MARRIAGE: AMERICAN STYLE!
& We Need a Little CHRISTMAS!





DANIEL, 007.........by Coralynn

Daniel is standing outside the castle, keeping watch over the big house, when he sees the last of the cars pull out of the drive.
"Perfect," he says aloud to himself, "Perfect. Time to pay a little visit to the Big House and see what evidence I can get for Billy Bob....oh, this is gonna be sweet!"
As he nears the backdoor he feels for the key in his pocket.
"I'll use the key to get in, but on the way out I'll trash the back door to make it look like a burglar break-in, just in case I find something and it comes up missing......ah yes, I've covered all my bases!" he smiles smugly as the door opens easily with the key.
He cautiously enters the kitchen, making sure no one is there, then laughs at himself, "Of course no one is here!"

He goes to a desk in the dining room and opens all the drawers. Nothing incriminating here.
He goes into the computer room and looks through the paperwork stacked up by the desk, strewing it around the floor. He looks at the pages and again finds nothing useful.
"OK, Danny Boy!" he thinks, "Time to hit the Mother Lode!" as he goes up the stairs to the bedrooms.
The first one he enters is Rosamond's.
After opening drawers and again scattering her clothes around the room, he realizes that she has hardly been in that room since the last time he was there. "Hmmmm," he thinks, "The good stuff could be in Eleanor's room. She is, after all, one of the major trouble-makers."
Eleanor's room is so neat it gives him the creeps. He opens the top drawer of her dresser, figuring that's where she'd put evidence.
Not much in there but a few spakling bobbles. He decides to pocket a few to make it look like a burglar broke in.
"Hell," he thinks, "I can always pawn these, too. Those stones look real!"
Eleanor's room yeids nothing in the way of evidence he can use against Rose and John, so he goes to William's room.
"YEAH!" he thinks, "No one would think of William's room as the place to store incriminating evidence, so that's probably where I'll find some! Is this smart or what?!"

Marilyn is in her bedroom on the first floor, finishing up a chapter of her book, and hears faint but unusual noises upstairs.
She leaves her room and quietly goes up the stairs.
She hears some muffled sounds in William's room.
"That's odd; William left a half hour ago. Who's in his room?"
Slowly she stands outside the door which is partially open, and peers in.
Someone is in there going through William's belongings, she realizes with a shock. She grabs an umbrella from the stand that William insisted on putting outside his bedroom, an idea the others thought was odd, as, even if it were raining like mad, you don't need an umbrella till you're about to go outside. Still, he insisted. Now Marilyn is glad he did.

She enters the room and witnesses Daniel rummaging around under William's bed, his back to her.
"AND JUST WHAT do you think you're doing in here?" she yells, which brings Daniel to his feet in a hurry. He turns and sees his worst nightmare: Marilyn, brandishing an umbrella, coming across the room.
He manages to get up a burst of speed and run past her as he goes out into the hall, but she's every bit as agile as he.
She chases him down the hall, holding the umbrella as a weapon.
He runs faster toward the stairs, with Marilyn at his heels.
He loses his footing and takes a spectacular tumble down the long stairway.
"OWWWW, DAMN!" he yells as he hits the base of the stairs. He tries to get up and run out, but his left leg is throbbing. He tries again. That leg must be broken! he realizes, and clutches at it.
Marilyn is by that time upon him, and, smacking him with the umbrella, is yelling, "YOU BASTARD! What do you think you're doing here?!" she has a fire in her eyes he has never seen before, and he has already experienced too many demonstrations of Marilyn when angry, but this time she is like an Amazon!

As Daniel is not moving, Marilyn peers down at him and asks, "Why don't you leave? Are you waiting for me to call the Police or what?"
"I think my leg is broken!" he whimpers.
"I should hope so!" Marilyn laughs.
"How can you BE so cruel! Dial 9-1-1. Get me an ambulance!"
"Fine," she quips as she walks to the nearest phone, "Now, wait right here, don't GO anywhere!" she laughs harder.
"As if I could!" he yells.

The ambulance arrives soon. It seems like forever to Daniel, though, as the pain in his leg is getting stronger.
Marilyn lets them in the house and gestures to where Daniel is lying on the floor.
"Daniel lost his footing and thinks his leg is broken, can you take him to the hospital?" she tells the paramedics sweetly.
They load him on a stretcher and the ambulance pulls away.
Marilyn smiles and dusts off her hands, "Job well done, kid!!" she congratulates herself.

Daniel arrives at the hospital and is taken to the Emergency Room. Being that his leg is broken, really broken, maybe in more than one place, he wagers, how long will they make me wait?
Several Doctors walk through the E.R. on their way to other parts of the hospital.
Dr. Roger Bidwell is one such.
He's startled to see John at the E.R. and stops in front of him, "John, why are you in the emergency room? What happened?"
Daniel glowers up at him.
Roger knows right away this can't possibly be John. But what has he heard about the evil twin, what's his name, ohhhh yes, Daniel.
"Daniel?" Roger tries out the name.
"What OF it?" Daniel growls.
"What happened to you?" Roger presses on.
"That Marilyn witch attacked me!" Daniel yells so that everyone in the E.R. turns and stares at him.
"Ohhhhhh, THAT Marilyn!" Roger laughs and goes on his way.


IF YOU CHEAT AND NO ONE IS AROUND TO SEE IT, DOES IT STILL MAKE A SOUND?....by Terri

Rosamond and John lay sleepily, reveling in the nearness of each other.
Rose looked into John's eyes. "Why couldn't this have happened six months ago? We could have been together all the time, not just a few stolen moments."
John kissed her. "I don't feel right about this, Rose. You have to go home to...your husband. Are you allright? I mean, is he treating you right?"
Rosamond sighed."You mean except for the fact that I am married to another man and can't spend every night in your arms, am I doing alright? I guess. Don't worry about my husband....my husband! Such strange words! I feel I hardly know him.
John, I have to ask you this.....are we having an affair?"
He took her in his arms, kissed her and said, "Yes, I think we are!"

Billy Bob pulled his pickup truck in the carpark at 3:00. He threw his leather jacket on the table and yelled, "Rosamond? Honey, I'm home!"
Silence. No sign of her anywhere. He grabbed the cellphone and punched in her number angrily. She answered drowsily, "Hello?'
"Where the hell are you?"
Rose sat upright. "Honey! Are you home already?"
"Yes, and you sure as hell aren't! How long does it take to go shopping..and why do you sound so funny?"
"I-I'm in a store and the reception is terrible. I'm on my way home now!"
She hung up the phone and ran around trying to gather her clothes up. John sat there watching. "Rose, are you AFRAID of him?"
Rose frantically put on her clothes and grabbed her purse. "Yes. Yes, I am afraid, OK? He's controlling, he's domineering..."
"Then leave him!'
"It's not as simple as that. He is the baby's legal father. DNA tests don't mean anything in the eyes of the law. Don't call me, I'll call you."
With that she flew out of the blue house.

She burned rubber all the way home and slammed the car into the drive, hurrying up the steps.
"Where the hell were you?" Billy Bob yelled.
"What do you mean, 'where the hell was I?' "
"How long does it take to buy clothes? Three hours?"
"Yes, if you do it right! What do you think I do, go to K-Mart?"
"I'm sorry, Rose. I guess I just get a little nervous about you being gone, especially in your condition. I don't like you running around like that when you should be resting."
"Well, if Dr Bidwell was my doctor, we wouldn't be worrying. You had to be the one to take me out of there. I don't like Dr. Underwood. I want Dr Bidwell back!"
Rosamond stamped her foot and threw the shopping bags down.
"Rose, you are acting like a child. Do you want to be treated like a child?"
Billy Bob reached out for her and hugged her "Come on, sugah, we've only been married three days..." He kissed her on the neck. "Hey--what's that smell? After shave?"
Rosamond kept her cool. "I was on the elevator and some guy had a hot date and he decided to spritz himself. I guess I was standing too close and got some of his overspray."
Billy Bob seemed to buy that story. "Anyways, we have to go out to dinner with the Underwoods."
Rosamond flopped backwards on the bed. "Do we really? I am so tired!"
"Take a nap, then."
Rosamond flung off her dress and surveyed herself in the mirror. Thank goodness, still no pouch! Guess all that working out strenghtened the stomach muscles. She took off her clothes and snuggled down under the covers. Before long she was asleep.

Billy Bob went to the barn and grabbed the phone. He punched in Daniel's number but it just rang and rang. Where the hell was he?


Where There's a WILL, There's a Way.......by Terri

He hung up the stable phone. Damn! Where is Daniel?
Billy Bob went into the house and checked in the bedroom. Rosamond was sound asleep. Billy Bob looked at her, adjusted the covers and stroked her hair. She was so pretty. He kissed her lightly on the cheek. She stirred and murmured something in her sleep and then sighed. What was that? He stood there for a few minutes and then shrugged. Must not have been anything. He shut the door as he left the room.
Billy Bob went back to the stables. Might as well get the horses fed before we have to leave. He checked the niche where the rifle was in the barn. He looked to make sure the ammo was there, too. You never took any chances, he learned that out in Texas. His father taught him well. Never knew when a critter would try to take your livestock, be it animals or rustlers.
He turned the horses out into the pasture. It had been a hell of a week, he thought.
The trip to New Orleans had been great. Who'd have thought I would have come back with a bride? And an heir apparent? Well, it all worked great. Especially that trip to visit Grandpere Pierre.
It's a good thing Donna had told him that Grandpere was hinting at new developments in the will. What are sisters for anyways?
If I hadn't gone back in to say goodbye, I'd never have seen Grandpere put those papers in the safe. He remembered that one time Grandpere had told him the combination to the safe was his wedding date. So when Grandpere left the study to go to his bedroom, how hard was it to tap into that safe? Only took a second.
Yep, Grandpere had left his stock certificates, the old jewelry that had been in the family for centuries, land deeds....and the will. Grandpere's will.
It had only taken Billy Bob a minute to scan the contents. What did it say? 'whereas and to wit: that my grandson William Robert Montgomery shall inherit the land known as Sundown, all bank accounts relating to it, the rice fields on the opposite side of the road, all jewelry and contents in the safe et al: if it shall be proven that said William Robert Montgomery, son of my grandson John Robert Montgomery shall provide me with a legitimate heir apparent, live birth or notarized medical proof from a doctor that said heir is in utero and is the progeny of said William Robert Montgomery.'
Well, there you have it! I just have to provide a baby or proof that one is on the way before the old man dies. Otherwise, what did the will say? 'That said estate shall be divided' between Donna and me. Now how do you divide Sundown? Sure would hate to have to buy Donna out.
Now all I need is notarized proof that the baby is mine. And Matt Underwood owes me. He decided to call Dr. Underwood while he was waiting to hear from Daniel.
"Dr. Underwood's office"
"Hi, this is William Montgomery. May I please speak to Dr. Underwood?"
"One moment please."
"Matt? This is Billy Bob. Do you have a second? I need a favor."
"Sure thing. After you trained that horse, Sheila is in seventh heaven. What do you need?"
Billy Bob went on to explain how he needed proof that Rosamond was carrying his child.
"Sure, that's no problem. You say she says the baby is due in May? I'm still not sure about that, Billy Bob. I think she is further along than she thinks."
Billy Bob did a slow burn but he needed those papers. "I just have to send them to Grandpere's lawyers, Bechnel, Benoit and Bertheleau down on Toulouse Street in New Orleans. Old man Bechnel has been Grandpere's lawyer for years and will keep them in the files with the old man's will."
"No problem, I'll have them drawn up tomorrow."
Billy Bob hung up, satisfied that was taken care of. Now all I have to do is stay married to her, and make sure that baby has the name Montgomery on the birth certificate. He frowned. It will be easier to try to break that roan stallion in the pasture than try to rope that babe, he thought.


DINING OUT IN STYLE.........by Coralynn

"Let's see, Eleanor, should I wear my new blue satin dress or the tweed suit?"
"It's a hard call. If you choose the blue, take that pretty silk jacket in case it gets too cool."
"Great!" Bethia gets these out of her closet and lays them on the bed.
"Would you say this is your second official "date" with Roger?"
"Yes. It'll be good to share it with you and Jerry, & Marilyn and Luke, too. What were the chances that Roger and Jerry would be buddies from college?"
"Coincidence? Synchronicity? A lucky break?" Eleanor casts about for something to describe it.
"What's the name of the new restaurant they're taking us too, again?"
"Let's see, I think it's called Shrimpers Paradise. Sounds like seafood to me!" Eleanor declares.
Marilyn rushes into the room, carrying a pale yellow two-piece dress.
"You like?" she asks as she holds it up in front of her.
"WOW! You're going to light up the whole room in that!" Eleanor smiles and goes over to feel how luxurious the fabric is.
"Wonder what Luke is going to wear," Marilyn ponders, "Have you ever seen him dressed up?"
"Well, yes, as a matter of fact, we have," Bethia tries to keep from laughing at the memory of Luke in the frilly shirt at the dinner party at which Grace made such outrageous advances upon him.
"GOOD!" Marilyn flounces out, quickly goes down the stairs, and into her own room.

The men are eating left-overs microwaved a bit too long, and look up enviously as Marilyn goes by, waggling her fingers at them.
"I didn't think setting the durned thing for 20 minutes would cook it to a crisp!" John complains as he chews vigorously on the food.
"I guess that's how ya learn," William tells him, trying desperately to swallow a mouthful. Gads, this stuff is tough!
William takes his plate to the sink and scrapes what he just couldn't eat into the garbage disposer. The window looks out on the yard facing the castle.
"HEY! Look at this!!" he exclaims. John rushes over and looks out. "Why it's Daniel! What is he doing on crutches with a cast on his leg?"
Marilyn hasn't closed her bedroom door completely, and hears this conversation.
Coming out in her bathrobe, she also peers out the window and says, "OH! Good! They got him a cast to wear!"
William and John look at her suspiciously. She seems to know something about this.
She sees the question in their eyes and cheerfully tells them, "Daniel was over here this morning poking around in the bedrooms. I grabbed one of the umbrellas outside your bedroom door, William, and I'll have to admit the idea of putting an umbrella stand there was Aces!! Anyway, when I saw Daniel in YOUR room, rummaging around under the bed, God knows what he thought he'd find under there, I came at him with an umbrella. He got past me, but I chased him down the hall. He lost his footing on the stairs and took an awful spill, breaking his leg. I phoned 9-1-1 and an ambulance came for him. Do you think I did a good thing?" she finally comes up for air.

William laughs so hard he can hardly speak, but manages to get out, "Oh Marilyn, you are one in a million!"
She gives him her innocent look and says, "I'm glad you approve."
John is doubled over laughing as well. He needed that, too, after the heartbreak of having Rose leave the blue house to go back to that overbearing husband of hers.

"I don't think you'll have ANY trouble telling the twins apart now!" she says coyly as she then returns to her room.

The new restaurant is spacious and well decorated. They have reservations and are taken to their table shortly after they arrive.
"This is a nice place!" Bethia comments, "Look at the little fishnets up high on the wall. Look at all the wood.....it's so warm and homey."
"I hear the menu is outstanding, too," Roger adds, opening a menu, "Almost too many great things to choose from."
Marilyn is adjusting the filmy stole she has on over her new yellow dress, and stops cold when she sees someone enter.
"Hey, you guys, isn't that Rosamond coming in with her husband?"
Roger's eyes scan the room till he sees them as well, "And they're with that charlatan, Matthew Underhill."
"You know him??" Eleanor is surprised.
"He's been this close to losing his medical license," Roger gestures with his fingers, "And now he's Rose's O.B. because Montgomery doesn't want her to see anyone who has any connection with the rest of you."

"That's terrible!" Marilyn is covering her mouth with her hand, "Poor Rose!"
Jerry leans closer to Roger and suggests, "Think it may be time for a little "Les Miz" over the phone?"
"Or you could play the choral part of my Ninth Symphony at him!" Luke wants to be helpful and contribute.
"I think both would do it!" Eleanor states firmly and smiles at Luke.
Roger gets a look on his face which can only mean he's just had a bright idea: "Do you think this restaurant may have a copy of that "Les Miz"? If I ask them, maybe they'd put it over their P.A. System!"
"It's a longshot, but go for it!" Jerry laughs as Roger goes to find the person in charge.


_____________.......by Terri


Rosamond came into the restaurant with Billy Bob's arm around her. She was wearing a black velvet form-fitting dress that skimmed her knees. Pearls. She looked like she just stepped out of a DAR meeting. Her hair was in an updo and she had on black pumps.
Eleanor whispered to Marilyn and Bethia. "Look how pale she looks. I don't think she sees us. Got to say one thing, though. That Billy Bob Montgomery cleans up good! That is NOT a cheap shirt he has on. Nice boots, too!"
Billy Bob was wearing a black silk shirt and black pants. The other couple looked like your typical country club set. The maitre d' seated them on the other side of the restaurant. Everyone at their table was laughing except Rosamond. She had a slight pout on her face.
Bethia said, "Is that the same Rose that would sunbathe topless by our pool and run around in tank tops and cutoffs?" The three women laughed softly.
Bethia said, "I saw John when he came home this afternoon. He practically ran out of the house this morning. He really burned out of the driveway. When he came back he was real quiet and bummed out. Wonder what happened?"
Marilyn and Eleanor exchanged glances. "Figure it out, Bethia."
Bethia sat there for a moment. "Oh. You mean they are having an AFFAIR?"
Eleanor said, "Well, I say more power to her! It's not like she's never had an affair before! Only trouble is she has a husband now to dodge."
Roger and Jerry came back. "It's all set. Watch the fun!"
The six of them were trying not to stare at the table. Rose still did not see them.
The maitre d' asked, "Mr. Underwood, what shall I get for your table?"
Matt Underwood said, "Champagne--that OK with everyone?"
Billy Bob spoke up to the waiter. "And a glass of spring water with lemon for my wife."
Rosamond looked at him. "No champagne? WATER?"
Billy Bob looked over at Matt. 'Want to back me up on this one, Doctor?"
Matt smiled. "Honey, you are not to have any alcohol whatsoever while you are pregnant. Fetal alcohol syndrome is not to be taken lightly."
Rosamond got a funny look on her face. Because Dr. Underwood had his hand on her leg under the table, traveling upwards. Billy Bob and Sheila Underwood were totally clueless.
Rosamond took her foot and ground her heel into Dr Underwood's instep. All the time maintaining a calm air. Dr. Underwood was trying not to scream out. Rosamond released her heel when he released his hand.
Dinner was ordered all around. Rosamond looked up and her eye caught the six of her best friends laughing and having a good time. She started to tear up. That should be John and I joining them for dinner. Now I am sitting with a man who is running my life, a doctor who molests his patients, and his simpleton wife who worships the ground he walks on!
The background music changed. The song filled the restaurant. It started out like this--
"Do you hear the people sing, singing the song of angry men? It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again....when the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drum, there is a life about to start when tomorrow comes......."
Billy Bob Montgomery got a funny look on his face. His complexion paled underneath his tan. He glanced quickly around the room and saw the six people sitting at the table. The women were busy talking amongst themselves but Jerry and Roger looked over and gave him a meaningful look. Jerry pointed his finger at Billy Bob like he was cocking a gun. Billy Bob jumped up. "I'll be right back!"
He left the room and headed for the bar, ordering a double scotch which he immediately slammed down. "Add it to my tab," he told the bartender.
He came back fortified. The song had ended and he composed himself.
During dinner, Rosamond excused herself to the ladies' room.
Eleanor saw her go and whispered to the group, "Rose just went into the ladies' room. I'm going--just me, so we don't arouse any suspicions. I'm closest so they shouldn't notice me."
Eleanor slipped into the room. Rosamond was sniffling into a tissue. Eleanor just walked over and put her arms around Rose and let her sob.
When she composed herself, she said, "I'm sorry, El. It looks like you all are couples now. And having the time of your life. It should be John and me joining you. Instead I am stuck with Sheila the Simp and Dr. Underwear the Pervert."
Eleanor said, "UnderWOOD, Rosamond. Yes, Jerry is my guy I guess, Bethia has Roger interested, and Luke and Marilyn are heating up. Now THERE'S a match!"
Rosamond started to giggle in spite of herself. Eleanor said, "What's with the Long Island Socialite look, girl? The less clothes, the better was your philosophy."
Rosamond sighed. "Billy Bob picked them out. He doesn't want slingback pumps on his wife in public. Not respectable Slut-shoes, he called them! Doesn't mind it in the boudoir, though!" She laughed cynically.
Eleanor looked around and said, "John was really upset when I left. What is going on, sweetie?"
Rosamond got red in the face. "OK, I'll be honest with you." Rose looked under the stall for Sheila Underwood's shoes. Just to make sure.
She blurted out, "John and I are having an affair. Oh, Eleanor, it's sleazy, it's cheap, it's sinful, it's wrong...and it's wonderful! We met in the blue house and spent the afternoon together."
Eleanor was concerned. "Aren't you afraid, Rose? Billy Bob looks really possessive. And you are carrying a baby so you have to be careful he doesn't haul off and smack you one."
Rosamond frowned. "I don't think he will. I haven't pushed him that far. Would you please give Roger a message for me?"
"Sure, honey."
"Please tell him I intend to keep him as my doctor. My husband thinks I am going to Dr. Underwear but I will just keep cancelling as many appointments as I can get away with. I want Roger and I don't want Billy Bob to know about it. When I go into labor, hopefully my husband will be out of town and Roger can attend to me. I--I want John with me, Eleanor. I think we can manage to sneak over to White Plains and enroll under fictitious names for the LaMaze classes. Only trouble is Daniel is still around."
Eleaanor laughed. "He's hobbling around on a broken leg!" She related how Marilyn struck one for their side.

"Well, it's hard for me to get any sympathy up for the guy who may be responsible for THIS!" She pointed to her abdomen.
"Eleanor? Would you give John a message for me?"
Eleanor said quietly, "Sure, honey."
Rosamond looked sad. "Tell him I love him. With all my heart."
Tough as nails Eleanor even teared up a little. "Sure thing, honey!"
Just then Sheila Underwood came in. "Billy Bob sent me in to check on you. Are you OK?"
Rosamond said, "Yes. I just had a headache and this nice woman gave me a Tylenol. Thank you very much, Ma'am."
Eleanor smiled. "You're welcome."
Sheila Underwood said on their way back to the table, "You know, you aren't supposed to have drugs of any kind while you are pregnant."
Rosamond got mad and said, "Screw that! No alcohol! Not even a pain reliever!"
Billy Bob looked up at her with a stern look on his face. "Excuse me, darling? WHAT did you say?"
Rose looked defiantly at him. "You heard me."
Marilyn was close enough to hear the exchange. "You go, girl" she whispered under her breath.
The six of them ordered dessert. It was a nice ending to a nice evening. Afterwards, they all headed back to the house.
John was sitting in a chair watching a Sci-Fi movie. William was snoring in his recliner.
"Hey, how was dinner?"
Roger and Jerry exchanged looks. "Very interesting. Nice place, excellent food."
John sighed. "Wish I could take Rosamond there. Instead I opted for incinerated microwave and she probably had to eat at home...with HIM!"
Marilyn blurted out, "No, she showed up at the restaurant with her husband and another couple. Her new OB, I think."
There was a silence over the air and John stared at the TV glumly.
Marilyn gave Luke a quick kiss goodnight and he floated over to Henry's castle. His feet never touched the ground.
Jerry and Eleanor were in the kitchen leaving Roger and Bethia out on the patio.
Roger kissed Bethia for the first time out there. Now I know what Rose was talking about when she said she felt a kiss all the way to her toes! she thought.
"Goodnight!" Roger called out to the group.
Eleanor followed him outside and told Roger what Rosamond had planned.
Roger was dubious. "It's not exactly ethical to take over another doctor's patient on the side. But I will do it because it's Rosamond, I'll do it for Bethia, and I'll do it because I can't stand Dr Underwood."
Eleanor smiled, "Dr UnderWEAR, Rose calls him!"
Roger laughed heartily and drove away.
Jerry kissed Eleanor goodnight and left, too.
Bethia smiled like Miss Prissy in Gone with the Wind and she too floated up the stairs.
Eleanor came in to talk to John.. "Let's go outside to the patio."
John followed her out. Eleanor grabbed a couple of beers on the way.
They sat down and Eleanor cranked hers open, took a swig and said, "Good stuff!"
as she kicked off her shoes.
John couldn't help but laugh. "Who'd ever think I'd be sitting under the stars sucking back a brewski with the former Queen of England?"
Eleanor laughed too and then became serious.
"We need to talk. I spoke to Rose in the ladies' room. She told me to tell you she loved you with all her heart. I know about the blue house today. I have a word of advice for you, John. Be careful. Very careful. And be afraid. Be very afraid. Don't get careless and don't get sloppy. I have no doubt that if Montgomery ever finds out your life won't be worth a farthing."

"Thanks, Eleanor. Love stolen in the shadow of the night, huh? Not a pretty picture. Never expected a Puritan to end up in a backstreet affair." He stood up and smiled bitterly, "Stll, a man has to do what a man has to do!"
Eleanor called after him. "Just watch your step, John."

Rosamond and Billy Bob were quiet in the car until Billy Bob asked, "What was that display of temper back there?"
Rose said, "You and Dr Underwear telling me what I can and cannot do! Get real, William! Not even a Tylenol? I can't stand Dr Underwear and his wife is a simp."
Billy Bob said, "I don't really care what you think. He's your OB."
Rose leaned her head against the car window. "Don't remind me!"
"And by the way, honey, it's UnderWOOD, not UnderWEAR!" Billy Bob started laughig at that.
Rose said, "How well do you know him?"
Billy Bob shrugged. "Well enough. We sometimes meet for golf. Racquetball a few times. Why?'
"No reason."

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CHRISTMAS is COMIN' the GOOSE is GETTING FAT!

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Christmas is Comin', the Goose is Getting Fat.....by Coralynn

The Season for cheer arrives and, just as Bethia had hoped, she and Roger are still together, and on this day they're choosing a Christmas tree.
"I like that tall one over there!" Bethia points to a tree that looms head and shoulders over the others.
Roger gets out his measuring device and sees just how tall it is.
"I think this one will fit just fine!" he pronounces, "I have that one area that goes up 25 feet, you know the place, near the foyer, yes, this will be sensational there! Thanks Beth, you're a sharp cookie!"
"Always aim to please!" she laughs as they both carry the tree to the checkout area.

Her cell phone rings, and, as much as she hates to interrupt their comaraderie, she is expecting a call, so she takes it.
"Yes, this is Bethia Adams........right.......that sound good to me.......then you'll go into production right away for the Season?....OK, we'll start small.....thanks for calling, talk to you soon!"
She puts the cellphone back in her pocket and smiles up at Roger, who, by now, is curious.
"The Company I wanted has agreed to produce a few of my evening gowns, and will be releasing a limited quantity to several area stores, YES!!!"
"Wahoooo!" Roger swings her around, her feet leaving the ground.
"They're putting them in Saks and Barneys and a couple other high-end stores and slapping a big price on them. I don't need the money, but knowing my designs are considered 'high end' is a big HIGH for me!"
She's very excited about not just the dress line being accepted, but also being with Roger. Being able to decorate for Christmas with him, go to formal dinners with him, parties with him......this is never what she could have imagineed, even in her wildest dreams, when she lived in 1640 Southold, Long Island.

As they drive to Roger's place after having the tree strapped on the top of the car, Bethia gets serious, as something has bothered her for the last few months.
"We won't have Rose with us at our place for Christmas, and I'm getting sadder and sadder about it the closer we get to the Holidays. You know, it would be one thing if she were somewhere else where she was happy, then I'd be happy for her, but living with that Montgomery guy out on that ranch has to be bringing her down!"
"I know," Roger agrees, "She's been coming to my office for checkups, unbeknownst to Montgomery, and so far her pregnancy has been excellent, just as it should be for five months along. She's terribly unhappy, though, I can tell. The only time I see her eyes sparkle is when I pass on a bit of information about you or your friends, but even then she gets tears in her eyes, she misses you so much."

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

Eleanor and Marilyn are at home unloading the trunk of Eleanor's car, which is packed with presents.
"Wait till you SEE what I got you!!" Marilyn is ecstatic.
"Well, Missy, wait till you see what's in THIS," Eleanor pulls a huge shopping bag out of the trunk. "This is all for you!"
"I have never had so much fun at Christmas," Marilyn says cheerfully, "I mean, when did I ever have so many friends who liked me just for being me and not because I was some big movie star!"
"None of us, with the exception of Jerry, ever knew you as a movie star, though, kiddo. Sure, we've watched the movies you appeared in, but to us your just our buddy Marilyn!"
The women trundle the bags into the house and toss them on one of the couches.
Marilyn sits as well, and kicks off her shoes, "I miss Rose, though! I really miss her!"
"I know," Eleanor joins her on the other chouch, "I do, too. We only see her from a distance when we're out in public and she and that Billy Bob jerk are at the same place. We hardly ever get to talk, he makes sure of that. Ever notice what a tight grip he keeps on her arm?"
Marilyn purses her lips, "He doesn't know it all, though, not by a long, long shot. I think Rose meets with John."
Eleanor motions for Marilyn to come closer, "Never, never say that out loud. I'm sure Daniel is a spy for Montgomery, and we must never say it loud enough, because you never know if he's skulking around somewhere outside or even inside the house."
"I know!! And now that the cast is off his leg, it's hard to tell him from John."
"Well, lets lug our booty into our rooms! I got a whole bunch of wrapping paper the other day, so I'll bring some down to you."
They stand up, gather up the bags and boxes and take them to their respective rooms.

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

__________ by Terri

"Hey, cuz--you available?"
Jameson looked up. Billy Bob was standing there in the doorway with a big smile on his face. He was wearing his white Stetson and a fleece-lined suede jacket. If anything, Billy Bob sure knew how to dress.
"William! Come on in! I haven't seen you since you borrowed the beach house for your honeymoon! How's married life?"
"Married life is a joy--and a trial! She sure is moody with this pregnancy."
"How's Rosamond doing?"
Billy Bob said, "She's just now starting to wear maternity clothes. Hard to believe in five months I'm going to be a father!"
Jameson said casually, "You straighten out that beach house mess from last summer?"
Billy Bob's mouth tightened in memory. "Yes. No more of that foolishness. I swear sometimes, Jameson, I was looking for an angel in white and I got the daughter of the Devil himself." Then he brightened. "BUT it makes life interesting! She's seeing Matt Underwood for her OB. I got her away from the quack Roger Bidwell. Of course, I don't believe all those rumours about Matt. Anyhow, we had a great honeymoon at the beach house. Thanks alot. You found the key OK?'
"Right under the mat where you left it."
"I'm thinking of taking Rosamond down to New Orleans over the holidays. She just sits by the window staring out. Her character was finally 'written out' of her soap. Her boss put it on hold until her pregnancy is over but I have news for him. She's not coming back."
Jameson was surprised. "I would have thought that would be a real trophy for you, having a wife who is a soap star! Wish Anastacia would do something sexy like that instead of sitting on the opera and fine arts cultural committee. Makes for a very boring woman. Oh, hey, speaking of Anastacia, she was shopping in the City last month and she saw that actor John Gwinnett coming out of the Plaza last month. Then she swears she saw Rosamond come out about ten minutes later. I told her she had to be wrong. But she's only seen Rosamond twice and she wasn't sure that it was her."
Billy Bob smiled, "No, she's got to be mistaken. Rose is totally mine. I told her if she ever started missing that guy, I wouldn't---miss, that is."
"Still have that rifle stashed in the barn? You always were an expert marksman. I remember as kids you could knock the black off an ace of spades from 100 feet away!"
"Yep--I keep it right in that niche between the two studs., loaded and ready to go. Of course, I still keep that Smith and Wesson .38 of Dad's right in the night stand. Rose doesn't like it, says it makes her nervous. But I still go out and target practice sometimes. Seems like the only thing that makes Rosamond happy anymore is shopping. Lord, that woman can shop! She goes out three-four times a week and shops. Says that's what makes her happy and as long as the little lady is happy, I am too. She doesn't buy much, though. In fact, she's out shopping right now!"
Jameson said, "Are you going to that horse auction in the spring in San Antonio?"
Billy Bob poured himself a cup of coffee, reached into Jameson's desk drawer, pulled out a bottle of bourbon and poured a shot in his coffee. "It's so cold out, this liquid antifreeze hits the spot! Yes, I think it is scheduled for April. Since Rose is due to deliver in May, I'll be able to make it there. I have my pilot's license now so I can just rent a plane and leave on short notice."
Jameson said, "So what's been going on these past two months?"
"Nothing really. Life has been up and down. I think Rose misses her friends but hey, she's better off without them. I don't know why she doesn't like Matt. Calls him Dr Underwear--even to his face! She pretends it's an accident but I know better. And she can't stand Sheila. Says she's a lobotomized Stepford wife and she will never get like that." Billy Bob sighs. "Sometimes I wish she would, though. One minute she can be a sweet as pie and the next she's a bitch." Billy Bob sat down and put his feet on Jameson's desk. "But hey, she's my little girl and I'm crazy about her."
Jameson poured himself a cup of coffee. "Do you know if the baby is a boy or a girl?"
Billy Bob said, "Rosamond says she doesn't want to know. Won't even discuss baby names with me. Then I got a call from Matt Underwood last week. He says Rose misses more appointments more than she goes. So looks like I'll have to drag her down there myself."
Billy Bob got up to leave. "Why don't you and Anastacia join us for dinner in a few days? I'll call you."
Jameson smiled. "That would be great!"

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

PILLOW TALK........by Terri
Rosamond and John lay snuggled in the king-sized bed at the blue house. A fire was blazing in the fireplace, the snow was swirling outside.
"Are you expecting your husband to call you?"
"Well, if he does he will just get my voicemail. I told him when I am in the mall I get terrible reception and it is easier to retrieve the messages than to answer through all that static. He went out to Long Island to see his cousin Jameson. He won't be back for quite a while."
She reached over and stroked his cheek. "It's incredible how much I love you, John.
Two years ago I was living in Plantagenet England praying I didn't die in childbirth or of the plague or Henry killing me and you were living with Elizabeth and hunting squirrels and rabbits for food. Now we found each other four centuries later and a little too late, and you are sipping a cognac and I am drinking spring water with a twist of lemon (which is terrible I might add) in a bed big enough for an entire Puritan family."
John frowned and traced her features with his finger. "Rose, are you sure he doesn't suspect a thing?"
She smiled her Mona Lisa smile. "No, he thinks I go shopping at the mall. I bought a bunch of stuff, keep it locked in my trunk and pull a bag or two out before I leave here."
"But aren't you afraid he will find out about this...affair?"
Rose kissed him passionately. "The only time I feel adulterous is when I am with him.I feel like I am cheating on you with HIM."
John was becoming upset. "I don't want to talk about that."
"I saw Roger the other day. He said the baby is excellent, I am in excellent health and there should be no problems. I am glad Celeste has taken care of Will. I try to see him when I can, Celeste usually arranges to meet me at the mall. Will seems happy with all of you. Bethia is great with him, like a second mother. I didn't want to drag him into this spiraling mess."
"Have you seen Underwood?"
Rose shook visibly. "NO! The man gives me the creeps. I arrange an appointment and then I cancel at the last minute. I don't think I've seen him but twice."
Rose looked at the clock. " Oh! I can't believe it is almost 5:00!"
She jumped out of bed and searched around for her clothes. "I have to go! I don't want to hear any of this 'where the hell are you?' stuff! She frantically looked under the bed for her shoes. John bent over and retrieved one shoe from under the covers.
Rose hurriedly threw her clothes on and said, "I love you, John Gwinnett! Always have, always will!" She put on the fur coat that Billy Bob had given her, looking like a Snow Queen in silver fox fur. She handed him an envelope and said, "I wanted to surprise you but don't open it until I leave."
She kissed him quickly and ran out the door. John tore open the envelope and pulled out a negative. At the top was printed, PATIENT: ROSAMOND MONTGOMERY
That irritated John until he looked down and saw what the picture was. It was a sonogram of the baby. His baby. Underneath Rose had written, "Hello, Daddy!"
John's eyes unexpectedly misted up and he stroked the picture with his forefinger.

John laid there thinking, there has to be a way out of this mess. He sighed, got dressed and locked the door, heading home to the house on Winding Willow.

Rosamond drove in the snow towards the ranch. Billy Bob had reluctantly fixed the Miata but in bad weather like this he made her take the Bronco because it had four wheel drive. She pulled up into the car park, grabbed a couple bags out of the trunk and made it in the house with five minutes to spare before Billy Bob came home.
He kissed her hello and gave her a hug. "So, what's in the bag?"
Rosamond pulled out a gold evening dress. "This is what I had ordered from Saks Fifth Avenue for the awards show tomorrow night. Do you like it?"
"Rose, honey, what makes you think we are going to the awards show? So you are nominated. So what?"
Rosamond threw her coat down. "So what? SO WHAT? I put up with all your horse auctions, your nights out to the Dew Drip Inn..."
"Drop."
"What?"
"Dew Drop. You said 'Drip' "
Rose said, "Whatever. I put up with the insufferable Dr. Underwear and Mr.s Simp and now you can do something for me! We are going and that is that!"
Billy Bob sighed and said, "All right. Just this once." Under his breath he muttered,
"Daughter of the Devil himself." But he smiled to himself when he said it.
******** ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* ******* *******

TIS THE SEASON.......by Coralynn

William sits before the fireplace, his feet on a hassock, a fleece throw over his lap and a pipe in his mouth.
"Nothing like a roaring fire on a cold day!" he says to himself, then hears what sounds like everyone else in the house getting back from shopping expeditions.
Eleanor, Bethia and Marilyn dash inside, stamping the snow off their boots.
"Well this should do it!" Marilyn says excitedly, "Oooooo, William, wait till you see!"
"Right now?" he laughs.
"Nope! You'll have to wait till Christmas morning! Actually, you're the only one I shopped for today because you're the hardest, but El gave me a couple great ideas, so now I am DONE!"
The women rush their packages into their rooms, then return to the living room and sit Indian style in front of the fireplace, holding their hands out toward the warmth.
"Do we have any more of that wassail you made, Beth?" Eleanor asks.
"Lots of it! Just warm up a few mugs and we'll all have some!"
They hear John coming in the house. "Want some wassail, John?" Eleanor asks.
"Sure." Everyone looks at John, seeing he has again lapsed into monosyllables. He gets that way from time to time, and everyone realizes it's because Rosamond is married to Montgomery and living off on that ranch.

Eleanor soon hands him a warm mug and gives him a short backrub, "Muscles are tight, John. Are you alight?"
He smiles weakly at her and changes the subject, "Tomorrow night we all go to the Soap Opera Awards, whether or not we're in the mood, so I suppose I'll somehow have to pull myself together. You know, Rose hasn't been on our show for a couple months, but yet she's nominated in several categories, so I imagine she'll be there. What do the rest of you think. Will Montgomery let her out of her plush prison for the night or not?"
"Plush prison, ahhhhh, that takes me back!" Eleanor groans, "I've had that experience, and it makes no difference how expensive the decor, if you feel trapped somewhere, you can think of little else than getting free. I did, but I had to come 850 years into the future to get the freedom, thanks to you, William," she smacks him on the leg and smiles.
"At your service, Madame!" he lifts his cup of wassail and grins.
"Ten days till Christmas!" Bethia chimes out cheerfully, "And this year I have spared NO expense....."
"Yeah, but you won that huge lottery jackpot!" Marilyn objects, "You're the richest one here."
"But.....your book is coming out in another month and you'll get richer than God!" Bethia sends it right back to her.
"Here's to Friends and Family!" Eleanor stands and holds her cup aloft, "Which in this case is one and the same!"
"CHEERS!" they all say simultaneoulsy.

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

AWARDS SHOW #2...........by Coralynn

"Beth, can you help me get this dress zipped up? I'm afraid I'll snag it and then the zipper will be ruined, and I so want to wear this tonight!"
Bethia carefully zips up the back of Marilyn's ice blue gown. "That is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen, if I do say so myself!" "Well, you designed it!" Marilyn laughs, "And I have the only copy! The other women at the awards ceremony will be green with envy!"
"That they will," Bethia agrees, "Plus, you resemble Marilyn Monroe! Do you EVER! Do you know how many actresses have tried desperately to look like MM so that they can play her in a movie about her life? Lots!! Even that strange woman called Madonna, has tried and failed. Of course in her case it would help a lot if she'd get her front teeth fixed! Why be stinkin' rich and still go around with a gap between your two front teeth? Makes me sense to me!"
Marilyn goes to the mirror and smiles so she can look at her own teeth.
"I had some caps put on, but nobody but you knows that!" Marilyn says as she admires herself from all angles.
"I'll never tell," Bethia promises as she goes up to her own room to change.

An hour later they are all congregating in the foyer waiting for their limo to arrive.
"A year ago that limo driver might have been me!" Jerry states, "And now I've been elevated to 'Passenger Status', can you believe?"
"A year ago you didn't know this lady!" William swats Eleanor on the backside with a rolled up newspaper.
"OWWW!" she laughs.
Luke is resplendant in a tux, which is making it hard for Marilyn to look at anyone but him.
Hmmmmmm, looks like love to me! Eleanor thinks.
"Where's Roger?" John asks Bethia.
"He's meeting us there," she answers, "He isn't on call tonight, either, so he should be able to stay the whole time."
"There is a fine young man!" William declares, "Bethia, you may have a real future with Roger!"
"Oh well, we'll see," she blushes, "I'm happy with the way things are now."
"Marriage isn't always the panacea people think it is," Eleanor speaks up, "Some men who were charming during courtship turn into tyrants the minute the ink dries on the marriage certificate!"
"Speaking from experience?" William asks.
"Well, that too, but I was thinking mostly of Rosamond who should be with US tonight! Makes me want to go out there and kidnap her and hide her away so Montgomery can never find her! What kind of Christmas are we going to have without her? Her absence will be a dull pain in all our hearts."
John is amazed, "Eleanor! I didn't know you were that devoted to Rose! Remember how the two of you used to fight like a couple angry cats?"
Eleanor nods her head, "I remember, but that seems years ago, centuries ago. In a way it was."
The limo arrives and they all take seats, but the conversation keeps rolling.
"I want her here for Christmas!" Eleanor is not giving up on this subject.
They all sit thinking about it, then finally William declares, "And so she will be!"
"What idea do you have in that mighty brain of yours?" Bethia asks.
William looks at Roger and Jerry and says with a twinkle in his eye, "Men, remember Boys Night Out at the French Revolution?"
They both nod and smile.
"Well, how do you think Montgomery and his henchman, Daniel, would enjoy Boys Holiday back at Court?"
Everyone gasps, then chuckles.
"But we want YOU here for Christmas!" Bethia objects.
"I will be! I'll find a couple worthy servants and bring them back with me. They'll be able to stay here and you can all teach them the ways of the 21st Century, which I know you enjoy doing. Then, after Christmas, I'll take two of you with me back to Court and we'll fetch those two rapscalions back here."
Luke and Marilyn both raise their hands and beg, "Take us! We've never been there, take us!"
"It's a plan!" William announces, "Henry2 has nothing against you two, but after I show him the pictures of Rosamond taken with these two rotters, and show how pregnant she's beginning to look, Henry2 will throw them in the dungeon! That's if they're lucky that's all he'll do!"

The limo pulls up in front of the auditorium; they alight; one by one, smiling into the flashbulbs.


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

______.......by Terri

Billy Bob stood there trying to tie the tie to his tux. "I still don't see why we have to go. You aren't in that soap anymore. It's a waste of time."
Rosamond came up to him and tied it for him. "Don't you know what an honor it is to be nominated for the Daytime Drama awards? It's a miracle I was even considered since I had to go on leave of absence two months ago."
"Quit. You quit. Remember that."
Rosamond got out the shimmery gold dress that skimmed her body. It barely showed the hint of her stomach and it draped beautifully. It hid the pregnancy well. Roseamond looked like a Greek goddess in it. She knotted her hair at the nape of her neck and put a simple gold and diamond necklace on.
She sat at the mirror and applied her lipstick and makeup carefully.
Billy Bob watched her in the mirror. "Damn! You still take my breath away!"
Rosamond looked up at him in the mirror and smiled. "Thank you. You aren't too shabby yourself, William."
He kissed her neck and murmured, "I love it when you call me William! You look like a goddess."
Then he said, "Isn't it about time you had a sonogram?"
Rosamond froze and tried to act casual. "I suppose so."
Billy Bob said, "Well, to get one you have to at least see your OB once in a while, Rose. Do I have to drag you there?"
Rose said a little too brightly, "I'll make an appointment with Dr. Feelgood next week."
"Feelgood?"
"Never mind."
She grabbed her silver fox coat and said, "Limo's here. Let's go."


Rosamond and Billy Bob exited the limo among the flash of hundreds of flashbulbs.
Billy Bob put his arm around Rosamond and said to her under his breath, "Enjoy it now, babe, because this is your swansong!"
They went into the auditorium and took their seats at the table next to the rest of them. Rose and Billy Bob were seated with Marty Henshaw and his wife, Phil (John's assistant) and Gwen the wardrobe mistress, among others.
Gwen jumped up and hugged Rosamond. "Rosamond, you look wonderful, honey! How's Dr Bidwell? Isn't he the greatest? And those blue eyes!"
Rosamond hugged her back and then said, "Actually, I am under Dr. Underwood's care."
Gwen's eyes got like saucers. "You're kidding! Dr. Matthew 'the hand that rocks the cradle' Underwood? How is the baby?"
Rosamond said, "Just fine! Due in May!"
Gwen looked at her and started counting on her fingers. "Oct, Nov, Dec..."
Rosamond interrupted her. "May. The baby is due in May." with a definite tone in her voice.
Billy Bob made sure Rosamond sat with her back to her friends. The ceremony had started.
Rosamond was nominated for two categories--"Best Actress in a Daytime Drama" and "Best Storyline for an Actress."
Bradley Bailey from Port Huron stood up and read the list of nominees:
"Gina Francesca from Buon Giorngo, Mi Amore"
"Bonita Sullivan from Why Me?"
"Rosamond Clifford from As the Planet Turns"
"Jill Palionini from Edge of Sanity"
"Tova Jackson from Why Me?"
"And the winner is.....ROSAMOND CLIFFORD FROM AS THE PLANET TURNS!"

Rosamond stood up and Billy Bob gave her a big kiss and hug. The gang at the next table clapped louder than anyone.
Rosamond got up there, looking drop dead gorgeous in her gold dress, the flush of victory on her face. Billy Bob was proud of her.
She walked to the podium amid the flash of photography. She accepted the statue from Bradley Bailey.
"WOW! I'm speechless...let's see...Oh yes!"
The audience laughed. "I'd like to thank my producer Marty Henshaw for putting up with me, Gwen for dressing me, my co-stars--you know what you all mean to me---and to my husband William Montgomery who taught me the importance of acting. Thanks, I love you all!"
Bradley Bailey led the audience in a round of applause and said, "Isn't Rosamond dynamite? Someone must have lit her fuse because she' s got a little firecracker there!" The crowd laughed appreciatively and Rosamond blushed.

The next category was "Best Actor in a Daytime Drama"
Janet Lopez announced, "The nominees are'----"
"Buck Harwood for General Prison"
"Tom Santangelo for Buon Giorno, Mi Amore"
"Scott Roberts for Why Me?"
"John Gwinnett for As the Planet Turns"
"Ronnie DuBois for Port Huron"
and the winner is.....JOHN GWINNETT FOR AS THE PLANET TURNS!"

Eleanor, Bethia and Marilyn jumped up and kissed and hugged John. Roger and Jerry led the group in whistles. John was smiling ear to ear.
"Hey, this is a great surprise! I'd like to thank Marty for taking a chance on an unknown, for casting for giving me the chance of a lifetime, Phil for his invaluable help and all my friends and family. I love each and every one of you! I'm totally blown away!"

The last category was a surprise. William the Conquering Chef was the presenter.
Eleanor leaned over to Bethia, "Did you know about this?" Bethia shook her head.
"William was really cagey about it! But no wonder he was smiling to himself the last few days! I didn't know he was a presenter!"
William said, "This is a new category. It is entitled, 'Hottest Couple in a Daytime Drama' and the nominees are--
"Buck Harwood and Sonja Helmsted for General Prison"
"Sandy Colliver and Justin Barber for Port Huron"
"Barbara Santos and Francesco DeOreo for Buon Giorno Mi Amore"
"Suzie Jackson and Bill McGee for Why Me?"
"Rosamond Clifford and John Gwinnett for As the Planet Turns"

A hush fell over the two tables. This was a total surprise, the category and the nominees. William broke open the envelope and a grin broke out on his face.
"The winners are...ROSAMOND CLIFFORD AND JOHN GWINNETT!!!"
Rosamond and John looked at each other and gasped! John grabbed Rose's hand without thinking and they ran up to the podium. Everyone gave them a standing ovation. Marty Henshaw leaned over and said to the table, "Didn't I always say the two of them had a chemistry that was like a Bunsen Burner blowing up a middle school classroom lab?"

Marty was totally not thinking of Billy Bob's presence there. If he had been, he never would have said that. Unfortunately, Billy Bob heard it.
When John and Rosamond reached the podium, out of reaction, John gave Rosamond a big hug and kissed her. Rosamond was glowing.
William was pleased as punch. He gave each of them their statues.
John said, "Rosamond, you want to go first?"
Rosamond said, "OK! Wow! The first Hottest Couple award. What can I say? Oh yes! I want to thank the awards committee for this award. The writers were wonderful! Thanks to Gwen for the moleskin she gave me!" Everyone except Billy Bob laughed at that point. "And thanks to a great co-star who made playing this role easy. Also thanks goes to my husband who has shown me just what a woman means to the man she loves." Then she said, "John? Your turn!" Everyone laughed and clapped.
John said, "This award means more to me than I can tell you! It's like a life acheivement award! It's great working with Rosamond. The writers were superb."
Then he breaks out in a big smile and says, "But hey, who said we were even acting! This little lady is 100 proof!"
The audience roared with laughter. Except one person.
Rosamond blushed and John gave her a kiss and hug. They returned to their seats. The awards went on for about another half hour but it was the usual editing and sound and special effects.
Afterwards, the group decided to hold their own party at the house. John looked longingly at Rosamond standing there with her husband.
Billy Bob had Rosamond by the arm, gripping tightly. She was smiling and saying under her breath, "Would you loosen your grip, darling? Wouldn't do to leave any marks now, would it?" Rosamond and Billy Bob climbed in the limo and went to an after-awards party, courtesy of Marty.
When the other eight of them returned home, the girls kicked off their shoes. William got the blender out and started making daquiris for everyone.
Eleanor said, "That was quite an acceptance speech you made about the Hottest Couples award, John. I just hope Rose doesn't get any fallout from it."
John said, "What do you mean?"
Jerry said, "Well, it was pretty double entendre. Let's hope Montgomery doesn't pick up on it."
John got excited. He reached in his pocket. "Rose gave this to me today. Look! The sonogram!"
Everyone crowded around. The women were oohing and ahhing over it. The men were clapping John on the back. Roger said, "She came to see me today and I agreed to do the sonogram. That's one fine baby there, I don't anticipate any problems. And yes, John, I am sure that baby will be due in April and not May like she has been telling everyone. Look! You can even start to see the baby has hair and it's got Rosamond's nose but it looks like your mouth!
Bethia said quietly to Eleanor and Marilyn, "Or Daniel's mouth."
Roger went on to say, "The baby is turned so you can't tell if it is a boy or girl and Rose didn't want to know anyways."
John sighed, "When I think of how close we came to losing it.."
Marilyn looked up. "When did she give this to you?"
John said, "This afternoon."
There was dead silence in the room. Then John blurted out, "OK, so we are having an affair! So what? It's our business! Who cares?"
William said quietly, "Billy Bob Montgomery cares, that's who."

It was after 2:00 AM when Billy Bob and Rosamond returned home. Rose kicked off her shoes and said "Those heels were killing my feet! I'm going to have some club soda, darling, do you want anything?"
"Scotch--no ice, no soda, no water. Leave the bottle."
Rosamond raised her eyebrow. "What's the matter with you?"
"You. You are the matter, Rosamond. Ever since we were married, you've changed."
"Well, what do you expect? You check my every move. You dictate who I see, what doctor I go to, for crying out loud you even made me take a leave of absence from a job I loved."
"QUIT! How many times do I have to tell you that you have QUIT?"
Rosamond turned away. "I am NOT having this conversation at 2:30 AM. If you want me, knock on the door of the bedroom tomorrow morning." She walked over to the closet and dragged out a blanket and a pillow and threw it at Billy Bob. "I hope you are comfortable because out here is where you are going to spend the night unless you want to bed down in the stables!" She walked deliberately up the stairs and said, "I hope you have a good night down here all by yourself!"
She slammed the door to the bedroom and locked it. She threw her dress on the chair and slid into bed.
Billy Bob sat before the fire downing most of the bottle of scotch. He got up unsteadily and threw the pillow and blanket down on the couch. How dare she!
SHE'S the one who's doing wrong! He walked up the stairs to the bedroom and kicked the door down.
Rosamond sat up. "What the HELL are you doing?"
Billy Bob grabbed her by the shoulders. "What the hell are YOU doing with that actor? That was some steamy glances you were exchanging with him, you whore!"
He reached into the nightstand and grabbed the Smith and Wesson.
"Know what this is, sweetheart? It's a Saturday Night Special. And if you don't want Mr. John Gwinnett to end up with a bullet, you'll stay far away from him."
Rosamond looked him in the eye. "And what if I decide to leave you?"
Billy Bob put the gun back in the nightstand. "Then I shoot him twice. You've got a choice, Rose. His life for eternal wedded bliss. And don't try that pillow-and-blanket-on-the-couch-routine anymore, Rose. There isn't a door or a lock made that I can't kick in."
With that, he kicked off his boots and got in bed.


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

STRANGE PARTNERS..........by Coralynn

"Henry, William here!"
"Hello, William, what can I do for you?" Henry8 is surprised to be getting a call from William. As long as he's lived in the Castle William has never phoned him before.
"Can you come over for a confab?" William asks.
"Hmmmm, a confab, what's that?"
"We talk over an issue, that's what it is, Henry."
"OK, I have some time right now. Want me to come over now?"
"That would be good," William agrees, "See you in a minute."

It takes Henry8 all of 5 minutes to arrive, considering the properties are adjoining.
It's been awhile since Henry was in the Big House and he looks around the kitchen as though he had never seen it before.
"It's very important that we not be overheard, Henry, so come up to my room and I'll fill you in on the issue I need you to help with."
Henry is surprised: William needs him? Since when?

They sit on the stuffed chairs William has in one corner of his room. Henry feels the material appaisingly. Nice stuff, he thinks. I should get some of this for my room.
"I need your help in a very delicate issue and project, one that has to be executed exactly right or it'll fail."
Henry's eyes become brighter, Oh good, something clandestine perhaps?
"Now, Henry," William launches into his explanation, "You don't enjoy having Daniel at the Castle all that much, do you?"
"Now that I have my jazz band, Daniel actually gets in the way, William, and Luke can't stand the sight of him. Bill barely tolerates him. Jerry ignores him altogether. So, he isn't a good addition to our castle, but I can't put him out on the street. He was fun way back when he and I watched adult movies and drank beer for hours, but that got old, even for me!"
William's face registers pleasure upon hearing this. Henry is pleased that William is pleased. What next: are we going to become good friends? Henry wonders.
"Would you like Daniel to be elsewhere at Christmastime?"
"Sure!" Henry is going to see this through, since William seems to be on a roll.
"I could take him back to Court and dump him for a few days!" William tells him, leaning closer.
"OH NO! I will not go back to Court with you so you can dump Daniel! Is this a trick to get rid of ME?" the pleasure is draining out of this experience.

"I don't want you to go," William assures him.
Henry is relieved, "Then what part am I to play in this?"
William's voice drops in volume, so Henry has to strain to hear, "We need Billy Bob Montgomery to be away from here at Christmas so that Rose can spend the holiday with her friends, US. Since Daniel is a spy for Montgomery, I thought it would be fitting to take both of them to Court and let them face Henry2's wrath when he discovers they're both involved with Rosamond. Henry will fly into a murdurous rage over it, you know he will."
"YEAH!" Henry's voice is louder, "And when he finds out she's WITH CHILD! and it isn't his, this time for sure it isn't his! HA! I'd love to see his face!"
"Maybe I can take a picture of it!" William smiles, "But seriously, what I need you to do is keep Daniel at the Castle tomorrow. I have a plan to draw Montgomery to our house, never mind the details, but I think he'll show up. When I see him drive in, I'll ring you up quickly....here.....take this cell phone.....don't use it for anything else now.....and when I give you the word, slip this packet of powder into whatever it is Daniel's drinking and make sure he drinks it all. It'll make him sleepy right away. He also will have lost any reasoning power, so then you walk him over here and shove him in the back door. I can take it from there."
"How do you get Montgomery to take hands, though? If Daniel is all woozy from the powder, he'll be easy, but how can you get Montgomery to drink it, too?"
"I'm not counting on that," William tells him, "All I can think of is that we can let Daniel crash on the couch, then I can take one of his hands to pull him back up and ask Montgomery to take the other one. Daniel is his henchman, after all. Then if somehow I can grab Montgomery's other hand, I can activate the coin and we can be off and away."
"WOW!" Henry is impressed, "Say, William, why don't I stick around after I bring Daniel over and I can help you? I can grab Montgomery's hand and force him to take your hand."
"Welllll," William is pensive, "You might be able to help in that. Just remember: don't hang on very long or you'll be whisked back to the 12th Century as well!"
Henry's face softens, "You mean you don't mind me living here, William? I thought you wanted to get rid of me, but you don't, do you?"
"You've been fine, I have no complaints, Henry. You have your own house, errr Castle, and seem to be a fairly productive member of society, so what's for me to complain about?"
"Hot diggity dog!" Henry almost cheers, "Never thought I'd see the day! Well, William, best buddy, you can count on me!!" and with that he takes the cell phone, puts it in his pocket and the two men descend the stairs.

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Another CAPER........by Coralynn

The day of the time-travel caper arrives.
William is up early, waiting for a signal from Eleanor, who has gone out to pick up Rosamond at the ranch. Billy Bob had gone into town for feed, just as Rose had predicted.
Since Rose had said that it usually took BB about an hour to drive into town, pick up the feed, and drive back, timing was crucial.
William read all five morning newspapers. At least none of the group from the big house had made it into the headlines, that was a relief.

The clock shows 10am. Good. BB should be leaving now. Eleanor was in the area in a place where her car would not be visible from the road, yet she could see Montgomery's truck as it headed for town.
The phone rings. It's Eleanor on her cell phone, "OK, I'm going in!" is all she says. He understands.
He tells John, who has entered the room, "So far all is on schedule."
John nods to acknowledge this, but his expression is guarded. He is at least as nervous as William is about this new Caper.
John goes through the morning papers, hardly reading them, just turning pages. William paces the floor.
"Good thing Beth took Marilyn with her to the Grand Union," John says casually, "They would really make us a nervous wreck."
"Like we aren't already....." William is interrupted by the phone ringing again.
Eleanor's voice, "I have her in the car and we're heading north. Be sure to tell John to phone me after you've completed this mission, so we can come back, OK?"
"OK. John has the number."
They hang up, and now the serious waiting begins. In about 20 minutes Montgomery should arrive back at the ranch and find Rose gone. After searching the grounds for her, he would head to the big house, that would take another 20 to 30 minutes. William's palms are beginning to sweat.
"Let's just watch an old 'I Love Lucy' rerun or something while we wait so we have something to distract us for a bit," William suggests to John.
The two men turn on the old rerun and are somehow able to pay attention to it enough so that when the banging on the front door begins, they're startled back to the reality at hand.

John looks out from behind a drape and says "It's Montgomery!" at which time he is to go up to his room so that BB doesn't see him at home.
William quickly dials up Henry8. It rings 4 times before Henry answers, "Hurry up Henry, give that drink to Daniel right now, and then get over here!"
He hopes he hasn't taken up so much time with that that Montgomery concludes no one is home and goes away. That must not happen!

William opens the door just as BB is turning around to leave. "Hello, Mr. Montgomery, can I help you?" he keeps his tone even with great effort.
"WHERE IS SHE? I KNOW SHE'S HERE!" Montgomery charges into the house.
"You're speaking of Rose, I presume?" William acts all interested and innocent.
"You know damn well it's Rose. She's gone! Her coat is gone, her purse is gone, SHE's gone! "She's run away with John Gwinett! I know it!" BB yells as he starts up the stairs.
William can't stop him. Besides, when he sees just John in that bedroom, that'll stop him yelling about her having run off with John.
William can hear him going from room to room, opening doors, yelling "ROSE!", slamming doors, opening another, yelling "ROSE!" then slamming that one.
Under normal circumstances there is no way that William would allow this bozo to go barging through the bedrooms, but at least it'll keep him here till Henry and Daniel get here. he thinks
"JOHN! Where's Rose?" William hears. He can't make out what John's answer is, but it must have somehow satisfied Montgomery, as he then comes quickly back down the stairs, still with that wild look on his face.

The back door flies open with a crash, which makes both William and BB turn to look. In comes Henry8 and Daniel, the latter with a placid, glazed expression.
Daniel sits on a kitchen chair and hardly moves.
"Ahhh, my friend Billy Bob!" Henry8 walks briskly toward him, extending his hand, which BB takes reluctantly.
When BB sees the beer in Henry's other hand, he grabs for it and quickly drains the bottle.
Henry looks at William with "YAHOO!" written all over his face. William gets the message.
Billy Bob calms down immediately and within a minute, two minutes, tops, he's sitting placidly on the couch.
William can't believe his good fortune!
Henry8 walks the zombie-like Daniel into the living room, puts him on the couch beside BB, puts their hands together, which, oddly enough, they don't resist.
William and Henry exchange another "WHEW!" mental message.
William places the coin in the palm of his left hand, then, with Henry's help, gets hold of the free hands of both the other men, and the air commences turning color and swirling and to Henry's extreme joy, they disppear from the room.
John peeks out of his upstairs room, "Are they gone, Henry?"
"GOOOONE!" Henry makes a great swirling motion with his arms and pirouettes.

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NOTHING SO FINE AS A DAY BACK AT COURT......by Coralynn

The three men stand in the outer yard, the castle in the near distance and the stableyard close by.
A tall, blond stable boy rushes over to them, "Can I assist you in any way, m'lords?" he almost bows to them.
William is impressed.
"What's you name, lad?"
"Jacque."
"OK, Jack, thank you for your helpfullness...."
It's Jacque," the boy repeats, trying not to give offense.
William smiles and tells him, "May be call you Jack, Jacque? It would mean ever so much to us."
"Certainly. How can I assist you>"
"We're here to see King Henry. Is he at home?"
They all pause and listen, and soon a screech is heard coming from the castle. Jack nods his head toward the castle and tells them, "From the sound of it, I would say yes."
"From the sound of it?"
"I'm afraid so, sire. King Henry enjoys chasing the serving wenches around the kitchen, and Marthy is so terrified of him she screams. That's her you hear."
By now BB and Daniel are shaking their heads and soon their entire bodies, trying to get back some control over themselves.
"These are my traveling companions, BB and Dan!" William explains, "They have come to celebrate the Holidays with King Henry."
"Really?" the lad is surprised, "Is the King having a costume Holiday? You are all dressed so oddly, after all. Very nicely, I don't mean to offend, but I, for one, have never seen attire of that refinement."
"YES! He's having a costume Holiday!" William laughs, as they walk toward the castle.
Jack goes back to his chores at the horse stable, but William makes a mental note: 'Candidate #1 for taking back with me.'

BB and Daniel are now looking at their surroundings with alarm.
"What in bloody hell....." Daniel starts, "Is this your idea of a joke, William?"
BB stops in his tracks, "First it was that French war, now this?? Where am I and WHEN is this? I don't trust you, William. You're a bad seed."
"Indeed I am, but to answer your questions, this is the Court of Henry the 2nd and we're in the 12th Century, about 850 years earlier than we were just a scant minute ago."
"You can't hold me here! I have my rights as an American citizen!" BB thunders.
"Guess what?" William draws closer and says in a softer tone, "We aren't in American now, in fact, America hasn't even been discovered by the rest of the world. So you can stuff it with your Bill of Rights nonsense. This is the Court of Henry2, surely you've heard of him? He was and actually still is, in a way, married to Eleanor of Aquitaine, commonly known as "El" at our house, and his mistress is Rosamond Clifford, commonly known as "Rose Montgomery" to you! And I am "William the Conqueror", the real deal, not just the chef! How'd'ya like them apples>!"
Both Billy Bob and Daniel look aghast. William proceeds toward the castle, but Billy Bob balks and refuses to go any closer.
William strides quickly up to some castle guards and asks for their assistance. They recognize him, strange attire and all, and follow him back to there BB is dug in for the duration.
The guards get on each side and literally lift BB off the ground and proceed toward the castle with him, his legs swinging violently in the air, but never touching the ground.

"HENRY! HENRY!" William calls out as they enter the castle, "I have someone here for you to meet!"
Geoffrey walks toward them, but seeing no damsels in their company, shrugs and retreats.
Henry2 comes booming toward them, "WILLIAM! YOU OLD BASTARD! It's good to see your face again. What do you know of Rosamond?"
"Still have a one-track mind, aye, Henry?" William laughs and gestures for the guards to lower BB so that he again stands on his legs.
"I have brought you two fine specimens of manhood. First: Daniel, who claims to be the father of the babe Rose now carries within her!" he pushes Daniel toward Henry.
"You claim WHAT?!" Henry whaps Daniel over the face with his glove. "NO one but me beds that fair damsel, do you hear me, NO ONE!"
Daniel is quaking in his shoes.
Billy Bob looks around for a place to hide, but alas, finds none. Where would he go in this strange place, anyway?
"And....Henry......this other fine specimen of manhood is named William Robert Montgomery, commonly known as Billy Bob, or BB, and, now get this one Henry....he married Rosamond and also claims the babe as his!" with that William gives BB a mighty shove so that he all but falls into Henry.
"Married? NO one marries Rose! I shall have this unseemly union annulled right away!" Henry gets right up in Billy Bob's face and says theateningly, "You will never again see MY Rosamond!"
BB's eyes are all but falling out of his head by this time.
"GUARDS! GUARD!" This time it's Henry summoning them, "Throw these men into the dungeon. Right, the one with the rats. NOW!"

Both Daniel and Billy Bob look beseechingly at William, who smiles calmly back at them., and says, "I warned you, Montgomery, about telling Rose what to do, but did you listen? NO! A trip to the French Revolution didn't convince you, either, so mayhap a few days with King Henry will get it through to you! As for you, Daniel, turning traitor was not your best decision, not that I've ever witnessed you making a wise one, but that one was lethal."
The guards drag the two men away.

Henry looks at William with curiosity. "What was that all about, and are those men really involved with Rosamond? This isn't one of your little jokes, is it?"
"In case you want proof, Henry, I have pictures with me. I know you know not what photography is, but these pictures are of the real people as they appear. Not paintings. These are real."
He draws out several pictures and hands them to Henry, who shuffles through them, with his face becomming redder and redder the longer he looks.
"That BB guy actually married Rose? Is Rose unhappy about it, and does she desire to return to me?"
William controls his urge to say "In your dreams, dumbo!" but instead intones "she is most unhappy in the marriage and though she may not be coming back here, I thought the humane thing would be to take BB somewhere else for a few days, mayhap the Christmas Holidays, so that Rose can celebrate them with her friends."
"She has friends? HA!! Certainly not Eleanor. How is that miserable woman anyway?"
"Rose and Eleanor are best of friends now, Henry. I know, it hardly seems possible, but they are."
"WHEN PIGS FLY!" Henry scoffs, "Those two fought over me like cats. It was wonderful."
William wants an end to that discussion, so he asks Henry, "Can I leave these rotters here for a few days and come back for them after the Holidays, let's say two days after?"
Henry strokes his beard, "Yes. Leave them. It's been a while since I had someone in the dungeon and I'd like to see how bad it is when the rain comes in the window at the prisoners. I'm determined to be second to none in the cruel treatment of prisoners. I hear tell that someone in France or Germany or maybe it was Scotland, anyway, some other monarch said his dungeons were the most hideous in Christendom. I beg to correct that."
William shakes his head ever so little, so he wants to be the Toughest Sheriff in the west, does he? Not that he'd understand that term!

"I can't tarry long, Henry, but a decent meal would be much appreciated," as they enter the eating room.
A very nervous serving wench approaches them and asks, "Oiiii, can I get yer some dinnah, sires?" in a very Cockney accent, or an accent that would be considered Cockney by Prof Henry Higgins hundreds of years later.
Henry quickly instructs her, "Marthy, get us some venison and mead and do it posthaste!" and pinches the poor girl on the bottom.
William now has his second candidate for getting the hell out of the 12th century.
Henry and William sit around the long wooden table and are soon devouring a hearty meal.

"I'll be leaving now, Henry, but I'll be back in 6 days. Take good care of my "buddies" now, won't you?" he winks at Henry and Henry winks back.
Henry then goes to another part of the castle, which suits William perfectly. He approaches Marthy and asks, "Can you accompany me to the stable?"
She looks terrified, "Awwwwwww no you don't! I don't go out to no stable with no man! I'm a good goil, I yam!"
"I won't touch you, I promise. I mean you no harm. But it would be an honor to be escorted by such a fair lady as yourself.
Marthy stands up straighter and holds her head high, "I would be delighted!"
They approach the horse stable where Jack is still mucking out stalls.
"JACK!" William calls, "Would you please assist me?"
Jack, always the soul of helpfulness, hurries over, "What do you require, m'lord?"
"Let us just stand and hold hands for a minute," William suggests, thinking no way does this make a particle of sense to these two young people, but lo and behold they comply.
The air swirls and changes several colors and they're back at the big house, standing in the front yard.
Marthy looks up at the house and emits, "AAaaaaaaouuuuuuu!"

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MY FAIR LADY.........by Coralynn

Eleanor and Rosamond are arriving back after getting the 'all clear' from John, and see William and two quainty-dressed young people standing in the yard, the young woman pointing at the house, making the most ungodly noises.

"I'd almost forgotten how the lower classes dressed back in the 12th Century!" Rose comments.
"I know, me too, but we must'nt think about classes, that is also a relic of the past, or at least should be," Eleanor adds.
They park the car and walk toward the small group.
Jacque and Marthy don't recognize Eleanor or Rosamond, as they had only worked at the castle a month or two, so they look at the two women with interest. Who could they be?

William is getting nowhere trying to calm Marthy. She is totally freaked out and continues to make loud "aaaaawwwwwuuuuoooo" sounds.
Neighbors next door, plus the ones across the road, come out and stare.
"Oh no, here we go again!" Eleanor comments to Rose. "We'd better get these people inside!"
Eleanor approaches Marthy and smiles, which is a tactic that hadn't occurred to William.
The girl's eyes are full of fright and she asks Eleanor, "Where am Oi?"
"You're in a very nice place with a lot of nice people who would like to be your friends."
"Oi am, am Oi?!" Marthy is skeptical.
"Come inside and we'll talk," Eleanor takes the girl's arm and gently leads her to the front door.
Jack hustles ahead and opens it for them, smiling. Well, good, at least he doesn't feel threatened, Eleanor thinks.

As they all enter the house, Rose sees John standing expectently in the living room and rushes over to him, flying into his arms.
They then proceed to a room upstairs, and Marthy loses sight of them.
Marthy looks about her in amazement. What kind of place is this? She sees odd furniture, no rushes on the floors, and an assortment of strange boxes, some with handles, some with what appear to be windows. She roams around, peering into these 'windows.'
Marilyn comes out of her room and grins at them all, "I finished my book!" she announces.
"That was fast!" Eleanor grins at her, "Ohhhh, Marilyn, these new people are.......who are they, William, would you please make the introductions?"
William begins, "This fine young man is Jack, who till a few minutes ago worked in the horse stables at Henry's Court.....and this fair lady is Marthy, who worked in the kitchens..."
Marthy responds well to being called a fair lady, which William stores away for future reference.
The girl is beginning to calm down, but the look of suspicion lingers, "And who moight YOU awwwl be?" she asks.
"I am Eleanor," El holds out her hand to the girl, who is not sure what to do, so Eleanor takes her hand and clasps it gently.
"I am Beth," Bethia says, "And I am so glad to meet you, Marthy. We have a room all ready for you, would you like to see it?"
"A ROOM?" Marthy is confused.
"Yes, your very own bedroom, Marthy, and it's right next to mine!" Marilyn takes the girl's hand and leads her toward the downstairs bedrooms.
At first Marthy holds back, but Marilyn's smile is hard to resist, so she follows.
Marilyn opens the door to Marthy's new room, which is decorated in pale yellows, with a floral bedspread adorned with daisies.
Marthy steps slowly into the room, "This is mine?" she looks to Marilyn for the answer, "But whoooooy?"
"We would very much like you to live with us," Marilyn tries to make eye contact with Marthy, which is difficult, as the girl is glancing all over the room in wonder.

Out in the living room, William is filling Jack in on things like time-frames and time-travel and just where they are on the globe, which information Jack seems to be assimilating easily.
William is impressed with the level of intelligence Jack displays. This was a great choice, he congratulates himself mentally.
Marilyn's soothing presence has calmed Marthy considerably, and as they again join the others, Marthy is clinging to Marilyn's side.
"Looks like you have a new best friend!" William kids Marilyn.
"Friend," Marthy repeats over and over.

"Looks like we have a house full now!" William says proudly, "Eight bedrooms with all of them occupied!"
"But Rose had to move....." Bethia begins, but is cut off by William, "I care not if she is married to the King Tut, that room is hers and will not be assigned to anyone else!" he is firm about this.
Marthy has finally let go of Marilyn and is wandering around the downstairs rooms, commenting, "This place is like a palace! Only better! How did you get a house like this? I've never seen one before!"
Eleanor guides Marthy to a window and tells her, "Look out the window, dear, see all the other houses very much like this one?"
"YES! When did these houses get built? I went to sleep last night and one of this was here, but now it is......how can that be?"
Jack, who has absorbed a lot of information in a short amount of time, tells her, "This is not England anymore, Marthy, this is America, and this is not the same Century, this is 850 years later!"
Her mouth flies open and she squints at him in disbelief.
"Aaaaaaaoooo, come on Jacque! What do ya take me for, a fool?"
Eleanor sits on a couch and all but disappears within the folds of soft leather, and gestures for Marthy to do the same.
Marthy sits, then a look of wonderment comes over her face. "This has to be a dream! I never sat on anything so soft before, nay, nothing like this exists in the world!"
Jack tries again, "But this isn't the same world anymore. This is in the future in a new and wondrous place."
"Oiii don't know what cha done, but whatever ya do, don't take me back to the real world, awwwlright?" Marthy grins.

William proposes a toast, "To our new family members and to our returning friend Rose, Cheers!"

Bethia realizes that the two newcomers are still dressed in their 12th century garb, and suggests to Marthy that they go into her room. Surely they can find something suitable for her to wear.
"Can I look like a LADY?" Marthy's eyes gleam, "I alwoiys wanted to look like one of those foiiine lawdies of the Court."
Beth takes her hand and they disappear up the stairs.

Eleanor shows Jack how to use the computer, and in no time he is having a great time catching up on world history.
Eleanor whispers to William, "You brought back a real winner in him. But I wonder: do either of them have family back in the 12th century, and, if so, isn't their disappearance going to be a blow to them?"
"I hope not," William confides, "I knew I was taking that chance, and if it becomes too painful for them to be parted from their families, I may have to return one or both of them. It's up to them."
They can hear Jack on the computer exclaiming, "So that's what happened! WOW!"
"Wow?!" Marilyn laughs, "He does catch on fast!"
Soon Bethia leads Marthy back down the stairs dressed in one of the dreses from her new collection. It's a vibrant green and shows off the green in Marthy's eyes to great advantage.
As they finish descending the staircase, William bows as to a royal personage, and the others take their cue from him, bowing, curtsying and making a great effort to show how impressed they are.
"Oiii am a grand lady of the Court!" Marthy holds her head high and smiles benevolently at her "subjects."
Eleanor quickly puts a CD of waltz music on the player and William, still bowing courteously, asks Marthy, "May I have this dance, m'lady?"
Her face lights up and she takes his arm and they swirl around the room.

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__________.....by Terri

Richard the Lionhearted and John Plantagenet come into the Great Room. Henry II was there discussing something with his father, Geoffrey.
They approach them cautiously. "Father, what is all that ruckus we heard earlier?"
Geoffrey boomed out, "It turns out little Rosamond has managed to get herself with child and William has dumped the man or men responsible for it into our presence for a few days." He laughed heartily. "That's one up on you, Henry!"
Henry's face darkened with rage. "Yea, Rose has lain with two men and knows not which is the sire. William claims one has wed her. And I want the TRUTH from them if I have to torture them myself!"
Richard and John are relieved it is not them who have to face Henry's wrath.
Henry grabbed his cloak and descended down into the dungeons.

Billy Bob and Daniel were sitting on the hard benches inside the dungeon. The dank walls were dripping with mildew. Billy Bob glowered at Daniel.
"Well, thanks alot, Daniel! Why did you trust Henry? You should have known better, since you pulled that same trick on your brother."
Daniel got defensive. "Hey, how was I to know Henry would turn on me? We would play poker and drink beer and watch adult movies together. I trusted him."
"Well, from what I hear, William intends to leave us here."
Daniel said, "If William is anything, he is a man of his word. Everyone wanted to dump me back in Southold 1650 and let me take my lumps or beam me over into Virginia and William said that was against his ethics. If William said he will be back for us in six days, you can bet he will be."
Billy Bob said, "IF we survive."
Henry came in, his cloak swirling around him. He gazed at the two men.
"Well, you two make friends with any of the vermin here?" He laughed unpleasantly.
"Now I want the truth. Which one of you is the sire of Rosamond's brat?"
Both Billy Bob and Daniel pointed to the other one and said, "HE IS!"
Henry looked at them. "Well, mayhap a few days down here will bring the truth out of each of you. Although there usually is as many stories as there are people involved plus one. Their sides and the truth. Which one of you has wed Rosamond?"
Daniel quickly pointed out. "Yon Mr. Montgomery over there. It was a whirlwhind courtship and Montgomery here gave her no time to think."
"Yes, well, you bedded her pretending to be your twin brother."
Henry II looked closely at Daniel. "So THAT'S where I have seen you before. A TWIN?
Of Gwinnett's?"
Daniel and Billy Bob were both thinking of an allied front with Henry. A common enemy. John Gwinnett.
Daniel said, "She had been carrying on with John Gwinnett for months now. Mayhap he is the sire of her bastard child. So why torture innocent men? JOHN is the one you want."

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WHOSE BABE ISN'T ROSAMOND?.....by Terri

Richard the Lionhearted and John Plantagenet come into the Great Room. Henry II was there discussing something with his father, Geoffrey.
They approach them cautiously. "Father, what is all that ruckus we heard earlier?"
Geoffrey boomed out, "It turns out little Rosamond has managed to get herself with child and William has dumped the man or men responsible for it into our presence for a few days." He laughed heartily. "That's one up on you, Henry!"
Henry's face darkened with rage. "Yea, Rose has lain with two men and knows not which is the sire. William claims one has wed her. And I want the TRUTH from them if I have to torture them myself!"
Richard and John are relieved it is not them who have to face Henry's wrath.
Henry grabbed his cloak and descended down into the dungeons.

Billy Bob and Daniel were sitting on the hard benches inside the dungeon. The dank walls were dripping with mildew. Billy Bob glowered at Daniel.
"Well, thanks alot, Daniel! Why did you trust Henry? You should have known better, since you pulled that same trick on your brother."
Daniel got defensive. "Hey, how was I to know Henry would turn on me? We would play poker and drink beer and watch adult movies together. I trusted him."
"Well, from what I hear, William intends to leave us here."
Daniel said, "If William is anything, he is a man of his word. Everyone wanted to dump me back in Southold 1650 and let me take my lumps or beam me over into Virginia and William said that was against his ethics. If William said he will be back for us in six days, you can bet he will be."
Billy Bob said, "IF we survive."
Henry came in, his cloak swirling around him. He gazed at the two men.
"Well, you two make friends with any of the vermin here?" He laughed unpleasantly.
"Now I want the truth. Which one of you is the sire of Rosamond's brat?"
Both Billy Bob and Daniel pointed to the other one and said, "HE IS!"
Henry looked at them. "Well, mayhap a few days down here will bring the truth out of each of you. Although there usually is as many stories as there are people involved plus one. Their sides and the truth. Which one of you has wed Rosamond?"
Daniel quickly pointed out. "Yon Mr. Montgomery over there. It was a whirlwhind courtship and Montgomery here gave her no time to think."
"Yes, well, you bedded her pretending to be your twin brother."
Henry II looked closely at Daniel. "So THAT'S where I have seen you before. A TWIN?
Of Gwinnett's?"
Daniel and Billy Bob were both thinking of an allied front with Henry. A common enemy. John Gwinnett.
Daniel said, "She had been carrying on with John Gwinnett for months now. Mayhap he is the sire of her bastard child. So why torture innocent men? JOHN is the one you want."

Henry narrowed his eyes. "And how do you expect to get Mr. John Gwinnett over here and hand me his heart on a silver platter?"
Billy Bob and Daniel looked at each other and shrugged.
Henry said, "BAH!" and walked out.
Billy Bob leaned his head against the back wall. "How the hell are we supposed to eat this crap?"He picked up a soggy piece of bread.
Daniel said, "Guess for the next six days you and I will be fasting!"
Billy Bob said, "We have to find a way to get into his good graces. Maybe we can at least get a decent meal before we leave. I just wonder where Rosamond went to.
Her fur coat and purse were gone, her car was still there. Damn! I wonder if she had a doctor's appointment and her friend Monique took her. She had been having trouble with the starter on the Bronco and this cold weather can knock a battery out."
Then Billy Bob got quiet. "I am so confused. What is all this nonsense about Rosamond and King Henry? Wait! Is this the 'older man' she told me about when I was dating her? Whoa! This is too much to process! And you mentioned being beamed back to Southold 1650. What is going on here?"
Daniel sighed. "Guess I'd better fill you in on what is going on and who you are married to."
"I'm married to Rosamond Clifford, an actress born in England."
"Don't you find it strange sometimes, the way her speech slips when she is upset?"
"Well, one time I thought she was quoting Shakespeare. I'd never heard so many 'dost thou's' and 'black hearted knave' in my life! Wait a minute, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying you are married to the genuine article. You are married to the woman that King Henry II put his wife Eleanor away for."
"Eleanor? As in Eleanor that lives in the house on Winding Willow? Red-headed Eleanor? Eleanor as in I'm-Rosamond's-best-friend? THAT ELEANOR?"
Daniel grinned. "Yeah, Buddy Boy, you and I have been with the real deal! What charmed Henry II has also charmed us. She is Rosamond de Clifford, 12th century mistress of the mighty King Henry II."
Billy Bob shook his head." But she-she's so young!"
Daniel said, "Time travelers do not age. You've got the babe to end all babes there!
'Fair Rosamond' the poets called her."
The light began to dawn on Billy Bob. "You mean it is possible this really IS the Rosamond that Grandpere Pierre put the moves on? That has haunted him all these years?" He shook his head in wonderment, then started to laugh and when he did he could not stop. "I MARRIED MY GRANDPERE'S BABE!"
Daniel and Billy Bob could not stop laughing. When they were wiping the tears of laughter away, Billy Bob said, "But how?...Why?..."
Daniel said, "Let me start at the beginning, the way Henry Tudor told me. You see, there was this party...."

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Brought to You Courtesy of William......by Terri

"Rosamond, there has to be a way out of this marriage," John said as he stroked her cheek tenderly.
"John, let's not ruin our short time together with alot of talk." She turned her head away from him.
"You've kept your cellphone off, you only return one out of four voicemail messages I leave. Ever since the night of the awards, I get the feeling you are avoiding me. We haven't even been able to meet. What is going on?"
Billy Bob's words came back to haunt Rosamond. '...if you don't want Mr. John Gwinnett to end up with a bullet, you'll stay far away from him.'
'...then I'll shoot him twice. His life for eternal wedded bliss....'
She tried to blink back tears. "I don't want to talk about it." She kept picturing the kicked in door. The Smith and Wesson in the nightstand. The expert marksman that BB was.
John said softly, "Are we through, Rosamond?"
She blurted out, "Billy Bob threatened to kill you if you don't stay away or if I left him! I can't let that happen, John."
John kissed the top of her head, "Hush, now, we won't let that happen, will we? But now we have a glorious six days ahead of us. No worries, no cares, no one, not Daniel, not Billy Bob. I don't want to think of anyone but ourselves."
Rosamond looked up at John. "Why do you suppose William hasn't come banging on the door breathing fire and brimstone? He's such a stickler for protocol."
John smiled, "I guess William realizes the course of true love never runs smooth and he is giving us a break. It was his idea to send those two miscreants back to the 12th century and give us some space and time to ourselves."
Rosamond kissed him again. "And for that I will be eternally grateful!"
Rosamond wondered out loud, "I wonder what Billy Bob and Daniel are doing now?
I just hope Henry doesn't hurt them. He can be ruthless. I just hope no one tells Henry about the baby or the marriage. I--I never told Billy Bob about little Will."
John was shocked. "Rosamond, whyever not?"
"I guess I wanted to keep Will out of this mess. He's happy with Celeste and I see him when I can."
John got up and started to get dressed. "Rose, honey, what are you going to do when this baby shows up in April and not May like you told everyone?"
She frowned, "I guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."
John hesitated. "Darling, he's so much like Henry. Has he ever...hit you?"
Rose put her hand out to reassure him. "No, he hasn't. He won't. He's a gentleman in that respect. He's just a very controlling person."
John said, "Rose, I HAVE to be with you when you have the baby. I couldn't bear it if Billy Bob was there and not me."
Rosamond said quietly, "What do we do if this is Daniel's baby? He will demand his rights."
John said, "Let him take it up with Montgomery. Meanwhile, I think we'd better get downstairs for lunch."
John grabbed Rose by the hand and pulled her up and then close to him.
"Rosamond, you mean the world to me. Somehow, someway, we will find a way to be together."
Rosamond lifted her face to his. "What we have is so incredible, John. Marty said like a Bunsen Burner? It's more like an atomic bomb to me! Don't concern me with reality. Let' s forget about yesterday and concentrate on the here and now. There are questions I don't want to ask my heart, all that matters is today. And for the next six days it is just you and I. Now we'd better get lunch. I don't think William has room service!"
John laughed and gave her a hug. "On second thought...!"

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