“Fascinating. I’m surprised I never heard of Finlovia before this trip. From what I can tell, this country has boundless history.”
“I agree, but I suppose their lesser-known presence on the world stage is due to their neutrality and refusal to take sides in any conflicts, along with robust agricultural and technological infrastructure that keeps dependence on international trade to a minimum.”
“Which castle are we going to?” He held out a hand, asking if he could see the brochure.
She handed him the pamphlet. “Leighland Castle, home to the former Duke of Whirlton.”
“There was a short blurb about him on Finlovia’s homepage. I believe he helped craft the Laws of Parliament for Finlovia’s government.
“Ah, you did do some research.”
“Of course. As soon as Grant told me about the change in location, I began researching, only with the intent of learning for business purposes.”
Their conversation was interrupted when the tour guide called the group to attention. Cece hadn’t realized the shuttle had filled until she looked around. Only one free seat remained.
She darted a glance at James, who read the pamphlet but also listened to the tour guide. How could he maintain two mental focuses like that? Impressive.
But not impressive enough to let her imagination carry her away. She liked James. Could see herself falling for him if the circumstances were different. Even if her heart was open to romance, and even if he’d moved on from his wife’s death enough to find love again, they had separate lives.
As it was, they had this week to spend together as friends, and she would enjoy every second of vacation with her new friends.
Chapter Eight
Leighland Castle proved the perfect stop for the final leg of the ruins tour. A meadow on the grounds offered a resting place for a picnic lunch. The wind had calmed, and while the air was brisk, the sun proved enough warmth to be comfortable.
Thad, their tour guide, brought out blankets to sit on, courtesy of Ellington Castle, box lunches for each member of the tour, and thermoses full of tea and water.
James spread a blanket on a flat lay of the meadow while Cece grabbed their lunches. She returned with an older couple from Britain who they’d spoken with throughout the day.
“Edwin and Kate are joining us,” Cece announced.
“Come, have a seat.” He held a hand to Kate and helped her to a sitting position on the ground. James enjoyed the older couple. They’d added to the morning’s charm and kept him and Cece laughing at their stories from their time in a traveling entertainment troupe.
“Thank you, young man. I thought these old bones were in decent shape, but I didn’t anticipate the level of activity today.” Kate patted the spot beside her. “Sit down, Edwin. My stomach wants nourishment.”
“Hold your horses, my lady. I didn’t have a handsome gentleman helping me down.” Edwin winked at them all.
Cece extended a hand to Edwin. “I’ll help you.”
“I was hoping you would say that.” He grinned again and lowered himself to the ground with Cece’s help. “I could havedone that on my own, but who am I to deny the help of a beautiful lady.”
Kate clucked her tongue, but her eyes smiled. “He’s always been a charmer, that one. Fifty-five years of marriage and I still fall for him every time.”
“Fifty-five years married. That’s quite a success story.” James opened his box and removed a packed sandwich, a cup of fresh fruit, and what looked to be a bean salad. “What is your secret?”
Edwin poured tea from a thermos and handed the cup to his wife. “Have fun together and give each other room to be individuals while never stop sharing your life together.”
“Most importantly,” Kate added after, “trust in God and lean on him especially in the hard times. Marriage is hard, and you’ll need God more than ever.”
James knew that too well. His faith had been less than exemplary the last two years, but he couldn’t imagine fighting Crystal’s cancer alongside her without God. He wasn’t sure he’d be here today if he hadn’t found Christ as a teenager.
“How long you have you two been married?” Kate asked.
James coughed.
Cece sputtered. “We’re not married.”
“Oh, you seem so in sync with each other, I just assumed. I’m sorry. How long have you been dating then?”
