by Brown, Tara
Still reeling from the conversation, I got up and got dressed, determined to start the day and get my mind off Aiden. I had to be at the Walled Gardens for the afternoon visit and classes were starting in a couple of days so I needed to ensure we had everything.
When I entered the kitchen, Linna and Jess were leaning against the counter whispering.
“What?” I narrowed my gaze as their cheeks flushed when they saw me.
“We think we should move to the estate, and we’re sure you’ll say no, and we’re trying to come up with ways to lure you there,” Linna said flatly, leaving Jess with her mouth open in silent protest.
“We were going to let me do the talking though because you don’t have any tact.” Jess nudged her.
“Right,” Linna agreed with Jess. “But the cat’s outta the bag now.”
I poured myself a cup of coffee, giving the whole thing real thought. “Okay.” I was exhausted and the day had just started. Mary’s intensity had drained at least half my life force. “Why do you want to move there?”
“It’s an estate?” Linna said as though I was an idiot for asking.
“I mean like pros and cons: It would save our dads money. We would be safe. And we wouldn't have to cook—not that we do—or clean.”
“Not that we do,” Linna said.
“And we would be with our friends,” Jess pointed out quietly, no doubt hoping Johan hadn’t heard her call him a friend. “Our family.”
“But that would be like you and Johan were living together after you just got back together. Not sure how you feel about that. And we won’t be walking distance to the campus from the estate. And we would have to endure the queen visiting.”
“If she does,” Linna added.
“She always does.” Apparently, I was the only negative Nancy. I gave Linna a skeptical glare. “Why are you on board?”
“What? I’m all about saving my dad some cash.” Her cheeks flushed. There was a guy involved.
“Who is it?”
“Riley’s family has an estate right near Mary and Johan’s. Like a fifteen-minute walk across the field. We could legit play out the stupid Pride and Prejudice scene in the field with the cold mist when he’s home.” She grinned wide. “Only we’d make out and shit. Sad-ass ending. Who makes a romance movie and doesn't put one sex scene in?” She rolled her eyes.
“What did I say about bashing Austen?” Jess’ cheeks flushed.
“Don’t be so basic.” Linna scoffed.
“So this is what you both want?” I cut in before this went to blows. Jess was an Austen superfan and Linna was Linna.
“Yes!” they said in excited unison, agreeing on something.
“Fine. I’ll think about it. I’m not trying to cockblock on you two living your best life. But if the queen visits, it means I’m sleeping at the university on a bench, and I’m not sure I’m up for that. And we would have to sublet this place. That might be an effort.” I took my first sip of coffee and sighed. “God, I love Tracy’s coffee.”
“You’re welcome,” he called from the living room, obviously eavesdropping.
“I’m gonna take this to my room and get ready. I have to go to the Gardens. We can talk about this later.”
“Fine. We’re heading to the campus to help Bea pack up her room and take it all to Mary and Johan’s. And after that, we were thinking about having a little party at the estate. Riley’s got some teammates coming in. Should be interesting.” Linna winked.
“Should be noisy,” Jess corrected her.
“I’ll get a cab over when I’m done at the Gardens if I feel like it.” I wasn’t going to feel like it.
“I’ll give you a lift, Fin. What time are you done?” Tracy said as he walked into the kitchen, killing my dreams of avoiding this soiree.
“You don't have to do that.” I waved him off, preferring to get my own way. That way I could stay home.
“What time?” He wasn't offering, he was telling. This was precisely why I didn’t want to live with the royals. Everything was schedules and control.
“Six. They eat at five so we should be done by then,” I relented. “But if you’re busy, I can get a cab.”
“Yes, all the things I have to do later will interfere.” He rolled his eyes and sauntered back to the chair where he’d been sitting and crinkled his newspaper again. “I’ll see you at six, sharp.”
“Fine. We can discuss this later. I need quiet time.” I took my coffee and walked to my room to finish getting ready.
9
Drunken hookups are one thing, but hookups where you’re the only one who’s drunk, are totally something else. #NotCool
The estate of things
It was going to be a long day. And possibly a long night.
And I had no desire for either.
The one positive was that the day at the Gardens went by quickly. Carmen wasn't at work. She was home sick, and we had a few new people to introduce around. Mrs. Bates demanded two games of backgammon before she would eat her dinner, and by the time it was six, I was exhausted.
“Goodnight.” I contemplated going home as I waved goodnight to Janet and walked to the door, noting the still warm September air. Classes started in a couple of days and the warmth would be gone. Fall came quickly here and winter seemed to hold on forever.
“Night, darling. See you in a couple of days.” Janet waved back as her voice was lost in the closing door.
Tracy was waiting outside for me, as he had said he’d be. “Your carriage, milady.”
“You’re funny.” I forced a weak smile and climbed in. “Can I just go home? Do you think they’ll even notice if I don't come?”
“I’ve been instructed to bring you to the estate even if I have to hog-tie you to get you there.” He chuckled and started the SUV.
“Linna?” I asked, certain Mary hadn’t said “hog-tie” in her entire life.
“Bea, though I believe the origin of the expression in her vocabulary is Linna.” He drove out of St Andrews and started on a country road to the estate.
“Fine. Is the house nice at least?” I hadn’t seen it yet. “Not some crusty old estate with the weird plaid walls and flags and breezy stone walls?”
“No tartan wallpapering as far as the eye can see.” He nodded. “Quite fancy actually. I think you’ll like it.” He gave me a smirk in the rearview.
“I think I’d like my bed more.”
“Not certain it will sway you, but there are many handsome young footballers in the house, cavorting. Perhaps a little cavorting would do you some good.” It was the first time Tracy had suggested I consider anyone beyond Aiden. He had swung around to my side hard in the last couple of months. And If I traced it back, he might have been on my side longer. I wondered how much he knew.
“I’m not much for cavorting anymore. Everyone has a camera and I’m the world’s favorite screwup. I’m going to die an old maid. I’ve already planned it out. Learn to like cats more than I do. Start buying flowy nightgowns. Pin my hair in weirdly tight but somehow wide buns. That’s a mystery, how those bitches do it. Like how do they get it so flat and wide and tight?”
“Obviously, it’s part of the spinster training. Though if I may, you’re too young to give up on it.” His smug grin was lost and in his gaze was a hint of sincerity. “You deserve happiness, Fin. Far more than you know.”
“Thanks.” I smiled, unable to fight the lump in my throat. As we pulled up to the estate, my jaw dropped. “Oh my.”
“I did try to tell you. Quite fancy.”
“Quite.” I leaned forward, bumping my face against the window before backing up and checking to ensure he hadn’t seen me do it.
It was nothing and everything like I imagined, not an estate but a castle.
Of course, it was.
No wonder Jess and Linna wanted to live here.
This was every American girl’s dream. A Scottish castle in the countryside.
“It’s a baronial house dating back to the nin
eteenth century, eighteen forties to be specific. Was owned by one family until this year. It’s seen a complete overhaul. Fifty-eight bedrooms. Thirty bathrooms. A tennis court. Conservatory. Three-hole golf course—of course we are in the homeland of golf. Extensive gardens and grounds with paddocks and a healthy stock of horses. Seven large cottages for the staff. The art collection alone is more impressive than any in Scotland, beyond Balmoral Castle, obviously.”
“How big is it?” It seemed impossibly large.
“Forty-two thousand square feet spread over four floors. With seventeen offices for the staff. It’s a working estate with grouse moors, farmlands, and a small mill on the far side. And the five lakes have plenty of fishing, including several cabins.”
“It’s huge.” I was stunned into silence. “Who are they renting it from, the queen?”
“Renting?” he asked in the mirror.
“Sorry, leasing. Or letting. You know, borrowing for money?”
“Aiden bought it, Fin. It’s his, theirs.” Tracy seemed surprised I didn't know that.
“Oh.” That changed things. Maybe everything. “Of course he did,” I muttered, knowing I wouldn't be moving into Aiden’s castle, though it was breathtaking. “It has turrets,” I pointed out. “And two towers.”
“Indeed. And a conservatory that’s both indoor and outdoor, depending on the side of the glass you are on. In the winter, you can lie under the glass ceiling with a fire lit and watch the snow fall.”
“It’s awfully far from the college.” I tried to shit on it, just a little. My petty would never die. She would be my constant companion.
He didn't take the bait, grinning as he drove past the castle on the left, past the gardens and what appeared to be a maze. When he finally stopped the SUV in the massive parking area of the circular drive, I scowled. “Is this a second mansion?”
“One of the summer houses on the property. Mary thought it would be nice to stay here close to the lake while it’s still warm. Besides, there’s no way anyone would be allowed to have a party like this in the castle.”
“Is it too late for me to go home?” I grumbled as he got the door.
“You’re welcome.” He sounded like my father.
The front doors flew open. Bea’s shining face smiled at me from the foyer. She was glowing from the drink already. “You came!”
“Under duress. Hog-tying, really?” I asked as I made my way to the house. “Nice English girls don’t say that.”
“Who bloody told you I’m nice? They lied, didn’t they? Why are you wearing that?” She wrinkled her nose and plucked at my tee shirt.
“I was working, Bea. This is my work outfit.” Had she not noticed it before?
“Beige slacks a white tee shirt? What an odd combination. Do they want you to blend in with the help or the linens?”
“I am the help.” Did she not understand a job?
“I have clothes upstairs. My room’s already been unpacked. You can change.” She dragged me in and closed the door.
The noise of the college students partying did nothing to deter me from appreciating the interior of the summerhouse. A huge staircase wrapped around one side of the large room, sweeping up to an open area on the second floor. The foyer was the size of a dance floor and had an impressive fireplace flickering in the middle of it, completely encased in glass. To the left was a sitting room filled with people I didn't know.
Straight ahead, going under the stairs was a wide hallway, leading to what appeared to be the conservatory. “Come see.” She dragged me up the stairs and to the right, past another group of people our age. “My room. Mary’s. Johan’s. And this one will be yours, if you come.” Of course it had the double doors.
I held my breath, trying to chant how much I hated Aiden as she opened them and revealed the open and airy space. It was more than I could bear: a dark-wood four-poster bed and mint and cream decor with stunning eyelet lace.
“I think we’re going to move up to the castle in a month. They’re readying it now, apparently it takes forever.” Bea pointed in the other direction. “The other wing has Linna’s and Jess’ room and a bevy of other guest rooms for if guests come.”
“You mean the queen.”
“Queen mother.” She hiccupped and I realized she was more than just glowing. Her cheeks were rosy and her eyes glossy. She hiccupped once more. “Want to see the en suite?” She lifted an eyebrow.
“No. You didn't tell me Aiden owned the estate. Is this the master suite? Is this his room?” I folded my arms, shooting her a glare.
“Darling, he won’t come here. Firstly, he won’t have time. Secondly, he would of course stay at the castle.” She scoffed. “So no. It’s your room.” She linked her arm in mine. “Come and change.”
“I’m fine as I am.”
“People are going to take pictures, Finley Roze. Is this what you want to wear on the cover of the next magazine? You look like the staff.”
“Maybe I’ll blend into the background and no one will notice me.” I dug my heels in.
“Come on. Enough of your naughtiness.”
“Fine,” I relented. She dragged me to her room, pulling an outfit from the closet already assembled as if she had given it thought and this drunkenness was all an act.
I lifted my shirt off and took the first thing she handed me, slipping the long-sleeve red tartan mini dress over my head and letting it slide down my body. As I did it up, I removed my pants. I slipped on the knee-high socks and heeled boots and let her put on the thin belt that matched the boots in dark-brown leather. She straightened the dress as I pulled out my ponytail. She ran her fingers through my hair, creating a bit of a mane for me.
It took one spritz of honeysuckle perfume, some lip gloss, and a retouch of mascara and I was ready. Ish.
“You’re so hot, Fin.” Bea shook her head.
“Says you. The first time I saw you give Aiden one of your molestation hugs, I was so jealous.”
“Yeah?” Her face lit up. “Really?”
“I had no idea who you were. Drove me nuts.”
“I love that. Your fingers are too bare. You need some bling.” She scowled and handed me an owl ring from her dresser. It had large diamond eyes.
“Are these real?”
“Yeah, don't lose it. I’ll catch shit.” She grabbed my hand. “Much better.” She led me from the room, dragging me back to the hallway.
The groups of people who had ignored me on the way in suddenly took notice. I needed to take a note that dressing like the help around their level of wealthy was similar to camouflage.
When we got downstairs to the large conservatory, I marveled at the room until Linna attacked, dragging a tall handsome guy with her. “Riley, this is my Fin.” She hugged me, also smelling a little like a cider brewery. “You were supposed to meet in Andorra, but someone managed to constantly be busy.” She eyed me.
“I can’t believe I’m meeting you. My family are such fans,” Riley gushed, saying something I never imagined anyone would say to me.
“Of what?” I asked, unsure of what they’d told him about me. Was this a joke? Did I miss something?
“Humble American girl becomes the next Princess Di of Europe. Doesn't let it go to her head. Instead, she spends her time working with the elderly, going to university, and working for barristers in London. You are not what the world thinks you are, and yet you don't seem to care how poorly everyone treats you based on all the lies created. I suspect Prince Geoffrey’s widow, Alex, is the one behind the sabotage of your image. You’re badass, Finley Roze.” His cheeks lit slightly.
Linna scowled and I burst out laughing, covering my mouth to force myself to stop.
“Sorry. My little sister talks about you nonstop. You’re becoming something of a modern-day hero to young women across the board. Feminist Cinderella is how you’re described.”
“What?” I was lost. “I’m not even a feminist. Am I?” I asked Linna.
Bea shook her head, fighting the
laugh that had overtaken me, with a stunned look on her face.
“Dude, keep it in your pants!” Linna mocked him. “Fin can’t even spell ‘feminist.’”
“Oh, I don't mean to come across that way.” His face joined his cheeks in their color and his eyes widened.
“It’s fine.” I shoved Linna. “Stop messing with him.” I gave her a scolding stare. “And I think I can spell it. And even if I can’t, my phone would never let me down.”
“Your phone can’t spell anything correct. Yesterday you spelled Duck Chaney.” She rolled her eyes.
“The phone is rather fond of the word ‘duck,’” I lamented.
“Sorry, Riley, we aren’t accustomed to Fin being anything but our pain in the ass, flighty, wishy-washy suburban American girl.” Bea wrapped an arm around Riley’s shoulders, clearly comfortable with him. “Once you get to know her, all the sparkly stuff fades to a dull glow. Honestly, the first time you watch her try to make a decision, you’ll understand. She will become a mere mortal in no time.”
“I’m totally not as basic as she makes me out to be,” I joked. “But it was lovely meeting you.” I offered him a hand, worried about how this would change his relationship with Linna. The only problem we’d ever had was over a boy.
“You as well. Do you mind if I get a picture, for my sister?” He lifted his phone.
My eyes darted to Linna’s to check before I answered, when I saw her nod. “Let me take it. You’re both shit with angles.” She snatched the phone.
I gave a pleasant closed-mouth smile as he leaned in and she snapped the shot.
“I cannot believe you are here. And really friends.” He was gushing again. “Linna, you wait. The moment you meet my family, my sister is going to kidnap you and force you to talk about Fin for hours.” He chuckled to himself as he sent the photo.
“Sounds painful.” I wrinkled my nose and gave her another look, checking on her. She waved me off but my spidey senses screamed. “I need a drink. Bea.”
