I shake my head, hoping to rattle something loose in there to make sense of all this. “But my father wasn’t titled,” I croak.
Mr. Ziegenhagen clears his throat again. I’m of a mind to find him a cough drop. “Right. Yes.” He fumbles in his papers. “I’ve been in contact with the Lord Chancellor of the peerage about this situation, and after he took some time to review the situation, he is of the thought that allowing Lady Graf’s title to go extinct is not in the best interest of the peerage, given the long history your family has in service to Emarvia.”
I blink at him, all kinds of things racing through my brain but nothing colliding to make any sensible words.
Producing a flask from a drawer in her desk, Dean Michael pours some of its contents into a glass and passes it over to me. I sip the scotch gingerly; I’ve never been one for the peaty flavor. Still, it does the job of calming my mind so I can actually think.
“Miss Sumner,” the dean says delicately. “I am sure this is a lot for you to take in, but there are matters that must be discussed. With you and your solicitor.” Shegestures to Mr. Ziegenhagen. “And also in regards to your remaining time here at Merryton College.”
“I don’t understand. What does any of this have to do with my schooling?”
Dean Michael folds her hands on the table and fixes me with a look that reminds me of the doctors at the hospital after Aunt Sarah’s stroke. “Miss Sumner, you are a fine student, and the Maier family is most pleased with your work with their children. However, with this new change in life, I believe it is advisable for you to take some time away so you may adjust to this new role without the pressures of education and employment.”
“But members of the peerage have day jobs all the time.”
The dean nods. “Indeed. However, many of them were also brought up in anticipation of those roles. They have been educated in the duties and responsibilities of their titles, on the tradition and expectations within the peerage. Mr. Ziegenhagen and I believe it would be to your benefit to take a sabbatical, only until the start of the spring term next year, so you may immerse yourself in learning your new role and you can begin your life as Countess Graf successfully.”
Countess Graf.I would be Countess.
“What about the Maiers? They’re expecting me to begin with them full-time soon.”
“We will work with Lord and Lady Maier to find a suitable substitute until you are ready.”
This is all too much, too fast, and I’m having trouble keeping my thoughts straight. Apparently, that’s the theme of my life in the last few months.Too much,too fast.I worked to make my life a simple one when I came to Emarvia. Go to university. On to nanny college. Career with a wonderful family. Nobody to answer to but my boss. My plans are quickly dropping away from me.
“And what if I refuse the title?” All I can manage is a whisper.
Mr. Ziegenhagen pushes his glasses higher on his nose.
“As the last remaining family member who may inherit, a refusal would mean the title goes extinct, her home and possessions go to the national trust, and the charities she funds would likely be disbanded.”
My aunt’s home, full of items and works of art and antiques curated by her and by centuries of my family, gone to the national trust. And her charitable activities all for not. The girls she sponsors for private school, the home for trafficked women, the art therapy initiative for children of domestic violence, and her favorite, the High Five Project, which provides HIV and AIDS care to rural communities, all gone.
“Do I have time to think about this?”
“Of course, ma’am. This is your life to choose or not. Your aunt’s seat in the house of nobles converted to an elected position upon her passing, so there are no political considerations. However, the longer her estate remains unclaimed, the deeper the effects will be felt across the charities she helmed.” Mr. Ziegenhagen passes over a folder. “I’ve already taken the liberty ofdrawing up the proofs for the Lord Chancellor of the peerage. When you are ready, the title is yours, ma’am.”
With Aunt Sarah gone, I have no one to turn to for advice. I don’t return to class for the rest of the day and instead, do what I’ve always done when life is too confusing.
Early March is smack in the middle of the rainy season in Emarvia, and usually I would throw on a rain jacket when I go out for a run this time of year, but I don’t even bother today. My clothes are soaked by the third mile, and I don’t care. Water drips down my forehead and nose, my hair is a heavy knot on top of my head, but I can’t stop, even to pull it into a quick braid. If I stop, then my brain catches up, and I won’t be able to think, move, or breathe.
Five miles in my phone rings. I ignore it and keep pushing, keep moving, keep my focus on foot to pavement. But then my phone rings again. And again. After the fourth time, I can’t ignore it anymore. A picture of Darcy and Liam at the duck pond lights up my screen as I find an overhang to stand under, and my heart crumbles because those kids are everything.
“Lady Maier,” I answer, breathing heavily.
“Aurelia, where are you? What’s wrong?”
“Running,” is all I can manage through my panting.
“Are you alright? I heard a rumor through thegrapevine.” Her gossip network is legendary, but even this is quick.
“Which one?”
“About your aunt’s estate. Aurelia, are you sure you’re okay? You sound like you’re dying over there.”
“Might’ve pushed… A little... Hard,” I puff out.
“This is a huge ordeal you’re going through right now, and I’m concerned. You know you have become one of ours this past year. And I want to be here for you if you need me.”
