London didn’t oblige her this time. The sky was gray and it was raining. In comparison to Greece, where rain meant a generous pouring of water, the rain here fell miserly and in such a manner that made her normal umbrella seem useless. The raindrops attacked her from everywhere like disorganized anarchists, with disregard to the physical laws of gravity.
Luckily she wore her warm jersey dress and had combined it with a deep blue scarf. Nevertheless she had chosen again a dress, which reminded her of Greece. It‘s colour was light blue like the sea and unfortunately also like the eyes of Alexander. The only sure thing was, that she wouldn’t let him upset and unglue her again. She would keep the necessary distance.
There was no point of holding this poor excuse of an umbrella, so Marianna put it away and stepped back to the entrance of the airport, waiting patiently to be picked up.
It didn’t take long for an luxurious Rover to stop in front of her. The driver stepped out of it and looked at her.
«Miss Stamou?» he asked uncertain.
«Yes. Mister Edington?» she asked equally uncertain.
«Oh no. I’m John, mister Stones chauffeur. Miss Edington was unable to come. She will await you at mister Stones house.»
Marianna wondered why battlers and chauffeurs introduced themselves with their first name, something she had noticed in the movies and in the BBC series, that she absolutely adored. And there it was. It was happening in real life too.
John took her suitcase and put it in the trunk and opened the door for the back seats. All this ritual seemed strange to her and not in a good way. This wasn’t her, this wasn’t the way she lived.
« Mister Stones residence is in Surrey. There is also an apartment in London, in Eaton Square but we are driving to Surrey, which is thirty one miles away. So enjoy the drive and try to rest.»
The truth was, that it was already late. Although it was just about ten o clock in the evening in England, she operated in Greek time, which meant that it was twelve o clock for her and considering the overall difficult day she had, she was exhausted. In a period of ten hours she found herself from her Hotel in the south of the Peloponnese, in Athens and from there in London. It was only natural that she was tired.
There was however something else she was feeling too. And it involved Alexander Stone. She immediately cast him out of her mind and he returned victoriously. Besides she was going to his house and she would see him sooner or later. The only thing that was left for her to do, was to learn how to handle all this feelings that washed over her. But how do you handle something that you don’t understand?
They arrived sooner than she had hoped. The car stopped in front of some iron gates. John used a remote control to open them and driving through something that looked in the dark like a forest, they approached the manor, lit in a way that highlighted its neoclassical architecture. Two marble lions stood guard on each side of the big entrance of the house and when the door opened they were greeted by a butler, something that caused her to giggle immaturely.
She had a taste of what his life would be like, the first time she met him and she was well aware that he was a wealthy man. But in her mind there was another Alexander, one who she saw in Greece, laughing with Eleni, playing football with the children on the beach, having her in his arms and kissing her senseless.
Now she was confronted with the truth. The image in her head didn’t exist and the real Alexander Stone, president of Stone Concept belonged in a world that left her cold if not disgusted.
«Kalispera miss Stamou», said the butler in broken Greek and offered her his hand in an informal and warm welcome.
«Kalispera», answered Marianna relieved and grateful for the heartfelt greeting.
«Unfortunately “Kalispera” is about the only thing I remember in Greek after all this years. It means good evening, am I right?» Marianna nodded happily.
«My name is Roland and I am at you service», Roland took her bag from John and handed it to a woman who stood beside him.
«This is my wife, Kathrin.» The woman took a step forward and smiled at her.
«Good evening Kathrin. I‘m Marianna», she smiled back.
«And I’m Sophie Edington and I welcome you to Surrey.» Marianna turned to the deep feminine voice, that came from the marble staircase. On its top stood one of the most stunning women she had ever seen in her life. The tall woman had thick blond hair cascading her aristocratic, although cold, face. She wore a black silk blouse while her gray knee length pencil skirt complimented her long and slender legs.
Sophie took her time coming down the stairs and when she finally stood in front of Marianna, she studied her for a second before she went past her and moved in the same leisurely manner towards a big oaken door.
«Kathrin, please bring the luggage of miss Stamou to her room and be so kind to bring us some sandwiches in the library.»
Sophie open the door and stepped inside.
«Shall we?» She smiled at Marianna encouraging her to follow her and with a theatrical movement she let herself sink in the Chesterfield armchair crossing her long legs.
«Please sit.»
Marianna approached and sat unwillingly on the sofa across the chair. Even the library measured up to the expectations, rich and full of leather bound books. It wouldn’t be a surprise if there were some rare, insanely expensive editions on this bookshelves.
«Alexander isn‘t here. You see, Marianna... may I call you that?… Alexander returns the day after tomorrow from a last minute business trip to Madrid. He didn’t even return to London after his stay in Greece.»
Kathrin fell silent as Kathrin entered the room with a plate of sandwiches and sweets. She filled two crystal glasses with water and left smiling at the two sitting women.
«I understand that you and Alexander have a, how shall I put it, a rather unusual business collaboration», Sophie continued.
«Yes, but I believe that everything is settled.» Marianna had no intentions of reviling anything. After all, she didn’t know how much Sophie knew and secondly it was none of her business.
« I met Alexander when he returned to England after his studies and since then we are inseparable.» Sophie left her seat and went to put herself a drink.
Alright, Marianna thought, that sounded like a “hands off”. Alexander wasn’t the man who would live without a female companion. That much was certain. Nevertheless, Marianna felt a sting in her heart after the initial surprise when she heard about Sophies relationship with Alexander. It was tasteless and immoral at least, to invite her to London after what had happened between them.
«Believe me, Alexander never leaves loose ends and he is always unambiguous in his transactions.» Sophie returned to her seat with a glass of cognac and Marianna was now sure that this conversation served as a warning against her.
«I am glad to hear it, because it is a quality that I also posses. I came here to complete an assignment and I would appreciate it, to start as soon as possible so I can return to Greece. It wouldn’t be a bad idea if you show me the room and suggest what you would like me to paint», Marianna took a sandwich with a napkin and looked as neutral as she could.
«It would be best to wait for Alexander.» Sophie looked at her with an unreadable expression. It was like she was trying to read her mind.
«It is late», she added suddenly «and I believe you must be tiered. I, myself, have to leave for London, tomorrow. So, do not hesitate to ask Roland and Kathrin if you need anything.»
Less than two seconds later, Roland appeared at the door and showed Marianna to her room. Marianna couldn’t shake off the feeling, that this time, her stay would be much more unpleasant than her first visit to London.
YOU ARE READING
Storm at heart
RomanceHer task should have been easy. How diffucult would it be to walk into the office of Alexander Stone, convince the Hotel-Tycoon that her small "rooms to let" business in Greece was isignificant to him and to give him - by the way- a mysterious lette...
