Page 54 of Reckless Kiss

Nothing had made her more nervous than meeting Archer’s aunt. Auditioning with huge Hollywood stars, interviewing with top directors, stepping up to receive her Oscar. Nothing compared to meeting the formidable woman sitting at the other end of the dining room. The dining table could seat twenty comfortably. Archer had told her it extended for fifty people to dine in the great hall. The cold and draughty room was vast. Chandeliers were high up, dwarfed by the space half the size of a football pitch. If his aunt were attempting intimidation, she’d got it spot on. Erica was seated opposite Archer a third of the way down the table. His aunt was at the head of the table, dressed for dinner in an evening gown and jewels that sparkled under the lights. Archer introduced her to Bailey in the grand foyer, who now stood stoic in the corner awaiting instructions from his mistress.

The clinking of her cutlery seemed to echo throughout the room. Each time she glanced at Archer, he smirked. Itwas fine for him as he knew all the etiquette required for a five-course dinner with the island’s matriarch. Erica was dining with old money, who had exacting standards, and she felt she didn’t meet them. As she speared a green bean, Erica idly wondered if Cynthia would talk at any stage during the meal. Since their introduction, which almost had Erica curtseying, nothing further had been said.

They were three courses into their evening, and Archer’s aunt hadn’t uttered a word. None of them had. A palate cleanser followed a salmon starter, and the main course was finished. Bailey cleared the plates away, and Erica made wide eyes at Archer in a feeble attempt to ask him why there was no conversation. Her family was middle of the road, easy-going but still chatted throughout meal time. Archer clearly couldn’t understand what she was attempting to say.

“Have you set a date yet, Archer?” Cynthia asked as Bailey took her plate away.

“We thought we’d have a short engagement, no need to wait when you know you have the one.”

Cynthia dropped her chin and stared at Archer, but Erica was staring at Cynthia, gauging her. The older woman reminded her of old Hollywood, saying far more than the words meant. Suspicion laced her words when she spoke again.

“Fools rush in, Archer,” she said.

“People only have a long engagement to save for a wedding. We don’t have the issue of waiting. We’ll speak to the vicar and set a date as soon as possible.”

“I imagine there will be some expense, won’t there? What about a dress, Erica? You’ll want to find the perfect gown to marry Archer Turner, won’t you?”

“I will begin at once to search for the dress, MissTurner. I can have fittings on the mainland and then bring it back before the wedding.”

“Hmm,” Cynthia replied. “Flowers, Archer. I’d imagine you’ll get those from Narcissi Flower Farm. What about guests? How many are you going to troop through the grounds?”

Erica was watching Archer’s reaction to Cynthia’s questions. It was veiled in irritation that him getting married was an imposition, but Erica knew differently. Questions flooded Erica’s mind. Did Cynthia think she didn’t know about the deal? Did Cynthia think Erica was truly in love with Archer and the marriage was genuine?

“There are a lot of questions to answer, Aunt Cynthia,” Archer said but looked at Erica. “We can discuss who will and won’t be coming to the wedding. Erica and I will go through all the details, and then I can let you know the plan next week. When speaking to the vicar, are there any wedding dates we need to avoid?”

“I’m sure Bailey can tell you what’s happening in the wedding hall. I don’t get involved with that side of things.”

“Okay, I’ll talk to Bailey in the morning.”

Erica looked directly at Bailey in shock. They were talking about him like he wasn’t there. Bailey shook his head infinitesimally at Erica, and she turned her head to look at Archer. A staff member came in, placed a chocolate pudding in front of each of them, and left the room. She was so silent on her feet that Erica hadn’t noticed her arrival until the plate came into view.

Erica remained silent for the duration of the dessert course and then coffee with tiny chocolates. Archer’s aunt didn’t touch her chocolates, but Archer ate one after the other. Four square, delicately decorated chocolates were on a plate in front of her. She took one and ate it whole. Thebitterness mixed with raspberry melted on her tongue. For a few seconds, she closed her eyes, savouring the delicious flavours. When she heard Archer chuckle, her eyes snapped open. She glared at him and then looked at Cynthia, wondering what she’d done.

“I think it’s time I retired for the evening,” Cynthia said.

Bailey was pulling away her chair like a shot as the older woman stood.

“Bailey, can you send hot cocoa to my room in an hour?”

“Of course, Miss Turner,” he said and moved out of the way.

“Erica, would you mind walking me out?” Cynthia asked.

Shocked at the request, Erica looked to Archer for confirmation. He dropped his napkin and stood.

“No, Archer, just Erica. She can come back for you when we’ve reached our destination,” Cynthia replied.

Erica placed her napkin on the table, regretting not following Archer’s lead and wolfing all four chocolates. Giving the treats a baleful look, she dragged herself away and headed to the end of the table where Cynthia was waiting. Erica was surprised when she hooked her arm through hers. With surprising strength, Erica was propelled forward towards the door. It opened as soon as they were near, and Erica spotted Bailey on the other side.

Cynthia cleared her throat when they were free of the dining room and walking across the grand foyer.

“I am fully aware of who you are, even if my nephew is not. I imagine with your wealth, you are not after his money.”

“How do you know who I am?”

“We make it our business to know who stays on the property.”

“We?”

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