January 17th 2004

The day dawned eventually- England in January- what do you expect? It wasn't too bad- frosty and cold but there was a weak sun and the rain held off. Thank heavens for small mercies. We took a light breakfast in the room- the staff here are amazingly discreet and efficient- and Lily wound herself up into a frenzy of excitement.

"When is the wedding?"

"Later...we have to get dressed first."

"Mummy...what's a wedding?"

"It's when Mummies and Daddies get married. They say they love each other and have a party."

"Where's the baby?"

"That comes later."

"Tomorrow?"

"Babies take longer than that...Lily, please don't ask so many questions..."

"Daddy...when's the baby coming?"

"Baby? What baby?" Maximus, as usual, was reading and not listening.

"Isobel's."

"WHAT? She's pregnant? Ye Gods..."

"Shut up, Max...she doesn't understand. She thinks a baby comes straight away....like a wedding gift..." I mouthed across.

He grunted. "I'm going to get dressed and take a walk...I need to think..." Maximus was ready in a few minutes and left his girls to their toilette. I dressed in a pale lemon dress with a fitted jacket- the dress was rather sexy but as the jacket covering the revealing back with its lattice work effect, it looked demure and appropriate for a wedding. I dressed Lily up in a beautiful dark emerald green velvet frock with a big satin bow- a real winter colour that suited her dark shiny curls. She wore shiny black patent shoes, lacy white tights and her hair was held back with a black velvet Alice band. She thought she was beautiful. Actually she was. I laughed to see her staring at herself before the mirror and swinging the full skirt back and forth. Girls, hey?

When we were ready, we made our way downstairs and through the hallway. I stopped to say good morning to Jack who was just checking on last minute arrangements. He looked very handsome in his morning suit; he can really carry that formal attire so well, although he appeared a little tense, hands behind his back and pacing about- you would imagine he needed his quarter deck.

Lily tugged on his trouser leg. He looked down in surprise as if he wondered exactly what manner of creature the little girl was. I think she was thinking the same about him. "Mr. Jack... you a boy or a girl?"

He responded with a booming laugh that made her put her fingers in her ears. "Well, well...that's the first time any lady has ever had a difficulty on that score..." He bent down to her level. "I'm definitely a boy, my sweeting, most definitely a boy."

"Why you got girl's hair?' Lily is relentless when she has a point to make.

"Why indeed...? You know, I'm damned if I know the answer to that one! But if I find out...I'll be sure to tell you. Ha, ha, ha...boy or girl, indeed...wait until I tell Stephen that one!" I took my leave of Jack a few moments later but by then Lily had lost interest in the grown up talk and pattered off to nose around. I saw her disappearing into a small ante chamber near the ladies' restroom- I suspected it was where the bride was dressing. Racing after her, I tried to prevent her from disturbing Isobel - but too late. She had pushed on the slightly open door and run inside. I could hear her gasp: "You a princess!"

"Lily....Lily...come out of there...I am so sorry, Isobel...she shouldn't be disturbing you at a time like this."

Isobel turned round and I almost made the same observation as Lily as I saw her in her wedding gown. She is quite unbelievably lovely. Other women would simply pale in comparison to her dark flashing eyed beauty. There is something about that colouring and the wonderful skin that seems to be a beauty of more depth than the pasty white skin of my race. It needs no makeup or artificial hair colour to enhance it. As I looked closer, it looked to me as if she had been crying, but when she saw my daughter she smiled and opened her arms to her.

"I think you are the princess! What a pretty dress ... let me see it twirl. My, my..." Isobel clapped her hands as Lily executed her pirouette and beamed at the attention. Now I was there, I decided to broach an issue that had been niggling me. I hadn't liked the scene last night when the men went into their pow-wow and made Jack so angry and Isobel so upset. I thought it was an absolute travesty- what was it to do with any of us who Jack married? I know Maximus was concerned but even so...they are adults and have the right to make their own mistakes- if such were the case anyway.

"I really am sorry. Are you alright?"

"Oh it's nothing, just a little case of the jitters," she laughed through her tears and dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.

"While I'm here...Isobel...I just wanted to say... This is really embarrassing..." Isobel carried on playing with Lily, taking her hands and dancing her round. "She's a brilliant child, you must be so proud of her...and she has her father's eyes!"

"Yes, she is a little sweetie....but I'm afraid her father can sometimes be a bit of an ogre. I'm sorry if he made things nasty for you ..."

"Ah, you mean last night?

I nodded, feeling very awkward. I didn't want to sound disloyal but, damn it- I have an opinion, too, and I don't think he's always right. "Yes, last night. Maximus has this notion that he must hold everything together. He just takes responsibility. He thinks it is for the best...he really does believe that...I'm just sorry if you were put in an untenable position in front of everyone else..."

Isobel sat down and patted the seat next to her on the large padded sofa. I joined her. "Well, it's never easy being the boss. I imagine it's hard for you, too. He looks like he could be a handful."

I shrugged. "I'm used to him... you're not. I just want to try and explain it..."

She rubbed my hand "I have to admit, it wasn't a very welcoming feeling. I think I saw my life flash before my eyes for a minute there. I'm sure he thinks he's being the rational one but the truth is, my future is in his hands ..."

"I know, I do apologise that you were put in that position and if it's any consolation, I didn't agree with him -but I couldn't say that last night...I wouldn't do that to him in public. But I promise I will try and talk him round...he does listen to me...sometimes!" I gave her a wry look and she grinned.

"We're here, that's all that matters to me now and I appreciate what you've just said, Uma. You don't know how much. I do understand your position. I imagine Jack would have expected the same from me if I were in your place."

I nodded. She was right. Our first allegiance must be with the men we love and it was obvious that she loved Jack very much. Maximus was just being woodenheaded about it- all because of some cheap little tavern wench who conned him two thousand years ago?

"This is your special day. You forget all that and enjoy it, OK? I don't think Jack Aubrey will take a blind bit of notice what anyone says - he loves you and he will marry you."

She smiled demurely; a beautiful bride on her wedding day. "I have no doubt about Jack...not a single one. I will try to put it all behind me... but what about our little princess here? Do you know, Lily, I have no one to walk me down the aisle? Would you hold my hand and walk with me, Lily?" She scooped my little girl up and sat her on her knee, arranging her hair with her tiny, expressive fingers.

"Oh, she would so love that! Wouldn't you, Lily??" Lily nodded with a smug expression on her face that for a moment looked exactly like her father.

"Would you like to hold my flowers?"

"Would you like to hold Auntie Isobel's flowers? Be a flower girl?"

Lily beamed "I a flower girl. I'm Lily! My Daddy calls me Florilla...that means little flower, you know?"

"What a beautiful child! So smart! How wonderful to have a daughter, just like a little doll...I do so hope Jack and I have children...and a little girl...'A son is a son till he takes him a wife but a daughter's a daughter for all of her life'...that's what my mother always said anyway -and I know better than to argue with Mom!"

I smiled at that, but my cynicism got the better of me. "Well, some people think sons are rather more use..."

"Ah, the old world view- forgot to put the stem on the apple, with a girl?" 

The old saying made us both laugh. "Something like that...you know?" I didn't really want to enlarge on it further.

"But men do want sons, you know, there is no denying that. It's the way of the world - and I'm sure Jack will, too."

I snapped back my response and noticed Isobel's eyes flicker slightly in reply- surprised at my vehemence - or interested in it? "Some more than others it would seem...."

"How do you deal with it, Uma? Being married to a man from an alien world- a different time when women had such a secondary position? I think we're in the same boat. I wouldn't mind some advice."

"Me? Give advice? I'm hardly coping with it as it is- between you and me, Isobel."

She shook her head and sighed. "I'm sure Jack and I be having this discussion soon enough. I never ever imagined having children of my own before, but then again I never imagined a man like Jack existed. So it is bound to change everything, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is.  I know the feeling...I was a career woman...no thoughts to marry until he swept in and knocked me off my feet. ...now I find myself like some Stepford wife. I mean I want another child...you know, one day...but it might be a girl. What then? How does it happen? How do we find ourselves in this situation?"  I was only really thinking out loud and then I saw her face. My God, she was an hour away from getting married and I was talking like this!

"Bloody hell...how insensitive of me...I shouldn't say this today of all days- just ignore me. I'm just a bit emotional today. I can see Jack is an entirely different man..."

Isobel looked thoughtful. "Well, I'm afraid I'm about to find out one way or another. Don't worry, I do understand how you're feeling. We should get together sometime soon, really we should. I don't know anyone in town and we are sisters now in a way..."

"I would so love that...I don't really know any of the other wives...Max is a bit funny about us mixing- I'm not sure why- and I can't really confide in my friends- you know?"

"Me neither. A man out of his time, like Maximus or Jack? They would think we were simply hallucinating. I think you and I may have more in common than we think. But, Maximus loves you, Uma...it's plain to see...he wants you for himself - and who could blame him?" Isobel reached up and stroked my face in a rather intimate gesture; it made me feel a little uncomfortable to be touched by a woman like that - but it was strangely compelling. Her comment pleased me and I blushed at her remark- I had not thought his reserved behaviour with me had shown the others what he really felt. Isobel was obviously a very sensitive person; she could see through his serious front.

"Jack will want to spend time in England...you must stay with us and get to know Max and Lily. His bark is so much worse than his bite- he can be very warm and witty when he is more at ease. In situations like this, he doesn't have the social skills of say....a man like Terry Thorne..."

Isobel fixed me with a rather intense gaze. "Hmmm...now, there's a smooth operator if ever I saw one. Quite a character..."

I blushed again. "Do you think so? I thought he was rather...soulful..."

"Thorne? He could charm the stars out of the sky, I bet. Very deep...Can I ask you a personal question, Uma? How well do you know him? Are you...friendly with Mr. Thorne?"

I was surprised she would say that. I had hardly spoken to him yesterday- I wonder what gave her that idea? "Not really. I just met him yesterday. I liked him....I mean as a friend, of course...I know he's a class act but he really does know just what to say to a girl...but not in that sleazy way...he doesn't give me the feeling that he is trying to make a pass...I don't reckon he's the sort who seduces women for fun, you know? Sort of genuine guy..."

Isobel looked away casually. "I just wondered if you could tell me anything about him. I may need to consult him on something...a legal matter. I got the impression you were familiar...I wouldn't have guessed that you'd just met- you talked like old friends!"

I rolled my eyes. "Well, I did rather take to him actually- we just clicked...but I'm sure he would be very helpful. Maximus says he's very savvy and often asks his advice about things, He's always so helpful- gets things sorted out in no time- he really knows how to cut through red tape...and he's really easy to talk to..."

Isobel giggled softly, a knowing look in her eye. "Easy for you, no doubt, He wasn't quite as forthcoming with me. Uma, I think he's a little interested in you, if you'll pardon my saying..."

"Interested in me? You don't mean...oh, come on...he's happily married and so am I...but, do you think he fancies me? Really?"

"I'm not saying he would do anything untoward- he's not that sort- he's far too classy for that- but yeah, I think he's attracted and he couldn't help himself but show it. So, looks like you've got an admirer..."

We both giggled like teenagers." "I can't say I'm not flattered- if it is true- I mean- a girl can still dream, hey??"

"You bet. Just because you're married, it doesn't mean you're dead, honey. But I'm only joking. I'm sure he's a perfect gentleman. And he's Max's pal, isn't he? They seemed pretty chummy at the bar where we met..."

"Yeah...Max likes him a lot - and he likes his wife, too- although she is hardly my cup of tea!" I added with a clear note of disapproval in my voice.

Isobel leaned in confidentially. "That thing last night about the background check, I couldn't believe it! I don't mind telling you... I didn't like her one bit, either...but don't say I said so..."

"Of course I won't! She's a hard -faced bitch. You know the type? She thinks she's a cut above because she is some hot shot reporter and her husband is loaded...and that comment was also just between you and me, girlfriend."

Isobel suppressed a grin. "Your secret is safe with me - like my mama always said, 'if you can't say something nice, come sit next to me'! That Ann's a ball buster... she's got bigger ones than Thorne, I bet." We snorted.

"I don't know about that, love, from my vantage point, his looked more than a handful...my Lord, take a peek next time he wears jeans..." It was so long since I had had a dirty perve with a friend that I was lapping it up now.

"You know what bugs me?" Isobel said, still laughing from the thought of Terry Thorne and his ample package. "I didn't get a bachelorette party...we could have had us some fun..."

I hooted. "I had a wild one...Max would have died if he had known!"

"I bet you're a wild one, Uma, underneath it all...not the quiet English rose at all, huh? I think we're going to be good friends..."

"I've had my moments, Isobel, but they are over now...but, I still have my sense of humour- and my good taste in men! Which brings me to Jack...he is another rather choice specimen...he even caught Lily's attention...do you know she asked him if he was a boy or a girl? I think the hair threw her!"

Isobel howled with laughter; Lily joined in although she obviously didn't know what we found so funny. "Ha, ha ha....oh my God...there is nothing remotely feminine about my Jack- he doesn't have a female side- just two very, very male ones, I can assure you! Although he is rather pretty...my pretty captain..." She went all dreamy-eyed at the mention of him.

"Lil will work it out eventually- she is her mother's daughter after all- I think she is just stunned by the size of him..."

"Mmmm...me too...everything about Jack is big....and I mean everything..." We laughed some more and threw each other knowing glances.

"Mummy- stop talking...I want to talk..." Lily was feeling excluded and broke in.

"Just a minute, bossy boots...so, Isobel...when you're back from your honeymoon, let us know...we would love to entertain you when you're in London..." I picked up my daughter and made to leave.

"Oh, I'd like that! Maybe by then your husband will see I am not as bad as he thinks...we may take you up on that, Uma, thank you very much...we have no plans yet, so I will be in touch."

"Good, that's arranged then. Now I shall distract Lily and you finish up. Thank you for asking her to take a part in the ceremony. I promise she will behave- she can be very good when she wants to and I will keep an eye on her..."

"I have no doubts. Meet me at the entrance to the ballroom and I'll hold her hand while we walk down the aisle. I really need someone to hold onto or I might not make it!"

I kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Good luck and be happy- always...and thank you for being so great about last night! Marriage is hard work- but worth it- it really is- honest!!"

"Thanks for the talk, Uma...I was feeling lonely and now I have a friend...two friends! Catch you later, princess!" Isobel kissed my little girl and I walked briskly out of the room with her hanging on my neck blowing kisses to her 'Auntie Isobel'. I felt better. It struck me just how much of my life I had sublimated for Maximus. Sometimes a girl can do too much for a man.

I took Lily into the library that led out into the garden with its view of the deer park and the lake. I noticed she had put a smudge on my jacket from her shoes when I picked her up. I asked a waiter for a slice of lemon and took off the jacket to spot treat the mark. As I was doing that with Lily sitting on the floor leafing through a colour magazine, Maximus walked in through the patio doors, a blast of cold air accompanying him. His face looked a high colour from the cold but he didn't seem to notice the discomfort. He did however notice my dress. "You are showing too much flesh. I warned you about that outfit."

I glanced up sharply. "I just took the jacket off to treat a stain. I won't be taking it off again today- it's winter or haven't you bloody noticed? Too tough to feel the cold?"

He tsked at my comment. "I will not have you disporting yourself like some of these other women do..."

"Pardon? Who exactly do you mean by that? Didn't see you criticising your best mate, Ann Thorne, for her little display of scarce-contained libido yesterday. You looked like you were sorry it wasn't you she was dragging off..."

"That is enough of that ridiculous talk! And it is high time you stopped making those bitchy comments about her. It makes me wonder what it is really your problem with the woman..." Lily interrupted then, not picking up on our whispered vehemence. Maximus took her up and carried her to the door where he turned and his parting shot was "Put your jacket back on and adjust your skirt. Or I will send you upstairs to change." And then he walked out.

I was furious. Completely and utterly furious with him. What the fuck was wrong with him? When did he get such a stick up his backside? I mean he can be a bit disapproving sometimes but he is never that unreasonable. Ever since we got here, he has been uneasy. It was as though he didn't trust me around his Brothers...or didn't trust them...why would he think like that? I mean they were nice and all...some very appealing...some very sexy...Hando...Lachlan...I smiled at the thought of how I felt a kind of something for certain brothers. And then there was Terry Thorne...

"Gonna wear a hole in that carpet, love...change your flight path..." I looked up suddenly and Terry Thorne was entering from outside. "Jesus, it's fucking brass monkeys out there...freeze your balls off..."

"I wouldn't know", I snapped as I hastily put my jacket back on like a good little wife. "I'm one of the lesser creatures who doesn't have them..."

Terry pulled a face and placed his hand on his heart. "Ouch...something I said?"

I blushed at my silly outburst. "No...not you...just another member of your amiable Band of Brothers...sorry, I shouldn't have taken it out on you..."

Terry grinned, still rubbing his hands together and holding them near the roaring fire. "Which one- want me to knock some sense in his head for you, love?"

"How good are you with a short sword?"

At that he burst out laughing, holding his hands up in surrender. "I know when I'm beaten. And I never come between a man and his mate. Learnt that a long time ago. You're on your own, kid, on this one."

I picked up my clutch bag and walked for the door. "At my command...I intend to unleash some hell..." was my last remark as I minced out. There's something about that guy that makes me feel...well...like a woman...

May 2001

We flew to Rome and took British Airways to Sydney via Singapore for the second stage of our honeymoon. Maximus had decided to take me back to 'The Family'. It was a long journey but pleasantly broken by our two days in the exotic eastern metropolis and the first class seats we had. Upgraded from business class- Maximus muttered that sometimes SID could actually be useful. I had a ball. I know it sounds pretty pathetic but I got such a kick out of being called Mrs. North and from the look of the air stewardesses (and stewards come to think of it). The women's faces had 'you lucky bitch' written all over them and the men? They were just tripping over their dicks at the sight of Maximus in his snug jeans and grey T-shirt. It was even raising my temperature and I knew what was beneath the clothes - which is probably why, when you think about it.

Two hours turn round and we flew onto Melbourne. It was late May and bloody cold- a windy and blustery day, rain off and on. I shivered in my thin jacket; Maximus seemed not to notice. He is impervious to such discomforts, accepting all weather conditions and simply adjusting, whereas I am spoilt and soft. I hate to be cold.

We hired a four wheeled drive and set off on the two hour journey out into Victoria. It is a magnificent state. The first hour or so we flanked the Great Ocean drive- a truly majestic and almost deserted place at that time of year- until we turned off north along the Yarra valley to hit the road to the interior. I was fascinated by the scenery- it was my first taste of Australia- and sat with my nose pressed against the window, staring out at the unique vegetation and overjoyed when I caught a glimpse of kangaroos in the wild- like as if they weren't a pretty normal sight there.

By late afternoon, we pulled off the main highway and turned into a country road and then a farm track that wound down towards a valley. The vegetation was lush but rugged. It looked like cattle country although I saw vineyards aplenty too. I also expected it was great trekking terrain- not that I am much of a horsewoman but I mentioned it to Maximus and he said undoubtedly. We should take a few horses up to the higher passes.

Nestled in the heart of the valley was an old wooden farmhouse with a verandah, typical sort of country style, surrounded by newer stone buildings, stables, farm buildings, sheds, and parking garages for the collection of cars and motorbikes that were littered everywhere. It was pretty messy and haphazard. It didn't take much imagination to see that this was the home of a group of males.

As we rolled up, shut off the engine and dismounted, I noticed a slight movement on the verandah. First I saw the sole of a boot and then realized that someone was sitting in a chair. He moved and pulled himself to his feet. I think it was the character called Andy. He scratched his head, realized who it was and seemed to jump to attention. "Shit! Maximus?"

Maximus looked around impassively and walked forward. "Andy....meet my wife, Uma..." Andy gawped. I smiled shyly and followed Max towards the front door. "Er...you should have called, Max...place is a bit of a mess...we had a party last night..."

That was an understatement. The hallway was a mess - cans of beer everywhere, bottles of wine upturned and rolling about, the floor sticky with spilled drink, carpets marked and stained. Several pieces of furniture were upended and a vase of dried flowers was broken. A girl wearing nothing but a man's shirt, open, and a pair of tiny briefs wandered through, her hair all mussed up and yawning. "You got any fruit juice?" she muttered. I chanced a look at Maximus who blinked a few times and then strode through to the main room. It was unbelievable. They had had a wild night. Several people, almost impossible to identify, were crashed out round the place- male and female in various states of undress. There seems to have been some impromptu jamming sessions- guitars all over the place and a very high end music system with CDs all over the place. More drinks - or the remains of them, overflowing ashtrays, the telltale smell of stale weed, a couple of bungs and I was sure someone had peed in the large bowl in the centre of the coffee table- the liquid there had an unusual colour and rather ammoniac aroma.

I restrained a giggle- let's face it I have, in my rather chequered past, occasionally woken up and found myself in a similar gig but I had a feeling that Maximus would see things differently. I mean I can't believe he has never been involved in a bit of high spirits in his younger legionary days but you know how superior he can be if he has that mood on him. I always felt rather sorry for the guy in his film who pissed himself with fear- Max clearly didn't have much sympathy for his predicament.

Andy hung back, making rather ineffectual and inane excuses which Maximus appeared to completely ignore. He said nothing. At one point he toed a young man on the floor rather roughly. "Get up!" The boy peeled himself from the girl he was wrapped around and stared bleary eyed up at him. "Jesus Christ!" he muttered when he saw who it was and tried to stand, almost tripping over his feet as he realized his pants were undone and he was almost exposing himself. He smiled wanly at me- extended a hand, looked at it and blushed, withdrawing it rather quickly (wonder where it had been?) "Hello- my name's Johnny...Johnny Ryan..."

A quick nod from Maximus shut him up. "Up! All of you. NOW!" Max roared and the room became a sea of staggering humanity. "I want this place put to rights. You have until tomorrow morning. Have these whores off the premises and smarten yourselves up. I will be back at ten..."

"Hey, who are you calling a whore, ya fucking stiff bastard?" A rather brassy redhead faced Maximus out, her hands on her hips. She looked like she would have given him a run for his money in the arena if her gym-honed biceps were anything to go by.

"You. Now dress yourself and get out before I personally haul you to the gate and kick your arse myself. Is that clear enough for you?" There was something in his tone that even she recognized and she did not demur. Maximus turned to go and indicated that I should accompany him out. As I went ahead first, I got the full view of what happened next.

Coming down the stairs was the most perfect piece of maleness that I think I have ever encountered. It was Hando, dressed- well, you knew it, didn't you?- in his tighty whities and nothing else but the lurid decoration of his tattoos. He stood half way down the stairs and paused, head to once side and missing nothing. "G'day, mate. You finished throwing your fucking weight around?"

Hando lit up the rollie in his hand and blew smoke out aggressively. You could smell challenge. I watched fascinated as the two forces of nature eyed each other up. I also kept my focus on the contents of the front of Hando's underwear. My God, he must be nine inches. Wide.

"I'm leaving. Get this place set to rights. Then we need to talk. Tomorrow morning..."

"Not your squat, mate. We keep it like we want it. I don't walk into your house and call your bint a whore...who is the Sheila anyway?" Hando dragged on his cigarette and looked me slowly up and down. I felt rather than saw the slight jerk of his hipbones in my direction. He was almost saying "Look at me. You can't stop, can you?" He was right. I couldn't.

Maximus took a step forward. I could see the cords in his neck tighten and also saw him regaining control moments later. Through gritted teeth, he snapped, "My wife. Treat her with respect or I will teach you something about respect. Do you understand me?"

Hando grinned and licked his lips. "Oh yeah, mate. I understand. Reckon so does she. Ain't that a fact, love?" His eyes gleamed coldly and his nostrils flared. There wasn't a woman in the world who would have mistaken his meaning.

I threw him a sharp glance, tossing back my hair. "Grow up. Put your pants on. I'm used to a man not a preening boy..."

But he merely laughed. Maximus nodded for us to leave. "Tomorrow. And I intend to make a few changes. Be assured of that."

Out in the yard again, we made for the car. Maximus' temper was obvious from the rather stiff way he walked, as if his shoes were uncomfortable. He helped me, got in his side and started the engine. Then he hit the steering wheel with his fist. "I will have his balls if he speaks to me again like that. He is a posturing fool. I would like him under my command for six weeks and I would take him to hell and back. I would make a man of him and turn that arrogant aggression into something of use..." On and on he went as he screeched along the dirt track and out to the main route again.

I tried to calm him. "He's just doing it because he knows it winds you up- and it does. That sort is always like that. They hide their inadequacies beneath a veneer of sinister brutish control. But he is scared inside. I feel sorry for him. He needs a better role model- he has some very fine qualities but they are all distorted and warped. He's also highly intelligent but unschooled and raw- he has picked up the wrong philosophy - and it isn't all his fault. He is a victim of society's failure..."

"Fine qualities? Highly intelligent? Are you insane? He's an animal and make no mistake..."

I looked dreamily out of the window as the wild and rugged landscape passed by. "Yes...definitely an animal but a beautiful one nevertheless. Quite the most beautiful young man I have ever seen. Did you once look like him? I'm sure you must have done. He reminds me so much of what I think you must have been like, say ten years ago..."

Maximus stared at me. "Like him? What on earth do you mean? You find him attractive? That foul mouthed lout? Have you quite lost your senses?"

I said nothing, deciding that it might be better when he was in this mood not to push his buttons any further. But I couldn't deny it. As much as I cannot stand what young thugs like him espouse, I was completely sucked into to his aura. He was sex personified, the stuff of both a woman's fantasy and nightmare. The dark devil-man who could unleash the deepest sexual desires that we hide. My nerve endings were still jangling at the memory of his open visceral masculinity. I felt confused by my physical response to it.

MAXIMUS

I had half expected to find some measure of poor discipline and debauchery at the farm- Curry had said as much when he had seen me in hospital. I purposely wished to walk in unannounced and catch them unawares- an old army trick to keep the subordinates on their toes. What I did see was much worse than I had anticipated and merely sharpened my determination to establish a regime that would safeguard us all and force some focus and direction on the younger brothers, many of whom were no longer quite so young and ought to know better.

The key was the painted barbarian. I had known many men like him on all sides of the battle line- Roman and tribal. Some men have the ability to lead innate within them but there is no guarantee that they will use that gift wisely- more often than not it is used to manipulate and control instead of inspire and advance. He was a flawed man- but then so are we all- but he hid from his weaknesses instead of embracing them as a challenge to overcome. By building up his mob of fawning devotees and terrorizing those around him, he believed himself above the law and his own fears.

I intended to hobble him and bend him to my will until such time as he has learnt the way to real manhood and enlightenment. The others too needed extricating from his influence. They were adrift and aimless but still talented and useful men. They had wasted too long playing with their new found reality. It was interesting to see the divide- the Great Divide like the mountains that split this country. The older Brothers, those who were their own men and more resistant to Hando's strident ramblings, had either stayed in the US or made a life and career of their own. Interesting that Jeff Mitchell kept himself apart; Hando and he must hate each other even more than Lachlan Curry might bridle at the hero worship of the dictator that he had offered his life to fight against.

It would not be easy; they had been established in this way of life some years now. But it was possible. I had to think of a three pronged approach. The first target was to find them occupations that would channel their energy away from mayhem. Then they needed to find their own partners, women who would support them and draw them away from Hando's male dominated world. Finally I had to work on Hando himself- he had it in him to be the saviour or the destroyer of what we had built so far.

These thoughts were running through my head as we returned to Benalla, the nearest town, and took a room in a motel there on the fringes of the wine country. It wasn't a very impressive establishment but it was the closest to the farm and I did not wish to be far off at this stage. I was not concerned about the standards of the inn from my part- I would have slept with the horses and thought nothing of it- but I didn't like Uma having to stay in a rundown place like this, surrounded by rather coarse and rough locals. However, as it was only for one night- I would expect a room for us at the farmhouse tomorrow night- I accepted the inevitable.

Uma didn't seem too bothered and blithely carried her overnight case in with a giggle and an expression as if to say this was a bit of an adventure. She is quite irrepressible- despite her gentility she is actually easy going and has little interest in putting on airs and graces. There is something remarkably down to earth about her which I like. I like everything about her...who am I fooling? Except the way she looked at him. I did not care for that at all.

They spoke of the pull. When I first joined, they all mentioned it. Out there is one woman who will be the one and you will know it from the start. I dismissed it- I am not given to such fancies. But I cannot deny that some force drew us to each other. After that- I would have loved her regardless, I am sure of that, but initially something made us stop and smell the breeze...that is what happened to her today. She caught his scent and he caught hers. The pull is powerful and it affects the women and the Brothers too in varying degrees. Curry was immediately struck by her and she noticed him also. It worried me a little. I trust Uma - she would never...but he would. Ye Gods, he would love nothing more than crushing her beneath him and claiming her from me.

If she can feel like that- all the Sisters can. Imagine the chaos if any did succumb? We are humans with human frailty- any man or woman can fall prey to Eros' lures. That must be prevented at all costs. If I cannot restrain the men- and it would take castration to curb the sexual excesses of Hando- then I must put a collar on the wives. They will be easier to control. I am not sure how it is to be done, but with the help of some of the others we must find a way. Four elements to solve. A good number- the corners of a square. It bodes well when such symmetry is found.

"Max...I'm taking a shower...I stink..." I heard her laugh and turned - she was peeling off her loose traveling clothes and skipping to the bathroom saucily. Her little peach-like buttocks were wiggling and she was throwing me that look of hers. It is hard for any man to keep his mind on the business in hand with her around the place to beguile him. I watched her with a smile and let her go, content to wait for her to emerge, all sweet, perfumed and damp. My favourite kind of woman - fresh from the bathhouse and naked as a baby.

Shortly after, she danced back in, singing some silly pop song and brushing out her wet hair. I rose and made a move to embrace her. She pouted. "Shower. Now. I want you all clean like a sacrificial victim should be. And then I intend to gorge myself..." She snorted with laughter, whipped open her towel to give me a quick glimpse of what was promised and then she pushed me towards the bathroom door.

Towelled and cleansed, I returned to find my Lady reclining on the cheap bed covers, draped in a sheet, like Venus in her chamber. She was curling a strand of hair around her finger and running one dainty foot along her other leg with a shamefully lewd expression on her face, her mouth slightly open and her tongue peeking. "My, my...what a specimen...what's a lady to do? Come here and ravish me...I am in dire need of ravishing..."  She continued on in this ludicrous fashion until I threw away my towel, ripped off her sheet and gave her what she wanted. Sometimes the direct approach is the best one with women. Whatever they say, they too sometimes want nothing more than a hearty rut and a good hard cock. She didn't complain. Unless "No, Max, no....no, no Max... yessssssss...constitutes a complaint?

UMA

We returned the next morning to the farm. My husband (I love saying that!) was in a slightly better frame of mind after a long sleep flanked by several hearty fucks which certainly relaxed him. He seemed very loose this morning, quiet but affectionate, driving slowly with his hand touching my leg and occasionally glancing over to catch my eye and give me his half smile and dreamy-eyed look. I giggled to myself at what the other Brothers, no doubt trembling at his imminent arrival, would make of the real Maximus. I am damn sure he would never let them find that one out.

I must say they had taken his orders at their word. The compound was cleaned up and orderly but the major change was to the interior of the house; it was in perfect order, smelt of disinfectant and polish and I could smell food being cooked. Maximus looked around, his face giving little away, asking an occasional question. There were one or two women still around but they were referred to as partners of certain of the men. Maximus muttered, "Then marry them then," but he let it go. We were led out the back to the garden; there was a pool and it appeared that a barbecue was being set up.

"We're putting on a bit of a spread, sort of to welcome you and, ya know, for your wedding and everything..." Colin was doing the honours today in his taciturn way.

"That's very kind of you," I replied.

"Nothing fancy, mind. Andy can throw a few things together but he has his limitations...steak and sausages...couple of prawns if you're lucky...plenty of beer, well not too much, like, ya know?"

I nodded. "You've got a pool. Mind if I have a swim? I've got my cossie in my luggage..."

Colin took a double take. "Swim...course not...go ahead."

I turned to Max who frowned. "I might as well make myself at home...after all, they are your brothers..."

Maximus drew me aside. "They are men and you are a woman. Do you think it appropriate to be stripping off before them?"

"What do you think they will do, ravish me in the pool with you on guard...come on..."

He gave me his stare and stepped back. "Amuse yourself then but take care...there are forces at work amongst us that might surprise you...I have to have a meeting with Hando. Later, madam." He gave a curt nod and withdrew.

I went to the car and found several gentlemen eager to tote my luggage inside; I was taken to a comfortable room, furnished simply but very clean, with a view of the meadows. I changed into a one piece vivid turquoise costume which showed my slight tan off at its best and then wrapped a bright blue pareo round my waist. I tucked up my hair into a top knot, slipped on a pair of sandals and joined the others.

It might be late autumn but here in the wine country the weather was a great deal hotter than the coast, as warm as Italy had been in late Spring. A few of the men were out by the poolside, some helping with the barbecue, others throwing a ball around. East was in the pool, lapping. I threw off the wrap and dived in, swimming a way under water before surfacing; I was aware that I had an audience who were trying to act as though they weren't watching.

"Hey, there...come on in, you lot...the water's great...isn't that so, East?" East Driscoll leaned back against the side and grinned. "Went a bit warmer went you dived in, Ma'am...or was that just me?"

I held out a hand. "Hi, I'm Uma...Max's wife..."

Kim Barrett sat on the side. "Mind if I ask you a question, darlin'? You and the general?? How does that work, hey?"

Colin looked up from the cigarette he was lighting. "Hey, Barrett, shut the fuck up."

"I was only asking...I mean...the general? Not exactly Don Juan, is he?"

Colin leaned forward and kicked him into the pool. "I said- shut the fuck up...you don't ask people questions like that, you wanker. Sorry, love, he's a prat...he can't help it..."

I laughed. "Hey, I'm not made of glass, you know. If you must know the general is rather a smooth operator when he wants to be...so there."

They all looked skeptical. "What wine and dine you, bring you flowers ...all that shit?"

"'Fraid so, lads...have I ruined his rep permanently?" There were a few looks exchanged. "And that's all I'm going to tell you...the rest you can work out for yourselves..." I grinned and threw myself back in the water to swim a few laps. One by one a few of them slipped in and we started larking about. You know, racing each other, handstands, swimming underwater, standing on their shoulders and diving, getting tossed in. It broke the ice. In no time we were good buddies. I was kind of glad Max wasn't around- somehow I wouldn't have felt free enough if he'd been there.

MAXIMUS

Hando was sitting on a chair in the lounge, rocking back truculently, his feet on the table in front of him. He made no attempt to stand when I entered or give me any sign that he was either putting me at ease or welcoming me. I observed him closely. He is still a fine specimen of a man although older than when his film was made, of course. He looks after his body- it is gym hardened and lean, toned and muscled. His clothes are unkempt- a tight pair of white jeans and a sleeveless t-shirt. His feet were bare and he needed a shave.

"Well, spit it out, mate, you wanted some sort of convo?" He looked at me through hooded eyes, throwing out a challenge.

"Things have got to change around here. And I am going to make sure that they do. I won't mince words with you. You don't strike me as the kind of man who wants to talk bullshit."

He lit up a cigarette and looked at me through the grey-blue pall of smoke. "Whereas you strike me as the kind of bloke who talks nothing but..."

He was trying to annoy me. It would take more man than he to put me off my stride.

I ran my hand across my beard and took a seat across from him. "You have had years of this aimless existence and it is high time it ended. You are not boys any more- you are men. It is time you looked to the future and made something of your lives."

"My life is none of your fucking business."

"Your life is my business when it begins to impinge on mine and on the life of my brothers...and that is not all. This place is going to waste. It is a perfectly ideal opportunity for you all to have meaningful careers and instead you are just living like a pack of animals feeding, drinking and whoring...what life is that for any man?"

Hando smirked. "Feels good to me. But then I happen to like all three -whereas you seem to be a bit up your arse about them. This bint of yours- you stuck it up her yet or are you waiting for some spiritual cleansing first?"

"I will ignore you because you are a fool. I am not here to ask for your opinion. I am here to give you my decision. Make no mistake about that."

"Decision? Who made you the fucking emperor of the world? And who am I -the fucking mental gobshite you wasted?"

I let that one sink in. "Your analogy, not mine. But if it fits, think what you like...I have a few decisions I wish to set before you. " I held my hand out and struck off the issues.

"One: you all work together to turn this farm into a working estate. There is the skill and the expertise amongst you. I think horses and vines. Egan and East have the skills to set up a trekking business and breed horses. Johnny is a farm boy- he needs to be trained in viticulture - you can employ some skilled men in that area. Kim Barrett- a manager. Jack Corbett- legal skills- can be the business manager. Colin and Dominic- machinery and vehicles. Arthur- accounts. Did I cover all of them?  They all have skills. All except one of you...now who could that be?" I stopped and paused while he sat impassively listening. But I was not fooled. I saw the tic in his upper cheek and the darting of his eyes. I had hit him where he was most afraid. Where his real anger came from.

"You think I got no skills? I can do whatever I choose. They are just fucking losers. I made this place. I control them. They don't do shit without my say so..."

I nodded gravely at him. "Indeed. That is why I am talking to you and not them. I am aware you have no skills of any kind other than an innate talent for leading men and an acutely sharp, if untutored intellect. Add to that your physical attributes- you could be a warrior of some finesse if you actually learnt the discipline and compassion that real combat requires. You are brave enough for most things, even if you lack moral courage..."

He leapt from his seat, a sneer on his face and launched himself on me. I had achieved my first aim. I turned his ploy on himself. He is strong and fast, fit and aggressive but he has no real fighting abilities. His usual targets are the weak or his mob who would hardly dare do more than roll over if he took them on. In a few quick movements, I had him at my feet, his arms behind his back and my boot on his throat. "So...you lose that one. I provoked you. You failed to take your advantage. And...you know I am right so far. Unless you can prove to me that I am wrong? Can you acquire skills? Or must you be the only labourer of the pack...the menial for all the others? How the mighty have fallen, hey? Or can a hero rise?"

I pulled him to his feet and threw him in the chair. He glowered but I could see he was thinking. I didn't give him a response time. "Two: the careless lifestyle that you have been engaging in is detrimental to the safety of us all. You are bringing here people who are not trustworthy and who might reveal things to the media that are damaging. Russell Crowe is a very important man now and we have to look to the future. If you haven't the whit to see that then we may have to hobble you permanently- and make no mistake I would do that in a blink of an eye and think no more of it if anything you did caused me and my wife to have anything to fear. Do you understand what I mean?"

I received a curt nod. "You're not the only fucker who has people who depend on him, ya know?" He stood and went out to the window and indicated a woman who was in the front yard talking to Jack Corbett...she seemed to be returning from a shopping trip and he was helping with the bags. She was a curiously attractive woman and I felt a sudden surge of lust for her, quite inexplicable.

The woman was tall, taller than Uma- as tall as any of the men, broad shouldered but slender...the body of an Amazon, an athlete. Large firm breasts with no restraint bounced freely in her tiny khaki vest. Her long brown legs were bare and her tight buttocks encased in frayed denim shorts, impossibly revealing, hard not to imagine what was beneath. On her feet she had men's work boots. Her corn yellow locks were braided in a complex web of plaits. I was impressed by her musculature, defined biceps and thigh muscles - and yet she was all woman. Definitely woman. Ice blue eyes, full round lips, beautiful bone structure- like Germanic women that I once knew...and had always had a taste for- so different from my native race. But the most striking thing about this woman was her belly. It was naked where the T-shirt could not cover its swell. And she was heavy with child.

"Who is she?" I asked unable to tear my eyes away from her. She was like pure woman- feral and earthy, brazen and proud. She was sending a message out to men that she was a prize worth having - but they would have to be some specimens to earn her.

"Jody. My woman." He whispered softly into my ear.

"She's with child?"

"Yeah...how did that happen? Must be something I did..."he sneered in his usual fashion.

"Or one of the others...do you pass women round?" I baited. His face contorted into a mask. His spittle ran down my face as he spat out: "No one fucks my woman...no one...and she wouldn't touch one of these tossers here if he offered her a million bucks..."

"Is that so? You are her hero? I wonder what she will do when she meets the real thing?" I threw his mockery back.

At that he laughed. "Think you are so fucking clever, don't you? Master of strategy? Tactician? Real thing...yeah, mate, that's you. Then why did your bride sniff me out as quick as she did? Reckon you might not know as much as you think about women ...that's the trouble with you soldier boys...spend to much time wanking each other off..."

I looked back at him and gave him a wry glance. "It won't work. You can't provoke me. It's called discipline and it would take a better man than you to best me at it. "I sat down on the edge of the table and struck off number three on my fingers. "So where were we? Ah yes...you and your woman. They all need protecting. So be a man. Marry her. Give your bastard a name. Or are you the same sort of man as your own father was? Presuming you know anything of your own father, that is, which I suspect is highly unlikely. Your mother was a whore, wasn't she?"

Another grin. "Yeah...a dirty little tart. Opened her legs for anyone. As most of them do- English ladies or not. You leave Jody to me. We have an understanding. And...I will protect her and my child. Just like I've been protecting these useless bastards ever since I crossed."

"Then no more flaunting of our existence as you have been doing? Have I your word on that? And the others are kept in line? Keep drugs and illegal activities away from this place, bring only women here with whom you have a real bond, do not act in public places in ways that might bring you to the attention of prying publicity?"

He shrugged but I could see he had capitulated. He is not a fool. He knew that I was right.

"Good enough. Four. We need a code by which we all can live. Something that all the men will adhere to. I need your help in drawing it up but it has to have a principle at its core. You men are a wild and hot blooded bunch- fine men, but there are so many different perspectives and personalities. Few of you have any real self-discipline. So I will seek to impose one. But the weak link will always be the taste you all have for female flesh..."

"We have. The taste we all have...don't exclude yourself, mate..."

I bowed my head curtly; I would give him that one. "The taste we all have for female flesh. The women must be controlled - as the men will never allow themselves to be. We know there is a 'pull' to a certain woman and that she is meant for us. But we also know that in varying degrees the women and men are attracted to the partners of others...it is something to do with the fact that we are closer than brothers biologically ...and other factors which I cannot explain. The women must be kept apart whenever possible and group meetings limited to unavoidable occasions. When we are together- keep the women close and a rein on our own urges. I suggest marriage and children as soon as possible- a mother will not be so easily encouraged into infidelity. New women need to be vetted so that I can make sure that they are worthy partners..."

"You? Why the fuck has it gotta be you?"

"A panel of brothers, then. Those who are settled and have made relationships..."

"What about those who have been trying to hold this together for eight fuckin' years? And what you doing about getting your woman up the duff? Seems you are behind the door, mate...having problems...need a hand?"

"Keep my wife out of this. You mention her once more and your child will never know his father. Got that?" I spat at him, beginning to more than tire of his aggressive posturing. He slunk back into a chair and appeared to be deep in thought. After a few minutes he looked up and pinned me with that intense gaze of his, when the light of his intelligence burns bright.

"So we get this place working, settle our women and make sure they toe the fucking line? Doesn't sound too controversial to me...sounds like something I might have dreamed up...."

"But you failed to. Are you with us? I intend to put this to the others today and then to the brothers in the US as soon as I can mail them. He who is not with me, is against me..."

"Fuck off...I can do without the fuckin' Shakespeare. Sure, why not...give it a whirl. You want to be the emperor- suits me fine. I've had enough of this gig. Me and Jody we need some space. Not sure I want my kid growing up with this bunch of losers. I fancy a break. Get out and start something myself. Good a time as any..."

I sighed. "I am not forcing you from your home. That is not what I meant."

"You're not. I got things to do of my own, mate. But I'll be back. You better keep the light on or I might just steal up and take over your little empire...don't turn your back, hey?"

I smiled at him.  "You have no idea how much I would like you to do that. Or that you may be the only man here who would be remotely capable of standing in my place. When the time is right. When you have learnt how to be a man."

"You're an arrogant son of a bitch, aren't you?"

"Yes. I am." I smiled. "Have you anything else to say?"

"Reckon that about covers it all." He sniffed and went to the other window that looked out over the swimming pool, while he lit up yet another cigarette. "She looks like she's having a good time...nice body...small tits but I'll bet she wraps those long legs round you real tight. O'Brien seems smitten anyway...got his hands all over her arse..."

I walked over and viewed the scene in the pool. Uma was sitting on O'Brien's shoulders and he was indeed steadying her body as she pulled herself to a stand. From that platform she executed a roll and hit the water rather gracefully. It was innocent enough play but I was not sure how far I wished it to go. I caught his mocking expression and frowned. "We will finalise this later..."

UMA

There is nothing like a swimming pool and a warm day to act as an icebreaker. In no time I was larking about just as I had once done years ago with my own brother and his friends. These lads were fun and attractive and attentive but although I liked them a lot, I felt as if they were Max's younger brothers even though they were probably not that much younger than him in age. I smiled to myself. Well, Max was born in 145 AD, as far as he can work it out- he is a little hazy on his exact age- so maybe he was just a tad senior to them.

I saw a woman join the crowd at the pool, crack a few jokes with Andy and Jack and settle down on a sun bed, watching me. She was a bit of a hard woman- I certainly wouldn't like to meet her in an alley on a dark night. I whispered, "Col, who's the Valkyrie over there?"

"What? You mean Jody? Hando's Sheila."

I whistled. "It figures. She pregnant?"

Colin sniffed. "Either that or fat," he giggled as he lit up. "Yeah...she's about to drop one...likes to show herself off...walks about the place half naked in front of us. She seems to think that's funny..."

"Introduce us." He raised his eyebrows as if he thought I had some ulterior motive but called over.

"Hey, Jode? Got someone here you should meet. Uma."

"You got a new Sheila have you, Col? She like Elvis?" Jodie laughed in a slightly mocking way but it wasn't cruel; there was a hint of affection there. He lifted me out of the water and I picked up my towel.

"Hi, Jody. My name's Uma, I'm Max's wife."

She stared at me. "Max? You mean Maximus? The Gladiator?" She said it with a sneer, looking me up and down then sniffed and rubbed at her belly. "Not what I expected. H mentioned the hero had arisen with a piece of skirt in tow. So he's taken a wife, has he? How human of him after all this time..." But she leaned forward and shook my hand. "I'm Hando's squeeze."

"Seems he has been doing more than squeezing..." I indicated her stomach.

She grinned, a sudden softness coming over her impressive features. "Yeah...he is responsible for this little tyke, God help me."

Just then we were joined by the others. Max slipped the wrap around me. I smiled and gave him a nudge. He was obviously uncomfortable with the thought that the other men could see my body so clearly through the clinging wet Lycra. I changed the subject. "Maximus? This is Jody. She's with Hando."

"Pleased to meet you." They shook hands but I noticed her look- his too, for that matter. He could barely rip his eyes from her and she was overtly checking him out, her cheeks flushing slightly and her breast heaving. It was curious watching the fascination they seemed to have for each other without realizing it.

"So, Mrs. Maximus...you enjoying the water with my lads?" I spun round and found myself facing Hando. He tilted his head as if to ask me to step away to where the drinks were being stacked up. I followed him and accepted a beer.

"Glass?"

I shook my head. "Bottle will do."

He waved his over in the direction of Maximus and Jody. "Looks like he's getting friendly with my missus. Bit of a worry that, eh? She's quite a woman."

I looked back and tossed my hair from eyes. "Not my type."

He grinned. "So what do you go for, Mrs. Maximus?"

"Well, I prefer men actually. Ones who know how to be men. Because, Mr. Hando...I assure you, I know how to be a woman..." I flashed my eyes at him.

At that his tongue peeked out and skirted his fleshy upper lip. "That so? Feeling the 'pull' already?"

I frowned at him. "The 'pull'? What do you mean?"

He shook his head. "Nothing. Just a fucking notion. The general doing right by you? Enjoying your honeymoon?" Again the same mockery that Jody had showed. It seemed to be a cover for when they suspected their feelings might be showing.

I laughed and drank from my beer bottle, aware that he was watching as my lips sucked on the neck and I swallowed; I saw a slight reaction in his eyes. "Do I look like a woman who's not getting enough? Don't worry your...little head...over me. The general has been doing this a bit longer than you, mate...I reckon he knows a few tricks you've never even dreamed of..."

"Don't be too sure, love. I don't suffer from his code of honour..."

I snorted. "Now, isn't that an admission? And here's me thinking you were a choirboy..." The verbal sparring continued and it was compelling. He was clever and calculating but exuded a raw and undisguised sexuality that you could almost taste. I wanted to dislike him but couldn't help myself from being drawn into his sway. And yet it wasn't all one way. He was also affected by me and it puzzled him; I could see it in his fascination. I wasn't scared. I wasn't intimidated and he was feeling a little in awe of me, too.

"Some set up you have here. What do you do with your lives? Don't you ever get bored?" I asked after a while.

He hunched his shoulders. "We find plenty to do..."

"Yeah...like the other night? Drink yourself sick, get high and pass a few tarts around? A real challenging existence..."

He cracked another beer and acted as if he hadn't heard me. Then he suddenly took a step closer and pressed his body up to mine, lowering his mouth to my ear. "I can smell sex off you, you know that? Did he fuck you before you left...or is something else making you so wet? Be careful, little Miss Pom...don't go into the woods on your own...you just might get a big surprise..." And then he moved away, leaving me lightheaded and weak- kneed. Dancing with the devil is a dangerous occupation for any woman.

MAXIMUS

Jody, the Amazon woman, Hando's mate, walked up to me and placed herself squarely between me and the others.

"So, you're the Gladiator? Well, well, well...you don't look as big in real life." She appraised me. Her eyes flicking over me slowly, a slight smile on her lips. I ignored her and made to walk away.

"Don't go...we haven't got to know each other yet...I'm Jody, Hando's woman..."

"I am aware who you are." I did not go on. She laughed a little nervously.

"You're a very impressive man...I like men like you...real men. Not like half the jokers around here..." She sniggered. "Arthur, the boy scout... Colin, the loser...Kim the little arsewipe, Dominic the boy virgin, East and Egan the two horse shaggers, smarty pants Corbett who thinks he's a cut above the rest...Johnny, the farm boy...Mitchell, the poofta, when he deigns to visit...Curry, the pilot and his poetic soul...Jesus, thank God for real men like you and H....you ever fucked a woman with a baby in her belly?"

I started at her crude question but wouldn't let her see that. "Yes. What's your point? Are you offering me something?"

She grinned. "More than what she is, I can tell you..." Jody jerked her head in the direction of Uma. I looked across and saw her deep in conversation with Hando. Her cheeks were a high colour and she was twisting a lock of her hair, a nervous habit she has; he was similarly caught, staring at her with a curiously hungry look.

"No...you are mistaken. She gives me what I need and what is more...unlike you she does not give it out to anyone else..." I bowed my head slightly as I delivered my retort and stepped back - but she caught my arm.

"Tell me you don't feel the 'pull' and I will tell you that you are lying...you know you want me..."

I gave her the same slow appraisal as she had given me. "I feel desire. I am aware I could have you. But I lack one essential ingredient to consummate it. Inclination. I have no inclination to soil myself on another man's leavings. That is where I am a real man...unlike your painted mate over there..."

Her eyes flared but she did not back down. With a toss of her head and a "Your loss, mate," she strode over to Hando and stood pressing against him, her back against his chest but watching me intently. He rucked up her T-shirt, baring her swollen belly further and massaged it while he slipped the other hand crudely down the front of her shorts. She laughed and leaned back to kiss him lewdly, their tongues lapping at each other.

I pulled Uma away and led her back to the others, aware that she was embarrassed by their display. The Brothers looked across at him disapprovingly but I shook their muttered comments away. He had had his day. The changes I was about to make would see to that. And I was more sure than ever that a restraint was needed on the women. Some of them, at least, might act as she had done, like temptresses to reel in the Brothers. I thought of the men in America and wondered how they might fare if pitted against such a creature. I did not intend for any such mistakes to be made.