Miles Long

How fortunate I lost my compass and I was planning to go hiking.

Yeah, just when I thought I'd go mad, chapter 45 comes to the rescue. I'm not surprised Chartley leaves Granger. Even though he lacks Bertie's playfulness, he has that same mercenary career drive. I don't see him ever choosing Granger or anyone over his shady professional aspirations. I see him as a really close friend with benefits. Looking forward to many more adventures in this epic tale!

Yay! THANK YOU!

Less conjecture, more story! Please .

Here is the second recipe: Citrus Crinkle 1 cup tempered/softened butter (salted or unsalted depending on preference) 2 cups white granulated sugar 2-4 tablespoons of citrus zest (I highly recommend Meyer lemon) 4-5 tablespoons of citrus juice 3 eggs 2 tablespoons vanilla 3 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1 teaspoon of baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt (1/4 if using salted butter or like a saltier flavor profile) 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar* Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder and soda In a separate bowl cream butter and sugar until there is no sign of mixed ingredients Blend zest and juice into butter mix Add eggs in one at a time blending each egg completely before adding the other Add vanilla and mix thoroughly Slowly blend dry mix from first bowl into the chocolate mix and blend completely Chill cookie dough for at least four hours. When ready to cook preheat oven to 350 degrees (I used convection so adjust accordingly if your oven runs hotter or cooler) Line cookies sheets with parchment (or silpat if preferred) Place powdered sugar in a third and smaller bowl Using small spoon or small scoop (between teaspoon and tablespoon) scoop balls of cookie and coat with sugar and place on cookie sheet. Cook for 10-13 minutes (ovens, like people, all heat up differently) When done pull out and let set for 1-2 minutes before moving to cooling rack to cool completely. *Same note as for Chocolate Crinkles.

Here is one of the two Crinkle recipes that I have good luck with: Chocolate Crinkle 1 cup tempered/softened butter (salted or unsalted depending on preference) 1 cup unsweetened chocolate powder 2 cups white granulated sugar 3 eggs 2 generous tablespoons vanilla 3 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon of baking soda 1 teaspoon of baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt (1/4 if using salted butter or like a saltier flavor profile) 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar* Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder and soda In a separate bowl mix butter, chocolate powder and sugar until blend is a choco gritty mess (no sign of mixed ingredients) Note: If you are a chocoholic it will be tempting to stop here and eat the chocolate concoction with a spoon. Free will allows one to do this of course but then you will either waste the flour or have to start over . Add eggs in one at a time blending each egg completely before adding the other Add vanilla and mix thoroughly Slowly blend dry mix from first bowl into the chocolate mix and blend completely Chill cookie dough for at least four hours. When ready to cook preheat oven to 350 degrees (I used convection so adjust accordingly if your oven runs hotter or cooler) Line cookies sheets with parchment (or silpat if that's your thang) Place powdered sugar in yet a third and smaller bowl Using small spoon or small scoop (between teaspoon and tablespoon) scoop balls of cookie and coat with sugar and place on cookie sheet. Cook for 10-13 minutes (ovens, like people, all heat up differently) When done pull out and let set for 1-2 minutes before moving to cooling rack to cool completely. *I encourage the experimentation with decorative sugars; they are a bit less messy but add a nice crunchy texture. If your wicked use black sugar and turn everyone's mouth black.

Although I agree and expand it to all males handsome or not; I feel compelled to point out most 17-19 year olds are still under the care/guidance/rule of law of their parents legally or at least financially. Will's emancipation has him in a precarious situation and making careless or perceived irresponsible sexual decisions can be used against him if either of his parents tried to revisit the issue. I don't necessarily see that happening but as JP pointed out to him, because of his status, his behavior is going to be held at higher standard than that of his cousins. It's not only about being calm during dinner at Escorial, it's about whether or not he can truly manage his affairs better than his parents. Also emancipated or not at 14 he is still SUPER jailbait. Whew glad to get that off my chest.

Aside from my mad baby food making prowess (who wants sweet potato, kale risotto with a pureed beet swirl? ) my crinkle cookies are like checking in with GA a slight addiction. The crinkle, if made correctly, is the perfect balance of cake and cookie...adorned in a messy sugar making it an event to eat. If fact I think I should pull out some butter to temper right now .

Chili Cheese Fritos and the soundtracks for the Twilight movies.

Die Antwoord, "I Fink U Freeky"

I second that, all of it.

Really super fucked up now that I've read the latest chapter . It was nice to see that Mason turned it around a little. I get irritated with Will a lot, but then I remind myself he's only 14 and a fictional character too boot

Yes, yes I realize that ; however, in most other aspects Will's capacities far exceed his 14 years. I'm just pondering if Will will hookup with someone he likes that actually gives a crap about him as a person and not a cum creation vehicle or slut boy on the side. It's a fun read either way.

I'm not sure if it's just a honeymoon period but I find myself using checking in to GA as a reward for the smallest of tasks. I just took a step...I better check GA.

I'm voting for no status at all; I'll pencil it in next election if its not on the ballot. My take on Will is that if he commits then he's all in; therefore, he is cautious about committing (hence why he didn't get carried away when Tony declared his love in Rome). Will knew neither of them were in a place for the big "You're it for me, babe" and laid out a dream situation where he only expected to be Tony's priority when he and Tony have planned meetings. Will, I think could live with Tony being the angsty dorkotronic, but learning that Tony is a serial cheating, lying, selfish, angsty dorkotronic tilts Will's tolerance meter. Will's a catch; why does he seem to hook up with just about any random D-bag that expresses interest regardless if that interest is even really mutual?

Granger oozes sexual charisma and should keep on spreading the proverbial love; I don't see him settling down with one man like he has with Caroline. Maybe it's wishful posting, but George has his whole life ahead of him and part of this saga's fun is discovering who is going to fall into his bed next.

Thank you for the Francis update. I have been worried about him with that Vulture craft lurking about. Just deserts all around. Great chapter.

Yay Will for calling Tony on his crap! I do think it's a bit sad that Will solves being jilted in a similarly immature and unhealthy manner as Brad, by sluttin' it up. However, Will is still a kid and has already shown cognizance of his dad's negative impact on how he handles situations. I look forward to reading about Will trials as he grows into adulthood. Thanks for sharing.

As a newbie myself I also extend warm greetings to you DariusvB...they will have to be in English or broken Français or Spanglish...probably best to stick with English

Thanks to those who have reached out to make me feel welcome

Don't even joke about killing Francis...I'm worried enough about his absence as it is. Aside from my irrational concerned for your imaginary creations this has been an awesome historical adventure. Nice work. Although it might be interesting for Sir George to have actually have to face the actual implications of dealing with his many lovers rather than having them conveniently die off and leaving me personally wrecked for days. Regardless, you have a loyal fan who solely joined GA to comment on your work. Thanks for sharing your universe.