“Most people have the exact same reaction at seeing the old beauty for the first time,” Dale said with amusement.
Lizzy hadn’t realized that her mouth had dropped open, so she quickly clamped her lips tightly together.
“Could you imagine living in such a place?”
“No, I don’t think so. Although, I’m sure I could get used to it pretty quickly, if given the opportunity,” she replied with a laugh.
“I think a house this size needs a family in order for it to be a home, don’t you think?”
She thought about that for a moment. “I think as long as there’s love, any house, regardless of its size, will be a home.”
He didn’t answer right away, and when he did his voice was low. “I believe you have a point. Are you ready to go in and see the interior?”
“Of course. I’m just not up for a tour. I’m afraid that’ll have to wait for morning.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Guess I’m not the only one who finds traveling exhausting, even in a luxury jet.”
Lizzy watched Dale get out of the limo and come over to her side of the car to open her door. When he offered her his hand, she quickly slid hers into it, and was surprised, not by its strength but by its smoothness. A ripple of electricity shot through her, and she quickly stepped out, wondering if Dale had felt it too. His expression gave nothing away, as they walked toward the large front door.
Before he could knock, it swung open, and they were greeted by Scarlett, looking as gorgeous as ever.
“Thanks for waiting up for us,” he said while giving her a hug.
“After what you did for me, what you both did, how could I not?” She kissed his cheek, leaving a smudge of red lipstick, before opening her arms to Lizzy. “I’m so glad you’re here. I can’t wait for you to see where I grew up. It’s a beautiful place, and I think you’ll love it.”
“I’ve no doubt about that.”
“Well, come on inside. You must be tired,” the gorgeous blonde remarked. As she led them into a stunning room decorated with various shades of red and gold, the limo driver carried Lizzy’s bags into the foyer. “Henry, those can go in the rose guest room.”
He nodded and then headed up the grand staircase.
“What about your bags?” she asked Dale with a lift of one perfectly shaped brow. “Aren’t you staying the night?”
“I’m afraid not. I have a lot to do in the morning, like find a seamstress to alter your wedding gown, and if I’m here with you two lovely ladies, I won’t get anything done.”
“You’re such a charmer.” Scarlett looped her arm through his, and as she walked him to the door, she whispered something in his ear.
Before Dale left, he said, “Good night, Lizzy. Sleep well. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Scarlett lifted a bronze bell from a side-table and gave it a ring. A moment later, an older woman with short gray hair appeared in the doorway.
“Yes, ma’am. Would you like something?”
“Lizzy’s here from New York, and I’m sure she could use some refreshments. Tea would be nice and a snack of some sort.”
“Of course. I’ll have that ready in just a minute.”
“Thank you,” Lizzy said.
“Come, let’s sit, and you can tell me all about the past week. I heard Tiffany disappeared.” Scarlett motioned toward a velvet sofa.
After they were seated, Lizzy replied, “We were determined to find her no matter what. Thanks to Dale’s handling of the little boy who had her, we were able to get Tiffany back without a problem. I had no idea he’d be so good with kids.”
Scarlett pursed her lips. “I wouldn’t have expected that either, but then again, he’s a master at a lot of things.”
“It seems so,” Lizzy agreed.
“And what do you think of my good friend? It looks like you two get along quite well.”
“So far. He’s a very nice man, but I haven’t known him that long.”
“Well, I have, and I can vouch that he is indeed a good guy. Besides, it’s not the length of time you know someone that matters. It’s the quality of that time that counts. Dale is a great catch. Do you think there might be a little romance brewing? I thought I caught a whiff of it.” Scarlett chuckled.
Lizzy’s cheeks burned. The woman had always been bold, but this took that to a whole other level. It was bad enough that Emilia wanted to fix her up. Now Scarlett did too. “I don’t have time for romance. I have a business to run,” she said a little too brusquely.
The model raised her brows. “Now that’s a cop out, if I’ve ever heard one. Isn’t your twin sister and business partner planning her wedding? Why can she do that, and you can’t even go out on a date?”
“Let’s just say I’ve had more than my share of failed relationships and have decided to put my personal life on hold.”
Scarlett scowled. “Don’t let a good one get away because of some losers from your past.”
“Dale hasn’t gotten over his wife.”
Scarlett’s eyes grew wide as saucers. “He told you that?”
“He didn’t have to. He still has his wedding band.”
“Things aren’t always as they seem.”
Thankfully, the older woman arrived with tea and scones, putting an end to that uncomfortable conversation. While they ate and sipped the delicious hot beverage, they discussed Scarlett’s wedding.
A little while later, she showed Lizzy to her room. Before climbing into the inviting looking four-poster bed, she glanced out the window. There was a spectacular view of white chalk cliffs—the very cliffs that Maxi’s wife fell from. A chill ran through, and she quickly closed the curtains.
It was no wonder Scarlett hadn’t wanted to get married here. Despite all of Harte Manor’s splendor and beauty, that tragic accident happened just outside its walls and left a lingering sadness to the place.
12
Maxi woke to sunlight streaming through the bedroom window, and it took a moment for him to realize where he was. Last night he had Henry drop him at the guest house. Although he’d been tempted to stay at Harte Manor, he’d decided the less time he spent there, the less likely it would be for one of his staff to slip up and call him by his real name. Once he told Lizzy the truth, he’d return home.
After consuming an extra strong cup of coffee, he called Scarlett, instructing her to have a staff member bring him some clothes. He had his bags from the trip to New York but thought it would seem odd if he were to wear the same clothes.
Next, he made a few calls to clients and some of his hedge fund managers, and then began the hunt for a seamstress. Luck was with him that the first one he contacted agreed to alter his sister’s dress and have it ready by Wednesday. Of course, the fact that he tripled her usual fee might have had something to do with it.
By the time he was ready to take a shower, Bonnie, a freckle-faced young woman with an exuberant personality, arrived with his clothes. “Thank you for bringing these.”
“Of course, sir.”
“Remember, not a word that I’m here, and if you see me at the house, you’re to call me Dale.”
“My lips are zipped, and Dale it is.”
He didn’t know if Scarlett had filled in the staff about the reason for the charade, but by the twinkle in Bonnie’s eyes, he had a suspicion that she had.
“Is that all, sir?”
“Yes, have a wonderful day.”
“You too!”
“I’m certainly going to try,” Maxi replied happily as he was excited to see Lizzy again.
When he strolled into Harte Manor about an hour later, she was having breakfast in the dining room with Scarlett.
“Good morning, Dale. Would you care to join us? There’s plenty of food,” his sister said, lifting the lid on a serving platter to show him it was full of scrambled eggs.
“Yes, I’d like that. I didn’t have a chance to eat at my place. I was busy finding you a seamstress,” he remarked.
“And were you
successful?” she quipped.
“Do you think I’d be here if I weren’t? I know better than to show up with bad news.” He pulled out the chair beside Lizzy and as he sat down asked, “How did you sleep last night? Well I hope.”
“I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, and I didn’t wake until morning. I’ve never spent the night in a more comfortable bed.”
“Maxi will be happy about that.” He shot Scarlett a glinting glance as he could tell she was trying hard not to laugh.
“So what’s on the agenda today?” she asked before taking a bite of food.
He would’ve loved to show Lizzy around Kent, but if he did someone would be bound to recognize him, so that was out of the question, at least for now. “After we deal with your dress, I thought we could give Lizzy a tour of the estate, and maybe fit in some horseback riding.”
Scarlett beamed. “Sounds fabulous. Lizzy, do you ride?”
“I haven’t in ages, but I’m willing to give it a shot as long as there’s a horse that’s good for a novice.”
“Nell’s an old mare—gentle and slow. She’s my recommendation. What do you think, Scarlett?” Maxi asked.
“Perfect choice. Lizzy, you’re going to love her.”
“I’m sure I will. She sounds exactly like the kind of horse I’ll be comfortable with.”
Maxi smiled. “I’m glad that’s settled. Now let’s eat. I told the seamstress we’d be at her shop by eleven.”
A little while later, they were on their way and even arrived a few minutes early. While Scarlett was in the dressing room, Lizzy looked at the gowns that were on display.
“Do you have a favorite?” Maxi asked, curious to discover her taste.
She glanced at him from over her shoulder. “I’m not a frilly girl. That’s Scarlett’s thing, and she pulls it off superbly. I prefer something more like this,” she said as she took a simple satin gown off the rack and held it up in front of her. “Although, I don’t intend to get married.”
“Never? Oh, that’s right. You belong to that No Brides Club.”
She scrunched up her nose and said, “Never is a very long time. Maybe even too long for me. Who knows what the future holds? But for right now, unless I meet someone I fall head-over-heels for, I plan on remaining a single woman.”
Her gaze held his, and a strange feeling fluttered his stomach. He hadn’t felt those butterflies since high school. Just a few days ago, he would’ve said he felt the same way. One bad marriage was one too many. However, his feelings were changing thanks to Lizzy. There was something about her that he found so endearing that he just might be willing to rethink things and give up his reclusive life to join the living once again.
“Who’s remaining a single woman?” Scarlett asked, swishing mountains of silk and tulle as she sashayed before them. “Not me, that’s for sure. What do you think of the fit?” She twirled around so they could see the entire gown. “Quick, tell me. I’m holding my breath, so I don’t get stuck by the thousands of straight pins Mrs. Hollabrook used to take in the dress.”
“It looks wonderful. It fits like a glove,” Lizzy said.
Maxi nodded in agreement. “No one would ever know it had been the wrong size.”
“Thanks, guys!” Scarlett hurried back to the dressing room, returning a few minutes later with the seamstress at her side.
“I will have the dress ready sometime Wednesday afternoon. I can drop it off to you, if you’d like,” Mrs. Hollabrook said.
“I’d appreciate that.” Scarlett scribbled the address on the back of the woman’s business card and then handed it to her. “Thank you! You’re a life saver.”
“It’s my pleasure.” The woman shot Maxi a smug smile but said nothing about what he’d agreed to pay her.
On the way back to Harte Manor, his sister’s mood was buoyant. When she was like that, she was charming and engaging, and because of that, Maxi was sure they’d all have a wonderful afternoon.
13
Lizzy was excited to go horseback riding but also nervous. It wasn’t until she was on Nell’s back and felt her gentle gait that she began to relax. She had a feeling that Dale and Scarlett would’ve liked to take off at a gallop, but they knew she couldn’t handle that. Maybe after a few more rides, but right now slow and steady was the way to go. Besides, she was better able to take in all the beautiful scenery this way. And beautiful it was. Acres and acres of lush green land stretched out before them, while off to their right were the magnificent white chalk cliffs that she’d seen from her bedroom window. They wouldn’t be heading over there today, not while on horseback. That would be too dangerous for Lizzy, but the view from where they were was still fantastic.
While they rode, Dale and Scarlett told her countless stories from their childhood, and it was impossible not to see how close the two of them were. She found it odd, and sad, though, that they never mentioned Maxi. Apparently, being a recluse had not only removed him physically from their lives, but emotionally too. A couple of times she was tempted to bring him up but thought better of it. Why ruin a fun time?
After about an hour, they came upon a small shoreline surrounded by vegetation and decided to take a break to let the horses cool off and have a drink from the lake. Nell had taken a long one when a large snapping turtle emerged from the water close to where the horse stood. The animal let out a snort of fear and reared up. Lizzy dug her legs into Nell’s sides to keep from falling back and hung on for dear life.
“Loosen the reins,” Dale yelled.
Lizzy complied quickly and let out a sigh of relief when the horse’s front feet were back on the ground.
“It’s okay. You’re safe now,” Dale said softly.
She wasn’t sure if he had spoken to the horse, herself, or to them both, but his words were said too soon because Nell took off like lightning. The wind whipped Lizzy’s hair across her face and tears stung her eyes. She wasn’t sure how much longer she’d be able to stay on. Fear gripped her heart as she envisioned her broken body on the ground. However, just as she was about to fall, Dale rode up beside her, grabbed Nell’s reins and brought the horse to a stop.
“Are you all right?” he asked in a frightened voice.
It took a moment before she could answer. Her chest felt like it would burst. She breathed in shallow, quick gasps of air, and it wasn’t until he put his arm around her shoulders that she began to calm down. “I am now. Thanks to you.”
The tense lines on his face relaxed. “I thought you said you hadn’t ridden in a while? Only a champ could pull off what you did and stay in the saddle.”
“I can assure you it was pure luck and wouldn’t happen a second time,” she said breathlessly.
“Let’s not take that chance. I think it’s time to head back to the house. In fact, why don’t you ride with me?” Before she could answer, Dale dismounted. He pulled her into his arms, and she rested her head against his broad, muscular chest until her racing heart returned to its normal beat.
“Ready?” he asked.
She’d barely nodded when he gently lifted her onto the horse and then got on behind her. He had one arm around her waist, and used the other to guide the old mare as they slowly made their way to the lake where Scarlett was frantically waiting.
“Lizzy, are you hurt? I can’t believe Nell got spooked like that. She’s never done that before.” The pretty model choked back a terrified cry.
Lizzy offered her a small smile of reassurance. “I’m okay. Just a little shaky.”
“Well, thank goodness. How could I have my wedding on Saturday without my wedding planner?” Scarlett let out a nervous laugh. Her attempt at humor was what was needed, and the mood lightened for the ride back.
Maxi’s cook had a pitcher of fresh lemonade ready for their return. Lizzy had two glasses while they waited for dinner to be served. Maybe the adrenaline rush had made her extra thirsty. Whatever the reason, she was just happy to be in one piece.
Later, as they dined on a delicious
meal of baked chicken and vegetables, Dale suggested they go to the theater tomorrow evening and then have a late supper in town. “That sounds like something safe, don’t you think?” He gave Lizzy a wink.
“I love the idea.”
“I wish I could go,” Scarlett said. “However I have plans with Roger. I’m sure you two will have a good time without me, though.” She glanced first at Lizzy and then at Dale, and Lizzy knew what Scarlett was thinking. The more time they spent alone, the more likely there was a chance for romance. Little did she know, Lizzy was already feeling that way.
14
Maxi slipped on the suit jacket that Bonnie had brought over to him earlier in the day and studied his appearance in the mirror. There was no denying that he was still a good-looking man. It had been decades since he’d been out on a date, and that was what it was, even if he didn’t want to admit it.
Since he planned to arrive at the theater just before the curtain went up, he felt confident that most everyone would already be seated. Therefore, eliminating the chance of running into someone who might recognize him and call him Maxi in front of Lizzy.
He also had a plan for dinner. Maxi had called the owner of Delforo’s, a close friend, and explained the situation. Glenn had been thrilled to learn that his buddy, although masquerading as someone else, was getting back out in the world and promised to have him seated at a table in the back corner, away from other customers. If everything went according to plan, it would be a night Maxi would always remember.
A little while later when he arrived at Harte Manor, and Lizzy came down the grand staircase dressed in a gorgeous green silk gown, his heart began to beat wildly. She looked like Cinderella about to go to the ball. The evening was definitely off to a fantastic start.
Henry was their chauffeur, and he poured them each a glass of champagne before pulling the limo out of the driveway.
No Time for Intrigue (The No Brides Club Book 13) Page 6
