If having survived the last instalment without pressing the back button on your browser then read on for the third and final chapter of my relationship with Rachael.
The butler's message on my voicemail indicated that the pick up place was the family home, the day was this Saturday, the time 8.30pm and the passenger one Miss Rachael. How the rich live! Rachael and I decided to go out for dinner at the local Chinese Restaurant in town then out for a few drinks later and maybe some dancing.
Our relationship was now in full steam with me informing the staff room shortly after the New Year term began. To my surprise and amazement the Principle hardly battered an eyelid although urged discretion whilst at school. The rest of my colleagues had a sneaking suspicion as rumours had apparently been circulating well before the Christmas Party (alluded to in the first chapter). What relief I thought but my ordeal certainly didn't end there. About a week later, and only after repeated urgings from Rachael, I agreed to be formally introduced to her family 'as her new beau'.
Rachael was the eldest daughter of one of the richest families in the county and one of the oldest. Her father, whilst able to subsist comfortably on a private income, chose to work in the public sector as a research chemist for a listed pharmaceutical company and her mother was a successful country solicitor with her own firm. I had already met this charming couple professionally on two previous occasions concerning the academic affairs of Rachael's two siblings Justice and Lachlan whom I knew since they, being twins, were interested in attending this College in the next academic year. The whole family was pleasant and down to earth, completely devoid of any airs or graces, unusual with the landed gentry and setting an example that many other less polished families would do well to observe.
I was hanging out for Saturday for I hadn't seen Rachael that week as I had spent the last five days skiing in the Swiss Alps with several friends from Australia. Rachael wasn't happy about this situation as she wanted to come despite the fact that she detests the snow but I had booked this holiday several weeks before we got together. It was with some reluctance that we parted but the holiday itself yielded some great skiing and despite being a real "lads living large" week in which vast quantities of alcohol were consumed and much late night partying occurred I really did miss Rachael. I called her everyday racking up a huge phone bill but I didn't care, she was / is worth any sacrifice.
When the appointed hour was at hand I slipped into my BMW 318I and drove the short distance to Rachael's home that lay on the northern outskirts of town. The entrance to her family's private driveway was guarded by a lichen-covered gatehouse at least five centuries old and in good repair although the gates are automatic now. The driveway snaked its way up a slight incline lined with oak trees, older than the gatehouse, before reaching a large clearing. The Hall itself is of Georgian origin, three stories with high chimneys that, undoubtedly, give the visitor the impression of a magnificent country mansion.
The original hall, dating back to Tudor times, was destroyed by fire but like every phoenix, a new hall rose from the ashes of the old. As I pulled up the Hall was ablaze with lights, exaggerated by the cold clear evening, indicating a full house. Even before I reached them, the heavy set double oaken doors were swung open by the family butler who beckoned me into the entrance hall.
Despite the harshness of the outside, the interior by contrast was intolerably hot and I was glad to relinquish my coat. There did not appear to be anyone around and upon enquiring the butler informed me that all except Rachael had gone visiting family friends and would be back late. I proceeded into the lounge room where I usually waited for my beloved but this evening the butler informed me that Rachael was expecting me in her room. So off I went, climbing the magnificent grand staircase that opened up into a spacious landing hall with the various rooms branching off the left and right. Rachael's room was a little distance to the left and as I approached I heard the sound of rock music emanating from behind the door.
I knocked in anticipation and was immediately greeted by lover and best friend. Or to be more accurate, her head greeted me. I first noticed her hair for it was incredibly lustrous and had been straightened the new look was fantastic. "Hi there Handsome." She greeted me and then with a flick of her head she motioned me to enter. There were no lights on rather her room were illuminated with countless candles. The dancing lights flickering a million different shades of orange. I turned around to face her as she eased the door closed and my jaw simply fell open in surprise. There she was facing me without a shred of clothing except for a pair of strapped heels. Her left hand was resting high against the doorframe and her right against her hip. She was stunning, absolutely radiant and I was speechless. She raised a thin questioning eyebrow at me in amusement and after what seemed like an eternity I finally stammered, "Are we not going out then?" To which she replied "Nope I thought we'd eat in!"
