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He gestured to Amos, who took the bag from Duchess and started up the steps to the house.
“Hey! Give me back my—”
“Please—” Jameson said.
She turned to look at him and he was struck again by her beauty. He’d thought the woman on the video was stunning, but the one before him took his breath away.
He cleared his throat. “I’m sure we can work something out, Ms.—”
He looked to Louisa for the missing information. He didn’t know her real name and he couldn’t call her Duchess...
“You can call me Duchess.”
He frowned. “Is that your given name?”
She blinked. “It’s the name I’m givingyou.”
Cute.
“As a member of the royal family, I’m not allowed to address anyone with a royal title if they don’t hold one.”
“And as a person, I’m entitled to be addressed by the name I choose. I never said I wasaduchess. It’s my name. If you want to speak to me, I suggest you start there.”
“Very well... Duchess. I don’t think London will be necessary. I’m sure we can find something on the grounds. What about Primrose Cottage?” he asked Louisa.
Primrose Cottage was the estate’s small guesthouse. At one time or another it had been used by various members of the royal family who’d wanted a private place to stay. Muriel Spark had even used it to finish a novel. Although part of Primrose Park, it was on the other side of the property. It would provide Duchess with privacy and they’d never have to see each other.
“Occupied,” Louisa said, dashing those hopes.
“By whom?”
“Not sure,” she said, “but it’s not available.”
“How about one of the properties closer to the villages?”
“Look, you can both stop. I refuse to stay anywhere I’m not welcome. Not anymore.”
Jameson frowned at the last two words.Not anymore?What did that mean? Had she been made to not feel welcome somewhere?
Why do you care? You’re doing the same thing.
He didn’t like the way that unbidden thought made him feel.
Spurred on by Louisa’s withering glare, and his own burgeoning shame, he said, “Duchess... Please accept my apology. Between the tribute and the media coverage... it’s brought backsome difficult memories and I haven’t been handling them well. But none of that is your fault. I’m truly sorry. It would be my honor to host you at Primrose Park.”
She tilted her head to the side and eyed him for a long second before nodding. “Apology accepted.”
Relief acted as a release valve for his tension. “Thank you.”
With his clear permission granted, the staff sprang into action, hurrying down the steps, grabbing her bags, and carrying them into the house.
“I’ll have them place your things in the Celestial Bedroom, in the east wing. You’ll have all the privacy you need. Although there’s nothing exciting around here. Nothing showy or popular for you to post online.”
“You been checking out my Insta?”
Heat crisped the tips of his ears. Ignoring her question, he continued. “I only meant this isn’t the environment for a young person who’s used to an active social life.”
“Because I’m an empty-headed rapper who only cares about partying and her image?” She frowned. “Don’t worry. I won’t go live and announce a party here. At least, not tonight.”
