Cara opened the front door almost immediately, her smile quick and warm.“Come in, come in,” Cara said.“It’s terribly cold today.Snow must be in the forecast.”
Inside, the house smelled of evergreens and polish and something sweet baking already in the kitchen.Garlands of greenery and gold and white ribbon framed the archways, the marble floors gleamed, and then there was the soaring tree that rose up at least two floors, filling the curving staircase, reaching up high toward the elegant glass dome.
Mrs.Booth materialized to take Cat’s coat and then was gone just as swiftly.
“Mrs.Johnson has already laid out the tea things for us,” Cara said, leading the way.“Today we’re going to take tea in the blue music room, my favorite room in the afternoon as it gets the most gorgeous light.”
Cat had seen the room before, on the Sunday Mrs.Booth gave them a house tour the day before the holiday tours began, and the blue music room was even more exquisite now, all pale light and soft color.A fire burned low in the grate, and on a small table near the sofa, a silver tea tray gleamed with China cups, scones, and tiny sandwiches arranged in neat tiers.
“It’s beautiful,” Cat said softly.
Cara smiled.“It’s my favorite room in the house when no one else is here.Alec prefers the library, the green salon is ideal for family and friends, but I like this one best.It’s the right size when it’s just me, or me taking tea with a friend.”
They sat together, and Cara poured the tea, asking undemanding questions that required no real thought, questions meant to help Catriona relax.
Cara shared about her family in Bellingham, Washington and how her sister was there now with her husband, Baird, averyhunky Scottish lawyer her sister Ella had met at Cara and Alec’s wedding in the San Juan Islands.Cat loved how Cara called Baird hunky.She also loved the story of how Ella and Baird, both part of the wedding party, had met and had a moment—before becoming enemies, and then later, in England two years ago, becoming lovers.
“It’s the power of this place,” Cara said.“Langley Park has a special magic of its own.”
She looked at Cat over the rim of her teacup.“Have you by chance felt any… magic?”
Catriona felt heat race through her, her cheeks burning, and she shook her head.
But Cara’s eyebrows arched as she took a small sip of tea and then carefully set her cup back in the saucer.“If I didn’t think the world of Rhys, I wouldn’t care.But he’s a lovely man and a very devoted father.”
“He is,” Cat said, forcing herself to speak.
“I think he has feelings for you.”
Cat’s head jerked up, and she looked uncertainly at her hostess.“I can’t imagine Rhys Harmon confessing feelings.”
“You mean to me?”Cara laughed.“True, not so much in words, but it was in what he didn’t say.He cares for you but you’re returning to Michigan soon, I believe?”
Cat nodded.“I’m interviewing now for teaching positions… well, interviewing as much as one can over the winter holidays.”
“My father is a professor,” Cara said.“My sister earned her PhD but isn’t teaching at the moment, just happy being a newlywed.”
“I don’t have a PhD,” Cat said, almost regretful.
“No.Just two master’s.”Humor flashed in Cara’s eyes.“You know, you are perfect for him.Is it that you don’t like England?You can’t imagine living here any longer?”
“That’s not it at all.I’ve loved being here.I really like London.”
“Why not get a teaching job here then?”
It crossed Cat’s mind that someone had been filling Cara in.She definitely knew quite a lot about Catriona’s life… and future.“I have things to settle in Michigan.I need to sell my grandmother’s homes, and they are full of things, her things, my grandfather’s things, my parents’.I’ve put it off because it’s overwhelming, but I can’t just ignore the places any longer.It’s time to do something with them… and all those things.”
“Do you have anyone to help you?”Cara persisted.
Cat hesitated and then shook her head.“No.But I can hire some movers and get Goodwill to come with a truck and take away the clothes, dishes and furniture I don’t need.There’s no point hanging on to everything.”
Cara refilled their teacups.“I wish I lived closer.I would love to help you.In fact, maybe I could fly over—”
“No, Lady Sherbourne—”
“Cara, please.I’m just like you.”
“Except you’re a countess.”
