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“On trays in the butler’s pantry.” Cara suddenly realized how much needed to be done and how little time there was. “Maybe we skip the sandwiches until after everyone’s gone? Trying to squeeze in dinner before will just add stress.”
“You’re right. Let’s keep it simple. I’ll be back down as soon as I’m dressed.”
Cara watched Alec disappear down a hall, heading from the old hall to the family wing. She turned back to Alec’s uncle, thinking that he was probablyGreat-Uncle Frederick. “I’ll take your suitcase to your room if you want to show me the way.”
Frederick just stared at her hard. “You’re an American.”
“Yes.”
“Why are you here?”
It crossed her mind that Frederick didn’t need the whole story. In fact, short and sweet was probably the way to go. “I’m a guest of Alec’s.”
“Do you know where everyone has gone?”
“Well, Alec just went upstairs—”
“I know where Alec went. He’s gone to shower and change. But the staff? Johnson and Booth and Trimble? Where have they all gone?”
“Mrs. Booth is spending the week with her children in London.”
“That’s one.”
Cara’s lips twitched. “Mrs. Johnson’s mother fell this morning and was rushed to the hospital so Mr. Trimble drove Mrs. Johnson to her mother’s so she could be there for her.”
“So instead of any proper staff, we have you.”
Cara laughed. “That pretty much sums it up.”
“He should be married. He should have a wife here, helping him.”
Cara’s smile faded, and she thought of all Alec had shared with her in the car. The ache was back in her chest, a tender knot of emotion. “Fortunately, he has you. You’ll be a great help to Alec during the tour tonight. I think all the guests would be delighted if you’d say a few words during the champagne toast.”
Frederick’s eyes narrowed and he focused intently on her. “Do you like him? My nephew?”
“He’s a wonderful person. I’ve become quite fond of him,” she admitted.
“He hasn’t had an easy time of it.”
“So I understand.”
“Has he told you about Madeleine?”
“He has.”
“And Elizabeth?”
“Just a little,” Cara said.
“You know, those have been the only two in fifteen years. Just Madeleine and Elizabeth. And now you.”
Cara blinked, shook her head. “Oh, no, we’re not, I mean, he’s not—” She tried again. “We’re not together. We’re not dating, or a couple. We’re just friends. For Christmas.”Friends for Christmas? Goodness that sounded dreadful.
“I may be ninety-two but I know what I see. My nephew cares for you. If you’re not interested, that’s fine. Just don’t string him along.” Frederick picked up his suitcase and slowly walked away, taking the same corridor Alec had.
Cara stood there, just a little bit bewildered by all that had been said, but then with a glance at her watch, realized that the tour would begin far too soon, dashed upstairs to fix her makeup and change.
Chapter Eight
