Chapter 13

Remington threaded his way through the crowd to find Mickeline standing alone at the end of the bar. Looking around, Remington asked,"Where'd they go?"

"Young Christian mentioned tomorrow was going to be an early morn so they took their leave. Looks like the band is done for the evening, too. We should go before this crowd tries to pull us into a few rounds," Mickeline suggested.

Outside where the noise volume was much quieter, Remington turned to Mickeline, stating, "I want to thank you for the suggestion of that band, Mickeline. They were quite good, much better than I had anticipated in fact. I'm sure Mrs. Steele is going to thoroughly enjoy them for entertainment. Now the last item on her agenda is to find a photographer."

Mickeline smiled at Remington, and said, "Glad I could be of service, your Lordship. Now a photographer, you say? I may know of a lass that may provide the services you'll be needing. She's just starting out but has a keen eye for detail."

Climbing into the car, Remington sat and thought for a moment, gently rubbing his mouth with his hand. "Just starting out? I'm sure my wife will want someone established, with good references and a portfolio. Our first ceremony left a lot to be desired so I'm sure she'll be wanting every last detail to be perfect," he said thoughtfully. He knew Laura was fully committed to the entire wedding planning process now and an unseasoned photographer may not fit the bill.

"A portfolio she does have, Mr. Steele and a beautiful one at that. She's taken photographs all around the castle and of every family in the surrounding area. She's just returned from University with a degree in art. Smart lass, she is," Mickeline said proudly.

Remington started the car and as he dropped it into gear, turned to look at Mickeline. "Why do I get the distinct impression you know this lass quite well?" he asked suspiciously.

"Ay, that I do, Mr. Steele, you see Kaitlyn is my niece, my brother's oldest girl. First O'Flynn to graduate from University and a fine example she is," he answered, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"And this brother? Is it the same brother that is currently commissioned to produce the engagement and wedding band for my wife?" Remington asked.

Laughing, Mickeline answered, "One and the same. She inherited his eye, that she did."

Remington nodded, "Well then Mickeline, it seems Mrs. Steele is going to be very busy tomorrow. Can you arrange for… Kaitlyn… to come by the castle in the evening? Say five o'clock?"

Mickeline nodded enthusiastically, "I'll ring her as soon as we arrive at the castle. Anything else you need from me this evening?"

Remington laughed, "No, Mickeline, I think you've been worth your weight in gold this evening."

The two men laughed as they drove the next few minutes back to Ashford Castle. Parking the car just outside the garage, they entered in the side door where they parted ways. Remington thanked him again before heading up to find Laura in their bed chamber. It was just after eleven and he wasn't sure if she would be asleep or not.

As Remington entered the dark room, he toed off his shoes to try to remain as quiet as possible to not wake Laura. He could see her form on the bed, partially curled up on the side he had been sleeping on, his pillow beside her. Quietly, he undressed, pulling on a pair of pajama pants before climbing onto the bed. He gently coaxed the pillow out of her hands as he moved to lay beside her. "Rem?" Laura spoke, her voice barely a whisper.

"It's me, love, go back to sleep," he answered, brushing her hair off her forehead where he leaned down to give it a gentle kiss.

"How was the band?" she asked, sleepily.

"Quite good but we'll talk about it in the morning. You're going to have a busy day tomorrow, you need your rest," Remington explained quietly hoping she would fall back to sleep.

Pushing up onto her elbows, Laura opened her eyes slowly. "What do you mean I'm going to have a busy day? Mr. Steele, what is going on?" she asked suspiciously.

Pursing his lips together, Remington silently berated himself for saying anything. He knew Laura wasn't going to go back to sleep now until she knew exactly what was going on. Taking a deep breath, he explained, "Well, let's see, Antony will be here around one so you can talk to him, you'll have a meeting with an up and coming photographer at five and oh yes, my cousin will be here for breakfast."

Laura blinked several times, processing what he just said. Finally deciding she needed clarification she said, "A photographer? You found a photographer?"

"Correction, Mickeline found her, in a way. It's his niece who has recently graduated from University with a degree in art. She'll bring her portfolio," he stated, settling himself on the pillow, hoping Laura would take the hint and go back to sleep.

"And you saw Tony tonight? At the pub?" Laura continued.

"Yes, told him you need to have a discussion with him regarding the events of the last few weeks. He agreed," Remington said as he closed his eyes.

"One last thing, Mr. Steele. Did you say your COUSIN was coming for breakfast?" Laura sat upright, as realization finally set in.

"Yes, Laura, but really, can we discuss this in the morning, please? It's a long story and well, I'm rather tired. I promise you, I'll explain the whole thing in the morning. Please, let's just get some sleep," Remington tried to sound irritated, hoping she would just let it go for the moment.

"But I thought…" Laura started.

"I know how it sounds, Laura. As fate would have it, Christian's father, Paddy, is a cousin of mine. Or at least that's my understanding of it. It was in his home I spent the better part of two years around the time I was three or four years old. I barely remember it however, his face I would never forget, nor him, mine. When his mother became ill with consumption… eh…. Tuberculosis, I was picked up by another cousin, Anne. That was the end of my time there. But Paddy will be here tomorrow for breakfast and honestly, maybe he has more answers for me. But for tonight, please, can we rest?" Blue eyes filled with emotions stared into dark brown ones. Even in the dim light of the room, Laura could see the glistening tears unshed once again.

Snuggling onto his chest, Laura played with the dark hairs beneath her fingers. Her mind was now reeling with everything he had just said. Possibly finding a photographer, check. One item off her mental checklist of wedding issues that needed to be addressed. Remington bumping into Tony at the pub, perfect, less work they needed to do to find him. But finding a cousin… a family member of Remington's… someone who knew him as a child, who may have known his birth mother. Well, that was icing on the proverbial cake. She grinned at the mere thought they could get some answers about who he really was.

"Let it go, Laura," Remington groused. He knew she was awake and her mind was ticking away. Raising his head just a little, he gently kissed the top of hers, avoiding the line of stitches. "Get some rest. You're going to need all that energy tomorrow."

Sighing, Laura stopped moving her fingers, allowing the earthy scent of him to relax her. Remington put his arms around her, pulling her closer, protectively. Giving in, Laura closed her eyes and together they drifted off to sleep.