The driveway up to my new home was the longest I had ever encountered. But after a while we rounded a bend and there stood Cotleigh Castle. It was more deserving of its name than many houses entitled castle. It was large and square, very high, but gracefully proportioned. I had expected the turrets, but not the large battlements. It was much older than I'd expected. 

 Our sudden arrival caused a stir. The trunks were still being unloaded when a slight, fair lady, no longer young but still pretty, entered the hall. 

 'Robert!' she cried, holding out both her hands to him. 'How wonderful! But we did not expect you! You will find us dreadfully unprepared.'

 'There is nothing unusual there, mother. May I present my wife?'

 I curtseyed, hoping I did...

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