Evelyn smiled. “It was fine. We’ll be grateful when the wedding is over and we can go to France for a few weeks.”
The family house in the south of France was a favorite for relaxing. “I’d imagine a few weeks off are in order.”
Douglas ran a private business like me but also held a position in the ministry of parliamentary affairs. It was quite the load to bear. Also, like me, he grew up knowing his brother would be king but was still trained to behave like one. We were both held to the same standard as our brothers but knew we’d never have the same responsibilities. It was probably why we shared the habit of working so hard.
“When will Nicole arrive?” I asked.
The bride was one of my favorite cousins and I was glad she chose to have her wedding here. The larger palace in the capital was another option, but she chose to get married where we’d spent most of our lives growing up. She was two years older, the same age as Cian, but we’d been closer. Cian was always off with tutors and parliament members preparing for his eventual reign while Nicole and I swam and played and schemed together.
“She’ll be here tomorrow and William will arrive with his family the next day,” Evelyn said. She beamed with pride over her daughter, as she should.
“Have they made any progress with the Nairobi government?”
Douglas leaned back in his seat. “A bit, but things are moving slowly.”
Nicole and William met a few years ago while volunteering in The Gambia. They were both on the urban and environmental council with locals helping plan for development. Together, they started an organization to help other less developed countries and cities plan for growth and sustainability. They were quite the couple. I had a feeling that together, they would change the world.
“They’ll get it approved, but if they need any help please tell them to let me know.”
“I will pass that on. I know they’ll appreciate it.” Evelyn said with a smile.
“I look forward to seeing William again,” Ronan said. “I believe we have an unsettled bet.” His eyes danced with mischief.
I was protective of Nicole as though she were my own sister, but William was perfect for her. Now I just had to watch over Isla and make sure she found someone as worthy. My little sister had the tendency of finding , and I hoped she didn’t plan on inviting one this week.
Douglas sighed. “What trouble have you gotten my soon to be son-in-law in?”
Ronan took mocked offense. “William started it.”
I shook my head. I doubted that very much.
“We just have an ongoing challenge that I hope to finish by the end of the week.” Ronan’s eyes held another glimmer of scheming.
“You’ll behave yourself, Ronan.” Evelyn scolded him but she was hiding a smile.
“Of course, Auntie.” He winked at her and I rolled my eyes.
“There are my favorite aunt and uncle!” Isla breezed through the doors and kissed them on the cheek before they could even stand. I wondered why she was acting so strangely when I noticed who was following her.
Charlie stood back in a simple blue wrap dress that I hadn’t seen her in before and smiled shyly. She looked so beautiful. I couldn’t find my voice for a moment. I stood and went to her, taking her hand and placing it through my arm.
I approached my family with a forced smile. I shot Isla a discreet look before guiding Charlie to my aunt and uncle. They stood as we approached.
“Evelyn, Douglas, this is Charlie.” I glanced at her and noticed the surprise on her face. “Charlie, these are my aunt and uncle. The parents of the bride.”
Evelyn paused before stepping forward and giving her a brief hug and kiss on the cheek, which Charlie returned. “So nice to meet you, Charlie. Forgive me for my confusion. Aiden’s mother didn’t mention he was seeing anyone.”
Ronan chuckled. “Don’t worry, auntie. It was quite a shock for all of us.”
Charlie kept a smile on her face and laughed lightly. “Aiden and I haven’t been seeing each other for very long, but he was gracious enough to invite me. I hope it isn’t an inconvenience.”
I was thrown by her poised response. It was like she knew exactly how to respond. I eyed my sister and caught her proud smile. She had done a good job coaching Charlie.
“No inconvenience at all, my dear,” Evelyn assured.
“I have to admit. I’m a little intimidated about meeting the groom. Aiden told me he’s a baron. I’ve never met someone with a title.”
My aunt and uncle shared a look of confusion, but Isla jumped in swiftly. “Oh, there’s nothing to worry about. They’re just normal people like us.”
She winked at Douglas and Evelyn like they were in on a joke. They chuckled and moved on, to my great relief.
“I still can’t believe I get to stay in a real palace.” She sounded wistful.
“We’re so pleased to have you here. Heaven knows it’s about time Aiden found himself a woman as lovely as you.” Evelyn beamed.
Charlie seemed to relax a bit before Douglas extended his hand. She placed hers in his and he grinned. “My nephew should consider himself lucky that someone as beautiful and charming as yourself would be seen by his side.”
I groaned while she blushed at the compliment.
“Thank you for that, everyone. It is established that I had been a hopeless bachelor.” I laughed and we settled back into our seats. Charlie sat next to me, and I kept her hand in mine. She squeezed it and my heart seemed to tighten. I knew it was a sign she appreciated me keeping her close. There was no chance I was letting her go.
“I’m surprised you guys are back so soon.” I turned to my aunt and uncle. “I sent them out around noon and didn’t expect them before dark.”
Isla smiled at the strained look I sent her.
“I took Charlie to two stores and everything looked amazing on her. It was too easy.”
I squeezed Charlie’s hand. “I’m excited to see all you got.”
Charlie blushed again while I stored this moment in my memory. Her rosy lips parted into a slow smile and her cheeks tinted. She’d never looked more beautiful.
I turned to see Ronan studying me with a smirk. I narrowed my eyes in warning before looking away. He was up to something but I couldn't confront him in front of company. I’d deal with him later.
“Charlie, tell us more about yourself. Where are you from? How did you two meet?” Evelyn asked as tea was served with a selection of sandwiches and scones.
I tensed as she reached for her cup. She poured in a dash of milk before glancing over to Isla who made a twisting motion with her hands. Charlie gently rotated the pitcher and offering it to my aunt with the handle directed toward Evelyn.
“I just graduated from Purdue University in Indiana. It’s pretty close to where I grew up. I came to Ireland to start a grand European adventure—”
“Where she met me,” I interjected. “I saw her in a pub by herself and couldn’t let her leave without introducing myself. We ended up traveling together and I couldn’t bring myself to say goodbye, so I invited her to come with me.”
Evelyn brought her hand to her heart and sighed. “How romantic.”
Charlie stirred her tea for a split second before Isla cleared her throat quietly. Charlie paused and looked up then mirrored Isla’s movements as she moved the spoon back and forth instead of spinning it. She placed the spoon on the plate and raised the cup to her lips. No pinky out like Americans loved to do.
Isla and I exchanged glances and she winked. Somehow my sister had caught Charlie up on years of etiquette in a few short hours. I nodded discreetly and turned my attention back to the conversation.
Charlie was talking. “I’m not sure what I want to do with my degree yet. I majored in international relations because I loved the idea of traveling and meeting new people. I felt a bit in over my head traveling solo, but thanks to Aiden, I got comfortable in Ireland right away”
“How perfect that you met Aiden.” Douglas sounded a bit su
spicious and I quickly diverted the conversation.
“That’s right,” I said. “I do a fair bit of traveling with LochEnergy, so we have that in common.”
Charlie smiled at me and I relaxed for a moment before Douglas opened his mouth again, but his wife cut him off.
“How rare it is to find someone that shares your interests,” Evelyn said.
I nodded while my uncle eyed Charlie. He didn’t trust her. He probably thought she targeted me and was using the opportunity for her own gain. I had to get that thought out of his mind before he said something offensive, or even worse, give me away.
This was too much stress. I needed to tell her the truth, but not in front of an audience.
“Yeah, it is,” I said. “It took quite a bit of effort on my part to even get Charlie to talk to me when we first met.”
She laughed. “I was taught stranger danger.” She looked to my aunt and uncle. “He asked me if I was alone and I immediately thought of my step-mom and how she warned me to never tell anyone I was by myself. I froze and he tried to assure me he wasn’t a kidnapper or murderer which I thought was exactly what a murderer would say.”
Everyone but Douglas was laughing. “So, you didn’t know him…”
She shook her head. “Not at all. It wasn’t until he pointed out George that I even really trusted him, but I guess it was George that I trusted.”
Douglas shot me a look like he was getting more confused by the moment. He knew who George was, he’s been with the family since Douglas and my father were young adults, but he probably wasn’t used to people talking about my driver and assistant like he was a friend.
“I knew there was a reason I kept the old bugger around.” I laughed and leaned into her. “She’s kept me on my toes ever since.”
She smiled at me and Isla and Evelyn gazed at us like they were pleased with what they were seeing.
The conversation moved on to Ronan and his adventures at university. As soon as it was appropriate, I excused myself and Charlie and practically ran away with her.
We made it to the front hall before I felt like I could breathe again. I positioned her so that her back was facing the portraits. My mind was spinning. How would I get her to her room without seeing mine?
“Your aunt’s so nice,” she said. “I really like her, but I’m not sure your uncle is a fan of mine.”
I glanced around to make sure there weren’t any listening ears. “I’m sorry. He’s just protective. They really are wonderful. I’m excited for you to meet Nicole, the bride. She’s like another sister. We grew up together.”
“Should I be offended?” Isla appeared around the corner and approached us.
“Of course not. You know you’re my favorite actual sister.”
She chuckled. “That’s good because I totally saved you.”
I looked from her to Charlie. “What do you know?”
She smirked. “That you and Charlie have only known each other for a full day.”
Panic filled Charlie’s eyes. “It’s close to two now,” she said, clearly trying to change the subject.
“What are you planning on doing with that information?” I challenged Isla.
Her hands went to her waist. “I’m on your side, Aiden. Why else do you think I gave Charlie a crash course on tea etiquette before joining? Why else wouldn’t I have outed you when I had the chance?”
She raised a brow and I got her double meaning. She hadn’t told Charlie nor our family the real situation.
I rubbed my neck. “Thank you, Isla.”
She rolled her eyes. “That’s better.”
A butler strode into the hall. “Dinner will be served in an hour in the portrait gallery.” With the same efficiency, he disappeared down the hallway.
My gaze collided with my sister’s. That could only mean one thing. Our parents were home.
Isla’s expression tightened around her eyes. She was just as stressed as I was.
“Charlie, why don’t you go up and change into that gray dress. I’ll be up in a second to help fix your hair.”
Charlie looked between us with suspicious. “Is dinner always a fancy occasion?”
Isla gestured airily. “Just when family is in town.”
Charlie’s eyebrows came together. “Okay.”
She didn’t seem convinced.
“Remember, the groom’s family is titled. So it’s more of a formal event when they’re all together.” I was lying through my teeth and I hated it. Tomorrow morning I’d tell her the truth. We just had to survive tonight.
Charlie moved up the stairs and disappeared around the corner as Ronan approached us. “Mum and Dad are home, and they want to see you. About her.”
I cringed. “How do they already know?”
He rolled his eyes. “You know the house has ears everywhere. I’m sure they knew the moment you landed.”
“But I haven’t told Charlie the truth yet.”
Ronan scoffed. “Knucklehead, that’s your problem.”
Isla looked uncomfortable. “Maybe we can pull it off?”
Her lack of confidence wasn’t lost on me. “And risk her figuring it all out? No, I have to go tell her.”
“You can’t, you have to go see them.” Ronan pushed.
I closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Okay. I’ll go talk to them then change for dinner. I’ll meet Charlie at her room afterward and tell her.”
Isla nodded. “Hurry.”
I took off to my parent’s drawing room hoping the conversation would be brief.
9
Charlie
I changed into the dove gray dress I fell in love with at the store. I’d been hoping to save this for a special event, but Isla had assured me this was appropriate. I turned on my curling iron and sat on the stool in front of the vanity. I began adding in a few curls when there was a quick knock on the door. Before I could turn, the door swung open and Isla stepped in. She was smiling, but I could see a bit of nervousness in her eyes.
“Everything okay?” I asked.
She blinked and her expression relaxed. “Of course.”
She was wearing a beautiful, turquoise dress with a high, square neckline and a pleated skirt. Now I was grateful I’d changed. Dinner would probably be more formal around here.
“Here, let me help.” She took the iron from me and expertly wrapped my hair.
Her blonde curls were twisted up in a loose chignon with thick strands floating around her face.
I gazed at her in wonder. “How did you do your hair so quickly?”
She met my eyes in the mirror as she twisted a new section of hair. “Lots of practice.”
Faster than I’d ever done in my life, my hair was curled and she’d brushed it into soft waves. My hair had never looked so good and she made curling hair look effortless.
“Thank you.” I carefully touched a section wishing I could freeze it like this forever.
She smiled and handed me a small velvet box. “I thought these would go well with your dress.”
I opened the box and gasped. Sparkling diamonds held up oblong pearls. They were so unusual, so different from the little spheres I’d always seen. “These are beautiful. I can’t possibly wear them.”
“Nonsense. They’ll be lovely.” She took the box out of my hands and set it on the vanity before slipping one out and handing it to me. “Just try.”
I slid on the earring that was absolutely worth more than my education cost. Once I had both on, I looked in the mirror and admired them. “I feel like a princess.”
Isla’s smile grew. “You look like one.”
She held out her hand and helped me stand. “Now, I have two options for shoes. Do you prefer nude or gray? I didn’t know how matchy you like to be.”
I pretended like this was something I thought about regularly. At home, I avoided heels in general, and when I thought about shoes, I just wanted to make sure they didn’t clash. I couldn’t remember a time when I’d worried about matchi
ng too closely. Prom maybe?
I slipped a foot into each style and walked around. The gray pair was much more comfortable. I stuck out that foot and posed for her. “How do these look?”
She nodded her approval. “Perfect.”
I sucked in a breath. “Thanks for all your help.” I looked down at the ground. “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you the truth from the beginning. I feel like you’re wasting your time on me.”
She stepped forward and lifted my chin. “You’re worth it, Charlie. My brother sees something special in you and so do I.” She stepped back and squared her shoulders. “Now, chin up and straighten those shoulders.” I followed her instructions and she smiled. “Much better.”
A knock sounded and she hurried to open the door. “Ronan, what is it?”
“It’s time.”
She glanced at me, her smile appeared to be strained, and then she relaxed. “Okay, let’s get going.”
I moved to the door and followed them down the corridor.
“Where’s Aiden?” Isla asked her brother and he cleared his throat.
“He got caught in a meeting for longer than expected. He’ll meet us down there.”
Isla nodded and looked over her shoulder at me. I smiled but the one she gave in return lacked the warmth from before. Something was wrong, but they didn’t want to tell me.
I slowed my steps. Should I turn back and stay in my room?
Ronan noticed I wasn’t following and stopped. His blue eyes, that matched his brothers’, seemed stressed. “Come on, Charlie. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
What an odd thing to say. “That obviously means there is.”
He laughed nervously and looked to his sister. “Smart girl, that one.”
Isla’s smile turned brittle. “It’s just dinner. There will be more people to meet.”
Oh. That was all? Were they worried I’d embarrass them or myself? “Anything I should know before I walk in?”
Ronan bit his lip and Isla looked at the ceiling. Great, they were both keeping something from me.
“Oh no,” I said. “It’s the groom’s family isn’t it?”
They shared a look before turning to me. “What do you mean?” Ronan asked.
His Royal Request: Royals of Lochland Book I Page 7