“I’m glad to see you both,” Phillip said, greeting his brothers-in-law in the library at Edgemoor.

“It’s been pretty quiet around here with Stephanie gone, so I’m happy for the distraction," Phillip continued, "although I’ve been helping Tony with the baby as much as I can.”

“That must be fun,” Michael said, sarcastically.

“Actually, it is,” Phillip said. “I mean, Steph and I have been trying for a baby for a while now, so I guess it’s good practice. But since I’m pretty sure you’re not here to help with little Emily, I have to ask, why are you here?”

“Well, I just felt like we should ….” Michael started, awkwardly.

“He’s here because of a woman,” Ted said.

“A woman?” Phillip said. “Who?”

“The Baroness Wexton,” Michael said, timidly. “I understand she lives not far from here.”

“Indeed,” Phillip said, motioning for them to sit.

“In fact, her estate borders this one," he continued. "It had been empty for years until recently. I only recently learned that Lady Wexton had opened it back up again.”

“Do you know her well?” Michael asked.

“Helena?” Phillip asked. “Not really. We’ve met, of course, but she was only a child then, and she lived in Paris for years after her parents passed away. I’ve been meaning to invite her for dinner to get reacquainted.”

“Really?” Michael asked eagerly.

“Easy, tiger,” Ted laughed.

Phillip smiled.

“Yes,” he said. “I was waiting until Stephanie got back, but I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to have a little dinner party while you’re here. We can ask my sister, Alicia, and her husband, Miles. And Tony, of course. I’m sure he’d love some adult conversation.”

“Good, then it’s settled,” Michael said. “Oh, if you don’t mind, I’d like to be the one who extends the invitation. I’m quite looking forward to seeing Lady Wexton again.”

Ted grinned, but held his tongue as Michael left.

Phillip looked at Ted curiously.

“This is new, isn’t it?” he asked.

“Yes, it is,” Ted said, grinning. “I’ve never seen him like this before. I mean, he’s been in several relationships, but I don’t think I ever remember him being this … obsessed?”

Phillip laughed.

“Then I suppose we should be supportive,” he said. “We’ll definitely hear about it from Stephanie if we’re anything but.”

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It took Tony, Phillip and Ted nearly an hour to get little Emily down for her nap, so all three were relieved as they tip-toed downstairs to talk.

“You still haven’t heard from Steph and Theresa?” Ted asked as they entered the library. “That is unsettling. When was the last time you spoke to them?”

“Last night,” Tony said, “but they were both pretty cryptic about what was going on. It seems they found Ruth alive and well, but I got the impression there was more going on than they would say. I tried calling them earlier, but couldn’t get through.”

“Well, if they’re in the desert, they probably don’t have cell service,” Ted said. “I’m sure they’re fine.”

“I hope so,” Phillip said. “But with those two, one never knows what messes they’ll find themselves in. They’re both too headstrong for their own good.”

“You’re telling me,” Tony said, shaking his head. “I should have gone with them. I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to either of them.”

Phillip’s phone began to ring. He glanced at the screen and grinned.

“Speak of the devil,” he said, answering the call. “Steph? Are you okay? I’ve been calling for hours.”

Tony’s phone rang as well, and he stepped away to answer it.

“Hey,” he said. “It’s about time you called back. Where have you been?”

Ted smiled as he watched both men slide into easy conversations with the women they loved. Yet he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as he thought of Jackson. Torenth never seemed so far away as it did now.

Resolved, he stepped into the hall and dialed.

“Jack?” he asked. “No, everything’s fine. I just really needed to hear your voice. I really miss you.”

“I miss you, too,” Jack replied.

“So how was your trip?” Ted asked. “Sounds like you made it home okay.”

“Oh, the trip was fine,” Jack replied. “But the rest of the day was … interesting, to say the least.”

“What happened?” Ted asked.

Quickly, Jack described the meeting with his parents.

“So are you excited to be getting out on your own?” Ted asked. “You have to be glad about getting out from under your father’s thumb.”

“I’m warming up to the idea,” Jack replied. “Initially, I was worried about money, but the more I think about it, the less I think it’ll be an issue. After all, just think about all the money we’ll save on hotel rooms!”

Ted burst out laughing.

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“I’m so glad to finally be home,” Stephanie said. “I love Theresa and her mom, but there’s something to be said for a little peace and quiet.”

“I can’t imagine you had much of either with them on the jet,” Phillip said, only half-joking.

“None whatsoever,” Stephanie said with a laugh. “Those two argue non-stop! But you can tell how much they love one another.”

“Well, at least you’re home and safe,” Phillip said. “From what you told me, I should be more than a little angry at you for taking so many chances!”

“It wasn’t that bad, my love – other than a few flying bullets and guns pointed in our direction, it was quite an adventure!”

Phillip snorted and stood.

“You could have been killed, my love,” he said, shaking his head.

“But I wasn’t,” his wife retorted, standing and laying a hand on his arm. “I’m fine, Phillip. Really.”

Phillip sighed.

“At least you have something to show for it,” he said, gesturing toward the fireplace, where a golden statuette of the Egyptian god Seth sat glimmering on the mantel.

“When I asked, I honestly didn’t Minister Ardek would agree to let each of us take a souvenir of our adventure,” Stephanie replied. “But there was enough treasure in that tomb to go around, and then some, so in recognition of our discovery, she let us each select a small artifact to take home. So long as we agreed to allow the Grand Egyptian Museum to borrow them for exhibition purposes from time to time, they’re ours.”

“Still, it wasn’t worth the risk you took,” Phillip said. “But I’m kind of jealous at the same time. Sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.“

I certainly hope so,” Stephanie joked. "I don't think I could do that again."

Phillip laughed.

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“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Theresa teased, as Stephanie descended the stairs at Edgemoor House. “It’s not like you to sleep in. You're missing the excitement -- apparently you have a visitor!”

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Stephanie heard Givens’ voice outside, then another man's voice.

“I had heard there was a new lady at Edgemoor House, and wanted to pay my respects,” the other man said.

Strange, Stephanie thought, crossing to the door. That voice sounds familiar.

She recognized the young man immediately, and her expression hardened.

“Yes,” Stephanie said, flatly. “The new lady is … what did you call me – another annoying tourist from the city?”

She turned to the butler.

“Theresa and I are ready for breakfast, Givens,” she said. “I’ll see to our guest.”

“Very good, milady,” Givens said, bowing.

The young man stepped away to collect his thoughts, obviously unsettled, then turned as Stephanie followed.

“Listen, I'm sorry about yesterday,” he said. “I was a bit of an ass, wasn’t I?”

“A bit, yes,” Stephanie replied, flatly.

“Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m Phillip Pendleton,” the boy went on. “My father is the Duke of Holmsby. We live up there … at Holmwood Hall. I’m sure you’ve seen it.”

“One can’t miss it, can one?” Stephanie said, obviously enjoying her guest’s discomfort.

“So you are Princess Stephanie,” Phillip said. “I apologize for not recognizing you. Perhaps I could make it up to you? I have been known to be a wonderful guide to the local sights, and I’d be happy to show you around.”

“Why thank you, Mr. Pendleton,” Stephanie said. “But I wouldn’t want to trouble you. You must be much too busy to act as a tour guide. Now, if you’ll excuse me, breakfast is waiting. Good day, sir.”

“But your highness,” Phillip said. “I simply must insist that you give me a chance to change your first impression of me.”

“Oh, I think my first impression was quite accurate,” Stephanie said. “Good day, sir.”

Stephanie returned to the house, closed the door and turned to find Theresa grinning at her.

“Was that the guy from the bookstore?” she asked.

“The one and only,” Stephanie replied, exasperated.

“You didn’t mention he was so cute,” Theresa said.

“I hadn’t noticed,” Stephanie said.

“Well I did,” Theresa teased.

“You’re incorrigible,” Stephanie said, feigning anger, then grinned. “Come on, let’s have breakfast.”

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Wow, Tony Vanderhall thought to himself as he left his car and looked up at the grand façade of Edgemoor. All this belongs to Stephanie?

While his family’s own country estate was very old and comfortable, it didn't compare to the great house before him -- a reminder of the differences in their social standing.

Hearing his girlfriend’s laughter ringing through the still country air, Tony smiled. It sounded as though it were coming from the back of the house, so he headed that way.

I can’t wait to see her face when I show up, he thought, smiling to himself.

Emerging in the gardens, Tony stopped in his tracks.

There, before him, stood Stephanie, a young man’s arms stretched around her. The smile on her face told him everything he needed to know.

“Tony!” Stephanie cried, pulling away from Phillip’s embrace and rushing to catch up as Tony turned back and walked quickly toward his car.

“I’m sorry,” he said, turning, as Stephanie caught up with him. “I should have called ….”

“No,” Stephanie said. “I’m sorry. I was going to talk to you as soon as I got back to Courtland. Things are just moving so fast.”

“Obviously,” Tony said, bitterly.

“Stop it,” Stephanie said, near tears. “I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“I understand,” Tony said.

“No, you don’t,” Stephanie said gently, reaching out. “I care for you a lot … and I’m so sorry.”

Tony heaved a sigh.

“Well, then,” he said. “I guess I’ll leave you to it.”

“I’m sorry, Tony,” Stephanie said, reaching out, then stopping herself. “I never meant to hurt you.”

His jaw set, Tony nodded once again.

“Goodbye, Stephanie,” he said, starting toward the front courtyard to hide his own tears.

“Goodbye, Tony,” the princess said, sadly.

Tony rushed to his car, but found himself standing next to it, feeling numb.

“Tony!” a voice said.

He looked up to find Theresa approaching. When she saw his expression, she stopped.

“Oh, Tony,” she said, her face dropping. “You saw them together?”

Tony nodded, unable to speak.

“I’m so sorry,” Theresa said. “I know she didn’t mean to hurt you.”

She stepped closer.

“Come on," she said, gently. "Drive me into the village and we’ll have lunch and talk. You look like you can use a friend.”

Tony wanted to refuse, but realized he needed to hear what Theresa had to say.

“Okay,” he said. “Let’s go. I need to get out of here now."

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Stephanie was almost relieved that Theresa had driven into the village to do more shopping. Having a few hours to herself was a treat – especially here at Edgemoor, where the memories of her grandmama seemed so strong.

As she stared out across the countryside, Stephanie felt Marie’s presence quite strongly. She could almost hear her voice ringing out of memory.

“Someday, you’ll realize the value of owning your own land,” her grandmama had told her. “It will ground you, and connect you to Weston in a way nothing else can.”

She’d been right, of course. Now that Stephanie owned all of the land around Edgemoor House, she felt the responsibility in a way she hadn’t expected. It seemed to anchor her to her family – and to Weston – in a way that was more real than anything she’d ever felt before as an adopted child.

Suddenly, Stephanie heard violin music wafting through the crisp autumn air, and tilted her head trying to identify its source. It seemed to be coming from the front of the house, so she began walking that direction, curious.

Coming to the front courtyard, Stephanie was surprised to find Phillip Pendleton, his face a mask of concentration as he played passionately on his violin. He stood next to a lovely table set for two and another laden with tea and sweets.

Stephanie smiled despite herself. While she’d told herself she hated the arrogant young man, there was something about him that intrigued her.

Phillip finished the sonata he had been playing so beautifully and set the violin back on its rack, turning round to face Stephanie with a grin.

“Your highness, please accept my song as a formal apology for my earlier transgressions,” he said. “I hope you will consent to sit with me for a while so that we can get acquainted properly.”

Stephanie smiles.

“I think I’d like that,” she replied.

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“Your parents are wonderful,” Stephanie said, as she, Phillip and his sister, Alicia, strolled across the grounds, the family’s dogs racing ahead. “I expected them to be more … well ….”

“Stuffy?” Alicia volunteered.

Stephanie laughed. “Well, yes, actually,” she said.

“It’s alright,” Alicia replied. “I think a lot of people think that before they meet them. But being ‘unrecognized nobility,’ as we like to call ourselves, makes it difficult to put on too many airs.”

“Besides,” Phillip went on, “that’s just not who they are. My mother’s best friend for many years was a farmer’s wife from down the road.”

Stephanie smiled.

“And what about you two?” she asked. “It must be hard to be the children of a duke, but not be recognized as such.”

“Well, the locals have always been quite respectful of the title, regardless of our place in the hierarchy of Westonian nobility,” Phillip said. “It’s only outside of Hemingford that we get any sideways looks.”

“You wouldn’t believe how many people – even among Weston’s own nobility – don’t realize that there are any remaining dukes in the country,” Alicia said.

“That must be difficult,” Stephanie said.

“Not really,” Phillip said. “It just makes us value our place here in Hemingford all the more.”

“So how do you like it here so far, your royal highness?” Alicia asked.

“I told you, call me Stephanie,” she replied. “And I love it. It’s so peaceful and beautiful here – I can’t wait to experience Spring here.”

“Oh, it’s so lovely here in the Spring and Summer,” Alicia said. “You’ll adore it even more. So you plan on spending more time here?”

Stephanie looked at Phillip, who smiled back at her.

“Yes,” she said, suddenly certain. “I think I will be spending quite a bit of time here.”

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As she stepped out of the car in the courtyard of Holmwood Hall, Stephanie was immediately stricken by the immensity of the home.

Looking about, she was impressed that the family had been able to maintain its ancestral estate. While most of the noble families of Weston lived quite well, few had the means of supporting great houses on such a scale. Obviously, the duke and his ancestors had managed their wealth wisely.

As she walked toward the front door, Phillip emerged to greet her, smiling broadly.

“Welcome to Holmwood, Stephanie,” he said. “I’m so glad you could come. My parents are excited to meet you.”

Stephanie smiled and followed Phillip inside, where he guided her through richly appointed halls to a large and comfortable living room.

“Your royal highness, may I present my parents, Robert and Vivienne Pendleton, the twelfth Duke and Duchess of Holmsby,” Phillip said. “Mother, father, this is Princess Stephanie of Weston.”

The duke bowed and the duchess curtsied formally.

“Please, there is no need,” Stephanie said. “I am a guest in your home, and a lovely one it is.”

“Thank you, your royal highness,” the duchess replied, smiling. “Please, come in and make yourself comfortable.”

“Thank you, duchess,” Stephanie replied. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”

“I was happy to see that your grandmother left Edgemoor House in such capable hands,” the duke said, smiling. “Marie was a dear friend, and a good judge of people. Her leaving Edgemoor to you reflects quite well on your character.”

“Thank you, duke,” Stephanie said. “She was my inspiration.”

“Well, let’s sit and get acquainted, shall we?” the duchess said. “Phillip, could you go find your sister? She was quite excited to meet the princess, and now she’s late.”

“Of course, mother,” Phillip said. “She’s probably trying to decide on an outfit, as usual.”

He winked at Stephanie.

“I’ll be right back,” he said.

Stephanie smiled and turned back to her hosts.

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