“Thank you, err, what’s your name?”
“Jason, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Jason. Please, call me Kate.” Relieved of the luggage detail, she shifted Mary into a more comfortable position and followed the man out of the airport. Pleasure lit up her face when they arrived at the car. A limousine. Kate had only ridden in one once. The day of her wedding. They’d ridden from the reception to the hotel. Jason held the door open for her and she slid inside, careful not to wake Mary.
“Kate, would you care to stop for some food? It’s about an hour drive to Mr. Kent’s estate.”
“No, I have some snacks in my bag. Thank you for asking.”
“My pleasure. Let me know if you need to stop.”
Kate watched out the window as Jason pulled away from the curb. “Jason, did Edward say if he would be meeting us at his house?”
“I’m picking him up next. He’ll be riding with you.”
“Great!”
Twenty minutes later, Kate could barely contain her excitement when they pulled into the parking lot. She could see Edward waiting at the curb surrounded by people. She hoped they all weren’t getting in the limo, there was no way Mary would stay asleep with all that commotion.
As the limo glided to a stop, Jason exited and held open the door for Edward. “James, keep me updated on the cruise schedule and let me know asap when you hear about the final schedule. I’ll be out at my estate, accessible by the normal means.”
“Yes sir. Enjoy your week.”
Edward slid into the car. “Hello beautiful!” He leaned over and kissed Kate. Sliding his hand over her hair, he looked deep into her eyes. “I’ve missed you.” He dropped a light kiss on Mary’s cheek. “I’m so glad you’re both here.”
“Thank you for the ride, Edward. Mary passed out as we were landing at Heathrow. I think we’d still be at the airport shuffling toward the rental car desk.”
“I planned to be there, but got held up at work. I’m sorry. Today was a day from hell, but I think I made it that way. I was too keyed up about your arrival. I kept checking my watch every five minutes.”
“I know what you mean. That was the longest flight in the history of flights,” Kate smiled. “I’m so glad to be here. It’s been torture to be away from you.”
“Ah, Kate.” He slid his arm along the back of the seat and pulled her close to his side. “Ditto.”
They passed the time speaking softly about their days and catching up since their last phone call. Before they realized it, Jason was pulling into the driveway of Edward’s estate.
“Wow, are we here already?”
“We are,” Edward confirmed. “Welcome to my home, Kate.”
Kate looked out the window and sucked in her breath. It was a mansion, literally. Three stories of grey stone. Kate thought it looked like something out of a Victorian era story. “Edward, it’s, it’s beautiful and huge.” Kate’s face turned slightly pink when she realized what she’d said.
Chuckling, Edward agreed. “When I come out here, my whole family usually shows up to visit. The good thing about this place being so huge is that we can all be in here and not see each other if we choose. But that’s not usually the case.”
“Is your family planning on visiting while I’m here?”
“Mum is planning to visit. Izzy is at University, she might come out on the weekend. Meaghan won’t be, since she’s on bed-rest. I thought perhaps we could go visit her one day, though. She’d really like to meet you in person.”
“Of course, I’d love to meet her. And it doesn’t bother me, Edward. I was just curious.”
“Well, it bothers me. I want you both to myself while you’re here. Call me selfish.”
Kate cupped his cheek. “You’re not selfish, Edward. I don’t think you could be, even if you wanted to. You’re sweet and amazing and I’m so thankful for you.”
Edward leaned toward her and stopped just as he was about to kiss her. “I’m humbled and touched that you feel that way.” He touched his lips to hers, careful to keep it brief. They’d have time enough later to indulge.
“Sir.” Jason said as he opened Edward’s door. Edward got out of the limo and reached in to take Mary into his arms. She stirred slightly and he pressed her head onto his chest, soothing her with soft kisses on her forehead. Safe in his arms, she went back to sleep.
Kate gathered her purse and the diaper bag and got out of the limo. Stretching, she groaned softly. Holding Mary for so long had made her muscles ache. As she looked around, she gaped at the sight before her. Edward’s estate was massive. Perfectly manicured lawns and gardens. Giant trees that looked like they’d been there for hundreds of years. A huge willow stood in the middle of the driveway and Kate could imagine Edward climbing the tree as a child. She smiled to herself and followed Edward up the steps to the door.
Kate couldn’t believe her eyes when the door was opened by a dour-faced man. He was tall and thin and looked to be at least ninety years old. “A butler? You have a for real butler? I didn’t think they actually existed anymore.”
Laughing, Edward nodded to the butler. “This is Henry. Henry, this is Kate and her daughter, Mary.”
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”
Kate stuck her hand out toward Henry. He gently took her hand and gave it a quick shake. “Please, call me Kate.”
“As you wish,” he said. He turned toward Edward. “Mrs. White will be right down. She noticed the sleeping baby and ran up to turn down the blankets in the baby’s room.”
“Oh, that was so kind of her,” Kate said. Unsure what to do with herself, Kate surreptitiously glanced around the foyer.
Edward nodded toward a table in the foyer. “You can set your purse and bag down on that table, if you like, Kate.”
Kate walked over to the table and set her things down. As Kate turned to walk back to Edward’s side, a woman ran down the stairs and exploded into the foyer. There really was no other word for it. The amount of energy this woman radiated could light up all of England for years.
“Edward!” Mrs. White exclaimed quietly, giving him a peck on the cheek. “So glad you’re here, boy! Let me see that sleeping baby. Oh my, she’s so sweet. Hello, you must be Kate. I’m Mrs. White, Edward’s housekeeper. You must be exhausted after your trip. Come, I’ll show you to your rooms and you can get freshened up. Edward, is your Mum coming for dinner tonight?” Mrs. White asked as she led them up the stairs.
Kate blinked. This woman was a whirlwind, and Kate didn’t know if she’d be able to keep up with her.
“Not that I’m aware of, Mrs. White, but then you’d know better than I would anyway,” Edward chuckled.
“Don’t be cheeky, my boy. It’s not becoming. I spoke with your Mum this morning, but she wasn’t sure if it would be a good idea for her to come out. She mentioned it might be better for her to come tomorrow what with the long trip and the time difference.”
“That’s a good point. I’ll call her in a few minutes after I discuss it with Kate.”
“Kate, here is your room,” Mrs. White gestured. “The baby’s is next door – there’s a connecting door between your rooms. I thought it would make you both feel more comfortable to have that immediate access.”
“Thank you, Mrs. White. That was considerate of you.” Kate entered her room and couldn’t believe her eyes. The room was huge and beautiful. Done in cream, rose and gold, the windows overlooked a lovely garden at the back of the estate. The lovely scent of roses in full bloom drifted in through the open windows. The bed was a huge four-poster complete with sheer curtains surrounding it. She slowly walked around her room, touching the table and the bedding as she went. She finally came to a stop in front of the windows, amazed at the view.
She jumped when Edward touched her shoulder. “Do you like your room?”
“Like it? I love it. It’s beautiful, thank you.” She turned to face him and reached up to place a light kiss on his cheek.
“I put Mary in her bed. She’
s still sound asleep. Will she sleep long?” Edward asked with a wicked gleam in his eye.
“I have no idea, to be honest.” Kate rested her head against his chest. “Edward, I figured you were rather well-to-do…but this,” Kate gestured around the room and pointed outside. “This is so much more than doing well.”
“Does it matter, Kate?”
“No, of course not. I mean, a little warning would have been nice. I thought the limo was a special thing, I didn’t realize that it was your actual everyday car.” Kate smiled so that he would know she wasn’t criticizing him.
“Kate, you’re so special to me.”
Kate reached up and brushed his hair off his forehead. “I know, and you’re special to me too. I just feel a little lost, is all. I wasn’t expecting Buckingham Palace, Edward.”
Edward laughed. “Buckingham Palace is four times the size of this place.”
Kate whistled. “Oh! Hmm, I guess you’re not doing that well, then.”
Laughing, Edward spun her around. “Let me show you around.”
“One second, let me get the monitor out and plugged in. In case she wakes up.”
Edward hooked the monitor to his pants and they quietly left Mary’s room. “First, I’ll show you how to get to my room…just in case you need me in the night.”
Kate giggled, and followed him into a room that was at least twice the size of hers. Her whole apartment back home would have fit in his bedroom. Edward’s room was decorated in dark blues and grays.
The view from his room was beyond compare. Just below the windows was yet another garden. The gardenias were in full bloom and the scent wafted up through the open windows. Kate could barely make out the stables off to the right, and toward the left was the distinct sparkle of water. “Do I see water out there?”
“Yes, there’s a huge lake on this property. Would you like to go swimming or boating?”
“Yes, to both!” Kate said eagerly. Mary loved to play in the water and Kate could think of nothing so relaxing as sailing around the lake.
“We’ll do that as well. We are going to have a very busy and fun week!”
“Will you be going to work during the day, Edward?” Kate asked as they left Edward’s room and moved on in the tour of the house.
“Not unless it’s absolutely unavoidable. I have the week off to spend with you lovely ladies.”
“Truly? Oh, Edward, that is so wonderful!”
Edward reached for her hand and linked their fingers together. He quickly showed her the rest of the bedrooms on the floor and then they moved down the stairs to see the rest.
Kate was astounded. There was a formal dining room, a small ballroom, a library, a sitting room, a den that Edward said he used as his office, the kitchens and no fewer than three half-baths. “What do you do with all this space?”
“Nothing much. This house dates back to the early seventeen hundreds. It’s been redecorated and updated a few times since then, but it’s essentially the same. My dad’s family lived close to here and I can remember passing this house whenever we would come to visit my grandparents. I used to fantasize about living here and I’d dream about the fancy parties I’d host and pretend about being “lord of the manor”. About three years ago, the owner passed away and he had no family. It was on the market for about twenty minutes before I snatched it up. I imagine someday when I get married, I’ll fill these rooms with the laughter of children. But for now, it’s a nice retreat when I need away from the hustle and bustle of the city.”
“It’s a beautiful home, Edward.”
Raising her hand to his lips, Edward lightly brushed a kiss against her knuckles. “I’m happy you’re here, Kate.”
“Mama?” They heard over the monitor.
“And she’s awake!” Kate said. “Let’s go get her before she decides to wander off on her own. It’ll take weeks to find her in this place,” Kate joked.
They walked up the stairs together, and when Kate pushed open the door to her room, they found Mary sitting in the middle of the floor. “Hi baby, did you have a good nap?”
“Where are we, Mama?”
Kneeling in front of Mary, Kate brushed her hair back from her forehead. “We’re at Edward’s home. Remember we flew in the airplane?”
Mary lifted her face to see Edward and a beautiful smile broke out on her face. “Edward!” Mary squealed. She stood up, walked over to Edward and lifted her arms. The universal sign for “pick me up”. Edward obliged and easily lifted her into his arms.
“Well, I see who the favorite is now,” Kate smiled as she spoke.
“Well, that’s only because she knows about my h-o-r-s-e-s.” Edward spelled.
Kate laughed and tickled Mary on the belly. “I’m glad you spelled that because otherwise we’d be out there right now.”
“Mama, I’m so hungry!” Mary said in between giggles.
“Alright, let’s go feed your belly.”
Chapter Twenty-One
“Where’s my new grand-baby?” Charlotte asked the room at large the following afternoon.
Kate and Edward were in the sitting room enjoying some down time as Mary took a much needed nap. They’d been out riding horses all morning and between the excitement of the activity and the fresh air, Mary had been done in. Kate had found a new mystery series in Edward’s vast library and was laying on the couch, her head in Edward’s lap, reading the first book of the series. Edward was rubbing Kate’s head as he channel surfed, looking for a cricket game.
Kate and Edward, startled by the appearance of his mother, jumped a foot in the air. Kate dropped her book on the floor and almost followed it when Edward jumped to his feet.
“Mother!” Edward said a little too loud. “I thought you wouldn’t be here until later,” he said sheepishly as he helped Kate to her feet.
“That much is apparent,” Charlotte said dryly. She walked over to Kate and presented her hand. “You must be Kate? I’ve heard so much about you.”
Kate put her hand in Charlotte’s and was surprised when the woman pulled Kate into a hug. “All good, I hope?” Kate asked in a strangled voice. Her anxiety levels were through the roof. She hadn’t prepared herself for meeting his mother until dinner time.
Kate shuddered. Here she was, laying on the couch, her head in Edward’s lap. How embarrassing! This was his mother. The man practically worshipped the ground this woman walked on. Kate couldn’t envision a worse first meeting.
“Absolutely, my dear girl,” Charlotte assured her. “He adores you, and I can see why.”
“Thank you,” Kate said, blushing. Not really sure what to do with herself, Kate sat back down on the couch. It wasn’t her house, or her place, to offer refreshments and Edward wasn’t exactly being the Host with the Most right now.
“So, where’s my new grand-baby?” Charlotte sat down in one of the overstuffed chairs.
Kate glanced at Edward in confusion. Who in the world was this woman talking about? Edward hadn’t mentioned a new family member, at least not that Kate could recall.
“Taking a nap,” Edward said finally breaking out of his stupor. “We took Mary horseback riding this morning and she was tuckered out when we got back.”
“Yes, that’ll wear them out for sure,” Charlotte agreed.
“I’m sure she’ll be up soon,” Kate said, desperately hoping it was true. It was wrong of her to use her child as a buffer, but she couldn’t help it. Sending telepathic signals up to her sleeping child, she prayed they shared that special gift.
“Oh, let the child sleep. I’m sure she’s still catching up from the time difference,” Charlotte said. “Besides, this will give us a chance to visit and get to know each other better.”
Kate paled. Why was she so nervous about meeting this woman?
Charlotte chuckled. “Edward, your Kate looks nervous to meet me. What have you told her about me?”
“What?” Kate paled further. “No, he’s only had the nicest things to say about you!” She said quickly
.
Edward laughed and sitting down next to Kate on the couch, he linked his fingers with hers. “Mother, please.”
“What? I’m just trying to get to know this girl that has stolen your heart.”
“Mother!”
“Alright, alright!” Charlotte raised her hands in surrender. She sighed and stood. “I’m going to get some tea, I’ll be right back.”
Kate watched her go and felt a pang of regret. Could their first meeting have gone any worse? Rising to her feet, Kate excused herself. “I’ll go help your mother bring in some refreshments.”
“You don’t have to do that, Kate. She’ll rope one of the maids into helping her bring them in.”
“Oh,” Kate paused. Sighing, she dropped back onto the couch. “Oh, Edward, I totally screwed that up.”
“What do you mean?”
Kate gestured wildly with her arms. “This first meeting. I was nervous about meeting her, I stumbled over my words. I hadn’t gotten myself psyched up yet because I thought you said she would be here later.” Kate stared at the doorway. “That was your mother!” Kate dropped her head in her hands and wanted to cry.
Edward scooted closer to Kate and draped his arm around her shoulders. “Kate, honey, it’s nothing to worry about. Mum is very laid back, I’m sure she didn’t notice anything amiss.”
“She’d have to be blind, Edward! Look at me, I’m a mess. I’m covered in hair from the horse, I have mud on my pants, my hair is windblown and messy. And, I was laying in your lap. I’m sure I look as frightful as I sounded. Your mother probably thinks I’m some crazy person that’s attached herself to you because you were so nice as to show me some attention one night.”
“Kate, you look beautiful to me. As always. A little horsehair and mussed hair isn’t going to change that,” Edward said as he hugged her close to his side. “Let me tell you a secret about my mum. She’s sneaky and stealthy, especially when it comes to the well-being of her children but she has the best heart,” Edward confided. “To be honest, she probably had been standing at the doorway for a minute or two taking in the scene we had presented.”
To Love Twice Page 14