After the Here and Now

Chapter Fourteen

It was late evening by the time Kathryn and Duncan arrived at their destination. It was still light, but the silence of the evening had begun to settle over the countryside. Duncan had arranged everything, just as he had said he would. A week away, just the two of them. He had written to Mr Simmons to ask for the use of his old hunting lodge, a beautiful old building that had been in his family for centuries. He very rarely used it as a hunting lodge these days and more of a countryside retreat when he wished to leave the city behind. Duncan had visited with him before and knew that there would be no disturbances here. Peter had been more than happy to allow them use of the house. It was to be left to Duncan after all, and it was his ancestors' land, too. And so, Mr Simmons had sent word to the staff that resided there on the nephew's behalf.

'Mr Simmons, so nice to see you again,' an older lady waited for them at the arched doorway as their carriage rolled to a stop. Duncan climbed down first, and with his good hand, he helped Kathryn dismount.

'Mrs Wilcox. The pleasure is mine,' he smiled warmly.

'Apologies,' Mrs Wilcox sighed and shook her head. 'You are Mr Lockland now, are you not? Lord Lockland?' She corrected her error.

'I am, yes. I took my birth name when I inherited the Lockland estate and title,' he replied friendly.

'It is nice to see you looking so well,' she smiled, trying hard not to direct her gaze to the sight of his old wound.

'Thank you. Yes, I was a little worse for wear when I was last here,' he laughed. 'Please forgive me,' Duncan moved aside and turned to Kathryn. 'This is my wife, Mrs Kathryn Lockland.' Mrs Wilcox looked at her, a friendly smile turning the corners of her mouth. When Duncan had last been here, he had been married to Lucy.

'It is lovely to meet you, Mrs Lockland,' her voice was soft and kind. Her face was easy and pleasant. Her grey hair was tied up in a bun on the back of her head, and her appearance was elegant and clean. She wore a black housekeepers dress and keys dangled from her waist. Kathryn shifted on her feet; she must have appeared a poor woman in comparison to the beautiful Lucille Simmons. But, if she did, Mrs Wilcox did not act as though she were anyone other than the lady she was born.

'Likewise,' Kathryn smiled back. She was tired from the long journey. Untying the keys from her waistband, Mrs Wilcox handed them over to Duncan.

'I have been given strict instructions that I am to take a week's holiday,' the housekeeper laughed at the thought. 'I will be visiting my daughter. Mr Cross will remain on the estate. He lives above the stables and will take care of your horses. He's a reclusive soul. You shan't be bothered by him. But if you do need anything, rest assured he will be happy to help,' she clasped her hands in front of her.

'Thank you, Mrs Wilcox,' Duncan held the keys. 'We appreciate your time.'

'You're most welcome, Mr Lockland. I'm pleased to see you so well recovered,' she spoke with genuine care.

Out of the corner of her eye, Kathryn caught sight of a man approaching them in a small horse-drawn carriage. He had entered the estate through the gates from the country lane outside, which led directly to the lodge. She turned to him, watching.

'Ah, here is Mr Cross now,' Mrs Wilcox waved gently to the approaching man. He nodded from his seat above them. 'He comes to take me to meet the coach,' she picked up her small case from the ground beside her. 'You should find the house satisfactory,' she turned to Kathryn. 'I have lit the fires in anticipation of your arrival, and the kitchen is well stocked. You should have everything you need,' she checked the time on the silver pocket watch that sat beside the place the key had dangled. Duncan reached out his good hand to her, and she took it as she climbed up beside Mr Cross.