Eye of the Storm (Hudson 3)

Four days later I was released from the hospital. Austin was there to take me home, and when we drove up to the house. I saw that he had arranged for the ramp to be reinstalled. I knew that he had also already moved his clothing and accessories in.

"There's another surprise waiting for you," he told me.

After he wheeled me up the ramp and into the house. I saw what else he had done.

"Your attorney and I discussed it and we decided to make an executive decision," he said.

He had gotten a mechanized chair installed on the stairway. All I had to do was transfer myself into it, press a button and it would take me upstairs to a second chair.

"The mistress of the house no longer sleeps in the maid's quarters." he declared.

"Oh Austin." I cried. "you really are going to look after me."

"Til death do us part," he said. "Which reminds me. Under the circumstances,' he continued, patting my stomach. "I thought a wedding as soon as possible would be in order. I have another surprise for you," he added with an impish grin from one ear to the other.

"Austin Clarke, what else have you done?"

"I took the liberty of contacting a certain English professor in London."

I shook my head.

"You don't mean to say..." He nodded.

"Yes, he's coming with his wife. He sounded very excited about it. too."

My heart began to pound in anticipation. "Austin, you've done so much."

"It's just a small, church ceremony with a little reception here afterward. My mother has been a great help. Actually, she's taken care of all the

arrangements," he said. "I hope you don't mind."

"Mind? I'm overwhelmed, I feel like I might faint," I said.

He laughed.

"I probably should have waited until you were settled in and comfortable before unloading all this news, but now that I've gone this far..."

"What?"

"Your mother wants to come to see you tomorrow."

"My mother?"

"She and her husband came down for your aunt's funeral yesterday and they stayed to handle the legal work."

"Why didn't they stay here?"

"I don't know," he said. "Maybe they just weren't comfortable with the idea. They're at a hotel. Your attorney has been talking with Grant and he passed all the information to me to give to you,

"If you're not ready. I could call and have her postpone her visit to another time. Grant has given me an indication they will attend our wedding."

"Really?" I thought for a moment. "But do they know that my father is coming from London?"

"Not exactly." he admitted. "I thought I'd leave that to you to tell her."

"Maybe we should have just eloped,' I muttered.

"We could still do that, of course, but your father would be disappointed. I think. I know my mother would."