Page 95 of The Swan Syndicate
Everyone was smiling, if not just a bit sad.
Stella, Beckworth, and Eleanor had returned the day before from what ended up being a two-day trip to visit Bart and Lincoln. She was already missing this group. Her focus shifted to the gardens and the manor beyond.
Waverly had become home to her, even with the short time she’d spent there. She and Beckworth had spent the morning lounging in bed with a pot of coffee while developing a story to share with the group in Baywood. They wouldn’t lie about sailing on theDaphne, but they would gloss over most of the details.
Beckworth had laughed. His desire to stay longer could be blamed on the new foal. She couldn’t argue his reasoning, knowing how passionate Finn was about horses.
“Make sure you give that envelope to Finn.” Jamie shook his hand and surprised Stella with a kiss on her cheek.
“You have my word. He’ll be happy to hear from you.” Beckworth nodded to Hensley, who’d also given him a packet of letters for Finn and Sebastian. “Try to keep them out of trouble. MacDuff isn’t one to trifle with.”
Beckworth didn’t say anything to Barrington or Libby other than to nod and give them a smile as he read the incantation. The four of them had had a long talk after breakfast and shared everything they needed to.
When the fog came, the women waved goodbye—even Libby—and Stella waved back. Her grip was tight in Beckworth’s hand when the first tug of the fog came.
She closed her eyes and lowered her head to avoid the brightness of the light. It didn’t help. Within seconds her stomach wrenched, and she doubled over, leaning into Beckworth. When the pain receded and the light dimmed, she was spit out of the fog like she’d been shot out of a cannon. Her feet dangled in midair, and she kicked her legs in a vain attempt to find the ground.
Her feet scraped the wood dock, and she thought she’d stuck the landing. It wasn’t the dock. It was Beckworth and the two tumbled, duffel bags and all, until they rolled to a stop, the bags dropping on top of them.
She shoved hers aside. “Good god, there has to be a better way to do that.”
Beckworth lifted up on his elbows and glanced around. “At least we’re in the right spot.”
The sun was bright for a winter day but softer than the light in the fog. Stella glanced at the path leading up to the inn. “I don’t see anyone.”
“Maybe they’re not home.” He stood and brushed off his pants then pulled Stella up.
“I was so looking forward to concierge service for my bag.”
“Come on.” He pushed her duffel toward her. “We’ll take it slow.”
They trudged up the path and were walking across the lawn toward the back deck when Finn’s truck barreled down the driveway and into the parking lot in front of the inn. Stella dropped her bag, which landed with a thud on the grass as she made her way onto the deck.
“I either need stronger arm muscles or I need to pack lighter.” Stella collapsed at the outdoor table and leaned her head back. Her arms hung by her side, unwilling to move.
Beckworth sat next to her and grabbed her hand. “It’s the impact of the fog. Your energy will come back soon. Some food will help.”
Stella was running through which foods she’d missed the most while in England when the French doors blew open and AJ burst out.
“You’re home!” AJ pulled Stella out of her chair, hugging her tightly.
Stella’s throaty laugh couldn’t be helped as she clutched AJ to her. When she pulled back, she admonished her friend. “With absolutely no welcoming committee.”
Finn was shaking Beckworth’s hand and passed him a beer before sitting at the table. “To be honest, we thought it would be another day or two before you returned.”
Stella slid Beckworth a glance. “We were gone almost three weeks. I thought that would be a couple of days on this side of the fog.”
AJ picked at the edge of the table. “It was. We thought you might stay longer than you planned once you got there.”
Beckworth jumped in before Stella. “If it had been a better time of year, we probably would have. But, as you know, England in January isn’t the best climate.”
Stella didn’t glance at Beckworth, but she wanted to. They’d had decent weather, and while it had been on the cooler side it wasn’t any different than winter in Oregon.
“So, tell us everything.” AJ stood and looked at Finn. “Did you start the coffee?” When he nodded, she ran for the door. “Give me a minute to get Stella some coffee.” She was back quickly with a cup for her and Stella.
Stella ran the mug under her nose. “Heavenly.” She took a sip and glanced at Beckworth, who dove into their rehearsed tale. She had to give him credit, the man was a master at weaving a tale, focusing on the hunting party and providing an update on all the people they’d visited.
“I’m relieved to know everyone is safe and living their lives without all the theatrics whenever we showed up.” AJ tucked her legs under her and savored the coffee.
