Chapter 30
If Lord Hartwick had mentioned that Essex was far away from London and out on the country Lorenzo would've changed his attire and wear something more thick for this harsh weather, thankfully it hadn't started snowing.
In Italy it rarely snows in Venice but it sure does more northern, it reminded him of his childhood and somewhere in his chest it only tightened. Christmas was near and he only knew it meant burying himself in more work so he wouldn't be reminded, and normally it worked since he would be isolated from the world, but now he was faced with his misery.
Lord Hartwick had insisted he take one of his groomsman to bring him directly to the estate and Lorenzo was now thankful since the man drove full speed and in less then two days with occasional stop to sleep and eat at the nearest inn they arrived.
Lorenzo got off and nearly sighed aloud at the way his stiff body could finally stand, even with the days he joined the builders with shoving and working his body seemed to take its tools. He was weary from the journey now.
"Welcome to Winterlea, sir," the groomsman nodded before taking off leaving Lorenzo to face the place
He sucked in a harsh breath as he took in the view.
The ground were extensive seeming to cover over ten thousand acres from his quick calculating and knowledge. Yet he had never seen places like this with his eyes, it was not modern, it spoke off history. A series of elegant formal gardens led up to around the house.
Landscaping that could keep a person wandering quite happily for hours.
The house itself was immense, more along the lines of a palace. Lorenzo only could guess how many rooms it had, no doubt more than the castle in Rome itself.
Before he lost his mind by the glorious sight he headed towards the place, a few footmen making sure he was not a trespasser and let him in, Lorenzo wanted to know why Lord Hartwick felt the need to bring him here, the man was an earl and to Lorenzo's little knowledge of England he knew at least they honoured and had high regards for old fashion, didn't like changes very much.
He was never one to judge but it would be a lie if the lord did not gain his respect and perhaps judgement as well.
Lorenzo was brought up to the drawing room after a very needed bath and a maid even brought In a trail of refreshments.
in awaiting for the Lord who he'd been told was out for a ride. He took in the multiple paintings on the walls. Men and families from generation. Lorenzo easily could tell it was the blood line of the family.
He was just about to look closely upon the latest one when boots came through the hall and Lord Hartwick approached with a chuckle, "I hope I haven't been away to long for your inspection,"
Shaking hands briefly Lorenzo smiled, "Your estate my lord is spectacular,"
Evan clasped his hands behind his back with a grin, "I suppose it is, but one who has lived here his whole life I'm afraid can't see the same vision"
Ah, Lorenzo understood that very much. How many times hasn't he went through his own house as if caged in a glass and the once beauty felt dull after years of passing the same hallway, same doors, same rooms and the giddy feeling long gone.
Perhaps he was sentimental but Lorenzo could understand the earl, maybe they had a thing or two in common.
"I can say that a renovation would no doubt bring delight to your
Inspection," Lorenzo didn't know if it was way to forward since they haven't even spoken of arrangements and work, but Evan only flashed him a smile, "Perhaps your correct, come along while my wife and children won't be back for dinner you can get a sight on this place,"
The earls face changed when he spoke of his family and Lorenzo knew he had to take that into consideration, a good architect was one who knew the kind of person the owner was. If they had wife and children had a great role, since then their opinions mattered as well.
Hours went by as Evan showed him room after room and spoke of the place, Lorenzo learned that it had around thirty four rooms and twenty en-suite bath chambers. Fifteen other rooms was in another quarter for servants. The latest renovation had been in the 1570s by the second earl of Essex. His contribution had been the addition of the east and west wings, and the central facade U- shaped house done in the Palladian style.
And Lorenzo wanted to get his hands to draw and had a vision already, an excitement that rushed through him and demanded action every time he got presented with a new work,
As they rounded the last corner back to the huge halls and front doors it opened with a beaming energy, "Papa Papa!" The sounds of children filling the home and little steps running forward.
He looked over his shoulder as Evan grinned and embraced the tiny bodies crushing onto him.
A smile was ready on Lorenzo's face to meet his children but everything after that was like a blur as a familiar face came forward while Lord Hartwick spoke to his children, oblivious to the tension in Lorenzo's body.
Lorenzo stood frozen, his body working of its own accord. He blinked rapidly, surely it could not be. But neither his eyes or mind was playing games as the woman came closer
Nora...
The place faded to gray around him
She was beautiful
Elegant
Delicate build
That Graceful curve of her neck
Sapphire blue eyes highlighted by long dark lashes.
The same heartless woman who vanished into thin air.
Lorenzo's chest tightened, he could recognise her from miles, damn her. It was as if time never passed between them, as if four years ago was yesterday.
How many months hadn't he spend foolishly thinking she would contact him, return. That he couldn't have been alone in what he'd been feeling. He had visioned and dreamed of seeing her, until he bury it all down as time went, refusing to think of her. But never in his wildest imagination had he thought to ever see her again,
And not like this
Even now she was still beautiful, the same crinkling smile that took his breath, her hair covered in bonnet now and as she came forward she didn't even acknowledge him, didn't even see him as his whole world came to halt.
It was only then it hit him as Evan dipped his head down to pull her in for a kiss that had all the air rush from him, she—- she was the wife.
His hands clenched in a fist as he forced his gaze anywhere, a bile rose in his throat making it impossible to swallow. Squeaking kids had them break apart from the corner of his eyes,
"Mr Di Angelo. Meet my wife, Lillian, I must admit she has been the one pursuing me for a change."
Lillian? So that was the name she was going by now.
It was only then she acknowledge him and smiled brightly as if— as if he was someone she never knew...
"I am pleased to meet you, my husband has spoken highly of you."
when he didn't speak, when his heart beat felt like it was racing miles did a puzzled look overcame her, dear Lord. If she could play the avoidance game surely could he?
Dio!
Then why did it feel like he had been stabbed in his chest? For gods sake it had went four years! She was married! And no doubt had he not been the first man she fooled so easily. Well, wouldn't she have a laugh at him.
When he found his ability to speak his voice was so rough it didn't sound familiar to his own ears, "No, Mrs Hartwick, the pleasure is all mine."
_________________________
VOTE AND COMMENT.
A/N: hahahaha you guys how do you feel that Lorenzo thinks Lillian is Eleanor? Also to not feel lost you have to read the first book, Lillian Deciet to understand fully. With that said I hope you enjoy this chapter!