The company car rolled up to the gate of the Whitby Hall, its engine sighing to a stop. Exhausted from the long drive, Charles Montgomery stepped out slowly, grabbed his suitcase, thanked the driver, and, exhaling a breath of relief, murmured, The ceremony of the welcome is about to begin.
Emily Whitby emerged from the front door in a flowing, pastel summer dress that mirrored the lateJuly bloom outside. She always chose her outfits to match the month, and tonight the fabric sang with the seasons heat. As she brushed a strand of silksoft hair from her shoulder, she quickened her stride and offered Charles a warm, expectant smile.
Charles, weve been waiting for this you wont believe it, Ive found an incredible landscape designer, his calendar is booked solid, but Ive managed to secure him for us, she said, eyes alight.
Charles wanted to ask, How much?, but remembered the unwritten rule of the welcome ceremony: a kiss first. He obliged, pressing his lips to hers.
Emily, you look radiant, he whispered, his arms slipping around her slender waist. And Ive missed you terribly.
Ive missed you too, she replied, leaning into him, the talk of designers momentarily forgotten.
Is Natalie home? Charles asked, nodding toward the house.
Shes at a friends just down the road the Watsons daughter, Emily answered.
So its just us, he said, a grin spreading across his face. The longing hed felt melted into a rush of desire as he headed for the shower, then led Emily toward the bedroom.
Charles, Ive also found a boutique I bought something already, youll love it. Its a dressabsolutely breathtaking.
Do we need the dress? he teased, pulling her closer. You could go without anything on; youre perfect as you are.
***
Charles, Ive worked so hard on my wardrobe and you dont even look? she protested.
Later, Ill have a look, he said, slipping into his clothes. I hope theres something to eat at home; I dont want to end up at a restaurant.
Of course, weve been waiting for you. Mrs. Anderson has prepared everything, she replied, referring to the housekeeper.
The same Mrs. Anderson who keeps this place running like clockwork.
And what about me? Im the one who brings in the people to improve our estate, to make it as splendid as the Whitbys neighbours. Its my work that bought the new furniture.
Our old set hasnt even had a chance to age, Charles noted.
And the curtains? Emily continued. Look at how they complement everything.
Emily, I value all that, and I never hold back on the finances, he said, choosing silence over a blunt comment about paying for every whim.
Charles, I have an appointment at the salon! she blurted, panic flashing across her face.
Whats the rush? he asked.
You dont understand, its a topnotch salon, I booked it a month ago. I cant be late. Dont worry, darling, Natalie will be here soon she asked to come along.
Bring whom?
Her to the salon.
Isnt that early for her?
Let her learn about beauty and how to look after herself.
Shell grow up, and the lads will court her, Charles muttered.
Exactly, but it has to be flawless, Emily snapped, her blond hair flicking as she turned.
Charles ate alone at the kitchen table, the clatter of his fork the only sound. Soon after, Natalie burst through the doorway.
Dad! she chirped, clinging to him as the welcome ceremony continued. Wheres Mum?
Didnt she tell you about the salon? he asked.
Shes gone! I asked her to take me; I need a manicure.
Natalie, your nails are perfect, he praised.
Dad, youre joking, thats not fashionable now.
Im certain you painted them three days ago, but today a new trend has swooped in and youve had to change colour.
Come on, Dad
Natalie, I just read this book
And when do you find the time? Youre always working.
Between trips, in the breaks maybe you should read something too.
Sure, I read every day, different things.
I get it: the latest fashions, makeup, all that fluff.
Dad, Im just a girl
A girl, a girl alright, come here, he said, planting a kiss on her forehead. I still love you.
That evening Emily returned, twirling as she entered, her dress catching the light. What do you think? she asked.
Charles tried to decipher the change, responding cautiously, Stunning. Youre enchanting.
By night he was weary, even though hed only been home for a day.
Charles, I forgot to tell you, Aunt Margaret called, worried about you.
Oh, Auntie Ill call her tomorrow.
Are you going to visit her?
Why going? Were all going together.
Youre joking, what are we doing in that village?
Its not a village, its a market town. Four hours by car.
I dont see the difference.
Its a shame, Charles muttered as sleep pulled him under. Its a shame Ill have to go alone.
Charles never liked travelling for guests, but he never stayed long at home either; business kept him on the road. Yet a visit to Aunt Margaret, his almostmother figure, was a duty he could not shirk.
He drove his own car to her cottage, windows down, letting the wind whip through the countryside.
Charles! You actually made it? Aunt Margaret, at seventy, greeted him with a warm smile and a simple, inviting manner that needed no ceremony.
Sorry I havent visited in a year, you know how it is with my trips.
Youre a restless one, she teased, ruffling his hair, her own hair a shade lighter.
Sit down, love, Ill feed you.
She treated him like a child again, cooking the simple fare she knew he preferred over city restaurants.
Im sorry I cant cook like you do up north, he said, watching her plate. Youre not used to restaurant meals?
Emily and Natalie love eating out, but Im happy at home. No need to sit in a fancy restaurant and sample delicacies.
I brought some gifts, he added, placing a small box on the table.
Arent you sweet, but I have everything I need.
Just thought I could spoil you a little.
Aunt Margaret settled opposite him, chin propped on her hand, eyes studying her nephew. Youre always on the move, Charles. How long can you keep circling the country?
Mostly up in the North now.
Its cold up there.
He laughed. Its warm here.
So you live here sometimes, come and go?
Charles finished his meal, smiled, took her hand, and kissed the soft, chubby fingers. Thank you, Aunt Margaret.
He always called her that, affectionately. No one else did.
Would you like some elderberry drink? she offered.
Nothing beats your homemade brew; it revives the soul.
She sighed, I worry, youre a family man but youre rarely home. It must be hard.
He sipped, Hard? Its the opposite. The farther from my wife, the easier it feels.
Her eyes widened. What are you saying, Charles? Why keep your distance?
He tried to calm her. Dont be alarmed, Aunt Margaret, he said, kissing her hand again, Ive never had this kind of drink before.
Its because its made from my own berries from the garden Charles, why stay away?
If I stayed closer, Id have smothered her long ago.
Who? she asked, bewildered.
From dawn till dusk, then night, we talk about salons, boutiques, colours, masters, makeup which dress the Whitbys will wear, what the neighbours will say all day, every day. From a distance its bearable. I come, I give, I leave. Thats all I need.
What about Natalie?
Just a copy of Emily. Same interests. Three years ago I gave her a home library, picked the books myself, checked the ratings now they sit unread, because she prefers scrolling on her phone for the newest nail artist and gossip.
Aunt Margaret shook her head, Ive always supported the family, but
No changes, Im happy as I am. I chose my wife, shes beautiful, I love her. I endure the pomp of interior design, guests, salons, because I love her.
And Natalie?
Shell be just as lovely as her mother, find a fine man, and live in the chocolate.
Youll be off again soon?
This time only a month, then two weeks. Ill have time to rest.
You work all the time.
Yes, Aunt Margaret, my work feels like a holiday.
That night Charles packed to leave, slipped a few pounds onto the table for Aunt Margaret, tucked a jar of elderberry jam into his bag, kissed her cheek, and drove away. He confessed to no one else that the endless trips were his joy, that his life was exactly as he wanted itjust as his wife Emily, his sister Natalie, and his aunt Margaret each played their part in his carefully balanced world.
