Decorative lights lit up the outside of Windward Hall, making it look like a jewel in the night.
“Thank you,” Stone said. “I’m quite fond of it.”
“How long has it been yours?”
“Several years now. I purchased it from the previous owner, before he died. I have Dame Felicity to thank for that.”
Tamlyn raised an eyebrow. “How so?”
“She introduced them,” Dino said.
Stone pointed out the side window at some lights on the other side of the river. “That’s her place across the Beaulieu River, and the location of tomorrow night’s party.”
“So close.” Her gaze shifted to a larger cluster of lights on the same side of the Beaulieu as Windward Hall. “And who lives there?”
“Anyone who books a room. That’s one of our Arrington Hotels.”
“Mike mentioned one was in England. I didn’t realize it was next door to your home.”
“You should visit the Arrington in Los Angeles,” Dino said. “He has a house on the hotel grounds.”
“Do you have homes at or near all your hotels?” she asked Stone.
“Not all,” he said.
The Range Rover stopped at the entrance to WindwardHall, and Stone led his friends inside and into the study, where he poured each a glass of port.
As he handed Dino his drink, Bugg rapped on the door and entered.
“Pardon the interruption, sir,” he said. “But I wanted to let Miss Thompson know that her ride into the city will be waiting out front at eight a.m.”
Tamlyn would be spending most of Saturday in London.
“Thank you, Major,” Tamlyn said. “I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.”
“No trouble at all, madam.”
“And where will I find my room?” she asked.
“I’ll show you once we finish here,” Stone said.
“I assume I’m in my regular room?” Dino said.
“You are, Commissioner,” the major replied, then looked at Stone. “Will there be anything else?”
“I think that’s all for tonight,” Stone said.
With a bow of his head, the major left.
“He’s quite efficient, isn’t he?” Tamlyn said.
“I can’t imagine how this place would run without him,” Dino said.
“Has he worked for you long?” Tamlyn asked Stone.
“He came with the house.”
“Lucky you.”
