by Blythe Baker
“Apparently, Alice has been writing multiple boys back in London,” Catherine explained.
“Alice,” Aunt Sarah said, clicking her tongue. “Does Daniel know about these European boys?”
“Daniel!” I said, lifting a finger like I’d solved the case. “That was his name.”
Alice grabbed a biscuit and flopped back on the sofa. “His name does not matter. I am not the one engaged. I made no promises to him, nor he to me. Besides, I can’t rightfully carry on a relationship with an American all the way from London.”
“Will you stay in London after the wedding?” Aunt Sarah asked, sipping her tea.
The question brought the conversation to a stall. Alice turned to her aunt, biting her lip. “I think so.”
Aunt Sarah set down her cup and patted Alice’s knee. “Do not look at me like I’m some wounded bird. I’ve lived alone for many years, and I will continue to do so after you are gone.”
Suddenly, Alice leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her aunt. “I know, but I will miss you. I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
“Yes, your kindness has been unmatched, Aunt Sarah,” Catherine said, smiling sadly.
Aunt Sarah pointed a warning finger at Catherine. “Now, you are moving back to New York with your husband after the wedding, so do not get emotional with me. And I’m sure Alice and Rose will come visit, so I will see you all again.”
As Alice began planning out the next several years’ worth of transatlantic visits, I couldn’t help but imagine what the future would hold for me. Upon arriving in New York City, I’d had a feeling of finally returning home. I couldn’t imagine going back to London. But the city was different from my memories. The life I’d had in New York could never be again. And moreover, I didn’t think I wanted that life anymore.
Over it all, though, Achilles Prideaux stuck out in my mind like a thorn in my heel. No matter how I tried to navigate around him, my attention returned to what role he would play in my life upon my return to London.
Because he knew the truth about my identity, I did not have to lie to him. However, the question I would have to answer was who I wanted to be. Nellie Dennet from New York City or Rose Beckingham from London?
“Rose?”
I looked up to see Catherine, Alice, and Aunt Sarah all staring at me, eyes wide and expectant.
“Sorry?” I asked, confused.
“Aunt Sarah asked what your plans are now,” Catherine said gently.
“Will you stay in London or are you setting off for another adventure?” Aunt Sarah asked with a smile.
Achilles Prideaux’s face appeared in my mind once again, and I knew I would not be able to push him away forever. The time was coming when I would have to make a choice.
“I truly do not know,” I said honestly. I reached out and grabbed Catherine’s hand, squeezing her fingers. “Right now, I just want to see my beautiful cousin get married.”
Catherine grinned at me, and Alice rolled her eyes, still annoyed with our blossoming friendship.
“You still have some weeks left to think about it,” Alice said. “The wedding isn’t happening tomorrow, you know.”
“Which means you have some weeks left to think, too,” I said.
Alice drew her brows together. “Think about what?”
“About which of your many suitors you’re going to take to my wedding,” Catherine said.
Alice stomped out of the room, grabbing another biscuit on her way, while Catherine and I laughed. Even Aunt Sarah was biting her lip.
Sitting there with my family, a few weeks seemed like a lifetime away.
Continue following the mysterious adventures of Rose Beckingham in
“A Final Rest.”
About the Author
Blythe Baker is a thirty-something bottle redhead from the South Central part of the country. When she’s not slinging words and creating new worlds and characters, she’s acting as chauffeur to her children and head groomer to her household of beloved pets.
Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.
To learn more about Blythe, visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at www.blythebaker.com
