Her Improper Affair

by Shea Mcmaster

  First was a call from Drew.

  Then Albert, Court’s brother-in-law, of all people.

  Then Court and Randi together.

  “We’ll do the family dinner on Thursday, just as we would back in the States,” Randi said. She said it sweetly, but Oswald caught the hint of steamroller behind the velvet curtain. “If you want to ask her then, that’s perfect. We’ll help however you want.”

  “Okay,” he said slowly.

  “We don’t want to step on your toes,” she assured him with a mild purr in her voice, but to him it sounded like the growl of a lioness. “And we’re adding a ball the next night to celebrate and announce the engagement.”

  Now that alarmed him. “What if she says no?”

  “Easy, Oswald,” Court said. “She won’t. We have our own spies, not to mention the pictures that have been showing up in the tabloids. Everyone confirms she has the look of love in her eyes.”

  Good. God. He hadn’t been following the tabloids. Never had. “What pictures?”

  “Usually back on page three or four, so you’ve haven’t been front page news, but someone has the paps keeping an eye on you,” Randi confirmed. “The pictures are very nice, and all the commentary is complimentary. They’re all speculating on whether you’ve finally been lassoed or not.”

  Oswald groaned. “I appreciate the help, I really do, and I’ve had many offers. About the only people who haven’t called yet are my uncle and Courtney’s grandmother.”

  “Oh dear.” Randi sighed. “We’re pressuring you. We’re just so excited it’s hard to hold back.”

  “I promise you can go to town on the wedding,” Oswald said. “But I think this part is up to me to figure out. I just have no idea how to put on a show Robinson style.”

  Both his future in-laws laughed. “You’re a smart man,” Court said. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out. Just a hint, she prefers gold to silver.”

  “And something personal makes it more special, like the tea bag Court gave me,” Randi added. “Just think back on your defining moments and something will come to you.”

  They rang off, leaving Oswald to figure out which defining moment stood out the most. There were so many. When they met at Court and Randi’s wedding, followed by the trip to California. Birdie’s graduation from Stanford. Dancing at Drew’s wedding. A troublesome trolley. Wine. Ascot with the winning bets and the bee sting. Her first fancy hats… There were so many moments in his head he couldn’t sort them out. How could he pick just one? And if he managed, how would he work it into a proposal?

  Larry was the next to call.

  “Uncle, if you’re calling to give me advice on how to stage a proposal, I have to tell you many have already voiced their opinions.”

  Larry laughed. There was nothing he loved better than being in the middle of a big secret. “What are you thinking?”

  “Randi suggested selecting a defining moment as a theme.”

  “Ah, which Court managed with a jewel-filled tea bag.”

  Yeah, it only cost him about fifteen thousand pounds, on top of a ring that matched the family necklace and earring set Court had given Randi.

  “I’m not quite that loaded,” Oswald grumbled.

  “Of course not, but I do believe Birdie likes jewelry. A bracelet might work. Or you could get Paul Robinson to sing for you while you go down on bended knee. Or have him play backup while you sing her a sappy love song.”

  “Sing?” Appalled, he held the phone from his ear and stared at it. “I like the idea about Paul doing the singing. I can’t sing a note.”

  “Bollocks. You were in the school choir. You can sing.”

  Of course his uncle would remember that. The man was a vault of Oswald’s childhood memories. As bad as any over-proud father.

  “I’ll think of something.” Once more Oswald’s glasses came off and he rubbed his eyes. “I have three and a half weeks. I can do this.”

  “I’m here if you need me. Just say the word, and I’ll help in any way you need.”

  “Thanks. Just what I need, more helpers.”

  “Sometimes it takes a village, Oz. It’s a sign of great love that they all want to help you. It’s also a sign of great approval. Can’t expect anything like this with another girl. Most of the families we know would be demanding to see your financials before giving approval. Court didn’t flinch, did he?”

  “No, he certainly didn’t. In fact, he outright demanded I ask him. Wasn’t planning on asking until Christmas, if the truth be told.”

  “Always tell the truth,” Larry said cheerfully and rung off.

  The most surprising call of all came from Court’s mother. The elder Mrs. Robinson. Who invited both he and Courtney to dinner.

  Over coffee and cake she got to the point, her blue eyes focused solely on him. “Oswald, I’ve just heard you two are in a relationship, and before you two go further, I want to clear the air about something that has bothered me for some time.”

  While his head spun in confusion, she continued. “I always figured you were too proud of that family title to deign to speak with us commoners. Nevertheless, this summer I began to think maybe I was mistaken.”

  Oswald nearly choked on his tongue. “Pardon me, Mrs. Robinson? I’m not following you.”

  “Oh you.” He’d never seen her roll her eyes, but she came close then. “Ever since you were a boy, you always stood off to the side watching. I’ve never had a child make me feel so pedestrian in my life. Haven’t changed much in that regard, young man.” She sniffed before taking a sip of her coffee.

  “I beg your pardon?” Oswald repeated himself because he really couldn’t think of anything else to say. If she was saying what he thought she was saying, she had it all wrong, and he wasn’t sure how to go about correcting her.

  “Just because you come from a titled line doesn’t make you better than anyone else. Didn’t your Uncle Larry ever teach you that? Oh sure”—she waved a hand as if to sweep away the importance of his possible, long-shot at a title—“you’re in line for a Barony, but you’re pretty far down the line, aren’t you?”

  Oswald coughed to cover his choke. “Sorry, ma’am, but you’ve got it all wrong. It wasn’t me looking down on you and your family, it was me doing my level best to not impose my unfortunate circumstances on you. I’m not good enough to be in your circle to begin with, so I always figured if I was quiet no one would notice me. Fewer chances of getting kicked out to sleep in the stables that way.”

  “Not good enough?” Across the table from him, Courtney choked out the question with indignity. “Who says you’re not good enough to hang out with the Robinsons?”

  “That would be the whole of upper crust society,” he said with no small sense of irony. “I’m not quite a bastard, but probably the next worst thing. The dependent fringe relative. The poor relation who had to be taken in and raised with those more privileged.”

  The sound of Courtney scoffing echoed in the dining room of her grandmother’s town flat.

  Mrs. Robinson plowed onward. “What utter rubbish. Not good enough for the likes of us? I’d say you’re a sight better connected than we are. Damn your relatives for making you feel any other way. I’ll have to have words with Lawrence myself,” she added darkly.

  “I’d say so,” Courtney added. “Not good enough? That’s bull—I mean that’s garbage.” A glance showed her shooting a fast look at her grandmother.

  “Mind your language, young lady, or you’ll prove my point we’re not good enough to be seen with him.”

  Courtney took her grandmother’s admonishment with a heavy sigh. “See?” she said to Oswald. “You’re better mannered than I am.”

  “Almost everybody in England has better manners than you,” Mrs. Robinson snapped.

  “Easy, Mrs. Robinson,” Oswald interrupted. “That’s my girlfriend you’re casting aspersions on. She has very nice manners.”

  “She could have better mann
ers.”

  “Maybe, but she’s damn near perfect as she is. I don’t mind a little imperfection to spice things up.”

  Mrs. Robinson answered with a sniff. “In any case, Oswald, you need to get that chip off your shoulder. You’re better than a great many people who claim to be upper crust. You don’t make scenes, you are unfailingly polite and courteous. You open doors for ladies, make sure everyone is taken care of. You are also thrifty and resourceful, don’t waste time or money, and know how to dance. Your table manners are impeccable, and you never make a boor of yourself. Many a snooty young woman has missed the opportunity to catch your interest, instead they used you for arm candy, then dropped you the moment someone richer or more entitled came along.” The older woman reached over and poked Courtney in the shoulder. “In fact, you should marry him. You’ll not find anyone better.”

  Oswald and Courtney choked together.

  “Thank you. Grandmother,” Courtney said. “I’m not ready to marry at this time. I figure it will be a few years before I am.” A pretty blush covered her cheeks as she shot him a shy, uncertain smile. “And then I’m sure Oswald already has someone in mind. Someone more appropriate to his social standing.”

  Not bloody likely. Marriage was something he’d never imagined for himself because most of London knew his circumstances. He didn’t bother setting anyone straight on that score, and Courtney would know soon enough, but he wasn’t prepared to take that step tonight.

  Instead he apologized to Mrs. Robinson for the misunderstanding, ignoring the reference to matrimony altogether. “Was never my intention to make you think I set myself above you, or anyone in your family. I was just grateful you let me in the door, let alone at the dinner table. Drew’s mother always made it clear I was accepted only because my uncle was a great chum of her husband.”

  “Beatrice.” The older woman sighed. “The best thing she ever did was have Andrew. The rest, well, I’m ashamed of her.”

  The whole conversation was making Oswald extremely uncomfortable. Probably why he seldom interacted with the elder Mrs. Robinson. Although he’d had no idea she’d thought he thought he was above her family. Truth was, she’d always intimidated him.

  So, what message was she sending him now?

  At the door, Mrs. Robinson put her cheek up for him to kiss, then patted his arm. “You’ll do, Oswald. You’ll do very well, indeed.”

  The tight knot around his lungs loosened. She’d just given him her blessing.

  In the car, Birdie nervously twisted her fingers together. “Please don’t let my grandmother twist your arm. I assure you I’m not pushing for marriage, or any kind of long-term commitment. I’m very happy with how things are right now.” Even in the darkness of the car, he could see her cheeks burned bright red. “I’m so embarrassed over her behavior tonight. I mean, it’s good she’s decided to like you; that part was great. But the rest?” She buried her face in her hands. “I’m not sure I can face you now.”

  Oswald reached over and pulled the closest hand away from her face. “It’s okay, Courtney. The moment was painful, yes, but now we have a clear understanding. And I’m relieved. I didn’t realize how much I wanted her approval all these years. The fact I have it makes me feel ten feet tall. The fact you love me makes me feel twenty feet tall. Practically invincible.” He shot her a quick grin before turning onto a busy thoroughfare. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed each knuckle without taking his eyes from the road. Eventually her embarrassment would fade, and he wanted to give her what time he could. Hopefully by the time they parked outside his house, she’d be over it.

  Chapter 30

  It was a familiar scene. Ozzie pulled his car up in front of Lynford Hall, the country seat of the Robinson family for too many generations to count. He glanced over at Courtney who vibrated with excitement. Although the Thanksgiving holiday was a mystery to him, he couldn’t help but absorb her joy. After all, hadn’t the pilgrims who’d left England celebrated their survival in the New World with this feast? What were good queen-loving Brits doing celebrating it?

  In this case he knew the family was celebrating the day two years ago when Court and Randi met again for the first time in more than twenty years. Court called it feast of giving thanks for finding not only his true love, but another piece of his heart. His daughter.

  That alone was reason to celebrate in Oswald’s book.

  Courtney smiled at him, the big one that lit up his life. The one she used to announce she was happy in the best way. Hopefully in a few hours she’d be even happier.

  Wanting a kiss, and so much more, he reached out and cupped the back of her head to gently tug her to meet him over the console for a kiss. A kiss for now. Tonight… Well, he hoped he’d get the so much more he’d planned for.

  As they were the last to arrive, the front door opened, and people began spilling out into the chilly autumn air.

  “Damn,” Courtney softly swore. “Not a moment’s peace to be found down here.”

  “Tonight,” he promised her and took his kiss before the doors on both sides of the car were thrown open.

  “Kiss her later,” Drew demanded. “I flew halfway around the world to see you; he’s had you to himself for months. Come on now, out of the car, you two.”

  Oswald reluctantly let her go, and hit the boot button so Martin could unload their luggage.

  Court met Oswald first with a firm handshake that turned into a manly back-slapping hug. Which was a first.

  Randi was next with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, her green eyes sparkling. It seemed he was due to receive a hero’s welcome today. Fortunately Courtney didn’t notice as she faced her own enthusiastic greetings from Drew and Meilin.

  “What did you come up with?” Randi asked quietly.

  This one he had. “You’ll have to wait and be surprised.”

  Randi gasped, so much like her daughter, and then she slapped at his arm. “You’re as bad as Court,” she declared much to her husband’s amusement. “He won’t tell me a thing.”

  “That’s because he also has no clue.” Oswald gloated just a little.

  Both he and Court laughed at her disgruntled look. “Fine. Be that way.” She turned away, leading them into the house as she spoke over her shoulder. “It’s a good thing you arrived dressed, no time to change, dinner will be on the table in fifteen minutes. You have time to quickly freshen up and say hello to the rest of the family.”

  On her way into the house she took time to hug Courtney, then drag her along.

  “So,” Court strung out the word as Drew hurried over to them. “No hints?”

  Oswald shook Drew’s hand and endured another manly hug. “Yeah, let’s see the goodies,” Drew said.

  “Not on your lives,” Oswald told them. “You two, and the rest of your family, harassed me enough this past month, so now you have to wait until Courtney sees it. It’s her gift after all.”

  Court slapped a hand on his shoulder and guided him toward the house. “I just never dreamed of putting on a wedding for a little girl. Now it’s all I can think of and my wife is no better. We just want to see you both happy.”

  “Thoughts appreciated. Although this family thing will take getting used to.”

  Drew barked out a laugh. “At least you’re not arguing with five thousand years of Chinese tradition. We’re now negotiating where the first child will be born.”

  “Oh?” Oswald stared down his friend. Soon to be brother. Somehow the acknowledgement felt as right as marrying Courtney.

  “Shhhh.” Drew placed a finger on his lips. “That news is for later this weekend. Today is your day. Well, Birdie’s day too.”

  A glance at Court showed his smug smile. “A new son and a grandson at the same time. Can’t imagine a better life.”

  Inside, greetings were quickly exchanged with the members of the Robinson family who could make it for the mid-day feast. Most surprising of all was Oswald’s own Uncle Wilton and Aunt P
enelope. There was little time to contemplate that oddity before they were called into the dining hall.

  Apparently there was a rule Thanksgiving dinner had to be served no later than two o’clock on the fourth Thursday of November. The elder aunts and uncles were missing, but Court’s sister, Liza, and her family were there. As was the elder Mrs. Robinson who made it clear she expected Oswald to kiss her cheek. The old lady was actually growing on him. Getting their misunderstanding out of the way had helped a lot. Smirking beside Mrs. Robinson was Courtney’s grandfather, also a guest at the dinner two years ago. No, he wouldn’t miss this, Oswald acknowledged as he shook the man’s hand.

  Uncle Larry of course was there, right beside Uncle Wilton. Oswald’s cousins were missing, but he didn’t mind. This was mind boggling enough. Even Meilin’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wu, were there. A fine film of sweat began to gather above Oswald’s lip. He hadn’t expected such an audience.

  Paul Robinson also waved from across the room, his guitar discreetly tucked away. Courtney didn’t seem to notice it, which was a good thing. At the end of dessert, the plan was for champagne to be served. Paul would then pick up his guitar and start playing in the background while Oswald made his way toward Courtney. He even had a speech memorized, and at the end, he’d go down on one knee and beg her to marry him. He’d gone over the speech a hundred times, mentally rehearsed the entire proposal, every step and action. She’d be dazzled and unable to say no.

  All too quickly, or not soon enough, depending on one’s view, Martin appeared at the doorway of the drawing room dressed in traditional butler togs. “Dinner is served.”

  Court held out his elbow to Courtney while Randi grabbed Oswald’s arm. “We’re separating you two during dinner,” she announced cheerfully.

  Courtney tried to protest the seating arrangement. “Dad, shouldn’t this be Gran’s seat?”

  “Not today, darling girl. I haven’t seen my daughter in far too long. You can flirt with your boyfriend later. This afternoon you’re mine.”