Chapter 45
Harper
"You should see the library. It’s amazing." Phe leads me up the luxuriously carpeted corridor lined with paintings of people I assume are ancestors. And others that seem to depict scenes from the English countryside. They are all originals.
First stop of the tour was of the dining room. It houses a long table that seats twenty, portraits of stern-faced Hamiltons lining the walls. Next, we visited the billiards room with its green felt table under a Tiffany lamp, leather chairs, and the lingering scent of cigars.
And there's an actual ballroom with high-gloss parquet floors that reflect the light from three massive crystal chandeliers. This must be where Margot Hamilton receives heads of state and CEOs.
Thankfully, we didn't use that room for today's family gathering.
I already spend every day obsessing over perfection in the kitchen. To spend the evening in that formal environment would have stifled me.
My first impression was right: power and old money.
But I'll add beauty to that list now. These rooms are undeniably beautiful. The kind of beauty you admire from behind velvet ropes, not the kind you live in.
Except maybe, the drawing room, or withdrawing room as Phe informed me with a smirk.
It’s a large space that has sofas arranged for conversation, and bookshelves overflowing with books. It also showed signs of life; an indent in the sofa cushion, a half-finished chess game on the ottoman. A fireplace that’s been used. It gives the space a lived in feeling.
"Where’s the kitchen?" I ask when we stop in front of a massive wooden door behind which, I assume, is the library.
Phe turns to me with a wicked smile. "Downstairs."
"Huh?"
"Margot has a staff to take care of her, and they live in the lower ground floor, which also has a kitchen where the cook makes her meals."
"Oh. Right. Of course." She’ll have a retinue of people to take care of the place and of her.
"And she lives alone?"
"As far as I know." She shrugs. "Prepare to be surprised." She pushes open the door to the study.
I step inside. The first thing I take in are the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves which occupy the entire left wall. Only then, do I notice the woman sitting behind the massive desk.
Phe must notice Margot at the same time, for she stiffens; then recovers and flashes her grandmother a big smile. "Gran, I was showing Harper the library."
She’s the only person who’s called Margot, Gran. And given Margot hasn’t told her off, I assume, she’s fine with it.
"Oh good. It saves Geoffrey from having to find her."
Phe walks inside. I follow her across the floor. She rounds the desk, bends and kisses her grandmother’s cheek. "You look incredible."
She really does in her dark blue pantsuit, with her usual pearls and her coiffed hair.
Margot looks pleased at the compliment. "It’s lovely to see you, Phoenix."
"I still haven’t forgiven you for not attending my wedding." She shakes a finger at her gran.
Margot’s features cloud for a second, then she straightens her expression again. "You know, I don’t attend weddings."
"I know, 'it’s a waste of time.' You’d rather put it into building up the company. But really, Gran, you’re growing the company only to hand it off to my brothers. And you’ve done so much already. Why don’t you take it easy and get more rest?"
Margot’s lips quirk. "I’ll rest when I’m dead."
Phe chuckles. "Damn, your energy levels and motivation put the rest of us to shame."
"You’re sweet." She pats Phe’s face with affection. Then turns to me. "I’m glad to see you, Harper. I was hoping to have a catch up with you."
"A catch up?" I manage not to wince. I had expected we’d run into Margot today, given the event is at her house. But having a one-on-one with her, without James being around, is not what I expected. Outwardly, I flash her a confident smile. "Why not?"
I amble over to her desk and seat myself in one of the chairs opposite her.
Phe looks between us. There’s concern on her features.
"Oh, go on, child. I’m not going to eat her up." Margot snorts.
"Yes, we’ll be fine, Phe." I flash her a smile which I hope masks the flip-flop of my heart. Shit, where is James? Hopefully, he’ll see that I’m missing and come in search of me. I hope.
Phe nods. "Sure. Of course. But don’t keep her too long. She’s new to the family, and we want to spend time with her."
Margot’s features soften. "You’re a good friend, Phe."
"Thanks, Gran." She blows the older woman a kiss, then gives me a look which implies I should holler if I need help, before she leaves.
"So, Harper, I’m about to sign over James’ inheritance." Margot leans back in her seat.
"You are?"
She nods. "But I want you to confirm one thing."
The hair on the back of my neck rises. Whatever could she want to ask of me?
"Yes?" I’m pleased my voice is steady.
"James got married to you so quickly. And you’ve worked for him for what, three months?"
“A little over.” I nod.
Hmm, she places her elbows on the arms of her chair, then taps her fingertips together. "You’re not pregnant, are you?"
I blink slowly, open my mouth to respond, and end up choking on air.
Margot thinks I’m pregnant. And that’s why James and I rushed into this marriage. Which means, she doesn’t suspect our marriage is fake.
Relief cuts through me.
Margot pours me a glass of water and slides it across the desk.
I take a few sips, then clear my throat. I reach for a tissue from my evening bag, and dab at my cheeks.
"No," I finally manage. “I’m not pregnant."
Her features turn disappointed.
I pause. "You seem upset."
"I convinced myself that’s the reason James managed to swing this wedding so quickly. Of course, I did tell my grandsons they needed to get married if they wanted their inheritance, so it might also mean that he needs the money for his expansion. But I hoped…" She looks past me and swallows.
And for the first time since I met Margot, I see the hope and the sadness on her features. Whoa, she really wanted me to be pregnant. She wants a great-grandchild. And I don’t think it’s only about keeping the family tree alive.
I think she misses having family around, and she wants a grandchild to play with. Not that I say those thoughts aloud. I don’t think she’d appreciate it.
So, I gentle my voice. "I’m so sorry—"
I sense the door open behind me.
"—but that’s not the case."
"What’s not the case?" James walks over to stand next to me.
Then he completely befuddles me when he bends and kisses my forehead.
The feel of his lips on my skin has tiny flames lighting up in my bloodstream. A blush blooms on my cheeks.
That was a very husbandly gesture. He must’ve done it to convince Margot about the veracity of this marriage.
Margot trains her hawk-eyed gaze on James. "I asked your wife if she's pregnant."
"What?" His jaw drops.
"Your nuptials happened so quickly." A slightly defensive tone creeps into her words. "At first, I was simply happy that you were getting married. My threat—" She coughs. "I mean, my condition seemed to be working. But then it bothered me. Of course, I arrived at the logical conclusion."
James perches on the arm of my chair. "Did it occur to you that I wed her quickly because I love her and couldn’t wait to make her my wife."
I know, he’s only saying it because that’s what’s expected of him, but that doesn’t stop my stupid heart from jumping in my chest. How I wish it were true that we’re in love and wanted to be together.
I'm very aware of his bulk so close to me, and of his delicious smell that’s making me dizzy. And when he places his arm on the back of my chair, I feel protected. He’s so close, I can’t stop myself from touching him. I slide back in the seat until my neck rests against the palm of his hand.
He stiffens, then rubs his thumb against the side of my neck. Goosebumps erupt on my skin. My blood begins to pump faster.
Another gesture for Margot’s benefit.
It must work, for her expression softens into something like acceptance.
"I shouldn't have jumped to that conclusion.” She looks at me directly. “I didn't mean any offense by my question. Please accept my apology."
I nod. “No apology necessary. I completely understand you're looking forward to seeing your oldest grandson’s children.”
“I’m not,” Margot begins, then slowly nods.
“Am I that transparent?” Her expression turns wistful.
“The one time I feel my age is when I look at my grandkids and want to see them settled and happy. And you do make James happy, Harper. That much is clear. I hope you’ll forgive my excitement in asking you if you were pregnant. I really was just overcome with hope.”
My heart melts a little. She’s a tough woman, but at her heart she’s like any other grandmother. She’d love to see kids running around her house. “Like I said, Lady Hamilton, you don’t need to apologize.”
Her features soften further. “You are very gracious, my dear.” She tips up her chin. “I think it’s time you call me Margot.”