The
soft nicker of an approaching horse drew Stefan and Dara’s attention.A Cassadine servant rode slowly past them bearing a large picnic basket.“I thought,” Stefan explained in answer to Dara’s questioning
glance, “that you and I might enjoy a leisurely lunch in the little clearing
just up ahead.”
“What
about tomorrow?With the date being moved up like it was, I am sure there must be quite a
few details for you to handle.”Dara’s query was not merely an attempt to remove herself from such
close quarters with Stefan.She was genuinely curious about his lack of concern for the next day’s
proceedings.
“Preparations
for tomorrow’s ceremony are complete,” Stefan informed her once the servant
was out of range.He stepped back, releasing Dara from the circle of his arms.“Tomorrow will be what it will.”
Stefan
murmured something to his stallion Sarezin and the big horse set out along the
trail once more.“Today has been set aside for us,” Stefan said as he watched the
riderless horse move away from them.“Come.The clearing is just beyond that turn.”
As
Dara followed Stefan along the rocky trail her mind whirled with doubts and
misgivings about the life path she had allowed Stefan to set her upon.With the official hour drawing quickly near, Dara was feeling more and
more uncertain about her decision.
The
young attorney was so engrossed in her thoughts that she did not realize that
Stefan had ceased his walking.She bumped into him and opened her mouth to apologize.
“Ohh…”
she breathed as she looked before her.The ‘little clearing’ Stefan referred to was a beautiful, secluded
corner of Spoon Island.Shiny-leaved ferns surrounded an expanse of thick green grass as plush as
any carpet.A small inlet from the waters surrounding Spoon Island fed a tiny pond
whose surface was dark beneath the cloud-filled sky.
Stefan’s
employee opened up the heavy picnic basket.He spread a pristine white cloth atop the grass and smoothed out all the
edges.In silence the man unloaded container after container of delicacies from
the Cassadine kitchen.The housekeeper, Mrs. Landsbury, had put together a spread worthy of
several people.
“You
may go,” Stefan interrupted the servant’s ministrations.“I shall attend to Miss Jensen’s needs personally.”
Stefan
did not wait for the servant’s departure before helping Dara to a seat on the
damask linen spread.“We will be undisturbed here,” Stefan said, “beyond watchful
eyes.”He opened a container and the pungent aroma of tomatoes and fresh herbs
filled the air around them.
“Let
us first attempt to do justice to Mrs. Landsbury’s offerings.”Stefan took a seat beside Dara.“Then I shall attempt to put to rest the many doubts that I see
in your eyes.”
