“Is something wrong?” Kinnard asked.
Kim didn’t answer. She was too busy castigating herself for not considering the possibility of Edward’s appearing. She marveled how she managed to get herself into such situations.
“Edward is coming,” Kim finally said to Kinnard as she motioned for him to step into the parlor.
“Is that a problem?” Kinnard asked. He was confused.
Kim tried to smile. “Of course not,” she said. But her voice was not convincing and her stomach was in a knot.
The front door opened and Edward entered. Buffer headed for the kitchen to check for food that might have inadvertently been dropped on the floor.
“Ah, there you are,” Edward said to Kim when he caught sight of her.
“We have company,” Kim said. She had her hands clasped in front of her.
“Oh?” Edward questioned. He stepped into the parlor.
Kim introduced them. Kinnard moved forward and extended his hand, but Edward didn’t move. He was thinking.
“Of course,” Edward said while clicking his fingers. He then reached out and pumped Kinnard’s hand with great enthusiasm. “I remember you. You worked in my lab. You’re the fellow who went on to the MGH for a surgical residency.”
“Good memory,” Kinnard said.
“Hell, I even remember your research topic,” Edward said. He then tersely summarized Kinnard’s year-long project.
“It’s humbling to hear you remember it better than I do,” Kinnard said.
“How about a beer?” Edward asked. “We’ve got Sam Adams on ice.”
Kinnard nervously glanced between Kim and Edward. “Maybe I’d better leave,” he said.
“Nonsense,” Edward said. “Stay if you can. I’m sure Kim could use some company. I have to get back to work. I’ve only come over here to ask her a question.”
Kim was as bewildered as Kinnard. Edward was not behaving as she’d feared. Instead of being irritable and possibly throwing a temper tantrum, he was in a delightful mood.
“I don’t know how best to word this,” Edward said to Kim, “but I want the researchers to bunk in the castle. It will be infinitely more convenient for them to sleep on the property since many of their experiments require round-the-clock data collection. Besides, the castle is empty and has so many furnished rooms that it’s ridiculous for them to stay in their respective bed-and-breakfasts. And Omni will pay.”
“Well, I don’t know~.~.~.” Kim stammered.
“Come on, Kim,” Edward said. “It will only be temporary. In no time their families will be coming and they’ll be buying homes.”
“But there are so many family heirlooms in the building,” Kim said.
“That’s not a problem,” Edward said. “You’ve met these people. They are not going to touch anything. Listen, I’ll personally guarantee that there won’t be any difficulties whatsoever. If there are, out they go.”
“Let me think about it,” Kim said.
“What is there to think about?” Edward persisted. “These people are like family to me. Besides, they only sleep from about one to five, just like me. You won’t even know they are there. You won’t hear them and you won’t see them. They can stay in the guest wing and the servants’ wing.”
Edward winked at Kinnard and added: “It’s best to keep the women and the men apart because I don’t want to be responsible for any domestic strife.”
“Would they be content to use the servants’ and the guest wing?” Kim asked. She was finding it hard to resist Edward’s outgoing, friendly assertiveness.
“They will be thrilled,” Edward said. “I can’t tell you how much they will appreciate this. Thank you, my sweet! You are an angel.” Edward gave Kim a kiss on the middle of her forehead and a hug.
“Kinnard!” Edward said, breaking away from Kim. “Don’t be a stranger now that you know where we are. Kim needs some company. Unfortunately I’m a bit preoccupied for the immediate future.”
Edward gave a high-pitched whistle which made Kim cringe. Buffer trotted out from the kitchen.
“See you guys later,” Edward said with a wave. A second later the front door banged shut.
For a moment Kim and Kinnard merely looked at each other.
“Did I agree or what?” Kim questioned.
“It happened kind of fast,” Kinnard admitted.