Chapter 41. Tell Me A Story (1)

[2019, March 20th]

Zoey pondered the significance of James’ demeanour as he put her in a car and told her to enjoy her time with her family. She had promised to be back tomorrow, in time for the Duchess’ Welcome, but he only smiled and said not to worry about it, said to take her time. Those words were just too sad somehow. He looked troubled. She couldn’t get the words and the look on his face out of her head.

“Zoey!” Natalie yelled across their kitchen table.

“What?!” Zoey snapped.

“As I’ve been trying to tell you for the last five minutes, your grandfather had some important business come up. He won’t be able to see us until tomorrow,” Natalie informed her.

“But tomorrow’s the Duchess’ Welcome. I promised James I’d be there.”

Natalie stared at her daughter worriedly.

“You got it bad, don’t you hon?”

“It’s not like that. He’s done a lot for me. I wouldn’t want to disappoint him, that’s all,” Zoey said defensively.

It felt like