As the wagoncrested the hill, Caroline glanced down and into the valley where Stellenbosch sat and could not help but smile. It was a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and fields planted with grapes and corn.
“I had forgotten how excited I became as a boy when we arrived in this very spot and knew that I would soon see my grandparents and second cousins,” Wyndham murmured.
“Do many still live here?” Caroline asked.
“My grandparents are gone. I am not certain of the others. It has been so long…”
Caroline turned away as Sterling trailed off, likely lost in memories.
As the wagon arrived in town, residents that she recognized came forward to greet them. When Kaya’s mother saw her daughter, she rushed forward for an embrace.
“Go,” Caroline insisted. “Enjoy time with your family. Both of you.”
“When would you like to leave, Mrs. Sutcliffe?”
The sun would set soon, which meant that Kaya and Malik would not have much time with their family, nor would Wyndham who needed to reunite with family. “The day after tomorrow, at sunrise,” she finally answered.
“I will see to the horses and wagon,” Malik offered as Wyndham helped her from the wagon and retrieved their valises.
“Caroline,” Mrs. Cloate called and came forward. “It has been too long and we are so happy you have come to visit. Malik and Kaya’s parents have been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”
How could Mrs. Cloate know that she would be here when she hadn’t even known until yesterday afternoon, unless…Had Lady Wyndham planned this all along and sent word ahead?
“The cottage you usually occupy has been dusted and swept, and the bedding was changed.”
Caroline had no words and was certain she looked confused as she stood there, her mouth hanging open.
Mrs. Cloate then smiled at Sterling. Caroline realized that the woman did not know who he was.
“The Earl of Wyndham,” Caroline somehow managed to make the introductions.
“Sterling!” she exclaimed and held out her hands to him.
“Aunt Fenna,” Sterling returned with a smile.
“My, how you have grown,” she said, taking his hands. “You were just a boy when you were last here.”
“It has been a long time,” he chuckled.
“The two of you will dine with me tonight. Tomorrow, I will invite your relatives together for a feast,” she announced.
“I would like to freshen first, if you please,” Caroline told her.
“Yes, of course.” She led Caroline to the small, whitewashed cottage in which she had always slept. They stepped inside and Mrs. Cloate lit a lamp illuminating the room that held a table, stove, cupboard, and two small beds against opposite walls.
Caroline walked forward and placed her valise at the foot of the bed she always slept in. “Where will Lord Wyndham be staying?”
Mrs. Cloate’s face began to pinken as she bit her lip and glanced around. “I am afraid that we have no place for my great-nephew.”
If Mrs. Cloate had anticipated Caroline’s arrival, why had she not been expecting Wyndham? That was assuming his mother had written, though Caroline still could not understand how she could have known… She pinched the bridge of her nose. If she gave it too much thought, she would end up with a headache. She would simply make do while they were here and ask questions when they returned to Wyndview Farm.
“I can sleep in the back of the wagon,” Wyndham offered much to her surprise.
“You most certainly will not,” Mrs. Cloate argued. “You are an earl.”
“Mrs. Sutcliffe cannot do so.”
“Of course not, it is much too dangerous.”
