At a breezy fifty-five degrees, she wouldn’t normally dine outdoors but she couldn’t get over how fresh the air was in this country. Besides, she’d also ordered a cup of coffee that would keep her warm while she ate.
Each bite of the biscuit melted in her mouth. The jam had a perfect consistency and was not overly sweet, while the butter had a fresh, creamy taste unlike anything she’d had back home. When she was finished, she returned her plate inside and ordered another to take with her for later.
“My cousin-in-law is the one who makes the jam,” the worker informed her. “The jam is for sale next door if you’d like to take a jar home, but it’s also available in many of the gift shops throughout town.”
“I’ll definitely buy a jar or two before I leave. Thank you.”
Cece left the bakery and browsed the stores on each side of the bakery. A book on Finlovia’s ancient language caught her eye, but she talked herself out of making the purchase. She had two weeks in the country, and she couldn’t buy every souvenir that she wanted. If she still wanted the book next week, then she would buy it.
Crossing the pedestrian bridge again, she returned to the airport and found the designated waiting area for Ellington Castle’s shuttle.
“Yikes,” she muttered under her breath upon seeing the large crowd. She hadn’t anticipated three dozen guests also taking the shuttle. Would a bus pick them up?
She stood on the edge of the gathering, feeling suddenly insecure. Most of the guests were women and appeared to have arrived in groups. From what she could tell, only five or so other ladies had come alone.
It’s okay, she told herself silently. Many people took vacations alone. She had no reason to feel awkward or embarrassed.
“Are you here for the ball?” a twentyish woman with auburn hair and a deep southern American accent asked.
“Not exactly,” Cece answered as truthfully as she could.
“I am.” Unabashedly excited, the lady smiled. “When I first heard about the legend four years ago, I knew I had to come. I’ve been saving ever since. Of course, if love had come my way before then, I would have welcomed it, but I’d still want to come. I’ve had years to research Finlovia, and I’ve fallen in love with the country.” She extended her hand. “I’m Anya, by the way.”
“Cecelia, but everyone calls me Cece.” She shook Anya’s hand.
“You’re American, also, correct? I detect a slight accent, but it’s definitely from somewhere in America.”
“Virginia.”
“That was my second guess.” Anya smiled. “I’m from Alabama.”
Cece glanced around. “Did you come with a group?”
“No, just me. Strange, huh? At least that’s what my family told me, but I see it as a grand adventure.”
“I’m traveling solo, also,” Cece confessed. “My good friend booked the trip for me.”
Anya looped an arm through Cece’s elbow. “We’ll be travel buddies, how’s that?”
A grin tugged at Cece’s lips. She’d officially been adopted by an extrovert for the duration of the trip. “Sounds great.”
“If you’re not here for the ball, will you at least attend?”
“Yes. My friend Rachel who booked the trip, threatened to dissolve our friendship if I skipped out on that event.”
Anya’s loud laugh attracted several glances from nearby. “Rachel’s my kind of friend. I like her, and I’ve never met her.”
“You two would get along well.”
“I’m glad she’s insisting you go to the ball. It promises to be great fun, even if you don’t believe in the legend.”
Cece noted the imbalance in the crowd. “If this group is any indication, the odds won’t be in the women’s favor.”
“Ah, but that’s the beauty of the legend. You won’t necessarily find love here, but within three months.”
“That’s right. My brain is jet-lagged and not functioning properly.”
Anya winked. “However, I’m hoping to find love here. I’ve heard the royal family attends several times a year.”
