“Even so, it’s better to be prepared.”
Finally giving in, I sank onto the edge of the bed and tried not to think too hard about what was happening. Because if I did, I would absolutely start crying, and once I started, I might never stop. I was already feeling homesick and I hadn’t even left yet.
It was ridiculous. Too ridiculous to voice the thought, so I simply looked around, mentally cataloguing every tiny detail of the room so I could revisit it in my brain any time the longing became too much.
Holly and Maeve lay sprawled across the rug nearby, watching the chaos with mild interest. They would be staying here, perfectly happy with George, the groundskeeper.
Whenever I wasn’t here, they spent most of their time trailing after him anyway. Miriam had told me once that he spoiled them shamelessly, so they probably preferred him. But even though I knew they would be just fine, I hated leaving them behind.
Stella paused her rummaging around in my dresser and looked up. “Oh! I almost forgot the blue evening gloves. I’ll be right back.”
She hurried out of the room before I could tell her that I probably wouldn’t need evening gloves. Miriam continued folding the blouse she’d been busy with until the door clicked shut behind Stella. Once we were alone, she laid the blouse down carefully on top of the others in the suitcase and looked up at me.
“I think you’re making the right decision,” she said quietly. “I know it’s going to be difficult, but this is what’s right for you and for the estate, Eliza.”
My throat tightened, emotion rising from deep within. “Thank you. I certainly hope so, but that remains to be seen.”
Miriam straightened, peering at me over the top of the glasses perched at the very end of her nose. “I’ve worked for this family since your father was a teenager.”
“I know.” I smiled. “You have a frightening amount of institutional knowledge.”
She didn’t acknowledge what I’d said, simply looking at me with what appeared to be tears forming in her eyes. “I know a true Roderick when I see one, Eliza, andyouare the only one of your sisters who truly belongs to this place. If you’d been born a boy,youwould’ve been the next Earl. I’m absolutely certain of it.”
Tears pricked behind my eyes as she fell silent and I blinked quickly, forcing them back. “Well, that would’ve been wonderful, but my life will be in Chicago from now on. Daddy will simply have to do his best here without me.”
She shrugged. “You might just be surprised.”
I frowned. “Surprised about what?”
“Jesse,” she said lightly, picking up a jumper and starting to fold it. “He seems rather fond of the estate.”
“It’s only been a few days.”
“Yes, but he’s spent most of those days helping with work that wasn’t his responsibility,” she said. “He may not want to send his wife back alone every summer.”
Before I could ask her what she meant by that, she tucked the folded sweater in the suitcase and zipped it up, the first to be completely full. “In any event, we have far more pressing matters to discuss. The wedding, for example.”
I groaned. “Don’t remind me.”
She picked up a garment bag and set it neatly beside the others. “Your father has already hired the planner.”
“Of course.” It shouldn’t have been a surprise. My father was extremely keen on this wedding happening sooner rather than later so that I could get down to the business of producing an heir.
“She helped coordinate the wedding of Prince William and Katherine,” Miriam said conversationally. “I’ve heard wonderful things about her.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “What?”
She didn’t even look up from fastening the final clasp on one of my suitcases. “Oh, not to worry. She wasn’ttheplanner. Simply one of them.”
“That still seems excessive.”
“It’s a royal affair.”
“Yes, but I’m not technically royal.”
“You are close enough to warrant the services of someone who’s been tied to such a grand event before,” Miriam said firmly. “Besides, it’s done.”
“I still feel like that’s not a real category.” I lifted my hands to my temples and absently started rubbing them. “Where exactly does Father think this wedding is happening?”
