No Regrets: A Novel of Love and Lies in World War II England (The Thornton Trilogy Book 1) by Payne Mary Christian

Author:Payne, Mary Christian [Payne, Mary Christian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: TCK Publishing
Published: 2014-12-24T08:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“Sloan,” they cried out simultaneously.

Their handsome son stood alone in the wide, expansive entry. He was taller and a bit thinner. On the other hand, he was no longer a boy. His arms and chest had filled out, and he wore his uniform with great dignity. His dark, blue eyes were as intense as they’d always been, and he hadn’t lost his winning smile. There were small lines etched beside his mouth and next to his penetrating eyes, from years of flying aeroplanes into sunrises and sunsets. His father shook his hand, and his mother stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. Strangely, there was a feeling of unease – as if the two older people weren’t familiar with the younger man. His mother began to fuss nervously.

“Sloan, your room is just as you left it. I thought you would like that. Of course, if you’d prefer, you may have your choice of rooms. I – that is – we thought you would want to sleep in your boyhood chamber. But if that isn’t acceptable...”

“Mother, do calm down. Of course it’s acceptable. I’ve thought of that room for the entire duration. In fact, let me go up there now and change into something more comfortable. I wouldn’t care if I never put this uniform on again.”

“Oh, but Son. Anne will want to see how splendid you look in your uniform, with your coveted medals and your silver wings. Do wait until she’s had that chance.”

“Anne? But I had no plans to see her this evening. I thought we could enjoy a quiet time together on my first night home.”

“Of course we can do that, if it’s what you want,” said Lady Celia. “Your father and I just thought you would want to see your lovely bride-to-be as soon as possible.”

“Yes – well – of course I‘m anxious to see her, but I have things I want to speak to you about. Don’t you suppose we might keep my homecoming a secret until tomorrow?”

Lord Rowan was a bit perplexed, but it was pleasing to think that Sloan wanted to be alone with his parents after their long separation.

“We shall do whatever you wish, Son. I don’t see any harm in a tiny, white lie. I don’t think it’s necessary to say that you didn’t come in tonight – perhaps that you arrived later than expected.”

“Yes, that will do,” Sloan smiled. “So, let me put on other clothing and wash up. I’ll be back in a tick.”

He took the staircase two steps at a time, and his parents stood at the bottom, with worshipping looks on their faces. Lady Celia turned to Lord Rowan.

“Thank goodness I never moved his clothing. Do you think any of it will still fit?”

“I strongly doubt it. But let him prowl through his cupboard and see. He’ll be needing to outfit himself with a new wardrobe. I should think a trip to London will be in order.”

Lady Celia put her arms around her husband. “Oh Rowan. It’s so good to have him home.

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