章 4: 4: Le Château de Marie
The fresh scent of scots pine trees caressed my lungs as I breathe in the woodsy ambience coming from these towering trees. The stunning conifers were lined up in parallel distance on both sides of the uphill road as our car entered the imposing wrought-iron gate of what I assumed to be the Hughes estate.
There were green bushes everywhere I look. My eyes were welcomed with the most beautiful flower beds sitting along the road. There were lilies, marigold, stargazer, and a lot more. The grass was fully manicured and there were water sprinklers in every corner of the vast land. It was a total feast on one's sight.
The weather was perfect. The mid morning sky was so blue, there were not a single trace of clouds above us too.
The sun was in its full brightness although its rays didn't hurt my eyes. The breezy wind constantly kisses my cheeks. I felt that I was really welcome here. Like I belong here.
As we enter the tall black and gold gateway, I noticed an enormous well-decorated white marble signage saying Wilson Estate. I assumed that it is the name of Matt's family's residence. The long walls around the property were tall and a couple of CCTV system were attached to some light posts installed outside the estate. The entire area aired a significantly high level of security. As the car passed the tall gate, I saw two Irish guards gestured their salute on us.
It made me engaged my mind to even weirder thoughts. I don't want to conclude anything yet but as I see things unfold, I might have really married someone from the highest class of society.
Oh, did I save the world in my past life, then?
I held my breath and instead appreciated the beauty of nature in front of me. I shouldn't overthink. I shouldn't worry at all. All my questions will be answered once we arrive there.
Four hours earlier, we disembarked at the last train station situated in a little town called Pembroke Hollow. Matt carried my luggage and an old man ushered us to a car parked few meters away from the station's main exit. The old man, who appeared to be our driver claimed our luggage and deposited it to the trunk of a beautiful vintage car.
I was never into cars, especially those vintage ones yet I got so curious on how we could afford to ride such an expensive car.
"Are you sure that's our car?" I tugged Matt's shirt while Mr. Paxton, the driver, was busy with our luggage.
"Yes, Mr. Paxton will drive us to my house."
"But that seems old, err…I mean that car smells rich." I failed to hold myself and blurted out my worry.
Matt opened the backseat door for me. "Get in."
I timidly shook my head.
"Missus?" He struck me with his impatient eyes. I didn't argue any longer and deposited myself in the backseat.
Matt sat silently next to the driver seat after the old man got in at the wheels. We were briefly introduced. According to Matt, Mr. Paxton has been serving as their family driver for over three decades now.
The old man shyly removed his flat cap hat to acknowledged me and addressed me as Lady Ruth.
"Ruth would be fine, Mr. Paxton. Just call me Ruth." I gave him a warm smile. He seemed kind.
Mr. Paxton hesitated.
"I'm afraid I am not allowed to do that, milady."
The old man buckled up and started the engine.
When did we get too formal? Milady?
And where did this beautiful car come from? Was it from a private rental service?
Whoa! Feels like I'm a real royalty.
I was itchy-curious so I took all my guts to ask Matt about the car we were travelling in. I noticed earlier that he was in a sullen mood since we exited the train station.
I can't help but ask him because I know I saw something identical to this car, something associated with the royalties. I just cannot recall where I saw it but I am so sure I saw this high caliber car before like it was used as a bridal car for the future queen.
He mentioned that the car was a gift from a distant relative. He said that it was a 1953 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV State Landaulette model used by Queen Elizabeth II and other British monarch in attending royal events and state visits.
I choked upon hearing the name of the Queen.
It was pre-owned by Her Majesty???
I must really have been dreaming then!
I wished to ask him more question but I noticed that his eyes were already closed. I guessed Matt was already tired since we've been traveling for almost 15 hours now.
I quietly rested my back on the soft cushioned seat and turned to the beautiful scenery outside the window.
The town was very simple, quiet, and laid-back . There were people lining up in a nearby coffee shop to get their Costa coffee. Some were biking along the paved path walks while others were seen walking their furry pets.
It was indeed, the countryside.
We travelled for a couple of minutes before we arrived at our next destination. It was a medium sized port located south of Pembroke Hollow.
I looked around and noticed that all ferries docked by the seaport were labeled Wilson Ferries. Is there a monopoly of business here?
Mr. Paxton said that the car will be loaded into a roll-on roll-off ferry which will transport us to the island where Matt's family lives. Our car was ushered to get in one of the large ferries waiting by the middle of the port.
Island? Okay. I didn't see that coming.
I felt giddy and nervous at the same time.
Giddy because it was my first time travelling across the English Channel.
Nervous since I might have a really hard time if ever the need to escape arises. I don't know how to drive a car and God forbid but I don't know how to swim either.
I stayed in the car just like what Matt and Mr. Paxton did. We took a nap and woke up an hour later when we're about to dock.
The ferry reached Port St. Mary's where the Wilson Sea Terminal is situated. The terminal screamed so much grandeur. It was a small town but the place aired so much modernity and sophistication. There were a few medium-size ferries docked in the port and once our car hit the ground, I saw a couple of tour buses lined up in the dedicated parking lot facing the ocean. It was the nicest view. I guess they were off to where our ferry came from.
My jaw dropped as I turned my eyes on the blue-green pristine water enveloping the whole island. A luscious greenery covers the high mountains serving as a perfect summer backdrop of this tiny town. I immediately noticed a castle-like structure sitting in the northwestern side of the island near a cliff. It was a sight to behold. I wonder who owns that old castle.
"This place is wonderful." I murmured in disbelief.
Matt turned to me and pointed an old lighthouse standing near the western end of the island.
"That's the lighthouse used by the Englishmen to watch over the island against the French invaders."
"Oh! Can we go there sometime?"
Matt simply shrugged his shoulders.
It was a beautiful ruin that stored a lot of memories in there. I wonder if it's still operational. I will definitely pay a visit to it someday.
The uniformed blue and white four-storey houses lined up along the outstretched of the coastal bay of Port St. Mary. Alongside the coastline was a two-lane wide paved thoroughfare fortified from the ocean by an expansive concrete seawall made from stone rubbles. The seawall was built to protect the beachfront from erosion and flooding. Light posts were installed adjacent to the highway with at least ten meters in distance from each other.
I bet it'll look romantic at night time. I can't wait to tour around this interesting town soon.
There were people hovering around a local market we passed through. The local produce like apples, carrots, kale, potatoes and wild mushrooms were displayed along the streets. They appeared all fresh and crisp.
"Can we visit the market too?" My eyes were feasting on all the organic produce I was seeing there.
"Probably." Matt answered shortly.
I was busy sightseeing when I noticed Mr. Paxton's short glances at me through the rear-view mirror. He'll give me a puzzled look before he'll give another quick glance at Matt who was sitting beside him. He'll then sigh and switch his eye back to the road.
His behavior added to my already big curiosity.
I shook my head and shifted my attention to something else.
In a flash, my mind slipped back to the present when we entered another gateway. A wide landscape of dancing wheat field greeted us. The old castle at the top of the cliff got an even clearer view as it served as an exquisite backdrop to the wheat field.
"What's that castle?" I asked.
Without taking a peek, Matt answered. "Le Château de Marie."
"Wow!" I was mesmerized by its classic beauty.
"Do you know who owns that castle?"
"Someone I know."
I pressed my lips. "Me?"
Mr. Paxton, the driver, burst into laughter.
"Why not?" Dreaming is free anyway.
Then I remember something. I instantly grabbed my journal from my knapsack and started writing.
"Le Château de Marie." I said out loud. 'That means, the Castle of Mary, right?"
Matt simply nodded. He gave me a short inquisitive look by the rear-view mirror before he looked away.
I'm going to visit you soon, Oh, beautiful Castle of Mary!
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Marylla_Amor
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