I set the machine to work while I did my morning toilette, including a long hot shower, and by the time I was ready so was the coffee. By then it was...quarter to five, and breakfast was on the horizon.Susan seemed uncommonly subdued. Usually she was quite chatty in the mornings; she had been before all this had happened, too. At first I'd had to adjust. I've never been what they call a "morning person," all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready to meet the new day head-on; my norm was to get. Now, I want more, I want to feel like a beautiful,sexy woman. Please, help me feel that way. I love you very much and Iknow you love me, so what is the problem? Please make love to me, tonight.With that I picked her up in my arms and carried her to my bed. I lookedher in the eyes and said "Heather, your right. I love you so very much.I want this as much as you do, but before we do anything, that we'llregret later, are you sure you want this to happen?"She looked me in the eyes, grabbed the back. "What the hell kind of place is this to throw a party?" Bernie said. "Do you see a single stand for kegs or casks? Where are the feasting tables? Come here for a celebration and die of thirst and hunger: that's all I see." The place is barren," Pardin said, as he watched a huge shadow pass over the castle. "Ah, my daughter returns from her early lunch." Ugly damn daughter," Bernie said with a nudge in Pardin's ribs. "But considering who the mother is, I'll keep any further thoughts to. The lavish reception had been no less a success. Seamus's best man made a speech, which although bawdy in places had delighted and entertained all of those invited. Uncle Mick did his usual party trick of dancing like a puppet with tangled strings and landed flat on his back, sliding under one of the tables that ringed the dance floor. His legs stuck out from under the tablecloth and there he stayed.The five-tiered cake stood up. Bets had been taken at what point it would topple. Strangely, no.