As Mara walked to the loading zone her excitement steadily increased. Unfamiliar faces stood near the doors, brightening as they're eyes located the person they waited to meet. As yet, she had not encountered Charles. Despite the delay she had encountered, Kate's assistant would surely have waited for her. Mara scanned the area again, looking for the older man's face.

"Mara?" A familiar lilting voice sounded softly behind her.

Her heart suddenly stopped then started thudding maddeningly in her chest. Turning slowly Mara excitement was quickly replaced by happiness and love for the beloved white haired woman who stood in front of her. "My God. Gram….." she sighed, hugging Kate tightly. Mara felt the tears fill her eyes as she savored her Grandmother's hug. After all these years, her arms still held the peacefulness and comfort of home. Slowly the stress of the day spilled over. Her bottom lip trembled as she smiled through tears. "I've missed you so much."

Kate's hand stroked Mara's hair with the same Grandmotherly gentleness she had used when she had comforted her as a child. "I know Poppet. I know." She hushed. Several moments later, Kate handed her a tissue, regarding her lovingly as Mara dabbed at her eyes.

Always looking younger than her stated age, Kate held her 74 years well. Immaculately attired, she looked every bit the elegant, noblewoman that Mara remembered from childhood. A silver cane was firmly grasped in Kate's wrinkled hand, although she didn't appear to be leaning on it heavily. Still she seemed frailer than Mara remembered. Evidently, time had taken a toll on her in some ways. Thinking that the long trip would be too difficult for Kate, she immediately felt concerned to see her here. "You look wonderful. I never dreamed that you would meet me here yourself. It's such a long drive. " She breathed anxiously.

Kate's eyes rolled heavenwards. "Oh, fiddlesticks it is." She quipped. "Charles did voice his concern, but to be quite honest with you, Darling," Her soft hand cupped Mara's silky cheek as she smiled, glowing with happiness. "I just couldn't wait."

The familiar odor of peppermint oil met Mara's nose, flooding her mind with memories and feelings she'd long tucked away. Memories of massaging the soothing oil onto Kate's aching hands, as her grandmother recited bedtime stories. Tales of fairies and dragons, brave knights and beautiful lands. Snuggled in her bed at night, she would inhale the fragrance as the remnants of the oil clung to her hands and fall asleep with her Grandmother's aura surrounding her. Kate's finger brushed a stray lock of silky hair from Mara's brow. "You have grown into such a lovely young woman."

Hugging her grandmother again she whispered. "God, I can't tell you how much I've missed you. Missed Stonycroft…."

Holding Mara's hand she gently led her towards the coffee shop. "Come on then, we should be heading home soon Dear. Charles is collecting a young friend of the family. He will be traveling home with us as well." She said pleasantly.

"Really?" Mara felt a momentary pang of guilt at her initial reaction to the thought of this strangers intrusion into her personal time with her grandmother. Kate had said he was a friend of the family. She was a big girl now. She could share.

"Yes Dear. William Foxborough is an anthropologist. He's been writing a historical study on Men Scrafa for me. Wonderfully handsome young lad. Very intelligent. Cambridge Graduate as well." Innocently she added as though an afterthought, "He's also single. Just like you, Dear."

Now it was Mara's turn to roll her eyes. "Gram, I have been in the country for less than a day, and you're already playing the matchmaker?" she retorted, suspiciously regarding her Grandmother. "A relationship with a man is the farthest thing from my mind right now."

Kate turned, her face expressing mock offence. "Did I say that? No. I was just pointing out some of his more notable qualities. Ah! There they are." Smiling broadly, Kate waved a hand towards the approaching crowd.

An older white haired gentleman, waved back as he chatting animatedly with someone concealed by the dense crowd. Charles' smile clearly revealed that he was enjoying the conversation. Mara assumed that it was this William, Kate had referred to. As they approached the crowd thinned, reveling the subject, Kate had described as a family friend. Mara felt the touch of his grey eyes as she smiled warmly recognizing the young raven haired bohemian from the customs line. His eyes responded, twinkling in recognition and mischief. Mara's cheeks flushed red as she realized he had witnessed the entire awful event. He was sure to mention it. Suddenly she felt the bottom drop out of her stomach.

She didn't want her Grandmother upset at such a silly incident. Glancing at Kate meaningfully, she shook her head almost imperceptibly, clearly pleading her request for discretion. One dark eyebrow raised in acknowledgement of her unspoken request.

Mara gave momentary consideration to kicking him in the shin if he embarrassed her in front of Kate. His eyes suddenly were alight with mischief, as though he had read her thoughts. Mara's eyes pleaded her case as Kate hugged the young man warmly. "Welcome home, Will. I would like you to meet Mara, my Granddaughter." Turning to Mara. "Darling, this is William."

His grey eyes teased as he accepted her extended hand. "Hello again. It's a pleasure to finally meet in person, the young lady that I've heard so much about recently." Gently he raised her hand to lips as he lightly pressed a kiss to her knuckles. His action surprised Mara. It was old world, courtly. Unsettling.

"Oh how lovely. You've met." Kate chimed happily.

"Yes," he beamed, "while waiting in customs. Your Granddaughter's charming personality just draws people to her." He confided to Kate. Her grandmother smiled as she watched the introduction, happily oblivious to the double meaning of William's statement. His smooth, pleasant voice made it clear that he intended to torment her despite her unspoken request.

Deciding that she would defiantly kick him when she got him alone, she pulled her hand free of his fingers. "I'm sure you're overstating things just a bit." Mara insisted.

"Not at all, I assure you."

Kate accepted Williams arm as he assisted her towards the black limousine parked outside the terminal. Mara seethed as the two acted like old friends. "How was your trip Dear? Kate asked.

"Fairly routine," he started, then thoughtfully added, "Until the excitement at the very end." His perfect white smile appeared as he opened the door and assisted her into the vehicle.

She'd kill him. One more word and they'd be dragging her back to New York in chains. A small humorless smile curved her soft mouth as her injured shoulder protested the weight of her suitcase. The pain adding to the reminder her of her recent embarrassment. She glared at his back wishing he'd vanish.

Interest piqued, Kate looked up, "Good heavens, Will. What happened." her face prompting for the gossip.

His voice was cool and even, yet Mara's mouth went dry with fear. This was it. He was going to spill it all. Perhaps if she bribed him. "Some commotion or another about a criminal. Turned out to be nothing more than a simple case of mistaken identity." He replied smoothly dismissing the details.

Kate's face relaxed in relief. "Thank goodness it wasn't serious." Kate poked her head outside the door asking, "Did you see the incident Mara? My Granddaughter is with the FBI." She beamed proudly at William who's feigned surprise was deceitfully well acted.

"Yes Gram. It was quickly cleared up. No harm done." She nodded, trying to look agreeable, while she glared at him, conveying menace far better than most could with angry words.

He crossed his arms across his chest frowning at her explanation and pushed further. "I certainly don't know about that. As I recall, that person will have a sore shoulder for a week or more." He walked past her and deposited his bag into the open trunk, then held out his hand towards her suitcase. His eyes glittered mischievously. "Can I help you with those Mara?" William volunteered.

"No. Thank you. I can manage just fine.

"Of course." There was a small telling silence as William's head danced with all kinds of ideas to torment her. His plotting interrupted by the beckoning finger of his intended target.

Moving to the trunk he watched her take a deep calming breath. "I would prefer that we drop this discussion about the customs incident." She asked, her tone firm, commanding.

"You would."

"Yes. I see no need for my Grandmother to become upset hearing all the gory details." Mara gave a little sigh. Surely the man would listen to reason.

"But details are so much fun." He looked playfully unrepentant.

Mara closed the trunk, regretting that she hadn't locked his sarcastic butt in with the luggage. He was worse than having a little brother. She had been around her friends long enough to see the teasing they endured and was thankful for the reprieve. She leveled an icy stare at him. "I mean it. Not another word from you about it."

Will though about this then nodded his head. "Agreed, but it will cost you dinner."

"What!" She demanded. Sounding rather haughty, she put on her best official face. "Do you know that attempting to blackmail a Federal Agent is a felony."

He found himself smiling again at her. She was beautiful, but angry she was breathtaking. He couldn't resist. "This isn't blackmail. No. Just a friendly agreement between friends."

"Just a friendly agreement! You arrogant—" she snapped resentfully. He gave a lazy shrug.

"Are you two coming?" Kate's voice drifted from the car, abruptly reminding Mara that they weren't alone.

He laughed softly. "Temper, temper. Well?" he grinned devilishly.

"Fine. Dinner. But not another word!" She couldn't imagine what karmic debt she was repaying to have earned four hours in a closed car with this tormenting trickster.

He attempted innocence. "I will be the picture of discretion." His grey eyes were laughing, belying his words. She was perfect. Absolutely perfect.