Chapter 36
E dward was almost there. It was almost over.
The wedding. The guests. Not to mention the longest family visit known to man.
Normality was once again within his grasp and as soon as it was, he would have the house and her back to himself, and he could make things right.
At least he hoped he could, that it would be enough, and that he wasn’t too late.
He’d been a stubborn fool. Even without Ana?se’s prompt, he knew Scarlett was his shot at real happiness; he could feel it in his bones and probably would’ve known sooner if his head didn’t constantly get in the way of forming a singular clear thought about it all.
Something he could do with ease when it came to other matters, but when it came to her, nothing was clear other than his apparent need for her in every way.
A positive to all this was that his sense of purpose had returned, and although there was little he was looking forward to about the wedding itself, except for maybe the end, his spirits lifted slightly as he adjusted the belt on his kilt and checked his reflection in the mirror.
The Sgian-Dubh, a small ceremonial knife tucked neatly into his sock, and his crisp white shirt and formal jacket, adorned with silver buttons and clan insignia, completed the ensemble. A sense of pride filled his chest.
The outfit was all performance, of course, but it still echoed generations of his ancestry and the blood that flowed through his veins– something his father had been fiercely proud of and which seeped from every fabric within the house and its surrounding lands, down to each creature and blade of grass across the estate.
Haddon House and the Cameron-Reid lineage were hundreds of years old and, ultimately, ended with them, and it was down to him to ensure its protection and endurance.
No matter how little he cared for his younger brother, they shared a bloodline that no amount of animosity could diminish, and if a wedding meant its continuation, he would do whatever was needed for that purpose.
Satisfied with his appearance, Edward left his room to ensure everything was in order.
The guests, he knew, were in the excellent hands of his staff, and although there were several external factors involved, he knew Scarlett was managing them well.
The only remaining matter to take care of was his brother.
He would push their differences aside and put on the act of best man.
Their mother was yet to arrive, having refused to take an earlier flight, so he knew Leonard would be feeling nervous– probably more concerned about how it would appear to others if she didn’t make it, but Edward felt obliged to at least try to calm the waters.
Walking towards the main hall, he could hear the distinct English accent his ears had become accustomed to. However, this one belonged to a much older woman, accompanied by a man.
“I don’t have an invitation, no, and quite frankly, I don’t give a flying hoot if there’s a wedding taking place today. I demand to see my daughter-in-law. Right this instant!” The woman’s voice boomed through the hall as Mrs Wilson stood there helplessly.
“Mummy, please—” a feeble voice pleaded.
“Jason, I will handle this,” Mummy instructed.
“Excuse me,” Edward interjected, his voice raised but controlled. Panic crumpled Mrs Wilson’s face, and sweat had formed on her brow, making her blink more than usual.
“Sir, I’m so sorry, this lady and gentleman…” Mrs Wilson’s voice trailed off as Edward gently touched her shoulder.
“Mrs Wilson, I’m sure you have plenty to be getting on with. Thank you.” Edward looked towards the kitchen as a sign for her to leave.
He could see her nerves were in tatters as she bustled away and out of sight.
The two uninvited guests were now focused on Edward, whilst he was watching the Englishman in front of him with interest.
“And who are you?” Tara asked, her voice laced with contempt.
“I’m Laird Cameron-Reid and this is my home. Who are you?” Edward asked, though he already knew.
“You’re the laird?” Jason almost spat.
A smile twitched at the corner of Edward’s mouth. “Were you expecting someone else?”
The woman cleared her throat loudly. “I am looking for Scarlett Shrewsbury, my daughter-in-law.”
“There’s no one here with the name Shrewsbury,” Edward replied, folding his arms across his chest.
The man sighed, clearly finding this game tiresome. “Scarlett Hope– she works here.”
Edward didn’t respond.
“I’m Jason Shrewsbury. Scarlett is my wife. This is my mother, Tara Shrewsbury.” Jason’s jaw tightened as he continued to size up Edward.
Edward’s eyes narrowed, and he pushed away the urge to clench his fists.
Jason straightened to his full height, still falling short of Edward’s, and although his confidence was faltering under Edward’s glare, he maintained eye contact. “I would like to see my wife.” He swallowed. “Please.”
Tara offered no pleasantries. “We are adequately informed that the Hopes are both living here at Haddon House. And I warn you, I will cause unmatched mayhem if I am not directed to where I may find her. I will not—”
“Now then, folks, what do we have here?” The deep Southern drawl of Ana?se’s father boomed from the stairwell as the large man approached them. “Some more guests!”
“We’re not guests,” Tara responded, a little shakily.
Thomas Marsden-Beasley was an impressive man, even though he was well into his seventies. Even taller than Edward, with movie-star looks and a glint in his eye, he was more than a match for anyone, even the likes of Tara Shrewsbury. Edward disliked him immensely.
“They are not guests.” Edward repeated Tara’s words.
“Come on, now. Today is a great cause for celebration. My daughter is getting married!” Thomas beamed down at Tara, taking her hand and kissing it, making her whimper or giggle– Edward wasn’t sure.
“And a fine-standing Englishwoman such as yourself is more than welcome to join this happy occasion,” he said, holding out his arm.
“In fact, please let me show you to the drawing room so I can get you a drink. Edward will arrange whatever or whoever you’re looking for. Isn’t that right, son?”
Edward bristled at being called son but could see what the old man was doing. There would, after all, be no drama at Ana?se Marsden-Beasley-Cameron-Reid’s wedding. Edward looked to the ceiling as if pleading with the gods to grant him patience. “Yes, of course.”
“Great then, now that’s sorted, let’s get you that welcome drink. What do you say? And what did you say your name was again?” Thomas beamed another winning smile at Tara.
“Well, I mean– I-I’m Tara Shrewsbury.” A violent blush formed on her cheeks.
“Beautiful name. And what part of England is lucky enough to have you call it home?” he asked with genuine interest.
“Bath, actually.” Tara tilted her chin with an obvious sense of pride.
“That sounds delightful.” Thomas guided her through to the drawing room, where the hubbub of the other guests was spilling into the hallway.
As they disappeared inside, Edward could still hear Thomas talking.
“Now then, ma’am, let’s get you comfortable and you can tell me all about you and your beautiful country, and I can tell you all about mine.”
Edward refocused on Jason, who had beads of sweat forming at his temples. Edward conceded he was a good-looking man; a bit twee and professor-like, and much older than Scarlett, even older than him, which instantly reminded him of her ex-husband’s inclination towards much younger women.
Jason cleared his throat. “Are you aware you’re openly snarling at me?”
Edward remained silent for a long moment.
He wanted to do far more than snarl at the man standing before him– for all the hurt he’d caused Scarlett, for making it so hard for her to trust someone new, and especially for having the gall to come here and refer to her as his wife .
But Edward kept his face void of emotion and simply shrugged.
“I wasn’t aware, no, but that’s probably because I don’t like you. ”
“Right, well, now that we have the pleasantries over and done with, could you please point me in the direction of my wife?” Jason’s eyes widened in question.
Edward didn’t move. “She doesn’t stay in the main house, and to be honest, I’m not comfortable with you traipsing around my property.” He signalled with his head towards the drawing room. “You can join your mother and the other guests through there. I’ll let Ms Hope know you’re here.”
“She’s still married, you know. It’s still Shrewsbury,” Jason grumbled.
Edward ignored him and walked away.
She’s no Shrewsbury. Not anymore.
Reaching the back of the house, he opened the door and took a deep breath of fresh air to calm his nerves and temper. He saw people busily preparing the marquee to his right; generators were now in place, and the toilets, which looked more like a spa retreat, were installed around the back.
He noted the covered pathway was now lined with flowers and fairy lights, which had been weaved into perfectly pruned hedges to light the way once it got dark.
But, expensive tents and toilet facilities aside, he conceded that the lawn, marquee, and the entire house looked incredible.
In the short timeframe given, Scarlett had done an impressive job.
The sound system was being tested and he could hear music playing, which was when he saw her– her auburn curls piled on top of her head, with unruly strands escaping down her neck and back. She wore a low-cut green dress that hugged and accentuated every curve as she walked into the marquee.
Edward had no idea what he was going to say to her, but she was like a magnet he couldn’t resist as he followed in her direction.
However, he paused as he entered the vast twinkling space where she stood in the centre of the dance floor, directing one of the young workers to adjust some tables and chairs to her left.