Kate and Edward were in the sitting room enjoying some down time as Mary took a much needed nap. They’d been out riding horses all morning and between the excitement of the activity and the fresh air, Mary had been done in. Kate had found a new mystery series in Edward’s vast library and was laying on the couch, her head in Edward’s lap, reading the first book of the series. Edward was rubbing Kate’s head as he channel surfed, looking for a cricket game. Kate and Edward, startled by the appearance of his mother, jumped a foot in the air. Kate dropped her book on the floor and almost followed it when Edward jumped to his feet. “Mother!” Edward said a little too loud. “I thought you wouldn’t be here until later,” he said sheepishly as he helped Kate to her feet. “That much is apparent,” Charlotte said dryly. She walked over to Kate and presented her hand. “You must be Kate? I’ve heard so much about you.” Kate put her hand in Charlotte’s and was surprised when the woman pulled Kate into a hug. “All good, I hope?”
