She lifted her cup and brought it to her lips. As she sipped the hot tea, she closed her menu.
“Pardon me, miss.”
Gwen turned her head and found the waiter who’d delivered her tea standing at her side. She set her cup back on the saucer. “Yes?”
“The couple sitting a few tables behind me would like to invite you to join them.” He smiled.
“Oh?” Gwen shifted her attention to the man and woman. The female had long blonde hair that shone under the sun. She wore a white hat and blue polka dot blouse. Her partner had short light brown hair and wore a light blue polo shirt. Shades hid his eyes. The lady met Gwen’s gaze, waved and smiled.
“Would you like to join them?” the waiter asked.
Gwen chewed on her lip as she hurried to decide what to do. Although they were strangers, they appeared nice and friendly. She guessed the couple were married. Maybe they wanted company, someone different to converse with. What harm could come from having brunch with two other travellers?
“Yes. I’ll sit with them.” Gwen gave a single nod.
“I’ll bring your tea.”
Gwen grabbed the menu and her purse as the waiter gathered her cup and the teapot. She rose then followed him towards the happy couple. As she approached them, they stood and placed their napkins on the table. The man was several inches taller than the woman.
“Hi,” said the blonde. Her blue eyes nearly matched the colour of the sky. She offered her hand to shake. “My name is Susan Haggerty.”
“Nice to meet you.” Gwen accepted Susan’s greeting. “I’m Gwenevere Stratten.”
“I’m her husband, Jonathan.” He extended the same kindness. His British accent matched his wife’s.
Gwen let go of Susan’s grasp and shook Jonathan’s hand. “Thank you for inviting me to your table.”
“It was my wife’s idea.”
“A beautiful woman shouldn’t sit alone on a gorgeous day like today.” Susan smiled.
“Quite right. I couldn’t agree more.” He gestured with his free arm towards the chairs. “Please, have seat.”
Gwen chose the one closest to Susan and scooted it away from the table enough so she could squeeze in without pulling it forward. She sat then placed her purse on the ground near her left foot.
“Do you need a few more minutes to decide?” the waiter asked.
Gwen quickly glanced at the table, wondering if Susan and Jonathan had eaten. They each had a cup and saucer but no plates of food.
“We ordered a few minutes ago.” Jonathan turned to his wife.
“Feel free to order anything you’d like. We’re putting it on our tab.”
“Oh, no. That’s not necessary.” Gwen shook her head.
Susan slid her hand over the table and placed it on top of Gwen’s. A large diamond ring decorated Susan’s finger. “It’s our way of saying hello and joining us. Please, don’t give it a second thought and order what you’d like.”
“I appreciate your generosity.” Gwen met the waiter’s eyes. “I’d like a blueberry muffin, please, and a bowl of fruit.”
“Will that be all, miss?”
“Yes. Thank you,” Gwen said.
The waiter shifted to the couple. “Can I offer either of you anything else?”
“We’re fine. Isn’t that right?” Jonathan grinned at Susan.
“Yes, we’re fine.” She placed the napkin back on her lap.
The waiter took Gwen’s menu before he left without another word.
Gwen faced her new friends. “Thank you again for your hospitality.”
“It’s our pleasure.” Susan turned to her husband. “Right?”
“Absolutely.” Jonathan leaned his elbows on the table and clasped his hands together. “What brings you to Dromoland? Are you staying here with anyone?”
“No, I’m staying here by myself. I’m from the States, the mid-west to be more specific. I’ve been divorced for many years and raised two daughters who are now in college. I always wanted to travel in Europe, so I booked a vacation. This is my last stop before I head home in a few days.”
“How delightful,” Susan said. “Where have you travelled?”
“London, Paris, Rome, Vienna, Amsterdam and here.”
Susan lifted her cup. “Sounds like you’ve had a lovely vacation.”
“It’s been wonderful. Everyone I’ve met has been generous and…” She sighed heavily. “Amazing.”
“That was a big sigh.” Susan lowered her drink. “Did you meet someone special?”
Gwen pressed her lips together as she considered her answer. She’d met several unique men and had acquainted herself with them quite intimately. The memories would never leave her, thanks to the notes she kept in her diary.
Gwen lifted her tea. “I was fortunate enough to meet very kind and extraordinary men.”
Susan arched her eyebrows. “Men? Well now, that
does
sound like a nice vacation.” She grinned at her husband.
“She is a very attractive woman,” Jonathan said, facing his wife. “I would imagine she’d have plenty of men at her bedside, especially since she is single.” He turned his gaze to her. “Or do you have a boyfriend?”
Gwen glanced at Susan. She held a bright smile as she waited for Gwen to answer. Apparently, she didn’t mind Jonathan asking such questions. “No, no boyfriend. I’m enjoying my independence.”
Susan crossed her arms as she leaned them on the table. “Independent, smart and beautiful. You must have many lovers.”
Gwen chuckled. “I’m flattered by your compliments.” She didn’t know what else to say. It seemed somewhat odd to her how they continued to appraise her, but she suspected they were being friendly.
Two waiters arrived with food and every dish looked appetising. Susan had ordered an omelette covered with cheese. Jonathan’s plate had a thick steak with an egg and muffin on the side. Gwen’s fruit bowl was twice the size she’d imagined but contained a variety of melons, grapes and berries. Once the waiters left, she plucked her favourite piece of fruit first from the bowl, then ate it. The strawberry’s juice tasted heavenly.
Jonathan lifted his fork and knife then delved them into the thick slab of meat on his plate. “My wife and I are here on vacation. It’s our seventh anniversary of our first meeting. We stopped in Paris before coming here.”
“Congratulations on your anniversary.” Gwen gave them each a bright smile. “Did you enjoy Paris?”
Susan lifted a chunk of omelette. “It was wonderful. We met a lovely couple I had been communicating with for a few years. They took us to a few tourist stops and we spent a couple of nights with them.”
“Sounds like a good time.” Gwen placed a grape in her mouth and crushed it between her teeth.
“Oh, it was,” Susan said as she cut into her food.
“Are you travelling anywhere else for your anniversary?” Gwen ate another piece of fruit.
Jonathan took a sip of water. “This is our last stop before we head home.”
Susan leaned over the table and held her fork near her plate. “Next year we’re planning to celebrate in Italy. We’re going to go on a gondola ride at night.”
“Oh, that sounds so romantic.”
Susan set her fork on the plate then rubbed her hand along Jonathan’s arm. “He’s the sweetest man I’ve ever met. I’m a lucky woman to have him.”
“I believe I’m the lucky one.” He moved towards her and planted a kiss on her cheek.
Gwen watched the happy couple as she ate her fruit. They seemed deeply in love and full of life. She wished she could find such joy with a man, the kind of bliss that would grow and never end.
She wiped her mouth with the napkin. “You’re both lucky to have each other. Not many marriages last anymore. You’re truly blessed.”
Susan nodded. “You’re right. It’s not easy holding a marriage together. Fortunately, we found a way that helps us keep things”—she paused and smiled at her husband—“lively and fun.”
“Oh? I’d love to hear how you do it.” Gwen bit into a piece of pineapple.
Jonathan lifted his drink. “What are you doing this evening?”
“I don’t have any plans.”
“Have a drink with us in the bar tonight and we’ll fill you in on our secret to a lasting marriage.” Susan took a bite of her food.
Gwen shifted her gaze between them. “Oh, I don’t want to interrupt your—”
“Nonsense.” Jonathan set his glass down. “We want you to join us. Please. We’ll have a good time, the three of us.”
“You must come.” Susan insisted with pleading eyes.
“Okay. I’ll join you for drinks and you can share this secret with me.”
Susan nearly jumped from her seat. “Excellent. Oh, I’m so excited. We’re going to have a great time.”
Gwen sat quietly while the couple continued to eat. Curiosity chewed at her and she wondered what it was that kept Susan and Jonathan together. In any event, Gwen was glad to be in their company. They were as friendly as could be. If she guessed right, spending time with them would undoubtedly make her stay at the castle more memorable.
Chapter Two
Gwen stepped into the bar at about quarter to five. She’d arrived early only because if she’d returned to her room to change and freshen up she knew she would be late to meet Susan and Jonathan. She hoped they wouldn’t mind her wearing the same spring dress from when they’d first met in the morning. The two guided tours she’d taken during the day had left her with little time to do anything else. Her feet were tired from walking so much, but she’d seen amazing parts of the castle grounds, inside and out, and learned a vast amount about the history of the building and surrounding area.
She strolled into the heart of the establishment and headed for the bar. Several glass doors overlooked a large stone patio. Light spilled in from the windows and illuminated the room. The bar ran half the length of one of the walls on the side. Liquor bottles sat on shelves behind the bartenders’ work area. Square tables in the centre of the room offered guests more seating options. After Gwen had passed a group of men drinking beers at one of the tables, she spotted Jonathan and Susan sitting at the bar at the back, near the patio doors. A quick appraisal revealed they were wearing the same clothes from earlier as well. She wondered if they’d had a busy day too.
Jonathan turned slightly to face his wife as he lifted a martini. His gaze met Gwen’s and he set the glass on the counter. “Our new American friend has arrived.”
Susan twisted on the stool. When she saw Gwen, she clapped softly and jumped from her seat. “Ooh, you made it. We’re so glad you decided to join us again.”
Gwen sat at the vacant spot next to Susan. “Have you been here long?”
“Only ten minutes.” Susan gestured for the bartender. “What would you like to drink?”
Gwen glanced at Susan’s tall glass in front of her. It looked like wine. “Whatever you’re having.”
As Susan gave the order to the bartender, Jonathan leaned past his wife and over the counter. “Did you have a good day, Gwen?”
“I did. I took a couple of tours of the inside and outside of the castle, including the stables. This place is huge and I haven’t even had a chance to visit the gardens yet.”
The server placed a glass of wine before Gwen. “Thank you,” she told him.
“Did you learn a lot about the castle?” Susan lifted her drink.
“Yes. The guide knew the history of Dromoland very well. My daughters would love this place, especially Krystal. She loves historical sites and architecture.
Susan swallowed. “Tell us more about your kids.”
“My daughters are grown and on their own.”
“I find that hard to believe.” Jonathan shook his head while he lowered his gaze to her chest. “You’re so young and attractive. How can you have grown children?”
Gwen chuckled. “I don’t know where the time went, but they are in fact adults.”
Susan surveyed Gwen’s body. “Sweetie, you are in great shape for a woman who’s had two babies. Your breasts are big and perky. You have great curves. I don’t know how any man can resist you.”
Gwen couldn’t help but grin. “Thank you for the compliments. I appreciate them.” She picked up her drink then sipped it.
Susan put her hand on Jonathan’s thigh. “Am I right? Isn’t she a stunning woman?”
Jonathan finished his martini. “I couldn’t agree more. She is a beautiful woman.” He pushed the glass away from him.
“Mmhmm.” Susan patted her husband’s thigh. “And I bet you’re a passionate lover. Am I right, Gwen?”
She imbibed more of her wine as her cheeks warmed. Gwen wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She enjoyed hot, erotic sex as much as anyone, but she didn’t think now was the time to discuss such matters.
Jonathan kissed his wife’s cheek. “Of course she is, love. She has that spark in her eyes and special sway of her hips when she walks. She’s a woman who knows what she wants and enjoys it thoroughly.”
Gwen stared at the two. Such openness and questions from a couple seemed unusual.
Susan pushed strands of Gwen’s hair over her shoulder. As Susan brought her hand down Gwen’s arm, she eyed Gwen’s chest.
“My friend, Jacqueline, in Paris had large breasts, but they weren’t as big as yours. They were fun to play with, nonetheless. She was a delight to be with, as was her husband.”
Gwen couldn’t veer her eyes away from Susan. At first, she wondered if she’d misheard her.
Jonathan put his arm around his wife and leaned closer. “Do you enjoy sex, Gwen?”
She blinked. “What?” She couldn’t believe what she’d heard.
“Do you enjoy sex?” he asked.
“Well, yes.” She met Susan’s gaze. Confusion plagued her. Why would he ask such a question in front of his wife? Why would Susan mention she’d played with another woman’s tits? How could they continue drinking so casually while discussing such a subject?
Susan tapped Gwen’s hand. “I’m sorry if we seem too forward. But we’re here for just a few days and we’d very much enjoy the company of another woman.”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.” Gwen looked from Susan to Jonathan as she attempted to determine the meaning behind their words.
Susan took a drink of her wine then set the glass on the counter. “My husband and I have a somewhat open marriage. We enjoy sex with multiple partners. Together.”
Gwen stared at her, speechless. They appeared to be a normal, attractive couple. They dressed nice and were friendly. They had manners. The idea of them having sex with other people seemed ludicrous. Yet, there she was, sitting with them and Susan admitted they did.