“But lately, I’ve been dipping my toe into directing,” she continues. “I’ve done a few commercials and have just finished my first documentary.”
“She’s followed a family from Ukraine,” Mrs. Theissen says with a mother’s pride. “Beautifully done.”
“You’re a bit biased.” Fern slips an arm around her mother with a smile. “But thank you. You’re sweet.”
Someone should fit Fern with that halo after all. “Sounds wonderful,” I manage.
I wish Stella were here. My sister refuses to let anyoneintimidate her.
“So is staying in a castle,” Fern says with real excitement. “I’ve visited Mum a few times over the years, but usually she comes home to see us.”
“Us?”
“My brother, Patrick. He takes after Mum and works at Buckingham Palace as a private secretary to Queen Camilla.”
“I believe Miss McKibbon knows him,” Mrs. Theissen adds.
“I didn’t know you had children,” I confess. Ten years away from my father meant I missed out on a lot.
“My pride and joy. Their lives keep them busy, but thankfully they’re very good at keeping in touch.” There’s a hollow feeling in my stomach after she says that, mainly because I’ve never heard, nor will ever, my mother speak about Stella and me like that.
“I know your father is pleased you’ve been staying here,” she continues. “Mr. Carrington isn’t here this morning, I see.”
There’s only a little disapproval in her tone.
“I expect him any minute, actually.”
“Carrington?” Fern frowns. “As in—”
“Door’s open for me already,” Ashton calls from the hall. “Which means you’re—Mrs. Theissen,” he adds with surprise. His grin transforms into a polite smile when he sees I’m not alone. “How are you today? And—”
Ashton comes to a screeching stop at the sight of Fern. Of course he does. She’s a beautiful woman. But then… it gets worse.
“Fifi?” After four weeks of daily interactions, I’m now able to read Ashton’s expressions. He’s surprised to see Fern. Shocked, even.
But… happy. I can tell that too. My stomach sinks as low as it can go. Is this why Ashton never—
“Ashton?” Fern practically squeals with delight. “What—? How—? Where—? Mummy, you never told me Ashton was here!”
“I didn’t know you were acquainted with Mr. Carrington,” Mummy—Mrs. Theissen says sourly.
“What a lovely surprise.” Fern—Fifi?—throws long arms around Ashton, rising on tiptoes to press herself against him. “So fun! But why? Did you know I was coming? Let’s catch up, shall we?”
34
Ashton
Didnotseethatcoming.
Mrs. Theissen leaves Fifi with us. I expect they brought her in to meet Sophie to be a distraction, a buffer between us.
Guess that didn’t work out so well for them.
I met Fifi years ago through Lavinia. She’s a nice girl—nice enough for me to think twice before I made a move on her.
Mrs. Theissen calls for more tea, and I feel rude asking for coffee. Once she sees we’re all playing nice, she leaves, and Sophie pours tea for us.
Fifi keeps talking animatedly about people we have in common, and places we’ve been. She tells us about the film she’s working on and asks about my racing.
