Passion at the Castle by Diane Thorne Page B

cube of sugar from the small canister then dropped the sweetener into her tea. As she stirred the fluid, she perused the menu. Although she hadn’t eaten much of a dinner the previous night, her belly wasn’t complaining. The egg and ham croissants appealed to her, but she feared she wouldn’t be able to finish the entire meal and she disliked wasting food. Her best option was to settle for a muffin and bowl of fruit.
    She lifted her cup and brought it to her lips. As she sipped the hot tea, she closed her menu.
    “Pardon me, miss.”
    Gwen turned her head and found the waiter who’d delivered her tea standing at her side. She set her cup back on the saucer. “Yes?”
    “The couple sitting a few tables behind me would like to invite you to join them.” He smiled.
    “Oh?” Gwen shifted her attention to the man and woman. The female had long blonde hair that shone under the sun. She wore a white hat and blue polka dot blouse. Her partner had short light brown hair and wore a light blue polo shirt. Shades hid his eyes. The lady met Gwen’s gaze, waved and smiled.
    “Would you like to join them?” the waiter asked.
    Gwen chewed on her lip as she hurried to decide what to do. Although they were strangers, they appeared nice and friendly. She guessed the couple were married. Maybe they wanted company, someone different to converse with. What harm could come from having brunch with two other travellers?
    “Yes. I’ll sit with them.” Gwen gave a single nod.
    “I’ll bring your tea.”
    Gwen grabbed the menu and her purse as the waiter gathered her cup and the teapot. She rose then followed him towards the happy couple. As she approached them, they stood and placed their napkins on the table. The man was several inches taller than the woman.
    “Hi,” said the blonde. Her blue eyes nearly matched the colour of the sky. She offered her hand to shake. “My name is Susan Haggerty.”
    “Nice to meet you.” Gwen accepted Susan’s greeting. “I’m Gwenevere Stratten.”
    “I’m her husband, Jonathan.” He extended the same kindness. His British accent matched his wife’s.
    Gwen let go of Susan’s grasp and shook Jonathan’s hand. “Thank you for inviting me to your table.”
    “It was my wife’s idea.”
    “A beautiful woman shouldn’t sit alone on a gorgeous day like today.” Susan smiled.
    “Quite right. I couldn’t agree more.” He gestured with his free arm towards the chairs. “Please, have seat.”
    Gwen chose the one closest to Susan and scooted it away from the table enough so she could squeeze in without pulling it forward. She sat then placed her purse on the ground near her left foot.
    “Do you need a few more minutes to decide?” the waiter asked.
    Gwen quickly glanced at the table, wondering if Susan and Jonathan had eaten. They each had a cup and saucer but no plates of food.
    “We ordered a few minutes ago.” Jonathan turned to his wife.
    “Feel free to order anything you’d like. We’re putting it on our tab.”
    “Oh, no. That’s not necessary.” Gwen shook her head.
    Susan slid her hand over the table and placed it on top of Gwen’s. A large diamond ring decorated Susan’s finger. “It’s our way of saying hello and joining us. Please, don’t give it a second thought and order what you’d like.”
    “I appreciate your generosity.” Gwen met the waiter’s eyes. “I’d like a blueberry muffin, please, and a bowl of fruit.”
    “Will that be all, miss?”
    “Yes. Thank you,” Gwen said.
    The waiter shifted to the couple. “Can I offer either of you anything else?”
    “We’re fine. Isn’t that right?” Jonathan grinned at Susan.
    “Yes, we’re fine.” She placed the napkin back on her lap.
    The waiter took Gwen’s menu before he left without another word.
    Gwen faced her new friends. “Thank you again for your hospitality.”
    “It’s our pleasure.” Susan turned to her husband. “Right?”
    “Absolutely.” Jonathan leaned his elbows on the