Chapter 2

Text from Ellie to Maeve:I am a horrible person.

Maeve:I try not to deny or confirm such statements until I've heard the whole story.

Ellie:There was an American in the airport coffee shop and our coffees were exchanged by mistake. Did I react nicely?

Maeve:I feel certain I can answer that one.

Ellie:It's no excuse, but I'd just read the recent tattle from The Edge and they'd pulled up an old photo from three years ago when I'd stumbled out of a bar wearing something atrocious. Will I never outlive those mistakes? I've made such an effort to distance myself from who I used to be. To change for the better.

Maeve:You have. You need to offer the media some positive photo ops, or they'll keep dredging up the past. And you have plenty for them to dredge up.

Ellie:Thank you for the encouragement, friend.

Maeve:I am surprised, though. Your brother has been a much worse royal than you, and he doesn't garner half the media coverage.

Ellie:Oh dear, I don't want to know what Arran's done recently. The last incident cost Father and Mother a small fortune.

Maeve:No, you don't want to know. But I will say it involves a French model and a bagpipe.

Ellie:I think I just became sick.

Maeve:So how nasty were you to the poor American?

Ellie:Arrogant! A regular prig. After seeing The Edge's photo, I was in no mind to talk to anyone and then we bumped into each other, splashing coffee in all directions. Needless to say, Ms.Nasty raised her head.

Maeve:Well, at least it wasn't caught on camera.

Ellie:I'm groaning at the very idea.

Maeve:And the good thing about an airport meeting is that you'll never see him again.

Ellie:Right. Exactly. Though it doesn't stop me from feeling like a fiend anyway.

From: Peter MacKerrow

To: Luke Edgewood

Date: March3

Subject: Introductions and "roughing it"?

My grandfather, Lewis Gray, suggested I send you a quick note to prepare you for your visit... and to introduce myself. I'm Peter MacKerrow, Lewis Gray's grandson by his younger daughter, Mirren. Mum married a Scot, so she lives across the pond on the Isle of Mull, but I've spent summers in Skymar for years and am taking a yearlong break from attending seminary in Old Inswythe, so I count Skymar as home too. Since we'll be renovating some of Grandfather's old properties, he's planned to have us live at a cabin near the village of Crieff in the northwestern part of Ansling, which is particularly nice for me because it is one of the three Scots villages in Skymar (and is a closer flight to Scotland when I travel home on the weekends). I should also add that Grandfather has some secret project in mind for us. He's not told me what the project is, but he has a twinkle in his eyes when he talks about it, which means... you should be forewarned. I don't know if you have a twinkle-eyed grandparent, but they're dubious, at best.

I should be in Skern to meet you by early afternoon for the drive to Crieff. Grandfather's arranged for a Mr.Holton to meet us to discuss the "secret job." He said Mr.Holton would explain everything. Sound a bit fishy to you too? If it hadn't come directly from Grandfather, I'd question the legality of the assignment, but Grandfather has an excellent reputation throughout Skymar, with some friends in very high places, so I have to trust it's all aboveboard.

I was relieved to hear that you're used to more simplistic accommodations since we will be living in the cabin while we renovate. However, Grandfather says the fireplace is in working order, so we "won't freeze." I do believe Grandfather is getting a bit of a laugh out of it all... and likely at my expense. Hopefully, I'll provide some friendship even if I'm not initially successful at striking a nail. (My father is a historian, and my mum owns a little family bookshop in the village of Glenkirk. Neither swings a hammer very well.) My eldest brother, however, is quite adept at handcrafting and building. I'm more of a bookish sort (another reason to be forewarned).

Grandfather thought you'd like to know that all of the materials and tools are stored at the cabin or on-site at our "secret assignment," which I believe may be ours whether we choose to accept it or not.

See you in a trice.

Peter

Text from Izzy to Penelope and Josephine:Check out my new ring.

Penelope:OH. MY. GOODNESS!! Is that an engagement ring? Is it? AHHHHHH!!!!

Izzy:Yes, it is!! And I'm sending a few more photos of the actual moment. Brodie had Luke on stand-by to take them! It's been a little over a year since the email where I thought Brodie was Josie and bared my soul to him. He said his happily ever after started on that day.

Penelope:Isn't that the most darling thing ever! Oh, I love him. Well, you know, I don't LOVE him, but I love him!

Josephine:Well, I knew it was inevitable. I'd resigned myself to you living so far away, but this seems to make it more permanent. It's a lovely ring. And you two look so happy.

Izzy:He is quite simply the most wonderful man for me. And I'm living my little fairy tale, getting to work with books and marry a bookish man.

Josephine:I am happy for you, dear Izzy. At least I know he's a perfect match for you.

Penelope:And we can go visit, Josephine!! You'd love Skymar. You've always liked oceans and knitted sweaters.

Izzy:We're not interested in a long engagement. How does the first weekend in June sound to you guys? The twins will be close to a year old by then.

Josephine:That's only three months away! What sort of wedding do you plan to pull together by then?

Izzy:A simple one fit for us.

Penelope:Matt, Iris, and I were already planning to be in Skymar in June for the annual Darling House theater meeting, so it's PERFECT!! And I can help with last-minute things! Oh, Izzy! You must let me cybershop with you for the dress!

Izzy:And Luke doesn't leave until the second week of June so he'll already be here. We thought that would help with costs! YAY!! Guys! I'm getting MARRIED!!!!

"Grandfather suggested we stop in to see the place before we travel all the way to the cabin."

Peter MacKerrow drove like he talked. Fast.

Luke took the mental lessons he'd learned from teaching Penelope how to drive and relaxed his body. After surviving Penelope, Luke felt certain God must have a bigger plan for his life, but Pete made him question the notion.

"It's a good half-hour drive from the cabin to the village of Crieff, so if we want to collect any messages... er... groceries, we ought to do so now."

Of course, riding with Pete could be character development—Pete took another turn like a Nascar driver—and if that were the case, Luke's character was strengthening by the second. At Superman speeds.

"Seeing both places should help us with planning."

Pete nodded, his dark, reddish-brown hair bouncing with the movement. "That's what Grandfather said too. And, I think, Mr.Holton is to meet us there." Pete skirted the edge of the road where a rock wall lined the way.

Luke held in a wince, waiting for the side mirror to meet the wall.

There really must be something about red-haired people. Either they lived with incredible security of their eternal destinies, or they didn't care about destiny at all.

"I can't believe Grandfather talked the headmistress into getting a second opinion from an outsider," Pete continued. "But Grandfather seemed to think the other company was trying to undercut the place. He's had bad dealings with them in the past and didn't want the orphanage to feel the brunt of a scam."

Luke looked ahead as the tops of buildings came into view over a thick swath of pine. Scots pine, more sprawling than the Virginia pines back home. A good building lumber, should they need it. Of course, Luke noted some oak and cherry. Birch and willow too. But mostly, pine and oak feathered the way into the village of Crieff.

Like some of the other villages Luke had visited in Skymar, this one boasted a collection of stone buildings with slate roofs and a few with more modern shingles, but were some... thatch? Luke grinned. He'd only seen thatch on historical building shows, not in real life. Kind of gave the town a quaint look.

The village nestled in the crook of the mountains, as if protected by their intimidating heights, a lot like some of the towns back home in the Blue Ridge. Nice and isolated.

Luke relaxed back into the car seat with a smile. No worries about high-class rude airport women here.

"I've never been here before, so it's as new to me as you, but Grandfather shared a lot last night. It's the largest orphanage in Skymar." Pete's bright, pale eyes were alight... and not looking at the road. "Started during World WarI because of the staggering number of orphans left behind, but really grew during the second war."

An unfortunate byproduct of the two wars, from what Luke remembered from school and information gathered from some of his favorite movies.

The road took them through Crieff and up a tree-lined entrance where a massive building of sandstone with a conglomeration of jagged towers rose into the gray-blue sky. Was that a... castle?

Luke readjusted his expectations to... well, he didn't have any experience working on castles. Somehow, the stone mixed with sky created a strange picture of the ocean, which suited a castle on an island better than Luke could have imagined.

"Cambric Hall is not as old as it looks," Pete said, as if reading Luke's mind. "This folly was built before World War I by a Scot who'd made his money in trade. Grandfather said something like 1905 or '07... or '02?"

Okay, so not being very old took some of the intimidation out of the place, but not much. "A folly?"

"A fake castle, so to speak. The vastly rich at the time liked to show off, kind of the same as they do now." Pete chuckled. "When the war broke out, the Scot lost both his sons early on and in his grief returned home to Edinburgh, leaving the place furnished and untouched. News reached him of the large number of war orphans in Skymar, so he donated the folly for use as an orphanage and it's only grown since then. He kinna have chosen a better lot to guard his castle, though. The folks in the village take pride in hosting the largest orphanage in Skymar and being the homeplace for these kids." Pete shot him a wink. "Can't get better protection than a bunch of Scots. Or better stubbornness." He shrugged. "Or pride."

If the movies could be trusted, Luke would agree. Made him like the place even better.

Smatterings of children ran here and there across the lawns surrounding the folly, all ages, each in various states of winter dress. Their voices filtered over the crunch of gravel under wheels. Joyful sounds.

Something inside Luke's chest expanded a little. The idea of working on a castle didn't encourage a lot of peace of mind, but fixing up a place for kids sure did.

Pete brought the car to a stop beneath a portico at the front door.

Cool March wind bit into his face as he exited the car, inciting another smile. He loved this kind of weather. Crisp, cold, with the scent of pine on the breeze.

Then he looked behind him and realized, besides isolation, why someone would build a castle out here in the middle of nowhere.

The view.

Over the forest, the world fell away to reveal dozens of mountain peaks with lakes cutting between them like rain puddles, before all the earthen colors ended in a horizon of dueling blues. Sky and... sea? He squinted, drawing in a deep breath of the fresh air. They could view the sea from here?

"Aye," Pete said, moving to his side. "A good and proper view."

Those words seemed much too weak to truly describe the scene in front of them, but since Luke couldn't quite think of worthy ones, he only replied with a nod.

"You're not much of a talker, are you?"

Luke looked over at the younger man. "No, not much of one."

"That must mean you're a good listener." Pete grinned and stepped toward the front door of the castle. "Which suits me."

His laughter reverberated off the stone of the portico, drawing Luke's attention toward the arched ceiling. Stone bricks patterned in diamonds stretched the length of the portico ceiling, displaying solid workmanship and craft.

Maybe fixing up a castle wouldn't be so bad after all.

And Luke liked working with stone.

"Luke, come meet Mrs.Kershaw?"

Luke looked over to find Pete standing next to an older woman before a set of large wooden double doors. Her soft gray-and-brown hair pulled back in a bun matched the softness of her eyes as he approached.

"Ma'am." Luke offered his hand and her smile brimmed.

"We're so glad to have you take a keek at our orphanage, Mr.Edgewood." She gestured for them to follow her inside. "Mr.Holton is in my office waiting for us, but he assures me you come highly recommended."

A flush of heat rose into Luke's neck. "I know buildings and stonework, but I've not worked on anything this grand before."

"Well, if you know a way to salvage our beloved building, you'll be a hero in my book." She gave him another kind smile and continued leading them through a large entry hall.

Salvage the whole building? What was she talking about? He would have asked, if he hadn't been distracted by the grandness of it all. A double-story entry, half in stone, half in dark oak. Arched windows on each side, partly filled with stained glass. Stone columns, easily three feet around, lining the way. He'd never stepped foot in a church this big, let alone someone's house.

As they turned down a nearby hallway, a movement to Luke's right caught his attention. Two little girls, probably nine or ten years old, peered around one of the columns, contrasting in looks, but wearing similar smiles. The pale-faced redhead wore a sprinkling of freckles across her cheeks, her pale eyes wide. Her darker-skinned partner-in-peeking had even darker hair curled in tight braids around her head, the shade matching her large eyes.

His grin crooked.

Just before he disappeared into a room following Mrs.Kershaw, he shot the girls a wink.

A trill of giggles chased him into the room before the door closed.

He'd never get tired of that sound. Happy kids. A sound everyone should want to recreate in children.

Inside, a middle-aged man in a gray suit stood from one of the high-back chairs. He looked important and polished, with a well-practiced smile. Luke immediately thought "politician" but decided to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. No one needed that sort of first impression.

"Mr.MacKerrow, I presume." The man went directly to Pete and offered his hand. "You resemble your grandfather."

Pete's grin stretched. "I appreciate that, Mr.Holton."

"And Mr. Edgewood?" He took Luke's hand and sent an assessing eye down the length of Luke, a flicker of something lighting his expression. It made Luke stand up a little straighter. "I have been the vice president of Cambric Hall's board of directors for the past five years and work as a liaison between the board and organizations engaging with Cambric Hall."

Mr.Holton turned to Mrs.Kershaw. "Thank you, Mrs.Kershaw. I know you are very busy so I will apprise you of our discussion later, if you should wish to return to your duties."

"Yes, sir." She gave a small dip of her chin and left the room.

The room must have kept the same characteristics it held in the early 1900s. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases on one wall, dark wood crown molding, a large window with matching wood frame on one wall, and the scent of... books. Luke almost grinned. Izzy would love this place.

"Thank you for joining me," Mr.Holton began. "I'm certain you have questions about why we were seeking a lesser-known person to review our project here at the orphanage instead of using one of the larger businesses, so let me brief you with our reasoning." He folded his hands in front of him. "Three weeks ago, a construction company came to give an assessment of one portion of Cambric Hall. The floor was dipping, you see, which raised concern about structural soundness. However, Ms.St.Clare, the president of the board and supervisor of this Royal Trust project, felt concern over the findings, which led the two of us to question my father, who is retired from construction work. My family is one of the top supporters of this orphanage, as my mother was one of the children here."

"It's good to have a heart investment as well as a wallet investment in a place like this, I'd say."

"Indeed." Holton offered Luke an appreciative nod. "We know the value of Cambric Hall to the children it houses. When my father was in business, he was well-known throughout Skymar, and he still has a vast network of connections. I presented the case of the construction company's findings to him and he referred me to Mr. Lewis Gray, a lifelong friend of his. Once Mr. Gray knew the extent of the situation, he suggested we seek the counsel of someone less... influenced by the business demands in Skymar, but who also had an honest heart and keen eye." His gaze landed on Luke. "Mr. Gray recommended you, Mr. Edgewood."

Luke raised a brow. This entire situation seemed grander than the original cabin renovations that brought him to Skymar in the first place. Was Luke up to the task of a castle? "That was kind of Mr.Gray."

"Kindness has little to do with it," Mr.Holton responded with a shrug. "We need discretion and someone who isn't under the influence of those who could either mistreat the trust of the board or spread a great deal of harmful or misleading gossip."

Gossip? Over an orphanage? What kind of kids did they keep here? Celebrity kids?

Mr.Holton seemed to catch Luke's confusion because he continued, "There are, of course, delicate circumstances that bring children to our door, but there is another reason. The village of Crieff reserves the responsibility and honor of being a haven for the royals of Skymar."

The royals? Royals lived in Crieff? Or near it?

Now Luke knew he was in the wrong place.

"The most beloved country estate of the royals is only ten miles from here, hidden away in the mountains. They've had a longstanding relationship with the citizens of Crieff, which is a cherished agreement. The villagers ensure the royals' privacy when they are here, allowing the family freedom to mingle among the townspeople without concern for safety or being overrun."

"Scots," Pete whispered, his lips crooked.

"I hope and trust you will make a thorough and accurate assessment of the damaged area," Mr.Holton continued. "If your findings prove preferential to the previous assessment, and you feel the project is something you can complete within your stay here, you will be given sufficient workmen and compensation. There is only one rule for which we require your agreement."

Luke raised a brow.

"Secrecy. Until the project is completed, we ask you to share nothing related to your work outside of those intimately connected to it. Do you feel you can agree to those terms?"

Pete rushed forward with his agreement, but Luke took in the request. Keeping secrets wasn't a problem for him, but why such secrecy about a repair job? Was it the fact that the Royal Trust had something to do with the orphanage? Luke had no idea how royals worked, but from his hit-and-miss views of England's royal family news, he imagined safety and privacy were at the top of the list of valued commodities.

And protecting vulnerable kids should be right up there too.

"So first things first, I make an assessment of the project and we go from there?"

"Yes." Mr.Holton's posture relaxed, which made Luke feel a little more comfortable too. "We will discuss your findings and then make a decision accordingly."

"All right." Sounded simple enough. One step at a time. No commitment just yet. "When would you like me and Pete to take a look?"

Mr.Holton released a genuine smile. "Tomorrow morning, if you are able?"

Luke looked over at Pete, who shrugged his answer.

"Tomorrow morning sounds fine."

"And Ms.St.Clare will be in attendance, so you can direct further questions about the project to her."

"And this Ms.St.Clare is to be our overseer for the project, should we take the job?" Pete took the question out of Luke's head.

"Indeed. The orphanage is her particular responsibility, and she takes it very seriously. Her opinion is held in high regard within the royal family, so first impressions with her are important, of course."

"Well, if we're both wanting the same thing—to help these kids have a safe structure to live in—then I suspect we'll see eye to eye without much trouble."

Luke thought he caught the briefest hint of a smile on Mr. Holton's face. "Indeed." The man stood and tipped his head. "Until tomorrow."

From: Luke Edgewood

To: Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood, Josephine Martin

Date: March11

Subject: The cabin

To keep from a zillion texts where I must repeat myself ad nauseum, I'm sending this bulk email to jointly answer some questions.

Peter is a nice guy. Probably close to Penelope's age. A real positive kind of guy. He likes to talk and I'm not sure he's ever been camping before. He drives like Penelope too. I'll let you figure that one out for yourselves.

The electricity is out in the cabin until the electrician can rewire some things in two days. That gives me some time to look over the place and figure out what sort of additional wiring we'll need for the expansion I'm planning. Pete's not too happy about the lack of electricity since he's a rather social sort, and I may be a disappointment as far as conversational partners go. However, I told him that I'd scare the bears and coons away if we saw any, but since I wasn't sure what other kinds of critters live in Skymar, I couldn't vouch for his safety from them.

I'm attaching pictures of the cabin. It's got great bones and is a good place to have as our base. Seems that we're only about three miles from the village of Crieff. Nice place. Small. Lots of stone buildings and a few thatched roofs. We can purchase supplies there or have them shipped in, so I feel content in not having to travel into any cities.

The village is nestled in the mountains and a good half hour or more from anywhere else. The cabin is even more secluded.

I feel right at home.

The cabin's kitchen needs an update and we're turning a covered porch into a larger living area. The view is worth seeing (attaching a photo of the view too).

That's three photos. Be happy.

Otherwise, we're just winterizing the place and updating. The woodwork is great. And the wooden beams, but we're going to relocate them into the new living area.

The other project hasn't started yet but may end up being a big job. I don't know much else about it, except it's a secret.

That should be plenty for you all to chew on for a while.

Luke

PS: And yes, Izzy, I did tell Pete I was mostly joking about the critters.

PPS: BTW, Pete has never seen a coon. I'm trying to figure out if I'm saddened or envious.

Text from Penelope to Luke:Are you just saying it's a secret because you want to annoy me, or is it REALLY a secret?

Luke:It's really a secret, but that doesn't mean I didn't want to annoy you too.

Penelope:Ooh, Grandpa Gray knows lots of folks, so if he set it up for you, it must be very special. Famous people? Royals? Tell me if I'm hot or cold.

Luke:Nope. Didn't work with Christmas presents either.

Penelope:Ugh. I'll just keep teasing you about the meet-cute then. I looked for her in your picture of Crieff, but didn't see anyone resembling... who was it? Grace Kelly? *batting eyelashes*

Luke:Who is Grace Kelly?

Penelope:Nice try! Izzy wouldn't have made that up because it's way too unbelievable. So you must have REALLY said Grace Kelly and now I have a new thing to tease you about until the day you die.

Luke:I regret I ever mentioned the whole coffee scene to Izzy. It's a good thing I know how to keep secrets.

Penelope:I'm glad she told me. Now I can have such fun daydreaming FOR you!! Somehow, it makes you feel not so far away.

Luke:I know. I regret that too.

Penelope:BTW, I'm a great driver. I'm glad Pete is with you. SOMEONE needs to share some positive energy. Imagine being alone with all your sourness.

Luke:I smile every time I have that dream.

Evidently, Pete hadn't slept in a sleeping bag before either, because the guy tossed, turned, and groaned most of the night, occasionally attempting to start a conversation with Luke.

But Luke had learned long ago that only desperate times called for answering anybody's poke at a conversation in the middle of the night, so he kept his eyes closed and breathing steady. The cabin really wasn't so bad. No holes for critters to sneak in, and a fire that kept the main room nice and toasty through most of the night. Though Luke would be lying if he didn't admit to missing warm water for face washing and a fresh cup of hot coffee.

No matter. Pete had secured them breakfast at a BB in town, along with access to a shower too.

A few children had already made their way outside when Luke and Pete reached Cambric Hall, and as Luke exited the car, he caught sight of the two little girls from yesterday. They stopped their talking when they saw him and, with shy smiles, came a little nearer.

Kids were his kryptonite. He'd never admit it to anyone, especially his sisters, but he was drawn to spending time with and helping them. He coached baseball back home for that very reason. It was good for his heart.

Though baseball was made up of boys.

He had less practice talking to girls. He nearly groaned. Which proved true no matter what ages the girls were, in fact.

"Did I happen to see you two young ladies spying on me yesterday?"

The redhead giggled. "You sound funny."

"Do I?" Luke's grin spread. "Well, I'm from a different place."

The dark-haired girl's eyes grew wide. "You aren't from Nigeria."

Ah, from her accent, he wondered if that might be home for her. "No, I'm from America."

"Why don't you wear a coat?" the red-haired girl asked, scanning his flannel shirt and ball cap. "Aren't you cold?"

He lowered himself to a squat to be closer to their eye level. "Not at the moment. I like the cold."

"I do not." The dark-haired girl shook her braids. "I feel it in my bones."

"My name is Faye," offered the red-haired girl, pointing to herself. "And this is Amara."

"Nice to meet you, ladies. My name's Luke."

"Are you here to adopt a child?" This from Amara. "Because I cannot be adopted. My grandmother is coming for me."

"I'm afraid not. I've come to help fix some things around the place if I can."

Faye's expression deflated and hit him straight in the heart.

"Luke," Pete called from the doorway. "Ms.St.Clare is waiting inside."

"You ladies have a fine morning." Luke tipped his hat to the girls and resurrected their smiles. "If I stay on, I hope to talk to the two of you again."

Luke met Pete at the door, and the latter doffed a mischievous grin. "Charming the ladies, are we?"

"That age is about the only ones I can charm." Luke shook his head and followed Pete through the door. "I'm pretty useless the older they get."

They took the path they'd followed the day before, Mrs.Kershaw leading the way, and Luke took further inventory of the architecture and stateliness of the orphanage. He could spend a good month just investigating the bones and beauty of this place.

Mr.Holton greeted them at the office door, a practiced smile in place. "Good morning, gentlemen. I hope you enjoyed your first night in Crieff."

"I'm certain we'll like it better when the electricity works in our cabin," Pete said with an uncharacteristic frown. "And we have beds."

"No electricity?" Holton's brows rose. "Or beds?"

"The electrician is coming tomorrow and new furniture arrives this afternoon, so we'll be just fine, Mr.Holton."

The man nodded, humor lighting his eyes as he examined Luke for another second before gesturing them into the office. "Allow me to introduce Ms.St.Clare, the main overseer of this project."

Luke entered behind Pete and turned.

His welcome smile died a slow death on his face.

Before him, in a gray suit and with golden hair pulled back in a familiar bun, stood Grace Kelly.