The Beach Hut on Plum Island

9. CHAPTER 9

The calm serenity of Finn’s kitchen was a stark contrast to the storm brewing in Harriet’s life. As she’d listened to Finn’s story, Harriet found herself falling deeper and deeper under his spell. He was like no man she’d ever met. Finn cared deeply about people, even those who hurt him or betrayed him. The man would still drop everything to help.

Harriet’s heart dropped at the thought of how good people like Finn were always taken advantage of. And it was as if he didn’t know the people were doing it. It was just that he was too good a person not to help. The gentle hum of the refrigerator and the distant calls of seabirds were the only sounds drifting into the room as Finn and Harriet fell into a moment’s silence.

Harriet was just about to ask Finn about his old company when her phone vibrated sharply against the granite countertop, slicing through the momentary peace.

She glanced at the screen; it was Gray. Harriet excused herself and answered, “Hi, Gray.”

“Harriet, you need to come to the hotel now.” Gray’s voice was terse, the undercurrents of stress unmistakable. “Uncle Titus has arrived, and he’s not alone. He brought Gloria Gladstone with him, and they’re insisting on a family meeting. We’re all gathered at my hotel suite.” He lowered his voice. “He knows about you and Finn.”

Harriet went cold, and her eyes widened, “What does he know about the situation?”

“That you got engaged without announcing your intentions to Uncle Titus first.” Gray’s voice lowered even more.

The news hit Harriet like a cold wave. “He’s early as well.” Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Which means he knew before he arrived, so either my father told him, or Gloria found out through Estelle or Leon.”

“I’m not sure,” Gray told her. “Just get here and bring Finn, as his presence has been requested.”

“Alright, we’re on our way,” Harriet said, disconnecting the call. She turned to Finn, her expression grave. “That was Gray. My uncle has arrived early, and he’s brought Gloria Gladstone with him.” She slid off the chair and pocketed her phone. “Uncle Titus has called a family meeting.” She swallowed as she looked at Finn. “Which now also includes you. A bit of warning: my uncle specifically requested that you attend. So get ready for a grilling.” She stood staring at Finn. “It’s not too late to back out of this.”

“Nope!” Finn shook his head, taking the cups, rinsing them, and placing them in the dishwasher. He dried his hands with a teatowel. “Let’s go.” He stopped and looked at his usual attire of a T-shirt and board shorts. “Maybe I should change first.”

“You look fine,” Harriet told him, indicating her own outfit. She was wearing a pale blue T-shirt and cut-off jeans. “I’m going like I am.” She shrugged. “The way I see it, my uncle called an impromptu meeting and can’t expect us to arrive in court-appropriate finery.” She snorted. “Besides, this is the twenty-first century, it’s the middle of summer, and we live in a beach town.”

“I’m going to put on a different pair of pants,” Finn insisted. “Give me ten minutes.”

With that, he slipped out of the kitchen, leaving Harriet to sit back on the chair she’d vacated while she waited for him. Her eyes fell on a picture hanging on the wall next to the doorway. Harriet stood and went to look at it, a smile splitting her lips. It was a picture of Finn with his arms around each of his kids sitting in the kitchen. The silver badge on the photo read: The family’s first meal in our new kitchen.

She smiled at how happy they all looked. Finn was lucky that his kids were so well-adjusted, and it showed just how much he loved them. For a few moments with Estelle earlier, she’d almost let the woman weave some doubt about Finn into her mind. But Harriet knew that deep down, it was just her way of trying to find the bad so she could ignore her growing feelings for Finn.

Harriet had always had a giant crush on Finn. While surfing may be the one sport she hadn’t mastered or tried, she’d followed it just to follow Finn’s career. But not in the stalker type of way Estelle had. Or at least, that’s how Harriet thought things between Finn and Estelle had gone. She made a mental note to ask him about it when they were alone again. Thinking about being alone with Finn made her heart skip a beat, and the phantom fluttering things in her stomach went wild, tickling her belly.

Harriet knew Finn had returned to the kitchen before turning around as the smell of fresh soap and a soft aroma of musk drifted over to her. She turned, and her heart did a double skip when she saw he’d not only changed but managed to have a quick shower. Harriet glanced at her wristwatch. Finn had been gone for eleven minutes and had managed to shower and transform himself into the suave man before her.

Her gaze traveled up his dark blue cotton pants, neatly tailored to accentuate his lean build, and ending in a pair of polished navy leather loafers. His light blue short-sleeve cotton shirt buttoned up the front, leaving the top three buttons casually undone, revealing a hint of his toned chest. The well-starched collar framed his broad shoulders, emphasizing his muscular physique.

Harriet’s throat went dry as her green eyes locked with his striking blue ones, which seemed even more vivid against his freshly styled hair. Gone was his usually tousled look, replaced now by hair neatly brushed back. Standing there, all six-foot-four of him, Finn looked incredibly handsome as he wore a more formal look as effortlessly as he did his beachwear.

“What do you think?” Finn asked with a half-smile.

“You showered?” These were the only words Harriet could get through her lips as her tongue lost communication with her brain over the loud pounding of her heart.

“I had to,” Finn admitted. “I was all crusty from my surf earlier.”

“Crusty?” Harriet’s brow crinkled.

“You know, from the salt water on the skin,” Finn explained. “It leaves a fine layer of salt on the skin.”

“Right!” Harriet nodded. “You look great.” She glanced at her own casual attire. “Although now I feel I have to run to my hotel suite and change.” She followed him out of the kitchen. “And trust me, I don’t take ten minutes.”

Finn stopped at the front door after he’d grabbed his car keys and pulled the door open for you. “You always look like you just stepped off the cover of a glossy magazine.” He complimented her. “Even when you’re not trying to or are glistening from a long run.”

Harriet gazed at him, stunned by his words, and had to quell the urge to wrap her arms around his neck to feel his lips on her again. What the… Her eyes widened at her thoughts.

“Are you okay?” Finn frowned at the expression on her face and glanced back toward the kitchen. “Did you forget something in the kitchen?”

“Uh… um…” Harriet cleared her throat and made a concerted effort to close her mouth as she realized she must look like she was trying to catch flies in her trap. “I…” She patted her pocket to stop herself from looking like a star-struck idiot. “I thought I’d left my phone in the kitchen, but it’s in my pocket.”

“Okay,” Finn said, smiling, and her knees nearly buckled from the impact it had on her system. “Then let’s not keep the king waiting.” He grinned as they stepped out the door, pulled it closed, and locked it. “I never thought I’d get to say those words and mean them in regards to an actual king.”

“Oh, I’ve had them used on me a zillion times,” Harriet told him. Putting on a prissy voice, she mimicked, “Princess Harriet, don’t keep the king waiting. Hurry along now.”

“I wouldn’t have expected anything less from the Rebel Princess of Joyce,” Finn teased, pulling the pickup truck door open for her. “But it gives us mere mortals a little thrill to say it.”

“I got to say a line I thought I’d never get to say too last year,” Harriet told Finn as he slid into the driver’s seat.

“Oh, yeah?” Finn started the engine and swung the vehicle around to head out the gate. “And what line was that?”

Harriet grinned and glanced at Finn. “Do you feel lucky, punk?” She snorted, remembering holding a gun on someone who was trying to hurt Jennifer. “Only I didn’t use punk.”

“But you still got to say the line.” Finn looked at her with a smile as they drove toward the Summer Inn Hotel. “I tried to say cowabunga once.” He sighed and shook his head. “It was at Finn’s sixteenth birthday party where he wanted me to give his party guests a surfing lesson. I thought it would be cool as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were cool.”

“Oh?” Harriet looked at him questioningly. “And how did that go?”

“Not as well as you’d expect.” Finn laughed. “Turns out, sixteen-year-olds are no longer into the crime fighting ninja turtles.”

Harriet laughed along with Finn as she could picture him trying to be cool around a bunch of hormonal and socially awkward teenagers. “Thank you for the tip,” she told him. “Now, at least I know what not to say around my nephew, Matt’s, friends.”

“That’s right, Gray has a seventeen-year-old son who’s already at Oxford University,” Finn remembered.

“Matt turns eighteen in two months,” Harriet told Finn. “I wish he’d have come with Gray to Plum Island. I don’t get to spend as much time with Matt as I used to.”

“It’s important to get as much time with them as possible,” Finn said. “Especially between the ages of eighteen and twenty. They’re starting to form their own lives, and soon families will follow.”

“I know.” Harriet sighed. “That’s why I’m not sure if I’m glad or sad that I never had kids.”

The moment the words were out of her mouth, she regretted saying them.

“Did you not want them?” Finn asked and quickly said, “Sorry, that was really personal.”

“No, it’s fine,” Harriet said and was surprised to realize she wanted to tell Finn. “Truthfully, I would’ve loved to have kids, and I think that the fact that I couldn’t have them is one of the reasons I never got married.” She glanced out the window but could feel Finn’s eyes on her. She turned to look at him, but he was staring at the road. “I can’t have kids because of a complication that happened to me when I got meningitis.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Finn’s voice was low and filled with compassion.

Harriet went on to tell Finn about her and Alex’s brief marriage when they thought they were in love, but they were really just trying to spite their parents. Also, they didn’t work as a married couple, and this almost completely destroyed their lifelong friendship. But their brief marriage had resulted in Harriet falling pregnant. She miscarried when she contracted meningitis, and it had caused complications that ensured she could never have children.

“And that’s the story,” Harriet finished, blinking in surprise to realize they were stopped in the Summer Inn Hotel’s parking lot. “Oh. We’re here already.”

“I’m sorry, Harriet.” Finn’s voice was low, and his eyes were filled with sadness. “Because you would’ve been the world’s best mother.”

“Thank you.” Harriet’s voice was hoarse as their eyes met and locked.

They stared at each other and were slowly moving closer when a knock on her window nearly made her jump out of her skin.

“Princess Harriet.” A sturdy man dressed in a black suit and starched white shirt with shades and earpiece bent down and looked through the window. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

“I’m sorry, but you’ve got the wrong person,” Harriet told the guard whom she recognized. He’d been with her uncle for years. She hit the lock on the door as the bodyguard reached out to open the door. “I’m Princess Harriet’s body double.”

The man sighed and shook his head, speaking into the cuff of his shirt. “The Rebel is rebelling.”

“Do they really do that?” Finn ducked his head to look through her window, grinning. “That’s so cool.” He raised his eyebrows. “I like your call name, The Rebel.”

Harriet gave a huge sigh and rolled her eyes. “It used to be The Mermaid.”

“Not as cool as The Rebel,” Finn pointed out. “Before we get out, do I bow to your uncle? What do I call him.”

“This is not the Dark Ages,” Harriet told Finn. “We aren’t in a formal setting. So you can call him McCrazy Pants for all I care.” She snorted. “In fact, I did do that a few times when I was younger.”

“Don’t listen to Princess Harriet,” the bodyguard called through the window. “You address the king as Your Majesty and give him a slightly bowed nod.”

“What do you know?” Harriet said. “And it’s rude to listen to other people’s conversation.” She frowned. “How can you even hear us through the window?”

“Mr. Shaw’s window is slightly down,” the bodyguard pointed out. “Now, Princess Harriet, will you please unlock the door so I might escort yourself and Mr. Shaw to Prince Grayson’s hotel suite.”

“No!” Harriet pushed her nose against the glass. “Mr. Shaw and I have walked to my brother’s hotel suite on our own many times. I don’t need the men in black to escort me there.” She gave him a smug smile. “Besides, as far as I know, there have been no alien sightings this far northeast, and this is a small town, so everyone would know.”

Finn’s side door was pulled open, and they turned as Harley, dressed in the same outfit as the bodyguard, poked his head in. “Hi,” he said. “I’ve come to help escort the two of you to King Titus’s room.”

“Oh no!” Harriet breathed, pulling Finn toward her. “Quick, close the door. They’ve gotten to Harley and don’t look into any pen-like devices, or we’ll have our memories erased.”

“Funny, Princess.” The bodyguard shook his head again. “Now, are you going to come quietly, or are we going to do this the other way?”

“Oh, please, can we do it the other way?“ Harriet looked at him innocently. “Because that always works out so well for you. Have you forgotten the last time?” She raised a brow. “How many stitches did you get?”

Finn’s brows shot up as he looked at her in alarm.

“Eight, and rabies shots.” The bodyguard physically shuddered. “How did you get that lynx to follow you, by the way?”

“I didn’t.” Harriet grinned. “Don’t you remember? I just have a way with animals.”

“What’s this about a lynx?” Finn and Harley asked, looking at her in amazement.

“We can fill you in on the way to meet King Titus,” the bodyguard told him. “If you’d kindly unlock the door, please, Mr. Shaw.”

Finn glanced at Harriet curiously. “Now I see why that line about keeping the king waiting has been used on you so many times.”

Harriet nodded. “I don’t know why, but as soon as I’m forced to go anywhere, I get this feeling inside me that makes me not want to do it.”

“It’s called rebellion, Princess,” the bodyguard told them. “I have been given permission to get you to Prince Grayson’s suite by any means necessary.”

Again, Finn’s brows shot up, and he moved a little closer to Harriet, making her feel warm inside as his protective instincts kicked in.

“Really?” Harriet hissed at the man. “Come a bit closer. I have something I want to say to you that I don’t want everyone else to hear.”

The bodyguard stepped closer. His face was nearly plastered against the window when Harriet quickly unlocked it and pushed it open. Only, the bodyguard jumped out of the way before she hit him with the car door.

“Nice try, Princess.” The bodyguard grinned as she stepped in front of him and, to Harley and Finn’s surprise, hugged the man. “Don’t think I don’t know all your tricks by now.”

“Hey, Murphy,” Harriet said, stepping back. “Long time no see, old man.”

Finn slid out of the car and came to stand beside them with Harley close by his side. He glanced at Harley. “This just feels weird.”

“After the other night, sir, we can’t be too careful with your and Princess Harriet’s safety,” Murphy told him.

“Please don’t tell me that you’re going to have a detail on us?” Harriet’s eyes narrowed at Murphy. “Because I’ve been on Plum Island for over a year with no bodyguards.”

“Actually…” Harley jumped in. “You have had a security detail with you. You’ve just not noticed them.”

“Harley and his uncle graciously helped out Mr. Blackwell’s security,” Murphy informed them as he walked near them, and they entered the hotel.

Upon arriving at the hotel, the tension in the atmosphere was palpable. The lobby buzzed with a subtle undercurrent of urgency as they made their way to the elevators. Harriet noticed at least five undercover agents mulling around, trying not to stand out.

“Great!” Harriet muttered as she and Finn clasped hands. “We’re surrounded.”

“Maybe it’s a good thing,” Finn pointed out. “Especially while your uncle’s here.”

“There are going to be a lot of A-listers at Alex and Daniella’s wedding celebration week as well,” Harley informed them. “So we did need to beef up the security, and the introduction of your uncle’s team has been a really great help.”

“That’s because my uncle brought his best guys,” Harriet said, looking at Murphy. “Murphy’s been with my uncle since he was twenty-two and worked his way up to the head of security.”

“Thank you for the reference, Princess,” Murphy said, grinning and looking at Finn and Harley as they stepped into the elevator. “I started with King Titus around the year Princess Harriet became the Rebel Princess, and it was the year I had to have my first ever rabies shot.”

“Because of a lynx?” Finn asked Murphy as the elevator started to rise towards its destination.

“Yup.” Murphy looked at Finn. “If I might be so bold as to give you a bit of advice, Mr. Shaw.” Finn nodded. “Don’t take the princess to any kind of zoo or farm where she can get near to the animals because you may end up finding a few rescues in the back of your vehicle.”

“I didn’t steal that lynx,” Harriet told Murphy. “Like I told you, he followed me, and when I didn’t want to leave, and you tried to make me…” She gave him a smug smile. “He thought you were hurting me… and well… that story ended in stitches and weeks of rabies shots.”

“Noted,” Finn said, nodding and trying to hide a smile. Harriet saw a flash of pride in his eyes as he looked at her. “Maggie’s done that once or twice at petting zoos. Only she took a tortoise, meerkat, and a duck. After her third offense, which was the duck, Maggie had to agree to be given the once over before she left the farm or get banned.”

“Maggie is a great kid,” Harriet said as the elevator dinged to a stop on the top floor where her, Dawn, and her brother Gray’s suites were. “Wanting to rescue animals from dreadful situations proves it.”

They stepped out of the elevator, and as Harriet took the path she had many times in the past year, a feeling of anxiousness gripped her. Harriet glanced at Finn, who gave her hand a gentle, encouraging squeeze and she realized it should be her giving his hand the squeeze. She was more nervous about Finn meeting her uncle than he was.

“Remember to address the king as Your Majesty,” Harley repeated what Murphy had said earlier. “Give a slight bow and tip of your head.”

“Thanks,” Finn said, taking a breath and nodding.

“You can still back out,” Harriet whispered for Finn’s ears only. “It’s still not too late because it’s going to be harder once we cross that threshold.”

“I told you already,” Finn whispered back, kissing her forehead to seal his statement. “I’m in this until the end.”

“Excuse me,” Murphy apologized as he stepped around them to knock on Gray’s suite door.

Gray’s door was opened by another bodyguard who greeted Murphy and bowed respectfully as Harriet and Finn entered. When the forest of bodyguards cleared, Harriet and Finn faced King Titus, sitting in the center of the living room on a high-backed armchair. A few of the dining table chairs had been moved into the living room to accommodate all the guests, including Harriet’s parents, her brother, Gloria Gladstone, Dawn, and Estelle.

“I’ve ordered some refreshments.” Faith Vanderbilt walked in from the kitchenette, making Harriet’s eyebrows shoot up. “Oh, hello, Princess Harriet.” She greeted Harriet with a slight curtsy. “It’s good to see you. Dawn told me to order ginger root, lemon, orange, and honey tea for you and Mr. Shaw.”

What the heck were Dawn and her aunt doing here?Her eyes found Dawn’s, who pursed her lips and gave Harriet a look that clearly said, I’m just as baffled as you are.

Harriet gave Faith a tight smile. “Thank you.”

Faith gave another slight curtsy and slipped off to an armchair near King Titus, bringing a curious frown to Harriet’s brow. How odd that Faith would be positioned near Uncle Titus and to the right of him. She shrugged it off as it was an informally formal setting.

Her parents, Julie and Pat, looked unusually somber. At the same time, Gray seemed on edge as they each greeted her with a soft hello while King Titus watched them approach expressionless. This usually meant he was seething or amused. Still, Harriet was betting it was not the latter, as she’d managed to thwart yet another of his plans by throwing a spanner in the works.

Harriet suppressed a grin as she and Finn stopped in front of her uncle.

Titus’s eyes locked on Harriet. “Princess Harriet, it’s good of you to join us,” he began, his voice carrying a commanding tone that left little room for argument as his eyes fixed on their clasped hands. “Please introduce me to your partner.”

“Your Majesty, may I present my fiancé, Finn Shaw,“ Harriet said, turning to Finn and refusing to let go of his hand. They were in America now, and she’d never conformed to their archaic rules before. Harriet wasn’t going to start now. “Finn, this is my uncle, King Titus, the reigning king of Joyce Isles.”

Her eyes filled with amusement, and her lips twitched as she stared into Finn’s eyes and turned to her uncle.

“Your Majesty,” Finn greeted King Titus, doing what Murphy and Harley told him to do. “It’s an honor to finally meet you.”

“Mr. Shaw, you’ve caused me a lot of problems by proposing to my niece without warning her parents first,” King Titus informed Finn.

“Oh, hogwash!” Harriet breathed, having had enough of all the royal pomp and ceremony. “I’m a grown woman, and I can decide for myself who I wish to marry and when. This isn’t the bygone era where we had to post bans all over the place. And I most certainly no longer have to get the man I choose to marry to get your or anyone else’s approval.”

“Harriet!” Her father hissed. “Show some respect. Your uncle is still your king.”

A snort came from across the room, and Harriet turned to see Dawn hiding a smile behind her hand. “Sorry. Bad sinuses.”

“I could still disapprove of this union, Princess Harriet,” King Titus warned. “And I should after your total disregard for our traditions and your place in our family.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Harriet challenged. “As the engagement has already happened, we’ve just not told any of you about it. Do you blame me?”

“Harriet!” her father hissed again and stood beside her. “I’m sorry, Titus. I’m sure Harriet is still upset over what happened last night.”

“Ah, yes, that incident.” King Titus’s gaze shifted to Finn. “Please rest assured, Mr. Shaw, Duke Gladstone’s actions will be dealt with accordingly. I hope you understand that his behavior does not reflect the values of our people or our family.”

“I understand,” Finn replied.

Harriet’s head swiveled to Gloria Gladstone, who looked at Harriet with a cool gaze.

“Why is your family here, Lady Gladstone?” Harriet didn’t care if she was being rude. “My parents and brother were invited to celebrate a dear family friend’s wedding. I was unaware you or the king,“ she slid her uncle a scathing look, “were invited.”

Something dark flashed in Gloria’s eyes before she gave Harriet a polite smile. “I’m not here to interfere with those festivities,” she assured Harriet. “I’m here to try and get my son out of the mess he has gotten into and ensure Estelle is alright.” She reached over and took Estelle’s hand.

“Mess?” Harriet said in disbelief. “Your son tried to kidnap my fiancé and go to any means to do it. He was going to knock Finn out with a sedative.”

“I realize that,” Gloria said, her eyes sliding to Finn. “Mr. Shaw, if I could ask you to please drop the charges? I can assure you my son will still suffer the consequences of his actions.”

Harriet saw in Finn’s eyes that he was contemplating the idea, so she jumped in before he could say anything, “I’m sorry, Lady Gladstone. But you can’t speak to Mr. Shaw without his attorney present.”

“Harriet!” Titus’s voice boomed through the room. “That’s enough.” They glared at each other angrily. “Lady Gladstone has asked for a favor to avoid an international incident.”

“No!” Harriet shook her head stubbornly.

“Harriet, maybe we should just let this one go,” Finn said for her ears only.

“No!” Harriet looked into his eyes. “I’m sorry, Finn, but if you don’t press charges against Leon, I will do it. He’s not getting off easy again.” Memories of her time with Leon when her uncle first pushed them together flashed through her mind, and her anger blazed. “Leon has been getting away with doing things his whole life. He needs to pay for what he’s done just like anyone else who tried to kidnap with the intent of getting rid of you would.”

“You know this is only going to make the friction between you and King Titus worse?” Finn pointed out.

“I don’t care,” Harriet raised her chin. “My uncle needs to know he can’t bully people.”

“Harriet…” Julie said through gritted teeth. “Please don’t rile the king.”

“Quiet!” King Titus’s voice boomed through the room. “Everyone out!” he ordered. “Except for Princess Harriet. The two of us need to have a little talk.”

“Now, Titus…” Pat stood and approached his brother.

“It’s okay, Father,” Harriet assured him. “I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?” Finn asked her, pulling her to him, kissing her forehead, and whispering. “I’m right outside if you need me.”

“I’ll be fine,” Harriet told him with a nod, although she wished he would stay in case she ended up doing something stupid like throwing a chair or something at her uncle.

The room cleared out, leaving King Titus and Harriet glaring at each other. Titus was the first to look away and sighed, his shoulders relaxing as he rubbed his temples.

“This life is getting harder and harder every day.” Titus’s voice dropped, and he sounded exhausted, making Harriet frown in confusion and worry.

“Uncle Titus?” Harriet tilted her head. “Are you okay?”

He looked up at her, and the look in his eyes shocked her.

“No, Harry, I’m not,” Titus admitted. “It seems my plan has horribly backfired on me.”

Her eyes narrowed angrily as she glared at him again. “You mean your plan to use me to pay for an Olive grove?”

“What?” Titus looked at Harriet, confused for a few seconds before realizing what she meant. “Harriet, we need those olive groves to help keep Joyce being productive. Do you know why your grandfather has been so obsessed with that particular land?”

“Because he couldn’t have it?” Harriet guessed. “I love Grandfather, but his one bad flaw was always having to get what he wanted.”

“That’s not true, Harriet,” Titus told her. “That land and the vineyard he managed to get back belonged to Joyce’s family through marriage generations ago. Where do you think the Gladstones got their dukedom from?”

“I don’t know,” Harriet admitted. “And I’ve never really cared because I didn’t really like the old duke or his daughter. They always treated Gray and me with cold disdain when you or grandfather weren’t around.”

“The Gladstones have always been schemers, Harriet,” Titus told her. “The first Gladstone was a soldier in the Joyce Army who saved my great-great-great-great-grandfather’s life. The man was promoted to chief military officer and, after proving his loyalty to the crown, became a lord. Lord Gladstone was assigned land that the King’s wife’s family owned.”

“So the land that the Gladstones say they own actually belongs to the Joyce family anyway?” Harriet looked at her uncle in disbelief.

“No.” King Titus sighed. “The first Duke Gladstone’s devious son got the ailing king to sign the land over to him. Their laws back then weren’t like ours are today, and fraud was very hard to prove.”

“So they stole the land.” Harriet’s eyes narrowed. “I have to say I’m not surprised.”

“The first Duke Gladstone was a hero, Harriet,” Titus pointed out. “An honorable man. It’s not his fault he married a woman from a failing kingdom who would do anything to save her kingdom.”

“Even get her son to steal from us!” Harriet retorted, “I know this happened a million years ago, but that still makes me angry and…” Her eyes widened. “The grapes and olives from that area.” Her eyes sought her uncles. “They are Joyce olives and grapes!”

“They are,” Titus confirmed. “Joyce Isles got hit with storm after storm, which ruined crops, and the island was suffering until the Queen at the time suggested they try to grow our olives and grapes on her family’s land in Greece.”

“So my grandfather five times back,” Harriet stated, “gave Duke Gladstone an already lucrative plot of land to look after, and they went and stole it.”

“Correct,” Titus said. “Not only that, they started charging Joyce Isles for the produce.”

“Why didn’t the king just cut them off and go elsewhere?” Harriet asked.

“They were our olives that the king at the time’s father had developed, the same as the grapes on the bordering farm,” Titus explained. “Going elsewhere would mean that our produce wasn’t authentic.”

“It’s a small price to pay, isn’t it?” Harriet’s brow furrowed.

“Harriet, you know how we Joyce islanders pride ourselves on our unique olives and grapes,” Titus raised his eyebrows.

“Okay, so why the push to get me to marry Leon again?” Harriet looked at him accusingly. “Without even discussing it with me first?”

“Because, Harriet, I know you,” Titus pointed out. “If I had come here and told you I’d like the two of you to get married, you’d have refused and probably gone as far as giving up your title and cutting all ties with Joyce Isles just to prove your point.” He sighed again. “Or lead another mass protest in Joy’s town square.”

She cocked her head to one side and nodded. “Yes, you’re right. That sounds like something I’d do. But you didn’t even bother to find out if I’d met someone or was engaged. You just went straight to Leon and then my parents.”

“I agree that was an oversight on my part,” Titus surprised her by saying. “I thought at first you’d fabricated this whole engagement. That’s why I invited Dawn around.”

“I really have to work on Dawn’s resilience,” Harriet hissed. “She cracks like an egg under pressure.”

“Dawn’s just the only one out of your group of friends who finds it hard to lie,” Titus told her. “When she does, she has a huge tell. I hope she doesn’t play poker.” He smiled. “But she assured me that you and Finn were real. I only had to see the two of you together to know it was.”

The guilt hit her once again, but she managed to grab hold of it and push it away this time as she faced her uncle.

“Why the sudden bee in your bonnet to connect the Gladstones and Joyce’s again?” Harriet asked.

“Because they’re in terrible financial difficulty and have mortgaged the land so heavily, they are about to lose it to the bank,” Titus told her. “As you know, the old duke stipulated that unless our families were joined, the land would never be sold back to us.”

“Why don’t you just buy their debt?” Harriet asked.

“I tried that, but the bank wouldn’t accept my offer,” Titus told her. “That’s when Gloria arrived on my doorstep with an offer that if you and Leon marry, she’d sell me the land.”

“Land that was stolen from the Joyce family in the first place,” Harriet pointed out. “What happens to the plant patents and rights for the olives that are held by Joyce Isles?”

“It gets messy,” Titus told her. “And the thing is…” He rubbed his eyes, and Harriet was shocked by how tired he looked. “Gloria knows she has some power over us at the moment because it will become a huge legal battle with our olive trees on their land.”

“Why is she so adamant about getting her family attached to ours?” Harriet shook her head.

“Gloria was in love with your father, and she’s never gotten over that,” Titus explained. “You know a woman scorned and all that.”

“She’s taking it to a whole new level!” Harriet blew out a breath. “But there must be something you can do, Uncle Titus, other than try and use me as your bartering tool.”

“Harriet, I’m sorry I did that.” Titus sighed. “I panicked. You see, there’s something I haven’t told anyone, and we’ve been trying to keep it under wraps so the Gladstones don’t get wind of it.”

“Okay…” Harriet turned her head slightly and raised an eyebrow.

“This truly cannot leave this room, Harriet.“ Titus looked at her.

“I’ve already said it won’t!” Harriet gestured with her hands.

“We need those olive trees as they may be the only Joyce Olives left soon.” Titus’s words sent tiny pinpricks of shock through Harriet. “We’ve had to destroy a lot of our olive trees on Joyce Isles because of the Xylella fastidiosa outbreak on the island.”

“What the heck is that?” Harriet’s brows creased.

“It’s a disease that has broken out across Joyce Isles and has not only affected the olives,” Titus admitted. “That’s why we need the olive groves, as that’s the only other place that has the Joyce olives.”

Harriet stood staring at her uncle in shocked disbelief as her mind reeled at the news, and a plan took root.