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Freya shook her head. “I swear, I’m putting a lock on his cage before the guests arrive. I can just imagine him making off with our rings or something.”
“I hope the videographer catches it if that happens.” I put the fresh pot of tea down on the stand and slapped Freya’s hand when she went to grab the pot. “You’ve already stolen one cup. Wait your turn.”
She pulled it back and made a face at me as I pulled a cup towards me. “I’m sorry for monopolising your day yesterday,” she said to Grace. “I bet you have things you’d rather do than run around after a stranger’s wedding.”
“I don’t mind helping.” Grace smiled, looking at her. “Are you feeling better today?”
“Theoretically,” my sister replied slowly. “But I think James slipped me something in my breakfast, so I’m not entirely sure.”
“God bless James,” I joked, stirring one sugar in Grace’s tea and passing the cup to her. “There you go.”
“Oh, thank you.” She took it from me and sipped. “Do you know if anything needs seeing to today?”
Mum shook her head. “We’ve done just about all we can. It’s now up to Mother Nature to slow this storm down and we hope guests can arrive. I believe it’s being seen to that everyone who needs to be here for the wedding to go ahead will be brought here today.”
“Is the good reverend coming on a tractor?” I asked.
“You joke about it, William, but I believe he is. The farm tracks might be the only way on and off the estate, and the groundskeepers are doing their best to keep roads open from Duncree. That said, I think they’re losing the battle, so we’re getting everyone necessary here this morning.” Mum rested her hand on Freya’s shoulder. “As long as we have officials, the wedding can go ahead, even if it’s just family in attendance.”
Grace smiled softly at Freya. “At least the people who matter are here.”
“You’re right.” Freya returned the gentle gesture. “It is upsetting, but at least most of our family have arrived.”
“Did James’ family get here okay?” I asked.
“Last night,” Freya said. “They rented cars, and with a bit of work, everyone was able to get here. I believe his sister got diverted to Aberdeen, so they’re trying to figure that out.”
“I need a cup of tea.”
We all turned towards the door as Dad walked over to the table. I’d never seen him look like this before—his eyes were almost glazed, and he had an expressionless mask on his face.
It was like he was drugged.
“Are you okay, darling?” Mum asked, moving towards him. “Will, a cup of tea, please.”
I poured it and handed it over without adding milk or sugar to it. “Here, Dad.”
“Thank you.” He looked at me, but he wasn’t really. He sipped from the tea, and I pushed a stool towards him that Mum eased him down on to.
“What’s wrong? Has something happened?” Freya asked, leaning towards him.
“Um.” He blinked and looked at her. “There’s five off the guest list.”
My stomach twisted.
Freya reached for him. “Who? Dad, what’s happened?”
“I just spoke to Margaret.” He looked from Freya to Grace. “Oh, hello, dear. I didn’t see you there.”
“That’s all right,” Grace said softly. “Are you okay?”
“No.” Dad’s expression cleared, and he looked at me, then Mum. “Margaret. I just spoke to her. Margaret Wellington.”
I leant towards Grace and whispered, “Dowager Countess of—”
“Coventry,” she whispered back without missing a beat.
“They won’t be able to make it, nor will Henry Edwards. Um. Goodness.” He wiped his hand down his face. “The Earl passed away in the early hours.”
