"Nick has several cars and they are yours now."

"I cannot drive here. Americans drive on the wrong side."

"Then I guess you're stuck with a driver."

"Perhaps I should take driving lessons."

"If you like."

She sat up a little straighter as the limo turned down a private lane between two very high stonewalls, and then paused at a decorative wrought iron gate. The armed security guard at the gate inspected the passengers, waited in the back for the trunk to open, and checked the inside. He closed the trunk and waved to a second armed guard inside the booth who opened the gate.

The limo slowly passed over a camera that allowed the guard in the booth to examine the undercarriage. Once he gave the signal, the car sped up.

"What was all that about?" she asked.

"They check for bombs."

She raised her voice, "Bombs?"

"Nick installed all sorts of safety measures. You'll get used to it."

"I doubt that. At least in my apartment, I was not always watched."

He raised his voice. "Your apartment is a dump."

"I know." She bit her lower lip and looked away. "It was all I could afford."

He closed his eyes and bowed his head. "I should not have said that. Forgive me."

"Not until you forgive me."

He looked at her finally. "I am trying."

"Then so shall I. You are not the only one who is hurting in all this."

"I know." As the car drove around a pond, he softened his demeanor and pointed to the fountain. "Recognize this?"

Her eyes brightened. "It is just like the one in the plaza."

"Exactly like it, except it shoots water higher in the air. In fact, this one was built first."

"It is magnificent."

The mansion was just as impressive as the fountain, with high arches over more windows than she had ever seen in a house. The second and third floor had balconies that faced the fountain. "Do you suppose there is anything in the house to eat? I'm starved."

"You have a staff of five, including the driver. They worked for Nick and they stayed here to keep the place running. Now they work for you. I'm sure the kitchen is fully stocked with almost anything your heart desires. If not, just tell them what you want."

She waited until the driver opened the door for her, climbed out and looked up. "Good grief, it is bigger than the Queen's castle."

"Not quite," he said, walking around the car to join her.

"What will I do with all those rooms?"

"Fill them with children, I suppose. Nick would have loved that."




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