Chapter 15
On Monday morning, the air had that magically quiet touch that is common in autumn. The whole world felt fresh and clear, and it was as if time had stood still. I got out of bed at dawn and pulled on my workout clothes, eager to get outdoors.
The river was man-made in the first hour. When the sun broke over the horizon, the fog was burned away at the waterline, so I alternately came through thickets of haze and rosy sunshine.
As I slid into the bridge, Matthew was waiting for me on the curved staircase leading to the boathouse porch, and he was wearing an age-old New College scarf with brown and ivory stripes around his neck. I got out of the boat, put my hands to the sides and stared at him in disbelief.
"Where did you get that?"I pointed to the scarf.
"You should show more respect for the old members," he said with his gift-stealing smile, throwing one end over his shoulder. "I think I bought it in 1920, but I honestly don't remember. That was after the first World War ended.«
I carried the oars into the boathouse, shaking my head. Two teams glided past the bridge in perfect harmony, just as I lifted the boat out of the water. I got down on my knees a little and swung the boat up so that its weight rested on my head.
"Don't you want me to help you with that?"Matthew asked and stood up.
"Certainly not."My steps were firm as I carried the boat in. He hummed something.
When the boat was placed on the stand, Matthew effortlessly persuaded me to breakfast in Mary and Dan's cafe. He had to sit next to me for most of the day, and I was hungry after the morning efforts. With a grip on my elbow, he steered me around the other guests, and his hand was firmer against my back than before. Mary received me like an old friend, and Steph didn't bother with a menu card, just said ‘the usual’ when she came over to the table. When the plate arrived – and abounded with eggs, bacon, mushrooms and tomatoes-I was glad I hadn't asked for anything more damet.
"It's daylight, and Fred will get a colt if you block his gate where goods are being delivered," I protested as Matthew was about to get out of the car. He had been scolding, but had agreed that it was enough just to hold out just outside the entrance to prevent an attack by a car.
"Did you not listen?"said Matthew iltert. "He threatened you!
I don't need that script, but I need –" he was silent abruptly.
I pushed Matthew down on the chair. Sean was still staring at us with his hand on the phone. I shook my head before looking at the vampire again.
As Knox approached again, Matthew's grip on my chin tightened as his senses tuned in to the witch. Knox stopped a few tables away, and the Vampire looked at me again. "One more word from him, and we go – script or not. I mean it, Diana.«
After breakfast I ran past the guard room and up to my apartment to take a shower and change clothes. Fred stretched his neck to see if it was really Matthew's Jaguar holding outside the gate. The porters no doubt had a bet going on to predict our peculiarly formal relationship. This morning was the first time I had persuaded my companion to just drop me off.