sojourn

Strange we are exchanging comments concerning colloquialisms and while I understand, "ironing them out" is almost but not quite as much an anachronism as "outhouse". I am of an age that gives me familiarity with both "truck", outhouse, and "ironing them out". I was raised with a convenient "two holer" and I wonder how many readers understand the chore that followed the chores of washing clothes and then "hanging them out to dry"? I suspect many would wonder about "wash and wear" as a marketing ploy. It is assumed that all clothing is now "wash and wear". Perhaps "ironing them out" will be connected to the element and its characteristic strength in the future. I have been fascinated by words. So much so, that younger folk accuse me of being a "deconstructionist" when I ask them to define some terms they use. I only want to be sure we communicate effectively. "Blue" comes in many shades, moods, actions, and, or activities. (this blue comment came to me in the moment and may contain erroneous references.) thanks for the diversion, Jim

It amazes me that I can feel satiated and frustrated at the same as I close this book. It seems that George has seen changes in Spencer, his father, and his Mother, and now Calvert has again touched his heart. Perhaps it is George, as much as any or all of the aforementioned who has changed. The ride cemented a much more positive connection to his Mother than we had previously seen. She seemed to be her husband's wife more than George's Mother. As his heartache over the Tzar heals his connection or at least the hope of a reconnection with Calvert has been announced. Caroline is mentioned in such a casual manner that she appears almost irrelevant. George has indeed been born into manhood through the labors of his son. Just as "the son makes the man" so too is the fact that seeing one's parents as merely human also aids in becoming a truly mature adult. With this homecoming, George has experienced both and more. He is no longer merely a "spare". This seems to me like a perfect HFN ending. But Mark, we are not fooled by the lack of closure with Caroline. She has fucked George, his friends, his lovers, and his enemies. A woman like that is not the type to accept a settlement without a battle royale. What a Mother... Just ask her son. I suspect this will also more deeply involve the royal family as insults and accusations mount. Mark, I will cherish the time you have given us with a man whom we have seen grow from a cast-off "spare" who seeks a surrogate father in his first man crush. We have seen him progress in rank and repeatedly overcome obstacles that might easily have crushed a stronger man. His courage, humility, compassion, and strength of character sustained his indomitable will until we now leave him as Spencer sees him, a man of courage, fortitude, and character. So say we all. (Please forgive the royal wee) I can honestly say that should this be the last I read of George's exploits I leave knowing that he will always prevail with fair winds and following seas. Many Thanks, Mark, Jim

And I wondered, "what does he mean by not the usual British security office and some fantasy aspect"? Now I know and I liked it a lot. I could have so mcuh fun in that office... except Phillipa. Maybe she has extended plumbing as well? Time will tell. Fun chapter, thanks. Jim

I want to see Drew naked. He sounds like fun to me. Nice flow. I am almost afraid to read on knowing that witch Deadre is due to reappear all too soon. Nice story about normal guys who happen to be gay and have found each other and a loving extended family for both, ah, all three boys. Oh, and the new job is also appearing soon. Thanks again for sharing, Jim ps, thanks for reminding me that art and trash are defined individually by one's own eyes.

I prefer longer chapters I can get lost in but I am enjoying the ride immensely. Gordon and Brian are developing nicely. I like them both and would have gladly embraced either in my younger days. I do enoy the colloqueilisms. Have not heard "truck", chapter one, used in that context since I was a boy. Strange that, eh? That a term common in England should be considered unsophisticated and even indicative of uneducated ignorance where I grew up. A fun read, thank you, again. Jim

Just letting you know I am enjoying your tale. I liked it as soon as your protagonist entered the scene with a conflict. As a divorced grandfather, I can relate to a former spouse being spiteful and uncaring. I am sure I will binge on chapters posted and then complain about you not posting fast enough. I would like a physical description of Brian. One makes assumptions based on his nationality, a veteran of military and personal security service. But those are assumptions. I like the style and I find when reading about foreign settings and characters it exercises my imagination a bit more than the typical North American setting might. That may explain my penchant for science fiction fantasy. I am in South Carolina, USA. I worked with a few ex-pats, some were Brits. in the Middle East. Thanks for sharing, Jim

In the words of that immortal, Rosanne Rosannadana, "... It's always somethen"... (This is why google exists.) Granger's life is filled with conflict. Familial, Financial, Friends, and Foes (foreign and domestic). The struggles that challenge him most are those with and about his loved ones. Seems his life has been plagued with no end of family, friends, and lovers who have turned on him. We all know that as George watched his father, he could not help but wonder when the man would again side against him. George possesses physical prowess and mental acuity that has served him well against all who have challenged him. Yet, his need to love and be loved in return set him up for heartbreak time and again. and I do not include Caroline. Is Calvert's return simply opening an old wound better left to heal on its own? If Calvert meets his demise on English soil check Winkler's alibi wery, wery kwoswy. Winkler and George have proven their love and mutual respect for each other and their respective stations in life. I am still waiting for Caroline's confrontation and subsequent humiliation. Mark, we all need to see that bat-shit crazy bitch learn what it means to "lie in the bed" of your own making. She married George because she saw his potential. In managing his affairs she began to think of herself as the HMFIC. She has decided she could do as well on her own. Perhaps there is a noble willing to take a divorcee to be his wife. George should also increase his footmen's salary and ensure they go well-armed at all times. I sometimes forget how fortunate I am to see such a compelling saga with truly memorable characters, some of whom happen to be gay. This story could have been a best seller and a major motion picture had Mark made George a "straight" man. Thank you again, Mark, for sharing your talent. Okay, Mark, enough about you... Write Faster, Post Sooner.

Thank you Mark for a pleasant interlude. The commonplace can be as satisfying as the intense drama in a well-paced tale. George has always been a man who can renew and strengthen existing bonds and one who never hesitates to build new bonds of allegiance and loyalty. He would have made a great king. WFPS and give us the 18th-century British society's version of divorce court. Jim

Mark It is a testament to your skills of character development that one can presume to guess at their future actions. Indeed, these folk are very real to me. In my view, George has benefitted from his wife's knowledge of intrigue when it comes to politics, society, and finances. However, he benefitted at her discretion. Now, her loyalties have shifted as she has, again, shifted her bed partners. She wants a cuckold. George needs a wife and a mother to his children. Their needs and desires are no longer compatible nor are they even on parallel courses. A "keen politician" would have played their reunion differently, would they not? Wouldn't a woman who made her dismissal of her newly returned husband so clear look to amass financial strength, whisper to friends so old allies suddenly turn away from George as one who preferred the company of his horney sailors to that of his desirable wife? Caroline has done little that we can read as anything other than a bored housewife who lifts her skirts for men other than her husband. It is ego alone which allows me to defy he who seize all, nose all, and who dicktates the course of chapters yet to cum. Still, for sources of my own amusement, my money is on an encounter during which Caroline will establish her bona fides in BSC!!! Love ya Mark, mean it, lettuce due lunch ol' boy. Your club or mine? Jim peepee s, writefasterpostsooner

Caution, Mark and all concerned, this comment contains fowl language. ( Some may consider the use of the word "cock" as fowl.) C'mon Mark, Bring it into the spotlight. The Fight of the Century, 18th, that is. My money is on Caroline hitting below the belt as soon as she decides he will not surrender her due. I can envision George walking away unscathed. He remains totally possessed by aristocratic aplomb while Caroline stands alone under a dimming single spotlight as her face melts into an agonized rendition of Munch's ineffectual scream. While all the ton's bitches try to scratch her eyes out. Mark, you cheeky devil. You have delayed this battle by offering us intrigue and delights such that we can push Caroline to the bottom of the list. How can she compete with an Earldom, riches, a real estate love note from the Tzar, more riches, winning a bet with best buds, and Beau Brummel? Everyone seems to offer the metaphorical slap on the back or a reach-around stroke of the cock, while she sends a kick to his balls. thanks for a compelling and intriguing chapter. Jim

Someone mentioned Stef would envy George shopping with Brummel. I See three Stefs, a young immigrant, an aristocratic young man, and a mature maybe sage patriarch. I am not sure Stef (the young aristocratic, beautiful, slut, Stef.) and Brummel would be anything but two bitchy queens convinced each would know better what is best for the "hapless" George. George would be first amused, then annoyed, then aggravated, and eventually wondering how to get both naked and in bed ASAP. George would sense only with orifices filled and or filling would these two find common ground or grinding. Am I the only fan base enough to find humor in thinking this levee was a fine afternoon with "Salisbury" steak, a "Rugby" pitch, and too much "Brentwood" ale? I can't help but think Mark had a bit of historical tongue in cheek as he shared this scene with us. Thank you Mark for sharing your talent, skill, and historical knowledge. Jim

LOL. That response of mine also says something about my spell checker.

You were right. Doc was "Gordy's" father. Thanks for taking the time to comment and I enjoyed reading them very much. Jim

Mark, thank you for giving us the "will" before your hiatus. I laughed out loud at the vicious attack and warnings from beyond the grave. Sadly, Ebeneezer Scrugg's ghost from the past will be denied, the ghost of here and now is ignored and the ghost of the future is of no concern to a selfish heart. Mark, you should have just given the lawyer his true moniker, "Ebeneezer Scrooge" instead of laughing your ass off at the notion he was to present such apparitions to share the truth about the Past, Present, and Future. It made me realize that truth and honesty are not the same. Truth may be ever constant but most often is not. Honesty is true only within social constructs. Being completely honest is not the same as being completely truthful. George idolized his father and never heeded the "heir and a spare" that Bertie understood only too well. To be a third son of Nobility meant even less to a social-climbing, power-hungry man. The Duke vacillated in his concern for his third son waxing when it proved politically or financially profitable and waning whenever his firstborn was at hand. I hate it that Ebeneezer may be a potential enemy and not a sexual conquest. Mark ignore those things that load you table and pay your bills... WRITE FASTER, POST SOONER! Jim

George is brilliant in Naval officer, a skilled political tactician, a master of the duality of the social graces and has a lock on his gay closet. George is a slut. We have a man downstairs in the tub, a lawyer in hand, and the new meat showing up on Monday. He is too busy to even consider his wife. Bolder Dash! The lawyer made me forget the will. Jim

Great chapter. The sex reminds me of the reason I followed Granger from his midshipman days to this point. Although, the sex seems such a small part of what has me eagerly reading new chapters. Mark seldom allows present-day idioms to surface in his dialogue, "That's not happening" had me laugh out loud. "Heaven has no rage, like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned. "It ain't over till the fat lady sings"... Even Yogi Bera knew that women will have the last word even if it is "... sound and fury signifying nothing". The will, the woman, and Castlereigh in the bathes.... a triple header cliffhanger.... Yogi would be proud. Right on, er a, Write on! Jim

seems like a chess match except the consequences of each move may result in the social demise of some players and may even change the rules for future players. I read this chapter after Charles was crowned. Ironic how engaged and eager to read about this historical monarchy and how anachronistic I feel any monarchy is today. What are the odds Charles may abdicate after a year or so as supreme monarch? Of course, he will insist on taking the lion's share of accumulated plunder for himself and his descendants.

Does George always appear less heartbroken when Caroline betrays him than he does with betrayal at the hands of his other lovers? Could gender play a role in the depth of love he feels and the subsequent pain? Forsooth, me thinks it doth for from his wife he holds secrets of his desires. Yet before a man his hard cock and ass hold fully engorged and reveal complete physical honesty. ps This is not the time to say I told ya so! I told ya so! No fellow readers this is the time to remind you of that other Bronx saying, "it ain't over till the fat lady sings". Of course, Caroline would never allow herself to get fat and the saying should be herein, "it ain't over till Lady Caroline Screams". A devilish grin creeps across my face as I contemplate the setting Caroline manipulates in which she attempts to make George a castrato in Bon Ton society. I am betting that George simply turns his back on his own wife and thus labels her the power-hungry slut she is. That will be when I git to yell, "I toldyaso"!!!! Mark stop sitting on this epic confrontation and give forth. WRITE FASTER, AND POST SOONER! PRETTY PLEASE WITH MY CHERRY ON TOP? Jim pps, "cherry" is licensed under the auspices of my imaginary patent office. Meaning I can patently lie anytime I choose.

I had not yet read 71 when I wrote this comment. edited only to add this line. Each time George thinks the obstacles have been overcome, challenges and demons that plague his everyday life have been cast out, he stands tall only to find life presents him with a new burden he must shoulder. Much like a cup of hot broth that shows no steam nor roil to warn of its heat. Each time George begins to forget what conniving and treacherous kin he has his lips are burnt with the scalding soup of a familial kiss or Et tu Brute embrace. Each time he returns to England, he must harden his heart towards the betrayal of "ass-u-me-d" allies and intimates and forge new alliances with those who prove themselves now worthy of his trust and favor. C'est la vie. Now for a Social commentary... George feels more comfortable in the presence of royalty than he does in the presence of a "common" man in the House of Lords. He judges this man as sleazy and yet has learned once again he cannot trust his own father. "Except for the names and a few other changes, we could talk about..." politics today in Great Britain and the good ole USA. History does not repeat itself but human nature remains unchanged from the beginning of the agricultural revolution... "he who controls the most grain wins the most gold and will spread his seed most effectively through the most fertile fields." Again, "Except for the names and a few other... " We like to think that man is naturally "good" but it took a major shipwreck and a big ad campaign (And btw sold lots of newspapers) for "women and children first" to become a shipboard slogan. Each Lord, politician, and clergyman are simply bison, longhorn, or sheep pushing to head the herd so as to fill up on the freshest grazing and leave the spoils to the lesser or hindmost. With their progeny well protected from predators and safe within the center of the herd. Point of fact, most of our ancestry would put us more in keeping with Winkler and servants amounting to not much more than slaves. drsawsall offered an image of Oliver Twist asking for more gruel. Fu+&k, I have to force myself to eat oatmeal with sugar, cinnamon, fruit, and nuts. Which would be more in keeping with a royal break fast. I am not descended from Lords, et al, I am descended from survivors. It is unlikely that George is familiar with all his household staff in any house he owns. As well, he likely does not know each of the sailors up the ships he has served except when he was a new midshipman. Was it Jeff or George who said, "Familiarity breeds contempt"? Unlike my hunter-gather ancestry, I stimulate my Flight, Fuck, or Fight lizard brain with well-written fiction and electronic illusions. So, Mark Arbor, it is up to you to write faster and post sooner least I resort to reality for proper FFF stimulation. Jim

I seem to recall that only in her shame was Caroline hesitant and avoided immediately contacting if not greeting George. Caroline is making a rather loud statement to George and others about how unimportant her husband is in her "kingdom". This does not bode well for a harmonious reunion. I suspect that Caroline wants only to have a level of independence which only rich men enjoy... Me thinks Caroline is working on building wealth and political influence independent of any male whether husband, friend, or lover. I suspect there is no love in this liaison and her lack of caution is a reflection of the power she feels she has acquired. If one thinks of powerful women as easily dismissed in that society, think of queens who killed readily to gain and hold a crown. History makes a footnote of weak-willed royalty male and female alike. Caroline has proven time and again, she is a powerful ally and a fiendishly vicious social foe. I suspect that his official welcome will be pomp and circumstance beyond that which George would deem proper (pounds of brass coins.) Nelson will be jealous. That official welcome will be offset by the cold and challenging battleground on the home front. I see a spanking in Caroline's future and a proper dressing down bordering on humiliation for her.... but then I have a boundless imagination. I often wonder if the subject of these portraits actually paid the artist. I expect that my predictions will be much ado about nothing once the next chapter is read. I do love this story. Thanks again Mark. Like many of your fans, I wish you had nothing to do all day but to lay out Granger's meteoric military career, his love life, and his route to the English Crown. lol Write FASTER, POST SOONER... Jim

I will.

LMAO boy, subtle you are not. (insert yoda emoji)

I hope the date is simply a reminder and not the last date you visit your friends in small town Texas. Jim

So glad you see a connection. Harshaw is one character with whom I easily identify. lol, the diner is truly a universal connecting point. Imagine sitting in a different booth and exiting into a different story each time you do.... how many would walk a different path than that which brings them here??? Jubal

both men have lessons they have learned through observations as they grew and in trusting too soon... caution is seldom a criminal whereas the foolhardy often pay a penalty.