Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“Well, I don’t just learn about people through blatant interrogation like you do. I do my research quietly.”
“Yes. This would be Leo’s house.”
“Then no,” she said.
“No?” I stopped pacing. “Why?”
“That’s too much pressure.”
“How so?”
“Would I have to curtsy or something?”
She can’t be serious. I bent my head back in laughter. “He’s not King Charles, Abby. You don’t bow to a duke. Although, I’m upset at myself for not lying and telling you to do it. Would’ve been worth it just to see Felicity’s face.”
“That’s his wife?”
“Yeah. She’s American—from Rhode Island like you, actually. After all these years, she’s still not comfortable with her title. And I think someone bowing to her would just about put her over the edge. Whatever you do, don’t call her your grace. She detests it.”
“I wasn’t planning on it. And thank you for not setting me up for embarrassment.”
“The day is still young.” I opened the shade and looked out at the cloudy London sky. “Anyway, if you’re not interested, that’s fine. I just figured—”
“Not interested in sheep? Or getting to play Downton Abbey for a day? Are you kidding? I would love to visit the farm. Lavinia is a sweetheart, but she doesn’t have the energy to get out and do things with me. I’d like to take her to the pub for dinner tonight, though. Already promised that. Will we be home by then?”
“Yes. Leo’s house is not too far from the inn. Just on the other side of Westfordshire.”
“Great. Okay. Then I would love to take you up on your offer.”
***
Felicity took to Abby immediately, as I’d imagined she would. Both being from Rhode Island, they seemed to have a lot in common.
My cousin’s wife had whisked Abby away to show her around the grounds while I hung out with Leo inside. It was the only opportunity I’d have to speak to him in private about the latest happenings.
He worked to open a bottle of Cabernet Franc. “She seems like a nice girl.”
“Not sure how you can know that after meeting her for ten minutes.”
He popped the cork. “You’re telling me you don’t like her?”
I swallowed. “The verdict is still out.”
He poured a glass. “You’re doing your best to sabotage the situation, I take it? Her looks are probably freaking you out even more.”
“What do you mean by that?” I knew damn well what he was referring to.
“Come on, Sigmund. She’s exactly your type. Or at least what your type used to be. Must make an already uncomfortable situation even more uncomfortable for you, eh?”
There was no denying how beautiful Abby was, so I didn’t even try. “Her above-average looks are inconsequential, Leo. Given the nature of the situation, she’s totally off limits.”
“I’m certain you brought her here to meet us today to distract from how awkward you’ve been toward her.”
“Awkward? No. Rude and standoffish? Yes. It’s a miracle she’s still here.”
“True to form, I see.” He rolled his eyes. “What’s acting like a knob going to achieve?”
“Well, for one, it caused her to almost leave. Which, of course, was what I’d wanted. I don’t know what the hell we’re doing at the moment, though. Last night, I admitted to her that I don’t feel ready to move forward with the surrogacy. Then I felt bad for wasting her time, so I tried to make up for it by bringing her here since she loves animals.”
“So, this visit is one big distraction?” He handed me a glass of wine.
“Pretty much, yes.” I took a sip.
“Are you really not ready, or are you just scared?”
I stared out the French doors, where I could see Abby in the distance standing next to Leo’s daughter, Eloise, and petting one of the animals. Her joyous smile warmed even my cold heart. “Her being here just made it all too real.”
“I don’t think you’ll ever feel completely ready, cousin. You made your decision to go ahead with it. It just started to feel scary because things are actually moving. If Phil and Kate believe Abby is the right person for this, you might not want to let your fear stand in the way. You could lose her and end up with someone you dislike even more.”
I looked out again to find Abby lifting Eloise into the air.
The problem was, I didn’t dislike Abby at all. I wished I did. It would’ve made it a lot easier to send her home.
CHAPTER 7
* * *
Abby
Track 7: “3 Sum” by Mark Dohner
You’ve heard the term died and gone to heaven? Well, if I died today, and I could choose my heaven, I’m pretty sure Brighton House would be it. This huge farm was like a dream, from the wide-open fields to the plethora of horses, sheep, and pigs. And Felicity was an unexpected slice of home—of normalcy—in this otherwise foreign place. She became an instant friend.