Page 74 of Serving the Couturier

She raised an eyebrow and nodded towards Opal. “My grandmother, trying to arrange something for my brother.”

“Yes, I believe she is,” I agreed.

“But you haven’t felt the need to stake your claim,” Gabriella observed.

I shrugged. “I’m not the one keeping Spencer in line.”

Gabriella smiled faintly. “May I ask you a question, even though it may be a bit rude?”

My curiosity was piqued. “Sure, go ahead.”

“Why did you leave a lead role on Broadway to come to England for a guy you barely know?” she asked, with a touch of curiosity in her voice. “You’re not exactly unknown in the theater world, but you’re not a household name either. This show must have been important to you.”

“Well, to be honest,” I said, “I actually injured my foot on stage, so I wouldn’t have been able to work for the next two weeks, anyway. But, even if I had been able to perform, I still would have come to England for Spencer. I care about him more than any role I could have played on Broadway.”

Gabriella turned to face me then, with a hint of surprise in her eyes. “Splendid answer,” she said, nodding in approval.

Stunned by her response, I was momentarily speechless.

“Don’t let the rest of the family get to you,” Gabriella added with a reassuring smile. “Not even Grandmother. After all, you’re here for Spencer, and he needs you more than anyone else right now.” She gave me a knowing look before turning to walk away, leaving me standing there, feeling grateful for her support and understanding.

THIRTY-NINE

SPENCER

I fiddledwith my cufflinks until London approached me and took my hands in hers. Her touch was enough to steady my nerves, but it wasn’t just grief that had me on edge. The reality of what this loss meant for me beyond the grieving process had become clearer in the past two days, and I didn’t have the strength to deal with it on top of everything else.

“One breath at a time,” London said, kissing my knuckles. “That’s how we’ll get through this. Just focus on taking the next breath.”

I nodded, grateful for her words. “Thank you,” I said.

“Is there anything else we need to do before we leave?” she asked.

“I don’t think so,” I replied, looking around my bedroom. It felt strange being here, even though I hadn’t been gone for long and I had returned to my flat twice since going to New York. Perhaps it was the fact that I had been looking at places in New York that made me feel like something was off.

“I have your keys, wallet, and phone in my purse,” London said, releasing my hands. “We don’t want to ruin the line of your suit.”

“Grandmother would have my head if I did,” I agreed.

“Was there anything you needed to take for your mother or sisters, or the kids?”

“No, I think I have everything,” I said, and we made it halfway to the door before I realized I had forgotten something. “Bugger, my eulogy. Where did I put it?”

“I have it,” London said, taking one of my hands and squeezing it. “You gave it to me to hold so you wouldn’t forget it.”

“Right, of course. Thank you, darling,” I said. “You’re always so on top of things. It’s no wonder I can’t keep up.”

The ride to St. George in the East was spent mostly reviewing the itinerary given to me by Grandmother the day before. The funeral was to be a typical Church of England service, held at the same church where all our family’s weddings and funerals had taken place since Grandmother and Grandfather’s marriage.

“The church is beautiful,” London said as we came to a stop in front of the building.

“I’ve always thought so,” I said absentmindedly, checking my phone. “Mom and Gabriella will be here shortly.”

“Do you want to wait for them?” she asked.

“No, Grandmother is already here, and I think the car behind us is Fleur and the family. Grandmother will already be annoyed that I wasn’t the first one here,” I replied.

The driver opened London’s door, but she took a moment to reach over and squeeze my hand. “Whatever you need from me today, just let me know. Even if it means distracting your grandmother,” she said.

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