Holland’s first impression of the manor was that it was a hotel. It was taller than it was wide and it was straight as a pillar.

“Tia Jane rents out rooms to visiting dignitaries.” Ryan explained. “She had this manor built with that in mind.”

They were greeted at the door by a man who offered to check their coats. Ryan took a deep breath before turning to face Holland. She realized he was probably looking at how she looked in her dress and she blushed.

The material was a baby blue colour accented with white lace. It was fitted so the top ended with a brown belt, then fanned out into the skirt. The sleeves cut off just before her elbows and the skirt reached down to only her knees. She’d worn tall white socks to cover her legs. A pair of black buckled shoes had also been included with the dress, along with a blue headband that matched the material perfectly.

“Wow.” Ryan breathed.

“I know.” Holland huffed. “I look like a little kid at Easter.”

“You look like Alice.” He corrected. “Tia Jane must have had that in mind when she bought it.”

Holland looked up at him, confused. “She bought it? I thought you’d sent it.”

“She gave it to me to give you.” He looked embarrassed. “I never looked at what it was. I should have sent a second dress, too. Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “I kind of like it, to be honest.”

“Well, if it isn’t Ryan Gale.”

Holland turned and saw a boy who looked almost identical to Ryan sneering at them. He walked toward them like it was his party they were attending. “I had heard you were engaged, but I never expected her to be a kid.”

“I’m eighteen.” Holland corrected.

He made a show of bowing. “My apologies.” His words didn’t match his snide smirk.

“Trevor, this is Holly.” Ryan introduced. “Holly, this is my cousin, Trevor.”

She smiled. “It’s lovely to meet you.” She said politely. “Are you two close?”

Ryan barked a laugh. “Trevor is hoping we don’t work out. If I don’t get married, he’ll inherit our family’s company.”

“Oh, that’s too bad.” Holland wrapped her arms around Ryan’s neck. “I don’t see that happening any time soon.”

Trevor scowled, but soon hid it with another smirk. “I don’t suppose I might be honored with a dance later this evening.”

“I don’t see why not.” She forced herself to keep smiling. When he’d walked away, she turned to Ryan. “He’s pretty cocky.”

Ryan shook his head. “He isn’t even related to me by blood. My aunt adopted him when her driver hit his mother.”

Holland gasped. “That’s terrible. Well, he might not see it as all terrible. He did become nobility.” She clamped her mouth shut, ashamed for even thinking that.

“I’ve read books with this situation in them.” Ryan pretended she hadn’t said anything. “If he gets a hold on the company, he may run it into the ground just to spite our family.”

Holland nodded slowly. “I’ve read books like that. He almost gets his way, then his plan is revealed when a direct heir is found living a middle-class life, completely unaware of his birthright.”

Ryan sighed happily. “Those are always good books.”

***

The party was in full swing when Trevor found them again for his dance with Oliver. Ryan reluctantly let go of her hand and watched his cousin lead her onto the dance floor.

Ryan knew Trevor would do anything to get a hold on the company. He also knew Oliver couldn’t be persuaded easily.

As he watched them dance, Ryan noticed things about her he hadn’t before. Her hair flared out at the tips, making it look shorter than it was. Her head had a natural tilt to the right, making her look quizzical. Her steps were light and her feet seemed to float across the floor, making her look like an angel.

Ryan shook his head. He couldn’t get caught up in her. Not now. They were so close. All she had to do was meet his father, then wait maybe a month for the wedding. They would have to wait at least a week to get divorced, then another month for the lawyers to sort things out.

Two months. Ryan realized. She’ll be gone in two months. The thought made him feel strange. Suddenly finding his tie too tight, he stepped out onto a balcony for some air.

“There you are.” Her voice startled him and he realized he’d been staring out over the gardens for longer than he’d thought.

“Your cousin’s a jerk, by the way.” Oliver joined him at the railing. “He wouldn’t shut up about money. Like that’s all life’s about.”

Ryan looked at her in his peripheral vision. He hadn’t known how she’d react to meeting his cousin and learning he’d inherit the company if they didn’t get married. But he wasn’t expecting her to be so calm.

“I should have told you sooner.” He confessed.

“Yeah, you should have.” She turned to face him. “You let me believe if I didn’t marry you, Peter would be forced away from his family. Now I learn there’s a third option.” She sighed. “Although, option number three sucks.”

“Are you still in?” He asked. “It’s okay if you want to back out. I’ll pay you for the whole week.”

She shook her head and laughed. “This was never about the money. You looked so desperate. Like the cat I rescued when I was ten.”

“I’ll tell everyone it was a trick.” Ryan turned away, not sure what his face looked like. “No one will blame you.”

Oliver grabbed his arm. “Hold it. I never said I regretted it. I just wish you would have told me sooner.”

“No more secrets.” He vowed. “I promise.”

They returned to the party as the music was stopping. It was time for Tia Jane’s announcement.

***

Holland didn’t know where to look. There was no platform for someone to stand for a speech. She looked at the other guests and determined they were looking at the grand staircase. Her eyes trialed up and she saw their hostess standing on the landing.

“Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen.” Tia Jane began. “I hope you are all enjoying yourselves. This is a very special day for me and I wanted to share it with all of you.”

Holland leaned toward Ryan. “Is it her birthday?” He shook his head and she returned her gaze to Lady Austin. What’s special about today?

“I’ve heard the rumors, like everyone else.” Tia Jane continued. “I know you are all skeptical about my marriage overseas, and of my daughter. Well, I am here to tell you that the rumors are false.

“I did get married and I did have a child. My husband died two years ago, and I regret that I was not there. It was my intension to bring my daughter here after his death. However, she vanished shortly after his funeral.”

Murmurs erupted throughout the crowd. A lady standing beside Holland chuckled. “Sound an awful lot like more excuses.” She whispered to her date.

“Finally,” Tia Jane commanded everyone’s attention again, “I have found her. And, to my great surprise, she was not overseas like I’d expected. She was right here, in London.” She put a hand to her cheek, a content smile spreading over her face. “I am so proud of her. She’s only eighteen, but she’s so successful.”

Lady Austin’s eyes scanned the crowd and stopped on Holland. Her smile grew and she started down the stairs. The crowd parted to make way. When she was arms-length from Holland, she stopped.

“Holland Oliver Hope.” She said proudly. “Welcome home.” She wrapped the girl in a hug and refused to let go.