The Luckiest Man Alive

Chapter 1

Genealogy

Stephen Lake was sitting at home in Berkshire one evening when his mobile rang; looking at the display he saw it was his Daughter Alex-

Hi Honey

Hi Dad, are you doing anything special next weekend?

Nothing much although Amanda has rounds on Saturday morning as usual, why?

Well you know I have been researching the family tree? I have been contacted by a man in France who thinks that we may be related to his family and he’s invited us for the weekend to his home!

Doesn’t that seem a little strange to you? asked Steve,

We have been talking together for a few weeks and he does seem very genuine. He has offered to pay for flights and reimburse any costs that we incur in the journey

Really, whereabouts in France?

He wants to meet at a place called Chalus, which is just south of Limoges, I have looked it up and it’s actually not that far from where Uncle Phill lives.

Steve thought about how good it would be to go and visit his younger brother, who a couple of years ago—having finally seen his four daughters through university and into secure jobs—decided to buy an unconverted barn near St Mathieu. Using his skills as a long time builder had started the conversion process with just himself and his long-suffering wife Julia, whilst learning French!

I have spoken to Adam and he is up for it continued Alex

Your brother is always up for an adventure said Steve, Look I will speak to Amanda when she gets in and call you back, but you want to go, right?

Certainly do, I have barely left the house since Holly was born and Mum has been dying to take care of her for a weekend

So how is my favourite granddaughter?

Still your only grandchild Father!

Ok honey let me get back to you soon, love to Holly and your Mother.

Bye Dad

Steve pondered the invitation whilst logging onto his computer to Google Chalus and discovered that it was indeed very close to his Brothers barn, but also the place where Richard the Lionheart had been mortally wounded. He had subsequently died at Chateau Montbrun close by. It might be fun to spend a couple of days in France and he would be able to look Phill up at the same time and see how the barn was progressing. Steve was sure that Amanda would be happy to let him venture off for the weekend, leaving her to work through another busy Saturday as the ‘Head of Vascular Surgery’ in the London Teaching Hospital where they had met.

Steve had arrived there back in 1997 as the new CEO having been appointed by the NHS to revive failing Hospitals as quickly as possible. He had met Amanda at his first senior staff meeting and had simply fallen in love. He was a divorcee with two grown up children and Amanda, who had never married, was about 10 years younger than him. She was gorgeous. 5’6" with a great figure, short brown hair and smart as a whip. She had the look of a young Emma Thompson about her, but with the penetrating eyes of Liz Hurley! It all came to a head when one day he was walking through her department and seeing her office door open had walked in to speak to her. He quickly realised that she was not well in herself, and it transpired that she had been feeling ill all morning. She had cancelled her operating list but had decided to stay on to try and catch up with the increasing paperwork demands. Steve had insisted she go home to recover and in the end had driven her to her London flat in her own car followed by his PA. He had settled her into her flat and was just leaving when she said to him

Do you do this for all your sick staff?

Steve smiled No, he replied gently closing the door behind him.

Two weeks later he received a card from Amanda thanking him and inviting him for a game of tennis and dinner. 10 months later in August of 1998 they were married in Amanda’s hometown of Londonderry, celebrating at a lavish reception together with 200 guests under a large marquee in her father’s arboretum! At the time Steve’s family all lived in the Midlands. Mike, his elder brother was a civil servant in Stafford whilst his younger brother Phill had his own building company based in Ilkeston Derbyshire. Lorna, his sister was busy working with her husband Jim (a retired mining engineer) on a charity project they had set up in Uganda raising money to fund the building of a school out there. However in spite of their many commitments, everyone had made the trip over to see him married.

Steve had always been the adventurer of the family and this trip to France really appealed to him. He had spent time as a Police Officer as well as his 10 years in the armed forces—rising to the rank of Squadron Leader in the RAF Regiment—and had, due to his tactical awareness and leadership skills spent some time under secondment to Special Forces. The chance to explore a beautiful bit of Europe with his family at the expense of an alleged long lost relative was too good to pass up.

Luckily Amanda was delighted that Steve would be away for the weekend as she had arranged an ‘overnighter’ with her great friend Sarah that she had forgotten to mention—although she would, of course swear that he had forgotten her telling him!

That Friday morning Steve and his children—Alex and Adam—met at his home and drove to Southampton Airport where they were all impressed to discover that their tickets had already been paid for by the mysterious ‘Monsieur Giradin’—whom Alex had arranged to meet with later that day. After a short and uneventful flight to Limoges, Steve’s younger brother Phill met them at arrivals.

Hi Mate, said Phill hugging his big brother How’s the Doc? And when are you two coming back out here to help me with the barn?"

As soon as I can pry her away from that damned hospital replied Steve with a big grin,

I thought you were the boss?

Only at work, he said wryly.

Hey guys, it’s great to see you both! continued Phill hugging his nephew and niece, and leading the group towards the car park, Tell me where are we heading, and what’s all this about?

I have been contacted by this French guy who thinks we have relatives over here! Alex explained.

Well I could have told you that said Phill, stopping the trio in their tracks. They stared at him, bewildered, So you know who they are? Adam said.

Of course I do replied Phill It’s me and Jules.

Yes we all know about you, you lemon said Steve laughing and slapping his brother on the arm, This is a possible French family that we are related to, a M’sieur Giradin from somewhere near Chalus, ever heard of him?

Phill shook his head as they arrived at his four-door Nissan Navarro pick-up truck.

He might even invite you as well! being as you are part of the family, said Steve.

The journey through the French countryside was much as Steve had remembered it, but Alex and Adam had not visited before. They were amazed as they drove past the fields and fields of golden sunflowers that stretched out to the horizon. The greens, yellows and browns painted against the perfectly blue French sky. The occasional green fields dividing flowers from more flowers housed milk chocolate coloured cows, similar to Jerseys.

What kind of cows are they? Steve asked Phill

Limosan of course, named after the region. Keep your eyes open and watch out for the Charolette bull just along the road here, it’s the biggest animal I’ve ever seen.

They arrived in the Town of Chalus and parked the Navarro near the church but, realising they were some 40 minutes early for the agreed 11.30am meeting, decided to split up and look around. Alex and Adam walked towards the town square whilst the brothers wandered off in the opposite direction.

Amanda has asked me to keep an eye open for a suitable property near here. Phill said to his brother,

Yes our ladies have been talking together although I always thought we would get a place in Australia, but now that Holly has come along she may be right.

Yes grandkids can do that to you—our little Imogen has given us a new lease of life.

Hmm, Steve agreed, Have you spotted anything locally, maybe with a little less work to do than yours?

I haven’t really had much chance, ‘cos Jules is now trying to convince me to add a gite so that we can generate some income from it to live on

Hey that’s probably a good—

M’sieur Lake?

The brothers turned, chiming Yes? as they came face to face with a small, very formal looking man—obviously French, in a beautifully cut suit—who looked slowly from brother to brother.

I am Stephen Lake and this is my brother Phillip, am I correct in thinking that you are M’sieur Giradin?

I am indeed M’sieur Lake. Jacques Giradin at your service he replied with a very pronounced French accent, and a slight bow, You are very welcome. I was expecting you, your daughter Alex and your Son?

Yes we have come rather mob handed as we call it—I hope it doesn’t inconvenience you? My brother actually lives close to here and collected us from the airport

M’sieur, it is not a problem at all

Bonjour M’sieur Giradin je m’appelle Alex Alex announced as she approached the group, et voici ma frère Adam

Bonjour Mademoiselle Alex, I had no idea you spoke such good French? Unfortunately not. That’s about my limit I’m afraid, but I am delighted to finally meet you, having conversed with you for so long.

Ah that would be my Son Maurice replied M’sieur Giradin extending his hand to Adam And welcome to France M’sieur Adam

Thank-you Sir. It’s a pleasure to be here.

Steve and Alex decided to go with Jacques, leaving Phill and Adam to retrieve the Navarro. Jacques car was parked a little way up the road and turned out to be a Citroen Safari, a classic French car that was more like a motorised sofa, on account of it’s amazing suspension and huge seats.

They drove in convoy out of the square and back into the countryside whilst Jacques pointed out various landmarks until he turned into a large gateway that led towards a large castle like Chateau that disappeared behind a big stand of oak trees.

Wow said Steve that place looks like something out of a movie—who lives there Jacques

No one at the moment M’sieur but maybe soon replied Jacques, turning into a second gateway just beyond the first, into the courtyard of a very French three-story building.

It had three looming black tiled conical towers and tall windows with equally tall shutters; the pale stonework was quite stunning in the noonday sunshine.

Welcome to my home said Jacques,

It is very beautiful said Alex,

Thank-you, but a home is really about the people in it.

Phill had parked behind Jacques and he and Adam climbed out of the Navarro.

Please follow me Jacques gestured towards the door, leading the group into his magnificently decorated home. Staring, captivated by the building, Steve did notice a couple of apparent oddities, but decided not to say anything.

Jacques led the group to a large conference room that looked out over the courtyard. There was a large, central rectangular table and halfway down the far side of it sat an elderly gentleman, who rose when the group entered.

May I introduce my father and Master of the Du Lac Estates: M’sieur Edwarde Giradin

Bonjour mes amis! boomed M’sieur Edwarde, in a surprisingly powerful voice, I am delighted to meet you all

Steve stepped forward to shake the old man’s hand, introducing the other three members of his family, Very many thanks for inviting us! I have to say, I noticed some adaptations to your home here—but they are obviously not for you sir?

Non M’sieur he replied You have a keen eye. My grandson is confined to a wheelchair and so they are for him.

I work in the health service back home, so they rather stand out to me.

Jacques nodded, Please take a seat, I will arrange some coffee for you all, or tea if you would prefer?

The group made their requests and Jacques passed the order over an intercom system.

M’sieur Edwarde stood again to address Steve, M’sieur Lake this may seem like a very strange question but please bear with me—is there any doubt in your mind that the three people with you here are members of your immediate family?

Puzzled but assured, Steve replied without hesitation, No sir, absolutely none, I have known my Brother all of his life and I was at the birth of both of my children.

Excellent continued M’sieur Edwarde, As you know M’sieur Lake, we are trying to establish a relationship between your family and a family that I have represented my whole life.

So it is not your family here that we may be related to? said Steve looking pointedly across the table at his Daughter who shrugged her shoulders, confused as she had obviously thought that the possible ties were with the Giradin family.

No M’sieur, it is not, but can I follow up my opening first strange question with, possibly, an even stranger request which will confirm, without doubt, whether or not there is a relationship between yourselves and the family I represent?

I must assume that you are talking about requesting my DNA, said Steve to the obvious surprise of M’sieur Edwarde.

That is correct M’sieur Lake, I mentioned that my Grandson uses a wheelchair, well he also has a full time nurse to tend to his medical needs, so I would ask that she be allowed to take a mouth swab from you to compare to a sample that I already have from the family in question?

Please go ahead

Jacque again lifted the intercom phone and moments later a nurse in full uniform entered the room and walked over to Steve, who was indicated by M’sieur Edwarde, she took the swab and left without a word.

Surely it will take some time to get that confirmed said Alex. Alex was a fully trained Paramedic as well as previously having been a head veterinary nurse. She had taken maternity leave to give birth to Holly and this had given her the time to really pursue her quest into the Lake family.

Normally you would be correct my dear boomed M’sieur Edwarde, but we have our own fully fitted lab in the cellars here with some very sophisticated equipment. Ah coffee. The group were served their coffee, although Adam had tea. They were each in their own thoughts when Steve suddenly said Am I to understand that if the sample is a match, then you will introduce us to this other family, but if it’s not a match then it’s thank-you and au revoir?

M’sieur Edwarde smiled at Steve and said

You are a very quick study M’sieur Lake, yes you are almost exactly right

Almost! said Steve

If the sample is not a match then you will be recompensed for your trouble and yes au revoir, but if the sample is a match then I will reveal the identity of the family

You mean we do not get to meet them even if it is a match? put in Adam looking very disappointed. M’sieur Edwarde turned to Adam, but was interrupted before he could continue by a large panel sliding to one side at the end of the room to reveal a lift door opening, out of the door purred an electric wheelchair containing a severely crippled young man who controlled the chair by means of a small keyboard!

Ah said M’sieur Edwarde may I present my Grandson, Maurice!

Maurice sped straight up to Alex and said in a quiet but machinegun fast voice Salute, you must be Montymini, I am the Frogman! These were the names that the two had been using over the internet to exchange details about the possible family links.

Hello said Alex as she stooped and kissed Maurice on both cheeks French style much to the obvious delight of both Maurice and his father Jacques,

I am delighted to meet you finally but I had thought that it was your family tree that was to linked to ours she continued,

Me non said Maurice it is not our family tree, but all yours!"

So the samples match, boomed M’sieur Edwarde

Oui Grand-pere he replied.

I am still in the dark here said Phill

Thank God for that! said Adam, I was beginning to think it was just me!

I should explain that the sample that I have tested against yours, M’sieur Lake is a little over 200 years old!!!

Chapter 2

The 200 year old secret

Whilst the Lake family sat in stunned silence M’sieur Edwarde Giradin Master of the Du Lac Estates explained,

The 1st Duke Du Lac had been knighted by Richard I (The Lionheart) for services during his reign and during the Crusades, the titles and lands then passed from father to son until 1777 when the 16th Duke had died leaving the Dukedom to his son who began a reign of merrymaking and debauchery until 1790 when France was in one of its tumultuous periods and the estate was attacked by reformists. The Duke fled his estates with his young son and eventually secured passage to England after the rest of his family had been killed near Chalus rather prophetic actually as that had been the site of the mortal wounding of Richard the Lionheart many years previously. The Duke grabbed all the liquid assets that he could and ran for his life. He left instructions that a trusted courier would arrive as soon as he was settled in England, but no one ever did.

And no one thought to try to find him interrupted Alex

It was not that easy in those days, but the guardian had very specific instructions from the Duke

Instructions? asked Phill.

Guardian? asked Steve.

Let me continue, said M’sieur Edwarde.

After the religious wars in 1562 the 8th Duke had had a narrow escape when part of the Chateau was burned, so he had appointed a guardian to his family and sworn that guardian to maintain his ‘goods and chattels’ in good order for the Dukes family. In return for the guardians business acumen the guardians family was annually allowed 2.5% of the value of the estate to live off.

So the better the guardian did for the Duke the better off he was? said Steve That’s quite correct, and the guardian passed that deed on to his family just as the Dukedom passed through the male lines of that family.

But I still don’t understand why no one was allowed to look for the 17th Duke, surely that was part of the task left to the guardian? asked Alex.

"Until the reign of that particular Duke that would have been correct, but remember he was the—how would you say it—the black sheep—he trusted no one and added a codicil to the original agreement to the effect that if he left the Chateau for any length of time, then the property, horses and lands must be maintained in good order, trade was to be continued and profits would be forwarded to himself. The address would be supplied to the guardian only by a ‘trusted courier’ or the Duke himself.

So the guardian was forbidden to seek him out at all? asked Steve.

Absolutely forbidden, continued Edwarde but the Duke never returned and as I said no courier ever arrived—what is thought to have happened is that The Duke was killed whilst in England, but his young son survived. However his son was only 4 years old when the Duke left and maybe his father who was now even more distrusting of his ‘friends’ had made no mention of his identity to anyone in England. He had left with the equivalence of about £10,000 which in those days was a fortune, and certainly worth him being killed for.

So his son would never have known of his inheritance and so never returned to France himself! said Steve But the guardians have continued to follow the original instructions, meaning that you are the current guardian M’sieur?

I said you were a quick study, but we have been known for the past several decades as the ‘Master of the Estates’, and yes I am the current incumbent replied Edwarde, again with a formal bow.

Which means that you think that my family are linked to the missing Duke? Steve said in astonishment.

No M’sieur said Edwarde

No!

No M’sieur I do not think you are linked—the DNA sample confirmed that since the death of your Brother Michael a few years ago you are the 27th Duke du Lac!

Steve slumped back in his chair as if he had been punched, but all of a sudden Adam burst out laughing and pushed his chair back. He rounded on Phillip, his uncle, and with tears streaming down his face said,

Uncle Phill, this is just the best yet, this is brilliant, how did you manage to set this whole thing up, you are a monumental wind up merchant?

Phill just sat and looked as astounded as the rest of the family, as Jacques reached up and put his hands on the shoulders of Adam and looked him straight in the eye and said,

I assure you M’sieur Adam that what my Father has told you here is perfectly true and totally serious.

So my Dad is the 27th Duke de Lac?

He is the 27th Duke du Lac and also The Marquess de Creuse, The Earl of Nontron, the Count du Brive and Lord Angouleme

Sweet said Adam!

Then how did you manage to get around your instructions and find us now? asked Alex recovering some of the family composure.

That was very difficult, replied Maurice directly to Alex in his rapid way, as we could not class you as a trusted courier until one day you must have been at your Father’s house and used his personal computer to help with your research. Casi and I had been waiting for a sign from you and your use of his personal computer now qualified you as a trusted courier, so I could answer you and give you more information!

Amazing, but who is Casi? asked Alex.

Casi is my computer, would you like to meet her said Maurice. Alex looked over to her Father but noticed Jacque sitting next to Steve nodding vigorously,

I would like that very much Maurice.

Please hold onto the back of my chair and I will take you to meet her.

Alex put her hand on his chair and Maurice spun his chair back towards the lift and led Alex away, the doors closing with a gentle sigh.

Jacques stepped up to the table bowing slightly and addressed Steve.

Forgive me your Grace, but let me explain about Maurice, Steve winced rather at the ‘Your Grace’ part but said,

Please do Jacques

Maurice is 28 years old, the same age as your son I believe, but when he was just 4 he fell from a tree and subsequently had a severe epileptic fit, after that he began behaving very strangely—he could relate to his Mother perfectly well, but if anyone else was around he became agitated. However he could relate to me well enough providing I was the only one in the room, and likewise with his Grandfather. It turned out that he was Autistic. The fall had also severely damaged his spine which is irreparable and had left him a tetraplegic; he can move his fingers which is how he controls his life from his wheelchair. My wife always knew that he was special, as he could pick up languages with no apparent effort at all, and then he started counting things

He’s a Savant said Adam

Well done, but actually he is classed as a Prodigious Savant.

Sweet said Adam, In what areas apart from mathematics and languages. I worked with the National Autistic Society for a while.

Mathematics was his passion until he sat and watched his mother working on a computer one day. It glitched as they do sometimes and the screen scrolled lines and lines of machine code down it. Maurice became animated and his mother wheeled him closer to the keyboard. He sat and watched the scrolling screen for a few minutes and then he said, it had lost something and his fingers moved over the keyboard, but he found it difficult as the keyboard was too wide for his fingers to span it, but he persevered and eventually the computer stopped scrolling and worked perfectly again. My wife was amazed, so bought a smaller portable keyboard that his fingers could span without his hands having to move, and that was that, he moved into his now favourite area—computers.

Fantastic said Adam And that is where Casi comes in?

Yes he has developed Casi over the past 15 years and they are the reason for the increase in the Du Lac Estates

Your Grace, said Edwarde Can I ask you to step into my study as we need to officially conclude this part of the arrangement?

Lead on replied Steve.

The two men left the conference room leaving the other three chatting. They moved into a corridor passing several other doors to the far end of the building and entered Edwardes study. Tall windows overlooked a rambling garden. In the centre of the room stood a large French antique desk with various papers sprawled over it, some obviously very old. They sat and Edwarde said,

You must be rather taken aback by all of this your grace?

That would be an understatement, but it seems to me that you and your family have been under a considerable burden for many years, but so far all I know is that you think I am a Duke?

And a Marquess, Earl, Count, and Lord, but I no longer think that! I have confirmed that to my satisfaction and as the Master of the Estate it is solely my responsibility to assign the titles back to you. I do not do this lightly and have had Casi research you carefully beforehand and have found you not only to be a warrior, but also a man of honour and worthy to hold the position.

What else did you find?

That you were a fine amateur sportsman, team player and individual—that you joined the Army before transferring to the RAF Regiment your were in the services for about 17 years but resigned at the rank of Squadron Leader, which is I believe equivalent to Major. You left because of the loss of some men in the Gulf, you were not to blame at all but no doubt you felt responsible!

I was responsible! growled Steve I was their leader.

But you were not to know that their equipment was faulty!

Just a minute this was all Special Forces classified, how could you know that?

You will find out that Casi is quiet exceptional at getting to information when Maurice sets her a task, and we did need to know that you were worthy!

And if I hadn’t been said Steve

You are quite right it would have made no difference, but I find it far better that you are who you are. I can now hand you back the ‘considerable burden’ as I think you called it. You and your family can now take possession of not only the titles but the land and chattels as the original documents called them.

Edwarde went on to explain that his ‘burden’ had been to ensure the upkeep and to safeguard the properties, transport, land and trade.

So this is not just the titles but there are still property and funds left after 200 years?

Your Grace, my family over the years have performed to the best of our abilities. It was also in our own interest as we were legally able to use 2.5% of the estates value remember. I am also delighted to say that the last couple of generations of Giradin’s have been very well off. When Maurice discovered the stock market and found that they called that trading, which was specifically mentioned in the documents he and Casi have increased the holdings substantially and our family are multi millionaires in our own right!

Steve’s heart did not so much as skip a beat as to stop altogether and then start thumping wildly in his chest. He slumped back in his chair for the second time that day.

Your Grace are you alright, you have gone quiet pale?

Edwarde filled a glass with water from a pitcher on his desk and handed it to Steve who took a slow swallow.

M’sieur Edwarde, you say you are a multi-millionaire?

Yes!

And you have this from the 2.5% of the du Lac Estate?

And from Maurice’s shrewd investments of our part of the estates.

Then what is the current value of the estate?

Something in the order of $20 Billion!!!!!!!!!!!

Alex had followed Maurice from the lift into a cellar area where a room had been set up as an office for Maurice; The walls had been plastered and smoothed flat with plain white paint. There were no pictures or windows and the only thing was a large, 40-inch computer screen in front of which sat a very bizarre keyboard. It resembled an ergonomical design that she had seen previously. It was arranged so that the left and right hand did not cross from one side of the keyboard to the other. There were strange annotations on the keys none of which Alex recognised. Maurice approached the desk and as he did so the arms of his chair started to raise slightly which had the effect of lifting his arms so that they were above the level of the desk. At this point two padded braces rose from the desk itself cupped his wrists and brought his hands down precisely onto the keypad. The chair arms then retracted and the wheels locked into slots on the floor. The screen came to life showing the head and shoulders of a beautiful woman with a ‘Joanna Lumley’ type voice who said,

Good afternoon Maurice, and welcome to the du Lac estates Mrs Howard, or may I call you Alex, unless your Father has given you and your husband one of his titles?

He can do that?

He is the Duke du Lac, with that comes many privileges, including making you a Countess or at least a Lady

Er thank-you stammered Alex; I take it you are Casi?

At your service

Just wait until my Brother gets to meet you

"I am looking forward to that very much" purred Casi,

And so am I said Maurice quite shyly

Would you like me to introduce you to him Maurice?

Yes please, but a little later, I should not have too much excitement and today has been very wearing

For us all said Alex.

Adam, Phill and Jacques were still in the conference room when a screen rose out of the centre of the table and Casi’s face appeared on it, she said

"Excuse me for interrupting gentlemen, but I thought that M’sieur Jacques would like to know that Maurice has asked Alex to introduce him to Adam later on, probably after he has rested. Today has been very exciting for him."

That is wonderful news Casi thank-you.

Nice! said Adam looking at the beautiful face on the screen You really are something, when do I get to meet the real you

"My mainframe is in the cellars of the chateau, but I am connected to most rooms in this house as well! purred Casi As you are in line to inherit the titles from your father I am at your command."

I thought Uncle Phill would be the next in line?

"Only if something happens to you!"

Better watch your back! said Phill with a mock evil grin on his face

Sweet said Adam

"You do seem to say that a lot!" said Casi

I try not to swear in front of ladies. Just a minute did you say you are in the Chateau, so where is that?

"About a kilometre north of here!"

Steve had signed various papers with Edwarde, but was in a blur having received such devastatingly incredible news. He almost lurched back to his feet and made his way back towards the conference room and suddenly realised that he was passing several generations of the Giradin’s family. The portraits were annotated with either Master of the du Lac Estates or Guardian to the du Lac Estates and he felt very humbled by the sheer commitment of this family. He entered the conference room where Phill and Adam were talking with Casi on the large screen. He stood there rooted for a while trying to get his mind back together. How the hell were you supposed to respond to this kind of bombshell, and then thought ‘and what the hell do I tell Amanda’!

The sliding open of the lift door brought him out of his revere as Alex stepped back into the room,

Maurice has been taken off by Madam Dutton, his nurse, for a rest. This has been a very tiring day for him. He rarely gets to meet new people and we were all a bit much for him! said Alex

You may find it hard to believe, but I have every sympathy with just how he feels admitted Steve

Hey Pa! said Adam Did you see a Chateau just north of here as you pulled into the courtyard earlier?

Just a glimpse, it was behind a wood at the top of the driveway. Why?

According to Casi that’s the family home. Hey are you alright Pa, you look a bit pale. Ally, take a look at Dad will you?

Adam led his father to a seat and Alex came over and took his wrist checking his pulse while kneeling by her father.

Are you ok Dad What’s happened did the Master give you bad news or something?

Sorry guys said Steve ‘this has all been quite a shock, and I’m not as young as I once was, but no I don’t think I would call it bad news!!!"

Steve quickly recovered his composure and gestured for the other members of the family to sit with him.

Phill we have been given the use of the Chateau or this house for the weekend to get ourselves together!

Dad we haven’t seen the Chateau yet, it could be semi derelict for all we know?

I am assured by Edwarde that all the du Lac properties are in good order and habitable, so we can decide after we see it. What I want to happen is to get as many members of the family here as quickly as possible. Phill can Jules drive up here to join us, oh and are any of your girls staying at the moment?

No mate we are all alone and I traded Jules’ car in for the Navarro, but I am more than happy to go and get her if there’s enough room here.

There is more than enough—you shoot off and get her then while I make other arrangement here.

Ok guys, see you all later—but I’m not telling her anything about this, just that we are all meeting here for a surprise party or something

Good idea said Alex, she may freak!

Phill disappeared and a few minutes later the throaty roar of his pick up could