Because we can’t afford it! My father’s words echoed in my head, weighing heavily on my chest.
I was stuck in a loop. I wasn’t allowed to go to school to gain skills to get a proper job, to get money. But because I had no money, I couldn’t go against the wishes of my family.
There was movement down our long driveway, a black car pulling my focus, my lids squinting to see who might be coming. It was far too early for my mother to be returning. She usually stayed at a luncheon until dinner, coming home drunk, claiming a headache, and going straight to bed. The guys took the horses and were in the back of our property. Who would be stopping by? Our estate was more than two hours from the capital city and well off the main road. It wasn’t a convenient “I’ll pop over and say hi” kind of place.
I wasn’t in the mood to play gracious host, offering tea and biscuits, which is what people would expect of me. A polite trained dog.
Exhaling with annoyance, I tossed my book onto the bench seat, standing up and straightening my tank, jean shorts, and light cardigan. My hair was down and loose, and I was pretty sure I hadn’t run a brush through it today.
“Nara?” I yelled. She was our only housemaid now who was full time and had been with us since I was five. She was a spunky older woman with gray-blonde curly, short hair and a slim figure. Always moving, she had no problem giving her opinion on things. My mother complained about her, but for some reason would not get rid of her, for which I was glad. I think Mother secretly liked her blunt persona. It was nice for once to know what someone was really thinking or feeling.
Nara’s job was endless in this place; she’d start on one side and get to the other and have to start all over again. Most of the time, she kept the main area clean and greeted guests if no one was here. Her husband, John, was our cook, and he was the one thing my mother and Fredrick both agreed on. She would not cook or even step foot into the kitchen. Baronesses did not do that, I guess. Nara and John lived in a cottage on the property.
Fredrick and Lauren had at least three maids, two cooks, four gardeners, and a steward. Seriously, I think he believed it was still the early 1900s.
“Nara?” I called again, wandering into the foyer, peering up the mahogany staircase, wanting to run upstairs and hide.
“What are you screeching about?” Nara came to the top of the landing, peering down at me.
“Someone’s coming.” I motioned toward the front door.
“Yeah? So? What do you want me to do about it?” She placed her hands on her hips.
“Can you handle them?” I motioned to the door again.
“Oh sure, why don’t I stop what I am doing, cleaning up after you and scrubbing your mess, so the princess doesn’t have to break a sweat and answer the door.”
“Not a princess,” I grumbled.
“You’re sure acting like it.”
Yeah, fair enough. I was acting like an entitled brat. As brash as Nara could come off, I knew she had a weak spot when it came to me. She had watched me grow up and knew that being the eldest, things would land on me that would never be asked of my sister. She was the kind who grumbled and rolled her eyes while sneaking me a cookie my mother denied me because of my “teenage baby fat” that she considered an issue.
“But… you know I don’t like people.” I was the person who’d rather be with animals than people; it was why I had only two friends and was related to one of them. He had no choice. “Please?” I could hear the crunch of the wheels coming to a stop at the front of our house. Through the side window at the door, I could see a black SUV, the windows completely blacked out except the front windshield. The driver’s face was slightly hidden by the sun’s reflection off the glass. Had to be one of my father’s acquaintances, though he looked young.
After my mother learned Theo and I were no longer together, I noticed over the summer a string of single men coming for dinner. My mother claimed they were here because of business with my father. After the second one, I knew it was all a front. I was being paraded around like a mare. Their newly “beautiful” daughter was of marriable age. Noble or wealthy, they welcomed all. It was disgusting. They could keep me away from my dreams, but I would not be forced into a loveless marriage. I would not become my mother: unhappy, numb, and resigned to that life.
I was way too young. I’d rather stay single and grow old with a bunch of animals. Turn this place into a zoo of unwanted or medically challenged pets. Be that stereotypical cat lady.
“People aren’t big fans of you either,” Nara said dryly, but humor glinted her eyes. “However, as future lady of the house, you better start practicing. Your education starts now.”
The bell to the house rung, chiming off the walls.
“I hate you.” I glared at her.
“I have no idea why you don’t get along with people. You’re so lovely.” She winked, taking off back down the hall.
“When I am in charge, you’re fired!” I yelled up at her. A total lie.
“Good thing I’ll probably be dead before that,” she yelled back.
I grumbled, but my heart lurched at the thought of losing her. I wasn’t very good with people, and there were very few I truly loved. She was one. I never wanted to be without her. She was like my mother and grandmother rolled in one. Or what I thought those people should be. My relationship with either of my real ones was not a good reference.
Taking another breath, I rolled back my shoulders, my hand reaching for the door handle, swinging it open.
“Hey, Spencer.”
Everything froze. My mouth dropped open, my muscles locking down in shock. I wasn’t prepared. Not for who stood on the threshold, grinning at me.
But really, was anyone ever ready for the Prince of Great Victoria to be standing on their doorstep?
Chapter 5
“Theo?” I blinked. Blinked again. But this was no illusion. He was here. His infamous sexy smile curved up the side of his face as he shifted on his feet, his gaze devouring me.
“You look beautiful.” His eyes roamed over once again. “Even better than I remember.”
So did he. Tan from the sun, his hair short and clipped tight to his head, his body appearing more built under his T-shirt and designer jeans.
“Oh my god. You-you’re here,” I stuttered in surprise, my attention narrowing in on his left arm, which was in a sling. Healing wounds dotted his face and arms. He had been hurt. “Shite. Are you okay? Is it broken?”
“I’m fine.” He shifted on his feet, his gaze darting away, waving off his injury. “The shoulder was pulled out of the socket, but really, I’m fine. Be good as new soon.”
“What are you doing here?” I still couldn’t fully comprehend that he was in front of me, and the shock had my heart pattering roughly against my chest.
He lifted an eyebrow. “Thought that would be pretty obvious.”
When we parted ways four months ago, he was true to his word. We had no communication. Even TV and papers went quiet where he was concerned, having no news on the firstborn. The first few weeks had been hard, but after a while, he became more of a memory of some past life I had.
It wasn’t like I hadn’t thought of him. I did, all the time, but after months of silence, the memories faded just enough, and my world here went on like he had never been part of it. Those seven months together had been a dream.