“In the years past, I would have said here without a moment’s hesitation. Now it is not so simple. Our children are all based in England. And until Alex is ready to start taking over more of the management of the Strathmore estate, we will continue to spend more time in London. So, in answer to your question, London if I had to choose now. Scotland in a couple of years.”
With both their elder sons about to become fathers, she and Ewan would be further tied to the south. To where their grandchildren lived.
“Lucy is pregnant.” Caroline sensed the shift in Ewan’s hold at her words. Their eldest daughter was with child. And while David and Alex were also about to become parents, it somehow seemed different with Lucy.
“Did she tell you after she and Avery arrived?”
Caroline shook her head. “No. I have known for a few weeks. Lucy asked me to keep her confidence. She and Avery wanted to wait until after Lucy is a month or so further along before they make an official announcement. But since you are her father, it is only right that you should know.”
She moved, turning in his embrace so she could see his face. “Are you alright?”
He nodded. “Yes. I am just taking it all in. I must say, I am pleased and relieved. They had an unfortunate start to their marriage, and I had my doubts for their future. But Lucy held firm. She won Avery’s heart.”
There was a glint in Ewan’s eye as he lifted his gaze to the sky once more. “This is a magical place. This is where they really began as a couple. Where they finally accepted their love. I am sure that the sprites which live in the lake blessed them.”
What?“You mean little folk? Pixies? I never knew they lived here,” she replied.
“Brownies. Fairies. There are many names for them. Mind you, not that anyone has ever claimed to see one. Despite that, I am convinced that they are here. Who else do you think built the walls of the Key?”
Caroline laughed. “You do realize that your Scottish brogue gets thicker whenever we are here at the mountain? I wasn’t sure the first time I came to Strathmore Castle, because I was too busy trying to convince myself that I wasn’t still in love with you. But yes, you roll your R’s more here than you do in London.”
He bent and kissed her forehead. “You never stopped loving me, even after I broke your heart. And I am grateful for that miracle every single day. Come on, let’s go back inside and see what supper we have in the basket. It might need warming by the fire.”
Hand in hand, they walked back across the ground to the hunting lodge. As they reached the first of the stone steps which led up to the door, Caroline halted. She lifted her arm, placing a kiss on Ewan’s hand.
“Thank you for bringing me here today. It’s been nice to spend time alone with you. We should try and do it again if the weather holds.”
The smile on her husband’s lips lit up her heart. “I am glad I insisted on us coming here. And while I’m not sure on the snow holding off for much longer, we still have the rest of tonight and most of tomorrow to ourselves. Let’s agree to make the most of it.”
He opened the door, and Caroline stepped across the threshold. As Ewan bolted the door behind them, she slipped the woolen blanket from her shoulders.
“By the way, did I tell you I mistakenly packed a few of those shockingly thin undergarments and nightgowns?”
“Are you wearing one now?”
Caroline backed away and quickly headed for the bedroom door. There was only one way he was going to find out. She squealed as Ewan scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder.
They never made it to the bed.
ChapterEleven
They were met with the sight of a large travel coach as soon as the cart crossed the drawbridge and into the castle bailey late the following day. Caroline spotted the Saunders family crest on the side. Adelaide and Charles had arrived.
“Two more of the extended family have made it safely home,” said Caroline. After two days at the Key sharing private moments with Ewan, she was sore in places, but well satisfied. Relaxation might not have fully found her, but at least when she did manage to get some sleep, it had been sound.
“Yes, it is good to see that they are here,” replied Ewan.
Oddly, none of the castle servants appeared to be making any sort of effort to take the various pieces of luggage down from the top of the coach.
What’s happening?
It looked for all the world as if the Saunders had arrived and were not sure if they were going to stay.How very peculiar.
Ewan pulled the cart to a halt and jumped down. He came around to Caroline’s side and lifted her, then set her on the ground.
“What is going on with Charles and Adelaide’s coach?” she asked.
Her husband shook his head. “I don’t know. Let’s go inside and see if we can find some answers.”
