Second Chance Girl (Happily Inc. #2)

“You must be Carol,” he said, holding out his hand. “A pleasure. I’m Ulrich Sherwood.”

“Duke of Somerbrooke,” Silver muttered under her breath. “He likes to be called Your Lordship.”

“No, Your Grace,” Violet said.

Ulrich smiled at Carol. “Or simply Ulrich.”

“Don’t worry. I’m used to ignoring those two,” she said as she took a seat. “How are you feeling? Recovering from the accident?”

“I’m nearly good as new.” His tone turned regretful. “I fear I shall have to make my way home soon.”

Violet’s mouth formed a straight line and she looked away for a second before she smiled at her sister. “Our plan to trap him and hold him for ransom seems to be failing.”

“If you’re going to let him wander the streets, then he’s hardly going to feel threatened.”

“I was attacked by a giraffe,” Ulrich pointed out. “Very unexpected.”

“Earlier this summer, we had escaped zebras,” Silver told him. “We do live in a weird little town.”

“But you love it,” Ulrich said.

“I do.”

He turned to Carol. “Violet tells me you are the local gamekeeper for the animal preserve.”

“That’s a fancy title, but yes. You’ve already met Millie.” She winced. “I am sorry that she got out and caused the accident.”

“It wasn’t Millie’s fault, it was mine. I was driving and she was not. I’m glad she was uninjured.”

“She’s fine and soon to have a herd.”

Ulrich must have looked confused because Violet explained about Millie being alone and Carol’s quest to raise the money to buy more female giraffes.

“The fund-raiser is next week,” Carol said. “It’s going to be quite the event.” She looked at her sister. “I’m going to need a mini makeover or at least suggestions for my hair and makeup.”

“Of course.”

Several servers began passing out the games. Ulrich scanned the rules, which were fairly simple.

“The winner at each table moves on to the next round,” Violet told him. “I’ll warn you, you’re playing with some very competitive women.”

“Then I shall enjoy myself even more.”

She leaned close. “You say that now.”

Her breath whispered on his cheek. He could inhale the faint scent of her perfume—one he would always associate with her. The need to kiss her was nearly as powerful as the desire to do so much more. She was bright, charming, kind and a pleasure to be around. He didn’t want to leave her and he had absolutely no reason to stay. Except...

“The fund-raiser for Millie is a week from Thursday,” he said. “Would you mind if I stayed until then?”

She met his gaze. For a second, he would have sworn he heard her breath catch, then told himself wishful thinking did not make it so.

“That would be great. The evening is going to be a lot of fun. And it’s for a good cause.”

“Millie’s herd.”

“Yes.”

He wanted to say something else, something significant that would help her understand his conflicted feelings. He wanted to know if she felt anything for him or if he was simply in danger of making a fool out of himself.

Silver rose. “I’m making a bar run. Who wants what?”

Ulrich rose. “Allow me. What would you ladies like?”

Silver raised her eyebrows. “Nice manners, Your Lordship.”

He bowed. “My lady.”

Silver sank back in her chair. “I don’t know, Violet. This one might be a keeper. The house would probably look really nice on a Christmas card.”

Violet flushed. “She’s teasing, Ulrich. You don’t have to freak out or anything.”

“I’m English, Violet. We never freak out. We don’t believe in it.”

He took their orders and made his way to the bar. As he waited to be served, he glanced back at the table. The three women were speaking intently, their heads bent together, their voices low.

If he was lucky, they were talking about him. Perhaps Violet was admitting some fondness and her friends were telling her to go for it.

And then what, the practical side of his nature asked. Where would they go from there? His life was not movable—he belonged to Battenberg Park as much as the estate belonged to him. Violet was American. Her family and work were here, in Happily Inc. She would never consider leaving...would she?

A ridiculous question. They’d only known each other a few weeks. He’d known Penelope for years before they’d married and look what had happened there. No, this was a brief respite from his responsibilities, nothing more. He would enjoy his time with Violet and then he would go home—where he belonged.

*

MATHIAS STUDIED THE latest glass version of Carol. He was closer, but the piece still wasn’t right. While the individual features looked like her, the essence of her being seemed to be missing. Although he didn’t have a clue as to how he was supposed to capture essence.

His cell rang. He recognized the area code and grinned.

“Hello?”

“Mathias, it’s Mayor Marsha. I’m sorry I couldn’t take your call earlier. I was in a meeting. How are you?”

“Very well. We’re looking forward to seeing you next weekend, at the wedding.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. You and your brothers might have moved away from Fool’s Gold, but you will always be a part of our family. I hope Sophie is staying out of trouble.”

He glanced at the sleeping beagle, then wondered how on earth the mayor had known his mother had dropped off her dog in the first place. His was not to question the mighty one, he reminded himself.

“She’s keeping out of trouble, but the day is young. Ask me in a few hours.”

Mayor Marsha chuckled. “I remember the time she managed to find her way into the storeroom of Jo’s Bar. She ate three bags of cookies and half a ham before she was discovered. Your mother was so worried about her getting sick. Sophie being Sophie was just fine. She had a little gas, but not much else.”

“That’s my girl.”

“So tell me, Mathias, how can I help you?”

“It’s about a couple of giraffes.”

“For Millie? I had heard your brother donated a piece to be auctioned off to raise the money. Moving giraffes will be a challenge, but I’m sure you have that in hand already. You’ll be needing permits. Let me see what I can do.”

Mathias wondered if he should have bothered calling. Maybe just thinking the request would have been enough.

“Thanks for your help,” he said.

“You’re more than welcome. I’ll see you at the wedding. I’m driving down with Eddie and Gladys.” The mayor sighed. “They took two days to pick the rooms they wanted at the Sweet Dreams Inn. I hope they don’t get too wild.”

Eddie and Gladys were two old ladies from Fool’s Gold. They were feisty, highly verbal and known for ogling much younger men.

“Did Del invite them?” he asked, sounding doubtful.

“Maya. They’re close to her. Apparently the new trend is grandmothers as flower girls. Eddie and Gladys are filling in. I try to stay ahead of trends but every now and then one gets by me. Take care, Mathias. I’ll be in touch. Oh, and I’m very much looking forward to meeting Carol.”

Mathias felt his mouth drop open. “How did you—? Who told you I—?” He shook his head. “Never mind. It’s not important. See you soon.”