Claudia Chadwell-Winston and her husband, Martin Winston a diplomat to the South African embassy from the UK stood apart from the rest of the family. Claudia was appraising her brother's fiancée, the former slave and she looked at her with disdain.
Mason whispered to Daniela, "I'm sorry to say that my sister Claudia is a British bitch. She's really going to give you a hard time. If she says anything, you tell me. Her husband is a bit of a push over, but also a really nice man.
Claudia was tall, thin with long blond hair and green eyes. Her nose was pointy and she stood ramrod straight as if she had a pole stuck up her ass and most people thought she did.
Mason introduced Daniela to Martin. He gave Daniela a hug and welcomed her. Through gritted teeth, Mason introduced Daniela to Claudia. "Well you are moving up in the world my dear. It must be nice to go from slave to wife."
Daniela smiled sweetly, "Yes and I am good at both. I hope you'll come visit us at our new home."
Carlton Chadwell took Daniela's hand and kissed it. He introduced her to his wife, Carmen who was from Spain and hated Claudia, just as much as Claudia hated her.
"I think you and I will get along fine." Carmen said conspiratorially. She was a slightly plump woman with a beautiful face and ample bosom.
Braxton Chadwell was even more handsome in a sturdy kind of way than Mason was. He looked a great deal like the actor Collin Firth. He kissed Daniela's cheek and introduced her to his wife, a beautiful sexy black woman named Tara. Tara was dark skinned and nearly six feet tall with long dark hair and hazel cat eyes. She was a model and had been born in Jamaica.
Finally, there was Sylvia Chadwell-Sawyer whose husband, Adam was American. He was a news journalist and spent a great deal of his time covering stories around the world for ABC news.
Sylvia was the only one who threw her arms around her younger brother and kissed his cheek. "I'm so glad to meet you Daniela. We never thought he'd settle down. Please come in and let's get acquainted." She said as she hooked her arm into both Daniela and her brother's and led them inside.
Everyone was in a celebratory mood as they followed Sylvia, Daniela and Mason into the house with the exception of Claudia. She frowned, "I'll be very happy when he marries the bitch," She whispered to her husband, "So we can have a child, but it's too bad that she's carrying those bastard children in her belly. Mummy and Daddy are really obsessed with the little fucks."
"Please dear," Martin pleaded, "Please behave."
"Martin, shut the fuck up. I will behave anyway I bloody please. You'll find out tonight what your comment will have earned you." Claudia said as she pinched his arm as they walked inside.
Luncheon was served in the dining room. Daniela was hungry and tired. The food was delicious and she cleaned her plate. After lunch, Mason and Daniela were escorted to separate rooms. Lady Catherine came to see Daniela. She sat down on the cushiony sofa next to her and took Daniela's hand, "I want you to rest my dear. Tomorrow is your day to relax. Jake and Hayley will be arriving in the afternoon. Mason will be handed the ritual contract. I expect my son will have a blow up, but then he will get over it. I'm sure the two of you will have a great deal to talk about and then it shall begin."
"I'm a little concerned about Mason." Daniela said. Lady Catherine hugged her. "My husband will speak to him. I will speak to him. Mason will do what is right. He's British and royal. Honor is part of his make-up. He won't like it, but he'll keep a stiff upper lip and trudge on. So don't worry."
Catherine's smile grew very wide, "I hear that I'm having a grandson and granddaughter. I couldn't be more thrilled for you." Catherine whispered, "Claudia is a bit jealous my dear. If she gives you any trouble, Mason and I will take charge of her."
"Why is she jealous?" Daniela asked.
"Because you're beautiful and you have power. You are also pregnant and she's been waiting a long time." Catherine said giving Daniela a squeeze, "Claudia's also jealous because I truly love you my dear. You are exactly what my son needed in his life. You don't know how strong you are."
"What power do I have? I'm just a slave who got freed and is marrying a man I never dreamt I could have." Daniela asked, her eyes a bit teary.
Lady Catherine pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed Daniela's eyes, "I always keep a hanky just in case of moments like this. When I was pregnant I cried every five minutes." She said handing Daniela the handkerchief. "Let me tell you. You have brought the Chadwell's and the Cassidy families of the United States and England together. You can ask for just about anything and it will be given to you. Your children will be the glue that binds the two families together forever. Don't underestimate yourself and your influence, my dear." Catherine said and kissed Daniela's cheek.
There was a knock on the door. "Come in." Catherine said. Gerard came in with a tray of tea, scones and fruit. "Madame, I took the liberty of preparing something for the young lady just in case she gets hungry. As I remember in her condition the baby will be wanting food sooner than the rest of us."
"Thank you Gerard." Daniela said. He smiled at her and left.
Lady Catherine stood, "My dear please get some rest. If you need anything, pick up the phone and someone will be here in moments. "
Mason knocked and entered the room. "Mother," He said kissing her cheek, "I've come to make sure my fiancée gets into bed immediately. She didn't sleep all the way here. She was too excited."
Lady Catherine looked at her son, "You have just a few minutes with her. One of the maids will come and unpack her bags. Mason, your father needs to see you so don't be too long."
Catherine kissed Daniela and Mason and left them to be alone.
"I really love your mother." Daniela said as she sat on the bed.
"I know you do and she loves you." Mason said. Daniela went to lie down with all her clothes on. Mason grabbed her hands.
"No you don't. You get undressed. Go to sleep. I will bring up a tray and spend a little time with you later. When you awaken, call me. I want you to sleep. My babies need rest." Mason said and kissed her lips, "Let me help you undress."
Mason undressed her and helped her on with her nightgown. He pulled back the covers as the maid came in and unpacked Daniela's clothes. The canopy bed had curtains around it and once she was in bed, Mason kissed her and drew the curtains. He left and so did the maid soon after.
Daniela felt like a princess in a fairy tale. She felt the babies kick and rubbed her belly. "Go to sleep little ones, mommy is exhausted." She said yawning and soon, she fell into a deep sleep.
***
Mason went downstairs to see his father in the study. Lord Thomas was sitting at his desk. He greeted Mason warmly. "Tomorrow you join the ranks of the rest of the family. The next three days will be intense my dear boy, but in the end you and your lovely Daniela will be together. Have you decided where you're getting married and when?"
Mason sat down on the worn black leather sofa. "Yes, Daniela wants to get married here New Year's Eve."
"How lovely, a winter wedding. Your mother will be pleased." Lord Thomas lit up a celebration cigar and passed the box to Mason who took one. Neither man really smoked, but whenever there was a celebration, they each lit up and smoked one cigar. It was a family tradition.
Mason sat back, "Is Claudia going to be her usual pain in the ass self?
"Why would she change now? I've warned the girl, but you know the only one she will listen to is your mother." Thomas said taking another puff of his stogie.
Braxton knocked on the door and smiled as he came in. "I thought I smelled the Cubans."
Thomas passed him the box and Braxton lit up. Carlton came in next and took his cigar. "I really despise this tradition." He said lighting up.
"How often do we do this, maybe once a year?" Braxton said, "Let's finish up and go over some family business. Mason needs to be brought up to date on how the farm is prospering and how the textile plant is doing."
They smoked their cigars and then went to work.
***
Carmen and Tara were sitting in the bedroom Tara shared with her husband, Braxton.
"It's really a shame that Daniela can't participate, but I'm looking forward to sucking Mason's cock." Carmen said.
"And I'm looking forward to sucking your pussy." Tara said, running her hand through her hair.
