Canuk

The latest update on our beloved Grainger raised some interesting questions; a ranking Admiral that Caroline hadn't heard of.... that's a first and given that and his subsequent behaviour, a certain sign of trouble. The second is one I hadnt given much thought about; renumeration. Of course "lucky" officers renumeration would have been considerably higher than those who could not get themselves into situations (through skill, connections, or circumstance) where the rewards flowed. The final question, which I mentioned in the commentary, how a Cavendish, even one bent, with one leg, couldnt get a better wife than a tradesmans daughter with a reputation implies significant failure on his parents behalf. Surely Caroline can line some impoverished aristo's daughter to sacrifice herself? Mind you Cavendish has to avoid/survive the duel first... What a lot in one chapter. I continue to be impressed Mr Arbour!

I can't believe that a Cavendish, even a single legged bender, could not find a better spouse than a tradesman's daughter, especially one with a "reputation"!! I suspect the Guild, grasping at straws to get at their opposition. This was a true delight to get this morning! Thank you very much

while I whole heartedly agree, I am not sure even BBC or PBS could cope with the sex....

Mexican drug cartels are a whole new level of horrible. all their other "issues" will be naught compared to what can happen to the family now. I sincerely hope this is not the beginning of the end...... great to have an update - thanks

Loving the story, the over the top drama and the action. Great fun. While i realise this is an alternative universe, i do wish people would get over the idea that Embassies are "sovereign territory" of the country they represent. It is a complete fiction. While there are rules relating to embassies, they remain simply that; representatives of foreign states. Its a misreading of the Vienna convention that has produced this "sovereign territory " idea.

Merry Christmas Mark. These people that keep you busy, is there anything us loyal readers could do about them? I am sure there are some us that have contacts.... one brief message and no mess, no noise, just poof and those annoying people are all gone, leaving you to us, the aforesaid readers... just a thought.... Looking forward to 2018....

Truly delightful to be back observing our beloved Grainger. Thank you.

My Christmas is complete😆. I am a man of simple tastes. Thank you mr arbour

I think Carter manipulated that scene to perfection! Hope his luck continues....

I didnt get a notification of this, so I am playing catch up. Interesting spin the bottle game. In my youth (back when we pretended the world was more innocent) spin the bottle always involved the removal of clothing....

Why do i have this "calm before the storm" feeling?

Mark, I hope this finds you well, and prepared to enjoy Christmas/holidays/Hanukkah/.... the way you want to. As for me... well, a little more Bridgemont would not go astray ... Regards A

Great story. So glad you found a way to get rid of that mother - she needs a strong does of reality fast... Thanks

Cowboy reverse Asian?..... Hmmm, I am just SO vanilla!!!!

The first half of this chapter was the most depressing and disheartening thing I have read for a while. I was hoping that at some point there would be a hint that their "plans" were all sarcasm. I understand that the winter climate is not great, but I don' see that as an excuse to turn a country into a copy of all that produced the failure that is malls-and-fast-food designed around a car culture. The country has money; use it to buy the best advice from around the world on infrastructure development. The views of an undergrad student will not produce a great country. He's barely old enough to have the faintest idea what he does not know, let alone know enough to move forward sucessfully.

Lets just say that gaydar is neither of our main protagonists strong suit!

Harrowing testimony about a dark period. Too many places it is still dark....

Great ending. Jake realising his f'up, and Kaiden actually growing up. Great writing. Thanks.

Kaiden is an idiot. Immature. Doesn't deserve anyone. Hope he's happy alone. Thanks for writing characters a person can really engage with! Cheers

Whole -heartedly agree. Quite sad really....

I skip convoluted sex scenes, particularly when they are an adjunct to the plot. Also consistently bad grammar, weird syntax, and signs that no editor or beta reader has been anywhere near the story really turn me off and make me skip stories. Reading should not be hard. The subject may be complex and difficult issues may be addressed, but writing should be clear and the process enjoyable.

...and a quiet seems to have descended over the northern front.... May we expect a George infusion any time soon, Mr Arbour?

Great to get this chapter. Ido love the sort of inevitability of this story, while knowing nothing of the path. And the suspense of Caleo's illness, raising the possibility of misssed opportunities.... Good read, thanks

great ending to a great story. Thanks for the journey.

Great read , very much enjoying their journey. One small slip up; not even the Queen Mary could get from Brisbane to Fremantle overnight, 5 to 7 nights yes, overnight, no way!