‘That’s beautiful,’Lady Hampton signs.‘And that’s why you know the value of words on paper. Of things that last.’
I nod, my throat too tight to sign properly.
‘Well then—’she continues.‘You’re perfect for this job. More than perfect.’
‘You’re so kind,’I can’t help signing to her.‘Thank you. So much.’
Lady Hampton only looks at me, but her face is just so expressive that I can practically hear what she’s saying without words.
Oh, Evianne.
And for some reason, it makes my eyes prick with tears.
‘I can feel your pain. And I want you to know that you don’t have to pretend to be strong. It’s okay not to be okay.’
I look down at my orange juice, blinking rapidly, trying to force the tears back.
Don’t cry.
Lady Hampton reaches across the aisle and squeezes my hand.
Just once.
Then she sits back and changes the subject, signing about the different fountain pens in the collection, about the history of the Hampton company, about how her late husband started collecting vintage pens on their honeymoon in Paris.
And I’m grateful, so grateful, that she’s giving me space to breathe while also...not leaving me alone with my thoughts. It’s almost uncanny, but sad at the same time, how a woman I’ve known for less than six hours understands me better than Joseph did in three years.
A part of me wants to think it’s because she’s just sensitive that way, but I think it’s time I stop fooling myself. I know we’re always supposed to see the good in other people, but we’re always supposed to be honest, too.
And the truth was...
Joseph never really knew me...because he never cared enough to pay attention to what I wanted.
Lady Hampton is now talking about her son, Veil, and what catches my attention is when she describes him as‘complicated’.
‘How so?’
Her face turns pensive.‘He was too young when his father died. But he had no choice.’Her hands move more slowly now.‘He had to grow up overnight. He had take on the title as duke and take over the company. Manage the estate. I did my best to help him, of course. But even when my husband was alive, my role was always in the background, never at the helm. And I suppose that’s how...he built walls around himself that I’m not sure anyone’s gotten through.’
‘That must have been hard,’I sign.‘For both of you.’
‘It was.’She meets my eyes.‘But he’s stronger for it. Even if he’s also more...guarded.’
The way she signs ‘guarded’ makes me nervous.
‘I should warn you about something,’Lady Hampton continues, and now her expression is almost apologetic.‘My previous assistants...they all threw themselves at Veil within days. Every single one.’
Oh.
‘He’s learned to expect it,’she continues.‘Learned to be...cynical about women’s motives. Especially women who work for me.’She squeezes my hand.‘Please don’t take his coldness personally. He’s just protecting himself. He doesn’t trust easily.’
I nod slowly, processing this.
I understand, I sign to Lady Hampton.‘And I promise—I’m here to work. Nothing else.’
‘I know.’
Lady Hampton smiles as she says this, and her smile...
