Lutéce responds as though I just asked her to strip naked and perform a lap dance for me. “I’m fine,” she says tightly. Oh boy, she really is a thrill ride of fun.
Calm permeates my body as I lead the way toward the water. I point to a large rock on the left and declare, “That’s where we used to play King of the Mount when we were kids. The objective of the game was to be the first one on top.”
“Interesting.”
She doesn’t sound the least bit interested, so I add, “Geoffrey pushed me off once and I landed on my head and needed eight stitches.”
“That explains a lot.” For as beautiful as she is, I’m starting to think Lutéce Choate is nasty to the core.
“I was six,” I up the ante.
“I’m sorry that happened to you.” Finally, some sympathy. “Romaine knocked me off my bike when we were young. I landed headfirst into a tree.”
“Did it leave a scar?”
She points to her temple where there’s a faint white line visible on her porcelain-smooth skin.
In return I show her the four-inch-wide ridge at my hairline. “It makes me look pretty dashing, don’t you think?” I shrug my eyebrows up and down like a comedian.
Instead of agreeing about my roguish good looks, Lutéce stops abruptly and announces, “I’m here for my sister’s engagement party. I’m not looking for romance.”
So much for being nice to the woman. “Well, it’s a good thing I haven’t taken you into my arms to ravish you then, isn’t it?” I feel the need to add, “As part of the hosting family, I assure you, I’m only doing my duty by showing you around. Think of me as your tour guide.”
My words seem to take her off guard because she stammers, “I …I … I’m sorry. It’s just that when we were in Oregon, you were rather flirtatious.”
“It’s part of my charm,” I tell her. “I’m like that with everyone.” I’m really not, but there’s no point in being vulnerable around this sharp-tongued she-devil. I already have enough people thinking the worst of me.
Instead of continuing this line of conversation, I tell her all about our little island country and entertain her with stories about the pirates who used to land here and hide out in our cove when they were being pursued by the British navy. Before I know it, thirty minutes pass.
While my companion initially seems interested, she still only manages a grand total of eight words the whole time. “Interesting, I see,” and finally, “Can we leave now?” Any attraction I ever felt for her dries up like a puddle in the desert. I don’t care how beautiful she is, she has the personality of dirt. Mean dirt, at that.
Ignoring her, I turn my attention to the water. Then I perform the same ritual I have ever since I was small. I run toward the incoming tide and let the water crash against my calves. I feel it pull the tension out of me as it returns to the sea.
I stand there for three more encounters before turning around. Lutéce is already halfway back to the parking lot.
It’s no wonder she isn’t married or otherwise engaged. That woman is an ice queen. I don’t say anything else to her after getting back to the car. I just drive us to the palace surrounded by unsettling quiet. I vow not to be the one to initiate conversation. Let her see what it’s like.
Once we pull through the palace gates, one of the footmen opens her door. Unrolling my window, I say, “Stephen, this is Claire Choate’s sister. Can you please take her to her room?”
I don’t wait for his response. Instead, I put my car back into gear and pull out onto the road that leads to my cottage.
While I may not be interested in a woman who fawns all over me because of my royal standing, I certainly won’t subject myself to one who’s made it clear she can’t stand me.
Chapter Nine
Sheila
“I can see why you love it here,” Phillipe Choate tells his wife as their car winds around the coastal highway.
“It’s the perfect place for us all to unwind, especially Lu.”
“She’d relax more if you’d quit talking to her about her plans to become pregnant.”
“I’m her mother, Phillipe. I can’t just sit back and watch her do something I think she’ll regret later.”
“Lu is a smart girl, just like her mom.” He leans into his wife and adds, “We’ve raised her well. As such, it’s time to step back and let her make her own decisions.”
“That, my dear, is easier said than done.”
“Maybe so, but you have enough on your plate with Claire and her upcoming wedding. Focus on that and let Lu find her own way.”
Sheila lays her head on her husband’s shoulder and sighs. “Our baby is getting married, Phillipe. How can that be when I still feel like a bride myself?”
Lutéce
I can’t believe Alistair dropped me off without saying a word. That man has two speeds: fast and flirtatious, and alarmingly rude. As the footman, Stephen, leads me through the stunning halls of Hale Castle, I make a vow to ignore Geoffrey’s brother for the remainder of my time here. Which, according to my calculations, is roughly four days and ten hours. But who’s counting?
I’ve been assigned a beautiful, silvery blue bedroom suite that overlooks a rose garden. Talk about feeling like a princess. I can’t unpack without my suitcases, so I decide to lie down on the silk duvet and close my eyes.
The trip has taken its toll on me, and my heart is pounding so loudly, I can hear it inside my head. Ever since I started on this journey to have a baby, my anxiety has shot through the roof. While I’m physically driven to have a child, I have no idea how I’m going to handle it on my own. How will I manage long nights with a hungry or cranky baby and still have enough energy to go to work the next morning?
Sometimes I wake up in a cold sweat, worrying that I’m doing the wrong thing.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I know, the mattress compresses next to me. “Honey, you’d better get up if you want to change for supper.”
My eyes open slowly, and my mom comes into focus. “I’m so tired,” I moan.
“We all are. But you know as well as I do, we need to stay awake so we can be semi-functional while we’re here. It’s the only way to minimize the jet lag.”
“You look nice,” I tell her when I notice the long, navy gown she’s wearing. We were warned ahead of time that all evening meals would be formal affairs. Needless to say, I had to fit in a last-minute shopping trip.
My mom smiles at the compliment before saying, “I have a bath running for you. I’ll unpack your clothes and make sure your dress is ready by the time you get out.”
As crazy as my mom makes me, I truly do appreciate her at times. Right now is one of those times. Standing up, I drag myself across the room toward the sound of running water.
The bathroom is practically the size of my whole bedroom at home. There’s a large, round, sunken tub right in the middle of the room that is surrounded by a sheer silky curtain. With all the marble surfaces and the crystal chandelier hanging above, I feel like I’ve been transported to the pages of a fairy tale.
After taking off my travel clothes, I step into the steaming hot water and lie back, letting the heat surround me. Replaying my time with Alistair, I realize I might have been a bit rude to him. But even so, the man gives as good as he gets.
Between the soothing warmth surrounding me and my jet lag, I’m about to fall asleep again when my mom comes in. “I hung up the buttercup yellow gown for you. I bet it’s a real stunner with your hair color.”
“The lady at Saks Fifth Avenue certainly thought so. Either that or she was busy calculating her commission on my purchases and would have said baby poop green was a lovely shade on me, too.”
“You’re going to look beautiful,” she says in that dreamy way moms do when their kids are all dressed up.
“How was the rest of the press conference?” I ask.
“Boring. You know how they are. Did you have a nice time with Alistair after sneaking out early?” She bu
sies herself pulling the makeup out of my toiletry bag like she’s trying to make the question seem casual. But I know my mom well enough to know she’s really asking if a romance is starting to bloom.
“The man is nothing but a lothario, and before you get it into your head that he and I might be right for each other, don’t. I’ve had my fair share of relationships with men who have wandering eyes; I’m not in the market for another.”
“Darling, I would never push you toward a handsome prince. What kind of monster do you take me for?”
I can’t contain the laughter that bursts out of me. My mother is the worst actress on the planet. “Good,” I tell her. “I’ll find my own prince, if that’s even in the cards.”
“Well, hurry up and get out of the tub. You only have twenty minutes before we’re expected downstairs.”
After she leaves, I wash my face and shave my legs. Then I get out and apply my makeup while wrapped in the most sumptuous towel I’ve ever rubbed over my body. Seriously, it’s like velvet. I’m tempted to take it to bed with me tonight to snuggle.
I wonder if they’d notice if I sneak it in my suitcase when I leave.
Once I’m all made up and dressed, I twist my hair into a French knot before pulling out a few strategic tendrils to frame my face. Standing back, I take in the whole look in the full-length mirror hanging on my bedroom wall.
Good God, I’m flipping gorgeous! Seriously, I might have to wear this gown to Whole Foods and see if I can meet some fine fellow thumping melons in produce. Like a punch in the heart, I once again wonder if I’m doing the right thing trying to have a baby without giving that little person an opportunity for a father.
When I hear a knock at my door, I give myself one last look in the mirror and force a smile on my face. I tell my reflection, “You are finally away from your daily grind, Lu. All you have to do is ignore Alistair and you’ll have a great time.”
Although, I’m not sure ignoring him is an option. The man fills a room like hot lava, moving slowly but with intent. Oh, my God, what am I even talking about? I’m waxing poetic about lava and Alistair.
What I need is a good night’s sleep. After that, I’m sure I can handle whatever the man throws my way. I’m almost sure, anyway.
Chapter Ten
The Queen
Queen Charlotte stands at the head of the table and gently taps her glass to draw everyone’s attention. “We are so pleased to have you all here as we celebrate our children. I just know the merging of our two families will bring so much joy. I will now turn the floor over to my son, Geoffrey.”
Geoffrey stands while giving Claire a loving glance. He raises his glass to her before addressing the rest of us. “Claire has recently done me the greatest honor by agreeing to become my wife. Please join me in toasting to my lovely fiancée.”
As the room hums with sounds of celebration, the king smiles down the length of the table. He stands and raises his own glass. “Welcome to the family, Claire!”
“Thank you all.” She blushes prettily like a modern-day Cinderella.
The queen turns her attention to her older sons and they both shift around like they’re sitting on hot bricks. “May Andrew and Alistair be so lucky in their choice of brides.”
Lutéce Choate scoffs so loudly, the entire assemblage stops what they’re doing to look at her. “Sorry, must be something in my throat,” she says as her skin turns a color nearly as red as her hair.
The queen’s eyes meet Sheila’s. Both mothers appear intrigued by Lutéce’s outburst. They share an unspoken thought that they need to keep an eye on their other children.
What are the chances that Alistair and Lutéce might find romance together? After all, aren’t protests often the first indication of affection?
Alistair
“It’s too bad your brother Romaine couldn’t make it,” I tell Claire, hoping to restart the conversation after her sister’s outburst. Lutéce needs a muzzle. “I know Chéri and Brigitte are sorry not to be here. Little Estelle is giving them a run for their money, and they’re exhausted.”
“I imagine they need sleep more than travel,” Claire replies. “As for Romaine, his band is on tour right now, and there was no way he could get away.”
“It must be exciting to have a rock star in the family.” I’m making stupid small talk now, but I’m doing it to keep from calling Lutéce out for her ridiculously bad manners.
“It’s probably about as exciting as having a future king as a brother,” my future sister-in-law says.
“Ah, well, then you have my sympathies.” I like Claire, and I think she’s going to fit right in with my family. Unlike her sister, she’s got a sense of humor and doesn’t appear to be afraid to use it.
Speaking of Claire’s sister, I make a concerted effort not to look at her during the meal. Unfortunately, not looking at her doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about her. My thoughts aren’t exactly pure, either. The animal side of me wants to pull her into my arms and teach her a lesson about poking the bear.
Shifting uncomfortably in my seat, I hear my dad say, “Tooty, I don’t suppose we could talk you into singing for us while you’re here?”
“I don’t suppose you could stop me, Alfred,” my dad’s favorite country music star answers. Then she smiles at Sheila and adds, “What do you say we try out that new number we’ve been working on?”
“’Yodeling Rodeo’?” she asks. “I don’t know, Toot, we’ve been struggling with that one riff a bit.”
“That’s why we should get some feedback from friends. We’ll practice it tomorrow before letting them hear it.”
While my dad enthusiastically declares his interest in hearing a new Tooty Jackson song, my eyes finally travel around the table until they rest on Lutéce. She catches me watching her and attempts a stare down in retribution. Poor girl doesn’t realize that you don’t grow up with as many siblings as I have without learning how to win such a childish game.
I slowly count to twenty, expecting her gaze to veer away by the time I hit ten. When it doesn’t, a pleasant warmth starts to flow through my veins. She might be annoying and rude, but Lutéce Choate is a strong woman with a backbone of steel. I can’t help but be impressed.
“Alistair. Alistair? Alistair!” I finally come out of my trance—and lose the contest—as my mother calls my name.
“Mother, what can I do for you?” I ask, hoping I sound more relaxed than I feel.
“I was going to suggest you show the ladies the rose garden. You know how pretty it is along the lighted path at night.”
Before I can reply, my brother Andrew interjects, “Why don’t I do the honors, Mother?”
“That would be lovely, darling,” our mom says.
“I’m afraid I’m bushed,” Sheila announces.
“I need a good night's sleep, too,” Tooty adds. “I’m sure my nieces would enjoy a tour, though.”
“I was going to show Claire the orangery,” Geoffrey says, causing both Andrew and me to smile. “Showing a girl the orangery” has always been code for making out in the greenhouse.
Andrew clears his throat. “It looks like it’s just me and you strolling through the rose garden, Lutéce. Are you game?”
I expect her to call him all kinds of evil names for suggesting such a thing, but that’s not what happens. Claire’s sister smiles in the most warm and engaging manner. “That sounds lovely, Andrew. I’m sure I would enjoy that.” I practically see red. How dare she want to spend time with him after being the queen of rudeness to me?
“Call me Drew,” my brother purrs with the intent of a predatory cat.
“Call me Lu,” she replies.
“You can call me Al,” I interject, hoping to encourage the end of what is starting to sound like budding romantic interest between my brother and Lutéce.
“Al,” my brother says, “I know you cancelled plans this evening to join us for dinner. Maybe you can still fit in part of your night.” He has the audacity to wink, suggesting my
plans were of an amorous nature. Which they were not. I was meeting some friends to play darts.
I’m about to defend myself when Lu’s gaze turns to me. She looks … what’s the word? Shocked? Angry? Jealous? Hmm, maybe I can make this work for me.
“I’m sure my friend is otherwise engaged by now.” I add, “There’s nothing I’d rather do than accompany my brother and our guest for a walk.”
“I think maybe I should call it an early night after all,” Lu decides, clearly not wanting me along.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” my mother says. “A nice stroll through the gardens with my boys will ensure a wonderful night's sleep.”
Lu’s mom pipes in with, “Just think, Lutéce, you can enjoy the company of two handsome princes. It’s not every girl that gets so lucky.”
Lu looks like she might start spitting bullets, but I don’t care. I specifically told Drew at Chéri’s wedding that I had my eye on the elder Miss Choate. Even though I’ve recently decided I’m not interested, he doesn’t know that. The brother code demands he not poach on my territory, which is something I know we both agree on.
Before I can say anything else, Bree says, “How about if I show you the garden, Lu? That way you won’t have to listen to my two bonehead brothers fight over you.”
“I’ll join you,” Sophie adds. She’s been uncharacteristically quiet through the entire meal. Although the truth is, she’s been that way for the last few months since her engagement ended.
Lu pushes her chair back. “I think a stroll through the garden with the ladies is just what I need.” They all stand and walk away like my brother and I don’t even exist.
I glare at Andrew, but he refuses to make eye contact with me. What just happened here? I know I’d decided to ignore Lutéce for the rest of her visit, but I’m suddenly determined to do no such thing.
I’m not going to let her spurn me in favor of the heir. “Andrew,” I address him, “would you like to join me for a walk of our own?” I’m sure my tone suggests I’m about to give him a piece of my mind, which is my plan.
You're So Vain: A Royal Haters to Lovers Romance (Seven Brides for Seven Mothers Book 4) Page 5
