by Amanda Ward
Graham bowed his head. “Of course, milady,” he acknowledged. Picking up the two suitcases he led Laura’s parents through the hall and up the ornate staircase.
The earl, countess, their son and daughters took Laura into the main salon. It was a brightly lit room filled with simple, functional furniture. The walls were decorated in eggshell blue and cream. Intimate photographs of the family hung around the room in-between stunning paintings of the local area. Mostly all black and white, they were a stark contrast between the old and new. Four sumptuous chenille sofas dominated the middle of the room, set in a U shape around the main fireplace in which a fire blazed away merrily. The earl walked over, rubbed his hands and soaked in the warmth the fire gave out. He reached over to the side of the small, photograph-covered mantelpiece and pressed a button set in an ornate surround. The picture that hung on the wall was a grand vista of Lake Windermere. The blues and greens of the painting were restful and pleasing to the eye and, even with the gilt frame, blended in with the feel of the room. A large crystal chandelier dominated the middle of the ceiling.
“So,” the earl said, sitting down next to his wife. “To what do we owe the honor of this visit?” he addressed his daughters.
William was snuggled up in Rhean’s arms when Graham came in.
“Dinner will be served at six,” he announced, “Shall I bring the drinks in?” he asked the earl.
“Of course, Graham. Can you find out what the youngsters are having as well?” he asked the butler, who bowed and left the room.
Rhean leaned over to Laura and said in her ear quietly, “Psst. Why don’t you ask the gruesome twosome over there to help?”
Hearing the phrase, Moira sat up straight. “I beg your pardon? Did you refer to us as the gruesome twosome again?” Moira asked in mock horror.
“You wouldn’t hurt a man holding a baby would you?” Rhean protested cuddling William closer. Maire shook her head at the antics of her children.
Moira stood and took her squirming son from Rhean’s lap, and swatted her brother on the head.
“There, you don’t have my son now,” she chuckled. “Now, what did you say to Laura?” she persisted
“I just suggested that she asked you two to help out.” He coughed. The women looked at each other, smiled and turned identical grins on Laura.
“Are you serious? Would you like us to?” Kathryn gasped. “It would be our pleasure, and think of the fun we could have,” she said leering at her brother, “spending your money,” she continued. Both she and Moira erupted into peals of laughter, but baby William protested at the noise, so Maire picked him up and walked around the room.
“Hugo, I think we ought to go and see what the children are up to,” she suggested when Graham came in with a trolley of drinks.
“Graham, could you serve the drinks please? I’ll take young William for a wander and check on the rest of the family” Maire cuddled her blonde haired grandson close. “Let’s leave these silly people to talk” She whispered to the baby.
Kathryn stood up and brought the trolley over to where they sat.
“I’ll be mother,” she announced. They all gave their orders and within minutes, they were sipping their drinks, enjoying each others company. Kathryn nudged Laura. “So, what do you say?”
Laura thought for a moment. She wanted a small wedding with only family present, but with the size of Rhean’s family, it wouldn’t be possible. Then an idea popped into her head.
“In that case, I can think of no one more perfect,” Laura announced. Her drink was taken from her and with more squeals of delight, Moira and Kathryn leapt on Laura in a most unladylike manner.
“Hen night,” announced Kathryn.
“Oh yes, definitely.” Moira looked at her brother who was sipping his whiskey and looking totally bemused. Moira lifted Laura’s hand. “Look at this Kat, it’s Clarissa’s ring.” Kathryn peered at Laura’s ring closely.
“I didn’t think it existed anymore,” she breathed. “Wow, it’s even more beautiful than in the portrait.” Laura looked from one sister to another.
“What is it with this ring? Why is it so special?” she asked.
“Rhean, haven’t you shown her yet?” Kathryn asked, but Rhean shook his head.
“The portrait?” Laura inquired. “If so, I’ve already seen it”. All three Tates shook their heads.
“Nope, not the portrait,” Rhean said and stood. Taking her hand, Rhean led Laura from the salon. They walked through the great hall into the lesser used east wing. The corridor was lined with yet more portraits of ancestors and animals interspersed with heavy wooden doors leading into goodness knew where. Laura’s boots echoed on the wooden floor. She caught a glimpse of the paintings lining the corridor, many of which were pre-renaissance paintings of stern faces. One door - led to a huge library. At least three stories high, it was lined with bookshelves, and a staircase leading to the upper levels. Rhean didn’t give Laura a chance to look properly. Taking her hand more firmly, he led her through a wooden door on the other side then stopped to unlock it.
The door opened into a smaller, more intimate room. It was a lot like Maire’s sitting room, but slightly larger and very masculine in its decor. A desk and large leather chair faced the window. Piles of books covered every surface, and along one wall was a bookcase filled with large leather legal tomes.
“This is Dad’s personal office,” Rhean explained, “and also where we keep the safe.” Walking over to a large portrait between two bookcases, he took it down. Behind it was a large metal safe door, as wide and as tall as the portrait that hid it. When he turned the dial this way and that, a bleeping noise heralded the opening of the door.
“Come here,” Rhean told Laura and put his arm around her. Together, they looked into the large space. It was filled with burgundy and black leather cases, small and large, each one individually labeled. Rhean reached in and took out six leather cases of varying sizes. He placed them on the desk.
“Every earl has commissioned a suite or parure of jewelry for their bride. As you can see by the amount of boxes in there,” Rhean began. “My mother’s parure isn’t in the safe, because she wears the pieces, apart from the tiara, all the time,” he explained. “This suite is Lady Clarissa’s.” Rhean opened the boxes one by one. The first large box contained a diadem. Tall and circular, it resembled a crown, but so much more elegant. Each tall platinum spike contained either a large peridot or light- colored sapphire. A large peridot surrounded by diamonds took pride of place in the middle. It was exquisite.
“This was only ever worn on royal occasions—banquets and balls mainly. She wore it in the portrait.” Laura nodded her head; she couldn’t believe what she saw. Rhean opened the second larger box. It contained a delicate tiara in a scroll pattern with alternate large sapphires and peridots. Again, the platinum frame was covered in diamonds.
“Lady Clarissa wore this on her wedding day and whenever she could, afterward,” Rhean smiled warmly. “Are you okay?” he asked. Laura sat down in his father’s chair, was wide-eyed with disbelief. As the other cases were opened, her eyes were dazzled by the delicate lacework drop necklace, the cuffs and the earrings, all of which had been painted with absolute precision in the portrait.
“They are stunningly beautiful, but why are you showing me these?”She asked huskily. Rhean took the diadem from its case, and gently placed it on her head.
“Look,” he said quietly, helping her from the chair and maneuvering her toward the mirror that hung over the mantelpiece. Laura put her hand up to steady the priceless jewel, even though despite its look, it was surprisingly light. She gazed into the mirror. Each stone sparkled individually, and when she put her left hand up to straighten the diadem, her ring gleamed warmly. For a second, she thought it winked at her.
“Beautiful, absolutely beautiful,” Rhean whispered as he stood behind her. “They look as if they were made for you,” he said huskily.
He looked deep into Laura’s hazel eyes. “
I am showing you these, because I am giving them to you.” Laura opened her mouth to protest but he continued. “The sapphires stand for truth, faithfulness and sincerity. A peridot means fidelity and successful marriage. A rather apt combination.” He put a finger over her lips, to silence her protests. “Mum and Dad are in full agreement,” he stated.
Laura took off the diadem carefully and handed it to Rhean. He closed all the boxes and put them away in the safe.
“Rather like seeing the crown jewels” Laura joked, gesturing to the array of boxes, “Only more tasteful.”
Rhean chuckled, squeezing her shoulders.
“Oh, just one thing,” he added and took out two very large leather cases. “Should there be a coronation in the near future, as peers of the realm, we will be expected to wear these.” Rhean opened them and there were two coronets made from gold and with a red velvet cap. White ermine covered the bottom. One coronet had the viscount’s rank; the other, smaller coronet had the rank of viscountess. Laura made a small O with her mouth. Rhean put them away and locked the safe up.”It’s all going too fast for you again isn’t it?” He asked
Laura nodded.
“Please Laura, don’t shut me out. If you want me to slow down, just tell me.”
Laura nodded again then said,”There’s so much to take in, including having my mum and dad show up. Your parents are so wonderful.” Laura’s breathing started to shorten. Rhean immediately made her sit down. He pushed her head down to help.
“Take long slow deep breaths,” he instructed, “Breathe out slowly.” He rubbed her back.
Laura closed her eyes, concentrating on his voice in an attempt to regulate her emotions. She felt like such a moron with these bloody attacks, and even more stupid for him seeing her so vulnerable. Reaching inside with as much strength as she could muster, Laura pulled herself together.
“Okay now?” he asked in a concerned voice.
Laura nodded. Why he put up with her, she couldn’t figure it out.
“I think we need to get you a glass of water and something to eat,” Rhean said, “then I will take you all home.”
Laura nodded again.
Rhean helped her up, took her in his strong arms and held her tightly. “I hate seeing you like this,” he said softly. “You worry me; you really do.”
Laura looked up at her fiancé. Although younger than she, there were times, especially when he took charge like this, that he acted older than her. He meant so much to her, but was it love? She wasn’t sure. Everything was moving so fast. Rhean leaned down and kissed her on the lips.
“We’d better go and have dinner.” Laura’s hand encompassed in Rhean’s she allowed herself yet again, to lean on him as they strolled through the house heading for the dining room.
Chapter Nine
In the majestic dining room, cream linen tablecloths adorned the exceptionally long and polished dining table. A long side table was covered with huge pots and dishes. Tableware sparkled, as did the glassware. Clear plastic glasses and smaller plastic cutlery were the only concession to the semi-formality of the meal.
Alongside one wall there were long heated cabinets made from deep mahogany wood which blended in perfectly. The aroma emanating from the cabinets was mouth-watering and comforting on this cold evening. Moira was breastfeeding baby William at the table and as Rhean and Laura walked in holding hands the family all turned and clapped. For a moment Laura wondered what on earth they were doing. .
“We’re late,” Rhean whispered in her ear.
“Oooops,” Laura said flushing bright red. The family laughed, and Graham stood behind two empty chairs next to the earl. As they walked to their seats, Graham pulled Laura’s out. She sat down and looked across the table to where her parents sat. Rhean kissed Laura on the cheek again to the amusement of the others.
“Are you okay dear?” asked her mother with a smile.
“Never better.” Laura smiled back. She could smell the delicious scents of beef casserole and dumplings. Graham and two of the housemaids served up their meal. Thick hearty gravy, full of deep flavor, the tang of red wine just there at the edge, with chunks of tender beef swimming in it. Huge fluffy herby dumplings floated on top and the meal was served with a selection of steamed fragrant vegetables. Everyone tucked when the last plateful was served.
“All home grown,” the earl announced with pride in his voice.
“You mean....?” asked Paul and he made a gesture with his hands.
“Yes indeed Paul.”The beef is from our cattle, and the vegetables are all home-grown. Apart from the odd thing, Kirkleigh Grange is very much self-sufficient.”
“Amazing.” said Paul with wonder. “I don’t suppose you could show me around sometime Hugo?” he asked.
The earl took a swallow of his ruby red wine and nodded. “It would be my pleasure.
“So Laura,” the countess addressed her, “have you recovered from seeing Lady Clarissa’s legacy?”
Laura nodded. “I have never seen anything more beautiful,” she replied in a breathy voice.
Rhean murmured in her ear, “I have.” Again, Laura flushed bright red.
“Well, I’m sure that Rhean told you that Hugo and I want you to wear them whenever you like.” The countess glanced at her son with a twinkle in her eyes.
“Well, unless you want to wear....”her voice trailed off. Bewildered Laura looked at Rhean,
“Unless I want to wear what?” she asked her fiancé.
“Mum,” said Theo, “stop badgering Rhean.”
The earl smiled at the banter around the dining room table. He stood up, raised his glass and announced, “To family.”
Everyone stood up—even the little ones. They raised their glasses and repeated the toast. They all sat down and the conversation started flowing.
Afterward, everyone except for the teens went into the lounge for hot chocolate. The earl sat down next to his wife and spoke to his eldest offspring. “So, what are your plans then?”
The women looked at each other and Kathryn wrinkled her nose at her father.
“Well...” she began.
The earl settled back on the couch and closed his eyes. “Here we go,” he muttered good-naturedly.
“We thought, seeing as the children have a teacher training day tomorrow, that we could spend the weekend.” He opened one eye. “And spend time getting to know our future sister in law sister-in-law,” she finished in a rush of words.
The earl sat up and looked at his daughters. “Have you spoken to Graham?” he asked as his wife smiled broadly. Guilt was written all over their faces. “You arranged this before we arrived didn’t you?” Their expressions became those of children, who had been caught out.
Laura, sitting between her mum and dad, watched this exchange with interest. They have great relationships with their children, she thought. Laura had read many historical novels about the aristocracy and the way they raised their offspring. This was totally different; this was full of love and affection and Laura loved it. She looked at the watch on her wrist. It was getting late, and although her children were off the following day as well, it was time to go home. She finished the rest of her hot chocolate and stood up.
“I’m really sorry, but it’s getting late. We should be getting home,” she told them. The earl got up and pressed the button near the mantelpiece.
“You are here tomorrow?” asked the Countess. “Please say you’ll come.” Laura smiled, walked over and hugged the Countess warmly.
“If that’s okay.” She looked at Rhean, who stood up and kissed Paul and Sophia. Then he went over to his parents, hugged and kissed them, and his sisters as well.
“I’ll bring her back tomorrow,” he promised.
Graham came into the room. “I have ‘rallied’ Miss Laura’s children, and Parson is waiting outside with the people carrier,” he announced.
Laura hugged the earl and kissed him on the cheek, then hugged Kathryn and Moira warmly. Paul and Sophia walked with them to
the front door, where more warm goodbyes were exchanged. As they walked out, Laura said to Rhean, “This was wonderful. Thank you.” She reached up to kiss Rhean fully on the mouth.
He responded immediately. On the steps of the grange, Rhean pulled her close to him. As his mouth finally left hers and trailed toward her ear, he whispered, his voice full of passion, “Promise me one day I will see you wearing nothing but Lady Clarissa’s jewels.” Laura smiled at him, and they walked arm in arm to the car.
Laura woke up early as usual on Tuesday morning. She got up, and tripped over Tubs, winding himself around her feet, meowing and demanding his breakfast. She padded downstairs in her nightdress, and went into to the kitchen, turning up the central heating. Laura switched the already filled kettle on, pulling out her favorite tea mug and Rhean’s jug. After she’d placed teabags in them, she fed Tubs. Still half-asleep, Laura reached for the kettle as it switched off, but came face-to-chest with her fiancé.
“I didn’t expect you to be up this early,” Laura muttered as she rubbed her eyes and drank in the sight of Rhean dressed in, what appeared to be, nothing but a burgundy terrycloth robe. It was open at his chest, where thick dark hair curled invitingly. Her hands itched to stroke and run her fingers through it and tug gently.
“I’ll let you make the tea,” he said huskily. Laura made their drinks and carried them through to the sitting room where Rhean sat on the sofa, his long hairy legs stretched out in front of him.
“Whose great idea was it for you to stay here while the kids were away?” she asked.
“I think it was your father’s,” he answered, taking his jug from Laura.
“Wonderful,” she muttered. Silence reigned as they sipped the hot brew. Laura loved her first mug of tea in the morning. It set her up for the rest of the day. As it was quiet, bar Tubs’s purring, she knew it was going to be a good one.