Mike & Karen Ch. 26

Karen stopped in the Hall of Ancestors and glanced around, feeling the centuries of eyes and expectations bearing down on her. She frowned back at them all.

You don't frighten me anymore. I am greater than all of you. Just you watch, you old ogres...

She headed upstairs and to her suite of rooms. On her bed, she'd laid out the clothes she'd be greeting Jenny in. And knowing her friend, Jenny would be dressed in what could only be described as 'posh casual'... expensive jeans, stylish ankle boots, a cashmere sweater, and a short jacket with a fur lining at the neck to protect against the late March wind. It had always been her favourite attire in this kind of weather.

In minutes, she was changed into her chosen outfit, a richly patterned skirt suit of dark chocolate colour, and assessed herself in the mirror. It was much darker than her shining bronze hair, and it made her golden-amber eyes even more vivid. Jenny will love this look...

She exited her room, now feeling supremely composed. She reached the main staircase and began her descent into the grand foyer. The staff was already lined up, waiting for her, and she could see the awe in many of their eyes as she approached them. Good. That was the reaction she was hoping for.

"Are we ready?" she asked as she approached the crew, with Tatyana standing in front of them.

The seneschal nodded respectfully. "We await your instructions, ma'am."

"Hang tight, then," Karen said, heading over to the doors. Dave left the line and opened the large double doors for her, allowing Karen to stand on the white stone steps. He left the doors open, per her instructions, and resumed his place in the line. She waited patiently, looking out at the front lot of her family's property, and down the long driveway. She kept her hands clasped behind her back.

There it was.

The limo taxi turned off the Bridle Path and slowly made its way up the driveway. It seemed to crawl toward her, and Karen's heart was almost in her throat. The windows were tinted, she couldn't see inside, but Jenny could no doubt see her by now. It felt unfair somehow. Karen swallowed the absurd feeling, remaining still and simply smiling.

Slowly, tortuously slowly, the limo pulled up near the steps and then idled for several seconds before the smartly-uniformed driver got out and opened the rear door. Karen tried not to fidget, holding still. Her hands held a tiny remote control, keeping it concealed.

She bit her inner lip as a beautiful, elegant blonde got out of the back seat and stood, thanking the driver. Jenny's hair was done up in a classy chignon on the back of her head. She was wearing a short jacket with a white fur collar against the late March chill, while her lower half was indeed poured into chic jeans, and she was wearing the ankle boots she'd always seemed to favour.

The limo pulled away, and as Jenny turned to come up the stairs, looking at her hostess and trying to hide a smile, Karen pressed the button on her tiny remote. Immediately, the speakers at the doors began playing a brass fanfare, and she allowed herself a smirk at the jest between them. Jenny smiled and shook her head, rolling her eyes.

The embrace they shared was endlessly deeper in emotion than the simple act could have conveyed to onlookers. They didn't even try to hide the trembling from one another as they hugged each other close. There were no words, just a long-overdue embrace and hearts beating.

"Welcome back, Jen..." Karen whispered so that her voice didn't crack.

"I can't believe it's you," Jen said, faring not quite as well, her voice trembling. "It's really you, you're in my arms again."

"With any luck, there will be a lot of that from now on," Karen said, resting her forehead against Jen's and closing her eyes. Jen sniffled and nodded. "It's been thirty years, but it feels like it hasn't been a day."

"And I promise," the English girl said quietly. "This time, I won't run away..."

There were many seconds of silence as they held one another by the upper arms and kept their foreheads pressed, eyes closed. It could have been ten seconds, it could have been ten thousand years. What intrigued Karen was that she had one of the most important people in her life back, and she loved her so very dearly. But she didn't feel at all conflicted.

She almost laughed. How could she be?

"I have a suggestion then, if you're amenable, my dear countess," she said finally. Jenny didn't reply, she just nodded. "Let's just work on the premise that even though we've had our own lives, these thirty years apart never happened. There is nothing I want more for us than our familiarity and closeness."

"God, Kat, that is the best idea I've heard in nearly thirty years," Jen said, looking up and smiling. Her eyes were still shining with potential tears, but the smile was a bright and delighted one. "Please, let's do that. I'm dying for it."

"Then let me start showing you what you've missed while we catch up," Karen said, smirking and nodded. "Ready to meet the staff?"

Jenny returned the smirk, her sassy, confident demeanour returning. "Lead the way, Kat."

Karen took her friend's arm and they walked through the large doors together. The staff was still waiting, lined up to the side so that they had not seen the emotional exchange out front, in case Jenny was emotional. The pair came to a stop in front of Tatyana, still arm-in-arm.

"Everyone," Karen said in her lyrical but commanding voice. "I want you all to meet my old and dear, dear friend, Lady Jennifer Penrose, Countess of Greymoor, mistress of Heatherly Hall in Devonshire, and one of Her Majesty's most celebrated nobles."

The staff all seemed too stunned to move, let alone speak. Ever the normally unflappable Tatyana seemed to have no idea what to say. They all just stared. Jenny glanced back and forth between them all, while Karen just raised an eyebrow. Finally, Tatyana spoke.

"Lady Greymoor," she said, bowing, her hands folded in front of herself. "We are honoured."

The rest of the staff all bowed as well. Jenny nodded her head pleasantly and smiled her dazzling, genial smile. How Karen had missed it! "Thank you all for your hospitality. Kat, may I greet them individually? You know I'm not terribly big on formality unless Liz is involved."

"I remember," Karen said easily, nodding. "Do what thou wilt, Penrose."

Jenny took Tatyana's hands in hers, clasping them. "You, madame, are a welcome change from my own seneschal, who has all the personality of a meat freezer. I am Jenny."

"Deeply honoured, Lady Penrose," replied Tatyana, bowing her head. "I am Tatyana Orlova, and I am at your service."

Jenny nodded and moved around Tatyana, to the line of servants behind her. She stopped in front of Dave, who was at the end of the line and smiled, assessing him. "The gruff and responsible one, are you?"

He nodded his head respectfully. He'd never met a titled person before, but he had a pretty good idea how Mrs. DeBourne would want him to respond. "I'm just Dave, Lady Greymoor. Senior landscaper. Welcome to Blackwell Manor."

"Oh, I've been to Blackshack before, my dear, but it has been some decades," she lilted in her easy tone. "Thirty years and change, I was but newly arrived into womanhood. But thank you, for the welcome."

She moved over to Tunde, who tried to not swallow. She assessed him for a moment. "Good sir, where in South Africa do you hail from?"

He swallowed. "Tongaat, my lady, a village outside Vryheid."

"You are Zulu, yes?" she asked.

"I am, but I have been here in Canada for some years now," Tunde confirmed. "I am Yolatunde Ontekone, the junior landscaper, but please call me Tunde."

"Happily, Tunde, and thank you," she said pleasantly. She stopped in front of Marie, observed her for several seconds and closed her eyes, thinking.

"I swear I know you or have seen you somewhere," Jenny said softly. "But not locally. Where do I know you from?"

Marie smiled sheepishly. "You have perhaps seen me with gardens I have had a hand in creating in various European magazines?"

"That's it, yes!" Jenny exclaimed, her brown eyes dancing. "I have seen your work. What is your name, my dear?"

"Marie, madame," said the woman in the glasses, bowing her head. She'd met enough European nobility over the years to know the drill. "Marie Jezequel."

"You are Breton, with a name like that."

Marie nodded. "From Aur ay, ma'am, yes."

"I've never learned Breton, so hopefully you can make do with my pitiful French when we talk about gardens, then," Jenny said in flawless Parisian French, clasping the smaller woman's hands. She moved on, stopping now in front of Ari, who was wearing a jewel-tone dress shirt over nice jeans. His dark hair was sculpted in a perfect fade. "Well, aren't you a sharp one."

"Thank you, countess," he said, nodding. "I'm Ari, and I'm in charge of the manor's cybersecurity. Mrs. DeBourne instructed me to make sure your devices were secured to the network for your privacy and safety. We can do that whenever your ready."

"Hm, is that all you have planned for us?" Jenny asked coyly, smiling at the young man while Karen rolled her eyes. Down the line, Valentina giggled.

"I beg your pardon, ma'am?" Ari said, looking confused.

Jenny raised an eyebrow for a moment, looking Ari up and down. "Why Ari... do you shoot mink from the hip?"

He looked even more confused. "What?"

"Do you bash the shuttlecock from the feathered end?" she pressed.

"Countess, I have no idea what you're asking me," he confessed, still perplexed.

"Jeebus, Ari, the countess is asking if you like boys," Andrea sighed, shaking her head. "And you're supposed to be the trendy one in our little family."

"Oh," Ari said, blushing and rubbing the back of his head. "Y-yes, countess, I happen to be gay."

"Jenny, stop molesting my cyberguru," Karen called, drawing a giggle from Jenny, who winked at Ari and moved on, now standing in front of Glenda.

The chauffeuse stood smartly and nodded politely, her smile genuine. She'd met many, many aristocrats before. "Lady Penrose, an honour. I'm Glenda, I'm the chauffeuse."

"They have updated their limo since the last time I was here thirty years ago, yes?" Jenny asked, smirking. "You can never tell with these colonial types."

"Penrose!" Karen objected, and several people laughed. Glenda smiled. "I will no doubt spend most of my time taking you around in the Maybach or the Bentley, my lady, both of them new and kitted out with very nice bars."

"Well, you know the way to a girl's heart," Jenny laughed.

Theresa was next, and she promised Jenny a wonderful welcoming dinner. She next stood in front of Andrea, who was slightly taller than her. Per instructions from Karen earlier, she was still wearing her work clothes from earlier in the day.

"Well now, the heart and soul of the operation who keeps everything running," Jenny mused, looking the rangy blonde up and down. She liked what she saw.

"I wouldn't go that far, countess," Andrea said, blushing. Dammit! She thought only Mike and Karen DeBourne could make her blush. "I'm Andrea, chief mechanic, electrician, auto mechanic, and plumber for the estate. Honoured to meet you."

"The feeling's mutual, lovey," Jenny almost purred, giving everyone nearby a tingle. "I hope I never see you in another outfit..."

Trilby was next, and she stood up straight, although she wasn't sure why. She'd clipped her long hair back, so that it wasn't hanging around her face. But she was still wearing her Lennon shades.

"I'm not surprised that Kat has a rebel in her crew," Jenny mused. "Can we possibly get along, my dear? I would hate to have you think of me as an enemy of the people."

Trilby shrugged and nodded. "Y'seem nice. I'm Trilby, by the way, senior housekeeper. Might be kinda fun to have you around."

"You have no idea yet how fun I can be, young lady," Jenny confirmed before moving on the last person in the line, and the shortest member of the crew. She stood in front of Valentina and looked at her intently. As instructed, Val had put on the 'naughty' French maid outfit that she loved to wear for Karen and Mike, signifying her as their 'servant', and not just a member of the staff. It was an important distinction in her mind. Her large bust was pushed up by her top and showing massive cleavage, while the frilled skirt was very short, allowing flashes of her panties when she moved a certain way.

She was also wearing the little lace kitty ears she loved so much. The lace choker with the glittering stone that she habitually wore graced her throat.

"Well, now," Jenny mused, assessing Val closely. Val tried to not squirm under the scrutiny, or turn red. Jenny slowly walked around her, as if she were examining a prize mare, looking at Val's pert butt, barely hidden by the short skirt. She came around to the front again, gazing into Valentina's eyes.

"Good choice, Kat," Jenny stated, making Val's eyes widen in shock as the blonde woman gently took her by the chin and opened her mouth, looking inside. "Strong gums and teeth, a sign of excellent health."

"She's my housemaid and attendant, Penrose, not a racing filly," Karen sighed loudly, wishing she'd anticipated Jen trolling her like this. Several members of the staff restrained snickers, and even Tatyana smirked.

"What is your name, my dear?" Jen asked, still looking in Val's mouth, holding it open.

"Vaffudiffuf, coufduff," the short brunette tried to say. Andrea broke down laughing, as did Ari and Dave.

Karen just shut her eyes and shook her head.

"Come again, darling?" Jenny said, releasing Val's mouth. The brunette pressed her lips shut with her fingers and ran her tongue over her teeth before replying.

"Valentina, countess. I'm... I'm Mr. and Mrs. DeBourne's personal attendant, and the junior housekeeper, after Tril."

"It's going to take some getting used to, Kat, hearing you get called anything except Gordon," Jenny remarked, looking back at Karen and winking.

"Not as much as you might think," Karen answered resignedly.

"So... you're a real, live countess?" Val asked Jenny, drawing looks from down the line from her co-workers.

"Would you prefer a fake, dead countess?" Jenny answered, making Val blush and Karen suppress a giggle. She'd once given the same answer to the question many decades ago, with another dear friend, a lifetime away. "Should I change my name to Princess Caraboo?"

"So, like... not that I have a problem with it, mind, but do we have to curtsy every time we're around you?" Val queried. "I just want to get it right."

Jenny smiled. "Are you required to bow or curtsy every time Kat is simply nearby?"

Val shook her head. Jenny stepped back slightly and looked up and down the line levelly. "You lot all need to understand something, then," she announced in a firm but not unkind voice. "Ekaterina Leda Gloriana DeBourne, née Gordon, comes from one of the oldest families in the British Empire, hence the western world. She can trace her roots back to before the Norman conquest, and even I can't do that."

The staff all listened intently as Jenny went and stood beside her long-lost and oldest friend again. She continued: "She may or may not have told you that the branch of her family still in England, the Blackwells, are titled the Marquess of Hastings, and the earls of Bolingbroke, amongst many others. They are a big deal. And but for a simple, legal change in inheritance, she would now be a marchioness back home. In Scotland, her Gordon family are the Marquesses of Huntley, chiefs of the Scottish peers."

She looked up and down the line. "If you are not already bowing and curtsying any time this lady is within ten meters of you, then I expect no better treatment than you currently give her. I am simply Jenny, and I am grateful to know you."

The staff all smiled and clapped, and Jenny bowed gracefully, her arms spreading out and one foot touching forward. Karen had always loved her friend's common touch. She now stepped in and started giving instructions. "Jenny and I have thirty years to catch up on, so we will be in the Wellington Study. Miss Orlova, prepare a White Lady for the countess, please, and I'll have the same. I'll see you all after a bit."

She took Jenny arm and they turned and walked off, while the staff all bowed, waiting until they were gone. Tatyana then turned and looked at her people. "I understand that Lady Penrose said we need not be fancy in addressing her, but what she wishes in this case does not count. Mrs. DeBourne will want her friend treated with great respect."

The staff all nodded, even Trilby the rebellious hippie, and Theresa, who was American.

"I never want to hear a paltry 'ma'am' or 'Miss Penrose' from any of you," Tatyana continued. "She is to be addressed as 'Lady Penrose', 'Lady Greymoor', 'my lady', or 'countess' at all times. A respectful nod will suffice for when she is addressing you, but bow if it's important. Because it's important to Mrs. DeBourne."

She looked at Trilby and Valentina. "I think you two had best curtsy when you can, since you wear skirts. Miss Prospero, our employer may want you to also act as handmaid, if you will, to our guest, as a sign of respect. Is this a problem? Be honest."

Val shook her head. "No, ma'am. I'll carry out any instructions willingly."

"Bet you will," Andrea said quietly through the side of her mouth, smirking, and causing a few of her co-workers to stifle snickers. Val glanced at Andrea, pretended to scowl, and stuck out her tongue.

"Okay, you lot," Tatyana said, smiling. "We'll be going about our duties, but be ready in case I have need of you. Anyone could be called for a special circumstance we have not anticipated, so don't disappear. Miss Prospero, Trilby, follow me and I shall show you how to make the drinks requested. Dismissed."

The staff all nodded and dispersed to the various duties. Theresa headed to the kitchen quickly, since the midday meal was still needing to be finished. Val and Trilby waited quietly. Tatyana looked at them both. "While I do not have the time right now to make sommeliers out of you, I have no doubt that you will be getting crash courses from myself and Mr. Winson in how to prepare very specific drinks on a regular basis and will need to know about ingredients. Come with me to the spirits basement, ladies..."

***

Karen led Jenny down the Hall of Ancestors, still holding her arm, and the blonde woman glanced around at the busts and portraits that surrounded the two women, looking down on them, judging them.

"God, Kat, I'd almost forgotten," Jenny mused. "And you have to walk down this horrid hall every day. It's even worse than the wall of my progenitors back at the old family hovel."

"You know my family, they've never half-assed anything," Karen sighed as they walked. She held out her free hand and flipped off Griffin Blackwell without looking as they walked by him. Jenny giggled at her beloved friend's rebellion against tradition, but Karen smirked. "Oh, I still moon them when no one is around to catch me, I assure you."

"I remember doing that with you," Jenny laughed. "I didn't even know which Blackwell I was showing my bum to, but I was determined to show solidarity and repudiate the patriarchy."

"Then we'll have to do that later, because we have our own traditions to maintain," Karen said airily as they arrived at the Wellington Study, and she gestured for Jenny to enter. They walked to the long, plush antique chesterfield and sat down together. They turned into the face one another, holding hands and staring into one another's eyes.

Jenny bit her lip. "Thank you, Kat, for this. For... everything. I feel like a big hole in my life that I've always just plastered over is going to be healed."