Chapter 55
‘It’s gorgeous!’ Finula admired the ring as Megan held out her left hand.
‘I know,’ she grinned back. It was Megan’s last day working at The Templar and she and Finula were in the kitchen. Although she’d miss working alongside her best friend, she couldn’t help but be excited at what lay ahead of her. Treweham Hall was now ready to be opened to the public. The tearoom was fully complete. It had a chic, classic finish with its pale silver-grey walls, white ornate coving and centrepiece chandelier. White linen tablecloths covered the tables, and each one had fresh flowers in a cut-glass vase. All the teapots, crockery and cake stands were fine white bone china and classical music was to be played softy in the background. The gift shop was fully stocked with Treweham Hall memorabilia, including the postcards of Megan’s painting, plus pictures had been made and were now available too. It was amazing, as Megan kept telling Tobias when he had shown her the finished project.
She couldn’t wait to start working at Treweham Hall, much to Tobias’ appreciation. He was pleased she didn’t find the place so intimidating any more. After all, as he was fond of reminding her, it was going to be her home, too.
Megan had gradually accustomed herself to the fact that Treweham Hall was indeed about to be her home. It felt surreal. She had tried her utmost to remember all the history about her new family-to-be, as part of her duty as a tour guide. She had practised her spiel, touring the rooms with Tobias.
‘Welcome to Treweham Hall, home of the Cavendish-Blakes since the early fifteenth century.’
‘Sixteenth century,’ corrected Tobias.
‘Sorry, sixteenth century. Treweham Hall is set in a three-hundred-acre estate—’
‘Three thousand.’
‘Sorry, three-thousand-acre estate. The Cavendish-Blakes had strong connections to the Knights Templar from 1129.’
‘Good,’ nodded Tobias with a grin.
‘We are currently in what was originally the Billiard Room. Note the pretty light in the ceiling, which illuminated the billiard table. We will now move into the Principal Bedroom.’
‘Sounds interesting,’ Tobias raised an eyebrow.
‘Shush, I’m concentrating.’
‘Sorry.’ Megan ushered Tobias to the next room.
‘This room started out as the bridal suite of Sir James and Lady Cavendish-Blake in the sixteenth century. The four-poster bed has accommodated many royal visitors, including Edward, Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson.’ She paused. ‘Is that actually true?’
‘It can be,’ he replied drily.
‘Moving on to the Music Room …’ She brushed past him, and he pinched her bottom.
‘No fondling the staff, please, my lord,’ she threw over her shoulder.
‘Is that not my prerogative?’ he teased, following behind her.
Ignoring him she continued, ‘Here the Music Room boasts an impressive Steinway piano. Feel free to have a tinkle,’ she added with a giggle.
‘No tinkling allowed,’ he replied, folding his arms.
‘Now for the Chapel. Please follow me.’ Tobias did as he was told. ‘The family chapel features a late eighteenth-century Gillow altar front and is in regular use for family occasions, mainly christening and weddings.’
‘The next one being ours.’ Tobias stood in front of her and pulled her into him. She smiled up and he kissed her slowly and thoroughly. Megan’s heart still fluttered uncontrollably when he touched her. Her hands ran through his dark, shiny hair, loving the texture. Finally they pulled apart.
‘How was I?’
‘Sensational.’
‘Tobias, when should we set the date?’
‘Right now. Let’s get married next month. We’ll marry here in the Chapel and have the reception in the Great Hall. It won’t take too much arranging.’
‘Don’t you ever slow down?’ she laughed.
‘Get used to it, Lady Cavendish-Blake-to-be.’ He held her again, once more thanking his lucky stars.
