Wuthering Dormice (aka Bike) Part 685 by Angharad

I let the aliens play for a bit before I got up and showered each one of the girls separately. I wasn’t sure if Livvie had actually seen Trish’s naked body, and wasn’t about to give her the opportunity. I had a horrible feeling that the theory and actuality might have a different outcome; as we were okay with the theory, I left it at that.

Simon went downstairs to start the breakfast. All the media were full of tributes to Michael Jackson, which I understood, but quickly reached saturation point. We did have one bit of humour: the elder girls were trying to copy Jackson’s famous moonwalk, which was better than I could do, and sadly more effective than Mima’s. She had us all in stitches, laughing at herself as she went along.

I showered and dressed after breakfast and made the girls sit and read to me. They wanted another Gaby story, but in case I was accused of influencing them, I made them read me some Anne of Green Gables. Then I asked them questions about what they’d read to check interpretation. Even Meems could do some of that, and her comprehension was quite good for one so young.

By the time I’d finished their English lesson, it was nearly lunch time. It was clear that the two five year olds, had a reading age well above their physical age, and even Mima was able to recognise some words. I left them teaching her some new ones.

After lunch, we all went for a walk and they asked if we could get a paddling pool. I said I’d have to ask Gramps, as it was his house. It was only a formality but one I felt was necessary to show him due courtesy and respect. I did suggest we could go to the swimming baths, which we did at the hotel owned by the bank. As soon as I parked the car, they seemed to know I was there.

According to Simon, they have all the family’s car numbers which are read by a computer system and staff alerted. As we walked into the hotel complex, the manager popped over to greet us, “Lady Cameron, how nice to see you again, and these are?”

“Our foster children,” I introduced each one and they shook hands, even Mima. “Is it alright if we use the pool?”

“But of course, I’ll have some towels and costumes organised immediately.”

“No thanks, I’ve brought those myself.”

“As you wish, Lady Catherine, perhaps I could have a tray of soft drinks sent down for you and the children.”

“That would be very kind of you, thank you.” We were led down to the leisure complex part of the hotel by a porter, who insisted on carrying the large canvas bag bearing our swimming costumes. Apparently, the Cameron family had their own changing room suite, which locked. They gave me a key for my own personal use.

“Why are we swimming here, Mummy,” asked Trish.

“Grampa Henry’s bank owns this hotel, and I thought it would be nicer than the municipal pool.”

“It’s wuvvwie, Mummy,” Mima offered as she wandered around the room opening and shutting lockers.

“Will we have lockers, Mummy?” asked Trish.

“I don’t know, sweetheart, I suppose it depends upon how often we use it. Come on, let’s get everyone changed.” I’d already changed them into their cozzies back at the house, so we avoided that problem. There were only one or two others using the pool, so we had the shallow end more or less to ourselves.

I discovered that none of the girls could actually swim, and thankfully none had a fear of water, they had to wait while I organised some flotation devices for them. Along came a young man and woman in swimming costumes with tee shirts over them, and in the next moment, they were in the water helping the girls learn to swim.

I thought I’d be stuck with Meems, but they insisted that they could cope with the three of them and I was invited to do my own thing, including using the spa, if I so wanted. I didn’t so instead swam some lengths. I’m not a good swimmer, so will never make a triathlete, and before the end of the session, I was getting some tuition as well, which did make a difference. I don’t use my legs enough, apparently.

When we went back to the changing room, there was an assortment of soft drinks available with some fresh fruit and some flowers. They really know how to put on the style at this place. Part of it was wonderful and part offended my socialist tendencies. I decided to go with the flow, and remark to Henry how well we were treated, which would hopefully get one or two of the staff some bonuses.

The two older girls were impressed with how much nicer the experience was than using the council owned swimming pool, and they each ate some fruit and drank a glass of pop each.

While we were sitting and refreshing ourselves, I sent Henry a text telling him how impressed I was. While we were changing, he replied.

‘Glad 2 C U using the family facilities. If it was N E thing less than perfect let me know. H.’

I replied, ’It is perfect, may cum agen, C xxx.’

’Gud, use as of10 as U like, H xxx.’

I helped each of the girls shower and dry themselves, there is even a hair drier there–why did that surprise me, with everything they had done for us, I shouldn’t have been.

Anyway, Trish’s modesty was preserved and we left after I offered the staff some money for tips, which they refused. “Look, I’d like to say thank you to you all, you’ve been fabulous.”

“Write and tell Lord Henry, that way we know our jobs are safe.”

“Aren’t they, anyway?” I asked, perhaps naively.

“Goodness no. If we serve a member of the family and they aren’t happy, heads roll.”

“You make it sound positively mediaeval.” I was horrified.

“I won’t comment on that, for obvious reasons, Lady Catherine.”

“Feel free, it won’t get back to Henry.”

“Thanks for the offer, Lady Catherine, but I really would prefer not to say anything.”

“As you wish. Right, kiddiewinks, let’s go home.”

“Your next appointment with the coaching staff.” He handed me an embossed appointment card, to which he’d added his mobile number. “Any problems, let me know.”

“Yes, thank you, you’ve been excellent in looking after us.”

“Thank you for saying so.”

As we drove home, I informed the girls we had a swimming lesson every week, at which they cheered themselves silly.

When we got home, I got straight into organising dinner. Simon, when he arrived, asked how we’d got on. I told him that I was most impressed.