Chapter 3

Rob spent the rest of the afternoon settling into his new lodgings. It didn't take long to put away the sparse but costly wardrobe that this job required. Some shopping was definitely in order as soon as he had the time to head into town.

Next came re-purposing the spare bedroom. Since the second bed wasn't really needed it was pushed in front of the window. The desk was set up as a workstation and computer center. His free weights were stacked against the closet wall along with his gym bag, red trainers and running clothes.

Finally satisfied with the setup, he logged into his email to update Matilda on his progress. He filled out the PSE report, put in a requisition for some equipment and logged off.

A small mantle clock above the fireplace chimed the hour. Checking the time, he realized he had better get changed. He stripped and slipped on a pair of khakis and a white cotton shirt. Rolling up the sleeves, he grabbed the car keys to move the car into the garage after dinner and dashed out the door.

It was a beautiful late summer night and the gardens smelled green and sweet from the lush roses and hydrangeas. He seldom had the time to stop and appreciate his surroundings while on assignment. Actually there wasn't usually much to appreciate while on assignment.

When he got to the house, he knocked and waited for Kate to mockingly greet him. To his surprise Marian opened the door.

She met his questioning glance with a brief explanation. "Staff is off tonight. Dinner in about half'n hour." Heading in the direction of the study she looked back over her shoulder. "Want a drink?"

He followed her down the hall noticing that she had changed into a knit dress and leggings. The soft fabric slid over her curves as she walked. "That'd be great" he bit out distractedly. Judging by her relaxed and friendly manner she'd already had one he surmised.

He followed her into the drawing room where Edward was sipping a scotch. "What can I get you my boy."

"Gin and tonic please, sir." Rob accepted the drink gladly and sat in a high back leather chair. He soon found out about Edward's life and career while managing to give out as little personal information as possible. The inquires about his family were short...except for a few distant cousins,he had none...that although painful was truthful and finite. His family had died in a car crash.

His past was trickier to answer, but he found that it was best in these situations to have a kernel of truth to the story. He had been in Iraq, and had returned after 3 years to attended university, the death of his family led to his current job.

Which was where the truth ended except for the admission that this job hadn't really been his choice...he had fallen into it. That fact had surprised him...both because he had revealed it and because he admitted it ….. to himself

Marian was staring at him intently. As if she suspected he was holding back. He attempted to distract her by drawing her into the conversation.

"What's your favorite course at University, Marian".

"Well certainly not physics. I detest it". she replied "My favorite would probably be Medieval history. You know knights, castles, court."

He smiled to himself when he realized that might be why she hadn't objected to his calling her milady.

"I'm not sure I agree with your choice. Medieval life was not kind to the majority of its subjects, especially women. And.." he continued "you shouldn't dismiss physics so readily. You may not realize it but you will use something that you learn in Physics everyday".

"That is ridiculous," Marian ..argued.

"Care to bet on that"...he extended his hand...Marian eyed him warily.

"20 pounds says I'm right." he continued "Twenty days ,...twenty examples." She hesitantly put her hand in his across the table, their eyes locked as their fingers brushed.

"You're on"...Marian agreed.

Rob held her gaze for a second and tried to gauge her motives, but found her guileless. Watch your step Huntington - this bet , you may lose and not because you can't produce a persuasive list of physics principals.

Dinner was accompanied by lighter conversation...the unusually warm weather, entertainment in the Knighton area and the family's plans for the weekend. After the meal,he and Edward returned to the study for brandy and Marian excused herself to finish her class assignments.

Walking up the drive, later that night he realized that he had forgotten to return the car to the carriage house. As he turned, he caught sight of a light in an upstairs bedroom. Marian he presumed. As she walked past the window she pulled the dress over her head revealing shapely curves and a red bra , he froze in his tracks and inhaled sharply. A red bra ... he shook his head...get a grip Huntington ...you have seen more than your share of half naked girls.

Turning back in the direction of his apartment, he re-prioritized. The car can wait ...maybe an hour of weights will clear my thoughts. Civilian life is making me soft headed. He rubbed his forehead as he continued on to the carriage house and blamed it on the brandy. He really need to watch the liquor and stay sharp. This could be a long assignment.