‘Yes, what a way to start the day.’ Her eyes drunk in all the scenery: a burnt-orange-pink sunrise soaring over smooth, rolling hills, the pale mist hovering, birds elegantly flying in sequence, all sheer perfection taking her breath away.
‘I’m glad you enjoyed it.’ Tobias’ voice was closer than she expected, making her suddenly turn to face him. His eyes gazed into hers and she stared back into the gold flecks mixed with hazel green. He leant forward and brushed away an eyelash on her cheek. ‘Come on, let’s get back. I’ll show you round the Hall,’ he said gently.
Megan followed in silence with a fast-beating heart.
Once the horses had been watered and put back inside the stables, Tobias guided Megan round to the front of the Hall. She gazed up at the beautiful, majestic building hoping desperately she could do it justice with her painting.
Tobias sensed her self-doubt. ‘Megan, I know you’ll do a fantastic job. I’ve seen your artwork.’ He then opened the large, wooden door and steered her inside. A vast hallway greeted her with a stone floor and dark oak panelling. A chandelier glimmered in the centre of an ornate plaster ceiling, showing heraldic symbols of the Cavendish family, their coat of arms depicting a cross and a lion. A solid staircase with intricate carvings ran up the middle of the hallway, which led onto an overlooking balcony. Hanging from the wall was a huge tapestry of a knight wearing a white tunic with a red cross. ‘My family had strong connections to the Knights Templar,’ Tobias explained, following her eyes.
‘Oh, I see,’ replied Megan faintly, completely overawed by the splendour of such surroundings.
‘I’ll show you the great hall.’ He ushered her through the first door off the hallway into a long room, which ran the full length of the building. A huge oak table stood in the middle, decorated with silver candelabras, family portraits proudly stared down from the high walls. ‘We only use this room for large family occasions.’
That’s probably why it’s so cold, thought Megan, wincing at the thought of what their energy bills would be.
The next room they entered was the drawing room. This was much smaller and far more homely. Again, family portraits surrounded them, along with smaller landscape pictures. The marble fireplace was lit, with a small crackling fire, giving a warm, cosy feeling. A coffee cup left on the side table and a crumpled newspaper on the Chesterfield sofa were obvious signs that this room was certainly lived in. The library was Megan’s favourite room, with its mahogany panelling and endless rows of books. A mobile stepladder was suspended from the highest shelf. The dark wood floor was covered with Persian rugs and the whole space was illuminated by the light streaming through the large stained-glass window at the bottom of the room. The pictures showcased the Cavendish family pedigree through marriage from various earls and possible royalty, judging by the crowns that were worn. Megan longed to ask, but didn’t want to appear crass. A dried flower arrangement filled the large, tiled fireplace, inviting Megan to investigate further at the portrait above it. It was of Tobias, recently painted, by the look of it. The likeness was uncanny, with his sparkly green eyes, dark shiny hair, and the signature grin playing round his lips.
‘This is brilliant, Tobias!’ she gasped in awe, thinking her own effort would be insignificant compared to this.
Sensing her unease again, Tobias moved to stand behind her and put a hand on her shoulder.
‘You can do better,’ he whispered gently in her ear.
She halted. His breath felt hot, caressing her neck. His hand was still on her shoulder, warm and heavy. Her chest started to pound. Megan was unnerved by the effect he had on her. Not for the first time she wondered just how much of a distraction Tobias would prove to be. To her, painting the Hall was an important commission that may set the course for a new, much-longed-for career. But was it just a game to him?
