It was always kept in readiness and maintained by a couple who took care of the property. Pulling the vehicle up to the wraparound porch, he slid to a stop and just sat there gazing at the stunning view. He was right to insist on them getting away for a week, and she had chosen the perfect location.
Snow dripped from the conical roof and slid down the massive glass windows.
As if aware they had arrived, his wife stirred and stretched and opened her eyes.
"I fell asleep," she mused.
"Did you?" The teasing tone of his voice had her smiling sheepishly. "Some company you turned out to be."
"I'll do better next time."
"Promises, promises." Pushing his door open, he rounded the hood and opened her door.
"It's breathtaking," she murmured, breathing in the cold sharp air and feeling her tension dissolving. "No matter what the season is, there's always something to admire about this place."
"You're right." He hefted the case from the back seat. Taking her hand, he led the way up the steps. The key was left beneath a colored rock at the base of the steps.
"Aren't you afraid that someone will discover the secret and decide to crash here?"
Inserting the key into the hole, he cast her an amused glance. "You keep forgetting that we have the most sophisticated security system at our disposal." He stepped back so she could precede him into the warm and cozy foyer. "No one steps foot on the premises without a silent alarm going off." Dropping their bags, he took off his coat and reached for hers.
Even though the drive had taken less than the usual five hours, it was still close to midnight.
"Hungry?"
"How about I scrounge up something for us to eat while you go and freshen up?" he suggested when she nodded.
"I'll get the fire going in the meantime."
Taking the cases with her, Eliza bounded up the stairs and went directly to the master suite. The entire cottage had been outfitted with furnishings from various centuries. The master bedroom was large, with a huge fireplace taking up an entire section. Warm Indian rugs were strewn on the shiny board floor that picked up the pale light from the half-moon, gleaming through the floor-to-ceiling glass.
Wood chips were already stacked and waiting to be kindled. Using the large lighter, she set fire to the kindling, watching in fascination as it leaped upwards, the flames burning bright and casting their glow around the room.
"Ah, you got the fire going. I found some vegetable soup in the fridge."
"It smells wonderful."
They worked together, setting the table, and within minutes were seated on the comfortable leather chairs in front of the fire and enjoying the meal.
"You must be wide awake."
"Hmm. And I bet you're exhausted."
"No." Using his napkin, he dabbed at the sides of his mouth and reached for his wine. "You're forgetting that I'm a night person."
"And a morning person." She shook her head, golden-brown eyes laughing at him. "You're always on the go. Me, I start to wilt as soon as it gets to nine."
"Except when we're shooting a scene. Then you can stay up for hours."
"I'm usually revved."
He stretched his long legs out and turned his head to stare at her.
"What?"
"You're going to miss it."
She shrugged and reached for her glass. "I am. But that does not mean I regret giving it up. I thought I was one of those people who would be acting until the industry has no more use for me, but I was wrong."
