Page 217 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

The sisters made their way back onto dry land, and into the welcoming arms of their assembled loved ones. This was an auspicious day indeed, with families meeting families, and the four corners of the globe congregating at Atlantis.

‘Come here, Al,’ Jack said, taking his partner in his muscular arms.

After her father’s (official) death, Jack had been nothing short of a rock for Ally. Never in her life had she felt so well cared for. When the dust had settled after that day on Delos, and everyone had gathered back at Atlantis, Merry had been the one to offer a toast to the couple: ‘Whilst we have a glass of champagne in our hands, I’d love to say congratulations to Jack and Ally! You’ve, er,emergedover the last few days, and it’s... wonderful to see you so happy.’

‘Hear, hear!’ Mary-Kate cheered, which led to a round of whooping from the sisters, and a red-faced Ally.

Now, Jack gave her a tender kiss. ‘We heard you playing from here. It was beautiful.’

‘You have to say that,’ said Ally, with a small chuckle.

‘No, he speaks the truth. You played magnificently. It was note-perfect,’ said Ally’s twin, Thom, who was next in line to embrace her.

‘He means it,’ confirmed Felix, who was sipping on orange juice, not Veuve Clicquot. ‘Thom certainly tells me when Imiss a note.’ He chuckled. ‘Well done indeed. You have made your Pa Salt very proud.’

‘Thank you, Felix.’

‘Mama!’ cried Bear, who toddled at a pace towards Ally, whilst gripping on to Ma with one hand, and Georg with the other.

‘You are too fast for your grandmama,chéri!’ she exclaimed.

‘And your grandpapa too, by the looks of things,’ said Ally, smiling at Georg. ‘Hello, Bear.’ She scooped her son up in her arms.

‘He’s been trying to keep up with his new mate Rory,’ laughed Jack. ‘The boy’s been racing around the place!’

‘Can I get you a glass of champagne, Ally?’ asked Thom.

She hesitated, and glanced at Jack. ‘Actually, I think I’ll stick with Felix on the orange juice just now.’

‘Coming right up,’ said Thom, walking in the direction of the house.

Further up the grass verge, Orlando Forbes was marvelling at the remarkable structure that was Atlantis. ‘It’s exquisite!’ he beamed. ‘Quite exquisite! And you say you’ve discovered it was only built in the 1960s?! I simply can’t believe it, Miss Star. I have an eye for such things, and would have guessed it was eighteenth century for certain.’ He put his hands on his hips. ‘It is an architectural masterpiece.’

‘He’d be very glad to know it has your approval, Orlando,’ Star replied. ‘Of course, he never would have managed it all without your grandparents.’

‘Good old Grandad Rupes, eh?’ Orlando replied.

‘Clearly bravery and decency run in the Forbes blood,’ Mouse quipped.

‘Yes. What a shame it skipped a generation when it comes to you two,’ Star giggled.

‘Ah! You cut me to my core, Miss Star!’ Orlando cried, gripping his chest dramatically.

‘You know, if you behave yourself, I might even allow you to peruse Pa’s libraries,’ Star offered.

‘How dare you insinuate that I ameverbadly behaved,’ replied Orlando.

‘No insinuation is necessary when it comes to you, dear brother.’ Mouse swigged his champagne.

Star glanced over his shoulder at her newest sister. ‘I’ve just had a thought, Orlando. Have you properly met Merry yet?’

Merry turned around at the mention of her name. ‘Are my ears burning?’ she asked, making her way over. ‘Well, well, well,’ she chuckled, ‘if it isn’t the viscount himself! How’s the wine journalism trade these days?’

Orlando seemed to physically shrink several inches. ‘Ah, Merry, my humblest apologies for my little ruse. However, I’m sure you’ll agree that I had the greater good in mind...’ He bowed and put out his hand, which Merry shook.

Mary-Kate joined her mother in the circle. ‘OMG, are you Orlando? The guy who pretended to be a viscount? You’re, like, a legend in our family!’

‘Oh, am I indeed?’ Orlando replied, puffing up.