(no subject)

The gate guard and the caretaker have been told to expect them: when the quiet gray skimmer pulls up in front of the main gate, it's waved through with only a brief exchange of words, and when they reach the house, the front door is already standing open, spilling warmth and light out into the cool evening. Another few words with the caretaker -- the main rooms and the east wing have been opened up and the kitchen stocked, please call if there's anything else you require -- and the door closes gently behind them.

Simon glances at Kaylee, and tugs gently at their joined hands.