by Susan Page Davis, Darlene Franklin, Janelle Mowery, Lynette Sowell
She couldn’t disappoint them, and she wasn’t ready to say good-bye to her castle home. Jayne chose a carton of ice cream and closed the door. “Tell you what: Let me place an ad for you in this weekend’s Boston Herald. If no one books by the time I have to leave, we’ll know it was a bad idea. And if someone does book … well, I’d have to consider my options, wouldn’t I?”
Her parents exchanged a look of suppressed excitement.
“I’m game,” her father said. “How about it, Diane? Shall we let the biz whiz try out her new degree on us?”
“Are you sure the guests will pay for all the extra stuff?”
“Oh they’ll pay,” Jayne said. “I’ll advertise a weeklong package with the entire inn at their disposal—say, twelve guests—and the nostalgic Christmas celebration of their dreams for twelve thousand dollars.”
“Twelve—” Her mother’s jaw dropped and she turned to her husband. “Ted, she’s gone crazy.”
Her dad gulped. “Jaynie, that’s three months’ income.”
“Not anymore.”
They stared at each other.
“No one will pay that much.” Her mother shook her head and picked up the pie server.
“They pay it all the time,” Jayne said. “Cruises, European tours. We’re talking deluxe accommodations, thanks to you two—” She looked around at the spotless inn and the gleaming antique furnishings. “I know exactly where to advertise, and my ad copy is irresistible.”
Her mother still looked skeptical.
Why am I doing this? Jayne asked herself. Did she want to fling aside the Boston job she’d worked so hard for? And what if the idea bombed and she let her parents down? The lump in her throat told her how strongly the castle and her family pulled on her. Maybe she had lost her mind.
“Look, you charge a hundred and fifty dollars a night for a room for two now. Some places charge two or three hundred, and they’re not as nice as this—and you’ll be serving all meals, not just breakfast, and providing entertainment. Seven nights, twelve guests. That’s less than a hundred and fifty per person per day.”
“Meals included.” Her mother’s brow furrowed.
“What if they only have ten people?” Dad asked.
“The twelve grand is for the entire inn during Christmas week, no matter how many people, up to twelve.”
“And if anyone books it by Sunday, you’ll commit?” her father asked.
Jayne nodded. “I’ll commit, Dad. For four months—through the Christmas season. We can evaluate things afterward. And I guarantee you, we’ll pull out all the stops for a Christmas week that will go down in history.”
He looked over at Mom. “What do you say, Diane?”
“What if they book and then back out at the last minute?”
Jayne lifted one shoulder. “We make sure the deposit we keep covers what we’ve spent to that point.”
Dad grinned and stood, extending his hand to her. “Deal.”
Her mom drew in a slow, deep breath and then stuck out her hand. “All right. Deal.”
Chapter 2
Luke Gilbert’s phone rang, and he laid his pen on his drafting table to answer it. He grimaced as he spotted the name on the caller ID.
“Hello, Rosalyn.”
“Good evening, Luke.” His mother-in-law’s voice held her usual self-confidence and slight edge of superiority. “How are you and Andy?”
“We’re fine. Andy’s in bed, I’m afraid. He has school tomorrow.”
“Ah, that’s a shame. I’ll have to call earlier next time. But it’s you I really wanted to speak with.”
“Oh?” That surprised Luke. Rosalyn almost never spoke to him anymore. She must be about to launch a tirade about how infrequently he brought her grandson to Hartford to visit her.
“Yes. I have a favor to ask you. There’s an inn up there in Vermont. I’d like you to check it out for me.”
Luke considered that for a moment. Was she planning to visit Andy, since he hadn’t taken his son to Nana’s for a few months? “Is it something you could investigate online?”
“No, it’s not. You see, I’m contemplating making an investment.”
Luke blinked. “Investing in Vermont real estate?”
Rosalyn laughed. “No, an investment in the family. I’mlooking for a venue for a family reunion. It’s a pricey inn, but it looks respectable—quite charming, actually. But I don’t want to plan a week for eleven people without someone in the family checking it out beforehand.”
“Eleven people?” Here it comes, Luke thought. He picked up his pen and doodled on the envelope beside the elevated drawing he’d been working on.
“Yes. It’s been so long since the entire family got together, I thought Austin and I could rent a place. You and North and Liza can all bring your families. We can relax and renew our family ties, and have Christmas together.”
“Christmas?” Luke stopped doodling.
“Don’t you think that’s a good idea? Andy can spend the holidays with his grandparents. And his cousins, aunts, and uncles of course.” “Well, I …”
“Of course Austin and I will pay for your weekend expenses. You can take Andy and see if he likes the place. You know—if he’s comfortable there. If the two of you like it, I’ll book it for Christmas week.”
“That’s thoughtful of you.” Luke couldn’t imagine spending an entire week with his in-laws, though. He’d go nuts cooped up with the Dillards.
“Thank you. I wouldn’t want Andy to be upset by a strange place and ruin the holidays for everyone else. It’s about eighty miles from your place. What do you say, Luke?”
He frowned at her implication, but there was some truth to it. His six-year-old son had a hard time adjusting to anything new. Rosalyn was right, too, that Andy should know his family better.
“All right. I suppose we could go this weekend.”
Rosalyn’s voice thawed about twenty degrees. “Thank you so much. I’ll book a room for you right now and e-mail you the details. It’s called the Barncastle.”
Jayne and her mother made up the bed in the Library Suite together. The room hardly needed dusting, and the bathroom was pristine, but Jayne wiped it down anyway.
“Too bad we didn’t have more guests this week,” Mom said as they gathered the cleaning supplies, “but we’ve had more time to spend with you this way.”
“Well, you’ve got five bookings for early October,” Jayne said.
“Yes, and there will be more. October is usually a busy time.”
As they headed down the stairs, Jayne let out a sigh. “I was sure you’d hear something on those Christmas ads by now. They’ve been running two days in the Boston Herald and the Hartford Courant.”
“Oh sweetie, it’s all right. I take it as a sign from God. I’m just sorry you spent so much on the display ads. But there’s still two more days.”
“I should have put it in the New York Times, too.” Who was she kidding? She’d guessed wrong and overpriced the package. Maybe she should call Bowker-Hatley this afternoon and tell them she’d be on board in a week, ready to work.
The telephone rang, and she veered toward the small office off the kitchen. “I’ll get it.”
“Thanks.” Mom continued on toward the utility room with the caddy of supplies.
“Barncastle Inn, may I help you?” Jayne asked.
“Yes. My name is Rosalyn Dillard, and I’d like to inquire about the Christmas package you’re offering. Is the space still available for the week before the holiday?”
Jayne’s pulse raced. “Yes, it is.”
“And what days would the event run?”
“Since Christmas falls on Sunday, we’re making the entire inn available from Monday the nineteenth until Monday morning, the twenty-sixth. Is there a particular theme or time period you’re interested in?”
“Yes. My grandson loves dragons. I’d like to give our family an authentic medieval Christmas. Can you do that?”
Jayne grinned. “We certai
nly can. Our staff will give your family the best of medieval adventure and pageantry, without the discomforts of the Middle Ages.”
“Oh yes, good point.”
“How many people in your party?” Jayne reached for a notepad and pen.
“I’m considering eleven, but I wondered if two family members could come this weekend to view the facility. Do you have a room open for tomorrow and Saturday?”
“We certainly do.”
Mrs. Dillard readily gave her credit card number and a Hartford address. “Do you provide full meal service?”
Jayne did some quick calculations. “Breakfast is included in our regular fee, but our guests can also eat lunch and dinner at the Barncastle, if we know in advance. Would you like to include the meals for this weekend?”
“Could you have Friday’s dinner ready for them? I think
I’ll let my son-in-law decide on the rest when they arrive, if that’s all right. Put any expenses they incur on the bill, won’t you?”
“I’d be happy to.”
“Good. You can expect them late tomorrow afternoon. And if they like what they see, I’ll reserve for the Christmas package.”
Jayne hung up a minute later and exhaled deeply, closing her eyes. “Thank You, Lord.” She snatched up the notepad and ran to the kitchen. “Mom! You’re not going to believe this!”
Luke stepped out of his SUV and looked over the inn. Impressive example of Victorian architecture with some Gothic touches. The beautiful stone walls would take care of themselves, but the wood trim and cedar-shingled roofs must take a lot of maintenance. The front lawn and flower beds had been lovingly tended. Plenty of space for Andy to run and play, and a lake glistened in the last rays of sun less than a quarter mile behind the inn.
He rounded the Explorer and opened the passenger door. Andy already had his seat belt unfastened.
“All set, buddy?” Luke held out his arm so Andy could hold on to it while he slid down from the high seat. “What do you think?”
Andy stared up at the stone tower nearest them. “Is it a real castle?”
Luke smiled. “What would make it a real castle?”
“A dungeon, maybe?”
“Hmm. Well, there’s no moat, so I’m guessing not.” Lukeopened the SUV’s tailgate and took out Andy’s backpack. He held it while Andy slipped his thin arms through the straps.
Andy turned to face him, his blue eyes anxious. “Will there be a lot of people?”
Luke glanced around the small parking lot. “I only see three other cars.”
Andy nodded. The little guy was too sober, Luke thought as he pulled out his own duffel bag. Too fearful. He intended to do everything possible to make this weekend a positive experience for his son. Would the castle inn be too scary for him? No way would he bring Andy back here when the house was full of Dillards if the child was frightened, and Luke hated to think what Rosalyn would say if he refused to take part in her plans for Christmas.
He smiled down at Andy and held out his hand.
“Jayne! A vehicle just pulled up!” Her mother stood in the office doorway holding up her flour-coated hands. “Can you check them in?”
“Of course. Relax, Mom.”
“But if they don’t like—”
Jayne laid a hand on her shoulder. “They’re going to love it here. Now go finish preparing their candlelight dinner. I’ll make sure they have everything they could possibly want in their romantic suite.”
She walked to the front desk shooting up staccato prayers. t’s up to You, Lord. Please let them like it. Don’t let Mom and Dad be disappointed. You know what’s best.
The front door opened as she reached the check-in desk.
Jayne faced the newcomers with her brightest smile.
“Welcome to Barncastle Inn.”
“Hi.” The man smiled and looked down at his companion.
Instead of the twenty-something couple she had expected, a boy of six gazed up at his father, shivering with excitement. Jayne couldn’t tell if he was glad to be inside the fairy-tale inn, or if he wanted to turn and bolt.
She extended her hand. “I’m Jayne Barncastle.”
“I’m Luke Gilbert, and this is my son, Andy. We have a reservation.”
“Yes, you do.” Jayne bent forward and smiled at the boy. He stared at her with round blue eyes. His blond hair lay tousled over his forehead, sun-bleached a shade lighter than his father’s. “Hello, Andy. I’m glad you and your dad came to stay with us. Do you like this house?”
“It’s cool,” he whispered.
“I think so, too.” Jayne straightened. “Let me check you in, Mr. Gilbert, and then I’ll take you and Andy up to your room. We put you in the Squire’s Room. It’s a beautiful room, with a balcony and a gorgeous view of the lake. But I have to confess, I thought a married couple was coming. This room has a king-sized bed. If you’d rather, I can switch you to a room with two doubles. Or we could bring in a cot for Andy.”
Luke shook his head. “Andy won’t mind sleeping on the other side of a great big bed with me, will you, buddy?”
Andy shook his head.
Jayne quickly completed the check-in. She’d have to clue Mom in as soon as possible to nix the candles and romance at dinner. The couple staying in the Library Suite was goingout to eat, so Luke and Andy Gilbert would be the only ones in the dining room. They’d probably rather not have dim lights, romantic music, and candles on the table. And Andy might not go for the crab bisque and prime rib Mom had taken so much trouble to prepare.
“Do you have other luggage?” she asked as she closed the computer check-in program.
“No, this is it,” Luke said.
Andy held on to the straps of his backpack, as though afraid she would try to take it from him.
“Right this way, then.” She led them to the stairs.
“Do you have any armor?” Andy’s plaintive voice wrapped itself around her heart. She’d told her father at least a thousand times over the years that the house cried out for a suit of armor.
“We don’t.” She turned to face him on the landing where the stairs turned. “But I’ve always thought this corner would be the perfect place for a suit of chain mail.”
He nodded, his eyes huge.
Luke smiled at her over Andy’s head. “Next he’ll be wanting a steed.”
Jayne caught her breath. “That’s not a bad idea.” Plans whirled through her mind as she continued up the stairs. If this little boy wanted knights and armor, the Barncastle Inn was up to the task.
The inn was perfect. Luke sat on the wide, cushioned window seat in their room and held Andy on his lap, looking out over the landscaped backyard, the Barncastle family’s garden, and a path leading to the shining lake. The setting sun shot golden rays over the placid water.
Andy leaned back against his chest and sighed.
“Do you like it here?” Luke asked.
“Uh-huh. Do you think they’ll let us go up in the towers?”
“Maybe.” He kissed the top of Andy’s head. “Miss Barncastle said that we can walk down to the shore after dinner if we want to.”
Andy yawned. “It’s a funny name.”
“Barncastle? Yes.” Luke smiled. Andy was tuckered out. He’d probably put off their walk to the lake until morning. The boy had fretted all afternoon. On their ride, Andy had clutched his favorite plastic horse and stroked the four-inch figure constantly. Now he held it loosely, with the plastic knight perched on the horse’s back facing the window, so he could see the lake, too.
Luke checked his watch. “It’s nearly time for dinner. We’d better wash up.” He set Andy down gently and walked with him to the bathroom. The tub sat on claw feet, with a shower head above it and purple-and-gold curtains that complemented the lavender paint on the walls. Every detail, from the brass faucets to the Edwardian-era framed prints, bespoke quality.
As they entered the dining room, a woman with silver-gray hair came forward, wearing a bright smile.
; “Hello. I’m Diane Barncastle, Jayne’s mother.”
Diane’s sweet face put Luke at ease. She took him and Andy to a table set with thick ironstone plates on top of wooden trays.
“In medieval times, people ate their dinners off woodentrenchers or a thick slice of bread. But I wasn’t sure you’d want to do that, so we gave you plates.”
Andy stared at her. “They used bread for plates?”
Diane nodded. “Yes, and they let the gravy soak into it. After the other food was gone, they ate their dishes.”
Andy laughed and looked at his father. “Can we do that sometime?”
“Well …” Luke looked up at Diane.
“I tell you what,” she said. “I can fix your breakfast that way in the morning. I’ll give you a big slice of crusty, homemade bread with your egg and sausage on top, and you can eat the whole thing.”
“Yeah!”
Diane chuckled. “It will save me washing your plate.”
Luke said, “You don’t have to—”
“No trouble. And don’t worry about the table—I’ll make sure it’s clean.”
Luke nodded. “All right then, we’ll eat breakfast castle-style.”
Diane handed them each a sheet of card stock. “Here’s the menu we’ve prepared this evening. If you gentlemen don’t care for something on it, we can substitute.” She winked at Luke.
He quickly perused the sheet. “First is a crab bisque, Andy. That’s soup. You’ll like that.”
Andy’s mouth drooped. “I’ve never had it.”
“Give it a try. If you don’t like it, I’ll help you finish it—I love crab.” Luke smiled up at Diane and gave her back the menu. “It looks wonderful, Mrs. Barncastle. Just make Andy’s portions child-sized, if you please.”
“All right. And please call me Diane. What would you like to drink, Andy?”
“Milk?” He arched his eyebrows as though uncertain she would have it.
“Of course.”
Relief washed over Andy’s face and he relaxed.
“I’ll start with water, please,” Luke said, “and then some coffee.”