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Caitey had just opened her mouth to finally ask about the photograph of Marcus Stirling since she was dying to get the scoop on the woman, but she was skunked again.
She would have to wait until after dinner . . .
The dining room was magnificentwith gold and green wallpaper, a mahogany table, and fine china and crystal goblets for ice water and red wine.
Caitey ate the tender beef bourguignon, observing the rest of the group’s banter. They all knew one another so well that she felt more of an outsider than she thought she would.
At least she had been seated next to Jenna at one end, so all eyes weren’t on her while she attempted to properly cut her food and appear as refined as the rest of the group.
Mrs. Hearst turned to her. “How is your suite, Caitey? I hope it’s suitable and to your taste.”
“Oh, it’s gorgeous. Such a beautiful room with a perfect view of the gardens. Even the bed is soft and cozy. I admit I laid down for a bit.”
“As you should. You had a long day of driving.”
Sitting next to her was her husband, Charles William Hearst. He had a sturdy build and a jovial expression as though he loved a good joke or two. His hair was beginning to gray, and his full hearty laugh matched his warm eyes.
Dressed casually in slacks and a dark green button shirt, Mr. Hearst appeared completely comfortable with who he was. An attorney who never got rattled. Even-handed with an approachable demeanor.
“Where did you drive from Caitey—north or south?” Mr. Hearst asked now.
“San Diego. Well, actually Coronado Island is where I grew up. Normally, my parents aren’t too far away when they’re not living overseas for my dad’s job with the government, but I’m currently living in their house—the house Igrew up in—while my father’s working at the American embassy in Portugal.”
“How fascinating,” Mrs. Hearst exclaimed. “Are your parents able to attend the wedding when they’re living so far away?”
“Oh, yes, they’re flying in tomorrow evening,” Caitey replied. “My mother is Aunt Vicki’s sister so they wouldn’t miss Jenna’s wedding for the world.”
“Coronado Island sounds like a great place to grow up,” Mr. Hearst said.
“It was—is,” Caitey admitted with a smile. “So beautiful and laid back.”
Marcus suddenly spoke up, his eyes on her face. “You must be a beach girl, then?” he asked with a teasing smile.
Caitey blinked her eyelashes at him, quirking her mouth. “I was always at the beach as a kid, but now it’s a treat. Once you become an adult, it’s hard to get away for fun, isn’t it?”
“Very true,” Mr. Hearst immediately agreed. “Can’t remember the last time I went to the beach! How long have you been a wedding planner? Our new daughter-in-law is quite enthusiastic about you.”
“Jenna is completely biased,” Caitey said with a laugh, and the rest of the table laughed with her. She finally began to relax a little—while trying not to stare too much at Marcus Stirling across from her.
“How long has wedding planning been your career?”
“Seven years now. I majored in business with a minor in interior decorating, which fits meperfectly. Besides, I adore weddings. They are such happy occasions. I admit I’ve attended more than my share over the last decade. All my college roommates, my older brother who lives in Georgia, a neighbor, and a good friend from high school are now married. At least I could capitalize on their nuptials,” she added as a joke.
The rest of the table laughed at that, and Caitey was glad she could relax a little. This environment was so very different from how she grew up. But so far, everyone had been welcoming and friendly.
The only person she wasn’t sure about was Marcus Stirling. His secrets intrigued her, even more so since his mostly quiet demeanor during dinner.
“That is very true,” Mr. Hearst said. “Even if a wedding is stressful for the bride and her mother. I, of course, speak from personal experience, and I’m just the father of the groom.”
Everyone around the table chuckled at that.
“The estate is the perfect spot for a wedding,” Caitey said. “I visited Hearst Castle with my family when I was eleven, and then again during college with friends. I was sure that I’d been transported inside an enchanted fairytale. At eleven, I hoped to spot a princess around every corner.”
Everyone around the room chuckled at her description, but the women nodded in agreement.
“The original Hearst home is quite a magnificent piece of real estate. To put it mildly,” Mr. Hearst added. “We live as paupers in comparison. The answer to your question is yes.He is my third great-grandfather. He had five sons, and the third son is my great-great-grandfather. I never knew them personally, of course,” he added with a chuckle. “Their lives are as foreign to me as the king of England.
“It’s beautiful, and the gardens and flowers are magnificent.”
