The Beach Hut on Plum Island

1. CHAPTER 1

The soft rhythm of Harriet’s footsteps matched the gentle lapping of waves against the shore as she jogged along Cobble Beach. The morning sun teased the ocean with its golden rays, and the fresh morning sea air filled her lungs. Harriet loved this time of morning when the world was quiet except for the gentle swish of the ocean or rustle of leaves tickled by the cool sea breeze.

Her heart pulled as she reached the rocky section of the beach that stretched out toward the cliffs in the distance. There, she could see the burnt-out remains of Alex’s glass house. It was a haunting reminder of the recent turmoil that had swept through their small community two weeks ago. What a terrible ordeal that had been. Not only had Alex lost his house, but his yacht was also blown up on the same day.

She reached the turning point and spun around to run back toward the Beach Hut. Harriet pushed the thoughts of that harrowing day of the fire aside and concentrated on the upcoming events. There was Alex and Daniella’s formal wedding reception, which they were having at his parents’ insistence now that they were married for real. Filming of the second season of the Cobble Cove Mysteries had finally begun, and Plum Island had once again become a live set.

A smile tugged at her lips at the thought of how the small town had adapted to having film crew and actors mulling about as if it was just part of their everyday lives. Harriet had fallen in love with this small-town community and was amazed at how quickly they adopted her. When she went to any of the stores or walked down the street, she felt as if she’d always lived here. Harriet had decided six months ago that Plum Island was to become her new home and had put her apartment in New York up for sale.

As she neared the Beach Hut, Harriet’s phone, which was strapped to her arm, rang, and she pressed on her ear pod.

“Hello,” Harriet answered.

“Hi, little sister,” her brother, Gray, greeted her. “Are you running?”

“Well, it’s almost six, so what else would I be doing?” Harriet told him.

“Sleeping like a normal person would be at this time of the morning.” Gray laughed.

“That’s why I’m surprised that you’re actually up this early,” Harriet countered. “Don’t you usually only rise around noon?”

“Maybe when I was a teenager!” Gray sighed. “I do miss those days of no responsibility when my time was my own, and a calendar didn’t govern me.”

“Yes, but you still don’t get up this early. Not when you’re in the US anyway.” Harriet’s eyes widened, and she stopped running as fear jolted through her. “Is something wrong with Matt, our parents, Uncle Titus, or Grandad?”

“No,” Gray said, his voice laced with frustration. “Matt is fine; he loves being at Oxford University. Grandad is fine, as is Uncle Titus, Mom, and Dad.” He paused. “Can’t I just call my little sister without having to be in a family crisis?”

“Not when it’s this early in the morning.” Harriet wandered a few paces near the shoreline, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “Or are you back on Joyce Isles? Then I’d understand, as it would be lunchtime for you.”

“No, I’m still in America,” Gray told her. “Which is why I’m calling you.”

“Okay.” Harriet frowned and stopped walking, looking out over the sea as warning bells started to ring in her ears. “But if you want me to come to New York, I can’t. I’m busy as filming has started, and I’m still helping Brad.”

“No, I’m coming to visit you.” Gray’s words echoed through her mind and sent shock waves down her spine.

“Why?” The word shot out of Harriet’s mouth before she could stop it.

It’s not that she didn’t want to see her brother—she missed him and her nephew—it’s just that Harriet didn’t want anyone, besides the ones who already knew, to know who her brother was. While Harriet had managed to dodge the limelight most of her life, Gray, as the oldest Joyce sibling, hadn’t been able to. He was a very well-known figure all over the world.

“Ouch!” Gray said. “That stings. I haven’t seen my favorite sister in nearly two years, and I want to see this new town that has stolen your heart.”

“I’m your only sister,” Harriet pointed out. “I send you pictures and video clips of Plum Island and Cobble Cove all the time.”

“Harry…” Gray’s voice was filled with amusement. “Are you embarrassed about me?”

“Don’t be silly,” Harriet’s mind raced as panic filled her. “It’s just that this is a very small community and …”

“You don’t want anyone there to know who you really are?” Gray guessed. “I can always pretend to be one of the Blackwell’s or Brad’s friends.” He went quiet for a few seconds. “Or one of Dawn’s suitors.”

“You are the Blackwell’s and Brad’s friend,” Harriet pointed out. “No one uses the word suitors anymore. This isn’t the eighteenth century, and this is a small community. They’re not a bunch of idiots.” She blew out a breath and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Joyce isn’t a common last name, and then there’s the family resemblance.”

“Well, Harry, everyone was going to find out who you were sooner or later,” Grayson warned. “Sooner is a lot better than later, or people might just think you’re ashamed of who you are or that you’re hiding.”

”I am hiding!“ Harriet hissed. “From everything that being a Joyce entails.” Her frustration levels were rising with her panic. “If you want me to visit, I’ll go to New York. I’m sure I can rearrange a few things if you give me a couple of days.”

“I really want to visit you on Plum Island,” Gray persisted. “I promise I’ll keep a low profile.”

“I think we both know that’s impossible for you, no matter where you are,” Harriet reminded him. “Not only are you six-four and tend to take up more space than the average human, but unless you wore a paper bag over your face, you are very recognizable.”

“It’s Plum Island, Harry,” Gray pointed out. “How many people even read the tabloids there?”

“More than you’d think,” Harriet commented. “Besides, as you know, this town is now crawling with film crews, actors, and paparazzi.”

“Oh!” Gray responded. “So what you’re telling me is that it wasn’t the best idea to drive there in a car that stands out in a city like New York?”

“What?” The blood drained from Harriet’s face as his words sank in. “You’re here already, aren’t you?”

“I’m just about there,” Gray told her. “Dawn said you usually go to the Beach Hut for a smoothie before going back to your hotel suite. I thought I could join you. I should be pulling into the car park on the beachfront in about three minutes, according to the GPS.”

Harriet turned. Her heart pounded as she took off in a sprint toward the Beach Hut. Her mind was whirling and she wasn’t watching where she was going as she neared the cafe. Harriet rushed around the corner and ran into a solid wall of muscle.

“Oof.” The man’s tall shadow blocked out the sun as he towered over her.

Harriet bounced off him and stumbled backward as a hand snaked out and grabbed her wrist, stopping her from falling onto her butt.

“Watch it,” the familiar voice said, and her eyes widened. Her head shot up to meet a pair of unamused blue eyes. “You again!”

His hand dropped from her wrist, leaving her skin tingling from his touch.

“I…” Harriet’s voice was croaky from her throat going dry, and she was out of breath from the sprint and collisions. “I…” She swallowed. “Sorry.”

Of all the people in the world to run into, why did it have to be Finn Shaw?Harriet couldn’t believe how her perfect morning had suddenly become a disaster zone.

“You know you’re not in the city anymore,” Finn told her. “You should try slowing down and enjoying small community life. You may live a bit longer.”

“I’m sorry… I…” The rumble of a powerful engine caught Harriet’s attention.

She and Finn turned toward the sound as a low-slung black Bugatti Veyron pulled into the parking lot.

“Wow!” Finn said with a low whistle as the sleek car pulled into a parking space near the Beach Hut. “Now, there’s something you don’t see every day in this little town.”

“Shoot!” Harriet groaned, closing her eyes for a second to compose herself.

Finn glanced at her curiously. “Friend of yours?”

“Not exactly,” Harriet mumbled. “Excuse me.”

She cautiously stepped around Finn and was about to rush toward the Bugatti before the person she wanted to murder got out but was stopped when another human wall stepped in front of her.

“Good grief!” Harriet fumed. “I’m caught in a giant human maze!”

“Good morning to you too, Harry,” Alex Blackwell grinned at her. “Where’s the fire?”

“That’s not funny,” Harriet told him. “Especially in light of recent events. You know, like your house being burned down and your boat going up in flames.”

“I’ve come to terms with it,” Alex told her.

His eyes moved toward where the tall, dark-haired man was climbing out of the car.

“Drat!” Harriet hissed, pushing past Alex.

This time, she looked both ways to ensure there was no more oncoming human traffic before crossing the distance from the cafe to the car park.

“Hey, wait up, Harry,” Alex called after her.

Harriet ignored him as she rushed toward her target.

“Hey, Harry.” Before Harriet could respond, she was scooped into a bear hug. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Hey, big brother.” Harriet couldn’t help but smile, glad to see him. “I thought you were going to fly under the radar.” She looked pointedly at the Bugatti. “That car doesn’t exactly blend in anywhere.”

“Yeah, it’s kinda hard to hide it,” Alex said, walking up behind Harriet. “Hey, Gray.”

The two men shook hands and hugged. “It’s good to see you, man,” Gray greeted Alex. “Thanks for the invite to the wedding party. I’m sorry my family took so long to respond, but we were waiting for Uncle Titus to confirm.”

“What?“ Harriet spluttered, spinning around to glare at Alex.

“Didn’t I tell you?” Alex scratched the back of his neck. “I was sure I mentioned it to you last week?” He frowned. “You know, when I told you that my mother had expanded mine and Daniella’s wedding party to a few more close family and friends.”

“No. You did not!“ Harriet said through gritted teeth. “The way I remember it, you completely left out the part about your mother taking over your party and the guest list.”

“Really?” Alex said innocently. “You know I’ve had so much on my mind.”

“Hi, sorry to interrupt,” Finn popped up behind them and introduced himself to Gray. “I’m Finn.”

“I’m Gray, Harriet’s brother.” Gray shook Finn’s hand, recognition dawning in his eyes. “You’re Finnster.”

“I haven’t been Finnster in years,” Finn admitted.

“You’re still a surfing legend.” Gray grinned. “I’m a huge fan.”

“Your car is magnificent,” Finn told him. “Do you mind if I take a look at it?”

“Of course,” Gray said, leading Finn toward the Bugatti. “I heard you’re still making custom surfboards. I’d like to buy one for my son before I leave.”

“It was nice of Gray to bring the Bugatti,” Alex said to Harriet as they watched Finn and Gray climb into the car.

“Oh, no, you don’t get off that easy, buster.” Harriet pinned him with a withering look. “How long have you known that my brother and my parents were coming to town?”

“Not that long.” Alex took a step back, holding up his broken hand to play the pity card. “You can’t be angry at me as I have a broken hand, my house burned down, and my yacht blew up.”

“And I was there for you!” Harriet’s eyes narrowed to angry slits. “I had your back through it all, including helping you with Daniella.”

“Yes,” Alex agreed, holding a hand in front of him. “And you know I’ve always got your back, too, Harry.” He glanced toward Gray before looking at her again. “I wasn’t sure if your family could make it until a few days ago, and I didn’t have time to tell you once they confirmed.”

“Now you didn’t have time to tell me?” Harriet folded her arms and looked at him with raised brows. “We talk every single day.”

“Okay!’ Alex said resignedly. “I didn’t want to tell you until they arrived because I was hoping that they’d get called away on some duty or other.”

“Did Gray say that my uncle was coming to Plum Island as well?” Harriet felt as if her chest was constricting as panic started squeezing it like a vice.

“Did he?” Alex feigned ignorance.

“Alex!” Harriet warned.

“Fine!” Alex sighed. “Yes, your Uncle Titus is coming to town.”

“And…” Harriet said through gritted teeth.

She knew her uncle probably wouldn’t be traveling alone. He’d have some entourage with him. Or worse, he’d bring his latest attempt at matchmaking either Harriet or Gray.

“And I honestly don’t know who he’s bringing with him,” Alex told her. “Maybe Gray knows.”

“Maybe Gray knows what?” Dawn’s voice came from behind them.

“Hey, Dawn,” Alex greeted.

“Did you know that my brother was coming to town?” Harriet looked at Dawn accusingly.

“I did. Gray called me early this morning when he arrived in Boston,” Dawn said with a nod. “He was trying to get hold of you, Harriet, but you must’ve been in the dead zone on the beach.” She looked toward the Bugatti. “I saw him pull up from my balcony at the hotel and came to say hi to him.”

“So you’ve only known since this morning?” Harriet confirmed, and Dawn nodded, looking at Harriet worriedly. “What are you going to do about your uncle and the guests he’s bringing with him?”

“What guests?” Harriet and Alex asked her at the same time.

“Oh!” Dawn’s face fell into an oops look. “Gray hasn’t told you?”

“No, I haven’t had the chance,” Gray replied as he and Finn joined them.

“Hi, Dawn,” Finn greeted her.

“Hi, Finn,” Dawn greeted him back before stepping up to throw her arms around Gray. “Hey. Gray.” They hugged. “It’s so good to see you again.”

“I know, Dawny. It’s been too long,” Gray told her.

“How is that son of yours?” Dawn asked. “Bailey said Matt is thriving in England.”

“Yeah, I’m so grateful that she’s there to keep an eye on him,” Gray admitted. “Seventeen year old kids alone in England tend to go astray.”

“Says someone speaking from experience.” Alex laughed.

“Gray, I have to get back to the Beach Hut,” Finn interrupted the catch-up session. “Pop by anytime, and I’ll show you my workshop.”

“Thanks, Finn,” Gray said before Finn excused himself and left. He turned teasingly to Harriet. “I see you’ve still got your giant crush on your surfing hero.”

“No! I don’t,” Harriet denied it and then moved the subject away from Finn. “Who is Uncle Titus bringing with him to Plum Island?”

“You’re not going to like it,” Gray warned her. “Heck, I don’t like it, and I tried to talk him out of it, but you know what he’s like being the king in the family and all.”

Cold fingers felt like they were crawling up Harriet’s spine, and alarm bells started blaring in her brain. She remembered an article her mother had sent her a few days ago, and now it was beginning to make sense why her mother had suddenly sent her something like that.

“Please don’t tell me it’s Leon!” Harriet closed her eyes and clenched her teeth.

“Why would you think it would be him?” Alex’s eyes blazed with anger. “That lout wouldn’t dare show his face at my party.”

“My mother sent me an article a few days ago telling me that Leon is single again after his fourth divorce,” Harriet told Alex. “I asked her why she thought I’d care, to which my mother replied that now you were married, maybe it was time I thought about settling down.”

“And your mother still thinks that Leon, after his what…” Dawn looked at Harriet for clarification, “third…”

“Fourth,” Harriet filled in the blanks.

“Fourth divorce is a good match for you?” Dawn was amazed.

“It’s peer pressure from my Uncle Titus,” Gray told Dawn. “She pointed out that Leon’s cousin Estelle was single again, too.”

“Are they still trying to set you up with her?” Alex looked at Gray, feeling his pain. “That woman is nothing but trouble.”

“Poison,” Dawn added. “She’s poison, just like Leon.”

“I love my parents,” Harriet said. “But it’s like I’ve always told you, they use us to keep my Uncle and everything he entails out of their lives.”

“I used to tell Harry she was being harsh when she said that,” Gray admitted. “But now I tend to agree with her. While they were trekking all over the world on one archeological adventure after the other, Harriet and I were locked in a gilded cage.”

“That’s a bit of an exaggeration,” Dawn said with a laugh. “The two of you spent a lot of time with my family, which I never minded. It was like having another brother and sister.”

“Yeah, I enjoyed it when the two of you stayed with us, as well,” Alex agreed with Dawn. “But I understand what you mean, as the two of you were the next in line to inherit the Joyce empire.”

“Gray was, not me,” Harriet pointed out.

“You were the backup in case anything happened to me,” Gray told her. “And you still are, princess.” He put a comforting arm around his sister. “Uncle Titus, Mom, and Dad nearly had heart failure when they found out I’d let Matt go to Oxford. They only calmed down when Victoria Blackwell assured them that Matt was being taken care of by Bailey.”

“I remember how outraged Mom still is about Matt going to Oxford,” Harriet told Gray. “He’s the only heir because I never had kids, and you’re not going to have anymore.”

“At least we have Grandfather on our side,” Gray told her. “I wish he was still in charge.”

Dawn pointed out, “Queen Elizabeth ruled until she was ninety-six. Your grandfather’s only ninety-eight.”

“He’s also losing his mind,” Harriet reminded Dawn. “Do you remember the last time we visited him?”

“For his ninety-fifth birthday,” Dawn remembered with a smile. “He was so cute.”

“He kept forgetting who we were,” Harriet commented.

“He’s gotten a lot worse since then,” Gray informed them. “Uncle Titus has to keep the grounds gates locked, or Grandfather escapes and walks into town and then forgets how to get home.”

“Dementia?” Alex asked.

“Yes,” Gray nodded. “It was confirmed last year.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Alex said. “I enjoy your grandfather. He’s such a laugh and has a wicked sense of humor. He’s one of the most down-to-earth—“

“Hi,” Harley interrupted their conversation. He walked toward them with his wetsuit peeled down to the waist, his t-shirt clinging to his wet body, and a surfboard clutched beneath his arm. “I see you’re all also gathered around that incredible machine.” He nodded toward the Bugatti. “Wow. I’d love to take it for a spin.”

“I’m sure the owner wouldn’t mind,” Alex said, turning to give Harriet a smug smile. “They haven’t used it in a while.”

“Seriously?” Harley looked at Alex in disbelief. “Who owns it?”

“Harriet!” Alex, Dawn, and Gray said in unison.

“Harriet?” Harley shook her head, glancing from her to the car. “Is that the car you lost your license in?”

“Yup!” Harriet confessed before one of the other three in the group spilled the beans. “It’s been sitting in my parent’s garage in Long Island for about a year.”

“No way!” Harley breathed. “What a waste.”

“That’s what I said,” Gray commented, stepping forward with his hand extended. “I’m Gray.” He looked at Harriet. “Harriet’s brother.”

“Harriet has a brother and a Bugatti?” Harley snorted. “Wow. You are a dark horse, Harriet.” He walked around the car, giving a low whistle. “I must say that I understand why you lost your license now.” He looked at Harriet. “I mean, who wouldn’t drive this car at top speed?”

“Dawn,” Harriet, Alex, and Gray chorused.

“Hey!” Dawn protested. “Just because I drove it with caution,” she looked at Harriet, “and stopped it from being impounded, doesn’t mean I didn’t get a sneaky speed in.”

“Dawn, going from twenty miles an hour to thirty isn’t speeding,” Alex pointed out. “And I know that’s what you did because I was driving behind you!”

“Okay, but I’m not the one who got points taken off their license.” Dawn looked pointedly at Alex and then smugly at Harriet. “Or had it taken away altogether, and why? Because I stick to the speed limit.”

“Dawn, sweetie,” Harriet patted her shoulder, “one day, you’re going to get your license taken away for going too slow.”

“I think you’re a great driver, Dawn.” Gray squeezed her.

“Thank you, Gray,” Dawn wrapped her arm around his waist. “This is why you’re my favorite out of the group.”

“That and he went to all your band parades,” Alex reminded them.

“Only because he was a band geek himself.” Harriet snorted.

“Can we move the subject away from my band geekiness?” Gray suggested. “And talk about what you’re going to do when Uncle Titus tries to set you up with Leon again?”

“I’m sure he won’t be that stupid,” Harriet said. “Leon and I broke up just before my twenty-first after being engaged for nearly two years.”

“I hate that guy,” Alex said through gritted teeth. “Just how many times did he cheat on you, Harriet?”

“Including the times he cheated with Ethan’s wife?” Harriet’s eyes blazed. “It was close to ten times, but every time I tried to end the engagement, it almost became an international crisis.”

“Yeah, Uncle Titus really wanted you to marry that lout,” Gray said, rolling his eyes. “Just like he tried his best to push Estelle onto me. He was furious when I married Sienna.”

“That’s because she was American,” Dawn told him.

“Yeah, I’m sure he was afraid that Sienna was going to do to you what Mom did to Dad, take him away from his home,” Harriet snorted. “Then that would’ve left me as the next Joyce, and I have to admit what a disaster that would be. Thank goodness Grandfather introduced the new policy that we could choose who we wanted to marry regardless of who they were.”

“Yeah, about that…” Gray scratched the back of his neck. “Uncle Titus wants to change the rules back to what they were to ensure our lineage.”

“He can’t do that, can he?” Harriet’s heart jolted.

“He’s trying darn hard to,” Gray warned her. “That’s why I came early—to warn you what he was up to. I have a date for Alex and Daniella’s wedding. She’s an old friend of mine who was delighted to be attending the wedding.”

“Who is she?” Harriet, Alex, and Dawn asked in unison.

“I’ll introduce her when she arrives here in a day or two,” Gray told them. “In the meantime, we need to get you a fake boyfriend or, better yet, a fake fiancé.”

“What about Liam?” Harley suggested, looking at Harriet. “Jennifer’s brother. He’s single.”

“Uh…” Dawn’s cheeks pinkened. “Liam and I are kind of going to the wedding party together.”

“Oh?” Harriet looked at Dawn questioningly. “Are you having a secret romance with the owner of the Summer Inn Hotel?”

“What?” Dawn’s cheeks went a deeper shade of pink. “No! We’re just friends, and when he mentioned he was going to the wedding party, and I said I was too, we decided to go together.”

“Liam’s a great guy,” Harley told her. “You couldn’t have picked a nicer male friend.“ He grinned as Dawn’s cheeks flamed.

“You could always ask Finn,” Jennifer’s voice startled them, and Harriet jumped.

“Good grief, Jennifer!” Harriet hissed. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough,” Jennifer said, holding out her hand and walking toward Gray. “Hi, I’m Jennifer.”

“Gray, Harriet’s brother,” Gray introduced himself, shaking Jennifer’s hand.

“So that’s your car, huh?” Jennifer nodded toward the Bugatti.

“Yup!” Harriet nodded.

“Awesome,” Jennifer purred before returning to her previous suggestion. “Finn’s single, and I know he’ll help.”

“No!” Harriet shook her head. “Absolutely not. I don’t need a date. I will not bow to my uncle or anyone.”

“Okay,” Jennifer said with a shrug. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

“Thank you, but I’m fine,” Harriet assured her, then looked at her brother. “Now, should we get you checked into the hotel? I want to have a shower, change, and get breakfast.”

“Sounds good to me,” Gray agreed.

“Me too,” Dawn said.

“Do you three want to join us?” Gray offered.

“No, thanks,” Harley declined the offer. “Jennifer and I are going to Boston.”

“I’m waiting for Emily, Reef, and Shay to finish surfing,” Alex told them. “But let’s get together for dinner at my house later.”

“How are you enjoying staying in a bungalow across the road from Ethan and Carly?” Harley asked Alex.

“Actually, it’s quite nice not to have such a huge house,” Alex admitted. “I’m getting used to it.”

They said their goodbyes. Gray drove the car to the hotel while Dawn and Harriet walked across the beach and into the hotel. Twenty minutes later, Harriet had just finished getting dressed when her phone rang. It was her mother.

“Hello, Mom,” Harriet greeted.

“Hello, my child,” Julie Joyce greeted her daughter. “How are you?”

“I’m fine, just not happy that none of my family saw fit to contact me before arriving on my doorstep to blow up my quiet life,” Harriet drawled.

“Honey, you know that your life is never going to stay quiet for too long,” Julie pointed out. “Someone is bound to recognize you sooner or later.”

“Thank you, Mom.” Harriet sighed.

It’s not that her mother was cold or distant. She and Harriet’s father were absent-minded academics with more degrees than they needed behind their names. They were always writing a paper or conducting research or on a dig in an unpronounceable place.

“I’m sorry, honey, you know that’s not what I meant,” Julie apologized.

“I know, Mom,” Harriet told her. “When are you and Dad getting here?”

“That’s what I’m calling about,” Julie said. “Your father has picked up the flu, and the doctors have advised us against traveling as we don’t want him getting pneumonia again.”

“Are you sure it’s not just the Titus flu?” Harriet’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Julie laughed. “I think it’s a bit of that, yes.”

While Harriet’s father, Pat, loved his younger brother, they didn’t always agree. So, her father would usually make an excuse not to be in the same place as his brother, especially if it was for longer than four to five days. His reason was usually a cold or flu, which became known as the Titus flu.

“Does this mean you’re not coming to Plum Island?” Harriet asked her mother to clarify.

“We may still make it,” Julie told her. “It depends on how your father is feeling by the weekend.” She paused for a few seconds. “He’s also very angry with Titus at the moment, and they had a huge argument, which isn’t helping your father’s condition.”

“What did they fight about this time?” Harriet clicked her phone to the speaker so she could finish getting ready to go for breakfast.

“You,” Julie’s words made Harriet’s hand freeze in midair with a brush in it.

“Me?” Harriet didn’t like being argued about behind her back. “Why were they arguing about me?”

“Well, I don’t know if you know this, but your brother is seeing a TV show host,” Julie told her. Tracy, I think her name is.”

Harriet felt tiny shock waves hit her. “Do you mean Trinity Woodrow?”

“Yes, that’s her name,” Julie said.

Gray’s dating Trinity Woodrow?Harriet gave herself a mental shake.

“What has that got to do with me? I didn’t introduce them,” Harriet told her.

“Titus still has a bee in his bonnet about joining the Joyce family name to the Gladstone’s name.” Julie’s words sent more shock waves through Harriet and set the alarm bells ringing in her head again. “Didn’t you get the message I sent you the other day showing you that Leon is divorced again? I’m sure your uncle was an instigator in that.”

“That’s why you sent me that article about Leon getting divorced again.” Harriet blew out a breath. “You think I’d want to get back together with Leon?” she asked in disbelief. “Trust me, Mom, I would never get back together with that man if he were the last man on earth.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear that. Your father will be as well,” Julie told her. “But I’m afraid that your uncle won’t be, and in fact, he’s trying to pull rank. Or throw his weight around by insisting that you will get back together with Leon. Titus told us that he’ll make sure that by the time he returns home, you and Leon will be engaged.”

Harriet stood, stunned for a few seconds, staring at her phone in disbelief. “Are you serious?”

“I’m afraid so, love.” Julie’s voice resonated with anger. “Your father hung up on Titus and told him to leave you alone. But Titus has got some of the council to back him up to get a bill signed that states he can choose who you or Gray marry.”

“That’s absurd.” Harriet hissed. But the panic set in. “What is wrong with Uncle Titus?”

“Your father thinks he wants to retire,” Julie told her. “But he and the council have decided that he can’t hand over the reins to either of you until you or Gray are married or at least engaged with a set wedding date.”

“Whoa!” Harriet breathed. “I’m not in the running for that job. That’s all Gray’s area of expertise, not mine. I’m sorry, but I don’t want the position. I never have, and I never will.”

Panic started to claw at her throat. While Harriet loved her uncle, she knew he could be ruthlessly stubborn when he had his mind set on something. While Harriet lived her life as she pleased, she also knew that if her uncle really wanted to, he could insist Harriet take up her family duties. If she refused, he could strip her of her title, and she’d be banished from her ancestral home for good or risk imprisonment if she tried to go back.

While Harriet didn’t care much about titles, she did love her ancestral home. But Harriet would be darned if she’d let her uncle bully her into doing something she didn’t want to, especially marrying someone she didn’t want to. The thing about her uncle was that if he couldn’t get his way, he’d try to go through her parents or brother. Her stomach churned with anxiety at the thought of even seeing Leon again. There was no way on earth she would marry him. She didn’t care who her uncle was. Harriet knew there was one law he couldn’t break.

Before she could stop herself, the words tumbled from her mother, “I’m sorry, Mom, but you’re just going to have to tell Uncle Titus not to waste his time bringing Leon here,” Harriet stated. “Not only is it in bad taste to try and set up an engagement on the back of a wedding, but I’m already engaged. My fiancé and I were going to fly to New York after Alex’s wedding party to tell you.”

“You’re what?” Julie spluttered. “Since when and who is this man?”

Shoot, shoot, shoot!Harriet’s mind spun. What am I doing? “Finn, his name is Finn,” she blurted in a panic.