She didn’t answer. Obviously, she couldn’t. His one solace came that she was free of pain and in heaven with the Savior she’d accepted at a young age. On the worst of days, that’s where he found his comfort.
He hadn’t lied to Cece. Weariness pulled at him from every direction, but he knew sleep would not be soon in coming. She’d had a good point. He should browse through the folder and see what Grant had planned.
Less than twenty-four hours had passed, and James was already slipping on his diligence to detail and plans, leaving him twisted in a state of emotional disarray. All the calm he’d collected from playing chess had disappeared. He’d prepare a hot cup of tea and make his plans for the week.
Once he regained control of himself, he’d be much happier. That’s all there was to it.
Chapter Seven
Following James’s advice, Cece had drunk a cup of hot herbal tea with lavender before she turned in for bed last night. Whether the tea had worked, or her body had been worn out from excitement, she’d fallen asleep within minutes of her head hitting the pillow.
She woke up at five-thirty, refreshed and ready to start her day. Getting out of bed, she walked to the window and opened the drapes. Her view opened to the courtyard, where employees scattered about to set up breakfast buffet, free to all guests of Ellington Castle.
After all she’d eaten at dinner last night, Cece hadn’t imagined she’d be so hungry for breakfast, but her eagerness to experience all Finlovia had to offer opened space in her stomach. Nevertheless, she had over an hour until the breakfast bar opened.
She took a shower and blow dried her hair, then picked out her outfit for the day. Finlovia’s forecast called for a high of fifty-five degrees with light cloud coverage. Since she’d successfully registered for the ruins tour that would have substantial walking, she went for stylish comfort. She chose a pair of loose-fitting jeans, a long sleeve aqua t-shirt with a button-down shirt overtop. Her shoes were a pair of slim athletic shoes that would provide comfort and stability. Before she left, she’d grab her jacket to protect from the fierce winds Finlovia was known for having spring up out of seemingly nowhere.
At six forty-five, she left her room and descended the stairs. Following the signs, the found the castle exit for the courtyard. She scanned her room key fob for entry then found a table to sitat. Anya would join her shortly but had sent a text that she was running fifteen minutes behind.
Would James join them?
His behavior last night threw her off. She didn’t doubt that he was tired, but her gut told her there was more to his change of invitation. Whatever it was, she didn’t know but she’d give him whatever space was needed. Goodness knew she didn’t appreciate being surrounded by people, even those with good intentions, when she just wanted to be alone.
Her stomach gave a small growl. Cece turned over the place card on the table, noting it was occupied, then went to make a plate of food. She could have easily filled five plates by taking only one of each item, but she had to help her eyes align with her stomach. Choosing carefully, she decided on eggs benedict, two sausages, and a cream cheese pastry.
A server came by with a beverage cart. “Would you like a drink, ma’am?”
“Coffee and orange juice, please.”
She added a dash of creamer to her coffee and left out her normal sugar. While waiting for Anya, she closed her eyes and prayed over her meal.
When she opened them, James stood at the table. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” she echoed, pleasantly surprised to see him.
He smelled of pine and leather, and his hair glistened with the remaining dampness of a shower. “Is this seat taken?”
“Only by you.” She offered a smile. “I wasn’t sure if you’d make it this morning, but I found a table for at least three in case you did.”
“I appreciate that.” He pulled out the chair and sat down. “I’m sorry about last night.”
“No apologies needed. Yesterday was the never-ending day and I think every traveler crashed in bed exhausted.”
“I most definitely did, but not before I looked at my folder.”
She sat up straighter and came to full attention. “What did you discover?”
“Grant has quite a sense of humor,” James answered with a wry grin.
“Oh yeah?”
“Since he knows how much I love plans, he made up for the surprise of the trip by planning each day to the brim.” He rolled his eyes. “Including a tuxedo fitting for the ball.”
“Shouldn’t you choose how to relax on a vacation?”
“Yes. I’ve already spoken to him this morning. He’s in London for the week, so the time difference is only an hour. He admitted the booked days were a concession to me, but I’m free to pick and choose what I’d like to do.”
“What’s on today’s schedule?” she asked, lifting the coffee mug to her mouth.
