After The Dust Settles

Birthday Breakfast Greetings

Jeffrey, the butler, an older gentleman with thinning gray hair, entered with the two household staff, Jess and Louise, and stood at the side of the room while Jess and Louise pushed the serving trolley near the dining table. Louise began taking the dishes of food and placing them in the middle of the dining table.

"Coffee, tea or fresh orange juice, young masters?", Jess spoke softly, and stood slightly behind the side of Luke and Charlie. "Coffee for me" Luke replied, "Juice for me," Charlie replied. Jess poured and placed the drinks in front of them. "Cheers Sweet Cheeks" winked Charlie. "Thanks Jessie" Luke smiled very sweetly.

"Boys, leave the staff alone, I know some very delightful young ladies that I could introduce to you both if you want". Caroline lightly teased. "Mum, no need, Luke and I are well clued-up when it comes to dating, we've got it covered." Charlie rolled his eyes while serving himself some sausages and bacon onto his plate.

"Yeah Mum, don't worry, we are too busy with Dad's company to start thinking about that right now." Luke reached over the table to pat Caroline's hand. "Well, I worry about you boys, I know a lot about today's dating lifestyle out there in the world, but I am anxious that one or both of you making a mistake and cause trouble to your life and the family's reputation."

James walked about into the dining and seated himself back at the table with a wide grin on his face. "Who was that on the phone Darling?" asked Caroline. "Oh, it was only an old college buddy who wanted to meet up soon to discuss something. Nothing to worry about Dear." James quickly said. "Oh okay Darling." Mum said with a slightly confused face expression. "Mum, when is our hair appointment today again?" Ellie questionably asked.

"Our appointment is at ten this morning with Olivia, but I'm sorry Madison, but you know Olivia is on a half day today, so she couldn't fit all three of us in" Caroline turned her head to Madison. "That is okay, Mother. I've ready booked me and Danielle with Marcus for two this afternoon, after shopping and lunch with Danielle and a few college friends who cannot make it this evening."

"Well, that's settled then, don't be late though, the car will pick us all up this evening at 5 from here, or you'll have to find your own way to the venue if you are late like last time on your father's birthday." Caroline thin lipped said. "Okay Mother, I won't be late" promised Madison.

"We got your gift already for you, little sis. We'll give it to you later at the meal as it is at the office at the moment." Luke smiled at Madison. "Yeah, you're going to love it, Madi. We took ages thinking of what to get you for your big eighteenth." Charlie teased. "I'm sure I'll love it because it is from my Charlie Wharlie and Lukey Pukey." giggly teased Madison.

"Don't forget you haven't got your present from us yet." James loudly said while Ellie chuckled said "I can't wait to see your face when I give you mine, Madi, you are going to be surprised."

"Thank you all, it's starting to be one of my best birthdays so far. I'm really excited about this evening." Madison happily said. "Darling, Ellie and I are about to head off to our appointments, so we will both see you all later this afternoon. Don't be late boys, same goes to you, Madison." Caroline warned her as she stood from her seat, lopped arms with Ellie and both walked out of the dining room whispering to each other.

"Well guys, we'll see you later Dad." Both of them nodded at James. "Madi, enjoy your day today, see you tonight little sis." has Luke and Charlie got up and lightly kissed a cheek each on Madison's face.

"Daddy, I'm going to shoot off to meet up with Danielle. Have a good day at work." Madison got up from the table. "You too, Sweet Pea. Don't tell Mum, but I've put some secret birthday money on your card, so shush." smiled James with a finger placed over his mouth, then he blew her a kiss and gave Madison a wink.

Madison pretended to catch the pretend kiss with her hand and then patted that closed hand on her chest, near her heart. She blew a quick kiss back at her father and waved goodbye to her father. She turned and said "Have a good day too, Jeffrey." "You too, young Miss. Have a lovely birthday today." Butler Jeffrey said with a smile. "Thanks" she said over her shoulder, and she quickly lightly jogged out of the room.

"My Sweet Darling Sweet Pea. I hope I'm making the right decision for you and your future. She would be so proud of the woman you are turning out to be." James sorrowfully spoke quietly to an empty room, besides Butler Jeffrey present. "I'm sure you are, Mr Smith." replied quietly back before James and Butler Jeffrey left the dining room.