Patricia, Penelope, Chelsea,Molly, Bry, Pyotr, Flossy and Dossy all arrived as Jasper was burping Brook.
‘What exactly is happening?’ asked Patricia. ‘A whole troop of guards turned up and said all the infants were to be bought to the Keep. I wasn’t going to let them take Pyotr’
‘They insisted I stay for the reception. I wasn’t allowed home. They have given me this room and I am told this is to be my new quarters" Jaspar already had Flossy and Dossy each attached to a breast.
‘You mean not just for the night?’
‘I think that is what they meant. They want me to be a lady in waiting for the new Duchess. I think I am expected to live here’
‘Is it true? Is the new Duchess my sister?’
‘It is true. Though she is not herself at present. They hypnotised her so she would go through with the wedding’
‘So is this really your old house?’ asked Molly of Penelope.
‘This wing is all new. It has been rebuilt. We only used it when we had royal guests visit. The family used to reside on the other side of the courtyard’
‘So what of the babies? Do we need to find them a new nurse? Dossy and Flossy are too young to be weaned’ asked Patricia
‘I would like to continue to be their nurse. My breasts need constant milking. I think I could have more cots installed in the room’
‘Pyotr is not leaving my house!’
‘No he must stay with you. He is old enough to be weaned’
‘I knew the day would come when you left our household. We will miss you horribly’ said Patricia.
‘I am but a short distance away. I will visit frequently’
‘If you’re a Lady now living in the palace won’t you be needing help to care for the babies?’ asked Molly. ‘I could stay here and be your maid’
‘That is a good idea Molly I’m sure Lady Jasmine would appreciate your help’
‘I would like to stay with you as well Lady Jasmine’ This was Penelope.
‘Are you sure Penelope? Would it not be hurtful to be a servant where you were once a lady?’ asked Patricia.
‘I think with her sister newly installed as Duchess, Penelope’s time as a maid will be short lived’ suggested Jasper
‘I actually like being a maid. For the first time I have a boyfriend’
‘What? What are you talking about?’ asked Patricia. She feigned unawareness of any romance
‘Damon asked if he could be my beau. I said yes’
‘Well in that case you can stay here. I don’t want my servants fraternising behind my back’ Patricia had a grin on her face. ‘I am pleased for you Penelope. Damon has grown to be a fine young man’
Jaspar now gave Pyotr and Bry a turn on her breasts. They suckled hungrily. Bry now had 2 teeth. ‘If you are going to nip me you will soon be weaned as well little Bry’ Jasper commented. It was now hard to think of Bry as anything but her own daughter. Memories of the rebel soldier she had been had faded into the distant past.
There was a knock on the door. A maid came in. ‘Lady Jasmine is requested back at the reception. Dinner is about to be served’