked to find herself in outer space. Stuart works to return her to her wedding chapel on time. However, when they arrive, the TARDIS seems to be malfunctioning. Elle realizes they have not landed in the right location.
Bertie has been training the university football team in intense heat. He sees Andrew and Peter who inform him that their grandmother has passed away. Nearby, Sophia and Lauren observe Bertie training without his shirt. Lauren encourages Sophia to thank Bertie for the sheet music he gifted her. Bertie apologizes for his state of undress and must leave for class, bidding the sisters goodbye.
The document provides a tour of the neighborhoods of Regalton and Simdon that the author has created for their legacy world. It shares pictures and descriptions of over 20 houses and lots in the neighborhoods, including details on the design inspiration and plans to remodel some houses. The tour gives a glimpse into the level of detail and history that has been built for these simulated communities over the past four years.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 24.2a First ImpressionsDi Meeeee
This document provides context and introduces characters for an upcoming chapter in a fictional story. It summarizes Bertie's first year at university and relationships between other characters. It then describes Bertie and his friends settling into their rooms at the Legacy Society for Bertie's second year and notes that Ezra has been spending a lot of time away from the house on unknown business.
A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 23.1 End of an EraDi Meeeee
The document provides a quick recap of the previous chapter, mentioning the birth of Carmen's daughter Emina and Henry's death. It then introduces the new chapter, describing Alexandra getting her children ready to greet their new adopted son, Zane. When Zane arrives, Alexandra introduces him to the children and has David show Zane around the house. Zane seems nervous but is trying to make a good impression.
Hayley tells Rosa that she overheard elves discussing plans to kill Rosa and Lysander. Hayley warns that they are no longer safe and must leave Flinton immediately. Rosa is distraught at the thought of leaving without Hayley. Hayley offers to help them escape that night by calling in a favor, getting them far away from the town. However, Hayley will remain behind for now due to her obligations in Flinton.
Lysander had been planning an evening relaxing at home, but his sister Rosa convinced him to go out to the local pub instead. At the pub, he played a few games of pool and had fun, realizing Rosa was right that he needed a night out. Later in the evening, he noticed a beautiful woman watching him from across the room. He introduced himself and found their conversation flowing easily, though he was still unsure why she seemed so intrigued by learning he wasn't from the local area.
The twins Lysander and Rosalind have recently moved to the rainy town of Flinton after running out of money. They view their new flat, which is in poor condition, as a temporary solution until Lysander can find work and earn enough for them to leave. However, Rosa is unhappy living there and misses the company of animals. Lysander interviews at a local pub for a part-time bar job in hopes of saving up enough to move on within a few months.
V. & R. Legacy Investigate the Case of the Viridian Child - Part 1Di Meeeee
Vicky and Rosie run an inquiry agency that has been lacking cases. Their cousin Theo and his wife Doc visit, distressed because their green-skinned daughter Celestia has gone missing from the natural history museum. The police dismissed Theo's report due to Celestia's appearance. Theo explains that seven years prior, he was part of a strange experiment at his university that he believes resulted in him becoming unexpectedly pregnant with Celestia. Vicky and Rosie agree to investigate Celestia's disappearance.
A Very Victorian Asylum Challenge - Part 4Di Meeeee
Bruce Rauscher has completed his investigation into Simdon-Leys Home for Irrational and Insane Women at the request of Mr. Archibald Wilson. In his summary to Wilson, Rauscher reports finding serious issues at the facility, including a lack of proper staffing and treatment, unsafe and unsanitary conditions, and patients being allowed to freely come and go and potentially endanger others. Based on these findings, Rauscher believes the fees charged are unfair, treatment is subpar, and the facility should be closed and patients moved elsewhere. Wilson agrees the report warrants further action regarding the facility and its director, Dr. Gavigan.
A Very Victorian Asylum Challenge - Part 3Di Meeeee
The document provides an overview of 7 female Sims and 1 controllable Sim who are inhabitants at the Simdon-Leys Home for Irrational and Insane women. It then describes tensions rising between two of the inhabitants, Brittany and Melody, who get into multiple physical altercations over petty arguments. The narrator expresses concerns about the implications of these fights and the declining mental states of several of the inhabitants due to the living conditions at the asylum.
The document discusses resizing a picture that was pasted onto a slide. It mentions Jamie's test and that the original picture was a raw picture pasted onto the slide. The picture was then resized on the slide.
This short document discusses testing something out for Jamie. It mentions a raw picture that was copy and pasted without any editing. The picture was then put through a resizing process.
A Very Victorian Asylum Challenge - Part 2Di Meeeee
- Marielle had a civil conversation with Brittany that turned heated when Brittany insisted her friend Carli was a half-elf, and that Marielle was secretly an elf. Marielle used the gyroscopic device to avoid further argument.
- Meredith continues struggling with her confinement, breaking down in the snow without proper clothing. Katherine comforted her.
- Marielle had a revealing discussion with Ari about Ari leaving home due to persecution and hoping to be reunited with her fiancé, though Ari did not want to provide details.
A Very Victorian Asylum Challenge - Part 1Di Meeeee
Marielle documents her first two days at the Simdon-Leys Home for Irrational and Insane Women. She finds the facilities disgusting and the other residents strange. On the first day, she witnesses Lisa struggle with the gyroscopic device and has an accident in front of Meadow. The second day brings arguments between Katherine and Meredith during their exercise. Brittany is injured after using the gyroscopic device. Marielle does not feel she belongs there but has no way out.
A Very Victorian Asylum Challenge - PrologueDi Meeeee
Robert and Miss Di meet with Dr. Gavigan to discuss having Marielle evaluated, with the goal of preventing her from gaining custody of her children in her divorce. They express concerns about Marielle's mental state and lack of attachment to her children. Dr. Gavigan agrees to evaluate Marielle, seeing signs of a need for treatment based on the information shared. He schedules an appointment the next day to begin her evaluation and determine a treatment plan. Miss Di worries this may not align with her desired outcome and plans to further influence Dr. Gavigan.
The cats, Sunny and Rishi, are brothers who live with their sister, Jessica, and their grandmother, Susie. They work as cleaners but wish to seek other kinds of employment that are better than their current jobs. New career adventures await Sunny and Rishi!
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Party Photo Booth Prop Trends to Unleash Your Inner StyleBirthday Galore
Are you planning an unforgettable event and looking for the best photo booth props to make it a memorable night? Party photo booth props have become essential to any celebration, allowing guests to capture priceless memories and express their personalities. Here, we'll explore the hottest party photo booth prop trends that will unleash your inner style and create a buzz-worthy experience with Birthday Galore!
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The Midnight Sculptor.pdf writer by Ali alsiadali345alghlay
The city of Ravens burg was known for its gothic architecture, fog-covered streets, and an eerie silence that seemed to hang over the town like a shroud.
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The Evolution and Impact of Tom Cruise Long Hairgreendigital
Tom Cruise is one of Hollywood's most iconic figures, known for his versatility, charisma, and dedication to his craft. Over the decades, his appearance has been almost as dynamic as his filmography, with one aspect often drawing significant attention: his hair. In particular, Tom Cruise long hair has become a defining feature in various phases of his career. symbolizing different roles and adding layers to his on-screen characters. This article delves into the evolution of Tom Cruise long hair, its impact on his roles. and its influence on popular culture.
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Introduction
Tom Cruise long hair has often been more than a style choice. it has been a significant element of his persona both on and off the screen. From the tousled locks of the rebellious Maverick in "Top Gun" to the sleek, sophisticated mane in "Mission: Impossible II." Cruise's hair has played a pivotal role in shaping his image and the characters he portrays. This article explores the various stages of Tom Cruise long hair. Examining how this iconic look has evolved and influenced his career and broader fashion trends.
Early Days: The Emergence of a Style Icon
The 1980s: The Birth of a Star
In the early stages of his career during the 1980s, Tom Cruise sported a range of hairstyles. but in "Top Gun" (1986), his hair began to gain significant attention. Though not long by later standards, his hair in this film was longer than the military crew cuts associated with fighter pilots. adding a rebellious edge to his character, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell.
Risky Business: The Transition Begins
In "Risky Business" (1983). Tom Cruise's hair was short but longer than the clean-cut styles dominant at the time. This look complemented his role as a high school student stepping into adulthood. embodying a sense of youthful freedom and experimentation. It was a precursor to the more dramatic hair transformations in his career.
The 1990s: Experimentation and Iconic Roles
Far and Away: Embracing Length
One of the first films in which Tom Cruise embraced long hair was "Far and Away" (1992). Playing the role of Joseph. an Irish immigrant in 1890s America, Cruise's long, hair added authenticity to his character's rugged and determined persona. This look was a stark departure from his earlier. more polished styles and marked the beginning of a more adventurous phase in his hairstyle choices.
Interview with the Vampire: Gothic Elegance
In "Interview with the Vampire" (1994). Tom Cruise long hair reached new lengths of sophistication and elegance. Portraying the vampire Lestat. Cruise's flowing blonde locks were integral to the character's ethereal and timeless allure. This hairstyle not only suited the gothic aesthetic of the film but also showcased Cruise's ability to transform his appearance for a role.
Mission: Impossible II: The Pinnacle of Long Hair
One of the most memorable instances of Tom Cruise long hair came in "Mission: Impossible II" (2000). His character, Ethan
Tom Cruise Daughter: An Insight into the Life of Suri Cruisegreendigital
Tom Cruise is a name that resonates with global audiences for his iconic roles in blockbuster films and his dynamic presence in Hollywood. But, beyond his illustrious career, Tom Cruise's personal life. especially his relationship with his daughter has been a subject of public fascination and media scrutiny. This article delves deep into the life of Tom Cruise daughter, Suri Cruise. Exploring her upbringing, the influence of her parents, and her current life.
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Introduction: The Fame Surrounding Tom Cruise Daughter
Suri Cruise, the daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, has been in the public eye since her birth on April 18, 2006. Thanks to the media's relentless coverage, the world watched her grow up. As the daughter of one of Hollywood's most renowned actors. Suri has had a unique upbringing marked by privilege and scrutiny. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Suri Cruise's life. Her relationship with her parents, and her journey so far.
Early Life of Tom Cruise Daughter
Birth and Immediate Fame
Suri Cruise was born in Santa Monica, California. and from the moment she came into the world, she was thrust into the limelight. Her parents, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Were one of Hollywood's most talked-about couples at the time. The birth of their daughter was a anticipated event. and Suri's first public appearance in Vanity Fair magazine set the tone for her life in the public eye.
The Impact of Celebrity Parents
Having celebrity parents like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes comes with its own set of challenges and privileges. Suri Cruise's early life marked by a whirlwind of media attention. paparazzi, and public interest. Despite the constant spotlight. Her parents tried to provide her with an upbringing that was as normal as possible.
The Influence of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
Tom Cruise's Parenting Style
Tom Cruise known for his dedication and passion in both his professional and personal life. As a father, Cruise has described as loving and protective. His involvement in the Church of Scientology, but, has been a point of contention and has influenced his relationship with Suri. Cruise's commitment to Scientology has reported to be a significant factor in his and Holmes' divorce and his limited public interactions with Suri.
Katie Holmes' Role in Suri's Life
Katie Holmes has been Suri's primary caregiver since her separation from Tom Cruise in 2012. Holmes has provided a stable and grounded environment for her daughter. She moved to New York City with Suri to start a new chapter in their lives away from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood.
Suri Cruise: Growing Up in the Spotlight
Media Attention and Public Interest
From stylish outfits to everyday activities. Suri Cruise has been a favorite subject for tabloids and entertainment news. The constant media attention has shaped her childhood. Despite this, Suri has managed to maintain a level of normalcy, thanks to her mother's efforts.
Leonardo DiCaprio Super Bowl: Hollywood Meets America’s Favorite Gamegreendigital
Introduction
Leonardo DiCaprio is synonymous with Hollywood stardom and acclaimed performances. has a unique connection with one of America's most beloved sports events—the Super Bowl. The "Leonardo DiCaprio Super Bowl" phenomenon combines the worlds of cinema and sports. drawing attention from fans of both domains. This article delves into the multifaceted relationship between DiCaprio and the Super Bowl. exploring his appearances at the event, His involvement in Super Bowl advertisements. and his cultural impact that bridges the gap between these two massive entertainment industries.
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Leonardo DiCaprio: The Hollywood Icon
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born in Los Angeles, California, on November 11, 1974. His journey to stardom began at a young age with roles in television commercials and educational programs. DiCaprio's breakthrough came with his portrayal of Luke Brower in the sitcom "Growing Pains" and later as Tobias Wolff in "This Boy's Life" (1993). where he starred alongside Robert De Niro.
Rise to Stardom
DiCaprio's career skyrocketed with his performance in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993). earning him his first Academy Award nomination. He continued to gain acclaim with roles in "Romeo + Juliet" (1996) and "Titanic" (1997). the latter of which cemented his status as a global superstar. Over the years, DiCaprio has showcased his versatility in films like "The Aviator" (2004). "Start" (2010), and "The Revenant" (2015), for which he finally won an Academy Award for Best Actor.
Environmental Activism
Beyond his film career, DiCaprio is also renowned for his environmental activism. He established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998, focusing on global conservation efforts. His commitment to ecological issues often intersects with his public appearances. including those related to the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl: An American Institution
History and Significance
The Super Bowl is the National Football League (NFL) championship game. is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. First played in 1967, the Super Bowl has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. featuring high-profile halftime shows, memorable advertisements, and significant media coverage. The event attracts a diverse audience, from avid sports fans to casual viewers. making it a prime platform for celebrities to appear.
Entertainment and Advertisements
The Super Bowl is not only about football but also about entertainment. The halftime show features performances by some of the biggest names in the music industry. while the commercials are often as anticipated as the game itself. Companies invest millions in Super Bowl ads. creating iconic and sometimes controversial commercials that capture public attention.
Leonardo DiCaprio's Super Bowl Appearances
A Celebrity Among the Fans
Leonardo DiCaprio's presence at the Super Bowl has noted several times. As a high-profile celebrity. DiCaprio attracts
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A Victorian Legacy - Chapter 23.2 Time Marches On
1. Hello all and welcome to chapter 23.2 of my Victorian Legacy. I admit, I was planning on having
this chapter out sooner, but I realised that I needed to do quite a lot of building in preparation for
the next chapter and so did that instead.
Anyway, as always, I recommend that you read the previous chapters to avoid being incredibly
confused by what is going on. As a very quick reminder, the last chapter saw Alexandra’s family
completed when her and Anthony adopted Zane Devereaux, Vicky revealed that not everything
was right with her marriage, the Harrison children met up with some old friends, William and Beth
passed away leaving the family to face life without the two people who had lead them for so long,
and Eddie and Carmen’s daughter became a musically precocious toddler.
There, I think that’s all there was to it, let’s see how things are progressing in the main house
now.
2. The music room of 1 King’s Square, always the most light and airy room of the house, basked in
the spring sunshine as Eddie practised one of the pieces the conductor of the Simdon Symphony
orchestra had handed out the night before. It wasn’t an especially difficult piece, but it was one
he was unfamiliar with, and thus he was concentrating so hard, he didn’t realise that his daughter
had crept through the open door, and was sitting on the carpet, listening to him. As he started to
play a faster passage, Emmi clapped her hands excitedly and started to bounce on the spot.
At the new noise, Eddie stopped playing and looked down at his daughter. He gave a wry smile
as she started to pout at the silence. “Hello Emmi. Are you enjoying the music Papa is playing?”
3. Her face split into a wide grin and she started to jabber away at her father, conveying to him
exactly how much she liked it, without using one understandable word of either Simlish or
Takemizu.
As Eddie stood there smiling down at her, he was struck by a thought. “Emmi, stay here for a
minute, Papa is just going to fetch something for you.”
He hurried out of the room, ignoring the way her little face fell, as she watched him go.
4. He returned in less than a minute with her glockenspiel and placed it in front of her, chuckling
when she made grabby motions with her hands at the sight of the mallet. As soon as she had
the mallet in her hand, she brought it down on three plates, repeating, as close as the little
instrument would allow, the last three notes her father had played.
Smiling, Eddie left her banging away, picked up his violin, and started to play a nursery rhyme.
After a brief pause, Emina started to play along with her father, her enthusiasm making up for the
fact that her instrument didn’t have all the notes she needed.
5. Eddie wasn’t the only one of the family who was finding their planned activity suddenly disrupted
by the youngest member of the household. Having quickly overcome his initial doubts and fears
about having another younger sibling, Bertie had found himself charmed by his little sister, and
unable to deny her anything, even if he was meant to be doing something else when she made it
clear she wanted him to read her a story.
6. Carmen spent her time with her daughter, playing or teaching her how to walk and talk. She met
with varying degrees of success, depending on the mood Emmi was in.
7. As for Stuart, he never complained if he had to look after Emmi, and in fact looked forward to his
time with his baby sister.
8. Even Sally and Billy’s puppy was not entirely averse to the times Emina wanted a cuddle from
him in spite of the fact that her hands were often sticky, and she liked to shower him with kisses
which made him all wet.
9. As the months went on, Bertie and Stuart soon found that the best time to concentrate on their
studies was when Emmi was being occupied by one of their parents, or napping. It was one such
afternoon that Bertie found himself staring at the figures in front of him, trying and failing to make
sense of them. This was happening more and more, and he wasn’t sure he liked it.
Finally tiring of tapping his pen on the page in the hope that it would help him to focus, he sighed
and turned to his brother who was sitting doing his assignment on the floor.
“Stuart?”
10. “Bertie.” Replied Stuart, his pen flying across the page as he worked out the answer to the
calculation in the question.
11. “I appear to be having a little trouble with my assignment tonight.”
“Oh?” Replied Stuart.
“Yes. I cannot quite remember what it was Ol’ Snood said about geometry yesterday and
therefore I am having difficulty working out this calculation.”
“Well, if you will spend so much of your time thinking about football, and not paying attention in
class.” Replied Stuart jokingly.
“I am the captain of the team; it is my duty to think about the team and how I can get the best out
of my fellow players. Anyway, that is besides the point. I think I would have difficulty with this,
even if I could not kick a ball to save my life.”
12. “Bertie, I am three years below you, your assignment will be at a level far above my own.”
Pointed out Stuart.
“I highly doubt that since you understand mathematics far better than I do. I am not asking you to
tell me the answer, but if you could perhaps point me in the correct direction so that I can
calculate the answer myself.”
Stuart scratched at his head with the end of his pen. Both of the brothers knew that he would
help Bertie. It was what he’s always done, and what he always would do, and truth be told,
despite the frustration he increasingly felt, Stuart didn’t really mind. All he wanted was for his
brother to be the best he could be, and if that meant Stuart had to encourage Bertie to push his
boundaries, or show him how to do something, that is what Stuart would do.
“Very well,” he said eventually. “I will have a look once I have finished my own equation.”
“Thank you Stuart. I do not know what I would do without your help.”
Stuart just grunted non-committedly as he worked on the next part of the question he was in the
middle of.
13. That night as Carmen and Eddie were talking before retiring for the night, she brought up a
subject that had been on her mind since Emmi had celebrated her birthday.
“Dearest Eddie, now that our beloved is growing up, my thoughts have turned to the fact that I
would quite like to have another child.” She looked at her husband, waiting to see how he would
respond.
14. “You would like another baby?” He asked surprised.
“Yes. Do you not want another child? You believe three to be enough?” Asked Carmen quietly.
15. Eddie pulled her close. “My darling, I would love to have another child with you.” His hand slid
down her shoulder. “Besides, I certainly can think of no objections to trying for another. Can
you?”
She kissed his cheek and snuggled closer. “None whatsoever anata.”
16. Afterwards, as always, Eddie held Carmen close and kissed her forehead gently. He loved her
so much, and still had difficulty believing she was his wife. She was so, so different to Marielle,
not least in the fact that she wanted to be physically intimate with him, and didn’t turn her back on
him afterwards.
“I love you.” He whispered.
“I love you too.” She answered back, before turning her head to kiss his chest. “I love you so
very, very much.” Each word was punctuated with a kiss as she worked her way across his
chest.
***
17. It was a sunny Saturday morning in Simdon, and Alexandra was just making her way to the
dining room to make sure that all of the breakfast things had been cleared away. As she passed
down the corridor leading to the room, she saw Anthony there, playing with their youngest son.
She watched for a little while, a fond smile on her face, before she said, “you do realise Anthony,
that it is probably not wise to keep Mickey sitting on the cold tile floor for long.”
Anthony looked up and grinned. “Mickey is fine, are you not?”
Mickey giggled and responded “yes Papa.”
“Besides, my darling, it is not as if I have not had any experience with raising a child. We do
have six of them.”
Alexandra grinned, her husband had a point after all. “Oh, there is a letter for you from David
and Christopher’s school. I have left it in your study.” She said, sweeping past.
“Thank you my dear. I wonder what your brother has been up to now Mickey?” Mused Anthony.
18. Alexandra didn’t hear him, but she had been wondering the same, ever since she had seen the
school crest on the envelope. Her eldest son was always ending up in some sort of mischief, but,
she reflected, she would not have him any other way. In fact, she was proud of and loved all five
of her children, even when she had to reprimand them for some misdemeanour, or tell them to
watch their attitude. She loved Zane as if he were her own too, but she took care not to press
her affections on him. Her mother’s intuition told her it would not be a prudent thing to do just yet.
19. The subject of her thoughts, was at that exact moment, knocking on the door of his oldest
adoptive brother.
“Come in.” Called Christopher through the door. “Oh hello Zane.”
“Hello, I was wondering...what is that you are painting?” Asked Zane, forgetting all about his lost
socks when he spotted the painting Christopher was working on, and the colour sketches laying
on the floor by the easel.
20. “My final art project.” Replied Christopher, putting his paint brush down. “I call it Cerulean
Anteater at Rest. Do you like it?”
21. “I do.” Said Zane smiling. “It is very bright and colourful. How did you know how to paint it so
that it looks so lifelike when anteaters aren’t normally cerulean.”
22. “Hmm,” said Christopher, thinking. “I suppose I could tell you, but you have to promise to keep it
a secret and not tell anyone, not even Mama and Papa.” He paused. “Especially Mama and
Papa.”
23. Zane looked up at Christopher, his eyes wide. He didn’t think anyone had ever confided in him
before, and yet here was Christopher asking him to keep a secret from everyone, even Mr and
Mrs Smith. It made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside. He nodded. “I can keep a secret.”
24. Christopher smiled. “Good, I knew I could count on you.” At these words, the warm fuzzy feeling
in Zane’s stomach intensified. “Well, you see, the biology department at St George’s Public
School has several stuffed specimens of different animals, including an anteater. Of course, it
was not the correct colour for my painting, so my friends and I, snuck into the biology lab
and...dyed it the correct shade of cerulean.”
“You dyed it blue? Won’t the school masters be cross?”
“Oh they were. There was a big hullabaloo about it all when it was discovered, but of course they
do not know who did it, and they are not likely to find out.” Replied Christopher laughing.
“But,” said Zane slowly, “is this not your final project? Will you not have to show it to your art
master in order to get credit and pass your exam?”
25. Christopher’s face fell. “Bugger. I had not thought of that, and it is too late to begin a new
project.”
“Sorry.” Said Zane twisting his fingers together.
“Do not be, you cannot be blamed for my lack of foresight. Oh well, I guess I will just have to
take the blame for it when the time comes. If you could still refrain from informing Mama and
Papa about this, I would be grateful.”
Zane nodded before heading out of the room. Christopher had asked him to keep a secret, and
that is exactly what he was going to do.
26. Not fifteen minutes later, Alexandra pushed the door to the morning room open and smiled at the
little boy who shot up from the settee and stood to attention before her. She glided over to him.
27. “There you are Zane. You left the breakfast table before I was able to talk to you this morning.”
Zane’s eyes clouded for a moment, before his mouth stretched into a wide grin. “You. you
wished to speak to me?” He started to twist his fingers together as he spoke.
“I did Zane yes,” She sat down on the settee and patted the seat next to her. Obediently Zane
sat, his grin never leaving his face.
28. “As you are aware, Christopher will be leaving for university in a couple of months, meaning that
there will be an empty bedroom. Would you like it?” Alexandra smiled kindly down at Zane as
she spoke.
29. Zane’s grin grew even wider and he continued twisting his fingers together. “I don’t want to be a
bother.” he said quietly.
30. “It is no bother. The room will be empty, and I am certain that David would prefer to remain in the
room you currently share with him.” She looked at Zane, smiling encouragingly. He continued
to stare into space, grin still firmly in place, and his fingers twisting together as they rested on his
lap.
Alexandra sighed inwardly. Zane had been living with them for nearly eight months now, and all
her attempts to draw him out of himself and make him feel comfortable in their home, had fallen
flat. He always retreated behind a grin that was far too wide and didn’t reach his eyes, all the
while twisting and steepling his fingers.
She was about to break the silence, when he nodded and said quietly. “If I’m not going to be a
bother, I will move into the room.”
31. Alexandra smiled. “I am glad to hear that. Since Christopher has defaced the wall with his
drawings, it will have to be repainted, and papered. White wash is so boring, do you not agree,
so I would like to know what colour you would prefer the room to be. Your favourite colour
perhaps would be nice.”
As Zane opened his mouth to reply, Alexandra expected to hear the phrase “I don’t want to be a
bother” again, but he surprised her by uttering “why?”
“Because this is your home now Zane, and Mr Smith and I want you to be happy and comfortable
here.”
32. “But why? I don’t deserve it!” Zane’s eyes widened in shock at the words he had just uttered.
Words he had long though, but kept buried from everyone.
33. “Oh Zane.” Said Alexandra quietly. “Is that what you think? Nothing could be further from the
truth.”
34. The compassion in her eyes and kindness in her tone, caused the floodgates to open and Zane
found himself telling her all about his life before he had been adopted. As the words tumbled out
of his mouth, Alexandra listened in silence. She suddenly understood this little boy a lot more
and was glad she had been so patient with him.
“When I got home, she had gone! My own momma left me! She told me she was the only one
who would ever love me, and she left. What sort of a horrible monster must I be that own mother
doesn’t want to stay with me?” This last question came out as a whisper as he looked down at
the floor, tears sliding off of his nose.
35. “Zane you are not a monster, far from it. If your mother could not see how wonderful the son she
had produced was, then it says more about her own short-sightedness and failings than yours.
“You are a lovely, kind boy Zane, by far the nicest and kindest of my children. You deserve to be
happy, and we all care for you very deeply. Why, does not Sarah Jane always want you to play
with her, and does not David always want to spend time with you? The two of you are always
heading to the park to play football or go fishing. I can assure you that they would not want to
spend time with you, if they did not like you. As for Mr Smith and myself, we care for, and even
love you as much as we do the other children living in this house. That will never change.”
36. Zane nodded slowly, what Alexandra had said about Sarah Jane and David was true, and then
there was the fact that Christopher had entrusted him with that secret earlier, and Bethany had
asked him to assist her with winding some wool the other day too. He sat in silence as he
thought about how the members of the Smith family acted towards him, and how Alexandra had
said she loved him.
37. Alexandra sat there next to him, making no move to say anything more. Her patience was
rewarded when eventually he said very quietly “blue. I like the colour blue.” Before sliding off of
the sofa and heading towards the door of the room.
38. Alexandra watched him go, unable to see the small smile on his face, but knowing that she had
made a breakthrough with him.
***
39. Six weeks later, the Smith children, (minus a grounded Christopher and Sarah Jane, but
including Mickey who had celebrated his birthday the week before) were gathered in the study of
their cousins’ house with Bertie, Stuart and the Harrisons. Although they had been chatting
about several different subjects, there was one main topic of conversation. “You are very lucky
that the masters of the board school let you form football teams, those at St George’s will not
entertain the idea at all.” Said David. “I am envious enough about that fact, never mind the fact
that you captained your team to victory over all the other forms Bertie. Well done.”
***
The Harrisons are the children of Eddie’s cousin Theo and his wife, the simself of
DrSupremeNerd, writer of the Vetinari Dualegacy.
40. Bertie smiled. “Thank you, but I do not deserve...”
“You were a brilliant captain Bertie, and are sure to be asked to retain your position next year.
Do not even think about denying it.” Interrupted Peter. “There is no way we would have been
victorious without your leadership.”
41. “But we would not have won without the rest of the team either.” Pointed out Bertie. “It took all of
us to lift that trophy, thus I do not deserve all the praise. I did what I could, but you and Andrew
were just as important, as were the other eight players.”
“You were the one who inspired us to play to the best of our abilities though.” Replied Andrew.
42. Stuart listened to the conversation as it went back and forth between Bertie and the Harrison
twins, a smile on his face. It was true that Bertie had proved to be a fantastic team captain (as
Stuart had known he would), and the confidence Bertie had gained in his leadership abilities was
something that a delighted Stuart had noticed transferring to other areas of his life too.
43. Zane was also happily listening to the conversation. He had started to settle into his place in the
Smith family better since his talk with Alexandra, but he still found himself very pleased when he
was asked to join in with his siblings and cousins. It didn’t matter to him what they were talking
about, what mattered was that they wanted to talk about it with him in the group.
44. Eventually the conversation moved onto the next big event happening in their lives. “Are you and
Christopher ready to move to Simbridge?” Asked Andrew, referring to the fact that Bethany and
Christopher were about to leave Simdon for the Acadamie and university. “I personally cannot
wait until next year when Peter and I will start.”
“That is because you are at the top of all your science classes and arithmetic.” Said Celly. “You
are bored because the school is not teaching you anything more complex.”
“This is very true, but with our parents, is it any wonder I excel at science. Peter is no slouch
either, and I am willing to bet that you could find your way around the periodic table if given half
the chance.”
“Of course I could. The thing is ridiculously simple to understand and I believe that if I wished to
be a bluestocking and study chemistry, I would find the subject just as easy as you do. However,
I do not. I am content to dazzle people unexpectedly with my knowledge if the occasion should
ever arise.” She smiled brilliantly at the group
“But I fear we are veering off topic.” She continued. “Bethany are you ready to leave for the
Acadamie?”
45. Bethany smiled. “I am. I realise that it is going to be very different living at the Acadmie, as
opposed to home, but I am looking forward to broadening my horizons and meeting new people.
As for Christopher, I know he is looking forward to getting out from under Mama and Papa’s
watchful eye. They have not forgotten the incident with the stuffed anteater, and although Papa
could easily afford to pay for a replacement, they do keep bringing the subject up at opportune
moments, and Christopher is still not allowed out of the house.”
46. “He does have the most rotten luck at times.” Said Bertie, just as Sarah Jane entered the study.
“As usual it is his own fault.” Bethany replied. “He forgot that he would have to turn the painting
in to be marked, so of course, despite his protest that he painted the anteater after it had been
dyed and had not been involved, the masters knew he was the one who vandalised it.” She
paused as she noticed her sister standing there. “Hello Sarah Jane, did you need something?”
“Mama sent me to fetch you. It is time for us to go home.” She replied. “But I am certain we will
see Bertie and Stuart next weekend for my birthday and Bethany and Christopher’s going away.
You will come, will you not?”
The tone of voice she asked the question in, told the room that she would be most displeased if
they declined to be present for her birthday, and so, as they got up from the floor where they had
been sitting, both Legacy boys promised her that they would be there. Satisfied with the
promises, Sarah Jane led them all out of the room, so that the Smiths could take their leave for
the night.
***
47. The next weekend, as promised, Bertie, Stuart, Eddie and Carmen arrived at the Smiths’
townhouse in Simdon for Sarah Jane’s birthday. As she looked around at her extended family,
Sarah Jane couldn’t help but feel extremely pleased that so many were there to witness her
become a teenager, now if only they would give her their undivided attention. Giving a small
cough, and raising her voice slightly, she called to the room “a-hem I am about to blow out the
candles on the cake, and so you should all be giving me your undivided attention.”
48. The announcement had the desired effect, and soon everyone was gathered around, watching
her as she blew out the candles. What she didn’t notice was the way Eddie had raised his
eyebrows at her demand. He couldn’t help but be reminded of his oldest sister as a teenager.
Alexandra had once spoken with that exact same tone, demanding that she be the centre of
attention. He stole a glance at his sister and her husband. She had long ago started to put
others before herself, but he hoped that his niece wouldn't have to go through what her mother
had, in order to learn the same lessons.
As everyone clapped and cheered, he tried to put such thoughts out of his head and focus
instead on how happy his niece was as she became a teenager.
49. The very first thing Sarah Jane did after growing up, was look down at her dress and declare that
neither that, nor her hairstyle were suitable now that she was a young lady. The second thing
was rush from the room in order to fix it.
When she returned, with her hair newly styled, and wearing the dress Alexandra had had made
for her, everyone agreed that Sarah Jane looked every inch the lady.
***
Sarah Jane rolled Fortune, and has the LTW to become a business tycoon, which won’t be
happening.
50. Following her return, there was cake, and singing and dancing around the piano in the drawing
room, but the party soon came to a close. A carriage was due to arrive at half past eight, to take
Bethany and Christopher to Simbridge, and so Eddie and his family took their leave early in order
to give the Smiths time for farewells. This was not something that particularly pleased Sarah
Jane, but that her older siblings had prolonged their departure in order to be present for her
party.
As the clock ticked round to quarter past eight, the family could be found in the hall, a pile of
trunks stacked by the front door. “Take care Bethany, write as soon as you can.” Said Anthony,
hugging his daughter tight.
“I will do Papa, I promise.” Replied Bethany, surprised at the tears threatening to fall. She hadn’t
thought that she would get this emotional about leaving home, after all it was not as if she was
going far, or was never going to see her family again.
51. Alexandra, meanwhile was talking to Christopher. “Christopher, please try to keep out of
mischief at university. Your father and I will be most disappointed if we have to hear that you
have been expelled from the institution.”
52. “Mother, I am sure I have no idea what you mean.” Replied Christopher, with a cheeky grin.
Alexandra sighed, knowing full well he did fully understand what she had just said. “All I ask is
that you do your best, make friends and try not to dye any more animals striking colours.”
Christopher surprised her by hugging her. “I will endeavour to do my very best Mama. The last
thing I want to ever do, is disappoint you and Papa.”
53. After Bethany apologised to Sarah Jane for the fact that she had had to cut her birthday party
short, the twins bid the rest of their siblings farewell and settled down to wait for the carriage.
54. They didn’t have to wait long, and, with one final goodbye and, on Bethany’s part at least,
promises to write lots of letters, the twins set out for the Acadamie and New Simbridge university.
***
55. The fact that his oldest cousins were now at finishing school and university, made Bertie very
aware of the fact that he did not have long before he would be expected to join them. He had
therefore redoubled his efforts with his schoolwork and quickly found a way to balance the
demands of his studies with those of his sporting commitments. One evening, as he was exiting
the study having completed his essays for the next day, he was surprised to see his father and
kasan sitting on the drawing room settee. Normally both were kept busy during the evening,
practising for the orchestra, or looking after his sister. They looked up and smiled at him as they
heard his step on the floorboards.
“Ah Bertie, we have been waiting for you.” Said Eddie. “There is something I wish to discuss
with you. Please, sit.” He pointed to the wingback chair next to himself and waited for Bertie to
sit.
“Yes Papa. What did you wish to discuss?” Asked Bertie as he made himself comfortable.
56. “Bertie, you do not have long before you are due to leave for New Simbridge. When you return
from university, you will be expected to take over from me as head of the family.” Bertie nodded
slowly at this. It was not something he liked to spend his time dwelling on. “I therefore feel,”
continued Eddie, oblivious to his son’s hesitancy over the heriship, “that it is high time I started to
consult with you over decisions I have to make with regards to the family, and ask you for your
honest opinion.”
Bertie nodded again. “I will of course respond honestly Papa.”
Eddie smiled. “Thank you Bertie. There is something I have been considering for a little while
now, and I would like to hear what you think about it. It concerns your grandfather’s shops, or
rather one shop, Beth’s Boutique. It is true that business has started to wane there of late, and,
before he passed away, your grandfather confided in me that he was distressed about how the
part of Simdon it is in, has deteriorated since he opened the shop. I am therefore considering
moving premises. You enjoy working in the shops, and I was wondering what you think about
opening a new shop in a different area of the city.”
57. Bertie thought about what his father had said for a moment, before smiling broadly. “I think that
that is a very good idea Papa. I am sure that you can find a suitable property elsewhere in the
city, and that it will revitalise the business. In fact, perhaps you could introduce a new range of
fabrics and patterns to coincide with the move, or some sort of opening offer.” Bertie’s grin grew
even wider as he started to see more and more possibilities that moving to new premises would
open up, and the sort of things his father could do to promote the shop in its new location.
58. “I am very happy to see that you are so enthusiastic Bertie.” Said Eddie. “I have yet to engage a
property agent, or start to make more than preliminary enquiries, but would you care to join me
viewing possible premises when I start to do so?”
“I...yes Papa I would.” Replied Bertie, inordinately pleased by Eddie’s suggestion. It was nice to
be valued by his father he decided.
59. Having spent a bit more time talking to Eddie about what sort of location he was thinking about
for the shop, and sharing some of his own ideas, Bertie decided to retire to bed. Unfortunately as
soon as he got in bed, all he could hear was the ding, ding, ding of Emmi playing her
glockenspiel. With a sigh, he got out of bed and made his way to the nursery next door. There,
sitting in the middle of the floor, was his little sister, playing away without a care in the world.
60. He picked her up, ignoring how she squirmed and tried to make him put her back down. “I am
sorry Emmi, but it is time for sleep now. You can play more tomorrow.”
“No!” Emmi shook her head and screwed up her face. “I want to play now!”
“Well you cannot. It is bath and bedtime now.” Replied Bertie as he took her out of the room for
her bath.
61. It was a rather messy bath time, with Emmi continuing to show her displeasure at being taken
away from her favourite toy, and so it was a rather damp Bertie who finally got her into her
nightdress and took her back to the nursery
“No sleep!” She protested as he lowered her into the cot.
62. “Yes, sleep.” He said, bending down to kiss her, noting how her eyelids were starting to droop,
despite her protests. “I promise that you can play with the glockenspiel when you wake up.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
63. Bertie had stood watch over Emmi for a short while as she had drifted off to sleep, before making
his way to his own bed, where he soon succumbed to a dreamless sleep.
64. The clock had not yet struck four when Emmi roused from her sleep. As she yawned and
stretched, she looked around expectantly. There was usually someone about to let her out of her
cot when she woke, and Bertie had promised her that after she had slept, she could play her
music.
65. She frowned as it became more and more obvious that no one was going to suddenly appear
and let her out. She pulled herself to her feet using the top bar of the gate and let out a shout,
and then another, but still she couldn’t hear anyone stirring in the house. In frustration, she
started to shake the bars as hard as she could.
66. When the gate suddenly clicked out of its catch and lowered, she nearly toppled head first out of
the cot in surprise.
67. Steadying herself, she looked around. No one was coming to let her out, and it didn’t look a long
way to the ground at all.
68. Carefully she swung her little leg over the top of the safety gate, and dropped nimbly to the floor.
69. She looked around the room in triumph. She’d done it, and there in the middle of the floor was
her glockenspiel. On slightly unsteady legs, she made her way over to it, plonked herself down
and started to play. She soon realised that she had found a sure-fire way to make her family
come running in the middle of the night.
***
70. Over the next couple of months, Eddie engaged the services of a property agent in Simdon, and
started to read the property section of the Times and Telegraph with care, looking to see if
anything caught his eye.
71. His list of properties to view soon began to grow, and thus most evenings he was to found in
Simdon, often with Bertie in tow if there was no football practice, liaising with property agents and
touring different shops. There were some shops, such as the one that was already occupied by a
dressmaker, that he found it easy to see the potential in.
72. But there were also others that he knew were completely unsuitable from the moment he stepped
over the threshold. Although in no hurry to find a new premises for the boutique, he soon found
himself getting despondent as he dismissed potential property after potential property.
73. After another fruitless afternoon, Eddie and his sons found themselves outside the last potential
property on his list. “As you can see, this is another shop currently occupied by a dressmaker.”
He explained. “I must say that Mr Hopkirk appears to have been very thorough with this property
and I was impressed with the file he sent me on it. The location is good, and it is a good size.”
Bertie rubbed his chin as he contemplated the shop front. It was certainly in a prime location,
near Holy Cross, and there were plenty of other shops around it. “I agree Papa. This is certainly
one of the best premises we have seen so far.”
Stuart merely looked in the window. As far as he was concerned, it was a shop.
74. Once inside, Bertie looked around, his broad smile matching that of his father’s as they both saw
the potential of the place. Stuart meanwhile, looked around slightly bored. As far as he was
concerned a shop was a shop was a shop, but then again, he knew that he didn’t enjoy helping
out in the shops as much as Bertie did.
75. “What do you think Bertie?” Asked Eddie after they had toured the back rooms.
“I think that this is by far the best property we have seen, and I do think that you will be extremely
lucky to find better. The location is ideal, the shop floor is a good size, as are the stockroom and
the room currently set up by the dressmaker as a workroom. I think you should see if you can
buy it.” Replied Bertie after a moment’s pause.
“I agree. I intend to call upon Mr Hopkirk as soon as I can tomorrow and see if I can negotiate a
good price on it. If I am successful, I fully intend to put in an offer.” Said Eddie before leading his
sons back out of the shop.
76. Later that same afternoon, Bertie and Stuart joined the Harrisons, David and Sarah Jane in one
of the parks near the Smith house.
77. Bertie was still buoyed by the visit to the shop, and was keen to tell his friends all about it. “Papa
and I am very happy with it. It is in a much better location than the current boutique, and should
provide ample scope for expansion. Do you not agree Stuart?”
78. Stuart didn’t answer. He hadn’t been listening to a word Bertie had said, instead his attention
was directed towards two young ladies walking along the Sierra Street edge of the park.
“Stuart, are you listening?” Prodded Bertie.
“Hmm?” Stuart started as his brother addressed him again.
“I was talking about the shop and how perfect it is.” Said Bertie exasperatedly.
79. “Oh yes. I think you and Papa have made a good decision.” Replied Stuart at last as he
watched the two girls continue to walk along the street.. “It is a nice shop, and I am sure that it
will be a success.”
80. Bertie had been watching his brother with interest and smirked as he saw Stuart following the
girls’ progress. “Yes I am certain it will be. We should also expand our clientele in the new
location and, you never know,” he nodded towards the two sisters, “maybe they will be amongst
the new customers. I am certain you would like that.”
Stuart rolled his eyes. “I do not know what you are talking about.”
“Of course you do not.” Bertie’s smirk grew even wider, and he ducked to avoid the tuft of grass
Stuart threw at him.
81. “How was your trip to the cemetery with Dean?” Asked Stuart, turning to the Harrison twins and
changing the subject.
“It could have been more successful.” Admitted Andrew. “We spent all night there, but did not
come across anything remotely, oh what was the word Dean used? Supernatural.”
Peter grinned. “No, the only thing which made you jump all night was that cat.”
82. Andrew threw his brother a withering look. “The thing walked along the wall I was leaning on,
and the tail brushed the back of my neck as it went. I defy you to stay calm, cool and collected
when you feel something tickling the back of your neck in the dead of night in the middle of a
deserted and silent cemetery.”
83. Celestia laughed. “I highly doubt it was silent with the two of you and Dean crashing around.”
She pointed out to snorts from her brothers. “I still contend that you had more chance of coming
across a ghost if you had stayed at home.”
84. Sarah Jane listened to the Harrisons bicker and the Legacys interject with a bored expression on
her face. She did like spending time with her cousins, but did they have to speak about such
boring subjects? And why could they not sit on a bench somewhere? Sitting on the ground was
so...undignified.
85. As the subject of the unsuccessful ghost hunt petered out, Celly turned to David. “Have you
heard from Bethany or Christopher lately? I received a letter from Bethany about, oh well over a
month ago now, but nothing since.”
86. David smiled. “Yes. Christopher very rarely writes or calls, but Bethany writes at least once a
week, often more. From what I can gather, both are enjoying their classes.”
87. This was very true. Over the months the twins had been in Simbridge, they had soon adapted to
life there. Bethany found herself learning the importance of being able to produce pretty
watercolours and operate a sewing machine, as well as competently play the pianoforte and
starting to learn the basics of precedence and table planning.
88. Christopher meanwhile, was enjoying his classes enormously, even if he was sometimes unable
to believe that he could spend all day painting without any reprisals. He was also enjoying being
introduced to new acquaintances.
89. In fact, with their studies and new social lives keeping them busy, Bethany and Christopher often
went a week or so without seeing each other. Always used to having her brother close to her,
Bethany had suggested that they meet each Saturday afternoon in one of the many tea rooms, if
only for an hour, just to catch up.
One Saturday, after having tired of waiting in the tea room they had agreed on for well over an
hour, Bethany made her way across the town to the Prince William Halls of Residence. As she
walked up the steps, she wondered just what has delayed her brother, but she was sure he
would be happy to see her anyway.
90. Once inside, however, she started to debate the wisdom of her decision to come to the halls. A
couple of the other residents wondered past her, and turned to look at the unheard of sight of a
lady in their halls of residence increasing her feeling of wariness. She had no idea where
Christopher’s room was located and the thought of wondering the corridors looking for him did
not appeal in the slightest.
91. Just as she was contemplating leaving, another student, Ezra Howard exited the drawing room,
and stopped dead as his heart skipped a beat. In front of him was the most beautiful creature he
had ever seen. ‘Breathe Ezra, breathe.’ He chided himself as she turned in his direction.
***
Ezra Howard is from Cait (charris) Regacy.
92. Seeing her look at him, he forced his limbs to start responding and walked over to her. “Can I be
of assistance miss?” He managed to ask, stunned by the striking combination of her green eyes
and ebony skin.
93. Bethany smiled at the very handsome man in front of her as her heart began to pound. “It is very
kind of you to offer sir. I made plans to meet my brother for tea, but he did not arrive at the tea
room. He is living here this year and I believe he may have become distracted by an art project
or some such thing, but want to make sure that all is well with him.”
94. Ezra nodded. “Then perhaps I can see if he is in his room for you. What is his name?”
95. “You are too kind sir, and I will gratefully accept your help if I may. His name is Christopher
Smith.” Replied Bethany.
Ezra nodded. “Ah yes, I know Mr Smith. If you would like to wait here, I will be back
momentarily.”
“Thank you sir.”
96. Up in his room, Christopher had indeed become distracted by an art project. He had been on his
way out of the door, when he had thought of something to add to one of his current paintings. He
had picked up the brush, fully intending to get his idea down and then leave to meet his sister,
but had become completely engrossed in the painting and had lost all track of time.
When he heard a loud knock at his door, he barely paused as he called out “come in.”
97. Ezra entered the room. “Christopher, there is a young lady who appears to be your sister in the
entrance hall. She says you had made plans for this afternoon.”
“What is the time then?” Asked Christopher distractedly, still dabbing paint on the canvas. “We
are meeting at three.”
“It is coming up to half past four.”
Christopher turned and looked at Ezra, stunned. “It is? Bugger, I had no idea. Thank you Ezra.”
He quickly put his palette and brush on the table next to his easel and hurried out of the room,
leaving Ezra to follow him.
98. Christopher hurried down the stairs and allowed himself to be pulled into a hug by his twin.
“Bethany, I am so sorry. I became engrossed in a painting I am working on and completely lost
track of time. Do forgive me.”
“You are forgiven Christopher. I wondered if you were painting, but wanted to be certain that
nothing untoward had happened to you.” Replied Bethany.
99. As they broke apart, Christopher noticed that Ezra had followed him downstairs. “Thank you
again Ezra.” He said. “You have met Mr Howard?”
“We have not been formally introduced.” Responded Bethany.
“Indeed we have not.” Agreed Ezra.
“In that case, Bethany, may I introduce Mr Ezra Howard, Ezra, this is my sister, Bethany Smith.”
“An absolute pleasure to meet you Miss Smith.” Replied Ezra as he dropped into a bow.
“Likewise Mr Howard, and thank you again for your assistance.” Replied Bethany smiling.
100. “It was my pleasure Miss Smith, but now I am certain you and your brother have much to speak
about, so I will take my leave of you.”
“Must you really?” Asked Bethany, surprised at how disappointed she felt at the thought of him
leaving. “I...was going to ask you if you wished to join us.”
“You were?” Ezra smiled, making Bethany’s heart flutter. “If I will not be intruding I would like
that very much.”
“You will not be intruding at all, will he Christopher?”
Christopher looked from his sister to his friend. He would have to be blind not to read the
attraction between them. “Not at all.”
101. The three of them retired to the drawing room, where Bethany and Ezra spent the next hour
talking, while Christopher occasionally joined in.
102. That initial conversation set the tone for their meetings. When Bethany invited Christopher to one
of the parks in Simbridge and suggested that Ezra might care to join them if he was free,
Christopher barely said more than two sentences to his sister as she and Ezra walked arm in arm
through the park, leaving Christopher to trail behind them.
103. By the time Ezra was regularly joining them for their Saturday afternoon tea, Christopher was
wishing that he would travel to Simdon and formally declare his intentions towards Bethany, so
that their mother could arrange proper chaperonage and leave him to get back to his painting in
peace. It wasn’t that he disliked Ezra, far from it, he considered him a good friend, but he was
bored with feeling as if he was invisible when he was around Ezra and Bethany. He watched as
Bethany laughed at something Ezra had just said, but he had missed. Yes he was very fed up
with this now.
***
104. Back in Regalton, it was time for the Legacys to celebrate Emina’s birthday. As she brought her
daughter to the cake, Carmen looked at her with a fond smile on her face. Despite trying, she
still had not fallen pregnant, but she thanked her lucky stars everyday that she had been blessed
with one child of her own.
“Time for you to blow out your candles and become a big girl.” She said to Emmi.
“Then I can play the big ins’raments?”
“Yes beloved, then your dearest papa will teach you to play the big instruments.” Said Carmen,
kissing her forehead,
105. This news pleased Emmi greatly, and Carmen had to struggle to keep hold of her as she leant
forward in her arms to blow out the candles.
106. The very first thing Emmi did, after changing her dress and suffering Carmen plaiting her hair,
was head for the drawing room piano. She had seen her father and brothers play both this one,
and the one in the music room, and had long since wanted to try it herself. Almost hesitantly, she
brought her hands down on the keys, and sighed as the notes filled the air. She moved her right
hand up the keyboard, playing a scale, and smiled. This was so much better than her little
glockenspiel, and instinctively, she started to pick out the notes of one of the melodies she had
played on that.
107. While she did so, the rest of the family and guests scattered to enjoy themselves and catch up
with those they hadn’t seen for a while.
108. In the end, only Eddie was left in the room with his daughter. He went to stand next to her and
listened for a little while to what she was playing. “That is very good Emmi,” he said, “but I have
to ask, how do you know which notes to play.”
“I just do.” She replied. “I know it sounds like this,” she hummed a few bars of what she was
playing, “so I hear what this sounds like,” she played a note, “and listen until I find the right one.”
Eddie nodded. “Well each of these notes have a name, A,B,C,D,E,F and G, and they each have
a unique mark here, on the sheet music. This is how a musician knows what to play if they have
not heard the piece before.”
Emmi looked at him, interested. He leant over and played middle C. “This is middle C.” He said,
before pointing to a note marked just below the stave, with a single line though the centre of it.
“This is what it looks like on this piece of sheet music. This,” he pointed to a swirly mark on the
left hand side of the stave, “is the clef. It tells a musician how the notes fall on the stave. This
clef is a treble clef, which means that the note that falls on this line here,” he pointed to the
second line up, “represents the G above middle C. That is this note here.” He played it. “The
note in the space between the bottom two lines is the F above middle C.” He played that one
too.
109. “Does that mean that the note on this line,” Emmi pointed to the bottom line of the stave, “is this
one.” She played the E.
“It is,” affirmed Eddie, “and it is called an E.” Eddie continued to teach Emmi the basics of
reading music while the party continued around them. It was only when he saw his daughter
smother a yawn that he realised how late it was.
He knelt besides her and put his hand on her back. “Emmi, it is time for you to go to bed now.”
She shook her head and started playing a new melody. “I am not tired.”
“Yes you are. The pianoforte will still be here in the morning, and I promise I will teach you some
more about reading music, but it is now time for you to go to bed.” Grumbling, Emmi eventually
allowed Eddie to take her up to her new bedroom, where he read her a short story and tucked
her into bed.
110. His daughter sleeping soundly, Eddie headed back downstairs where the guests were starting to
leave. As he bid the final guests goodbye, some with promises that the family would make the
journey to Simdon for dinner soon, others with promises that he would be down the Bull later that
week, Eddie reflected about how lucky he was, and how he wouldn’t change the circumstances
he found himself in for the world.
***
111. Both Eddie and Carmen found the fact that the house was now devoid of all children during the
day very odd at first, but they soon found that they settled into a routine whereby Carmen would
see to her duties in the morning, while Eddie practised, and then they would spend the afternoon
together. He smiled up at Carmen as she entered the drawing room from the study one
afternoon.
112. Then put his paper down and got up to greet his wife with a kiss.
“I was thinking that we could perhaps go for a walk this afternoon.” He said as they broke apart.
113. “That is a lovely idea Dearest Eddie,” replied Carmen “but there is something I wish to discuss
with you first.”
“Oh?” He was intrigued and hoped that it would be good news.
114. Carmen pulled away from him and reached into a pocket to draw out a slightly yellowed
envelope. “Yes. I was attending to some correspondence, when I found this letter addressed to
you, tucked behind the back of the letter rack. You have not opened it...”
Eddie, who had been looking at the letter as his wife spoke, suddenly interrupted her. “And I
have no intention of doing so. I have no desire to read anything my uncle might have to say to
me. I should have destroyed it the moment I received it.”
“But since you have not, perhaps...”
115. For the first and last time in their marriage, Eddie turned his back on Carmen. “I have explained,
I do not want to hear anything that that man may have to tell me!”
Carmen ignored the fact that Eddie’s voice had risen as he had spoke. “Yet you have kept the
letter for the past three years. You would not have done so, if you did not entertain the idea of
one day reading it Dearest Eddie.”
He opened his mouth to respond to her, but checked himself as he thought about what Carmen
had said.
116. Very slowly, Eddie turned to face her, all anger gone. “You are, of course, quite correct.” He
said after a pregnant pause. “The very fact I have not destroyed it yet, must mean that I am
somewhat curious as to its contents, even if I was not aware of the fact.”
“Then you will read it?”
117. Eddie reached out and took the letter from Carmen’s hand. “Yes, I will read it.”
118. Read it he did. Then again, and then for a third time just to make sure he had not misunderstood
what Henry had written. When he had finished, he lent forward, his head resting on his hand. He
had no idea what to make of what he had just read. He knew that Henry Legacy was not the
most trustworthy man on the planet, and therefore what he had written could be a pack of lies,
but if it wasn’t...he felt sick at the very thought that the letter could contain the truth.
“Dearest Eddie?” Carmen reached out for her husband, but he didn’t respond. “What did the
letter say?” She tried again,
119. Eddie looked up. “Something that if it is true...but it might not be...” He sighed. “I apologise, that
makes no sense to you. My uncle,” he spat out the word, “claims that he had the help of a young
lady he was stepping out with when he planned to kill Father. He says it was Marielle.”
Carmen looked at him stunned. “Bertie and Stuart’s mother?”
“Yes. I do not know if he speaks the truth. He is far from being the most trustworthy individual so
I hope he does not. To think that the mother of my sons could have plotted to murder their
grandfather...”
120. “I have to go and speak to her, to find out if there is any truth in this accusation.” He shot up and
started towards the door. After a short moment, Carmen followed him.
121. The mild winter and spring had suddenly given way to a cold spell, and Carmen slipped on the
icy path as she hurried after her husband. “Dearest Eddie, please wait. How do you know where
to find her?”
Eddie paused as he waited for Carmen to catch him up. “It is I who arranged with Farmer Jones
the rental of the cottage where she has been living. I may not want her in my life any more, but I
could not have the mother of my sons be homeless.”
“You are the best of men.” Replied Carmen, slipping her arm through his.
“Humph. We will see about that once we have visited her and spoken to her about the contents
of my uncle’s letter.”
122. Fifteen minutes later, the two of them were in front of the little stone cottage Marielle had called
home since she had been thrown out of 1 King’s Square. As Eddie pounded on the front door,
Carmen picked her way through the overgrown garden and peered through the window. “The
cottage looks deserted.” She said to Eddie. “It does not look as if anyone has lived here for quite
a while.”
123. “Aye, that’s because they haven’t.” Said a voice. Carmen and Eddie looked over to see a blond
man standing by the gate, with a curious look on his face.
124. Eddie hurried down the garden path to him. “Farmer Jones! I am sorry, but what do you mean
by that?”
“Exactly what I said. This cottage ‘as been empty for nigh on seven years now, ever since
Missus Legacy was taken away.” Replied the farmer.
125. “I am sorry, but I am not quite following you. Mrs Legacy was taken away?” Asked Eddie.
“Aye.”
“But to where, and by whom?”
“’S not my place to say where, an’ I don’t know exactly by whom, but Missus Di ‘as continued to
pay rent and asked me to make sure the cottage doesn’t fall into disrepair.”
“Miss Di?” Asked Eddie.
“Aye, Missus Di.”
“Thank you Mr Jones, you have been most helpful.” Said Eddie, before he turned and started
making his way towards the western edge of the village and the large house owned by Mrs
Meeeee-Vetinari.
126. The doorbell startled me when it rang that afternoon. I had been reading in the drawing room,
and savouring the quiet of the house since Indy was at work, and the friends that lived with us
had headed into Simdon for a shopping spree. Half wishing that I employed a maid or a butler
who could tell the visitor that I was “not at home” I made my way to the front door.
127. “Eddie, Carmen.” I exclaimed when I saw who was standing there. “How pleasant to see you.”
“Miss Di.” Replied Eddie looking distressed.
“Eddie, what is it?”
“I need to speak to you about...Marielle.”
128. My blood ran cold at his words. He had found out. I had tried so hard to make sure that my
Punishment of Marielle did not affect the family in any way, and had insisted on discretion from
everyone involved. It looked as if I hadn’t been as successful as I had hoped.
“The two of you had better come in then.” I stood to one side to let them in.
129. I showed them into the drawing room and sat down. I forced a smile onto my face and turned to
my heir and his wife. “You wished to speak to me about Marielle?”
130. Eddie nodded and I steeled myself for his recriminations as he started to speak. “On his death,
my uncle sent me a letter, but I have only just read it. In it, he makes serious accusations towards
Marielle. Very serious accusations.”
I nodded, surprised by the direction the conversation was taking. “What sort of accusations?”
“He writes that he knew Marielle as a young man, and that she actively encouraged and helped
him when he tried to steal the heirship from Father.”
“You mean when he tried to kill him.” I stated.
“Yes.”
131. “THE BITCH!” I exclaimed, ignoring the sharp intake of breath from my guests at the profanity. “I
cannot believe that she could do such a thing! I mean, I know that she is an immoral whore
whose laziness nearly destroyed your family, but attempted murder? The absolute BITCH!”
132. “We do not know if the accusations contained in the letter to Dearest Eddie are founded.”
Pointed out Carmen, calmly.
133. “Carmen is quite correct.” Agreed Eddie. “I do not think it is wise to believe a word my father’s
twin has to say, without question. He claims to have proof, but gives no particulars beyond
saying that it is with someone he trusts implicitly. I need to speak to her myself, and hear what
she has to say on the matter.”
134. I thought for a moment. “You could just lie to you. Deny the claims, even if they are true.”
135. Eddie nodded. “I realise that, and if I choose to believe that the mother of my sons is not a
murder, would that make me a bad person?”
I shook my head. “Of course not Eddie.”
136. “So in order to speak to her, Carmen and I visited her cottage, only to find that she is not there.
Farmer Jones said that she has gone, but does not know where. All he knows is that you are
paying the rent for her. Do you know where she is?”
137. I looked at him. So he had come to find out where she was after all. I nodded slowly.
“Miss Di, where is my ex-wife?”
I took a deep breath. “Simdon-Leys Home for Irrational and Insane Women.”
“Where?”
“Simdon-Leys Home for Irrational and Insane Women.” I repeated. “It is a residential home for
mentally imbalanced women.”
138. “She is locked in an asylum?” Asked Eddie.
I nodded. “Yes. I had her committed.”
“But why?” Both Eddie and Carmen were appalled.
139. “After everything she did to you, how she betrayed you and caused Beth’s accident? I wanted
her out of the way for a while, and given how morally reprehensively she has behaved in the
past, an asylum seemed the logical solution.” I lapsed into silence as I thought about what Eddie
had told me about Henry’s accusations. If what Henry had said was true, then we should get the
police involved, and for this crime, she would hang. I had interfered to stop Henry being hanged
and didn't think I could do it again. Perhaps it was for the best that she was already locked away
from society.
140. We sat in silence for a while, each of us lost in our own thoughts. Eddie was the one who broke
it. “I...cannot condone this.” He didn’t look at me as he spoke. “I cannot condone what you have
done.”
141. “I wouldn’t expect you to.” I said quietly. This was not a conversation I had ever wanted to have.
I had hoped to be able to deal with Marielle without Eddie finding out. Trust Henry to go and
throw a spanner in the works yet again.
142. “I have read stories...those places are vile.” Said Eddie. “The things those poor inmates are
subject to. And if it were to get out that my sons’ mother is locked in one...the damage it could do
to their reputations, to the reputation of our family...”
143. “I know.” I said. “I thought through all the possible consequences before I embarked on this
course of action. I have insisted on absolute discretion at every step of the way. There are only
two other people who know where she is.”
144. We were silent once more. “You have done your best to make sure no one finds out about this?”
Asked Eddie at last.
“I have.”
He paused. “Will I be able to speak to her about the accusations?”
145. I looked at him as I thought about what he was asking. “I do not know. I can speak to Dr
Gavigan and see if he will grant you access to her, but I make no guarantees I will be
successful.”
146. Eddie nodded. “I know you will do your utmost, thank you.” He looked at Carmen. “I think we
should take our leave now, do you not agree?” Carmen did, and so we all rose so that I could
show them to the door.
147. I watched them walk down the path with a heavy heart. What Eddie had told me worried me a
lot, and to be honest, I didn’t want to believe that Marielle had helped Henry. I knew she was lots
of things, and I was convinced that she had damaged her two children for life, but helping Henry
plan to commit murder was too much even for her.
I also wasn’t sure how I was going to handle Eddie’s request to speak to her. Robert had been to
see me the night before and had explained that one of his colleagues, an Archibald Wilson, had
launched an investigation into Simdon-Leys, and it was possible it would close. Maybe the best
thing to do would be to wait and see if it did. If Marielle came back to Regalton, Eddie or myself,
no, Eddie and myself, could speak to her and then decide what to do about the accusations
Henry had made. If it didn’t close, then yes, we would go and see her. My mind made up, I
closed the door and went back inside.
148. Eddie made no move to speak to Carmen about what they had just learned as they walked
home, which worried her; throughout their marriage, he had always shared what was on his mind
with her, so this silence was unsettling.
“Dearest Eddie?” She asked quietly after they had arrived home and taken off their coats.
“Yes?”
“Are you alright?”
149. He turned to her. “Oddly enough, yes. I confess that I would have liked to speak to Marielle
today, but I know that Miss Di will do her best to get me a visit with her. As to where she is...I
sincerely hope that that never becomes public knowledge for the sake of my sons, but the notion
that she is locked up somewhere...
“I am a horrible man for saying this, but after all she did to my family, it is what she deserves.”
150. “You are not horrible at all, you are the best of men. It is natural that you want some form of
justice for the damage she caused.” Reassured Carmen.
Eddie smiled at her. “Perhaps.”
“No perhaps. It is the truth.” Responded Carmen confidently.
Eddie leant forward and kissed her. “Thank you.”
***
151. The academic year had flown by for Bertie. He had once again captained his form football team
to victory over the rest of the school, and with Stuart’s help, he had also achieved good grades in
his subjects and secured a place at New Simbridge. He was reading in the study after dinner
only a couple of nights before he was due to leave when Stuart joined him.
152. “What are you reading?”
Bertie looked up. “It is a text on the reading list the university sent. It is rather boring but I
thought I would have a look at it.”
Stuart nodded. “You are feeling happier about going to university then?” He asked. The closer
they had got to the day Bertie was due to leave for New Simbridge, the more his lack of
confidence had come back and the more anxious he had become about it. Stuart, as always,
had been doing his best to help him overcome that anxiety.
153. Bertie put down his book. “No. I am seriously thinking about giving up my place. I am reading
this in order to gauge if that is the correct decision.”
“What? You cannot do that!” Stuart was appalled at his brother’s words. He had never
mentioned such a thing before, and in fact it had never crossed Stuart’s mind that Bertie would
flat out say he did not want to go.
“But, I do not want to go, I cannot go.”
154. “You can Bertie, why would you think you cannot?” Asked Stuart patiently, ignoring that Bertie
had said he didn’t want to go. He had found that when Bertie didn’t want to do something, the
reason was normally rooted in why he felt he couldn’t do that thing.
155. “What if the subject matter is too difficult for me?” Said Bertie. “I chose to read history because I
enjoyed the subject at school, but what if I am no good at it? That is why I am reading this,” he
waved the book in the air. “If I cannot understand or analyse this, then the subject is clearly too
difficult for me.
“Then there is the fact that I will not know anyone. I would much rather stay here, with you and
Papa and all my friends instead.”
156. Stuart suppressed a sigh as he thought about how to reply to him. “Bertie you achieved good
grades in history at the board school, I am certain you will be do the same at university. Besides,
if you find that the subject is not for you, you do not have to suffer through it, you can switch
degree courses.
“As for not knowing anyone, for a start there is no truth in that. Christopher is already there, and
Andrew and Peter are starting this year too, in fact the three of you are travelling there together,
are you not?” Bertie nodded at his brother’s words. “And anyway,” continued Stuart, “Simbridge
is not far from here. You will be able to travel home whenever you like, and we will be able to
visit you. It is not as if you are travelling to Sierra Plains, hundreds upon hundreds of miles away.
Thirdly, you are a very likeable person, and I am sure you will soon make friends in Simbridge.
There might even be a football team you can join.”
157. Bertie mulled over what Stuart had just said. He was right of course, he always was. “You are
correct about it not being far. As you say, Simbridge is hardly as far as Sierra Pains. What made
you think of there anyway?”
“Nothing.” Lied Stuart, thinking of the literature he had seen at the Board School about the
scholarships Sierra Plains University was offered to students who wanted to read engineering.
“And you think there may be a football team there?”
“It is possible.” Replied Stuart with a shrug. “The Football Association’s standardised rules have
become very popular and I think that a university such as New Simbridge will have some
students who want to play by them. You could even make captain again.”
“I doubt it, we were but a small form of sixty and thus I became captain almost by default. I
should like to play though.”
158. The two brothers continued talking, with Stuart pointing out that Bertie had been appointed
captain by merit, not lack of numbers, until well past they had to light the lamps. They only
stopped when their little sister entered and sat on the sofa next to Stuart.
“Hello Emmi.”
She smiled sweetly at her brothers. “Hello. Did you hear me practising the pianoforte earlier?”
“I did.” Replied Stuart. “You are very good at it.”
159. “Thank you. Papa is teaching my how to read music, but I find it strange that people need it all
written down. Cannot everyone hear the music in their head and know how to play it?”
“No Emmi, they cannot. Writing the music down means that everyone can know how the
composer wished it to sound, and can allow people playing different instruments to play the same
piece at the same time.
“Oh. I did not think of it like that.” She paused before getting to the point of why she came in to
see her brothers. “Will you read me a story? Papa is not here, I think he is with Uncle Stanley
and Uncle Theo at the Bull, and Kasan is feeding the dogs, so will you read to me?”
160. “Of course.” Replied Stuart. “Who did you want to read to you?”
“Both of you,” Replied Emmi without hesitation.
The two boys looked at each other. “I think that we can do that, can we not Stuart?” Asked
Bertie.
“Anything for our little sister.” Replied the younger boy.
161. The two brothers followed Emina up to her room, where they read her a story, sharing the roles
of the characters between them.
162. While his sons were reading his daughter her story, Eddie was explaining about the contents of
the letter and where his ex-wife was now, to Theo and Stanley over a pint.
“Do you believe that there is any truth to what Uncle Henry alleges?” Asked Theo as Eddie
finished his tale.
163. “Truthfully? I do not know.” Replied Eddie after taking a sip of his drink. “I know that she is a
manipulative cow, who cared more for my position as head of the family than anything else. It is
conceivable that she encouraged him to seek the heirship if he told her it was as good as his, but
as to whether she could be privy to attempted murder? That seems far fetched, and besides, I
do not want to believe it.”
164. “Well, you know her better than I,” agreed Theo, “and I do not fault you for not wanting to believe
it.”
“Yes, she is still the mother of two of my children, and nothing will change that. It is bad enough
that she has already tarnished the name of the family and their reputations with her shenanigans
before our divorce. If it turns out that she is guilty of this as well...” Eddie finished his drink while
Theo and Stanley made sympathetic noises.
165. Sensing that now would be a good time to change the subject, Stanley started, “speaking of your
sons, when is it that Bertie, Andrew and Peter leave for New Simbridge?”
“End of the week.” Replied Eddie.
“Ah, they are going to enjoy it so much. I still look back on our time there with great fondness.
We had a lot of laughs.”
166. “We did, did we not?” Agreed Theo. “Late nights at the Campus Lounge, staggering back
through the town, dances with the ladies of the Acadamie, that time you fell into the river,
Stanley. We had a lot of fun, and now our sons are going to experience the same.” Theo’s face
suddenly fell and he looked at Eddie in shock.
167. “Eddie, our sons are going to university. They are no longer children.”
Eddie stared back at him. “Yes. When Bertie returns, he will take over from me as heir.” He
lapsed into silence.
168. Stanley looked from one friend to the other as they sat there stunned. “I believe it is my round.
Drink old chaps?” He asked.
“YES!” Came the unanimous reply.
***
169. The morning of Bertie, Peter and Andrew’s departure soon arrived. Bertie had changed his mind
so many times about whether or not to go the night before, that one of his trunks had been
partially unpacked and repacked to the point where his clothes in it were no longer folded nicely
and he had had to ask Stuart to sit on it in order for him to be able to get the lock closed. He was
now pacing the hall, waiting for the carriage that would take him to the train station to arrive.
170. “Bertie, you will be fine.” Stated Stuart, stepping into his path as he made his way towards the
French windows again..
Bertie attempted to smile at him. “It is all going to be so different.”
Stuart nodded, and tried to keep the frustration out of his voice when he spoke. It had been a
long night. “Yes it will, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Life cannot stay static, things have
to change. You were worried about having another sibling if I recall, and look how well that
turned out”
171. Bertie’s smile became genuine. “You always know exactly what to say to make me feel better.”
his smile faded again. “I am really going to miss you not being in the next room.”
“I am going to miss you too.” Stuart pulled him into a hug.
172. Seeing Stuart hug Bertie, Emmi decided that she also wanted to hug her oldest brother, and soon
the rest of the family were saying their farewells to him.
173. “You will be fine Bertie. You will soon settle into the halls, and start to meet the other residents. I
know you are going to do me proud.” Said Eddie.
“What if I do not?” Asked Bertie quietly.
“You will. You always do.”
174. A warm feeling blossomed in Bertie’s chest, but almost immediately it was replaced by an icy chill
as he thought that what if this time, he failed his father?
175. He didn’t have time to dwell on it though, since almost as soon as Eddie pulled him into a hug,
Stuart announced that he thought the carriage had arrived.
176. It had indeed, complete with Andrew and Peter who had been picked up first. The two Harrison
boys leant a hand with loading Bertie’s trunks into the carriage, all the while chatting away. “The
journey should not take long at all, and we are all in the same halls which is nice. You alright
there Andrew?”
“No, I could do with a hand, this is heavy, what have you got in here Bertie?”
“Good.” Peter skilfully ignored what his brother had just said. “Papa has already given us
directions to the library as well as the science department, oh and once Mom had intervened the
Campus Lounge and Student Union too. I am certain that we will soon find our way around the
college and the town though.”
As he listened to his friend chat, Bertie’s nerves and worries lessened, and he felt far happier
than he had believed possible when he finally clambered aboard the coach.
177. With Bertie’s trunks loaded up, there was time for one more farewell, before the three friends
squeezed into the carriage as well. The driver cracked the reins and the coach lurched as they
set off on their journey.
178. As Stuart watched the coach drive down the road, he suddenly felt completely lost. In that
moment, all the frustration he had ever felt towards his brother melted away to be replaced by an
emptiness. For as long as he could remember, he had supported and encouraged Bertie, but,
even though Simbridge and the university was not that far away, it was far enough away that he
would not see his brother everyday, or even once a week. He did not know what he would do
with himself without Bertie around.
179. This is where chapter 23.2 ends I’m afraid. Although I’m not really because you see that ^ that
means that only two years and one month after I sent his father, my generation five heir is finally
at university and I can start to get on with the plot I’ve had planned since he was born. This
makes me very happy.
Thank you all for reading, I hope you have enjoyed it. Thanks also to the creators of my cc and
extra thanks goes out to those of you who have leant me sims, whether it be your simself or a
legacy sim. (If you didn’t catch it, the two sisters in the park were Azula and Elle Fitzhugh from
Marina (smoothiequeen84) Villainous Apocalypse. You will be seeing more of them later). HUGE
thanks go to Cait, (charris) for Bethany’s beautiful, beautiful dress (pictures do not do it justice, I
tell you), and the perma-loan of Ezra too.
Join me soon for fun at university with Bertie and the gang. Until then, happy simming.
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