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“That doesn’t mean you need to be throwing a party now, Cara. Wait until January. Wait until the babies are born. Then throw the party.”
“Alex said the same thing, but the Sherbourne family is so looking forward to being together again, and the neighbors are excited as well. I don’t want to let any of them down. I can be social. I just can’t be on my feet for very long. Alec will carry me downstairs for the party and I’ll sit in a comfortable chair and pretend I’m a queen and let everyone come to visit with me.”
Ella no longer felt like smiling. Her sister could be so stubborn, and this was a perfect example of her refusing to be realistic. “I think this is a terrible idea. If Mom and Dad knew—”
“But they don’t. I’m telling them on Christmas. It’s my gift to them this year, especially as I haven’t been able to do the shopping I would normally do.”
“So, when is the baby—babies—due?”
“May thirteenth, but as you know from Tom and Kristine, twins often arrive early. My goal is to make it to week thirty-eight.”
“So, who knows?”
“You’re the first person I’ve told,” Cara said. “Alec has told Baird, and the staff here knows, but that’s it. We’ve promised them to secrecy, too. And they’ve been brilliant, waiting on me hand and foot, spoiling me rotten. Once Alec’s home, we’ll share the news with his family. I’d hoped he’d be back before they arrived but he’s dealing with a lot at work and will only make it back Friday after work.”
“When does his family arrive?”
“Friday, around noon.”
“Friday, as in the day after tomorrow? The aunts and great uncle?” Ella saw Cara’s nod and Ella felt a wave of indignation. “And they’ll be here through Christmas, just like last year?”
Cara nodded a second time.
Ella jumped up and paced the elegant master bedroom. “How is Alec okay with this? You had to cater to them last year, do everything for them—”
“Only because the staff wasn’t here, and then we had that huge storm. But the staff is staying on for the holidays this year. Mrs. Booth’s adult children are coming here, they’ll have rooms in the guest wing, and I’ve heard it’s not going to be a white Christmas, which is too bad for you.”
“Oh, Cara, I’m worried.”
“Don’t be. You met Mrs. Booth, our housekeeper and manager of all things important. If you haven’t yet met Mrs. Johnson, the cook and keeper of the kitchen and all menu planning, you will. And then there’s Mr. Trimble, our head groundskeeper, who also plays chauffeur, as you’ve already discovered. He’s a lovely man, isn’t he?”
“I haven’t met Mr. Trimble.”
“But he picked you up—”
“No, he didn’t. Baird picked me up.”
“Baird? Alec’s Baird?”
“Yes,” Ella answered flatly. “I wish someone had given me a head’s up. I was caught off guard.”
“I didn’t know. Mr. Trimble was supposed to get you. That was the plan.”
“Apparently, Mr. Trimble has the flu. He’s been told to stay home and isolate so that he doesn’t get anyone else here sick.”
“Alec didn’t tell me. I’m sorry.” Cara leaned forward. “If I’d known, I would have made alternate arrangements for your arrival. I know how you feel about him.” Cara searched Ella’s eyes. “How was the drive home?”
“Fine.” Ella hesitated, some of the anger fading. She returned to the bed and sat down again. “It’s not as if I hate him. It’s nothing like that. I’m just… uncomfortable.”
“I know.” Cara reached for her hand, giving it a quick squeeze. “Believe me, if I’d known I would have booked a driver for you. I’ll speak to Alec—”
“No, don’t. Baird is his best friend, and it was really nice of him to take the time to get me. I don’t imagine he would normally be in Manchester on a Wednesday.”
“No, he’d be at his office in Edinburgh.”
“Is that far from here?”
Cara wrinkled her nose. “About a five-hour drive. If there’s no traffic.”
