Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 128742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 644(@200wpm)___ 515(@250wpm)___ 429(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 644(@200wpm)___ 515(@250wpm)___ 429(@300wpm)
“May I keep these?” he asks, gesturing to the photo and copied letter.
“Yes, of course.”
“This is a bizarre sort of mystery. There isn’t a reason I can think of the family would have commissioned a portrait if not to mark some formal occasion. A wedding or anniversary, certainly. A significant birthday. Still, it would only be done for a member of the family or close inner circle. I admit, your theory is intriguing.”
“Do you know much about your great-grandfather’s brothers?”
“Not as much as I should, I’m afraid. They died, Robert presumably, before Lawrence inherited the title. It’s generally said the brothers weren’t close. I do remember, years ago, there was a row about a documentary that wanted to explore the Victoria tragedy. Granddad forbid the family from participating. Over the years, there have been requests by someone or another investigating what happened to Robert. He was never interested in lending his time to that either.”
“Like I said, it was a long shot.” I’ve stopped getting my hopes up for a major breakthrough. Every minor step forward now comes in smaller increments. “I do appreciate your time in humoring me.”
“Don’t think you’re getting away that easy.” Ben pours the remnants of wine in our glasses. He waves off a waiter who lurches to save him the effort. “You have me well intrigued. I’m afraid I won’t be satisfied until I know how the story ends.”
“We might be waiting a long time.”
The alcohol has seeped its way into my pores, heating my face with the warmth of a midafternoon buzz. I’ve never been day drunk before. And probably never will be again at this price point. So I take another gulp of wine, because I might as well enjoy myself.
“I’m not sure there are any leads left to pursue. You were sort of my last resort.”
“Then we cannot in good conscience surrender the fight,” he says with amused earnestness. “You’ve captured my curiosity, Abbey. I’d very much like to help you.”
“Really? What do you suggest?”
“There are some boxes of old documents stashed away at one of our summer homes on the coast. I’ll speak to my father about getting access. If he permits it, I’ll have Sophie ship them to you. Can’t promise there will be anything of relevance, but I’ve a hunch that if there’s anything to be found, it’ll be in there.”
I don’t even try to hide my excitement. “That’d be fantastic. Thank you. Anything at all about Robert, William, or a woman who could be Josephine would be so helpful.”
I’m not sure why Ben gets such a bad rap in the press. Based on this lunch, I’ve found him delightful. He has no reason to accommodate my inquisition or waste his time entertaining my curiosity, yet he’s been more than courteous. Friendly, even.
The check arrives. Ben places his hand over it when I try to steal a peek. I glimpse what looks like a total of four hundred pounds before he slides it away from me.
“Please. I’d be a dreadful host if I didn’t treat. You’ve been a welcomed distraction to my day, Abbey.”
“You’re sure?” It’s a feeble offer. Inside, I’m relieved. Dad would’ve lost his shit when he got the alert that I’d spent a fortune on lunch. “I feel bad I can’t offer anything in return for your help. I’ve taken so much of your time.”
“There is something you could do,” he says, passing off the check to the waiter. “Let us finish our conversation. I’d be interested in what else you’ve learned about Josephine and my family’s history. I’m to attend a ball for Princess Alexandra’s engagement in a couple of weeks. I’d be delighted if you’d join me.”
Holy shit.
“Wow. Um, thank you.”
I foresee a frantic eruption of flying fabric in my future. Already picturing Lee propelled to next-level fashion monster.
“Feel free to bring a friend, of course. I know how the ladies are obsessed with royalty.”
I wouldn’t know.
Despite my indifference to the monarchy, though, I would never miss an opportunity for a good story. And this is one for the books. I just had lunch with a lord, and now I’m going to a royal ball.
How is this even my life?
21
CELESTE IS THE FIRST TO JUMP ON ME FOLLOWING MY LUNCH WITH Ben. She texts as I’m leaving the library later to ask how the meeting went. I make the mistake of mentioning the invitation to the ball, and by the time I get home that evening, her gentle requests to be my plus-one have graduated to outright violent threats.
Celeste: No pressure, but if you don’t bring me, I will find you in a dark alley.
Me: Have you considered bribery?
“Abbey, that you, luv?” Lee calls from the kitchen as I kick off my shoes at the front door.
“Yes, dear.”
“Get in here. Now.”
The urgency in his voice is enough to make me sprint down the hall.