Eyes down, Milo opened the door. Looping my tote over one shoulder, I stepped out into the sunshine. Behind me, Lexi’s mouth gaped as she looked around. And yes, there was a lot to see. Stonework. Massive carved doors. Flags flying everywhere.
“Wow.” Spinning around, Lexi shrugged out of her jacket. The weather had warmed, and the sun ricocheted off the stonework. I was burning up and quickly unzipped my raincoat. Birds twittered from the olive trees planted around the courtyard. In the center was a fountain. The splashing water brought some warmth to a castle that spoke of antiquity and strength.
Easing himself from behind the wheel, the driver lumbered out. His eyes went to Lexi’s t-shirt from one of her many rock concerts, the ones she had been forbidden to attend.
Milo hitched up his sagging pants and snapped his fingers. “Vitas.” The driver popped the trunk open.
“Here, I’ll just grab those.” I reached for my bag. Lexi was still taking in the castle. Two men in claret red livery appeared. Gold buttons and braiding gleamed in the sun. I blinked. Milo rattled off something. The men in red nodded and our luggage disappeared.
“No, let me...” I hurried after them.
But my daughter pulled me back. “Mom. Let ‘em go. They’re probably the bell hops. Do you have a tip ready?”
When did my daughter become a world traveler? “Honey, this isn’t a hotel.”
Throwing my head back, I studied this massive structure that extended as far as my eyes could see. Rubbing my neck, I threw Milo a cautious look.
An older woman appeared in one of the arches. Swathed in midnight blue folds, she glided toward us. When she didn’t offer to shake my hand, I clutched my tote tighter. She regarded us with hooded eyes. Did she speak English? Was she the head of housekeeping, like inDownton Abbey? Time to take the reins and assert myself. “Hello, my name is Christina Newhart. The k-king is expecting us.” Okay, I was having trouble getting the word “king” out. “Is he around?”
Lips pursed, she appeared to digest my question. “No.” she finally said.
This was like pulling teeth. How many strangers did they have arriving at this door? “I’m the new governess. And this is my daughter Lexi.”
“I see.” Her eyes widened as she took in Lexi’s purple hair.
Hmm. She spoke English, framed with a mysterious accent. “Come.” Before I could ask any questions, she turned, her delicate gold earrings glinting in the sunlight. Looking over at me, Lexi raised her brows. We followed the stranger into the castle. And oh, yes. The stonework, the marble, the paintings and wall hangings––this sure as heck had all the trappings of a castle.
“Will you just look at this?” Head back, Lexi took in the stained-glass windows. I followed her gaze. The arches supported a ceiling that could have been in a Gothic church. Covered with cherubs, the vaulted ceiling was probably painted centuries ago. Sunlight fell through the high windows, bathing huge pots of ferns with muted sunlight.
Digging around in her backpack, Lexi produced her phone. The older woman threw her a sharp look. I got the message. Before my daughter could snap a photo for Facebook, I grabbed the phone that had cost me a small fortune and stuck it in my pocket. “First we have to learn the rules,” I murmured.
“What rules?” she sputtered.
“Shh.” I pressed a finger to my lips.
Our guide got moving. For an older woman, she set a fast pace. Several doors led from this main hall and I didn’t want to lose her. In the center of the cavernous hall a staircase rose––one that made the stairs inGone with the Windlook like a step stool. Lifting the folds of her skirt that rustled like silk, the woman made her way up the stairs as if she’d done this a time or two. The stone banister was cold under my hand as I struggled to keep up, motioning to Lexi to follow. It only took twenty steps or so before my chest was burning.
This will be great for my thighs. Trying to appear confident, I kept climbing. But my mind kept up a busy chatter that had nothing to do with this unexpected workout.
What had I gotten us into? If I’d pictured a warm welcome, this sure wasn’t it.
By the time we reached the landing, I was gasping and Lexi lagged behind. For a second I considered collapsing on a convenient bench, but they all looked hand carved and ancient. Meanwhile, our power-walker swept into the hallway to the left. We traipsed behind, our footsteps silenced by the longest Persian runner ever made, all dusky taupe and turquoise. Oversized vases stood against the walls and fresh tropical flowers provided bursts of orange and pink on long side tables. Wall sconces complemented the crystal chandeliers, creating a medieval air.
My neck began to ache from trying to take it all in. For the first time in her life, Lexi was silenced. More digging in her backpack and she took out a stick of gum and unwrapped it. Before she could drop the wrapper in one of the vases, I scooped it from her hands. “Not here,” I mouthed. An exasperated sigh was her response.
Our guide traversed the hall with authority. But I wanted to dawdle and take it all in, especially the sizeable portraits. Impressive looking men stood tall, crowns heavy on proud heads. Some held scepters, while furs outlawed in the States edged royal cloaks. The only women pictured were standing behind the men or seated meekly at their side. From their clothing, the paintings probably went back centuries. Our guide had slowed and I pulled my attention from the portraits to the deep doorways tucked inside wide gilded moldings.
“Here.” She swept a hand toward an open door.
“This is our room?” I pointed, wanting everything to be clear.
She crooked a finger at Lexi. “Come.”
Were we going to be separated? Relief did battle with my usual maternal worrying. Not that I wanted us to be together all the time. But I had to make sure there were no fire escapes or trellises. Lexi would be out the window before I could blink an eye. I’d never be able to sleep.
They’d disappeared into the deep doorway next to mine. “You got to see this, Mom,” Lexi called out.
Her incredulous tone picked up my speed and her “Mom” nearly brought tears to my eyes. After all, we were in this together. I followed her into a room dominated by a gilded four-poster bed. Everything was swathed in claret brocade, from the windows to the bed. A mini staircase led to the mattress.
