Second Day
Emma Knight awoke the next morning, feeling refreshed and ready to face the new day. After a hearty breakfast in sitting room that had been converted into a restaurant, Emma decided to go horseback riding.
The palace's stables could be reached either by walking a mile down a weather beaten path that meandered its way through the castle's woods, or by driving down a manmade road. Miss Knight chose to drive her car, since she didn't want to run the risk of getting lost. Miss Knight had forgotten to pack her riding habit, so she would have to rent apparel at the stables. These thoughts in mind, she followed the carved signs to the horse barns.
******************
John Steed called David Keel the following morning to tell him of his plan to depart today for Millbury Castle. Keel couldn't leave his surgery that day, but he promised to join Mr. Steed tomorrow. After making his phone call and grabbing a blueberry scone, Steed exited his congested flat. With his two compact suitcases, Steed climbed into his sleek, modern car and took off toward the palace.
He really wanted an old Bentley, but no reputable secret agent drove such an antique. Spies were supposed to be up-to-date on all the gadgets and sports cars. Maybe someday he would break away from the image he was supposed to be and act in his natural, old-world and gentlemanly way. After all, being so ruthless was not his normal behaviour, unless he was completely piqued by a certain unruly criminal.
After a leisurely trip, Steed arrived at his destination. He surveyed the surroundings with utter interest, his brain absorbing even the most trivial of information. The castle was made of grey stones, withering from old age and misuse from the many wars that had been fought between feuding families. Four turrets, banners still waving on their roofs, had been built in each corner. A massive, wooden door closed the palace from the outside world, while a wooden drawbridge spread across the still intact moat. Grass and other plants outlined the gravel parking lot, which was filled with expensive cars. This resort certainly was a vacation outlet for the wealthy.
"I should fit right in here," Steed mused to himself. His many years of spying had left quite a bit of money in his bank account, making him extremely rich for a man who had began his career as a lowly private in the RAF.
As he was staring intently at the palace's tower, he noticed a vehicle cruising into the lot at an erratic speed. Turning sideways to have a look at the foolish driver, he perceived that it was a young woman. What he saw made his breath catch in his throat, and it wasn't because the woman was terrifying to behold, but because she was one of the most gorgeous creatures he had ever seen in his thirty-seven years of age. Reddish brown hair, which came right below her ears, outlined her elegant and beautiful face. And long lashed, brown eyes were fixed on a parking space ahead.
Unfortunately, they were not aware of Steed's car, which was blocking most of the entranceway to the car park. Before he was completely sure what had occurred, Steed felt a sharp jolt go through his body and heard the sound of metal crushing.
Emma was also oblivious to what was happening until it was too late. Fearing the worst, she slammed on her breaks, but she had already collided into the car in front of her. Emma's right side rammed into the car door, leaving an unsightly dent in the metal. Her windshield burst into a million fragments of glass, cutting her everywhere that was vulnerable. She hastily shut her eyes to prevent any glass from entering and waited helplessly.
Agilely, Steed hopped out of his car to see if the woman was alive. He peered into the car only to discover that the lady was sitting motionless in her seat. He couldn't help but notice that her statuesque figure was slender and full where it should be, and the yellow floral sundress complimented her body perfectly.
As Steed glanced agape at the woman, she remained inert, as if she were dead. The stranger finally shook herself from her stupor to look at who she assumed was the guilty offender. Her lovely eyes flashed in annoyance as she tried to open the jammed door.
"I'm extremely sorry that I didn't move my car when I saw you approaching," Steed apologised profusely.
Miss Knight scrutinised the tall man before retorting, "You should be more cautious if you want to keep your license." She managed to smile painfully as she added, "Fortunately for you, I don't hold grudges, or I would report you to the police."
"Lucky for me you're still alive!" Steed cried, relief flooding his nervous voice. He managed to pry open the car door for the shaken lass.
"Well, I only fell onto my right side and was cut into shreds my glass," Emma remarked half gravely and half in jest. If it was one thing she had learned it was to make light of deadly situations and to always remain composed. Miss Knight felt both of her sides to make sure nothing had been broken. Once convinced she only had gigantic and excruciating bruises, she rose unsteadily to her feet.
"Might I be of any assistance?" Mr. Steed asked anxiously. He placed a gentle hand on one of the lady's scratched arms. To his dismay, one of the white straps that held up her attractive sundress was tearing at the seam.
Emma didn't respond but gingerly touched her right side. Some warm liquid ushered forth from a gash she had received when she crashed against the door. "It appears that I am bleeding," she proclaimed in an indifferent tone.
John Steed was amazed at the young woman's tranquility during this crisis. "Oh dear, you don't think you'll need stitches?"
"That would be quite a side stitch!" Emma quipped. "If you'll excuse me, I'll just pay a visit to the hotel's physician." Miss Knight squinted in pain as she made her way into the castle, but she showed no signs of her discomfort to the tall man with the bowler and three-piece suit.
Steed stared admiringly at the brave woman until she disappeared from sight. As he was carefully parking his dented car, workers from the hotel filed out to clean up Emma's destroyed vehicle and the area around it. The manager of the hotel nervously asked if Steed wanted to file a complaint against the other driver.
Steed meditated briefly before responding, "No, I'll just work out some sort of agreement with her. You had better notify the police to say there's been an accident." The manager wandered off muttering something about "bad publicity."
John Steed knew what that luscious woman could do to repay the damages; she would have to eat dinner with him. Grinning from ear to ear, John entered the hotel with his luggage. As he headed over to the registration desk, a short man with an impeccable mustache approached him.
"I say, who is your tailor?" the stranger inquired of Steed.
"I go to this small establishment in London," John answered. When the two men were certain no one was eavesdropping, Steed began, "Robinson, are there any reports on this Knight fellow?"
"So far everything is as normal as apple pie," returned Mr. Robinson. "None of Penney's gang has shown their diabolical faces around these premises yet." Mike Robinson slipped Steed a portfolio filled with glossy photographs. "Here are the men you should be on the lookout for. I'm going to head back to London to investigate the Penney's Plastic Co. offices and industrial plant. I should return either tomorrow or the next day."
Robinson was about to leave when Steed checked him. "Shouldn't you point out Mr. Knight before you leave?"
Mike stared at him strangely before replying, "The relative that took over Sir John's position when he died was his daughter Emma. Her picture is included with the suspects." With this remark, he left Steed in an incredulous stupor.
Steed shook himself from his reverie and grinned broadly. So far he had two women to flirt with, the beautiful woman he had run over with his car and Miss Emma Knight. Even though he was technically still on the job, Steed knew he was going to have a relaxing and fun holiday.
After Steed checked in, a porter showed him how to get to his room from the lobby. He had to climb up the grand stone staircase and then took a right at the landing on the second floor. After passing the many rooms on that floor, he reached a smaller staircase that wound its way to the third and final story of the building.
His room was number 314, a luxurious chamber with a four-post bed made out of mahogany, and a matching wardrobe. A full-length mirror was on the opposite wall of the wardrobe, while the bed stood in the center of the room. Across from the bed, near the door to the hallway, was an exquisite tapestry. A stiff chair with a velvet cushion stood in the left corner, and near that was a bedside table. Beside these few pieces of furniture, the colossal room was empty.
"The washrooms and showers are located at the end of each hallway, sir," the porter said. "There are four corridors on each floor." After placing Steed's baggage on his bed, the bellhop quitted the room.
Steed decided to explore the grounds, so he changed into casual khaki pants and a light green short-sleeved shirt. John then drew back red curtains that matched the seat cushion, revealing a window. Once there was enough sunshine in the room, Steed found his way downstairs.
He went through the lobby down a hall he had noticed when he had first arrived. It led to the banquet hall where Miss Knight had eaten the night before. It also led to one of the two kitchens and the first aid station. Steed was tempted to see if the mystery lady he had nearly killed was still at the surgery, but he checked himself. He was looking for Miss Knight.
That's when he realised he had left the portfolio upstairs in his room! He could return to his room to retrieve it, but he had already come a long way from there. "I'll just look for Miss Knight later," he muttered to himself as he stuffed his hands into his pant's pockets.
He returned to the lobby again and turned down a different corridor. Down this hall were the library, billiard/game room and a little pub. At the end of the hallway was a wooden door that led to the lovely outside. Steed stepped through the doorway onto a granite patio (he was noticing the pattern with stones) and discovered that he was near the swimming pool, which was built into the ground. The patio went all around the pool, and lounge chairs were placed on the rock where bikini-clad beauties lay, catching a few rays of the summer sun. They giggled and smiled demurely at the ogling Steed, his roguish side coming through. Portable changing rooms stood on the grass near the poolside.
Farther down on the green lawn, people were playing croquet, and looming high above the trees was a giant hedge maze. Steed spotted the path that led to the stables, but he did not know where it went, so he decided to traverse it. In a short while, he had disappeared beyond a bend.
Meanwhile, in the first aid station, Emma was letting the words of the doctor skim over her mind like a sailboat across the water. All she heard was something about "no broken bones" and being "very lucky." Then the physician told her not to strain herself by going swimming or horseback riding over the next few days, but instead relax by the pool or read a book. He wrapped her side in a bandage and told her to come tomorrow so he could see if she still needed the bandage or if it could be removed.
Still in a haze, Miss Knight thanked the doctor and left the establishment. Her fortune had predicted that she would collide with a tall, dark stranger, which is exactly what had happened earlier. Emma knew it was more than likely a coincidence, but she couldn't stop thinking about the debonair man in the striped blacked suit and black bowler. There was something strange about his whole persona, like he was hiding something. Why did such a distinguish man in gentlemanly apparel drive a sports car? The two items were completely incongruous! Emma wasn't certain about many things with the stranger, but she did know she was fascinated with him and wanted to see him again.
She climbed the grand staircase to her room on the second floor, where she grabbed a bathing suit to change into at the swimming pool. She didn't care what the doctor had told her; she knew the water would help her wounds. Miss Knight really wanted to wear her bikini, but the big gash might be too gruesome a sight for bystanders. Squinting up her face in disgust, she took off her blood-soiled sundress. She wasn't sickened by the grisly sight, but she was dismayed to note that her dress was ruined from the stain. After changing into an easy outfit to throw off and on once she was in the pool's changing rooms, she headed back downstairs.
Soon she was submersed in the ten-feet deep pool, letting the water cool her aching and hot body. She treaded water in the deep end for several minutes but soon noticed that her injured side was hurting from the activity. Emma rolled her eyes at the thought of damaging her side worse than it already was and having the doctor scold her severely. She swam into the shallow end, where she stood watching fellow guests swim by her.
"If it isn't that lovely woman I saved from peril," a male voice cried.
Miss Emma glanced about her until she spotted the man whose car she had crashed into. "Where have you been over the last hour?" she inquired.
"I was taking a look at the extensive grounds. I just came back from the stables." Steed seated himself in a lounge chair near the delectable Emma.
Miss Knight wanted to say something, but she knew not what this man would find interesting. "You should take a dip; it's very refreshing."
"I don't think you or anyone else would find me very attractive in bathing trunks," replied the stranger.
Emma smiled at this comment as she watched an athletic woman execute a perfect swan dive into the pool. "Do you know how to dive?" she asked lamely.
The man seemed to find this amusing, for he chortled continuously for several minutes. "If I could, I wouldn't mind wearing a bathing suit. Why don't you show me how it's done?"
"With my injuries, that wouldn't be very clever or beneficial for my health." Emma waded over to the stairs of the pool and climbed out. She leisurely wrapped a towel around her slender figure, but before she did, Steed was able to catch a glimpse of her bathing costume.
It was sky blue with sewn in sparkles and bikini cut legs. The thin straps of the suit connected to a low cut, heart shaped front. The middle of the bathing suit was cut out, revealing a toned stomach and a belly button, something very shocking to see in 1961!
Steed immediately liked the lady even more than before. Any woman who was tough enough to swim when injured, and brave enough to wear such provocative apparel was definitely his style.
Emma observed with a smirk that the man was staring lustfully at her figure. For some reason, she didn't mind if this man found her attractive. After a moment she realised it was because she was now outside the work force and didn't have to behave staid so her workers wouldn't disrespect her. If she wanted to, she could go out with this man, not that she had any inclination to date.
"I see you like my bathing costume," she began teasingly. "Would you like to know the tailor so you can purchase one for your-ah-lady friend."
"A man of my ilk does not have 'lady friends.'" Steed feigned a look of utter insult.
"If you have such high class, why is it that your mind instantly jumped to the conclusion that I was implying a 'lady friend,' is something wicked?" Emma asked, grinning mischievously.
Steed realised he had been defeated at his own playful game, but he decided not to sulk over it. Instead, with a puckish gleam in his greyish-blue eyes, he pushed his companion into the pool!
Emma sputtered as she floated to the surface of the water. Her now thoroughly soaked towel clung tightly to her body, so she had no way to dry herself off. She could have been infuriated at the stranger for committing such an impish deed, but she decided to retaliate in a good-humoured way. Pretending to be offended, she waded over to the edge of the pool.
John Steed knelt down next to her, a look of regret etched across his face. "I'm extremely sorry for by rude behaviour," he began as he placed his agitated hands in on top of his bent legs.
Emma glanced at his face, then at his hands, and then at the pool. Before the stranger could utter any more sincere apologies, she grabbed his hands and pulled him into the pool. She laughed giddily at the sight of the man floundering around in the water.
Mr. Steed regained his footing and composure in order to shout, "Oh, so you're the type who plays rough!" He began splashing water on the jubilant woman.
Emma Knight returned the gesture, and soon the two were immersed in a water war. Neither paid heed to the fact that Steed was in his clothes and Emma was wrapped in a towel. They merely laughed and grinned, amazed to find someone with almost precisely the same form of humour and intelligence.
Finally, Steed and Miss Knight clambered out of the wet pool and sat down on adjacent chairs. Steed spoke first, "Now that we've been through our first 'fight,' maybe I ought to introduce myself. My name is Steed, John Steed."
"I am Miss Emma Knight." Emma extended her hand for a handshake, but Mr. Steed merely stared at her queerly.
"Are you the daughter of the late Sir John Knight, prominent entrepreneur?" Steed asked incredulously.
"I'm guilty as charged, but how do you know about me?"
"What businessman hasn't heard of you and your work?" Steed answered evasively.
"What line of work our you involved in, Mr. Steed?" Emma inquired politely.
"I work for the government," Steed replied. Miss Knight seemed unimpressed with this vague answer, so he lied, "I'm a secretary for the secretary of one of the members of Parliament." After receiving a disbelieving glance from the young woman, he added hastily, "Secretaries need their own people to file their papers. If a secretary is filing someone else's documents and writing somebody else's letters, when is he going to have time to write his own? That's where his secretary comes to the rescue."
Emma must have found this answer plausible, for she asked, "Which member of Parliament to you work under, Mr. Steed?"
"If I told you, I would be revealing whom I voted for in the last election, and that's very hush-hush." Steed smiled charmingly as he rose to his feet, his wet tennis shoes squeaking. "Are there any interesting business transactions going on at your company right now?" he prodded, hoping to get any valuable information about Putnam and his cohorts.
"If you can have your secrets, I can have mine," Miss Knight retorted cheekily. "I'd say we're about even now."
"Not quite, you still owe me for crashing into my car," Steed reminded her.
"Uh oh, how much do you want me to pay?"
"I just want you to spend a quiet evening at a cozy table, eating a romantic dinner for two with me. Then afterwards, we can take a stroll in the moonlight."
Emma's red lips formed a tight grimace as she replied, "I figured there was some catch."
"Would you rather pay me money? I could always use more capital than I have!"
"I'll go out on you, but only on one condition: that you foot the dinner bill."
Steed raised his eyebrows in surprise and dismay. "Do you realise that you're quite the blackmailer?"
Emma Knight gave him a witty gaze as she answered, "I should be; I've been hanging around with one." Emma surveyed Steed's wet attire and declared, "You should change before you catch cold. It wouldn't do you any good to be ill during our dinner engagement."
"What will you do while I'm gone?"
"I want to phone my secretary to relay some important information." Miss Knight turned to leave, but Mr. Steed checked her.
"You're calling your work while on a holiday?" Steed asked in an upbraiding tone.
"Believe it or not, my secretary is a my close friend, so I consider it a pleasure call." Grabbing the grass woven bag that held her dry clothes, Emma entered one of the changing quarters.
Steed began his long trek back to his luxurious hotel room. He received several admonishing glances as he entered the lobby in his wet apparel, but he ignored them all. If he paid heed to the numerous times he had been glared at, he would have a terrible inferiority complex by now.
Emma Knight soon followed Mr. Steed's footsteps up the main staircase to her room, 235. She immediately advanced to her bedside table where the only two modern items in the room were located, a telephone and an alarm clock. She dialed her work number, and after several rings, Nancy Young answered the phone. "Hello Nancy, this is Emma Knight."
"Emma, how are you this beautiful day?" Nancy exclaimed enthusiastically.
"I take it everything at the office is running smoothly."
"Yes it is, but what about life at the Millbury Castle? Is it everything you dreamed it would be, or is it a morbid little spot?"
"I'm having a perfectly splendid time, surprisingly enough. The only thing I have to complain about is my totaled car."
"How did that happen, Emma?"
Miss Knight suppressed a chuckle as she related the whole incident to the concerned Miss Young. "So, do you think my horoscope really came true, or is it merely a coincidence?"
"Why it's got to be your fortune becoming a reality, so I think it is imperative that you see more of this Mr. Steed. This could be your true love, and you might just pass him by without a second glance!"
Emma smiled amusedly at her friend's sincere pronouncement, but she couldn't agree with what she said. "I don't think this gentleman is going to be my latest romance, but if it will make you feel any better, I'm having dinner with him tonight."
"Just remember that love comes from the strangest sources." With this remark, Nancy hung up her phone.
To Be Continued!
Note: For all you Avengers fans, you may or may not have recognised my allusion to the Episode "Death's Door," in which Steed asks Emma if she believes in premonitions coming true. She replies that her fortune predicted she would collide with a tall, dark man, and that she had crashed into Steed's car. Steed, of course, declares that it was his fault, for he was too busy gazing at those "titian trusses."
Emma Knight awoke the next morning, feeling refreshed and ready to face the new day. After a hearty breakfast in sitting room that had been converted into a restaurant, Emma decided to go horseback riding.
The palace's stables could be reached either by walking a mile down a weather beaten path that meandered its way through the castle's woods, or by driving down a manmade road. Miss Knight chose to drive her car, since she didn't want to run the risk of getting lost. Miss Knight had forgotten to pack her riding habit, so she would have to rent apparel at the stables. These thoughts in mind, she followed the carved signs to the horse barns.
******************
John Steed called David Keel the following morning to tell him of his plan to depart today for Millbury Castle. Keel couldn't leave his surgery that day, but he promised to join Mr. Steed tomorrow. After making his phone call and grabbing a blueberry scone, Steed exited his congested flat. With his two compact suitcases, Steed climbed into his sleek, modern car and took off toward the palace.
He really wanted an old Bentley, but no reputable secret agent drove such an antique. Spies were supposed to be up-to-date on all the gadgets and sports cars. Maybe someday he would break away from the image he was supposed to be and act in his natural, old-world and gentlemanly way. After all, being so ruthless was not his normal behaviour, unless he was completely piqued by a certain unruly criminal.
After a leisurely trip, Steed arrived at his destination. He surveyed the surroundings with utter interest, his brain absorbing even the most trivial of information. The castle was made of grey stones, withering from old age and misuse from the many wars that had been fought between feuding families. Four turrets, banners still waving on their roofs, had been built in each corner. A massive, wooden door closed the palace from the outside world, while a wooden drawbridge spread across the still intact moat. Grass and other plants outlined the gravel parking lot, which was filled with expensive cars. This resort certainly was a vacation outlet for the wealthy.
"I should fit right in here," Steed mused to himself. His many years of spying had left quite a bit of money in his bank account, making him extremely rich for a man who had began his career as a lowly private in the RAF.
As he was staring intently at the palace's tower, he noticed a vehicle cruising into the lot at an erratic speed. Turning sideways to have a look at the foolish driver, he perceived that it was a young woman. What he saw made his breath catch in his throat, and it wasn't because the woman was terrifying to behold, but because she was one of the most gorgeous creatures he had ever seen in his thirty-seven years of age. Reddish brown hair, which came right below her ears, outlined her elegant and beautiful face. And long lashed, brown eyes were fixed on a parking space ahead.
Unfortunately, they were not aware of Steed's car, which was blocking most of the entranceway to the car park. Before he was completely sure what had occurred, Steed felt a sharp jolt go through his body and heard the sound of metal crushing.
Emma was also oblivious to what was happening until it was too late. Fearing the worst, she slammed on her breaks, but she had already collided into the car in front of her. Emma's right side rammed into the car door, leaving an unsightly dent in the metal. Her windshield burst into a million fragments of glass, cutting her everywhere that was vulnerable. She hastily shut her eyes to prevent any glass from entering and waited helplessly.
Agilely, Steed hopped out of his car to see if the woman was alive. He peered into the car only to discover that the lady was sitting motionless in her seat. He couldn't help but notice that her statuesque figure was slender and full where it should be, and the yellow floral sundress complimented her body perfectly.
As Steed glanced agape at the woman, she remained inert, as if she were dead. The stranger finally shook herself from her stupor to look at who she assumed was the guilty offender. Her lovely eyes flashed in annoyance as she tried to open the jammed door.
"I'm extremely sorry that I didn't move my car when I saw you approaching," Steed apologised profusely.
Miss Knight scrutinised the tall man before retorting, "You should be more cautious if you want to keep your license." She managed to smile painfully as she added, "Fortunately for you, I don't hold grudges, or I would report you to the police."
"Lucky for me you're still alive!" Steed cried, relief flooding his nervous voice. He managed to pry open the car door for the shaken lass.
"Well, I only fell onto my right side and was cut into shreds my glass," Emma remarked half gravely and half in jest. If it was one thing she had learned it was to make light of deadly situations and to always remain composed. Miss Knight felt both of her sides to make sure nothing had been broken. Once convinced she only had gigantic and excruciating bruises, she rose unsteadily to her feet.
"Might I be of any assistance?" Mr. Steed asked anxiously. He placed a gentle hand on one of the lady's scratched arms. To his dismay, one of the white straps that held up her attractive sundress was tearing at the seam.
Emma didn't respond but gingerly touched her right side. Some warm liquid ushered forth from a gash she had received when she crashed against the door. "It appears that I am bleeding," she proclaimed in an indifferent tone.
John Steed was amazed at the young woman's tranquility during this crisis. "Oh dear, you don't think you'll need stitches?"
"That would be quite a side stitch!" Emma quipped. "If you'll excuse me, I'll just pay a visit to the hotel's physician." Miss Knight squinted in pain as she made her way into the castle, but she showed no signs of her discomfort to the tall man with the bowler and three-piece suit.
Steed stared admiringly at the brave woman until she disappeared from sight. As he was carefully parking his dented car, workers from the hotel filed out to clean up Emma's destroyed vehicle and the area around it. The manager of the hotel nervously asked if Steed wanted to file a complaint against the other driver.
Steed meditated briefly before responding, "No, I'll just work out some sort of agreement with her. You had better notify the police to say there's been an accident." The manager wandered off muttering something about "bad publicity."
John Steed knew what that luscious woman could do to repay the damages; she would have to eat dinner with him. Grinning from ear to ear, John entered the hotel with his luggage. As he headed over to the registration desk, a short man with an impeccable mustache approached him.
"I say, who is your tailor?" the stranger inquired of Steed.
"I go to this small establishment in London," John answered. When the two men were certain no one was eavesdropping, Steed began, "Robinson, are there any reports on this Knight fellow?"
"So far everything is as normal as apple pie," returned Mr. Robinson. "None of Penney's gang has shown their diabolical faces around these premises yet." Mike Robinson slipped Steed a portfolio filled with glossy photographs. "Here are the men you should be on the lookout for. I'm going to head back to London to investigate the Penney's Plastic Co. offices and industrial plant. I should return either tomorrow or the next day."
Robinson was about to leave when Steed checked him. "Shouldn't you point out Mr. Knight before you leave?"
Mike stared at him strangely before replying, "The relative that took over Sir John's position when he died was his daughter Emma. Her picture is included with the suspects." With this remark, he left Steed in an incredulous stupor.
Steed shook himself from his reverie and grinned broadly. So far he had two women to flirt with, the beautiful woman he had run over with his car and Miss Emma Knight. Even though he was technically still on the job, Steed knew he was going to have a relaxing and fun holiday.
After Steed checked in, a porter showed him how to get to his room from the lobby. He had to climb up the grand stone staircase and then took a right at the landing on the second floor. After passing the many rooms on that floor, he reached a smaller staircase that wound its way to the third and final story of the building.
His room was number 314, a luxurious chamber with a four-post bed made out of mahogany, and a matching wardrobe. A full-length mirror was on the opposite wall of the wardrobe, while the bed stood in the center of the room. Across from the bed, near the door to the hallway, was an exquisite tapestry. A stiff chair with a velvet cushion stood in the left corner, and near that was a bedside table. Beside these few pieces of furniture, the colossal room was empty.
"The washrooms and showers are located at the end of each hallway, sir," the porter said. "There are four corridors on each floor." After placing Steed's baggage on his bed, the bellhop quitted the room.
Steed decided to explore the grounds, so he changed into casual khaki pants and a light green short-sleeved shirt. John then drew back red curtains that matched the seat cushion, revealing a window. Once there was enough sunshine in the room, Steed found his way downstairs.
He went through the lobby down a hall he had noticed when he had first arrived. It led to the banquet hall where Miss Knight had eaten the night before. It also led to one of the two kitchens and the first aid station. Steed was tempted to see if the mystery lady he had nearly killed was still at the surgery, but he checked himself. He was looking for Miss Knight.
That's when he realised he had left the portfolio upstairs in his room! He could return to his room to retrieve it, but he had already come a long way from there. "I'll just look for Miss Knight later," he muttered to himself as he stuffed his hands into his pant's pockets.
He returned to the lobby again and turned down a different corridor. Down this hall were the library, billiard/game room and a little pub. At the end of the hallway was a wooden door that led to the lovely outside. Steed stepped through the doorway onto a granite patio (he was noticing the pattern with stones) and discovered that he was near the swimming pool, which was built into the ground. The patio went all around the pool, and lounge chairs were placed on the rock where bikini-clad beauties lay, catching a few rays of the summer sun. They giggled and smiled demurely at the ogling Steed, his roguish side coming through. Portable changing rooms stood on the grass near the poolside.
Farther down on the green lawn, people were playing croquet, and looming high above the trees was a giant hedge maze. Steed spotted the path that led to the stables, but he did not know where it went, so he decided to traverse it. In a short while, he had disappeared beyond a bend.
Meanwhile, in the first aid station, Emma was letting the words of the doctor skim over her mind like a sailboat across the water. All she heard was something about "no broken bones" and being "very lucky." Then the physician told her not to strain herself by going swimming or horseback riding over the next few days, but instead relax by the pool or read a book. He wrapped her side in a bandage and told her to come tomorrow so he could see if she still needed the bandage or if it could be removed.
Still in a haze, Miss Knight thanked the doctor and left the establishment. Her fortune had predicted that she would collide with a tall, dark stranger, which is exactly what had happened earlier. Emma knew it was more than likely a coincidence, but she couldn't stop thinking about the debonair man in the striped blacked suit and black bowler. There was something strange about his whole persona, like he was hiding something. Why did such a distinguish man in gentlemanly apparel drive a sports car? The two items were completely incongruous! Emma wasn't certain about many things with the stranger, but she did know she was fascinated with him and wanted to see him again.
She climbed the grand staircase to her room on the second floor, where she grabbed a bathing suit to change into at the swimming pool. She didn't care what the doctor had told her; she knew the water would help her wounds. Miss Knight really wanted to wear her bikini, but the big gash might be too gruesome a sight for bystanders. Squinting up her face in disgust, she took off her blood-soiled sundress. She wasn't sickened by the grisly sight, but she was dismayed to note that her dress was ruined from the stain. After changing into an easy outfit to throw off and on once she was in the pool's changing rooms, she headed back downstairs.
Soon she was submersed in the ten-feet deep pool, letting the water cool her aching and hot body. She treaded water in the deep end for several minutes but soon noticed that her injured side was hurting from the activity. Emma rolled her eyes at the thought of damaging her side worse than it already was and having the doctor scold her severely. She swam into the shallow end, where she stood watching fellow guests swim by her.
"If it isn't that lovely woman I saved from peril," a male voice cried.
Miss Emma glanced about her until she spotted the man whose car she had crashed into. "Where have you been over the last hour?" she inquired.
"I was taking a look at the extensive grounds. I just came back from the stables." Steed seated himself in a lounge chair near the delectable Emma.
Miss Knight wanted to say something, but she knew not what this man would find interesting. "You should take a dip; it's very refreshing."
"I don't think you or anyone else would find me very attractive in bathing trunks," replied the stranger.
Emma smiled at this comment as she watched an athletic woman execute a perfect swan dive into the pool. "Do you know how to dive?" she asked lamely.
The man seemed to find this amusing, for he chortled continuously for several minutes. "If I could, I wouldn't mind wearing a bathing suit. Why don't you show me how it's done?"
"With my injuries, that wouldn't be very clever or beneficial for my health." Emma waded over to the stairs of the pool and climbed out. She leisurely wrapped a towel around her slender figure, but before she did, Steed was able to catch a glimpse of her bathing costume.
It was sky blue with sewn in sparkles and bikini cut legs. The thin straps of the suit connected to a low cut, heart shaped front. The middle of the bathing suit was cut out, revealing a toned stomach and a belly button, something very shocking to see in 1961!
Steed immediately liked the lady even more than before. Any woman who was tough enough to swim when injured, and brave enough to wear such provocative apparel was definitely his style.
Emma observed with a smirk that the man was staring lustfully at her figure. For some reason, she didn't mind if this man found her attractive. After a moment she realised it was because she was now outside the work force and didn't have to behave staid so her workers wouldn't disrespect her. If she wanted to, she could go out with this man, not that she had any inclination to date.
"I see you like my bathing costume," she began teasingly. "Would you like to know the tailor so you can purchase one for your-ah-lady friend."
"A man of my ilk does not have 'lady friends.'" Steed feigned a look of utter insult.
"If you have such high class, why is it that your mind instantly jumped to the conclusion that I was implying a 'lady friend,' is something wicked?" Emma asked, grinning mischievously.
Steed realised he had been defeated at his own playful game, but he decided not to sulk over it. Instead, with a puckish gleam in his greyish-blue eyes, he pushed his companion into the pool!
Emma sputtered as she floated to the surface of the water. Her now thoroughly soaked towel clung tightly to her body, so she had no way to dry herself off. She could have been infuriated at the stranger for committing such an impish deed, but she decided to retaliate in a good-humoured way. Pretending to be offended, she waded over to the edge of the pool.
John Steed knelt down next to her, a look of regret etched across his face. "I'm extremely sorry for by rude behaviour," he began as he placed his agitated hands in on top of his bent legs.
Emma glanced at his face, then at his hands, and then at the pool. Before the stranger could utter any more sincere apologies, she grabbed his hands and pulled him into the pool. She laughed giddily at the sight of the man floundering around in the water.
Mr. Steed regained his footing and composure in order to shout, "Oh, so you're the type who plays rough!" He began splashing water on the jubilant woman.
Emma Knight returned the gesture, and soon the two were immersed in a water war. Neither paid heed to the fact that Steed was in his clothes and Emma was wrapped in a towel. They merely laughed and grinned, amazed to find someone with almost precisely the same form of humour and intelligence.
Finally, Steed and Miss Knight clambered out of the wet pool and sat down on adjacent chairs. Steed spoke first, "Now that we've been through our first 'fight,' maybe I ought to introduce myself. My name is Steed, John Steed."
"I am Miss Emma Knight." Emma extended her hand for a handshake, but Mr. Steed merely stared at her queerly.
"Are you the daughter of the late Sir John Knight, prominent entrepreneur?" Steed asked incredulously.
"I'm guilty as charged, but how do you know about me?"
"What businessman hasn't heard of you and your work?" Steed answered evasively.
"What line of work our you involved in, Mr. Steed?" Emma inquired politely.
"I work for the government," Steed replied. Miss Knight seemed unimpressed with this vague answer, so he lied, "I'm a secretary for the secretary of one of the members of Parliament." After receiving a disbelieving glance from the young woman, he added hastily, "Secretaries need their own people to file their papers. If a secretary is filing someone else's documents and writing somebody else's letters, when is he going to have time to write his own? That's where his secretary comes to the rescue."
Emma must have found this answer plausible, for she asked, "Which member of Parliament to you work under, Mr. Steed?"
"If I told you, I would be revealing whom I voted for in the last election, and that's very hush-hush." Steed smiled charmingly as he rose to his feet, his wet tennis shoes squeaking. "Are there any interesting business transactions going on at your company right now?" he prodded, hoping to get any valuable information about Putnam and his cohorts.
"If you can have your secrets, I can have mine," Miss Knight retorted cheekily. "I'd say we're about even now."
"Not quite, you still owe me for crashing into my car," Steed reminded her.
"Uh oh, how much do you want me to pay?"
"I just want you to spend a quiet evening at a cozy table, eating a romantic dinner for two with me. Then afterwards, we can take a stroll in the moonlight."
Emma's red lips formed a tight grimace as she replied, "I figured there was some catch."
"Would you rather pay me money? I could always use more capital than I have!"
"I'll go out on you, but only on one condition: that you foot the dinner bill."
Steed raised his eyebrows in surprise and dismay. "Do you realise that you're quite the blackmailer?"
Emma Knight gave him a witty gaze as she answered, "I should be; I've been hanging around with one." Emma surveyed Steed's wet attire and declared, "You should change before you catch cold. It wouldn't do you any good to be ill during our dinner engagement."
"What will you do while I'm gone?"
"I want to phone my secretary to relay some important information." Miss Knight turned to leave, but Mr. Steed checked her.
"You're calling your work while on a holiday?" Steed asked in an upbraiding tone.
"Believe it or not, my secretary is a my close friend, so I consider it a pleasure call." Grabbing the grass woven bag that held her dry clothes, Emma entered one of the changing quarters.
Steed began his long trek back to his luxurious hotel room. He received several admonishing glances as he entered the lobby in his wet apparel, but he ignored them all. If he paid heed to the numerous times he had been glared at, he would have a terrible inferiority complex by now.
Emma Knight soon followed Mr. Steed's footsteps up the main staircase to her room, 235. She immediately advanced to her bedside table where the only two modern items in the room were located, a telephone and an alarm clock. She dialed her work number, and after several rings, Nancy Young answered the phone. "Hello Nancy, this is Emma Knight."
"Emma, how are you this beautiful day?" Nancy exclaimed enthusiastically.
"I take it everything at the office is running smoothly."
"Yes it is, but what about life at the Millbury Castle? Is it everything you dreamed it would be, or is it a morbid little spot?"
"I'm having a perfectly splendid time, surprisingly enough. The only thing I have to complain about is my totaled car."
"How did that happen, Emma?"
Miss Knight suppressed a chuckle as she related the whole incident to the concerned Miss Young. "So, do you think my horoscope really came true, or is it merely a coincidence?"
"Why it's got to be your fortune becoming a reality, so I think it is imperative that you see more of this Mr. Steed. This could be your true love, and you might just pass him by without a second glance!"
Emma smiled amusedly at her friend's sincere pronouncement, but she couldn't agree with what she said. "I don't think this gentleman is going to be my latest romance, but if it will make you feel any better, I'm having dinner with him tonight."
"Just remember that love comes from the strangest sources." With this remark, Nancy hung up her phone.
To Be Continued!
Note: For all you Avengers fans, you may or may not have recognised my allusion to the Episode "Death's Door," in which Steed asks Emma if she believes in premonitions coming true. She replies that her fortune predicted she would collide with a tall, dark man, and that she had crashed into Steed's car. Steed, of course, declares that it was his fault, for he was too busy gazing at those "titian trusses."