So I've come to the seventh book in the Aubrey-Maturin series, in which Captain Jack finally returns from his adventures at sea after three long years. His long absence (and uncertain survival) leaves Killick (his steward) and Bonden (his coxswain) as his last remaining houseservants (the rest had to be let go due to finances) who, by default, have been saddled with the task of keeping an eye on the house -- and the children. Aubrey arrives to find his three kids swearing like lower-deck gunners, his twin daughters tearing up the countryside like fearless little explorers, and his home entirely shipshape.
This series is so damn adorable I just want to pinch its little cheeks.
HEE. I do love that series.