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I laughed and took it, leaning into him. “Ready for this?”
“As ever.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely fucking not.”
***
“My dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to… sort out the horrific bloody mess that is this family.”
Adelaide stifled a giggle.
What? I wasn’t wrong, was I?
Everyone present—minus Olympia, who was sleeping—was in the library, and it was time for us to clear the air. Our three-course meal had been eaten in across two different tables, and it was time to pull out the big guns.
We were going Poirot on this.
Minus the moustache. And the hat.
At least I knew my Halloween costume this year.
“Last week, it came to our attention that a lady of house was engaging in sexual relations with a member of staff,” I said, walking across in front of the unlit fireplace.
“Gabriella!” Aunt Cat admonished.
“You be quiet,” I told her. “This upset many people, and it’s time we put this to bloody rest,” I said to everyone else. “Aunt Cat, Arthur, if you’re in a relationship, then do us all the courtesy of telling us.”
“Aren’t you seeing the gardener?” Adelaide heckled from the corner.
“Don’t be a troll, Adelaide, or I shall find a bridge for you to sleep under.”
Everyone laughed.
“But for the record, yes I am, but this isn’t about me.” I peered out at everyone. “Aunt Cat, all we want is for you to be happy. But you and Daddy have to talk about this, and this is the only way this could happen.”
“Okay, Madame Poirot,” Daddy said, standing up. “Merci.”
I grinned, glad he’d gotten that. I sat down to give him the floor.
“I shall say this once and only once,” Daddy said, leaning against the fireplace. “Catherine, all I want is to see you happy. You’re my sister. I love you immensely and you being able to share your life with someone brings me great joy.” He looked at her. “I am not hurt or angry that you’re seeing Arthur. Your secrecy is what pains me. That you couldn’t come to me and tell me that you wished to pursue a relationship with him…” He trailed off, sighing.
“Henry.” Aunt Cat stood up and stepped forward before she stopped. “I—we—”
“She thought it was inappropriate,” Arthur said from his spot on one of the sofas. “She broke it off more than once, but we enjoyed each other’s companionship a great deal. It was often only the two of us in the house while you were seeing to business opportunities and Lady Gabriella was doing her studying and her charitable endeavours. We built a great friendship over those years, and it recently became something more. If you will—”
“Please, stand,” Daddy said, motioning to him.
“I care for Lady Catherine a great deal, your lordship. She’s been a great friend to me over the years and an even better partner in recent times. I wished to tell you, but—”
“I wouldn’t let him.” Aunt Cat stepped into his side. “I refused to allow him to reveal the true nature of our relationship. The secrecy is entirely my fault.” She looked over at me with a warmth in her gaze and a smile playing with her lips. “And Gabriella covered for me. She knew I had a gentleman friend, but she didn’t know it was Arthur. I take full responsibility for everything that has happened as a result of my decisions.” She took Arthur’s hand. “But I shan’t give him up, Henry. I love him, and I won’t be without him. I shall move out if that’s what it takes—”
“Catherine—”
“I’m not bluffing. I mean it. Alpaca is at the hotel and we’ll go there and—”
“Shut up!” Aunt Elizabeth said. “Goodness, Catherine, you do prattle on.”
“Oh, don’t you start with me.”
“I’ll do as I please.”
“Why? Because you’re a dowager duchess? Why don’t you come over here and I’ll show you what I think about that?”
“Perhaps a time out is needed.” Miles jumped up and rested his hands on Aunt Elizabeth’s shoulders, taking control of the situation. “This has been very emotional, and clearly it’s been laid to rest. The rest of this conversation is for Arthur, Lady Catherine, and Lord Bath. Yes?”
Oh.
That was hot.
Everyone murmured an agreement.
“Yes, let’s take a few. Mother, why don’t you retire to your bedroom? It’s been a long day,” Alex said, guiding Aunt Elizabeth away. “Arthur, if you have a moment to take Ma to her room, I’m sure she’d appreciate some tea. Thank you.”
That was the end of that.
“Adelaide, if you’re staying, I would like to discuss something with you.” Alex looked to her.
She glanced at me. “Of course. I can arrange a taxi home later.”
I waved a hand. “You can stay here. Extra rooms have been made up. I’ll let Eva know.”
“Oh, then, yes.” She stood up and tucked her shirt back into her jeans. “Now?”
“Yes, let’s.” Alexander poured two gin and tonics, handed her one, and led her out of the library.
