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CHAPTER FOURTEEN
AFTERHERFATHERhad died, Lucinda had learned a lot about the circles of control. There were some things in her life she could control, and into those things, she poured her energy. The circles that were beyond her ability of influence, she had to make her peace with.
Her suitcase not arriving was beyond her control.
The weather too.
So when she woke and saw the hint of storm clouds on the horizon, she didn’t put her energy into worrying about them. She’d planned for this. There were wet-weather contingencies for miles. She pushed out of bed, trying not to think about the fact Thirio was just across the hallway as she moved to the window. Despite the fact it was still early, an army of staff was positioning canopy tents to form a walkway from the makeshift car park to the entrance of the castle. There were also, she noted with pleasure, dozens of umbrellas in a basket, by the door. The umbrellas had been printed with Evie and Erik’s monogram, and the date of their wedding—a keepsake for guests, albeit a practical one.
As she’d predicted, the day was busy. There were checklists upon checklists and, despite the fact the contractors worked like a well-oiled machine, Lucinda was kept so busy overseeing the preparations that she could only devote about half of her brain power to Thirio, and wondering where he was. Wonderinghowhe was. Opening his doors to hundreds of people was Thirio’s idea of hell, and yet he’d done it, out of love for his sister. And guilt too? Because he blamed himself for their parents’ deaths?
She pushed the thought away. It was crippling in its intensity, so too her desire to run to him and kiss him until that guilt ceased to exist. She hated that he felt that way. Their deaths were a curse from which he would never escape.
But what if love was the answer? What if love would break that curse?
She stopped what she was doing, causing the housekeeper to look at her with concern. Lucinda stared straight ahead, her heart thumping hard against her ribs. What if she told him? And suddenly, it wasn’t a question of whether or not she would, butwhenshe could. The knowledge that she loved him was like an oppressive weight, and only revealing it to him would lighten that.
Doubtless, he would reject her, but that didn’t change the fact that she wanted him to know how she felt. She needed him to understand that she saw him as he was, she knew about his past, about the act for which he hated himself, and she loved him regardless. She needed him to understand that she loved him enough for both of them. And if he rejected her, it would hurt, but at least he would know that he was worth loving.
She continued with her work, her brain now almost fully engaged in thinking about Thirio, until about an hour before the wedding, when one of the Nalvanian palace staff came up to her.
‘Excuse me, madam, but Miss Skartos is asking for you.’
‘Is there a problem?’
‘No. She’s this way.’
Lucinda followed behind as the servant led her to the old family quarters. Thirio had gestured to it without entering and Lucinda understood now. This part of the palace was alive with his childhood. Photographs hung on the wall of a young Thirio, his parents, his sister. She paused, looking at one with eyes that were misted over. Any doubts she had flew from her mind.
She loved him, and he had to know that. He’d lost so much when his parents had died and instead of allowing himself to grieve, he’d thrown himself into his guilt instead.
When Lucinda entered Evie’s room, she gasped. ‘You look so beautiful.’ Evie was a picture of elegance and glamour, in a white silk dress with a pale blue sash crossed diagonally over one shoulder. Her blonde hair had been secured into a bun and a diamond tiara sat atop her head.
‘Thank you.’ Her smile was loaded with pleasure. ‘I’m so excited.’
‘That’s exactly how a bride should feel.’ Lucinda nodded encouragingly. ‘Everything is organised. Can I get you something while you’re waiting? Tea? Something to eat?’
‘No, I actually have something for you.’
‘Oh?’
‘Follow me.’ Evie smiled serenely as she sashayed across the room, to a walk-in wardrobe. It was only a quarter full, with the clothes Evie had brought for the wedding. But at the end, there was the most stunning dress Lucinda had ever seen. Silver, with wide straps and a sweetheart neckline, and a structured skirt that fell to the ground. There were tiny diamantés all over the bodice, so that it gave the impression of sparkling, just like the fresh snow on treetops.
‘That’s stunning.’
‘I’m glad you think so. I got it out for you to wear.’
Lucinda’s eyes were enormous when she turned to face Evie. ‘Forme?’
‘I understand your suitcase went missing, and I won’t hear any of this business about you not attending. You should get to come and enjoy your handiwork.’
‘That’s not really how this works,’ Lucinda insisted.
‘Please? I don’t know why, but I really feel like you should come. Think of it as a wedding present.’
Lucinda stared at her client, the woman she’d sworn she’d move mountains to give the perfect wedding day to. ‘It really is a beautiful dress.’
‘It was my mother’s,’ Evie said quietly, moving towards it. ‘She had the most incredible taste. Her wardrobe is classic.’
