“It’s tournament night,” Violet said, sounding happy. “That will be fun.” She pointed to an empty table and led the way. “Now I’ll get to find out how competitive you are.”
“I can hold my own.” If things went badly, he could always blame the concussion.
“We’ll see,” she said with a laugh and pulled out a chair. He sat next to her, leaving two empty seats at their table for four.
The room was filling up. The noise level rose, but not uncomfortably so. Most of the people seemed to know each other and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxing.
“Like the pub back home,” he said, leaning close to Violet. “If only there were darts.”
“And warm beer,” she teased. “And bangers and mash.”
“Someone’s been on the internet.”
She laughed. “Yes, someone has.” She studied him. “You doing all right? There’s not too much noise and the lights are okay?”
“While I appreciate the concern, I assure you that I’m perfectly fine. No headache, no pains of any kind. I’m looking forward to the evening.”
“Me, too.”
Her gaze seemed to linger. Or maybe that was simply wishful thinking on his part. Since his accident, despite how much time they’d spent together, he’d been unable to determine if Violet had any interest in him beyond helping out a friend. He wanted to tell himself that her attitude was her attempt to be professional as she took care of him, but he thought he might be fooling himself. Violet wasn’t in the medical field. She was allowed to act as she would like—which made it very clear she wasn’t all that interested in him.
Too bad. After their first dinner together, he would have sworn they had chemistry. She had reacted positively to his suggestion that she come visit Battenberg Park, but maybe that was more about seeing his grandmother rather than him.
A woman walked over and put her hands on the back of an empty chair. “Mind if I join you?” she asked, her gaze settling on him. “Or is this table royals only?”
She was attractive, with platinum blond hair and blue eyes.
“We only have to curtsy at the beginning and end of the evening,” Violet told her, then grinned. “Although Ulrich does like to be called ‘Your Lordship.’”
“And here I thought Americans prided themselves on their honesty,” Ulrich said as he rose and held out his hand. “Ulrich Sherwood. And it’s not Your Lordship, it’s Your Grace.”
“Silver Tesdal,” she said as she took a seat across from him. “Your Grace.” She flashed him a smile. “How are you feeling? Recovering from the accident?”
“I am. Thank you.”
Ulrich wasn’t surprised Violet’s friend knew about what had happened. He would imagine the news had spread all over the town. It was the same back home—everyone knew everyone’s business. Every now and then the reality irritated, but most of the time he enjoyed being part of the community.
According to his grandmother, all was well at Battenberg Park. So much so, she seemed in no hurry to have him return. Whenever they talked, she insisted he take a few more days to recover. He’d already extended his visit much longer than expected, even taking the accident into account. At some point he was going to have to leave. The truth was—he simply didn’t want to.
He told himself it was because he rarely took a vacation where he got away from all his responsibilities. Even this trip had been work-related—two days in Los Angeles to finalize the rental of the estate for the film company, then a quick trip to Happily Inc to confront Violet. Had he not had a run-in with a giraffe, he would have been home over a week ago and Violet would have been little more than a distant memory.
Perhaps he owed Millie a note of gratitude.
“Tonight is going to be fun,” Silver said. “It’s a Trouble tournament.”
“Trouble?” Ulrich asked.
“It’s a board game,” Violet told him. “I love it when we play kids’ games. They’re the most fun. You’d be amazed at how many adults get annoyed when they’re sent back to home base.”
“You’ve played this game before,” he said.
“I have and I plan to win.”
Silver leaned toward him. “Watch out. She can be competitive.”
A woman who look remarkably like Violet joined them. They both had red hair and similar features. The other woman was more casually dressed, but her mannerisms and smile were just like Violet’s. The sister, he thought, standing up to greet her.
“You must be Carol,” he said, holding out his hand. “A pleasure. I’m Ulrich Sherwood.”
“Duke of Somerbrooke,” Silver muttered under her breath. “He likes to be called Your Lordship.”
“No, Your Grace,” Violet said.
Ulrich smiled at Carol. “Or simply Ulrich.”
“Don’t worry. I’m used to ignoring those two,” she said as she took a seat. “How are you feeling? Recovering from the accident?”
“I’m nearly good as new.” His tone turned regretful. “I fear I shall have to make my way home soon.”
Violet’s mouth formed a straight line and she looked away for a second before she smiled at her sister. “Our plan to trap him and hold him for ransom seems to be failing.”
“If you’re going to let him wander the streets, then he’s hardly going to feel threatened.”
“I was attacked by a giraffe,” Ulrich pointed out. “Very unexpected.”
“Earlier this summer, we had escaped zebras,” Silver told him. “We do live in a weird little town.”
“But you love it,” Ulrich said.
“I do.”
He turned to Carol. “Violet tells me you are the local gamekeeper for the animal preserve.”
“That’s a fancy title, but yes. You’ve already met Millie.” She winced. “I am sorry that she got out and caused the accident.”
“It wasn’t Millie’s fault, it was mine. I was driving and she was not. I’m glad she was uninjured.”
“She’s fine and soon to have a herd.”
Ulrich must have looked confused because Violet explained about Millie being alone and Carol’s quest to raise the money to buy more female giraffes.
“The fund-raiser is next week,” Carol said. “It’s going to be quite the event.” She looked at her sister. “I’m going to need a mini makeover or at least suggestions for my hair and makeup.”
“Of course.”
Several servers began passing out the games. Ulrich scanned the rules, which were fairly simple.
“The winner at each table moves on to the next round,” Violet told him. “I’ll warn you, you’re playing with some very competitive women.”
“Then I shall enjoy myself even more.”
She leaned close. “You say that now.”
Her breath whispered on his cheek. He could inhale the faint scent of her perfume—one he would always associate with her. The need to kiss her was nearly as powerful as the desire to do so much more. She was bright, charming, kind and a pleasure to be around. He didn’t want to leave her and he had absolutely no reason to stay. Except...
“The fund-raiser for Millie is a week from Thursday,” he said. “Would you mind if I stayed until then?”
She met his gaze. For a second, he would have sworn he heard her breath catch, then told himself wishful thinking did not make it so.
“That would be great. The evening is going to be a lot of fun. And it’s for a good cause.”
“Millie’s herd.”
“Yes.”
He wanted to say something else, something significant that would help her understand his conflicted feelings. He wanted to know if she felt anything for him or if he was simply in danger of making a fool out of himself.
Silver rose. “I’m making a bar run. Who wants what?”
/> Ulrich rose. “Allow me. What would you ladies like?”
Silver raised her eyebrows. “Nice manners, Your Lordship.”
He bowed. “My lady.”
Silver sank back in her chair. “I don’t know, Violet. This one might be a keeper. The house would probably look really nice on a Christmas card.”
Violet flushed. “She’s teasing, Ulrich. You don’t have to freak out or anything.”
“I’m English, Violet. We never freak out. We don’t believe in it.”
He took their orders and made his way to the bar. As he waited to be served, he glanced back at the table. The three women were speaking intently, their heads bent together, their voices low.
If he was lucky, they were talking about him. Perhaps Violet was admitting some fondness and her friends were telling her to go for it.
And then what, the practical side of his nature asked. Where would they go from there? His life was not movable—he belonged to Battenberg Park as much as the estate belonged to him. Violet was American. Her family and work were here, in Happily Inc. She would never consider leaving...would she?
A ridiculous question. They’d only known each other a few weeks. He’d known Penelope for years before they’d married and look what had happened there. No, this was a brief respite from his responsibilities, nothing more. He would enjoy his time with Violet and then he would go home—where he belonged.
* * *
MATHIAS STUDIED THE latest glass version of Carol. He was closer, but the piece still wasn’t right. While the individual features looked like her, the essence of her being seemed to be missing. Although he didn’t have a clue as to how he was supposed to capture essence.
His cell rang. He recognized the area code and grinned.
“Hello?”
“Mathias, it’s Mayor Marsha. I’m sorry I couldn’t take your call earlier. I was in a meeting. How are you?”
“Very well. We’re looking forward to seeing you next weekend, at the wedding.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. You and your brothers might have moved away from Fool’s Gold, but you will always be a part of our family. I hope Sophie is staying out of trouble.”
He glanced at the sleeping beagle, then wondered how on earth the mayor had known his mother had dropped off her dog in the first place. His was not to question the mighty one, he reminded himself.
“She’s keeping out of trouble, but the day is young. Ask me in a few hours.”
Mayor Marsha chuckled. “I remember the time she managed to find her way into the storeroom of Jo’s Bar. She ate three bags of cookies and half a ham before she was discovered. Your mother was so worried about her getting sick. Sophie being Sophie was just fine. She had a little gas, but not much else.”
“That’s my girl.”
“So tell me, Mathias, how can I help you?”
“It’s about a couple of giraffes.”
“For Millie? I had heard your brother donated a piece to be auctioned off to raise the money. Moving giraffes will be a challenge, but I’m sure you have that in hand already. You’ll be needing permits. Let me see what I can do.”
Mathias wondered if he should have bothered calling. Maybe just thinking the request would have been enough.
“Thanks for your help,” he said.
“You’re more than welcome. I’ll see you at the wedding. I’m driving down with Eddie and Gladys.” The mayor sighed. “They took two days to pick the rooms they wanted at the Sweet Dreams Inn. I hope they don’t get too wild.”
Eddie and Gladys were two old ladies from Fool’s Gold. They were feisty, highly verbal and known for ogling much younger men.
“Did Del invite them?” he asked, sounding doubtful.
“Maya. They’re close to her. Apparently the new trend is grandmothers as flower girls. Eddie and Gladys are filling in. I try to stay ahead of trends but every now and then one gets by me. Take care, Mathias. I’ll be in touch. Oh, and I’m very much looking forward to meeting Carol.”
Mathias felt his mouth drop open. “How did you—? Who told you I—?” He shook his head. “Never mind. It’s not important. See you soon.”
“Yes, you will.”
He hung up and stared at his phone. Nick and Del walked into the studio.
“Bad news?” Nick asked.
“Nope. Just Mayor Marsha being her slightly scary self. She’s going to look into the permit issue so we can move giraffes across the state. Oh, she’s bringing Eddie and Gladys to the wedding.”
Nick grinned. “I can’t wait. It’s been a long time since an old lady patted my butt. I’ve missed it.”
Del chuckled. “Me, too. The old ladies in China are much more respectful.”
“Maybe they think you’re ugly,” Mathias teased.
“Not possible. I’m with Nick on Eddie and Gladys.”
“There’s something wrong with both of you,” Mathias grumbled.
“Naw,” Nick said. “I know a good thing when I see it. Or in this case, feel it. We should all be so feisty when we’re their age.” He pulled up a stool and leaned toward the glass piece. “You’re nearly there.”
“With luck, a couple more tries should do it.”
Del joined them. “That’s Carol. It looks just like her.”
“Thanks.”
Nick turned the statue. “You could show it at the event for Millie.”
“If it’s ready.”
Nick looked surprised. “You’d do that? Display art? You know he’s going to be there.”
The “he” in question being their father. “I know.”
Nick had been in the studio all those years ago when Ceallach had sent Mathias’s glass work tumbling to the ground. They’d all stood in the aftermath, watching the glass shards fly across the room.
“Maybe it’s time I let the past go,” Mathias said. “He’s just an old man. To see him as anything more important gives him too much power.”
Del glanced between them. “I used to wish I was like you two—talented like Dad. When I was little, I couldn’t understand why I didn’t have what he had. Now, I’m grateful. It’s not worth the crap.”
“I agree,” Mathias said slowly. “You and Aidan weren’t involved.” Ceallach had never much bothered with his “non-artist” sons.
“Everything comes at a price.” Nick glanced at Del. “You didn’t have much of a father.”
“I know, but I’ve moved on. He might have paid attention to what you did, but he wasn’t much of a father to any of us.”
“When do Aidan and Shelby arrive?” Mathias asked. When it came to Ceallach, the more family around, the better. It would be easier to keep him distracted with a lot of moving parts.
“Tuesday, I think.” Del shrugged. “Maya is the keeper of the calendar. I’m just the guy who gets to marry her.” He grinned. “Which makes me one lucky bastard.” He looked around. “Ronan doesn’t work here?”
“He has a studio at his house,” Nick said.
“How’s he doing?” Del asked, turning his attention to Mathias. “Is he dealing yet?”
“Ronan doesn’t deal. He avoids.” Mathias thought of all the other things he could say. That his brother was withdrawing a little more every few weeks. That they barely talked. They didn’t even fight much anymore. At least the fighting had been a connection of sorts. These days they had nothing going on between them.
He tried to see things from his brother’s point of view but every time he got close, he also got mad. He was dealing with plenty, too. Ronan wasn’t the only one who had stopped being a twin. He wasn’t the only one who had lost something. Not that his brother would listen, he thought grimly.
“Will he be at the show?” Del asked.
“He’d better be,” Mathias said. “It’s his piece br
inging in the big money.”
“You donating anything?” Del asked Nick.
“I’ve done a couple of fun giraffe pieces in wood. They’re mostly going to be there for atmosphere.”
Mathias was sure his brother would sell everything he brought and for plenty of money. With luck Carol would have enough to support Millie and her herd in style for years.
“Want me to make some calls?” Del asked. “I still know some famous guys in the sports world. We could try to generate some publicity.”
“Good idea,” Mathias told him. “The more press, the more money we’ll raise.”
“I’ll text Jonny Blaze.” Nick pulled out his phone. “I should have thought of it sooner.”
“The actor?” Del asked. “You know him?”
“He moved to Fool’s Gold a couple of years ago. He married Madeline Krug. You remember her.”
“Not really,” Del said, “but sure. Invite everyone. I’ll check around for rooms.”
“Eddie and Gladys are staying at the Sweet Dreams Inn,” Mathias told him. “In case you want to warn anyone.”
His brothers laughed.
This was good for them, he thought. He and his brothers hanging out together. Hopefully Ronan would put in an appearance and soon Aidan would join them. Everyone in one place. Mostly at his house.
He thought wistfully of the usual silence of his place, then reminded himself it was only for a few days. He would be fine.
* * *
VIOLET TOLD HERSELF not to read too much into Ulrich’s decision to stay in town for a few more days. Maybe he was genuinely excited to see what happened at the auction. Maybe he’d formed a connection with Millie because of the accident. She shouldn’t assume that he was staying because of her.
Oh, but how she wanted him to be.
She’d come back to her office for an afternoon of catching up while Ulrich dealt with issues back in England. They’d agreed to meet up for dinner. Now that he was fully functional, there was no reason for her to sleep next door, so she’d returned to her place. Funny how she’d gotten used to being near him and found herself already missing having him in the next room.
Second Chance Girl--A Modern Fairy Tale Romance Page 18
