Millions To Spare

Chapter Sixteen

Harrison spent most of the trip across the Atlantic telling himself to buck up and be a man about it.

Sure, he’d missed Julia last night. But it was obvious she was ready to walk away, and he’d had no choice but to respect her wishes. Although every minute took him farther away from her, he tried to remind himself he was also heading toward something else, a course of action that would ultimately make the most sense.

But, by the time they crossed the Azores, he knew he had to stop in London. He also knew he had to tell both Brittany and his grandmother the engagement wasn’t going to happen. He’d betrayed Brittany in the most fundamental way a man could betray a woman. It wasn’t that he’d slept with Julia. Problem was, he’d fallen in love with Julia.

He’d asked his pilot to refile the flight plan, and now they were easing onto the runaway at Heathrow.

He’d also forced himself to go over a backlog of business e-mails, composing answers while they were in the air. Once the jet was taxiing at Heathrow, he hooked up his connection and sent everything off.

There was some good news on the pipeline front. France and Turkmenistan were ready to start formal talks. Harrison would have to be in Paris for that at the end of the month. He’d also contacted a top-notch, international private investigative firm. They’d get started on the investigation around Millions to Spare’s death immediately and, hopefully, have some information for the Prestons soon.

His jet stopped at the private boarding gates, and he headed down the gangway into a blustery fall evening in London. There was a limo waiting for him, and he made a few calls while half watching a news station on his way to Brittany’s family home near Hyde Park.

“We’ve arrived, sir,” the limo driver informed him as the car came to a halt.

One of the Livingstons’ footmen quickly opened Harrison’s door, and Harrison thanked him as he got out.

Another staff member greeted him on the lighted, stone porch and offered to announced him to Brittany. The Livingstons had always lived on the formal side, even for the aristocracy, and Harrison couldn’t help but contrast their lifestyle to the cozy little cabin where he’d spoken with Julia just last night.

Brittany appeared almost immediately in the marble and gilded entry hall.

“Harrison.” She smiled politely, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “How good of you to stop by.”

Again, Harrison’s brain brought up a contrast to Julia. If he’d arrived unannounced on her doorstep at nine in the evening, she’d probably ask him what the heck he wanted.

“Shall we go into the parlor?” Brittany offered.

“I came to apologize,” said Harrison as he fell into step with her. “I’m sorry I had to leave so suddenly.”

They crossed through a set of double doors to a dark paneled room with French provincial furniture, heavy oil paintings and ornate, antique crystal chandeliers.

Brittany gestured to a burgundy upholstered chair. “I understand completely,” she told him.

He waited for her to sit down in the opposite chair before taking his own seat.

A butler arrived.

“Would you care for a cocktail?” asked Brittany. “Or perhaps some tea?”

“Tea would be nice,” said Harrison. “I’m time zone challenged at the moment.”

“Of course.” She nodded to the butler, who exited the room.

Immediately a trio of maids appeared, setting out cups and spoons, sugar, cream, honey and lemon. Then another maid arrived with a tray of sweets, and yet another with a pot of tea.

Harrison waited until the little flurry had calmed down and Brittany had poured the tea.

He took a sip and nodded his appreciation. “I am sorry our visit in Dubai didn’t go as I had planned.”

Brittany’s cup rattled against the saucer.

He peered closely at her expression and realized she was nervous about something.

He had a horrible thought. Was she expecting him to propose here and now?

“Harrison.” She set down her cup.

What could he do?

What could he say?

He didn’t want to hurt her.

“There’s something I need to discuss with you,” she continued.

He set down his own cup and leaned forward, relieved to have her keep talking a little while longer. “Please,” he invited.

“This is difficult,” she said, smoothing her hair back from her face.

Then she rose, and Harrison quickly rose with her.

She crossed the room and shut the parlor door. Then she turned to face him. “I’ve always thought we were perfect for each other.”

Harrison didn’t know what to say to that, but his worst fear seemed to be coming true. He truly didn’t want to break Brittany’s heart. She was a lovely woman.

“We have so much in common,” she continued. “Music, art, religion, politics. And we have so many mutual friends.”

He needed to shut this conversation down before she said something that would later prove embarrassing. “I understand how you might-”

She held up a hand to stop him. “I’m sorry. Please. I need to say it all.”

Harrison nodded. He had no choice.

“And you and I, far more than most people, understand there’s still value in uniting families. A title is important. It’s important socially, and it gives children so many advantages in life.”

“Brittany, I-”

“I can’t marry you, Harrison.”

Harrison could swear that his jaw dropped open. He was completely speechless.

“I know it’s a foolish decision on my part.”

Not foolish at all. She didn’t want to marry him? Had he heard that right?

“Problem is-” she walked back to her chair and dropped down into it “-I’m in love with someone else.”

It was Harrison’s turn to drop into his chair. He stared at her, speechless with surprise.

She gave a little laugh. “He’s a commoner. He’s an American. He’s brash and outspoken and opinionated. And he’s not the least bit intimidated by my title or my family or pretty much anything for that matter.”

She took a breath. “For the first time in my life, I’ve found someone for whom it’s worth defying both my family and convention. Father will rage, as you can imagine.”

Harrison could well imagine. “Do you need my help?” he asked her.

She gave him a curious look.

“With your father. I’d be happy to talk to him if you think it would help.”

“You’re not angry?”

Harrison gave her a smile. “How could I be angry?” He reached out and took both of her hands. “It sounds like you’re going to be happy.”

Her eyes shimmered, and she blinked rapidly. “Maybe.”

“Are you ready to tell me who he is?”

She shook her head. “Not yet. He doesn’t…” She glanced away. “He still thinks I’m marrying you.”

Harrison smiled at the irony. “I know how that can go.”

“I hope we can still be friends.” Her voice shook ever so slightly. And no wonder. She was about to embark on a course of action that would rattle the foundations of her family and ripple out into society across London.

“Absolutely,” he answered her question. He came to his feet, drawing her up with him, and pulling her into a gentle hug. “I wish you nothing but happiness,” he told her. “And I’m here for you in whatever you need. If you need to get out of London for a while. If you need anything financially. And, please, bring him to meet me as soon as you can?”

Brittany gave a strange, little laugh, and it did Harrison’s heart good.

He drew back and gave her hand another squeeze. “Well done, Brittany. I’m very proud of you.”

And he was.

He was also a little disappointed in himself. Brittany was heading out on a very big limb for her love, whereas he’d given up Julia without the slightest of fights.

Back at his London flat, Harrison stared out the window across the black water of the Thames. He’d picked up the phone to call Julia a dozen times. But he had to find the right words. He knew he only had one shot at this, and he wasn’t about to blow it.

A knock sounded on his door, and he crossed the floor to find Alex on the porch.

“What on earth are you doing in London?” Last time Harrison had checked, Alex was still holding down the fort in Dubai.

“I have to talk to you,” Alex responded, marching into the square foyer and removing his coat, tossing it on a wall hook.

“It seems to be an epidemic today,” Harrison commented as he led the way into the living room. He took his favorite Windsor chair, while Alex walked to the big, bay window and stared out.

Harrison wondered if something was wrong on the pipeline deal. Funny, he couldn’t bring himself to care about a financial loss right now.

After a moment, Alex turned. He reached into the breast pocket of his suit and extracted a white envelope. “I’m handing you my resignation.”

Harrison couldn’t have been more stunned if Alex had pulled out a gun and demanded the silver. “You’re what?”

“I’m resigning.”

Harrison scrambled to make sense of the words. How had this happened? Why hadn’t he seen it coming?

Alex took five swift steps across the room and dropped the letter on the lamp table beside Harrison.

Harrison didn’t even look at the envelope. “Have you lost your mind?”

Alex shook his head. “I’ve done something that makes me unfit as your employee.”

“Is it serious? Can we solve it? Was it illegal?”

Alex took a very deep breath. “I slept with Brittany.”

Harrison’s jaw definitely fell open this time.

“I’m in love with her, Harrison. And, fair warning, I’m going to fight you for her.”

Harrison came to his feet, struggling to keep his expression serious. An American, Brittany had said. Brash and fearless, who didn’t care what her family or anybody else thought.

“You mean fisticuffs?” he asked Alex. “Pistols at dawn? How exactly are we going to fight?”

“Are you smiling? Why aren’t you going for my throat? I just told you I slept with your fiancée.”

“She’s not my fiancée.”

“Technical point. You’re going to marry her.” He paused. “For Christ’s sake, why are you smiling?”

“Because,” said Harrison, deciding to put Alex out of his misery, “Brittany just finished telling me she was in love with another man. And three days ago, I married Julia to get her out of the country.”

Alex’s expression hardened. His eyes crackled with hostility, and his skin tone turned ruddy. “What other man?”

“Relax,” said Harrison, finding it intriguing that Alex didn’t even react to the Julia story. “Brittany wouldn’t give me a name. But I’m guessing it’s you.”

Alex drew sharply back.

“She said he was a brash, outspoken American who didn’t give a damn about her title. Oh, and I asked her if she’d introduce me to him. I guess that explains why she laughed. She also said he still thought she was marrying me. But she’s not. She broke it off with me an hour ago.”

It took less than a second for Alex to react.

He turned for the door, and Harrison quickly handed him his coat, since he didn’t look as if he was about to slow down for anything.

As the door slammed shut, Harrison dropped back down in his chair. Brittany was giving everything up for Alex. And Alex was willing to slay dragons for her.

What was Harrison willing to do to have Julia?

Simple. Anything and everything.

Sipping a second cup of tea in the parlor, Brittany knew she should feel terrible. She should feel nervous and regretful, even fearful of her father’s reaction. But she couldn’t help it, she felt happy, even light. She felt freer than she could ever remember. There wasn’t an ounce of guilt in her at the moment.

“Lady Brittany?” came the butler’s voice through the open double doors.

She glanced up.

“A Mr. Lindley is-”

Before the introduction was even complete, Alex was striding through the door.

“Alex.” She popped up from her seat, unable to keep a smile from bursting out. Alex was here. He was in London.

“Sir,” admonished the butler.

“It’s fine, Reginald,” Brittany put in. “Please close the door.”

To his credit, Alex waited until the door was shut before speaking.

“He’s the first thing to go,” Alex growled.

“What are you talking about?” She was still grinning.

Alex advanced on her. “Harrison just told me you’re in love with an American.”

“I am,” she admitted, a rush of excitement and anticipation hitting her system.

Alex halted directly in front of her. “And he says you’re not marrying him.”

“I’m not,” she agreed.

“Then, I’m here to ask if you’re open to offers.”

“I am. You’ve got an offer to make?”

“Marry me. Thumb your nose at your family. And you’ll spend every night of your life in ecstasy.”

Her grin widened even farther. “That’s a bold offer.”

He grinned right back at her. “I’m a bold man.”

“My father may challenge you to a duel.”

“Tell him I used to kill people professionally and blow things up recreationally. Maybe he’ll change his mind.”

“I doubt it.”

“Then how do you feel about eloping?”

“I’m afraid we’re going to have to stay here and face the music.”

“Well, I’m not killing your father, and I’m sure not letting him kill me.”

“Then we should probably talk to my mother. She’s more reasonable, and she’s used to calming him down.”

Alex was silent for a moment. “Is that a yes, Brittany?”

She slowly nodded.

Alex was the brass ring of happiness. She was marrying him, and nothing was going to stop her. She’d finally found something in her life worth defying her father for.

Alex sobered. He cupped her face and kissed her gently on the mouth. “I don’t even have a ring.”

“You don’t need a ring.”

“We’re buying one tomorrow. Something huge and ostentatious so your father doesn’t think I’m destitute. I’m not destitute, Brittany. I’m not Harrison, but I’m quite wealthy.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“It does. A little. I want you to know you’ll have everything you need.”

She kissed him again, wrapping her arms around him to hold him close. “I already have everything I need.”

Buying a Dalmatian puppy was just the shot in the arm Julia needed. As she watched Herman scamper across the floor of her condo, slipping to a stop, then valiantly trying to get his little puppy jaws around a blue-and-red-striped ball, she smiled for the first time in two days.

She was still feeling lonely and maudlin whenever she let herself think about Harrison, but Herman was showing her there was light at the end of the tunnel. The puppy books, the gear, the house training and the walks by the river gave her a focus for her life.

She wouldn’t be able to travel as much now that she had him, but she’d decided to scale back on her work for Equine Earth, and start working freelance on the kinds of investigative stories she’d always wanted to undertake. Life was too short to stay in the lifestyle section.

A knock came on her door.

With a quick check to make sure Herman was occupied and wouldn’t dart out, she pulled it open.

She gave her head a shake and blinked to clear her eyes, certain she must be hallucinating Harrison with a Dalmatian puppy in his arms.

“Meet Herman,” came the voice that had haunted her dreams.

Behind her, Herman barked and jumped at her calves.

“Uh-oh,” said Harrison.

Julia scooped up the puppy, and she couldn’t help but smile. “This is Herman.”

The two puppies barked at one another, desperately trying to get down to play on the floor.

“Come on in,” Julia said to Harrison, standing aside, then closing the door behind him before they released the puppies.

They barked and wrestled and chased their way across the living-room floor. Julia kept her back to Harrison as she watched the puppies play, using the distraction to try to come to terms with his arrival. What was he doing here? What did he want?

After a couple of minutes, his big hands closed over her shoulders. “Hello, Julia.”

She struggled to keep the emotion out of her voice. “Hello, Harrison.”

“How have you been?”

She shrugged. Fine didn’t quite describe it, but she was surviving. “Did you have business in Lexington?”

“No business.”

She turned then. “Why are you here?”

“I came to see you.”

She forced a light note into her voice, pretending they were mere acquaintances who might see each other from time to time. “You came all the way to Kentucky to bring me a puppy?”

He shook his head.

Then another thought occurred to her. “Did you find out something about Millions to Spare?”

He shook his head again. “I realized,” he began. Then his gaze softened, focusing on a spot behind her. “You may have misunderstood. And I need to explain.”

She waited for him to elaborate.

“That last night at the Prestons,” he said. “When I told you that being my wife was a terrible job…I don’t think I put it quite correctly.” He took a breath and looked directly into her eyes. “What I meant to say was, it’s a terrible job. But will you take it on anyway?”

Julia struggled to make sense of his words. “I don’t understand.”

“I’m asking you to stay married to me.”

“What about Brittany? What about the perfect children?” Julia’s mind still couldn’t wrap itself around his about-face.

“Brittany’s marrying Alex.”

“She’s what?”

Harrison had been jilted? Wow. She’d bet he hadn’t seen that one coming.

“Apparently their police chase around UAE was more fun than they expected.”

So Julia was second choice? Did Harrison want to marry her because Brittany was unavailable?

She loved him, but could she live with that?

The puppies barked and growled behind her, and she turned to see what they’d gotten into.

“Julia?”

They were pouncing on the rubber ball, and she watched their carefree frolicking for a few minutes.

“Julia?” Harrison tried again.

She sighed and turned back to him. “I can’t take Brittany’s place.”

His brow creased. “Is that what you-”

“I’m sorry.”

He raked his hand through his hair. “You’re not taking Brittany’s place,” he boomed, and the puppies froze in their play. “Brittany was taking yours. I realized that on my way back home. I went to her. I was going to tell her I couldn’t marry her because I was in love with you.”

If his indignation was anything to go by, he was completely serious.

Something broke loose inside Julia. He loved her. Harrison actually loved her. She suddenly felt as happy and carefree as the puppies. A smile grew on her face.

Harrison lowered his voice, sincerity rumbling through it. “I love you, Julia. But I’m not exaggerating, being my wife is a tough job. And I don’t want you to-”

“Would people try to kill me very often?” she asked.

He took in her expression and grinned. “We’ll have to stay out of Dubai for a while. I’d like to make it clear, though, that they weren’t trying to kill you because you were my wife.”

“Fair point.”

“And, no, I don’t expect there will be many threats on your life. Not after the people I’ve hired finish investigating Muwaffaq, Rafiq and all of their associates. But I have business all over the world.”

“I can write stories all over the world.”

“I’ll change what I can, but I have responsibilities to my companies. The social obligations are huge. There’s hosting and entertaining-”

“Did I mention that I speak French?”

He paused. “I believe you did.”

“Spanish, too. And I usually know which fork to use.”

He chuckled. “That’s good. And I’m planning to hire you some help.”

“Excuse me?” What was it he thought she needed help with?

“A secretary.”

Julia wasn’t sure how she felt about that.

“I had Leila in mind,” he elaborated.

Oh. Julia could definitely live with that.

“One last question,” she told him. “Are we going to have to go through one of those cathedral weddings to satisfy your family? Because I’m really not wild about-”

“How does this sound?” He closed on her, wrapping his arms loosely around her waist. “‘Baron Welsmeire is pleased to announce his marriage to American journalist Julia Nash in a private ceremony at his palace in Dubai. The two met at the Sandstone Derby at Nad Al Sheba racecourse earlier this year. The couple plans to honeymoon in the South Pacific prior to taking up residence at the Rochester Estate in Windsor.’”

She smiled, and he leaned in to give her a gentle kiss.

“Where they’ll raise Dalmatian puppies,” she added, “plant a cherry orchard and travel far and wide on their diplomatic passports.”

He slipped his arms fully around her waist and drew her close. “That sounds absolutely perfect. But there’s one last thing.”

“Yes?”

“Do you love me, Julia?”

She nodded, meaning the words with all her heart. “Yes. I love you, Harrison. I love you very, very much.”