Else led the group through the half-timbered redbrick building, then east toward Strandvej. “You’ll recognize the villa,” she said to Laila as they walked.
“That fancy house by the beach? Hemming’s aunt and uncle are the caretakers?”
“I’ll explain when we get there.”
Soon she passed through the gate onto grounds infused with romantic memories, and she rang the front bell.
Janne Thorup opened the door. “Else! I’m glad you came. How many guests did you bring? Two?”
“Ten.” Else entered the foyer. “Two more groups behind us, all from the same family. This is Fru Berend and her daughter Laila, my best friend.”
“I’m glad to meet you. I’m Janne Thorup, the housekeeper.” She turned to the stairs. “Hemming! Else’s here.”
Laila fixed a hard gaze on Else. “You’ve been here.”
“Several times.” She managed a flimsy smile.
A knock on the door, and Janne welcomed the other eight guests.
Hemming descended the stairs in his work clothes. “Else, Laila, I’m glad you made it. Welcome to Lyd-af-Lys. Is this your family, Laila? I was expecting a larger group.”
Laila stared. She’d probably never heard so many words from Hemming’s mouth or so quickly spoken.
Else smiled up at him. “The others are coming tomorrow, we hope.”
Janne motioned to the stairs. “Come with me. I’ll show you to your rooms.”
Else laid her hand on Janne’s arm. “Is there somewhere Laila and I can talk in private in the dark? She has a migraine.”
“Oh dear. I’m sorry.”
Hemming stepped forward. “Let’s put Laila in my sister Margrethe’s room. It has only one window, and we hung blackout curtains this afternoon so the house will still look uninhabited.”
“Perfect,” Janne said. “Can you show them the way while I get the others settled?”
“Of course. Come, ladies.” Hemming smiled at the still-gaping Laila. “We’ll explain all.”
Else and Laila followed Hemming upstairs and down a hall to the right.
“Here’s your room. The bathroom is at the end of the hall on the left.” Hemming opened a door and turned on a lamp. “Just enough light so you can get settled.”
“Thank you,” Laila said in a numb voice.
He shut the door and extended his hand. “Allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is Henrik Ahlefeldt. Welcome to my home.”
Laila didn’t lift her hand. “Henrik?”
“You must continue to call me Hemming. Now, I have more preparations to make, but Else will explain everything.”
“Everything?” Else swung the suitcase onto the bed and opened it to find Laila’s nightgown.
“Everything. Even the Havmand. My secret must not interfere with your friendship.”
“The Havmand!” Laila glanced back and forth between Hemming and Else.
Hemming raised one hand to pause the conversation. “Else, are you returning to Copenhagen tonight? I am. I’d like to keep up appearances.”
“Yes. I hope to leave by six.”
