“Welcome,” Carlisle said in his cultured English accent as he stepped forward with an extended hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
CHAPTERFOUR
“It’smypleasure, sir.” Eb shook his hand. “I’ve heard good things about your beacon work.”
With a pleased smile, Mr. Wyndham stepped aside, and Eb entered the cozy, rustic home. It wasn’t what he’d have expected in a house belonging to an earl’s grandson, but delightful, nonetheless. What struck Eb the most was the vista of the Grand Tetons through the large windows. The setting sun had turned the mountains into a glorious array of reds, oranges, and yellows.
“Isn’t the view to die for?” Sandra asked, coming to stand beside him. She pointed to three cottages in the distance, close enough to be in easy walking distance to the house but with enough space for privacy.
“So, those are the infamous cottages.” Eb nodded in appreciation.
“I hope not infamous,” a pretty, dark-haired woman said, arching a brow in amusement.
“Sorry. Poor word choice. My boss has just mentioned them a lot since she’s looking at adding some to the resort.”
“Ah, so this explains why Gretchen asked me for the plans for the third cottage. This is my wife, Merry,” Carlisle added. “And you’ve already met our children.”
“It’s kind of you to let us intrude.” Eb shook her hand.
“No intrusion at all. Alex and Grace were excited when they heard they’d have company this evening.” Merry turned to Sandra. “You have our numbers, and I’ve listed the information with the event location on the fridge. I’ve told them they can only stay up until nine.”
“Don’t you worry about anything. I’ve watched them enough that I have their number now, and they know it.” Sandra glanced across the room, though Eb couldn’t tell at what. “Besides, Nigel is here tonight, and the Earl of Discipline doesn’t let them get away with much.”
“I heard that,” the deep male voice with an English accent called from the other side of the fireplace.
Merry grinned and grabbed her purse from the counter. “Have fun! The pizza for dinner should arrive at six.”
“It’s already paid for, and I included a tip, so you needn’t worry about anything,” Carlisle added. “Thank you again.”
“With Walt and Linda away for the weekend, I have plenty of time.” Sandra followed them to the door. “You two just enjoy your evening together.”
“Oh, we mean to.” Carlisle grinned, offered his wife his arm, and they left the house.
Sandra closed the door and turned to face Eb. “Let’s introduce you to Nigel, and then I think we better check to see what the children are up to.”
“They are attempting to assemble a puzzle,” that deep voice said. “I wish to meet your young man. Bring him to me.”
Sandra rolled her eyes and lowered her voice so only Eb could hear. “I love Nigel. The man is a hoot, but he’s also obnoxiously romantic. I cannot tell you how many times he’s tried to set me up. Just ignore his comments because I’m sure he’s going to make some. He’s over here.”
Bemused at being called Sandra’syoung manand the sense of satisfaction the words gave him, Eb followed her around the large fireplace, which turned out to provide separation between two rooms.
The three children sat at a square coffee table filled with richly colored pieces of gold, blue, and red. He recognized the images from the Harry Potter movies and seemed complicated for such young children. Eb loved puzzles and was curious if his daughter would as well.
Rue didn’t appear to have much experience with them, and he wondered what kinds of toys her mother had provided the child with. When his daughter found one piece right away, she squealed. His heart swelled with happiness for her.
Eb glanced up and found he was being watched by both Sandra and an elderly gentleman who sat in a recliner, a throw over his lap. The older man had an amazing, carefully trimmed beard and a regal bearing about him. Eb had met many wealthy and famous people at the resort, but he couldn’t recall having seen someone who exuded so much confidence in who he was.
“Your Lordship.” Eb bowed.
“I like him already, Sandra,” the earl said. “Now introduce him to me.”
“Nigel, this is Eb Grinchly. He does public relations stuff for the ski resort. Eb, this is Nigel Wyndham, 19th Earl of Birkenmor in the UK.” She grinned at the old man. “If I didn’t do it right, too bad. You’re in America.”
“Cheeky girl.” The earl chuckled and waved a hand at the second recliner facing their side of the fireplace. Sandra slid into a seat at the breakfast bar behind the chair.
Eb shot her a worried glance but sat as instructed. He checked to make sure Rue was still getting along with the other children before giving his attention to the older man.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my Lord,” he said.
