The Fall Of House Farouk

Chapter 8 : Quite The Impression

The four of us reached the main entrance of Blenheim Palace, just as an old-fashioned Rolls Royce stopped at the curb side of the palace staircase. The chauffeur driving the vehicle got out, opened the passenger seat door and an elderly gentleman stepped out, wearing an English cut suit with the addition of a winter coat made with wool. Despite his age he climbed up with great confidence and spring steps. "Who's that?" Bruce whispered in my ear. The twin wooden doors are opened, with Sir Arthur, the butler of Blenheim Palace, standing by the entrance. 

"Welcome home my lady." the butler greeted politely. "And to you as well sir." he remarked. Arthur had an unfavourable view towards Bruce, considering that he was one of my late granduncle's trusted confidants aside from my grandaunt, who also had a front-row seat towards my unwilling entanglement into Bruce's on-and-off relationship with Selina Kyle. He can be kind and affectionate towards those he cares about, as well as spiteful towards those who cross him or disrespect those he cares. "Mr Pennyworth." Arthur greeted. "Glad to have a pair of helping hands old chum." 

"In your dreams I might say." Alfred returned with an answer in the tone of dry British humor. "Come Master Damian." he said. The main foyer of Blenheim Palace has always been impressive, serving its purpose of letting people marvel at it. It is wide in design, with busts of the long line of dukes of Malborough lining the left and right sides, with a magnificent ceiling painting depicting the first duke in Roman costume. Flags hung from the second-floor walkway while a long red carpet has been rolled out, a daily ritual to welcome tourists. 

"The Dowager Duchess is waiting in the dining hall for the morning tea session my lady." Arthur said. "She had expressed interest in meeting with your husband's son." by that she meant Damian. Bruce and I discussed this with my granduncle and grandaunt about Damian before our wedding and despite their reluctance, they agreed to accept Damian into the family. A gaggle of children came out from a small door and rushed in my direction. "Ah, I'll inform the Dowager Duchess about this." he said, retreating. Victoria came running in my arms first, and I knelt down to welcome her. 

"Mommy!" she cried out. I smiled and gave the child a big kiss on the top of her head, hugging her tightly in my arms. Once I let go of her she revealed a hand-drawn birthday card and a white rose, hidden behind her back and in her hands. "Happy birthday mommy." she said, sheepish in her first attempt to wish me a happy birthday.

"Thank you honey." I smiled, hugging her. Next, Alex and George came forward, giving me gifts of roses and small chocolates, followed by Eleanor and Patricia who gave me their hugs. Harald also gave me a hug followed by Olivia, Noah, and Madeline, the younger children. I loved all our children, that is without a doubt, but I had to tell them a different story regarding their half-brother Damian. Once I got up Alfred was quick to step in and ushered the children back into their rooms, while I raised a brow. 

The Dowager Duchess of Malborough, my grandaunt, was waiting in the dining hall when we entered, sitting at the long table. A set of tea appliances is on display, made in sterling silver, as well as curated tea cakes on display on a serving tower, also made in silver. "Auntie." I smiled, giving her a kiss on the cheek. 

"Wishing you a happy birthday my darling." she smiled back, clasping my hand in hers. We sat by our seats just as the staff poured freshly brewed tea into the teacups with saucers. I sipped the cup of tea and ate the scones on display, while my grandaunt preferred to just drink tea. Just as she promised Grandaunt Helen showed respect towards Damian and treated him as a teenager. The door to the dining hall was opened and two figures walked in, taking their seats opposite me and Bruce. 

"Good morning my dear mother." Uncle Roland greeted. "Sorry about being late."

"Grandmother." Christian addressed. "My apologies as well."

"Oh, we have barely just begun." she said. Bruce sipped his cup of tea in silence and held my hand in his. I noticed that Damian has been observing his surroundings, blending in well thanks to lessons he learned at a young age but never speaking. "Is the tea well to your liking young master?" Helen asked. 

"There isn't much I can complain about, Your Grace." Damian replied, stunningly polite in his words. 

"Very well." Helen said, sipping the cup of tea. "You will be entitled to a room here in the estate, should a visit take place, as well as a room in my late husband's estate in Scotland." 

The library of Blenheim Palace was quiet, minus the fire burning in the fireplace as Damian sat on the couch. Bruce and I sat across him, waiting for him to speak his mind, as he had hinted at during the breakfast tea. "You have changed, father." Damian said, breaking the silence. "Positively that is since you left your ex-lover, and beginning a new relationship with Isabella." he said. "Your ex-lover had never changed her ways, mind you." he added. 

"I already know that, all too well." Bruce said, holding my hand in his. "After the car crash." I held his hand.

Later

I sat in our bedroom following dinner, holding baby Robert, who had already fallen asleep in my arms after nursing. I smiled as baby Robert grabbed onto the fabric of my shirt as he slept, while Bruce entered the room after taking a long shower as he had spent time with our children hours prior. Changing into his nightwear Bruce climbed into bed, sitting by my side and looking at our baby son. I carefully put the baby back in the cradle and covered him with the blanket, before cuddling in Bruce's arms. "It is best that you two finally reconcile." I say. 

"You should spend time with Damian." Bruce said. He was well aware of the cordial but distant relationship I had with his three oldest sons, while Duke and I were still able to get along well. "I have decided, to send the boys to school." he said. 

"You sure that Damian would..."

"He shouldn't be fighting crime, even though he enjoyed that." Bruce said. "We should integrate him into the life of a normal child, shouldn't we?" he asked. 

"It'll take a long time to convince him." I reply. "But I trust that things will work out."