The Aristocrat

by Penelope Ward

  “Nah. Try it on.”

  I undressed, putting on the white shirt and buttoning it before slipping the long, black skirt over my legs.

  Bailey looked me up and down. “You look nice.” She continued searching through my closet. “What about this over it?” She took a gray blazer off one of the hangers. “You need something to spruce up the white shirt.”

  “It’s June. Isn’t it too warm out for a blazer?”

  “Well, you’ll be in the air conditioning, right?”

  “Maybe. Not sure.” I slipped the jacket over my shoulders.

  “Why are these guys renting that house again?”

  “He said they picked Narragansett randomly. They’re on a six-month vacation here in the States.”

  “Weird. But cool at the same time.” She beamed. “You think this guy likes you?”

  I closed the last button on the jacket. “I don’t know.”

  “Well, he has no clue he’s invited the chess champion of Narragansett High over for tea.”

  “Yeah, I don’t think that’s something to advertise. It’s bad enough I’m dressed like I’m going to a job interview. I don’t need to highlight my nerd tendencies.”

  She laughed. “Okay. Well, I gotta run. Let me know how it goes, okay?”

  “Will do.”

  “And Felicity? Come meet me in the city next week. Let’s go shopping. I didn’t realize how bad this closet situation was.”

  “Not necessary.”

  “Oh, believe me, it’s necessary.”

  I parked my tiny car in front of the beautiful property, which had a circular driveway. The house featured wood-shingle siding and a stunning front porch with four white Adirondack chairs. This was the quintessential Narragansett house, yet most people could only afford it in their dreams.

  Before I could walk to their front door, Sig came out to greet me. I faced him as I stood in front of my car.

  He gave me a once-over. “I didn’t realize we’d invited Mary Poppins to tea.”

  Great.

  Is it that bad? I looked down at myself. It is that bad. Long, black skirt with a white shirt and blazer. The only thing missing was the umbrella. Damn you, Bailey.

  Glancing at his shirtless chest, I understood now that this was most definitely a casual “tea.” Leo, who happened to have a T-shirt on, finally appeared, running toward us as if to stop his cousin from doing further damage.

  “There you are,” Leo said.

  “I’ve never been invited to tea before,” I told him. “I assumed it was more formal. But clearly I was wrong.”

  Leo smiled. “I think it’s adorable that you dressed up. And for the record, you look lovely.”

  “And you’re a liar.” I laughed, wiping some lint off my skirt. “But thank you anyway.”

  Sig looked over at my tiny, mint green Fiat 500. “Would you like to bring your toy car inside as well?”

  “Leave my car alone. It’s easy to park and good on gas.”

  “Sigmund can relate to being small and gassy,” Leo joked. He placed his hand lightly at the small of my back, sending a chill down my spine. “Welcome to our humble abode. Let’s go inside.”

  “Hardly humble.” I chuckled, looking up at the massive property.

  They led me through a large foyer to a spacious kitchen with cream-colored cabinets and sparkling granite countertops.

  “What can I get you to drink?” Leo asked.

  “I thought tea was the default beverage today.”

  “I bet you like it with just a spoonful of sugar, yeah?” Sig chided.

  I rolled my eyes. “Spoonful of Sugar”—the famous song from Mary Poppins. This guy was a pill.

  I don’t think Leo got the joke. He just squinted at his cousin. “Well, when I invited you for tea, I was using the term loosely,” he said. “I do have other options. But I can make tea, if that’s what you want.”

  “In that case, I’d love some tequila. Have any?” I teased.

  “Tea-quila. Coming right up, gorgeous.”

  “I was kidding, but I certainly won’t turn it down.”

  “Tea-quila is much better than tea anyway.” He winked.

  Sig had left the kitchen, and Leo ventured into an adjacent room that must have been where the liquor was stored. For the brief time I was left alone, I gazed out through the French doors at the bay.

  His voice startled me. “It’s a beautiful day.” Leo stood holding what I recognized as a bottle of Casamigos Reposado tequila and two shot glasses.

  “It’s gorgeous out, yes.”

  He gestured with his head. “Let’s enjoy these drinks outside, shall we? I’m eager to learn more about you.”

  “About me? I thought I was supposed to be teaching you about Narragansett.”

  “Oh. Well, I suppose we can talk about that, too.” He smiled.

  Leo led me out to the large deck and placed the alcohol and glasses on a table. I sat in one of the chairs, and he sat across from me.

  He opened the bottle and poured the tequila nearly up to the rim of my shot glass before serving himself.

  He reached his glass toward mine. “Cheers.”

  We both threw back at the same time. The tequila burned my throat as it went down.

  So much for tea. Bottoms up! Almost instantly, I felt the buzz, my cheeks tingling. Looking across the sparkling bay, I said, “It’s weird to see my house from this angle. Mrs. Angelini’s property looks even more beautiful from here. In fact, I think this view—the back of her house—is the best part.”

  “I think the best part of the house might be sitting across from me, actually.”

  His words left me feeling flushed. “What are you basing that on?” I asked. “You don’t even know me.”

  “I was trying to be complimentary, but you’re right. I don’t know much about you aside from the fact that you’re not very easily charmed.”

  Sig appeared and patted his cousin on the shoulder. “My boy here is not used to that. Normally he has women falling at his feet.”

  I addressed Leo. “So…you said you’re traveling for six months. Did you get time off from your job or…”

  Sig snickered.

  Turning to him, I raised my brow. “What’s so funny?”

  “He thinks me needing time off from work is hilarious, since that’s not really a consideration for me,” Leo answered.

  “Why is that? You don’t work?”

  “He comes from old money,” Sig said. “Whether he works on a daily basis or not is inconsequential, although there are responsibilities.”

  Leo looked annoyed. “My father is grooming me to take over the family business,” he clarified. “He owns a number of properties in the countryside where we live in England.”

  After taking a moment to process that, I said, “So this grooming includes a six-month jaunt around the US?”

  “That might not seem to make sense, but yes, this trip was part of an agreement I have with my father. Being an only child, I’ve always had tremendous expectations placed upon me. Before I can begin to take things seriously, I needed a break from the pressure. I know what’s expected of me, and I plan to fulfill his wishes. But I needed this time away first.”

  “Okay, so you made a deal with your dad…”

  He nodded. “He gave me six months off from any and all familial obligations. And in return, I’ll take things more seriously when I return.”

  “You don’t want to take over the family business?”

  His expression turned a bit serious. “What I want has never really mattered.”

  “With all due respect, why can’t you just tell your father you aren’t interested?”

  Sig laughed under his breath.

  I looked over at him and back toward Leo. “I’m sorry to pry.”

  Sig chuckled. “Believe me, he’s thrilled you’re asking these questions, because it means you have absolutely no idea who he is, and that’s exactly what he prefers.”

  Leo’s face turned a bi
t red.

  “What is he talking about?” I asked. “Who are you?”

  “Here? No one.” He sighed. “But back home in the bubble? People think I’m a big deal because of the family I was born into. I’m the subject of much unwanted attention.”

  “Boo-hoo.” Sig rolled his eyes. “I’d gladly bear some of that so-called burden, if I could.”

  Leo glared at him. “Anyway, enough about that for now. Can I pour you another?” He seemed eager to move this conversation elsewhere.

  I held my palm out. “I’d better not. I can already feel this one going to my head.”

  “How about some actual tea, then?”

  “That might be good.”

  Sig stood up. “I volunteer to make it. I can tell you’ve been waiting for me to get out of your hair for a second so you can talk to Freckles in peace.”

  “I believe she told you not to call her that,” Leo scolded.

  “That’s right.” He placed his hand over his heart and feigned regret. “Forgive me, Mary.”

  Such a dick.

  “I apologize for him. Really, if we weren’t related, I would’ve cut him off a long time ago. But he’s quite a fun travel companion when he’s not being an arse.”

  “It’s all right.”

  He tilted his head. “Tell me more about you, Felicity.”

  “Well, I graduated from college a couple of years ago, and for the last two years I’ve worked for a nonprofit in Boston.”

  “Whereabouts did you go to school?”

  “Harvard.”

  His eyes widened. “No big deal, then.” He coughed. “Wow. Seriously, congratulations.”

  “Thank you.”

  “What’s next?”

  “Headed to Pennsylvania for law school this fall.”

  “Brilliant.”

  “Yeah. I’m trying to enjoy the summer before I have to buckle down again.”

  “I know you live with a roommate. Whereabouts is your family?”

  Here we go. I came out with it. “I don’t have one, actually.”

  Concern filled his eyes. “You have no family?”

  “Nope. I grew up in the foster system, so I’ve lived with people who weren’t my actual parents for a good portion of my life. Mrs. Angelini is the last such person. She took me in when I was fifteen, and that house across the bay has been my home base ever since.”

  He nodded, taking in my revelation. “I hope you don’t mind my saying, but I find you even more remarkable now—all that you’ve accomplished. It couldn’t have been easy for you growing up.”

  “It wasn’t, but it’s made me the person I am today. Made me strong.”

  “I can see that.” His stare lingered a bit. “Are you too hot out here?”

  I was. Not only because of the sun and my ridiculously heavy clothes, but because of my attraction to him. That was causing me to burn up in a way I hadn’t in a while. Which made me uneasy.

  “Yeah.” I looked down at my ensemble. “This get-up wasn’t the best choice.”

  “Shall we go inside? I can give you a tour of the house.”

  “That might be good,” I said, standing.

  We passed Sig in the kitchen, and Leo showed me around.

  Eventually he led me back through the foyer to the living room. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided a clear view of the bay from a different angle, and streaks of sunlight streaming through glowed against the hardwood floor.

  “I’d always wondered what this place looked like on the inside. It’s even more beautiful than I imagined.”

  He stared through me. “Yeah.”

  Being inside really hadn’t cooled me down. I fiddled with my collar, tempted to unbutton my blouse, even though I knew I wouldn’t.

  “You seem a bit uncomfortable,” Leo said. “Am I making you nervous?”

  I admitted something I probably shouldn’t have. “I think maybe I still haven’t gotten over the way we first…met.”

  He raised his brow. “The birdwatching, you mean?”

  “No. I started out birdwatching, but after I spotted you guys, I was definitely watching you. I’m not going to deny that. I think very few people would’ve turned away. I’m only human.”

  His mouth curved into a smile. “That is yet another reason why I like you, Felicity. Most people might not have turned away—I certainly wouldn’t have—but few are honest about such things. I spend my life surrounded by dishonest people whose number-one goal is to look good rather than be authentic. I hardly know you, but what little you’ve given me is purely you. And I appreciate that. It’s refreshing.”

  “Tea is ready,” Sig announced from the threshold, prompting Leo and me to turn to him in unison. He gave us a look as if perhaps he knew he’d interrupted a moment. “Made some crumpets, too, since she was clearly expecting a more proper tea.”

  “Thank you, oh domestic one,” Leo said before turning to me. “He’s definitely the cook in this relationship.”

  I followed them out into a grand dining room, where Sig had set up a formal-looking tea service. A mountain of crumpets were stacked atop each other on a plate.

  “So, you actually made these?” I asked.

  “Yes. From scratch.”

  “Impressive.”

  “There aren’t many ingredients,” Sig said. “Make sure you eat one before they cool. There’s nothing like melted butter on them.”

  I grabbed one and buttered it. It was exactly as he’d promised, savory and delicious. Leo took it upon himself to pour me a cup of tea. That was sweet.

  Sig crossed his arms. “So, Felicity, what is it that two single guys do for fun around here?”

  “You’re asking me?” I said with my mouth full of crumpet. “Seems like you two have no problems finding fun, with your parties and all.”

  Leo’s eyes narrowed. “Parties?”

  “Yeah, I saw the flashing lights coming from here one night, and I’ve heard music from across the bay more than once.”

  Leo shook his head. “There was no party. That was Sigmund playing his music and fucking with me. We haven’t really met anyone since we’ve gotten here. The previous inhabitants installed those strobe lights and the sound system.”

  I chuckled. “Well, that’s sort of bizarre. I just assumed you were party animals.”

  “Anyway, you never answered my question,” Sig said. “What’s hot around here?”

  “Well, there’s the bar by the beach. A lot of people hang out there, even on weeknights. Then there’s the center of town. There are a lot of nice restaurants. But if you chose to spend a portion of your US trip here, of all places, you may not be looking for exciting night life.”

  “Sig and I have wanted different things out of this trip,” Leo said. “Narragansett was his compromise to me since I put up with the other locations. And I’m most definitely looking for peace.”

  “I’m looking for a piece of something too.” Sig winked.

  Leo rolled his eyes. “Never mind tourists. Tell me, what do the locals like to do?”

  “Things are pretty laid-back here. We mostly sit on our decks and drink beer, or watch the sunset over the bay. We might go clamming or fishing and see what fresh catch we can bring home for dinner.”

  Leo smiled. “You fish?”

  “Occasionally. Although, I’d need a boat to get to some of the best parts of the bay for quahoging.”

  “Co-what?” Leo asked.

  “Quahoging. The act of digging for quahogs. Clams.”

  “Ah. You need a boat to do that?”

  “Well, there’s a section of the bay where you can harvest a lot, but you need a boat to get there from here.”

  “I see.” Leo licked butter off the side of his lips. “If I can get a boat, will you take us there?”

  “Um…I don’t know...” I stammered.

  Leo’s face fell. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to volunteer you to be our tour guide. That’s not your job.”

  “I just don’t know if I can commit
to anything right now. I’m in the process of looking for a summer job. I have a couple of leads, so I don’t know my schedule for much longer.”

  He nodded, still seeming disappointed. “Fair enough.”

  I exhaled. “So...how long are you guys here exactly?”

  “Until the end of August,” Leo answered.

  “Leaving sooner would be my preference,” Sig interjected. “I’m more eager to return home than Leo.”

  “Then you guys head back to England?”

  Leo sighed. “That’s the plan.”

  “His family will have his balls if he doesn’t come back by September,” Sig interjected.

  Leo chose to move on. “So, you said you’re going to law school in the fall. Tell me more. Which school and what type of law are you looking to specialize in?”

  “Drexel. And I want to use my degree to work in child advocacy someday, to help children who grew up the way I did. That’s very important to me, to do something close to my heart where I can make a difference.”

  “If only everyone followed their passion, the world would be a better place.” Leo smiled.

  Sig looked between us. “Did I miss something? Children who grew up the way you did?”

  “I told your cousin earlier that I grew up in the foster care system.”

  “An orphan?”

  I hated that term. “Yes.”

  Sig blinked a few times. “Let me get this straight. You’re a redheaded orphan. You live with an older woman. Is her name Miss Hannigan, by any chance?” He tilted his head. “Do you have a dog named Sandy?”

  Very funny. I rolled my eyes. “I think it’s pretty hysterical how well you know Annie, Sig. I wouldn’t have taken you for someone so well-versed in musicals. First Mary Poppins, now this.”

  Leo’s face reddened as he turned to his cousin. “You are an absolute buffoon.”

  “And you’re…Daddy Warbucks, apparently.”

  Leo nearly spit out his tea.

  “Actually, our nan took me to see Annie in London when I was a kid.” Sig looked over at me. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop being an arsehole for now,” he said. For the first time since I’d met him, he seemed genuinely interested. “What happened to your family?”

  Before I could answer, Leo said, “I don’t think you need to be prying into her background right now. Let the girl enjoy her tea without having to give you her life’s story.”