After being satisfied with his cologne, he nodded at Michael before walking to the dining area. His insides were in knots because he knew that Ellie probably wasn"t happy with him over how he had conducted himself after getting a little too inebriated on his birthday. He was not looking forwards to facing her again. Hopefully she wouldn"t throw something too sharp at him. Did Ellie throw things? She probably wouldn"t. The tall manager was standing at the end of the table preoccupied with bringing out food so he asked outright. "Have you seen the Baroness around here?" "I think she told me she would like me to refer to her by her first name. I"m not sure she is used to the t.i.tle. It"s a bit strange that you would use it if you are truly her husband. But you are a Baron and I suppose I shall call you the t.i.tle if you prefer it."
"Uh, no. I just feel awkward with all of this."
"Ah, I did hear from your serving man that you are newlyweds still. Of course you would feel strange with coming far from home and having a t.i.tle when I hear you have your own position at a big city firm. It"s in your nature to be overwhelmed. But, I"m afraid that Ellie is not here right now. She took a car and drove out to the small town close by. I"m not sure when she will be back so why don"t you help yourself."
Nodding slowly, Henry sat down and closed his eyes for a moment. He smelled the aromas wafting up at him from the plates before discovering what was next. Henry a.s.sumed that Michael had told Rightley about him not liking the eggs because he found several boiled eggs placed close to his arm. Two steaming pieces of b.u.t.tered toast with beans was placed diagonal to him which he nodded at as he found his work iPad handed to him. Rightley explained that it had a 4G european internet SIM added so it could be possible for him to get his work done. Henry was finally impressed so he checked his work emails in between eating. He also started a list of repairs and queries that he wanted to ask the building staff. He now knew that he hand on board his right hand and was making promising progress on a suitable left. Although not quite as qualified as Michael, Rightley was going to know the ins and outs of the place that Henry wanted to make some changes to. Rightley did not however really have much idea on building materials and local contractors which Henry found mildly irritating as this man was running a tourist attraction without understanding what was needed to attract pa.s.serby.
Henry had just finished a stream of good angry emails to his secretary about local information when he collided into Ellie as she was walking in with bags of local produce. The iPad and groceries all fell into the floor. They both reached down and in tandem said their apologies as they exchanged their items. Henry noticed that she was wearing a blue fringed Zimmermann dress that reminded him of something his mother would wear which made him nostalgic and strangely giddy. She wrung an instant smile out of his earlier whirlwind mood. Although it was dampened by his unease of where their relationship stood.
Henry felt his smile soften as he tried to think of words that would fix this, but Ellie got the better of him. Over his open mouth she places hers and started to French kiss him. Her enthusiasm was strangely comforting as he responded slowly to her in kind. Although it was a lot less intense than the heat they had exchanged the night before. It was like a drink of slightly warmed water after a hard run instead of the run itself. It was refreshing and nice to drink in his partner.
After she had thoroughly kissed him, she moved back and helped him up. The apology and the restlessness had dissipated. It was no longer necessary as in her actions, Ellie had answered his questions. It was strange to think a physical act could be a more effective communication than a drawn out emotional conversation. Henry stood and said a bit unevenly. "h.e.l.lo. Its a beautiful morning here, I was sad to enjoy it alone. I was surprised you woke up before I did."
"I had some work to do. Which after spending so much time out of training feels odd to say, but I did go down to meet the local constable and hear about what the community needs. It"s been a long time but he said he remembered me because I have my father"s nose. The butcher and grocer remembered me as well and Rightley is no longer banned from going down there. They even offered to start delivery up at the house again if they got their plaques back. It"s such a pity they were abused for so long, but they are hungry too to bring their dignity back. It"s such a shame. My plans for today are probably to take a four wheeler and just drive the whole perimeter and then hike around so I can really scope my new world. There used to be a stock racing track but I doubt it"s functional enough to risk trying out a sports car. We do need a less conspicuous car than a Jag for me to get potatoes. It"s so ostentatious." Ellie pulled Henry"s fingers through hers and then pulled him towards the garage. "I know speed, but I have no taste when it comes to bodywork or color. I doubt I really know what the different brands are worth. My car is a Lexus or a Honda. I just know that range. I know you"re an avid collector so you"ll be able to evaluate what I have inherited better than me. Also, you can drive a stick shift which I am loathed to do."