Passion at the Castle by Diane Thorne Page A

suggestion, she surveyed her reflection. Her long honey brown hair flowed over her shoulders in waves, covering the thin straps of her pink dress. The spring-like garment had a low neckline and showed a bit of her girls, but not too much flesh. She smoothed her hands over her hips and twisted to check her backside. Although she felt the band of her panties, the line and colour of her bikini was invisible. Perfect.
    Ready to face the world, or rather the few guests staying at the castle, she grabbed her purse from the table. Then, she headed for the door.
    The carpeted hallway quieted her shoes as she strode towards the staircase that would take her to the front of the castle. Antique oil paintings clung to the orange-coloured walls while a lavish chandelier hung from the ceiling. Cushioned chairs placed along one side of the wide hallway allowed visitors to sit, relax and enjoy tea while eating a pastry. Another area had a table prepared with a chessboard. Tall windows granted natural light onto the walkway. The luxurious historical mansion was quite a sight to behold.
    She descended the stairs, entered a darker area of the castle, but with the same exquisite fixtures. The walls had a maroon tint and dark wood crowned the ceiling. As Gwen passed the check-in desk, the hostess gave her a nod. Gwen returned the greeting and smiled. She continued into the large lobby, she passed two empty suits of armour backed against a concrete wall. She entered another wide hallway with hardwood floors. Her shoes clacked against the surface. More portraits hung from the striped walls. She glanced at each picture until she reached the restaurant.
    “Hello,” Gwen said to the female greeter.
    The young lady stood behind what resembled a mini bar area, minus the glasses and liquor bottles. Her nametag read Cara.
    “Good morning, will you be joining us alone?” Cara asked.
    “Yes.”
    The hostess withdrew a menu and stepped around the counter. “Would you like to sit inside or outside?”
    Gwen turned to the windowed wall along the back. Outside, she found white-clothed tables and chairs. Four guests sat together closest to the windows. Three men dressed in polo shirts occupied a spot in the middle. A couple were at a table farther away. Nobody was sitting inside the restaurant.
    “The weather appears nice. I think I’ll have brunch outside,” Gwen said.
    “Good choice.” Cara smiled. “Please follow me.”
    Gwen walked behind her as she led the way between tables to the exit at the back of the restaurant. The minute she stepped outside the bright sun warmed her bare arms. She passed the group of four and proceeded between more empty tables until the menu-carrying employee stopped, then faced Gwen.
    “Is this okay?” She gestured towards the spot next to her.
    “It’s fine. Thank you.”
    Gwen took a seat and placed her purse on a chair next to her.
    “A server will be right with you. May I get you a drink?” The hostess handed the menu to Gwen.
    “Tea is fine. Just regular tea.”
    “I’ll have a cup brought out to you.”
    After Cara disappeared, Gwen surveyed her surroundings. The air was fresh and birds chirped loudly. A slight breeze brushed over Gwen but it wasn’t cool enough for her skin to react with goosebumps. She peered beyond the couple sitting several tables away and noticed the garden in the distance. A vine with flowers covered half of the entrance. The area was big and inviting. At some point during her stay she’d make sure to venture into the garden. First she planned to explore the innards of the castle with a tour guide.
    A waiter arrived with her teacup and a porcelain teapot. “Good morning.” He set the cup down then poured tea into it.
    “Thank you.”
    “Would you like a moment to check out the menu?” he asked, his Irish accent thicker than that of the hostess’s.
    “Yes, please.”
    “I’ll return in a few minutes.” He set the teapot on the table before he disappeared.
    Gwen plucked a