"BANG!"

A thunderous crash emanated from somewhere in the gardens, causing the Marquis to scrawl a large dark line across the long letter he'd been writing to his friend. Looking out of the window of his study he observed a small plume of black smoke curling from the roof of the 'workshop'. Dratted boy, he thought. It was the third explosion in the last month. Obviously Felix's vow not to blow up the house did not extend to the grounds and outbuildings.

Already all hell was breaking loose. Luffra howled and a commotion had sprung up in the stables where the horses had been spooked. There was the crash of the library door, and the Marquis knew that Jessamy was stalking downstairs to berate Felix for disturbing his studies. In the depths of the house there was a loud wailing sound. The Marquis winced. The wailing grew closer, and the study door swung open. Frederica emerged into the room carrying the squalling bundle, wearing a tired, rueful smile on her face. She held his daughter out to him, saying "do you mind? You always seem to be able to calm her down when I can't."

He did not take the baby, but wrapped a hand around Frederica's waist, drawing both down so that they nestled against him on his chair. Frederica sighed and closed her eyes, her head resting lightly on his shoulder, and he had half a mind to send her off to bed, exhausted as she was. However he knew from experience that it would take considerable time for the commotion to die down, and until then there was very little chance of him being able to do any more work, so he decided against it. There was something quite appealing about sitting in peace with his young daughter and his wife whilst chaos reigned around them.

He smiled at the recollection that he had once complained of boredom.