by Pat Spence
I swung my legs out and turned to say goodbye to Theo, but the seat was empty. Amazingly, he was already standing alongside Aquila, taking my hand and helping me to get out of the car.
“How did you get there so quickly…?” I started to say, but he put his finger to his lips conspiratorially.
“I’ll walk you to your door,” he said gallantly, picking up my backpack.
I turned to say thank you to Aquila, but he was back in the driver’s seat and I was glad I didn’t have the opportunity to speak to him. He was one nasty individual.
As we walked up the driveway, the front door opened and my mother and Granddad peered out, looking intrigued at the sleek black car outside the house and the stunning boy who stood next to me.
“Mum, Granddad, this is Theo,” I introduced him proudly, and Theo stepped forward to shake their hands.
“Mrs Morgan, pleased to meet you… Granddad… delighted…” He beamed at them and I knew my mother was instantly sold, judging by the slight flush that crept into her cheeks. Gramps was a little more reticent, taking Theo’s hand with a curt “likewise”, and obviously sizing up the beautiful creature that stood before him.
“Would you like to come in for a cup of tea, Theo?” asked my mother. “Perhaps your father would like to come too, and is that your sister in the car?”
“Yes, that’s my sister,” smiled Theo. “But that’s not my father. Aquila is our chauffeur, and he most definitely doesn’t take tea.”
“Oh, your chauffeur… of course …” My mother looked visibly impressed and I stepped in to spare her or Theo further embarrassment.
“I don’t think they can come in today, mum, they need to get back, don't you Theo?” I looked at him pointedly.
“I’m afraid so,” said Theo, taking the hint. “Perhaps another time?”
“Of course, any time,” said my mother, more than a little flustered, “any time at all, Theo…”
“Yes, pop in,” said Granddad. “It’ll be good to have a chat with you….”
“Goodbye, Theo,” I said, determined to put an end to this doorstep charade. Talk about embarrassing families. These two were impossible.
“Bye, Emily,” said Theo, giving me a quick peck on the cheek. “I’ll call you later. Lovely to meet you, Mrs Morgan …. Granddad…”
Once the front door was closed, the questions came.
“How long has this been going on for?” “How old is he?” “Is it serious?” “Where do they live?” “How rich are they to afford a chauffeur…?” My mother couldn’t get her words out quick enough. Granddad stood by, watching, saying nothing.
I put my hands up. “Stop, Mum. Just stop. His family have bought Hartswell Hall, so yes they’re wealthy. He’s nineteen and we haven’t even had a date yet, so please don’t worry. It’s not serious. We’re just getting to know each other.”
“Sorry, Emmie, I can’t help it,” said my mother excitedly. “He’s so gorgeous, and so charming. Almost too good to be true… Those blue eyes, and that skin… He’s beautiful. And to think his family are renovating Hartswell Hall. How exciting.”
My Granddad was a little more circumspect. “Good looks and wealth are all very well, Emmie, but you know as well as I do they’re not important. I hope there’s a bit more substance to him.”
“Of course there is, Gramps,” I said defensively, but in my head, a little voice still asked awkward questions. What did I know about Theo? Was there any more substance to him than good looks and money? Could I trust him? What did he want from me? And why was everybody so against this relationship?
I had to admit, I didn’t know the first thing about him. I didn’t know where he came from or what his intentions were. I didn’t understand why he’d selected me out of all the girls he could have dated. And I had no idea why he’d been so against me initially, then suddenly changed his mind. None of it made sense. My Granddad was right to be concerned. There were too many questions and not enough answers.
But there again, did I have the sense to heed his concern?
I didn’t think so.
11. The Hall Reborn
Some of my questions were answered that weekend, when I received an invitation to visit Hartswell Hall and meet Theo’s mother and father on Sunday afternoon.
By this time, he’d already been to our house, visiting after college on Friday, to meet my mum and Granddad, which had been every bit as cringing and embarrassing as I knew it would be, but had to be endured, as a rite of passage. He handled my mother’s flirting and Granddad’s third degree with good grace, and was in every sense the perfect boyfriend. He spoke of his life in Egypt and how they’d had to leave in order to escape the unrest that had come with political reform, of his parents’ diverse property interests and plans to turn Hartswell Hall into a luxury hotel and conference centre. He spoke of the private tuition he and Violet had received while in Egypt and their excitement at being able to attend college and meet other people of the same age. He even put up with my mother asking about his beautiful skin and beauty routine. Asking a boy about his beauty routine! How much more embarrassing could you get? But he took it all in his stride, answering candidly and politely, explaining that he followed a strict vegetarian diet and always avoided sunbathing.
“When you’re living in such a hot country, it’s more important to cover up than go out in the sun,” he explained, “especially when you’re as fair skinned as we are.”
My mother hung on his every word and totally monopolised him. I could hardly get a word in edgeways, but a few smouldering glances from Theo while my mother re-filled the tea cups more than made up for the lack of words between us. I could almost feel the air crackling with electricity, such was the connection between us.
My Granddad asked more down to earth questions, like where they’d lived in Egypt, what was happening out there, what had happened to their Egyptian properties, and why they’d chosen Hartswell-on-the-Hill. He questioned Theo with all the thoroughness of a seasoned interviewer and I prayed he wouldn’t start asking where they got their money from and how much they paid for Hartswell Hall. Some things needed to remain private. Thankfully, he desisted, eventually sitting back and beaming at us both. I breathed a huge sign of relief. It seemed Theo had passed the preliminary stages of the interview with flying colours, and we were free to get to know one another a little better.
Afterwards, Granddad said, “A very nice young man, Emmie. Polite, well turned out, articulate. Couldn’t really fault him on anything. That’s my only concern, really. A bit too perfect, a little too composed for someone of his years. It was as if he’d heard all my questions before and knew all the answers off by heart.”
“Granddad,” I exclaimed, “if being too perfect is Theo’s only fault, I don’t really think there’s a problem. What do you think, mum?”
“I think he’s gorgeous,” she said wistfully, “and I think you’re very lucky. I just hope he doesn’t hurt you.” She looked suddenly sad and I put my arm around her.
“What’s the matter, mum?”
“Oh, it’s nothing,” she said, forcing a smile. “He reminds me of someone I used to know many years ago, that’s all.”
“D’you mean dad?” I asked, curiously.
“No,” she laughed. “Just someone I fell for many years ago. He broke my heart at the time.” She looked at me closely. “I hope Theo doesn’t do the same to you.”
“Mum, don’t pour cold water on it before it’s even begun,” I remonstrated. “You obviously think he’s going to dump me at the first opportunity. Thanks very much.”
“Of course I don’t, darling,” she said. “I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Be glad for me, mum,” I instructed her. “I have a boyfriend. A gorgeous, good-looking, lovely boyfriend. If it ends, it ends. But at least I’ll have fun, and I’ll be living, rather than hanging around here all the time.”
“Okay, I take your point,” she said, laughing. “Enjoy yourself, Emmie, just don’t ge
t too involved with him.”
Her advice was good, I knew. But it was too late. I was already far more involved than she could ever know. And a great big alarm bell was ringing loudly in my head.
The day I was due to visit Hartswell Hall it was bright and sunny. A perfect spring day. The sky was an unbroken blue, the breeze warm and gentle and the gardens a mass of colour, as late spring flowers came through, polyanthus competing with primroses and early bluebells to create a vibrant backdrop.
I told Theo I’d walk over to Hartswell Hall and meet him there, and as I walked up the main driveway, my feet crunching on the new gravel under foot, I began to feel anxious and nervous. What if Aquila was there glowering at me? What if Violet was unfriendly? What if his parents didn’t like me? I’d already met his mother and she seemed lovely, although impossibly glamorous. What if she thought I was too awkward and young for Theo?
The closer I got to Hartswell Hall, the more exposed and inadequate I felt. It was one thing meeting your new boyfriend’s parents, but when they lived in a place as imposing as this, and were so obviously rich, it was a whole different ball game. These people lived a totally different lifestyle to me. They had poise, finesse and beauty; they were people of the world, with a sophistication I could only dream about. I began to feel sick with nerves and nearly turned round and walked back down the driveway, so acute was my sense of dread the closer I got to the big oak front doorway.
Then the door was opening and Theo was standing there, looking fantastic in a white shirt and faded jeans, a huge smile on his face, radiating happiness. I relaxed. I was here because Theo had invited me and wanted me to meet his family. What could be so bad? He entwined his fingers in mine, looked into my eyes and kissed me on the cheek. Once again, his magic started to work and as his energy flowed into me, I felt instantly refreshed and strong, his glow and radiance transforming me from a gauche adolescent to a creature of confidence and style. I had no idea how he did this, only that he did. And I also knew that only he could make me feel this way.
“You look divine,” he whispered in my ear. “Come on, they’re waiting to meet you.”
He led the way across the black and white tiled entrance floor, through another oak doorway and into a huge foyer, tastefully decorated in cream, lilac and maroon. Stunning works of modern art adorned the walls and a glittering silver sculpture of a woman held pride of place by the reception desk, contrasting with the bas-relief coats of arms set into the old stone walls. A dark plum carpet felt thick and luxurious under foot and a resplendent chandelier hung from the elevated ceiling, its crystalline elements sparkling and glinting in the sunlight that streamed through the main window.
“It’s beautiful,” I said, looking round in wonder. “So pretty and so tastefully done.”
“Thank you, my dear, it’s always nice to have your handiwork admired.” A soft, shimmering voice sounded behind me and I turned to see the most exquisite, beautiful woman I had ever encountered standing in the doorway to one of the rooms that led off the foyer.
“Emily, this is my mother, Viyesha,” said Theo proudly.
“Yes, we have met once before, have we not?” asked the beautiful vision.
“Er, yes,” I stuttered, feeling inadequate and ill at ease, “when I came to have a look, a couple of weeks ago…”
Seeing my discomfort, his mother held out a slim, white, perfectly manicured hand.
“I am so pleased to meet you properly, Emily, I’ve waited a long time for this.”
I went to shake her proffered hand and simply cannot put into words the sensation I experienced when our hands touched. Her hand was cool and smooth, her touch light yet strong, and I felt warm and happy, without a care in the world, as if I were bathing in a pool of amber nectar.
I looked into her face. Her beauty was breath taking and I recalled the last time I’d seen her she was wearing large sunglasses. Now I was able to see everything. If Theo was beautiful, his mother was out of this world. I struggled to find the words to describe her. She radiated light, warmth and serenity. Her skin was alabaster smooth, with an even, ivory complexion. Her nose was small and perfect, her cheekbones high, and her lips full. Her blond hair was swept up, giving prominence to her large blue eyes, which shimmered and twinkled, like beautiful sapphires. Her figure was amazing, as slender and well proportioned as a Vogue model, and she was wearing a long, clinging blue dress that emphasised her perfect curves. That was it. She was perfect, not a hair out of place, like an airbrushed face in a magazine. And yet, despite the perfection, she seemed kind and friendly. Looking into her eyes, it was like gazing in to a summer’s day, full of golden sunshine.
I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by her, but at the same time, she made me feel at home and at one with the world. Now I could see where Violet got her amazing looks. I had truly never encountered anyone like this ever before. On her wrist was a silver bangle, decorated with blue gemstones, and round her neck a pendant bearing a large blue crystal, both emphasizing the blue of her eyes and creating an overall impression of luminous blue. I couldn’t help myself, I stared, unable to take my eyes off her.
“It’s all right, Emily, my mother always has this effect on people,” said Theo, breaking the spell. “She can’t help being so beautiful.”
“I’m sorry,” I gasped, suddenly aware of how rude I was being. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Mrs de Lucis.”
“Let’s not be formal. Call me Viyesha, please,” said the vision before me.
“Okay… Viyesha…..” I felt like I’d stumbled on to a film set, so unreal was the whole situation.
“Come and meet the family,” Viyesha instructed, and led the way through one of the many doorways leading off the reception area.
Theo gestured for me to go first, his hand brushing against mine, and as it did, I felt a spark of electricity flash between us, rendering me powerless and passive. I found myself in a large room, possibly a ballroom, beautifully finished in delicate shades of mauve and lilac, with enormous windows looking out onto the grounds. Sunshine streamed in, giving a warm glow to the room, and my eyes took in heavy purple velvet drapes, a large, ornate fireplace where logs burned brightly and a magnificent chandelier that gleamed and sparkled. A white grand piano stood to one side, its lid raised high, and fabulous pieces of modern art adorned the walls. It was contemporary, luxurious and quite simply, magnificent. Around the fireside were three sofas of immense proportions, each in a light purple fabric, and it was here that the family sat.
They each stood up as I entered the room and a tall man with tousled blond hair stepped towards me, offering his hand.
“This is my husband, Leon,” said Viyesha.
“Emily, pleased to meet you.”
My hand was gripped in a powerful handshake and I knew instantly if I ever had a problem, Leon would take care of it. He emanated strength, power and position. I looked into his face and was met by the same intense blue eyes, slightly darker than Viyesha’s and Theo’s, flecks of grey combining with dark blue and black. I had the immediate impression that this was one man you did not want to cross.
“Hi, Leon,” I said shyly, taking in the physique, the muscles and the handsome features.
This truly was like being on a Hollywood film set. He reminded me of at least three leading men all rolled into one. I couldn’t decide between Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig and my mum’s heart throb, a young Robert Redford. He was an older version of Theo, as you’d expect, although he didn’t seem old. He had Viyesha’s youthfulness about him, the same smooth ivory skin, the chiselled features, the amazing blue eyes that sparkled and shone, making me feel important, wanted, valued… putting me at ease, yet drawing me in.
I broke my gaze with him, afraid of being hypnotised by the intensity. Leon seemed to be studying me curiously, looking into my face as if searching for something and I felt an intimacy that was somehow premature, as if I was being pulled towards him.
“Hi Emily,” said Violet, from behind her father. �
��How are you?”
I was glad of the diversion and pleased to see Violet looking friendly again.
“Hi Violet, I’m good,” I answered. “I can’t believe this place, it’s magnificent.”
“That’s mainly down to my mother,” she said, “and Joseph, of course. He’s seen to the grounds.”
On cue, the third person who was sitting around the fireside stepped forward to shake my hand and I found myself looking at a boy possibly in his early twenties, with the same alabaster skin, blond hair and twinkling blue eyes, and the biggest smile I had ever seen. He was lovely.
“Hello, Emily, I’ve heard all about you. I’m Joseph, Theo’s cousin.”
As our hands touched, I felt kindness, gentleness and friendliness, as if I could tell this boy anything and he would be my friend for life.
“Hi Joseph, I’m sorry, I didn’t realise you were here, Theo didn’t say…” I felt momentarily confused. Why hadn’t Theo mentioned a cousin staying with them?
“It’s okay, don’t worry, I haven’t been here long,” Joseph grinned at me. “I’ve been overseeing the renovation of the grounds from a distance, a sort of remote landscaper.”
“Well, from the little I’ve seen, you've done a fantastic job,” I said. “I can’t believe how you’ve transformed the gardens in such a brief time. When we were kids we used to play in the grounds. It was jungle-like, great for hide-and-seek and making dens. Now I imagine it looks how it did in Victorian times.”
“Yes, I followed the old photographs and plans carefully,” he explained. “We wanted authenticity, combined with every modern comfort and extravagance the hotel could offer.”
“You’ve succeeded from what I’ve seen,” I complimented them all, asking, “When will you open for business?”
“Soon,” said Viyesha. “We have a private function to host first before we open our doors. But enough of that, will you take tea with us?”