You're So Vain: A Royal Haters to Lovers Romance (Seven Brides for Seven Mothers Book 4)

by Whitney Dineen

  Tooty grabs the sweater back and returns it to her bag. “Unfortunately, that’s true. I shudder to think that my daughter might turn out like me one day. Being in your sixties and all alone is not for the weak.”

  “Maybe once I’m done with Lu, I’ll work on finding you your knight in shining armor. What do you think about that?”

  “I say do it. But keep in mind if you find him, I’m going to be mad you didn’t help me sooner.”

  “There’s always been someone by your side,” Sheila says. “I didn’t want to be the one to suggest it was the wrong one. You needed to figure that out for yourself.”

  “Ah, so that’s it. Lu has used up her strikes so now you’re benching her and taking over.”

  “Something like that, but I think it might be more accurate to say that my daughter has been swinging with a ping pong paddle instead of a bat. She’s been playing the wrong game.”

  “What am I playing, tennis?”

  “Golf,” Sheila tells her. “You’re hitting low and hard which is why you keep taking fastballs to the head.”

  “Ew …” Tooty scrunches up her face in disgust. “And don’t even tell me you didn’t mean it like that. You got your sense of humor from me.”

  Sheila doesn’t even try to defend her comment. She merely smiles at her sister knowingly.

  Lutéce

  I think it’s funny that Alistair made up an unflattering tale about me to tell the children. If I had a bunch of kids to tell stories to, I might have done the same thing. But even so, I’m not sure I’m going to let him off the hook. My feet were so big I had to wear potato sacks? That’s the best he could do?

  Alistair takes a bunch of children outside to play cricket while I stay inside to draw with another group. An older girl named Marcelle asks, “What’s it like, living in America?”

  “Busy,” I tell her. The look on her face suggests she’s looking for more, so I tell her, “It depends where you live. I live in Los Angeles, and it’s a very crowded place.”

  “But that’s where all the movie stars are, isn’t it? It must be wonderful.” Her eyes glaze over like she’s lost in a particularly lovely fantasy.

  “Maybe you’ll visit there one day,” I tell her. “Then you can see for yourself.”

  As she shakes her blonde head, her narrow shoulders seem to sink into themselves. “I don’t think so. Once I turn eighteen, I need to get a job and start paying my way here at the abbey until I can find another place to live. I won’t have any money to travel.”

  “Maybe one day when you’re grown and have your own career, then,” I suggest, trying to bring some optimism back to this young girl’s life.”

  “I’m hoping Sister Hennepin will be able to find a job for me here. Maybe in the kitchen or cleaning. I’ve never thought much about what my life would be like if I left.”

  “How long have you been here, Marcelle?”

  “Ten years. I never knew my father and my mum died from cancer when I was six. She didn’t have any family that would take me, so I was brought here.”

  My heart breaks for her. I can’t imagine being so young and not having a family member take me in after losing my only parent. These children have grown up in a way that is totally foreign to me.

  I spend the rest of the morning getting to know the ones who stayed inside with me. Some of them share their stories, while others stay quiet. When lunch is announced, I stand up and declare, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”

  Several children stare at me with looks of concern. “We don’t eat horses here,” Millicent says. “Horses are our friends.”

  “We don’t eat horses in America either,” I assure her. “That’s just a saying. It means I’m very hungry.”

  “Can I sit next to you at lunch?” I feel Beatrice’s small hand slide into mine.

  “I would be honored,” I tell her. Then, with a wink, I add, “You can show me the ropes so Sister Hennepin doesn’t think I eat like a wild animal.”

  My little friend’s long curls bob around as she nods her head. “I will. Sister gets very mad if you don’t use your best manners.”

  Alistair and his crew join us in the dining room looking worn around the edges. Hair is tousled and shirts untucked, but the most obvious signs of hard play are the smudges of dirt across faces and clothing.

  Sister Hennepin greets them with a stern sounding, “Did you all roll across the grounds then?” You’d think she was a real drill sergeant if not for the twinkle in her eye.

  “Children need to play. You’ve said so yourself,” Alistair tells her.

  “So I have.” The nun stations herself at the head of the largest of the three large dining tables. “There are enough sandwiches and fresh fruit for everyone, so please use your best manners. You don’t want Prince Alistair going back to the palace and telling the king and queen what barbarians you are.”

  After the prayer is said, everyone quietly passes the platters around the tables. I’m not sitting at the same table as Alistair but when I look up, I find his eyes are on me. Tingles of awareness shoot through my body causing my temperature to seemingly rise and fall at the same time. He has always caused me to have a physical reaction to his presence. Even though it’s not always been in a good way. The power he has over me makes me nervous.

  Once lunch is over, the older kids clear the table, and Sister Hennepin announces, “It’s time for school, children. Say goodbye to our guests and report to your first class.” Groans of disappointment fill the air as two lines form—one in front of me and one in front of Alistair.

  The children curtsy and bow, and declarations are made. These include thanks for our visit, excitement over the fairy tale writing contest, and sadness that we have to leave. Beatrice is the last child to say goodbye and instead of curtsying, she wraps her arms around my waist and hugs me tightly.

  “I enjoyed meeting you very much, Beatrice. Would it be okay if I came back some time?”

  “Yes, please,” she says, her voice muffled against the wool of my sweater.

  “Beatrice, dear,” Sister Hennepin says in a soft manner, “please release Miss Choate and go to your schoolroom.”

  Beatrice looks up at me with haunted eyes. “Promise you’re coming back.”

  “I promise,” I tell her, while giving her one last squeeze.

  She’s the last child to leave the room, and once she’s gone, Sister Hennepin tells Alistair, “You know the way out.”

  “I’ll be back soon,” he says with a grin that indicates her curt manner has no effect on him.

  “I expect you will. Now get going, I’m needed in the classroom.”

  “Thank you for your hospitality, Sister,” I say.

  “You are most welcome to come back at any time. With or without His Highness here.” She says the last part like Alistair has a contagious disease she’s afraid of contracting.

  When she leaves the room, I turn to him and declare, “She doesn’t seem impressed by your title, does she?”

  “Oh, good lord, no. The only thing I do that the sister appreciates is visit the children. Even then, she usually treats me like I’m one of them.”

  “Yet you like her, don’t you?”

  “I quite adore her,” he answers. “Sister Hennepin is a stern little bag of goods, but she’s the most kindhearted and dedicated woman I know. Swear you won’t tell her this, but she’s one of my most favorite people.”

  “You’re a glutton for punishment, huh?” I tease.

  Leading the way out of the dining hall, Alistair answers, “I appear to have a soft spot for women who give me a hard time.” I know immediately that he’s lumped me in with the nun and I don’t mind it a bit.

  On the drive back to the palace, Alistair says, “You can take my car anytime you want to visit the children.”

  “You’re not coming back with me, then?” I don’t know why, but I find that thought rather disappointing.

  “I have a very full schedule, but I promise to let you know
when I’m going so we can drive over together.”

  “It's a date,” I tell him, immediately regretting my choice of words. “What I mean to say is, that sounds like a plan.”

  Alistair laughs. “Don’t worry, Lu, I know you don’t want to date me. Once again, I promise not to make any unwanted advances.”

  The only problem is, I don’t think I’d mind if he did. The Alistair I’ve been getting to know in the last couple of days is worlds apart from the man I thought he was.

  I silently vow to see as much of him as I can, on the outside chance that he might be the prince in my fairy tale after all.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Queen Charlotte

  “Now that Phillipe and your sister have left, I think our first course of action is to plan a dinner party,” Charlotte tells Sheila over breakfast.

  “What for?”

  “My goddaughter is coming to visit in a couple of weeks. Ellery is quite a force of nature, and I’d like to give her something other than my sons to occupy her attention.”

  “It sounds like there’s a story there,” Sheila says.

  The queen takes a sip of her grapefruit juice before explaining, “Ellery led my older sons on a merry chase. She dated both at the same time unbeknownst to either Andrew or Alistair.”

  “How in the world did she do that?” Sheila wants to know.

  “She asked each of them to keep their relationships a secret. She cited the awkwardness of having to tell their parents until there was real news to share.”

  “Oh, boy. What happened?”

  “Ellery had her eye on taking my place one day, but she didn’t receive interest from Andrew fast enough. She started a relationship with Alistair as her backup plan. Alistair fell for her, completely. But by then she’d gained some traction with Andrew, and she ended things with Alistair. When Andrew found out, he broke things off with her.”

  “The world is full of users.” Sheila shakes her head. “Is Ellery the reason Alistair has become something of a playboy, or was he that way before her?”

  “It all started after Ellery. I don’t mind as much as I pretend to though. I’m sure my son is just blowing off some steam and recovering from his broken heart. I just think it’s high time he puts the past behind him and finds a wife.”

  After wiping her mouth on her napkin, Sheila asks, “Aren’t you worried how your sons will react when they see your goddaughter again?”

  “Of course, I am. But even if they’re still attracted to her, I’m confident nothing will come of it. They both put family above all else.”

  “It will be interesting to see how Lu acts around her, especially if she flirts with Alistair.”

  The queen laughs. “Yes, it will, which is why I’m not telling my sons that Ellery will be here. I don’t want to give them the opportunity to back out. I’m hoping my goddaughter’s arrival will force Lu into realizing that she has feelings for Alistair herself.”

  Alistair

  I haven’t seen Lu since she’s moved in with Bree, and that was a week ago. My sister is keeping her guest busy with social engagements as well as supposedly planning Claire’s bridal shower. I say supposedly because really, how much work could one of those events be? My sisters have thrown enough of them that they’ve got to be old hat by now.

  With their guests, along with my brother and his intended, gone, my parents have gone back to their routines. Geoffrey and Claire are expected back in Malquar right before Christmas. At which time I expect excitement will start to pick up in earnest as the wedding planning gets under way.

  My life is quite back to normal with the exception that Lu is next door. The image of her curled up on my sister’s couch reading a book, or sitting by a roaring fire at night, quite haunts me.

  I’ve purposely stayed away, hoping that there’s some truth to the adage, absence makes the heart grow fonder. It has certainly worked out that way with me. I spend a good portion of my days dreaming about my new neighbor.

  I decide to have my breakfast on the back terrace this morning. It won’t be much longer before winter comes, and I won’t be able to enjoy dining al fresco. Once I finish scrambling my eggs, I pour a mug of coffee and walk outside.

  My garden abuts Bree’s, so I shouldn’t be surprised to see Lu walking among the flowers. But I am. I’ve been spying on my sister’s grounds in hope of catching sight of her all week, but this is the first time I have.

  When she approaches a willow tree between our grounds, I call out, “Good morning, neighbor!”

  Her head pops up and she smiles brightly. “Good morning to you, Alistair. I haven’t seen you in ages.” She walks into my yard.

  “Would you like to join me for breakfast?” I ask. “I made more than I could possibly eat all by myself.”

  She hesitates for a moment like she might bolt, but she suddenly strides forward with enthusiasm. “That would be very nice,” she says as she reaches my terrace.

  I get up and pull her chair out for her, then slide my plate across the small table to her. “I’ll just go dish some up for myself.”

  When I come back out, Lu is feasting hungrily on her breakfast.

  “You’re quite proficient in the kitchen,” she says. “Unless someone comes in and cooks for you.” Her eyes twinkle with humor.

  “Alas, no. I was taught how to make my own breakfast and lunch at a very young age. If you think my eggs are good, you really owe it to yourself to try my peanut butter sandwiches some time.”

  “Just let me know when, and I’ll be here.” She’s quick to add, “But it better be the best I’ve ever had, or I’ll be disappointed.”

  “I’ve missed you, Lu,” I abruptly announce. Trying to make my declaration less awkward, I add, “No one puts me in my place quite as effectively as you do.”

  “Not even Sister Hennepin?”

  “You run a very close second. Speaking of the sister, have you been back to visit the children at Shepherd’s Home?”

  “I’ve been back twice,” she says. “But I haven’t stayed as long as I would have liked. Bree’s been eager to introduce me around to her group of friends.”

  “You poor thing. They’re a frightfully boring bunch, aren’t they?” I’m not even joking.

  “Alistair, that’s a horrible thing to say. They’ve all been very nice.”

  I offer an exaggerated yawn before imitating what I imagine a get together with them would be like. In a forced falsetto, I say, “Would you pass the crumpets, Victoria? Oh dear, I’ve gotten scone crumbs all over my best frock. I wonder if Baron Fierre is going to be at the next garden party? Do tell me where you got this remarkable tea. It’s positively life-altering.”

  Lu bursts out laughing and confesses, “You know them well.”

  “I knew you were bored! You’re much more adventurous than the whole lot of them combined.”

  “Why in the world would you think I was adventurous?”

  “None of my sister’s friends would ever think about becoming mothers unless they were married for at least a year. You know what you want and you’re not afraid to go for it. In my book, that’s adventurous.”

  “I wanted to do things the old-fashioned way too, but that doesn’t seem to be what the universe has in store for me.”

  “I take it that my sister hasn’t introduced you to any eligible men …” I try to make my comment seem casual and not like I’m dying to know the answer. Which I am.

  “I’ve met a few,” she says without offering further clarification.

  “And? Is Prince Charming among them?”

  “Alas, no. Fredrick Harcourt did ask me out on a date though. But being that he’s the brother of your sister Sophie’s ex-fiancé, I decided it would be best to turn him down.”

  “Ah, so your disregard had nothing to do with the fact that Freddie is half a foot shorter than you and his middle is as big around as he is tall?”

  “You must think I’m terribly shallow to suggest such a thing.” The humor in her tone be
lies the severity of her words.

  “Not at all,” I assure her. “I’m sure you and Freddie would make beautiful babies together.”

  Lu stares at me in such a way that I become more than a bit discomfited. Then she asks, “How about you? Have you had any interesting encounters with the opposite sex?”

  None, but only because I haven’t seen her in seven days. I don’t say that though. Instead, I offer, “Alas, I’ve been too busy to keep up with my wicked ways.” Then I add, “I don’t suppose you’d like to have a picnic with me later?” I stare right into her eyes while I wait for her response.

  A myriad of interesting expressions cross her face before she answers, “It would all depend on whether or not you’re going to make your famous peanut butter sandwiches. I will have to decline if you’re planning to bring ham and cheese.”

  “As luck would have it, I have all the necessary ingredients for my specialty. Why don’t I pick you up at noon?”

  “You might want to bring enough for Bree then. I don’t think she has plans until later this afternoon.”

  As I don’t want my sister joining us, I suggest, “Why don’t you come over here at noon and then I won’t have to risk running low on sandwiches.”

  Expecting her to shoot down my idea on the basis of not wanting to spend that much alone time with me, I’m surprised when she says, “That sounds lovely. Can I bring anything?

  “Just your appetite.”

  I don’t clarify what her appetite should be for.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Sheila

  Sheila: How are things going in Malquar, dear? Are you coming home soon?

  LuLuBug: Things are good. No plans to come home yet.

  Sheila: What are you doing to pass the time? Have you met any nice young men?

  LuLuBug: I’ve been spending time at the church’s orphanage in town. The kids are amazing.

  Sheila: Really? How did that come about?

  LuLuBug: Alistair is their patron. He took me there once and I’ve been going on my own ever since.