by Ellie Hall
Then, in her thick French accent, she said, “Where are my manners? I am so thrilled for William I forgot to ask, how are you, cousin?” Except, since she was French, she used that pronunciation of the word even though it was spelled the same in both languages.
“I’m well, thank you.” Charlotte’s lips lift into a smile, but her heart wasn’t behind it. The truth was, she hadn’t been feeling quite herself since Sydney, her guardian and best friend had passed away after a long period in a coma. The loss had sapped the reserves of her strength, resilience, and tenacity. Most days, she was running on fumes, like a car in desperate need of gas.
“How is your darling daughter, Birdie?”
At the sound of her daughter’s nickname, Charlotte perked up. She was the one thing that kept Charlotte going. “She’s wonderful. With her grandmother this evening, but she will be with us tomorrow. She’s very excited to be the flower girl for the wedding.”
“Grand-mere?” Juliette asked, using the French word for grandmother.
“She’s with her grandmother on her father’s side.” Charlotte’s voice tightened and she swallowed back a swell of emotion.
Growing up, Charlotte and Will’s mother spoke French to them and they were both fluent even though they grew up in London. However, speaking the language, heck, even hearing it, brought up mixed emotions for Charlotte. On the one hand, it felt familiar, like home, as close to her heart as breathing, but on the other, it brought to mind another loss she’d had to bear.
“Ah, l’idiot,” Juliette said at the reminder of Charlotte’s ex-husband. She thought most men were idiots, but that didn’t stop her from having many romantic trysts, which she saucily divulged every time the cousins were together.
Will had been like that, going from girlfriend to girlfriend, then had been with what Juliette referred to as a tarte, before finding true love with Emma.
Charlotte knew she’d never find love again because for her it would have to be forever—a lifelong commitment. With her ex out of the picture, it was up to her to provide a stable life for Birdie. Romance didn’t fit into that equation, which was sure to only end in a split. She couldn’t go through that again.
There were other male figures in the young girl’s life. In the past, Will hadn’t proved to be the best role material, but Will had turned his life around in a lot of ways. They’d lost Sydney, who was like a grandfather to Birdie and a father to her.
Charlotte sighed again and Juliette gripped her forearm. “Non, non, non. We are here to celebrate. Not commiserate about how we’re still single. Now, let’s go mingle.” She pulled Charlotte into the growing crowd. She leaned in close to Charlotte’s ear. “Now, that Emma is royalty, I insist you introduce me to the most eligible bachelors and we’ll inquire as to whether they have a brother for you.” Juliette laughed.
As they made the rounds, Juliette kept to Charlotte’s side as if she knew her cousin would’ve found a quiet place to sit, pull out her phone and read or do something else equally introverted. Charlotte wasn’t one for big crowds and flashy events. She preferred the quiet, simple life.
“Tell me how it turned out your brother fell in love with a princess who didn’t know she was royalty?” Juliette asked.
Charlotte smiled. It was a good story, a romantic one—Charlotte’s favorite kind despite not having much in the way of romance in her own life. She explained how the Jones sisters learned of their royal status. “Emma’s sister, Penny, soon-to-be queen of Concordia had stumbled into Burklingham Palace as a cook and came out with a prince on her arm. No, actually, a baker,” she corrected herself.
“Ooh. Speaking of baking. Those pastries look delicious,” Juliette said, helping herself to a chocolate caramel crème puff as a server passed with a tray piled with confections. “Okay, with that question answered, tell me why did your brother and his fiancé opt to have a combined hen party and bachelor party and the rehearsal dinner? Why all at once?”
Charlotte shrugged. “It had to do with timing. And they didn’t want to make a big fuss with multiple parties.”
“The Wedding Eve party sounds like a big deal,” Juliette said around a bite.
“When has Will done anything differently?”
They both laughed because it was true.
“If there is something big, he wants bigger. Something fancy? He wants fancier. If there’s a fast car, he wants one faster.”
“Charlotte, how is it you and your brother are so different?”
She shrugged. Will had it all.
Private jet? Check.
Multiple international residences? Check.
A billion dollars? Check.
“I suppose you’re right. William couldn’t just marry an ordinary girl. He had to go and marry a princess. I suppose that leaves us with a lot to live up to.” Juliette winked.
Charlotte’s ideal man, though completely fictional because she never intended to marry again, was quiet, simple, stable. He preferred nights in, perhaps a museum visit or a stroll in the park on Sunday afternoons, and didn’t go for extravagant. Montgomery had been that way but then he found someone who was the opposite of Charlotte.
“So for William, skipping the bachelor party has nothing to do with avoiding temptation?” Juliette hinted.
“Will said he’s done with his wild days. He’s committed to Emma.”
“Do you like her?”
“I adore her. She’s become a good friend.” Charlotte smiled.
“In that case, I approve. But I would’ve liked to have been invited to a royal bachelorette party.” Juliette smirked. “There probably would’ve been a shopping spree, a spa day, all the best girlie things.”
Charlotte smiled. The truth was, Emma grew up in the US under fairly modest circumstances. “Since Emma is officially royalty, the wedding is sure to be opulent and formal. They wanted this party to be fun and very much them.”
The color scheme was blue and white and gold like the wedding, but there were subtle, inked dog paw prints on the edge of the napkins for hors d’oeuvres, and other little dog-related accents.
“It’s reminiscent of the New Year’s bash she organized,” Charlotte explained. “Wait until you see the party favors.”
“Like those?” Juliette pointed to an enormous jar, or more like a tank, filled with Hershey’s Kisses. The label read How many kisses for the soon to be Mr. and Mrs.? Guess the magic number.
“No, not those. Will and Emma have a thing, like an inside joke, with the candies.” According to a little Birdie, there were eight-hundred and forty-four.
“A bon chat, bon rat.”
Charlotte knew Juliette wasn’t calling her brother or new sister in law a cat or rat, but meant everyone had their match. Except her.
“You mean like peas and carrots. Yes, but Will's new motto is about living a real life, unscripted, not posed.”
“Maybe so but he could never live a simple life.”
But Charlotte could. She did. Sydney left her more than enough, but she was saving it for Birdie’s future. They got by just fine. Though, Charlotte had been tired from working so hard and would’ve liked more time with her daughter. But she wasn’t the kind of person who accepted handouts. Will knew that. Sydney knew that. It was hard enough moving into his house after he’d passed—for numerous reasons.
“Ooh, la la. Who’s that?” Juliette asked, pulling Charlotte from her thoughts and pointing at a tall man. She couldn’t see who Juliette meant as various dignitaries, nobility, and royalty glided past, blocking their view.
Just then, Emma rushed over, wearing a white, gold, and aqua dress that flattered her tan after returning from the Caribbean. “Hello. I’m so happy you’re here.”
They hugged in greeting.
Charlotte introduced the two women who started chatting immediately. Both Emma and Juliette were easy to get along with though Emma did have her feisty side and Juliette could be catty. Thankfully, that wasn’t an issue. After all, Emma had become family and since Charlot
te and Will only had Juliette, her father who she had a choice word for, and a few distant relations they’d never met, it was important to Charlotte they get along for Birdie’s sake. They’d never met their father and really didn’t have much family left.
At the upsetting thought, Charlotte blinked her eyes a few times, swallowed, and tried to lift her lips into a smile.
Juliette’s voice floated back to her as she asked Emma about her relationship with Will. “So he proposed to you while on the island? Tres romantique. Will you tell us the story?”
Charlotte leaned in, interested because she hadn’t yet heard how her brother popped the question. They’d only returned from the Caribbean a few days previous and had been preoccupied with wedding plans.
“Yes, absolutely,” Emma said. “It’s all been so hush-hush with Will trying to keep things out of the media. We’re lucky to have the island to escape to. No one in their right mind would trek there and take photos.” She shook her head. “I’m lucky there’s running water. We’re building a brand-new house there though and it will have all the bells and whistles and by that, I mean electricity.”
Juliette laughed.
Charlotte knew, all too well, Will’s problem with the paparazzi. They meddled in his life and at times had posed a danger. But she was also certain the house would have more than just the basics—he’d include the top of the line everything.
They continued to chatter about the island and house and engagement along with everything to follow.
“I love being able to gush with you girls,” Emma said.
Juliette gripped her hand, studying the ring. It was a rock of a diamond, surrounded by other diamonds. “You will need sunglasses when you wear it outside because it’s so bright and sparkly.”
“So, back to how he got this on your finger.”
“Will told me there were rumors of a treasure hidden somewhere off Isla Encanta.”
Juliette made a swooning sound that matched the way Charlotte felt inside. Love Island. A little, or not so little, considering they were talking about Will, secret. It was a hidden, island paradise just for the couple.
“One morning he brought me breakfast in bed along with a map. He went on to tell me a long story about how one of the locals from a neighboring island brought him in on the rumors of treasure and shared the map with him.” Emma raised an eyebrow. “I was suspicious, but went along with it.”
“If you found treasure did you have to share it?”
Emma flashed the ring. “In this case no.”
The three women laughed.
Emma continued. “It started with the perfect day on the boat. The sun was shining, the water was calm. We followed the map and sailed past Crystal Cove, Hangman’s Harbor, and then Shipwreck Sandbar. Let’s just say Will got a little carried away with the pirate theme. Anyway, we arrived at the X—the one that marked the spot, which was a called Riptide Reef, a shallow reef for snorkeling… We got on our gear and then were watching the angelfish, the tangs, the lionfish…”
“Sounds amazing,” Charlotte breathed.
“Don’t tell me he buried the ring!” Juliette exclaimed.
“He gestured I follow him over to some rocks. There, he pointed to a wooden treasure chest. We hauled it up and the ring was inside.” Emma bounced a little.
Charlotte had to admit, her excitement and joy were contagious. If her brother, who’d had a reputation for being the least romantic person ever, could orchestrate something like that, perhaps there was some hope in the world.
“He proposed to me right there on the beach.” Tears glistened in Emma’s eyes.
Charlotte wrapped her in a hug. “I’m so glad you found each other.”
Juliette beamed. “It’s a love story good enough to write about.” She nudged her cousin. “But how did your brother manage to become the owner of an island in the Caribbean? Isla Encanta.” Juliette used a Spanish inflection, completely hiding her French accent when she said it. “The island of love.”
“Supposedly he won it during a card game.”
“When we were little, my brother and I played poker with Sydney for peanuts. Actual peanuts. The kind in the shell. It sounds like he’s graduated to bigger wagers.”
Emma and Juliette laughed.
The memory brought up more memories of Sydney. He’d taught Will and Charlotte so much about finances, even though Charlotte lived rather frugally. Will said he owed his success to their guardian. She owed her life.
She was in deep in mourning and didn’t know if the pain of loss would ever go away—at least not when she’d already lost so much: her mother, her marriage, then her best friend and father figure. It was especially hard at the wedding because he would have wanted to be there.
“The question is who does your brother play cards with?” Juliette asked. “Who is this person who wagers islands?” She laughed as though it was unreal, absurd.
Emma pointed to a man as tall as Will with his back to them. While her brother was muscular, it was from working out at the gym empire he owned while that man’s strength was of a more rugged variety. Like he lifted heavy things, but not weights. His skin was sun-kissed as though he spent a lot of time outside in the fresh air.
“That’s the American best friend, Wyatt. In fact, we have the same last name—Jones. Though there’s no relation.”
“And soon you’ll be Mrs. Wheaton.” Juliette smiled.
Charlotte had heard plenty about the American best friend Wyatt Jones. He and Will had worked as models together and had many wild times. “I’ve heard about him, but never met him.”
“He is one fine specimen of man muscle, American brawn. A proper cowboy.” Juliette batted her eyelashes in his direction though he still faced away from them.
“Are you single?” Emma asked.
Juliette tipped her head from side to side. “Nothing official.”
Juliette told them about the Frenchman who’d been wooing her.
Charlotte’s gaze drifted over to Wyatt who shifted, revealing his profile. He had a chiseled jawline and a crooked smile. “He’s probably broken a lot of hearts.” Too late, Charlotte realized she’d spoken aloud.
“What do you mean?” Emma asked.
Charlotte quickly recovered. “I mean, he’s Will’s best friend. They used to model together. I’m pretty sure they left a trail of women in their wake.”
“Well, as we know, people change.” Emma’s lips lifted in an assuring smile.
Charlotte realized what her comment suggested even though she didn’t mean for it to offend Emma. “They sure do. Will’s so lucky to have found the woman who won his heart. I’m really happy for you guys.” She was, but the constant presence of grief made her feel like she was treading water, but not wearing a snorkel or looking at exotic Caribbean fish. More like struggling to stay afloat.
The three women carried on with pleasant conversation, and it was clear Emma wasn’t upset about Charlotte’s comment. After a time, a duke or the member of some royal house or another snagged her attention. She extended both her hands to drag Juliette and Charlotte along. She whispered, “If I say the word Pomeranian that means rescue me from a dreadfully boring conversation.”
Juliette, all too happy to meet royalty said, “Oui.”
Will rushed over, giving his bride to be a smooch on the cheek then said, “I have to say hello to my sister,” he said, nabbing her away.
She was glad he rescued her from having to rub elbows with the nobility without having to use a code word. She preferred to be a quiet observer.
“There you are. I never thought I’d get away from Boylston. Banged my ear off about the Chapman-Shaw merger for ages.” Will rubbed his hand down the back of his neck.
“Looking forward to heading back to Isla Encanta?” Charlotte asked.
“Am I ever. You should come stay with us.”
“And miss summer in London? Ask me again in January, dreary, drizzly, January.”
“Will do. You certainly coul
d use a vacation.”
She didn’t want to think about how that was true. “Emma told us about the proposal. Very romantic, brother.”
“No less than she deserved, you too. Maybe you’ll meet your mister here,” he said with a lift of his eyebrow. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
She nodded, but Will was gazing out at all the guests and he didn’t see the smile that slipped off Charlotte’s face.
“You do realize this is madness. Glorious, about to marry the love-of-my-life, madness.” He chuckled. “Could you help me with one thing though?”
“Is everything okay?”
“Of course, but Emma’s taught me to ask for help when I need it.” He cast Charlotte a pointed look. Both siblings had a habit of trying to shoulder burdens alone. “Anyway, Emma’s mother keeps meddling and fussing then disappearing. She’s driving us both nuts. Anyway, we need more of those delicious apple-rose pastries. Have you tried one?” Will went on to describe it.
“I see Emma has also got you off your strict dietary regime,” Charlotte said.
“Just for today.”
“And tomorrow?”
Will nodded sheepishly. “Then it’s back to the protein shakes and bland dinners.” He laughed. “Emma’s mother said she went to tell the caterers we needed more, but she probably got lost and is trying to get one of these old money earls to marry her—like Archer Pearce for instance.” He thumbed over his shoulder.
“You invited him?” He’d been involved in a recent bank scandal.
“Now that Emma’s royalty, we practically had to invite half the country.” He gave his sister an imploring look.
She planted her hands on her brother’s arm. “Of course, I’ll go find out about the apple rose pastries.” She was relieved it was something so straightforward and he wasn’t asking her to do something awkward like dance with one of those old money earls he’d mentioned.
He gave her hand a squeeze and then called after her, “Now, you don’t go getting lost either, but do feel free to fall in love.”
His laughter faded as she reminded herself why that would never happen.
Charlotte passed through the gilded hall of the historic Garden House, part of the royal garden system. She intended to follow her ears and nose to the sound of pans clattering and the smell of deliciousness baking. However, there were countless doors and other hallways on the lower level. She wasn’t sure which led to the kitchen. The Garden House was old, had once been one of the royal palaces, but the main part of it had burned in a terrible fire around the turn of the twentieth century. It was part of the royal registry of historical buildings converted for the public and used for events like weddings.
