She exhaled, knowing full well that they had just uncovered something far bigger than either of them had anticipated. Yet, despite the unease coiling in her stomach, she couldn’t ignore the pull. She wanted to know the rest of the story.
Oliver studied the photographs again. ‘Arthur Rose,’ he murmured, before placing them back on the table.
‘We know there was a scandal, and the Earl chose to disappear from public life,’ he said slowly, as if piecing together a puzzle. ‘But was that because he was having an affair with Beatrice?’ He picked up his phone and quickly typed something into the search bar. ‘Let’s see what we can find on Arthur Rose. Was that just a name that he made up?’
‘I doubt you’ll find much on the internet. It was a long time ago.’
‘You’re probably right but leave it with me.’ Oliver’s tone was confident. ‘After all, I do have contacts in the Royal Family.’
Clemmie’s expression turned serious. ‘Please don’t let Fiona get wind of this.’
Oliver met her gaze. ‘Of course I won’t. Let me see if I can uncover anything first…’ He paused for a moment. ‘My granny knows everything. How would you feel if we went and spoke to her?’
Clemmie thought for a moment. ‘All this was a long time ago, well before her lifetime. Do you really think that she’d know anything? Maybe we’ve uncovered all there is to know. Henry fell in love with Beatrice, became Arthur and lived the normal life he craved.’
‘Possibly,’ replied Oliver. ‘But we could try? My granny is travelling to Scotland tomorrow. Maybe we could meet her somewhere or she could stop off here? What do you think?’
‘I’m thinking I should check with my granny first.’
‘But is there any need? What if we don’t uncover anything else, and upset her needlessly?’
Clemmie thought for a second. ‘Okay. You’re probably right. Thank you. See if she has time.’
Oliver leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. ‘I noticed the Royal Yacht is still here. Apparently, there’s a problem with the engine?’
‘Yes, I’d heard the same.’
Oliver finished his tea and placed his mug on the coffee table, ‘Are we okay? I really didn’t mean to upset you. It was unbelievably thoughtless of me to write that review, and I didn’t consider the consequences, especially how it would make you feel.’
Clemmie studied him for a moment before asking, ‘When we met in London, did you remember writing it?’
He shook his head firmly. ‘Not at all. It was only when Fiona arrived on Puffin Island for the competition and sensed there was history between us that she reminded me. That was when I realised where my priorities truly lay, and it wasn’t with my money or reputation. Maybe I should take a leaf out of the Earl’s book and give up the life I know for love.’
She hesitated, then asked, ‘Do you think you could?’
Oliver’s gaze met hers, something unreadable flickering in his eyes, sending a shiver down her spine. ‘That depends entirely on your plans,’ he said with a slow, teasing grin.
Clemmie let out a soft laugh and swiped at him playfully. ‘You are incorrigible.’
‘Let me phone Granny and see if there’s a chance we can meet up tomorrow.’
Chapter Thirty-One
The next morning Betty and Clemmie sat at their usual table in the café, the comforting aroma of fresh coffee and warm pastries filling the air. The café wasn’t officially open yet, but that was one of the perks of being the owner: you could sit in your own establishment before the chaos of the day began.
Clemmie gazed at Betty over the rim of her coffee cup. ‘So, where did you walk to yesterday?’ she asked.
Betty looked up, stirring a spoon through her tea. ‘I went to see Pete.’
Clemmie’s brows lifted slightly. ‘Did you tell him?’
‘Yes, I needed some perspective.’ Betty sat back, pushing her cup aside. ‘And, well, he gave it to me.’
Of course he had. Pete always did.
‘He said it how it is.’
Clemmie tilted her head, waiting. ‘And how is it?’
