“You're a lucky man, Ravenshaw…A lucky…lucky man.” Lord Frances interrupts, tapping me on my shoulder as he hobbles his way back to his table, and when Annabella huffs a laugh, I finally give her the attention she desires and look at her.
“You know, if you put half as much effort into being kind as you did being a bitch, you might find yourself a replacement for my brother,” I laugh at her.
“Actually, my parents have already found me a suitor; there will be an announcement over the next few weeks.” She keeps a stiff upper lip as she takes another sip of her drink.
“Did it never occur to you to find a suitor for yourself? We’re not living in the dark ages anymore,” I remind her, trying to decide if I feel sorry for her or not.
“And you expect me to believe you married for love?” She laughs sarcastically. “Come on, Jack, I’m not a fool; you married that little urchin because you're a rebel. She’s a ‘screw you’ to your father for all the years he neglected you, and a ‘fuck you’ to Cecelia for making him. Well played.”Annabella puts on another phony smile as Gracie joins us, gripping my shoulder and taking the glass of iced water from my hand so she can refresh herself.
“Who knew a game of croquet could be so exhausting?” She sounds out of breath, but the smile on her face proves she's had fun.
“You should be taking things easy,” I remind her, pulling out a chair for her to use.
“Honestly, I’m fine.” She shakes her head in refusal as she takes another sip. “I’ll tell you something, those old boys still have some pep in their step.” She laughs. “Bert almost had me beat.”
“You mean Sir Robert Whitley,” Annabella corrects her.
“He hates Robert, much prefers Bert; it’s what his Navy buddies used to call him.” My girl puts her straight, and I kiss her temple and smile at Annabella, waiting for her response.
“Maybe now you're finished, the children can come out and play; itwaswho the game was intended for after all,” Annabella swipes back at her.
“I didn’t realise there were children here.” Gracie searches the space around us expectantly. “As soon as I’ve got my breath back, I’ll take them on, too.”
“I arranged a crèche for the little ones; they’re with the children's entertainer now. I’m sure it’s something you’ll be taking advantage of at next year's gathering.” Elizabeth appears from nowhere.
“That's very thoughtful of you, Elizabeth." I take Gracie’s hand.
“I do pride myself on the finer details; it’s what makes our gatherings so special.” She smiles. “The auction’s about to start. I hope you're feeling generous.” She claps her hands before moving past us to take the microphone and get things started.
“A gown designed personally by Pandora?” Gracie looks at me, unimpressed as I drive away from the Winfield mansion.
“I paid good money for that; you should be grateful.” I try hiding my smile but fail.
“Of all the things you could have bid for, you buy me more time with that insufferable woman.” Grace shakes her head. “What about the week's yachting vacation, or the trip to Antigua?"
“We already have a yacht, and you're in no fit state for a trip to Antigua," I remind her, and when she rests her head back against the car seat and sighs at the roof, I reach across so I can stroke her tummy while I drive.
“Are you going to tell me who that girl you were talking to was?” she asks. Placing her hand over mine like she wants to keep it there.
“What girl?” I wonder if she can feel our son moving around inside her right now.
“The girl who was eye-fucking you the whole time we were there and was standing with you when I finished playing with the boys.”
“Theboys.” I laugh. “I bet it’s been a while since someone called them that.”
“Don’t try to distract me from the question. I want to know who she is.” Gracie looks serious.
“You jealous?” I glance across at her accusingly
“What? No, don’t be stupid, why would I be jealous?” Now she really looks pissed off.
“I don’t know; you said yourself, just the other day, that pregnancy hormones do crazy things,” I remind her.
“Jack, I was crying over a donkey sanctuary advert on TV. It’s not the same as being jealous. But since we're on the subject, I don’t think it’s very good for our act if you're going to be seen flirting with other women.” She looks out her window to avoid eye contact.
“Flirting?” I laugh. “You think I was flirting…? For your information, Annabella was engaged to my brother. I never have, nor would I, flirt with her. She’s not my type.”
“And whatisyour type?” Gracie sounds intrigued.
