John and Freddy had two children — Phillip, after they had been married for four years, and Stephen two years later. Both were blonde with blue eyes, taking their colouring from their mother, much to Peter’s amusement.
“It’s time some of the offspring in this family showed a little sense,” Peter pronounced.
John was as stunned at the birth of his children as his father had been at his and, solid in the love of his own upbringing, he spent time with them religiously, regardless of the requirements of the business.
He had watched his wife in amazement. Carrying Phillip, she became quiet and serene and full of ancient mystery, like a mystical, glowing symbol of fecundity, but with Stephen she seemed to be eight-foot-tall and full of thunderous energy.
“What’s the matter?” asked Peter one
