Christmas 99 Entry 396

Cultural event

The Christmas Eve lunch felt rather like it always has, fantastic and then came the chaos. The gifts were as always, placed in massive piles on the trestle tables and once the adults all had drinks in hand - a delicious mulled wine for me - the madness started. Papa gave a countdown and at zero, the kids dove in and soon it was raining torn strips of paper and bits of tinsel.

When Rory opened his gift from Papa and found the blue sash, mum was beaming and Anne just looked smug - so did cousin Arabella, but she always looks smug. Well actually, Rory asked why she perpetually looks like she's just eaten a bad clam.

I don't think Rory fully understood what he was being gifted. Arabella was... irritated at Rory's lack of understanding. Anne took him aside and explained just what it meant to be awarded entry into the Most Noble Order of the Garter.

Then the evening came. Christmas Eve dinner was perfect. Full black tie. Six course meal. As Anne put it, "Oh good! It's tiara time!"

Not long after dinner, Rene showed up. It was so good to see him. He got settled and Papa started doing staff gifts. Anne, Rene, Rory and I spent the rest of the night riding the estate. That was the plan. But as is my way, I fucked up. I had neglected to ever tell Rory that Rene and I have had sex. And to make matters worse, one of the jockstraps I'd packed specifically because I thought Rory would like it, is the same one Rene fucked me in. Rene decided to tell Rory all about that night in Paris.

As you might imagine, Rory was not exactly chuffed. When I got back to our rooms, Rory had asked a footman to move his belongings to another room. I couldn't breathe. I was sure Rory was about to break up with me. I told Rene to go back to France because I quickly realized he'd told Rory knowing Rory didn't know. He said Rory needed to learn that Rene had had me first.

I ran after Rory but couldn't find him. I essentially lost hope and collapsed into the chair in the Great Sitting Room. Anne asked where everyone was. I told her everything. By that point it was about 10:30. I started crying . I told Anne I'd lost Rory. Then he appeared as if summoned. He promised me he wasn't going anywhere.

And I lost it. I knew I couldn't wait for morning. I asked him right there in the Sitting Room as my family slowly filtered in. I asked Rory to marry me.

HE SAID YES!