[K][T] and Family Ch. 06

I found it a bit odd myself. Open acceptance is much more Christine's virtue than mine. Since it was a serious question, reaching to my center, I sat Sean down, kissed him, then explained as clearly as I could. I trusted him and I trusted our decision. Putting it in plain words sounded lame, even to my ears, but Sean seemed to get the gist. In any event, he proposed again, which was sweet. I accepted, but told him that my sexual activities would not all be marital.

Sean must have already considered the matter, because he agreed immediately, provided it was just other women. That small joke lightened the mood. Sean plunged on to suggest three in a bed, which I had not considered. It was something to consider, though Sean was at least partly in jest. His next comment was not. He told me that I would bear all of his children. I was about to cry when Sean pinched my butt, causing me to jump up. He tends to joke about important things, but that was a bit much.

After the shower, we ritually dried each other, then Sean helped me with the corset. I understand many men consider corsets very exciting, but Sean was not one of them. I think he looked forward to when a bay made bustiers and corsets impossible. I did a as well, but with more ambivalence. Whatever his thinking, Sean refused to do more than tie off the strings. I would need them tightened later.

Once the corset was in place, Sean left me to finish. I chose a sensible bra and a yellow sun dress. There was no reason not to wear my stockings and garters, but I did, and wore athletic shoes over them. I gathered my hair into a scrunchie and decided I would do. Sean had pulled on khaki slacks, a blue golf shirt and loafers. Before he decided that we were ready for the country club, I lifted the dress to show my lack of undies. Sean winked, which made me warm all over. Sometimes predictable is good.

Our first stop was Security, for the mysterious package. I suspected Francine, since she thinks of herself as a practical joker. As with other things, Francine sometimes succeeds through hard work rather than talent. Compared to Christine, Francine was strictly Little League. The thought amused me and Sean noticed. The story of the Tuesday morning waitress gave us something to talk about.

Normal procedure would have the package delivered through the mailroom at Richards Enterprises, which has mail inspection scanners. Given that the package was to my attention, with reference to the wedding, Gerald decided to kick the decision to Sean. We both looked at an image of the box and said, "Francine." Sean nodded to Gerald, who signaled a tech. Inside the box were three pairs of pregnancy pants and a 36 E nursing bra—about what I expected.

I would have sworn to kill Francine for ruining my good mood, but Sean intervened. He said, "My house. My privilege. You may rely on me and mine for this." Remembering Mario, I was happy to let it go at that. It reminded me of something.

I told Sean, "There was a point in the scene with Jason where I touched the end of his cock with the end of a crop. Jason's knees buckled. He would have fallen, had not Paul and Richard caught him. The moment was too good to pass. I said, 'Dear boy, you must learn to trust me to take care of these little details. If I were to want you to fall, you would fall. As you will have noticed, Richard and Paul have had training in handling hobbled men.'"

Sean's face was worth Francine's dud of a joke. He was appalled, pleased and fiercely proud all at once. I love my Teddybear, partly because there is a real bear inside. His only comment, "You're right. I'll let Jo do it. She's been itching for days." His smile was so wicked the security tech flinched. Even more interesting was Gerald's quickly concealed smile. Parsing video of Gerald meeting Herr Gunter would be worth some lingering, which raised a point. I asked, "Gerald, where will we have sound coverage versus video only." Sean rolled his eyes, but understanding your own security is basic.

Sean had an idea. I was going to ask, but he waved me back while pulling out his phone. After a few calls, he came back. He said, "Gerald, Sheila will need a place to work. I just ordered her a platform and software suite. Where should we put it?" Sean was baiting me by asking Gerald. I would also have asked, after discussing it with Sean, but it was a decoy. Sean is usually more subtle, so the workstation was pricey. Marry a millionaire and he will spend money on you.

This was something I could use for my new job, which made it not just business, but my business. I was about to ask exactly what Sean had ordered when I realized there was no good place to put it. Point for Sean. The three of us settled into a discussion, which eventually cost Siobhan her usual room. I did not think she would mind. She still had her room in the old house. Within a month or two, Christine would be across the hall, next to the eventual nursery. Unless things with Herr Gunter progressed rapidly, I foresaw a lot of tip-toeing between bedrooms.

Sean had a different tack, which I understandably missed. He was worried about bandwidth and security. Richards Enterprises used a T1 cable, but were considering an upgrade to optical. There were questions about how easily a dedicated line could be installed. In my previous experience, simple wireless had been sufficient. Secure material had been handled by hard copy. We were well into that discussion when I realized that Sean had been more subtle than I had given him credit. He was not just ordering a workstation. He was ordering me a full home office. I would not have to face-to-face unless I wished it. I love my Teddybear.

It was about that point when the tech came carrying a box of brown bag lunches. I slept through breakfast and the dinner in Manhattan had been early. My stomach growled. Sean looked over and Gerald looked embarrassed. Before Gerald tried to play host, I nodded toward the door. Both men agreed with good grace. Somehow I had lost a whole morning, but there was still time to see the fair.

Once I began studying dance, my weekends were taken. Until then, my father took me to the county fair most years. Riding the twirling cups is one of my earliest memories. My initial comment, less than a week before, had been a wish. Sean, Siobhan and the staff had made it reality. I not only wanted to see it, I wanted a corndog.

Siobhan:

I will never know where that morning went. After I had the spat with Francine, details claimed me. Most of my answers were "Yes, go ahead." or "No, wait a while." Someone had to say when, and I had been delegated. Much as I resented having the whole Event dumped in my lap, I loved it. It was like driving Shadow, my BMW. I steered and controlled the pace, but the power came from the machine, my machine. It was a good metaphor. Everything responded to my direction like my car to the wheel.

I could have gone on for hours, except Elspeth returned with Maria. The scene, when Elspeth met Maria, was one for the books. Maria is a shy undereducated Hispanic girl, from a middle class Catholic family. Elspeth is Boston aristocracy, with roots back to the first wave puritans. Maria was very conservative in many ways, while Elspeth was stereotypically liberal. There were sparks on contact, not because they were different. Now that I knew what to look for, both girls reacted the same way to authority.

I let them have their initial reactions, then told them to quiet down on pain of my displeasure. Both licked their lips and considered asking for punishment. I stared them into submission, which both girls recognized in the other. Their second look was one of recognition and commiseration. When I pulled out my credit card, Elspeth's antennae perked up. I told her to get a driver and outfit Maria for the wedding. I told Elspeth she had two hours, three hundred dollars and not to spend her own money.

They had just left when my phone played the Hollies He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, Sean's ring tone. In a couple of sentences, he flipped my whole day over. Then he made it up to me by saying retribution was mine to deliver. Sweet.

My face must have said something, because Christine reacted. When I told her that Francine had sent Sheila maternity clothes and a nursing bra, she was appreciative. When I said the package had been timed to arrive today, she slapped her forehead. When I said that it had been handled as a bomb, she winced and covered her face, then started shaking with laughter. At no point did she utter a sound. It was eerie.

Again, my face must have shown something. Christine held her fist out and said, "Window." I pieced that together and told her to get things ready. She grinned at me, then left at a run. I stared after her, shaking my head. Some submissive. As badly as I would fear Sheila's displeasure, Christine was worse. I would never see the pie before it hit my face, but there would be an audience and cameras recording.

Chapter 20—Media Circus

Interlude: 25^th Anniversary

Cindy:

What to say about the party, or should I call it the Fair? That's Mom's word for it. She made a point of taking me, later us, to the county fair every year. Living in the county seat makes that easy, but it was a big deal for her. When I was eight, she and Dad took us to the Meadowlands for the State Fair. I think it was Mom's first time, because she wanted to try everything. I was a third grader going, "This ain't nuttin'.", but it didn't dampen her enthusiasm. Mom has this incredible ability to live in the moment.

Anyway, you see the pictures, maybe some video from YouTube, but everyone says you had to be at the wedding fair to believe it. God knows enough people were there—and enough reporters covering them.

Saturday edition—Central New Jersey Beacon

Today is the day of the much anticipated wedding of local businessman Sean Richards and photo-image consultant Sheila Schwartz. The wedding will feature horse drawn carriages, handled by Amish drivers. Traffic along the route (see map inset) will be restricted from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. For additional coverage, look for a special insert section in tomorrow's edition.

Saturday, 8:32 AM—Michael.Gordon@wsj.com

Winsome one,

I enjoyed last night immensely. The food was passé, but the company was superb.

Do you wish a ride to the parking area? I have a car and the taxi service will be flooded. In any event, I look forward to seeing you in a long dress. I think my tux looks quite dashing, so I can be your arm candy.

MG

Saturday, 8:51 AM—Smithwin@Bloomberg.net

Michael,

Sweet talker. Are you trying to sweep me off my feet? Comments like that will make me blush, behind my fan of course. That would be perfect for this never-to-be-sufficiently-damned dress. The costumer suggested a girdle, but I think an outright corset was more what is needed.

Considering my head this morning, you were a gentleman beyond the call. Thank you. You may pick me up at 2:00.

Win

Saturday, 12:47 PM—wilsonrandall@uniquebride.com

The level of preparation is staggering, especially considering the four day time frame. This should give you the lay of the land.

At least an acre of the grounds is converted into a carnival sideshow. In the center is a genuine merry-go-round. Surrounding it are game booths, food booths, performer booths and makeup booths. Food will be cold, except for fresh baked bread and pastries, supplied by the Amish. One attraction is a large ice cream churn employing a vintage diesel motor. Drinks will be tea, lemonade and vintage soda.

On one flank is a toddler and infant care area, with changing and nursing areas and a petting zoo. On another side is an array of outdoor games suitable to the early 20^th century: volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, croquet, quoits. I'm dying to see the quoits. I had to look it up. On the third side is the lake. Anchored a dozen feet offshore is a covered flatboat, where the ceremony will take place. Tied to the pier is a small fleet of paddle boats and canoes. Life preservers and safety measures are up to modern standards. Two former Coast Guard sailors are standing by for rescue, if necessary.

The final side is the house. An area has been leveled and covered with gravel. Many tables are set up. Each has fresh flowers and a sunshade. Between the house and this dining veranda is the outdoor dance area, which is the original patio for the Ballroom. As I write, the band is playing warm up songs. Their uniforms are in step with Music Director, Dr. Michael Foxworth. He is doing an impression of John Philip Sousa—in full costume, including facial hair and directorial style. It is an act he and various bands have performed for several years. Wedding photographer Justin Immons, of Immons Images, has four video cameras recording the performance, in addition to an antique glass plate camera and a Brownie box.

The ceremony will photographed from a preexisting gazebo. Mr. Immons has both digital and tape video cameras, a Nikon 853 and a Hasselblad film camera, which appears to be Mr. Immons personal favorite. A row of reflectors is set up near the water. These are angled so that at 6:00 PM they will illuminate the interior of the flatboat. In addition to the stationary reflectors, Mr. Immons has a targetable reflector available to use as a spotlight. No flash will be employed.

In the house, there are three principle breakdowns—entrance/gift deposit/bar, social lounges, ballroom. The foyer of the house will serve multiple functions. There is a cloak and hat room, which will be attended. In addition to the obvious, women may bring extra shoes for the ball. On the left, as guests enter, are tables for their gifts. To the right, closed during the arrivals, is the bar. When the ceremony begins, the gifts will be collected. During the reception and Ball, the staff will open them and prepare a card for signature. The gifts will be back on display as guests exit. The bar will serve whiskey and mixers, coffee and a homemade cream liqueur. The whiskey is American, distilled in an Irish style. Mr. Richards purchased a whole cask, which is in a cradle behind the bar.

There are three social rooms—the smoking lounge, the parlor and the library. The smoking room is intended for men, the parlor for women and the library for either. No smoking will be permitted in the house. The smoking lounge has a patio area, with standing height tables for ash trays and pipe rests. The parlor has several stuffed chairs and sofas. Tea and shortbread will be served. The library is exactly as the name indicates, though talking is permitted as no one will be studying.

The ballroom needs little explanation. The dance floor is about the size of a roller rink, with a raised area for the orchestra. These will be the same musicians as the afternoon band, but with instrument changes. Dr. Foxworth will continue to perform as Sousa. Evidently, this is accurate to the period. While known as a march writer, Sousa also conducted dance and orchestra music extensively.

The entire production will be done without house current electricity. While it is available, the wiring of the house dates to the 1920s. Instead, battery powered LED lights will be used in place of candles. As the guests leave, several hundred paper bag luminaries will line the drive. Other period details include a bride and groom centerpiece made of bread, a groom's cake and an untiered brides cake using only pure white icing. Confections will be sugared nuts and candied fruit. After much discussion, champagne will not be served. Instead, the beverages will be iced and hot tea, coffee and lemonade.

Much has been made of the Amish connection. In addition to driving the carriages, they are doing the baking, running some of the booths and providing child care. Inside the boathouse is a vintage lake yacht The Other Shoe, which is undergoing a complete refit. Several Amish men are working on the project. Many of the prizes are Amish handcrafts. One side note—the Amish men are impressed with Mr. Richards' pipe tobacco.

Saturday, 1:17 PM—costellof.centraljerseybeacon@clearwire.net

We have been impressed with Sean Richards for years. It is time to take his outgrown little sister seriously. Make no mistake, this is her party. Sean Richards is paying the bills and Sheila Schwartz had the original motif, but Dr. Siobhan Richards is making it happen.

Everyone knows about the Amish and their buggies. They are also providing the baked goods, manning food booths, providing childcare services and supplying prizes for the games. Also deeply involved is a collection of companies owned by Francine Martel, providing signage, costuming, performers and some sort of consulting services. Some college volunteers and members of Richards' house and grounds staff have supplied most of the practical expertise, though the Amish were also invaluable in this area. Richards Enterprises supplied the carousal, manpower through its temp service, catering and equipment through its events division and logistical support. Dr. Richards managed to get the motley collection to work effectively together.

Given the interest and impact of this wedding, the outlay will be extremely modest. Expenditures will reach well into six figures, but not approach seven. Compare, for example, the cost of a more normal wedding using a Manhattan cathedral and the Four Seasons or Tavern on the Green. The Amish are almost a metaphor for the handcrafted nature of this event.

I have seen a picture of the bride in her dress. To quote my granddaughter, Oh My God.

Saturday, 2:44 PM—johnsontayl@columbiapictures.net

I am glad you managed an invitation. Security here is carnivorous, with good reason. There are supposedly only 200 invitations. They are good for a date or spouse and children. Period. The line for carriages was half a block long when mine pulled out.

I have never been to one of our shoots, but I would expect it to look like this. Lord only knows where they found the clothes, but a remarkable percentage of the attendees are in costume, for better or worse, sometimes much worse. Some of the attempts are comical.

I mentioned Siobhan Richards in my previous note. That is an impressive woman. She was supervising everything, but seems to have disappeared, perhaps to get dressed. The bride and groom are still in hiding, not that I blame them. Rumor has it that they came out early to see their circus, but left when the crowd started arriving. I have word from the staff that Curtis Albrecht, Richards' Enterprises head counsel, will be meeting me shortly. He is also the Best Man, so this may be brief.

Chapter 21—Circus Circus

Interlude: 25^th Anniversary

Cindy:

Mom managed to get a brief look at the Fair, but she needed to get her hair and makeup done. She refers to it as wardrobe, which it was. Aunt Francine supplied Broadway level talent for the event. Dad says she billed it at ten bucks an hour, so we will never know what it cost. The actual dressing room was Aunt Jo's childhood bedroom, on the second floor. That's where the window scene occurred.

Siobhan:

Sean discovered Christine and Sheila gave her a place. I always wished I had been there first, because Christine fit me like a glove. I told her to get things prepared for a giving Francine a little comeuppance. She went to my room, rearranged the furniture and returned. I managed to forget the whole affair until Elspeth returned with Maria. Elspeth and payback are linked in my mind.