modern conveniences. Welcome.”
Kat pulled her hand back but felt the heat on her cheeks. She wasn’t one to fall for the childhood stories, but this was a vacation she couldn’t turn down. “Thank you. Is this your castle?”
He nodded. “I’m your host, Mr Foster. If there is anything you require, let our staff know. Everything is at your disposal. Lady Olive will get you settled. If you’ll excuse me.”
The host left as quickly as he’d arrived, but there was nothing rushed about the suave older man. Kat followed Lady Olive inside as footmen toted her luggage.
“If you’re a lady, is he a duke or something?” Kat asked.
Lady Olive almost cracked a full smile. “No, he inherited a great deal of money and purchased the castle. He likes to reward kind and selfless people. You’ll be residing in the north wing.”
They turned and entered a huge hall. Two maids opened the doors to her left and Kat stepped into a sitting room done in creams and rich browns. She needed to pause and take it all in. Giddy excitement bubbled up inside her. No cleaning her house! No coaching hurt men with scars inside and out. No wearing scrubs or holding back tears for soldiers in pain this week.
She’d miss the people, but everyone took a week off now and then. This felt like another world. The room smelt like lavender and she spied a vase of her favourite flowers right there on the coffee table.
“Please have a seat. Your maids will unpack your things.” Lady Olive sat in a high-backed armchair with paisley fabric.
“I don’t think I brought the right clothes. I don’t own the right clothes for here.” Kat sank onto the velvet sofa.
“Don’t worry about that. There is an entire wardrobe in there fitted to your measurements. Your bedroom is done in an emerald green. That is your favourite colour, true?” Lady Olive opened a portfolio.
“How did you know that? How do you know my measurements?” Kat asked.
“You filled out a basic questionnaire by hand as requested. That is a huge help. I get a sense for the guest from their handwriting. It’s important for me to connect.”
“Are you psychic?” Kat wasn’t a big believer in that stuff, but she’d been accused of having a sixth sense about her patients. Experience and instinct helped.
“I don’t like to label it. My particular gift helps me give you the best fantasy. Beyond the questionnaire, we do our research, quite thoroughly, in order to give you the best possible week. You have selected a lot of our spa treatments and outdoor activities. We also have dancing instruction. You know there is a ball at the end of the week?” Lady Olive’s eyebrow arched elegantly.
Kat felt like Olive could see right through her. “Who would I dance with? Mr Foster?”
“Possibly. He will attend the welcome dinner tonight and the farewell brunch, but the ball is optional for him. His schedule, you understand. If you need to contact him, let us know. However, I assure you, there will be plenty of attractive men with whom you can dance. Any other personal fantasies you may have, I’m sure you’ll find ample opportunity to fulfil them.”
Kat picked up the subtle sexual innuendo. “I’m not really into sex with strangers. Let’s stick to manis, pedis, mud baths, professional massages and maybe some horseback riding.”
“Of course. A maid will leave your schedule on your nightstand every morning. Should you wish to change anything, simply let them know. These rooms are yours. Across the hall is a full gym with an indoor pool. There is always kitchen coverage. Call down for food anytime you like.” Lady Olive nodded to the maids as they emerged. “Chloe and Emmy will take excellent care of you. Dinner is at seven. They’ll see you’re dressed properly.”
“Thank you. Wait—I have one question. Who nominated me for this prize?” Kat asked.
“I can’t divulge that information. I’m sorry.” Lady Olive made notes then snapped her folio shut. In a
Kat pulled her hand back but felt the heat on her cheeks. She wasn’t one to fall for the childhood stories, but this was a vacation she couldn’t turn down. “Thank you. Is this your castle?”
He nodded. “I’m your host, Mr Foster. If there is anything you require, let our staff know. Everything is at your disposal. Lady Olive will get you settled. If you’ll excuse me.”
The host left as quickly as he’d arrived, but there was nothing rushed about the suave older man. Kat followed Lady Olive inside as footmen toted her luggage.
“If you’re a lady, is he a duke or something?” Kat asked.
Lady Olive almost cracked a full smile. “No, he inherited a great deal of money and purchased the castle. He likes to reward kind and selfless people. You’ll be residing in the north wing.”
They turned and entered a huge hall. Two maids opened the doors to her left and Kat stepped into a sitting room done in creams and rich browns. She needed to pause and take it all in. Giddy excitement bubbled up inside her. No cleaning her house! No coaching hurt men with scars inside and out. No wearing scrubs or holding back tears for soldiers in pain this week.
She’d miss the people, but everyone took a week off now and then. This felt like another world. The room smelt like lavender and she spied a vase of her favourite flowers right there on the coffee table.
“Please have a seat. Your maids will unpack your things.” Lady Olive sat in a high-backed armchair with paisley fabric.
“I don’t think I brought the right clothes. I don’t own the right clothes for here.” Kat sank onto the velvet sofa.
“Don’t worry about that. There is an entire wardrobe in there fitted to your measurements. Your bedroom is done in an emerald green. That is your favourite colour, true?” Lady Olive opened a portfolio.
“How did you know that? How do you know my measurements?” Kat asked.
“You filled out a basic questionnaire by hand as requested. That is a huge help. I get a sense for the guest from their handwriting. It’s important for me to connect.”
“Are you psychic?” Kat wasn’t a big believer in that stuff, but she’d been accused of having a sixth sense about her patients. Experience and instinct helped.
“I don’t like to label it. My particular gift helps me give you the best fantasy. Beyond the questionnaire, we do our research, quite thoroughly, in order to give you the best possible week. You have selected a lot of our spa treatments and outdoor activities. We also have dancing instruction. You know there is a ball at the end of the week?” Lady Olive’s eyebrow arched elegantly.
Kat felt like Olive could see right through her. “Who would I dance with? Mr Foster?”
“Possibly. He will attend the welcome dinner tonight and the farewell brunch, but the ball is optional for him. His schedule, you understand. If you need to contact him, let us know. However, I assure you, there will be plenty of attractive men with whom you can dance. Any other personal fantasies you may have, I’m sure you’ll find ample opportunity to fulfil them.”
Kat picked up the subtle sexual innuendo. “I’m not really into sex with strangers. Let’s stick to manis, pedis, mud baths, professional massages and maybe some horseback riding.”
“Of course. A maid will leave your schedule on your nightstand every morning. Should you wish to change anything, simply let them know. These rooms are yours. Across the hall is a full gym with an indoor pool. There is always kitchen coverage. Call down for food anytime you like.” Lady Olive nodded to the maids as they emerged. “Chloe and Emmy will take excellent care of you. Dinner is at seven. They’ll see you’re dressed properly.”
“Thank you. Wait—I have one question. Who nominated me for this prize?” Kat asked.
“I can’t divulge that information. I’m sorry.” Lady Olive made notes then snapped her folio shut. In a
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