Page 67 of Passion and Privilege

“Soon, I hope. I’m doing everything I can to make this work for you. I know this is important to you. I know you hate that boarding school. If your mom does agree to it, there will be some ground rules. I have a feeling your mom will also have her own stipulations. You’re going to have to agree to some things. We all have to commit to making it work.”

Paisley was silent for a long moment. “Okay.”

I got up from her bed and turned to leave, pausing at the doorway. “Try not to worry too much about it tonight,” I told her. “We’ll give your mom a few days. She’ll come up with her conditions and we can begin the negotiation process. I know it sounds hopeless, but this is a good first step. You know I’m an excellent negotiator. I’m very accustomed to getting what I want.”

She snorted. “Have you met my mother? She is the queen of getting what she wants.”

“That’s when she holds power over someone,” I reminded her. “She doesn’t hold that power over me. Not anymore.”

“Fine.”

I closed the door behind me, hoping Regina would do the right thing. I hated getting Paisley’s hopes up, but I needed her to have something to hold on to. As the days ticked closer to the end of summer and her inevitable return to Germany, her mood had really soured. I hated seeing her so upset. Any little glimmer of hope I could give her was worth it.

I headed downstairs and happened to hear the muted voices of the housekeeper, Martha, talking with someone in the foyer. I heard the other voice but didn’t believe I was hearing what I thought I did. There was an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. As I approached, the sight before me confirmed my worst fears.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Catherine

THE WINDING DRIVE UP to Gloriana Manor felt both familiar and unsettling. It had been days since I set foot on these grounds, days since I left a piece of my heart behind. My truck rumbled through the gate, the towering mansion slowly coming into view. I dreaded and looked forward to coming back here.

Amber met me in the driveway, her expression flustered and worn. She looked exhausted. There was a bead of sweat on her forehead, telling me she had been busting her ass. “Catherine, you shouldn’t be here,” she said with a shake of her head.

“What do you mean? I brought the antiques for you to use.”

It was a little offensive to think I was no longer allowed at the property I poured my heart and soul into. If Timothy was kicking me out, he was going to have to get the balls to tell me himself.

“Thanks. You can just leave them by my van and I’ll get them taken care of.” She looked around like she was expecting the bogeyman to jump out.

“Is something wrong?” I asked her.

“No.”

“Blink twice if there’s a crazy man in there,” I said.

Amber glanced around nervously. “There’s a woman here, claiming to be Mrs. Hastings. She’s been giving orders, taking over everything.”

“What?” I gasped. “Mrs. Hastings?”

She nodded. “I couldn’t handle it anymore. I quit. I do not get paid enough to deal with that bullshit.”

My heart sank at the mention of Mrs. Hastings. It had been days since I talked to Timothy. I didn’t think he would run off and get married overnight, but if he had a mistress or something else, maybe she was just preparing herself for when she was Mrs. Hastings.

“Where’s Timothy?” I asked.

“He’s supposed to be back from a business trip to New York today,” Amber said. “I tried to stay to tell him about this woman, but I can’t take it. I’m sorry, Catherine. Your efforts in finding antiques might be in vain.” The frustration explained the perspiration I saw on her face. Nothing ever got under Amber’s skin.

“What did he say?” I asked.

“Nothing,” she hissed. “I appreciate all the work I get, but I’m not working for anyone that vile. I don’t care how much money it costs me.”

I looked at the house, debating what to do. “I brought those lamps we talked about.”

“I’m sorry, but that woman is not going to want them. I’m taking a lot of the stuff back with me. Now, I’m stuck with inventory I couldn’t afford.”

“Timothy will pay,” I said.