The Aristocrat

by Penelope Ward

  “Nothing,” I said, straightening my posture and feigning a smile. “I’m an old friend of Leo’s. I met him when he was visiting the States years ago and thought I would come say hello while I was here visiting England. I would’ve called, but I left my phone at the place I’m staying. Also, stupid me didn’t realize I needed an appointment. I made a bit of a ruckus with your security people. Leo came out when he heard the racket.”

  Her eyes moved between the two of us. “I see,” she said, looking skeptical.

  I wondered if she could sense the shakiness in my voice, if she could see the lingering tears in my eyes. Could she see that she’d interrupted the moment my entire world turned upside down? The moment my heart was ripped out of my chest?

  For Leo’s sake, I hoped not. He didn’t deserve the position my stupidity and inability to decipher a simple number had put him in.

  I can’t breathe.

  I need to get out of here.

  Forcing composure, I said, “Leo, it was nice seeing you. I hope you have a great rest of your day.”

  As I turned to walk away, he called, “Felicity, wait.”

  His plea was painful. Refusing to turn and acknowledge it, I kept walking down the long pathway until I was off the Covington grounds. Only as I turned the corner to the main road did I allow my tears to fall.

  I wasn’t even sure I knew how to get back to the damn inn. And it wasn’t like I had a phone for navigation.

  Here in this rainy countryside was the lowest point of my life.

  * * *

  Felicity

  Track 20: “Someone Like You” by Adele

  If I’d known I was going to be walking two miles, I would’ve worn sneakers. My flats were now covered in mud. However, this now-soaked black dress was perfect for mourning all hope of a future with Leo Covington.

  As the rain poured down, I figured I had about a mile more to go. Thankfully, I’d stopped and spoken to someone who gave me precise walking directions back to Lavinia’s.

  At one point, a car began driving slowly alongside me.

  Great.

  “Christ, you’re a mess,” the male driver said.

  Picking up my pace, I turned to him. He had a beard and wore what looked like a beret.

  “That’s what happens when you’re walking in the rain.”

  “Get in.”

  Just what I needed—to be attacked and left for dead in the English countryside.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t get into cars with strange men, particularly ones with abrasive tones.”

  “Ginger, get in the car. You’re soaked.”

  I stopped in my tracks. Ginger?

  But it couldn’t be. It looked nothing like him.

  I squinted. “Sig?”

  “You’re telling me you didn’t know it was me? I assumed that’s why you were being a bitch.”

  “No, of course I didn’t know it was you. Since when do you have a beard…and wear hats?”

  “Since when are you walking around England in the rain looking like you’re heading to a funeral? Although, you never did have fashion sense.”

  “How did you know where I was?”

  “Leo called. He said you took off on foot and asked me to make sure you got back to your place safely.”

  “I’d ask why he didn’t come himself, but I’m pretty sure he’s putting out a major fire at home right now.” A slightly angry laugh escaped me. “You must have been amused when you found out about all of this.”

  “Get in, Ginger.”

  I decided to take him up on his offer. Once inside, I fastened my seatbelt. “Thank you.”

  He drove off without a word, but he finally huffed, “No, for the record, it doesn’t make me fucking happy to know you’re hurting. I might be a snarky bastard, but I’m not heartless.”

  My chest tightened. “I’m sorry for implying you were. It’s been a rough day.”

  He glanced over. “Dumb question perhaps, but are you okay?”

  “Honestly?” I sighed. “No.”

  “Understandable.”

  I stared out the window for a moment before turning back toward the windshield wipers.

  “Does he have a child?”

  Sig shook his head. “No.”

  Relief washed over me. Not that it changed anything, but I didn’t have to handle that on top of everything else.

  “Did he tell you everything? How I ended up here?”

  “Yeah. Pretty freak mistake, if you ask me, but anyone could have made it.”

  I examined him from top to bottom. “Why do you look so different?”

  His jaw tightened. “Let’s just say you’re not the only one going through a rough time.”

  Hmm… “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “No, I absolutely don’t.”

  “Okay.”

  After several minutes of silence, he pulled up in front of Lavinia’s.

  “This is the place, right?”

  “Yes.”

  He put the car in park and got out.

  “What are you doing?” I asked.

  “I’m coming in with you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’ve been given instructions not to let you leave the country yet and to make sure you’re okay. You admitted you’re not. I assured Leo I would look after you.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’m not alone. Lavinia, who owns this place, is with me. And why are you at Leo’s beck and call anyway?”

  “I owe him quite a bit.”

  Hmm…

  As I walked toward the door, he followed.

  “Are you really coming inside?”

  He nodded.

  I’d definitely entered the British version of The Twilight Zone.

  Lavinia beamed when she opened the door. “This must be the lovely man you’ve told me all about!”

  “No, no,” I was quick to correct. “This is Sig. He just drove me here. It’s a long story, but things didn’t work out today at all.” I shook my head. “Turns out, I misread the date on that letter. It was actually written two years ago, not two months ago. He’s married, and I pretty much made a fool of myself.”

  “Oh, dear.” Her mouth dropped as she pulled me in for a hug. “I’m so, so sorry. That’s devastating.” She looked over at Sig. “Your driver is staying?”

  “Sig is actually Leo’s cousin. He’s…looking after me.”

  “Lovely to meet you, Lavinia.” Sig extended his hand.

  She took it. “I sense a very handsome face behind that grizzly exterior. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.”

  Sig looked around. “Where’s the alcohol? Ginger’s going to need it.”

  Alcohol? I couldn’t stomach anything right now, let alone that.

  “I’m fine.”

  He ignored me as he turned to Lavinia. “What do you have in the house?”

  “Fireball and whiskey.”

  Sig balked. “Disgusting. I’ll head to the store.” He turned toward the door. “Lavinia, you need to make sure she doesn’t go anywhere in my absence.”

  I looked down at myself. “Do I look like I’m in any condition to leave the house again right now? It would take me at least an hour to get cleaned up and more time to arrange for a getaway car. So you’re good. I won’t run.”

  After Sig left for the store, Lavinia tried to get me to tell her more about what happened, but I wasn’t ready to rehash it. Instead, I lay on her couch and closed my eyes, trying to rid myself of this pounding headache.

  When Sig returned, I pulled myself off the sofa. He was carrying two paper bags. In short order, he unloaded the stuff to make margaritas on the counter, plus lots of food.

  “I didn’t realize we were having a party,” I said.

  “A pity party.”

  “This is sort of ridiculous, you know.”

  He paused. “What’s the alternative? Sitting in the corner, crying about it all? Do you want him to come here and find you in that state?”

  Sig was r
ight. Leo had said he would come see me. I wasn’t sure about the purpose of that, but it would be better if I weren’t a mess. So maybe having a couple of drinks would keep me from totally losing it.

  “Can I help?” I asked.

  “No. But you can help yourself. You still look like a swamp monster. Go take a shower and get out of your funeral clothes.”

  I nodded and went to have a good cry under the hot shower, which left me feeling a bit better. I threw on my favorite T-shirt and jeans and felt a heck of a lot more comfortable.

  When I reemerged in the kitchen, Sig looked at my T-shirt from his spot at the stove. “Oh, Hello Kitty. So nice to see you again.”

  “Some things never change, Sig.” I laughed.

  “Like your dreadful style.”

  “Not sure you’re one to talk about style right now, Sigmund.”

  “Touché, love.”

  He was stirring something in a large pot.

  I leaned my head over the stove. “What are you making?”

  “Tears of Unrequited Love Soup.”

  I slapped his arm. “Jackass.”

  “You’re smiling, though.” He winked. “It’s the beginnings of chili con carne, actually.” He pointed to the other side of the counter. “There’s a margarita waiting for you in that red plastic cup.”

  “Wow. Thank you.”

  Lavinia entered the kitchen, margarita in hand. “These are quite good. I’ve never had one before.”

  That made me laugh. She looked so cute holding that big cup.

  A spoon dropped to the floor, and Sigmund bent to pick it up. The beret he’d been wearing slipped off his head. I was shocked to see his thick mane of hair gone, replaced by a short, cropped cut. Strange. I didn’t say anything, but I certainly wondered why he’d cut it.

  Over the next hour, Sig made corn bread in the toaster oven and put out an array of toppings for the chili: sliced avocadoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and jalapeño peppers.

  I helped set the table as he carried the pot over, placing it on a trivet.

  As we dug in, Lavinia sang Sig’s praises. “Such a handsome man who can cook is hard to find.”

  “Are you hinting at something, Lavinia?” he asked.

  She blushed. It was freaking adorable. “If I were forty years younger, perhaps.”

  “Age is just a number.” Sig looked over at me. “Sort of like 2023 versus 2025.”

  I dropped my spoon and glared at him.

  “Too soon?” He smirked.

  Then, amazingly, I burst out laughing until I cried. I didn’t know if my tears were happy or sad, but it felt good to let it all out after the day I’d had.

  Sig had checked his phone a lot during dinner. I wondered if Leo was texting him, but I was afraid to ask.

  He pointed to my empty cup. “You want another drink? You only had one.”

  “No, I’d better not.”

  “You might need one.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Because he’s on his way over.”

  Shit. My stomach dipped. “Okay, yeah.”

  “Thought so.”

  Sig stood and poured the last of the frozen margarita into my cup.

  “Go prepare yourself. I’ve got the cleanup covered.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’ve got nothing else to do.”

  “Thank you, Sig. Truly.” It turned out this dinner had been exactly what I needed to calm down. Who would have known that at a time like this, Sigmund Benedictus would be my savior? Life is funny—when it’s not excruciatingly sad.

  Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. I let Lavinia answer, because after the scene I’d made earlier, there was no way I was going to rush to the door. Never again would I put myself in such a vulnerable position.

  I lifted myself off the couch but didn’t move from my spot. I just listened.

  “I know you,” came Lavinia’s voice from the doorway. “Oh my. You’re…Your Grace? What are you doing at my house? Have I done something wrong?”

  It hadn’t occurred to me that she would freak out.

  “No, madam. I’m sorry to alarm you. I’m here to see Felicity. And please, call me Leo.”

  “She said her lost love’s name was Leo, but I never imagined.” She looked back at me for a moment. “You’re...oh my dear. It’s you. You’re the man who broke her heart.”

  His eyes met mine, and suddenly the margaritas were no match for my emotions. So much for that plan. The look of pain on his face made me sad, not only for me, but for him. I knew it hurt Leo to know he’d hurt me. He hadn’t meant to. Neither of us had meant for this to happen.

  Because Lavinia was still frozen in shock, she hadn’t invited him in.

  Sig came to the rescue. “Lavinia, earlier you were telling me about that game you wanted to show me how to play. I’ve cleared the table. Why don’t you get the cards?”

  “Oh...yes.” She snapped out of her stupor. “Let me get them.” She rushed away.

  Once they exited the room, Leo stepped inside and walked toward me. Everything in me felt electrified. He looked at me for a few seconds before he reached out and pulled me into his arms. I could instantly feel his heartbeat.

  I hadn’t expected him to touch me—earlier he had kept his distance. In the warmth of his arms, I let my guard down for a moment, allowing myself to experience the comfort of his embrace and his familiar smell, even if it was bittersweet. Still, I never wanted him to let go.

  “I’m so sorry about today,” he whispered. “And I’m sorry it took me so long to get here.”

  When he pulled away, I wondered if that had been the last time I’d ever feel him against me.

  He looked down at my chest. “Look at you, here in England in your Hello Kitty shirt.”

  “Well, Sig was kind enough to point out that I looked like a swamp monster in my drenched outfit from earlier.”

  Leo forced a smile. “You mentioned you didn’t have a phone. I felt terrible when you walked away in the rain. I’m glad he was with you until I could get here.”

  “You assumed I would flee?”

  “Yeah, actually. And I wouldn’t have blamed you.”

  “You were probably right. I might have.” I looked down. “What happened after I left you today?”

  When he exhaled, the brief touch of his breath against my skin felt torturous.

  “I explained everything to Darcie. Though the moment she saw you, she knew who you were.”

  My eyes widened as I looked up. “She did? How?”

  “Years ago, I told her about you. She took one look and figured it out.”

  “You told her about me?”

  “Darcie and I were friends when we were younger, long before we became a couple. Her father is a dignitary and a friend of my dad’s. When she and I reconnected as adults, I confessed that I was still in love with someone. The one thing she didn’t know until now was that I’d written the letter. But I explained that today.”

  “I’m surprised you would admit that to her.”

  “I didn’t elaborate on the content, just said I had reached out to you before the wedding because things were left unsettled between us. I didn’t have to detail it. I think she put two and two together—enough to realize the inappropriateness of my actions.”

  “She must have been upset that you came to see me.”

  “She wasn’t happy. But I think she understood.”

  “Well, she’s a better woman than I am. I would have beaten your ass if you left to go see some tramp who showed up at our door.”

  “Darcie’s not thrilled, to say the least, but I had to be honest.” After a long moment of silence, he shook his head. “I’m sorry. I think I’m still in shock. I thought I’d come here with a million things to say, but I’m…speechless.”

  “I understand that.”

  Leo reached out and touched the ring hanging around my neck. The brush of his hand against my chest sent shockwaves through me.

  “I noticed yo
u wearing it earlier.” He put his hand by his side.

  I ran my fingers over the ring. “I wore it for strength. I thought it would be a good luck charm. Apparently, it had the opposite effect.”

  “Yeah,” he whispered.

  I couldn’t keep staring into his eyes, so I suggested we sit on the couch.

  Leo took a seat at the opposite end. “I want to know everything,” he said. “Tell me about the past five years.”

  Taking a breath in, I composed my thoughts. “Well, after you left, I went straight to Pennsylvania. I was really broken up about us, but I focused on school and tried to block it out.” I paused, looking down at my fingers. “About a year into it…I started dating Matt again.”

  Leo swallowed.

  “To make a long story short, it wasn’t meant to be. It never was. I broke it off with him. I never got involved with anyone else after that. Soon after I graduated law school two years ago, Mrs. Angelini passed away.”

  “What happened?”

  “She died in her sleep. It was a heart attack.”

  A look of sadness crossed his face. “You never got to say goodbye. That’s fucking hard. I’m so sorry.”

  Tears threatened as I nodded. “There’s not much to say after that. In the time since she’s been gone, I’ve thrown myself into my job. But I quit last month because it was so unfulfilling. Something was calling me back to Rhode Island, even though Mrs. Angelini wasn’t there anymore. I used to think I wanted to live in the big city. But all I’ve wanted recently was to be back in Narragansett. I found your letter as soon as I got there, and everything started to make sense—why I felt such a pull to return. Or so it seemed.” I shook my head. “Now nothing makes sense at all.”

  He looked tormented, and his hands were restless. My heart clenched at the jarring sight of the gold band on his finger. My Leo is married. Married. I remembered so vividly how that hand felt on my body. But no part of him, neither his gorgeous hands, nor his heart belonged to me anymore.

  I cleared my throat. “Tell me how these past five years have been for you. I mean, obviously I know one major thing that happened.”

  Leo blew out a breath and settled into the sofa. He stared off. “When I returned home, my father was in better shape than I’d expected. He bounced back fairly quickly from that infection. So that was a relief, of course. But aside from that, I felt…lost. The trip to America was supposed to have helped me clear my head, but all it had done was make me more confused about things. I struggled through that first year. Until I couldn’t take it anymore.” He looked up and met my eyes. “So I left and returned to the US.”