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I didn’t want to know where this was going.
“She misjudged her champagne consumption and made a very bad decision. So had another driver that night, and she had a collision before she’d even left the city.”
Oh, no.
“The other driver died immediately, but Natalie passed from her injuries a week later in hospital.” Elizabeth looked at me, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “It was an accident that stemmed from two people who decided to make very bad decisions, and in the end, it cost them both their lives.”
“I’m sorry. It must have been so difficult for you.”
“At the time, yes. Arthur was extremely ill, and Alex had to face the reality of both inheriting the estate, the dukedom, and being a single father. Somehow, with the help of our family, we got through it, but…” She sighed and gave me a small smile. “He swore for a long time after that if he married her, it wouldn’t have happened.”
“I’d imagine that if he were there, they might both have been in the car.”
“Exactly. Better for Olympia to have one parent than none at all.” She sipped from her teacup. “Not that it made it any easier for us all, and especially not Olympia. She toes the line of having memories of her but I’m not sure they’re entirely clear. She tried to avoid talking about her at all costs, and so does Alex. She’s quite literal about it and that can be tough.”
“I understand that. It’s difficult to talk to children about loss, especially those with special needs. Autistic children especially find it hard to recognise and understand emotions, so Olympia likely struggles to connect that emotion with the reality of her mother’s death. For her, she’s dead, and she might need professional assistance to help her with the feelings that surround that.”
Elizabeth smiled at me. “You are an exceptionally wonderful person, Adelaide. I’m not sure you know that.”
“Oh, thank you, but I’m sure that’s not true. We all live in shades of grey, don’t we?”
She laughed and set her empty cup down. “Touché, Adelaide. Touché.”
Smiling, I set down my cup. “I’ll go and check on Olympia.” I stood and paused at the door. “Elizabeth?”
“Yes, dear?”
“Thank you for telling me all that. I hope I didn’t overstep the line by asking.”
“Of course not. Perhaps you might have access to some… resources… for that help. For Olympia.” She peered over at me. “If it’s not too much trouble.”
“It never is,” I responded. “I love your granddaughter. I think she is an incredible child with the ability to do even more incredible things. I’ll reach out to some friends in the area who might be able to point us in the right direction.”
She nodded. “Thank you. I know Alex will appreciate it.”
“I’m sure he will.” I smiled one more time and ducked out of the door.
“One more thing, Adelaide?”
“Of course.” I turned back to her.
“Thank you. For everything you are doing for my family. I know your mum is very proud of you for all you’re achieving.” Elizabeth’s smile was almost teary, and the sheen in her eyes tugged at my heart. “And I want you to know that if my son ever sees fit to marry anyone, I hope with all my heart that she might be lucky enough to be half the woman you are.”
A thick lump formed in my throat, and the tears that pricked the back of my eyes stung.
I couldn’t reply.
If I did, I would cry.
So I did all I could do. I pressed my lips into a flat line, nodded, and disappeared as quickly as I possibly could.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN – ADELAIDE
EVA: Hotel is fully booked.
ME: Really?
EVA: Yes. All week. By all accounts ppl think they can come here & get a glimpse of you both. Mostly full of under twenty-five-year-olds who spend too much time on TikTok. I’m not correcting them.
ME: False advertising.
EVA: That’s what photoshop is for, dear sister.
ME: You are savage, Evangeline.
EVA: Thank u. How’s the sexy duke? Have you banged him yet?
ME: How’s the earl?
EVA: No idea. Haven’t text him back yet.
ME: And you wonder why people call you a maneater.
EVA: Would I be a woman-eater if I was a lesbian?
ME: I’d assume so.
EVA: What would I be if I were bi?
ME: Ask Twitter.
EVA: Lord, no. I’d rather gouge my eyeballs out with a rusty spoon than do that.
ME: Oh, you do still have some brains, then.
EVA: Don’t you have anything better to do?
ME: I do. You text me first, remember?
EVA: Balls.
ME: Exactly.
EVA: I miss you.
ME: Miss you, too. It’s not much longer.
EVA: Three weeks, Addy. THREE WEEKS. Just slice out my kidney, why don’t you?
ME: Too messy.
EVA: YOU’RE AWAY FOR OUR BIRTHDAY!
EVA: Do you know how many birthdays we’ve spent apart? None.
ME: …
EVA: NONE, ADELAIDE, NONE.
ME: You’re being co-dependent right now.
EVA: WE’RE TWINS. WE ARE CO-DEPENDENT.
