When they were settled into their comfortable sitting room, Stone produced a bottle of Knob Creek from his bag. “Are you feeling adventurous?” he asked, holding it up.

“I expect I will be, after a dose of that,” she replied.

Stone poured them each one, and she sampled hers judiciously. “My word,” she said. “That is quite drinkable for a foreign spirit.”

“Speaking for my country, and the state of Kentucky, I thank you for your broad-mindedness.” Shortly, they had another.

The train moved, and Rose said, “I’m feeling a bit peckish. Shall we be among the first for the first seating in the dining car?”

“Of course.”

They made their way to the next car and were seated immediately. Industrial Glasgow was passing their window, but soon it gave way to a more rural vista. The sun was already setting.

“It gets dark early at this latitude this time of year,” Stone said.

“I expect it’s one of the reasons so few people reside in the Scottish Highlands,” she replied.

They ordered the lamb and Stone found a decent claret on the wine list. After dinner they took a couple of large cognacs with them back to their suite, and soon they were once again entwined in bed.

“What time do we get to King’s Cross Station?” Stone asked, kissing her ear.

“Quite early, so we’ll miss rush hour. Still, we have a good seven hours to go.”

“Barely enough time for this,” Stone said, turning his attention to another area of her physique.

“Take all the time you need,” she said.

—

When they were sated they sat up in bed, tended to their cognac, and watched the Scottish Lowlands fly by their window, under a half-moon.

“When do you have to be back at work?” Stone asked.

“A week from tomorrow,” she replied.

“Then why don’t you join me for a night at the Connaught, followed by several days at my house on the Beaulieu River, in Hampshire.”

“What a nice invitation. Will I have time to restock my wardrobe?”

“Certainly, and you will have room for whatever you want to bring. It’s a roomy car.”

“Then I accept.”

They finished their cognac, then turned again to each other.

—

At King’s Cross they found a taxi and had a fairly quick drive to the Connaught Hotel, in light traffic. Stone gave her the cab to drive her home. “What time will I see you?”

“Oh, by the cocktail hour, I expect.”

“I’ll let the front desk know you’re coming.” Stone sent her on her way and checked in. He was relieved that his suite was ready, and he managed a couple more hours of sleep.

—

Later, Rose was escorted up to the suite by an assistant manager, and her bags were set up on folding racks.

“Where are we dining?” she asked.

“At Harry’s Bar,” Stone replied. “Do you know it?”

“Only by reputation.”