"Yes, in person. And I think Izy will be with him."
"Izy? I haven’t seen her for what? It’ll be 15 years."
"Neither have we. She left London to study abroad, I know she came home three years ago."
"Really? Our little Izy...”
"Yes, from what little I know, she’s a lawyer now. Many law firms contend for her, and she’s gorgeous."
"Even as a child, she was," I say, smiling. "It’ll be nice to see her again. I'm going to rest for a while before the guests arrive."
"Sure, your room is always ready."
"Thanks, Alice." I kiss her on the cheek and go up to the room.
I take off my clothes and take a hot shower. What a pity I couldn't ask Isabel for her number.Argh! Fuck my life!
Chapter Seven
Isabel
Being at home is strange. A feeling of oppression assails me. I look around before entering the house. It looks the same.
The green lawns, perfectly cut, the hedges with their funny shapes, Mom's roses.
I sigh as I approach her corner of paradise. I always miss her. I have few memories of her, but I treasure them jealously in my heart.
Mom had a passion for gardening, and roses were her favorite. As I smell a yellow rose, a memory comes to mind.
I am six years old and Mom is tending the roses while Nathan and I play in the grass. I’d fallen and skinned my knee. Nathan had made me sit on the bench, where he was washing the wound. I still remember Mom's smile when Nathan asked her if he could get a yellow rose for me to make me smile again. She cut it off and gave it to him.
Nathan... who knows where he is right now?
Life has pushed us away but, in my heart, there will always be a special room for my best friend.
I take a deep breath and walk into the house. Dad is on the phone but as soon as he sees me, he says goodbye to the other person, ending the phone call. Then he approaches me.
"Izy, baby, welcome home!"
"Thanks, Dad. You're always busy."
"Yes, I know, but I'm done. Today I want to spend time with you. Tonight, we go to dinner with Gabriel. He can't wait to see you."
"It would be nice to see him," I reply.
Oh, great!I’d rather be on a plane than have a boring dinner with the Duke of Weister! After all, life has always been like this—dinners, rallies, and public appearances.
The afternoon passes slowly between chat and information. Dad updates me on all the news lost in recent years.
After a delicious lunch, I go upstairs for a nap. Although the journey was pleasant, I’m tired and if we have to go to the Weisters' tonight, I must be in good shape.
I can't wait to hug Nanny Alice. She was fabulous. I remember that to keep us busy, so that we didn’t destroy the house, she let us help her make cookies and cakes. Being with her in the kitchen was fun. She was a modern Mary Poppins, so sweet and caring. I have so many memories of her, at least until Mom died. Then I never heard from her again. It’s a shame that I lost every bond I had in my childhood.
After a couple of hours of sleep and an invigorating bath, I'm choosing the perfect outfit for tonight. I choose a black and white off-shoulder dress with stiletto heels and loose hair. I wear light make-up, thinking about the time I’ve spent away from here. I haven't seen the duke in a lifetime.
When we arrive at the manor of the Duke of Weister, memories come back to me, of every time I was here as a child. All the races in the garden with Nathan, all the good memories that kept me company during my departure from here. They were my lifeline in the dark times during college.
We were always here. The dukes and dads have always been friends. We often spent the holidays together, by the sea or lake.
