llesmere Manor House located in Oxfordshire near the village of Duckington is a large stone built structure set in formal gardens. The manor house is the ancestral home of Sir Broderick Chalmers JP. Chalmers is a retired Colonel of the 2^nd Infantry Division which fought under Wellington at Waterloo. The Colonel ruled his household with a rod of iron. His first wife Sophia had died in childbirth along with the couple’s unborn son. Chalmers had taken advantage of a widow overcome with grief and married Lady Elizabeth Redford, who was the widow of another very wealthy landowner Sir James Redford. This marriage Chalmers hoped would increase his estates and fortunes and allow Chalmers to control the vast Redford estates. The Redford family could trace their ancestry back to 1064 when the first Readford arrived in England with William the Conqueror. Lady Elizabeth Redford-Chalmers had one son, Paul, who was a studious young man. He had loved his father Sir James dearly and when James had died of his injuries sustained in a riding accident Paul was devastated. His only consolation was the support shown by his long time friend Aidan Radford, son of the Duckington village butcher Bothwick Radford. Paul and his mother had moved in with Chalmers. Chalmers seeing the boy was not interested in the manly pursuits of drinking, gambling or chasing women took and instant dislike to the boy and packed him off to college in Oxford.

          Paul had strongly objected to this, wishing to continue to attend the local school with his long time friend. A thing his father James had allowed. The brutish Chalmers had severely thrashed the boy for being disobedient. Lady Elizabeth had tried to intercede on her son’s behalf and she received a thrashing for arguing with her new husband. To save the mother further hurt Paul had moved out of the manor and taken rooms in Oxford, near to the college he was to attend. Chalmers dislike of the boy was further evidenced by the tirade he unleashed when he heard of Paul’s friendship with the village butchers son, Aidan. The boys had been friends since they were toddlers, a friendship that James and Elizabeth had nurtured. Paul was nine months older than Aidan, both boys being tall and blonde haired with blue eyes. Chalmers was extremely class conscious and was proud to boast that he could trace his ancestry back to 1264. He forbade Paul to have anything further to do with the butchers whelp as he called Aidan. Paul flatly refused and this had resulted in another thrashing inflicted by the bigoted Chalmers, leaving Paul severely bruised and with a broken arm.

          Chalmers had a butler, a piggy eyed sly, conniving individual named Dorcas Talbot. Talbot took great pleasure in reporting anything that Paul did, suitably embellished to his lordship in the hope of ingratiating his son into the position that should have been Paul’s as both the butlers son Layne and Chalmers were similar in likes and dislikes. Both loved gambling, drinking and chasing women and girls. Talbot’s latest ploy to discredit Paul and Aidan was to plant the idea in Chalmers mind that the boys were lovers. Knowing Chalmers homophobic attitude and the fact whatever Talbot told Chalmers was instantly believed. Talbot thought that Chalmers would instantly disown Paul leaving the way clear for Layne to take his place. The butler had also come up with a cruel plan to get Aidan out of the picture. Talbot intended to plant a shirt belonging to Chalmers at Aidan’s house, and then report the shirt stolen to the local peelers. Layne would lie and say that he had seen Aidan take the shirt. The boy would then be arrested and brought before the local magistrate, none other than Sir Broderick Chalmers JP, who would sentence the boy to transportation to either New Holland or Van Diemen’s Land. This cruel plot would have worked had not Lady Elizabeth overheard the conversation between Chalmers and Talbot outside his lordships study door. Her ladyship decides that if she is to keep both boys safe she should organise for them to join her dead first husband’s brother, a wealthy landowner in New Holland.

So My Dear Reader, Read on.

CHAPTER ONE

he Earl of Ellesmere, one Sir Broderick Chalmers JP was standing in his study looking out the large bay windows at the manicured gardens and grounds around his manor house. He was talking to his butler Dorcas Talbot. Chalmers was a heavy set man with greying hair and bushy side levers, he had a military air about him and he often drank to excess. His lordship had a foul temper and ruled the household with a rod of iron. Chalmers had a distinguished service record having fought as a Colonel under Wellington at the battle of Waterloo. Chalmers second wife the Lady Elizabeth Redford was an elegant woman with a quiet and kind disposition. Her ladyship did not agree with her second husbands often violent outbursts, nor did she argue with him. She had once and following the beating meted out by Chalmers had spent a week confined to her bed recovering from a miscarriage. Elizabeth had been pregnant with Chalmers child. Since that beating the two had never again shared a room or a bed. Chalmers had no children of his own, his son died in childbirth with his first wife Sophia. The Lady Elizabeth had one son, a tall blonde haired boy named Paul. Her ladyship and Paul had moved to the manor following Elizabeth’s marriage to the brutish Chalmers. Chalmers and Paul instantly clashed as the highly class conscious Chalmers violently disagreed with Pauls long time friendship with the son of the local village butcher Aidan Radford. His lordship had ordered Paul to end the friendship immediately. Paul had said that he would not as his father the deceased Sir James did not have a problem with the two boys being friends. His lordship had exploded turning scarlet, then knocking the boy to the floor yelling “I am your father now, you will do what I say without question”.

          “You are not, and never will be my father, Sir” Paul had retorted angrily.

          Chalmers then thrashed the boy unmercifully and when Lady Elizabeth had tried to intercede on her son’s behalf she was beaten also. Paul painfully went to his room and packed and taking a carriage had gone to his college at Oxford and taken rooms. Paul had an allowance from his dead father’s estate and was able to support himself. The porter at the college had seen Pauls condition and immediately called in the college doctor Sir Charles Lewisham who had treated the boy for bruising and a broken arm. Lewisham had expressed his disgust over Paul’s treatment and when Paul told the doctor about the beating of his mother by Chalmers, the doctor said he would report the matter to the appropriate authorities.

          Refilling his sherry glass Chalmers asked “Talbot, what do you have to report. What is the disobedient brat up to”?

          “Well your Lordship it is as you thought. Master Paul has the butcher’s boy staying in his rooms with him. I did ask the porter and after a coin changed hands, the porter said the boy Aidan had been there for over a week” Talbot replied smirking at the look of disgust on his lordships face.

          “The ungrateful and disobedient brat, how dare he act contrary to my wishes? If he does not immediately refrain from this stupid relationship, I shall disown him and have him thrown out” Chalmers said angrily his face turning scarlet.

          “I am hesitant to mention this, your lordship, but it appears that the two boys could be lovers. My son Layne told me that he has often seen Master Paul with his arm around the butcher’s boy” Talbot added smiling at his lordships reaction.

          “Good god man, I am not having a filthy sodomite as a stepson or as a member of this family. Your first husband woman should have been more firm with that brat of yours. Now I will have to suffer the rumour and innuendos that will no doubt follow, when their relationship is found out. I shall disown him without delay” Chalmers ranted angrily.

          “Broderick, you do not know if any of this is true. It could all be a fantasy to discredit my son” Lady Elizabeth offered quietly.

          “How dare you question me woman, who would bother to try and discredit your pathetic brat. By god woman he does that himself, he does not drink, nor does he gamble and he never ever has been known to chase females. He much prefers to read and keep company with those beneath his station. He is becoming an embarrassment to me, at my club I am constantly held to ridicule by my peers. That is it, he has to go” Chalmers retorted refilling his glass with a shaking hand.

          “He has an uncle in New Holland Broderick. Let me send him there, that way he will be out of your way and no longer an embarrassment to you. I will write to Harry Redford immediately, he is a landowner near Melbourne. I shall ask Harry to take the boy” Elizabeth suggested.

          “Do it immediately woman, without delay. I do not want him here again. If you wish to see him then go to his rooms, he is not to step inside this manor again. You can also fund his travel as I shall not” Chalmers said with finality.

          “Very well Broderick I will organise it. I shall take a carriage to Oxford and tell Paul of your wishes. I shall also deliver the letter for postage on the way to Oxford. I shall do it immediately” Lady Elizabeth said taking up her knitting and getting up to leave the study.

          As soon as Lady Elizabeth had closed the door behind her, Talbot refilled his lordships glass and said “if the peelers were to find one of his lordships shirts at the butcher’s house in the boy Aidan’s room they would arrest the boy, especially if my son Layne was to tell the peelers that he saw the butchers brat take it from your room your lordship. You as the local magistrate would have to hear the case and you would then sentence him to be transported. Just think sir both boys would be roughly in the same place, but not be able to see each other. Would not that be sufficient punishment, for the two boys upsetting you”.

          “Talbot that is an excellent suggestion. Let me think on it for a while, the more I think about it the more I like it. Now a drink is in order I believe, pour yourself one man. Please ask Layne to join me in my room after dinner, he can be such a comfort to me” Chalmers said smiling.

          Unbeknown to the two conspirators, her lady ship whilst retrieving a knitting needle she had dropped as she closed the study door had overheard the cruel plot. Quickly she walked to her rooms and once inside she closed the door flung her knitting on the bed and said loudly “you evil conniving foul creature Talbot, May you rot in hell”.

          Elizabeth pulled the bell pull to summon her maid. Millicent her maid came in saying “yes your ladyship”.

          “Millie, I need to see my son at his rooms in Oxford, pack for us and ask Atwell the groom to have my carriage made ready. I have informed his lordship and this trip is at his request” Elizabeth replied.

          Whilst Millie was packing Elizabeth wrote a short letter to her dead husband’s brother Harry, she explained the situation between Broderick and Paul including the details of the thrashing received by the boy and his injuries sustained at the hands of the brutish Chalmers. She asked that Harry Redford accept Paul and his younger brother Aidan. She went on to explain that both boys were in receipt of an allowance from James estate and that they would not be a financial burden on Harry. Elizabeth said she would also cover the costs of the trip and that the situation had become intolerable. She stated that she intended to put the boys on the first available ship to the colonies and that she hoped that Harry would accept the boys as there was a possibility that the letter and the boys would arrive only days apart. She signed the letter and affixed her seal ready for posting in Oxford that afternoon. Elizabeth and Millicent left the manor at midday for the three hour ride to Oxford. When they reached Oxford the driver drove to the Cotswold Lodge where her Ladyship booked rooms for herself and a room for Millie. Prior to going up to her rooms she asked the manager to send a runner to her son’s rooms asking him and Aidan to join her at the hotel by six o’clock for dinner at eight. She wrote and underlined both boys were required to attend.

          In Paul’s rooms he and Aidan were sitting in two comfortable arm chairs reading a book each. Aidan asked “Paul, what are these words, what do they mean” pointing to a passage in his book. “I think it is Loops Garow” he said not getting the correct pronunciation.

          “It is said Loup Garou Aidan and it is French, it means werewolf. The author of that book Le Loup Garou des Basque, which means Werewolves of the Basque, is a Frenchman Etienne Gautier who is living here in England” Paul replied smiling at Aidan.

          “Thank you Paul, I am really enjoying this book, I like the werewolves in it, do you think they could really exist” Aidan asked.

          “There are lots of things that could exist, Aidan, we do not know. I hope that they do. You are reading well” Paul replied.

          “Yes I am and it is so good, since I met you when we were seven or eight, I have learnt to read and to write. My father is amazed and grateful that you spent the time to teach me and helped me at school. I am also so glad that we get on so well it is as if we are brothers” Aidan said smiling at Paul.

          Pauls reply was interrupted by a knock on the door. He answered the door and saw a young boy standing there holding a large envelope. “Yes what can I do for you” Paul asked.

          “I have a note here for Master Paul” the boy replied handing Paul the note.

          “I am Paul, thank you” Paul replied taking the envelope and handing the boy a coin.

          Thanking him the boy raced away. Paul opened the envelope and took out the note which he read. Looking at Aidan he said “We have been invited to dinner with my mother at the Cotswold Lodge. She wants to talk to both of us before dinner, so we better get ready Aidan”.

          “Paul what will I wear, I have no suitable clothes for dinner. I had better stay here” Aidan replied.

          “Nonsense Aidan you can wear something of mine, we are similar in size and mother has stipulated that she wishes to talk to both of us. I am looking forward to meeting my mother. I will be able to spend some time with her without my bigoted opinionated stepfather being there” Paul replied.

          “I just hope her ladyship is happy with our friendship Paul” Aidan said.

CHAPTER TWO

he two boys dressed and walked the short distance from Paul’s rooms to the Cotswold Lodge. Going inside Paul walked to the reception desk and asked to be shown to his mother’s room. The clerk behind the desk said “her lady ship is in room 237 Master Paul, please take the stairs and at the top it is the second room on the right”.

          “Thank you, come Aidan follow me” Paul said leading the way up the stairs. Paul led the way to room 237 and knocked on the door. Millie the maid opened the door and seeing Paul and Aidan standing there said “Master Paul, Aidan please come in her ladyship is waiting”.

          “Thank you Millie” Paul replied following the maid into the room.

          “Paul and Aidan it is so good to see you both. Please take a seat and we will have tea” Elizabeth said hugging both boys.

          Once both boys had taken a chair Elizabeth said “Millie please serve tea”.

          “It is so good to see you mother, as you can see my arm has healed. But please tell us what brings you here” Paul asked looking at his mother.

          “Your stepfather is being lied to by Talbot, who found out that Aidan is staying here with you in your rooms. Talbot has inferred that you two dear boys are lovers or as Broderick so ably put it, filthy sodomites” Elizabeth explained quietly.

          Paul looked at his mother shocked and then asked “you do not believe that do you mother. I admit I do love Aidan mother, but like a brother we, we are not lovers. My stepfather is a foul minded animal and that Talbot is a contemptible scoundrel who deserves to be horse whipped”.

          “Your ladyship what Paul says is true and yes I do love him like a brother, we are not, not sodomites. I am so sorry that my friendship with Paul has caused this. Please forgive me both of you. I better go home to my father and suffer his constant ranting because I do not want to be a butcher” Aidan said sadly tears running down his cheeks.

          “Paul I do not believe that you are lovers for a minute. Aidan my dear you must not go home as it is not safe. Talbot has suggested that a shirt belonging to Broderick be placed in your room at your father’s house. Talbot’s son Layne will swear to the peelers that he saw you take it. You would be arrested and brought before Broderick as the local magistrate, who would find you guilty and have you transported to Van Diemans Land or New Holland. I had told Broderick that I intended to send Paul to join his Uncle Harry. I heard Broderick and Talbot laughing at the idea, Talbot said they will be in the same place but never get to see each other, a fitting punishment for disobedient brats. Broderick seems to like the idea which boys, is why I am here. Now please listen carefully to me boys as I am going to inform you both of a dark family secret. I have as I suggested written to Harry Redford and asked him to accept you both, he is a landowner in New Holland. Your allowance from James estate will ensure you have funds to keep you both. Whilst I am away from the manor I intend to travel to London to meet with James solicitor, William Faircloth to organise an allowance for your half brother, that way you will be both be financially secure” Elizabeth said smiling at the look on Pauls face at the mention of a half brother.

          Paul asked “Mother, who is my half brother. Have I ever met him?”

          “Why yes Paul you have and you have told me you love him. He has said that he loves you. Your half brother son is Aidan. Aidan’s mother Mary worked at the Redford manor for a time; it was whilst I was in bed recovering from having you Paul. James was tempted and he took Mary to his bed on two occasions, she was very good looking. He told me about it and he was so upset that he had done it, he begged for my forgiveness. I loved him dearly so I forgave him and Mary. Of course the butcher thought that the baby was his. James made sure that Mary and the baby were provided for. Later your mother Aidan left your father, leaving you behind. You were only six at the time. James made sure that you two boys grew up together, so that one day you would both know the truth. I have chosen today to tell you this because of what Talbot has plotted and because you both needed to know” Elizabeth said smiling at the boys.

          Aidan looked at Paul with tears running down his cheeks and the brothers held each other crying unashamedly. “Oh Mother, that is good news and I am so happy for Aidan, we have been like brothers all these years”.

          “Your ladyship I am at a loss for words to describe how I feel. Thank you for telling me the truth as I liked Sir James a lot” Aidan said wiping his eyes.

          “Aidan, son, please call me mother as Paul does” Elizabeth said smiling.

          “Thank you mother I shall” Aidan replied.

          “I have one more revelation to tell you both and then we will have a family dinner. It is your birthday, your 17^th birthday which is an important birthday Paul. Your father held a hereditary peerage which had been passed down from father to son. Your father told me on his deathbed that he wanted you to assume the title, Earl of Chambery on your 17^th birthday. From here boys we will go to London to finalise the title and both your allowances. Then I will put you both on a boat so that your younger brother Paul is safe from Talbots plot. So my two dear sons come and let us dine” Elizabeth said.

          “My god mother this has been a surprise. Yes we must keep Aidan safe from Talbots plot. Mother do you think that Uncle Harry will be happy to see us. I have not seen him since I was ten” Paul asked.

          “I do believe that Harry will welcome you both happily. The letter I posted may only arrive a day or two before you both do. I have explained the circumstances to him and warned him that this may occur. Now boys come and we will have that dinner” Elizabeth said getting up to leave.

          At the door she turned and said “Millie you may see your young man and I will see you in the morning”.

          “Thank you your ladyship I will do that” Millie replied.

          The following morning Paul and Aidan packed their things in Paul’s room ready for the trip to London. The two boys were collected by a carriage which took them and their luggage to the Cotswold Lodge where they were met by her ladyship, The combined luggage was loaded on a pony and trap and Millie and Elizabeth joined the boys in the carriage for the drive to London. The four chatted on the way. Millie was excited as she had never seen London before. Aidan said “Happy Birthday Paul”.

          “Thank you Aidan, but with all the excitement I had forgotten” Paul replied.

          “Yes your lordship, Happy Birthday” Elizabeth said smiling.

          Later in the day the carriage arrived in London with Millie being amazed at the busy crowded streets. Elizabeth asked the driver to take them to the Carrington hotel, where she had booked three rooms. The group dined in the elegant dining room and following dinner they retired to their rooms, all being tired after the long trip.

          Following breakfast the next morning Elizabeth and the brothers took a hansom cab to the offices of Sir James Solicitors, William Faircloth and son in Pall Mall. Once inside they were shown to the office of the senior partner, William Faircloth.

          “Lady Elizabeth, it is so nice to see you again. Master Paul, Master Aidan please come in and take a seat. Now how may I help you today” William asked smiling at the three.

          “William, it was James’s wish that Paul assume the title of Earl of Chambray and that Aidan be given an allowance once he had been told the truth about his father. I would like to have these matters actioned with some urgency” Elizabeth asked.

          “Most certainly Lady Elizabeth, let me get Sir James papers and his will and we will see what has to be organised” William said getting up and walking to a large wooden cabinet. Opening the doors he looked inside and pulled out a large leather document case tied with a red ribbon. He carried the case back to his desk and sat down untying the ribbon and taking out some papers. William perched his glasses on the end of his nose and read slowly through James will. He then said “your dear husband your ladyship has made provisions for master Paul to have a yearly allowance of 5000 pounds, due to his change in status. James also made provision for Master Aidan to have a yearly allowance of 2500 pounds to commence on the day that he was told the truth about Sir James being his father. There is also provision for a cash advance to both young men of 500 pounds so they will have no financial worries whilst awaiting the transfer to their accounts of the allowances. I can organise these matters immediately. In relation to Master Paul’s title I will write to the Queens Enquiry and advise him that Master Paul is taking up the title of Earl of Chambray as his father wished. Your Lordship and you master Aidan please accompany my son to the bank where he will organise your accounts and arrange for these two bank drafts to be converted to cash. Whilst you are away I will entertain her ladyship as I have another matter that I wish to discuss with her” William said handing the boys a bank draft each and ringing the bell on his desk.

          William’s junior partner and son came in and asked “yes Father what may I assist you with”.

          “Thomas this is Lady Elizabeth Redford-Chalmers, her sons Master Paul or as we should address him, his Lordship the Earl of Chambray and his brother Master Aidan. Please escort the young gentlemen to the bank and organise their allowances from Sir James estate to be paid into their accounts, you may need to open new ones. Organise also for the two bank drafts to be cashed. Here are the details of the yearly allowances” William said handing a sheet of paper to Thomas.

          “I will do that father. Please your lordship and you Master Aidan come with me it is a shortish walk” Thomas said.

          “Thank you Thomas. Please just Paul and Aidan are fine, I am slowly getting used to the title” Paul replied.

          When the boys had left William said “Lady Elizabeth, I have received a good offer for some of your estates that adjoin Blenheim Palace. If these are sold you will ensure the financial security of your two sons without having to use your other funds. The estates are all yours as stipulated by Sir James in his will. Your present husband has no claim over any of your property, even though he may think that he does”.

          “Tell me please William how much was the offer” Elizabeth asked.

          “It was as I said very generous. It is in the vicinity of 50000 pounds, your ladyship” William replied.

          “Yes William very generous. I agree, let us complete the paperwork so that you may finalise the sale on my behalf” Elizabeth said.

          “I anticipated your answer your ladyship and I have the paperwork prepared. I knew from Sir James’s will that you would be in to see me this week, given it is Master Pauls birthday and I assumed you would have told Master Aidan the truth about his father. Your present husband does not like the boys I take it. I have heard rumours of a severe thrashing for Master Paul and God forbid your dear self” William said looking at Elizabeth sympathetically.

          “Yes my dear William what you have heard is true, Paul’s arm was broken in a subsequent thrashing. My husband is a bully and I am sorry that I married him. I am sending the boys to New Holland to live with my dear husband’s younger brother Harry. I have written him a letter, the letter and the boys may arrive together. I do so hope that the boys will be fine as they cannot stay here” Elizabeth said and then told William of the plot to discredit Aidan and the assumption of Chalmers that the boys were sodomites.

          “That man Talbot is a cad and a bounder, he needs to be horsewhipped. How cruel of him to even suggest having Aidan sent to the colonies as a convict. The slanderous remark about those two dear boys being sodomites is even crueler. Why don’t you ask Harry to take the boys back with him, he has an appointment here with me tomorrow afternoon at two o’clock. It seems that he wishes to expand his business and he is here seeking the capital to do it with. James left him some money which he used to start his sheep business, he also has freight and coach lines with regular runs from Melbourne to Sydney and return and elsewhere. I believe he is seeking 10000 pounds. I could with your concurrence organise a loan from your assets Lady Elizabeth as you are very financial” William explained.

          “Ask Harry to meet with me at the Carrington and I will discuss it with him. Do you know where he is going to stay” Elizabeth asked.

          “Why yes I do, he is staying at the Carrington. He is expected at Midday”.

          “Excellent William I will ask at the desk for his room number after we return there, once we have concluded our business. Now please William, make out a bank draft for 15000 pounds to Harry, he will probably need the additional funds. It is not a loan. It is a gift and the least that I can do for him” Elizabeth asked.

          “I shall do it now, Lady Elizabeth” William said taking up his pen.

          Later at the Carrington Elizabeth and the boys were walking across the marble foyer heading for the managers desk when a voice asked “Lady Elizabeth Redford is that you”?

          Elizabeth turned and looked, seeing Harry standing there. He was as tall as Paul and had blondish hair; he was sunburnt from his long days in the sun. Harry was dressed in a suit. Looking the man up and down and then taking him in her arms she said “Harry Redford what a pleasant surprise, you are looking so well. I have just posted you a letter asking for your assistance in a delicate matter”.

          “Whatever I can help you with Elizabeth, I am your servant” Harry replied.

          “Thank you Harry, but first come join us for lunch. You remember your nephews Paul and Aidan. Come boys say hello to Uncle Harry”.

The boys joined them and shook hands with Harry who hugged both boys and said “Paul, Aidan I have not seen you both since you were ten, you have grown and you both look so much like your father and my brother James. I am so glad that you know the truth about your father Aidan. I had intended to travel to Oxford to see you both and I would have stayed at the Cotswold Lodge as I do not like the bigoted Broderick Chalmers. I could not have been civil to the brutish bastard. Now let me buy lunch and you my dear Elizabeth can tell me what your letter was about” Harry said walking to the dining room with his arm about both boys.

          In the dining room they were shown to a table and handed menus. Once the serving girl had left Elizabeth explained to Harry the letter requesting him to accept the boys to live with him in New Holland and she explained the circumstances and the plot by Talbot, which was why she made the request. Harry listened intently shaking his head at the revelations.

          “Elizabeth, boys I am more than happy for you both to join me, it is a hard life but it is also rewarding. I am sorry that you have both had to suffer his harsh treatment. I am here seeking funds to expand my business interests, especially in relation to my freight and coach lines as the country is growing rapidly. I have an appointment with William Faircloth today at two. I do hope they will be able to assist me in finding the funds” Harry said.

          “Thank you Harry I appreciate this greatly, as the boys could not stay here. Your request for additional funds to the value of 15000 pounds has been approved. The boys and I have asked William to raise a bank draft for you. He will give it to you when you see him. Now my dear Harry, please tell the brothers about your property” Elizabeth said smiling at Harry.

          “My property as you call it is near the settlement of Mount Alexander, they have just found gold there and the settlement is growing rapidly. My freight company supply clothes, food, tents and tools to the only store in the settlement, which by the way I own. My apologies Elizabeth, but did you say my request for additional funds has been approved. Sorry I was not listening too well, I was miles away thinking of how good it will be to have my two nephews with me. I have missed seeing the boys grow up” Harry said quietly.

          “Yes my dear Harry, I have advanced you the money with my sons agreements, to say thank you for accepting them. Both my sons have an allowance so they will not be a financial burden on you” Elizabeth said looking at the look of surprise on Harry’s face.