Page 54 of An American in London

He takes me by the hand and leads me around the table. Covered in a bright-white linen tablecloth, it’s set like we’re in a gigantic Victorian doll house, complete with a large fruit display in the middle, silverware I suspect isactuallysilver, and plates decorated with blousy flowers and gold accents.

I say good morning to those we pass. When we reach Nick and Elizabeth, Nick gives me a nod and a grin like he’s in on some kind of secret. Ben pulls out my chair and I take a seat. Immediately a waiter appears, offering me a choice of teas. I glance up at Ben, looking for him to guide me. I’m a little dazed from our greeting, and I’m not sure if there’s an appropriate tea I should be drinking.

“Green or ... nettle maybe?” he suggests, like the most attentive fiancé on the planet.

I nod. “Yes, nettle would be lovely.”

“And what can I get you for breakfast?” a man, younger than Grant, wearing a suit asks.

The duke has asked Ben a question, which takes his attention. I’m not quite sure what someone orders for breakfast in a stranger’s house. Yesterday, everything was brought to the table.

“Can I suggest eggs benedict and fruit?” the waiter says. “That seems to be a popular choice this morning.”

“Sounds great,” I say.

Everyone sits and then we all leap to our feet again as the door opens and the duchess arrives.

“Good morning, everyone,” she says, smiling and nodding at us all. Then she exchanges words with the waiter and we all sit. “Another beautiful September day,” the duchess says. “I’m just sorry you’re leaving us today. I’ve really enjoyed having you all stay.”

“I’ve had a really wonderful time,” I say, and the sentiment is completely genuine. It’s surprising how easy it’s been. I guess it’s not hard to fake being in love with a man like Ben Kelley. “Thank you so much for your incredible hospitality. Getting to see the English countryside from the viewpoint of this magnificent house ...” I shake my head. “It’s been an honor.”

The duke and duchess exchange a look, and my stomach roils. Was I too effusive? Did I seem insincere? I glance at Ben, but he’s looking at the duke.

“My husband and I have had a discussion,” the duchess starts. “We would like to host part of your wedding celebrations if you’d let us. We’d love to have the wedding breakfast here or, if you don’t feel comfortable, perhaps the engagement party?”

My heart inches higher in my chest. What a wonderfully generous offer. This can only be good news for Ben, right? The duke must like him if he’s prepared to host his wedding. I glance at Ben, and my heart swoops and crashes into my stomach. There’s just one problem—I’m not actually marrying the man next to me.

“That’s incredibly generous,” Ben says, his voice a little tighter than I’ve heard since we got here. I can tell he feels awkward. I need to be a good wingman here.

“It’s beyond generous,” I say. “I can’t think of a more magical place to celebrate our marriage than Fairfield House, can you, Ben?”

He shakes his head. “Absolutely not.”

The duchess smiles. “I knew, when I saw you dancing in the walled garden, you’d felt the magic of the place.” She saw us? I thought she had returned to the house while we lingered in the garden. “Some people come and appreciate the landscape and the history of the place, but since you walked in, I feel you see the soul of this wonderful estate.”

It’s such a huge compliment, and she’s not wrong.

“You two remind us of us when we were newly engaged. You’re so in tune with each other. I see young couples all the time, and I can tell the ones that are going to last from the ones who are getting married for all the wrong reasons.”

My stomach churns with guilt and regret. I’m so desperately sorry to be misleading her.

Ben slips his hand onto my thigh like he can hear what I’m thinking and wants to comfort me.

“That’s lovely to hear,” I say. “Ben is ... such a wonderful man. There’s not a better foundation for a partner, I think.”

The duke and duchess share another look. I glance at Ben to find him already looking at me, just like he did last night before our kiss. It’s a look that says,I think you’re lovely, and it melts me from the inside out.

“We’re just in the early stages of planning,” I say, pulling my gaze from Ben’s. “I’m not sure if Ben is going to win the elopement argument—”

“There’s no obligation,” the duchess says. “I just wanted to offer. If you decide to go a different way, then of course you must. Don’t think you’ll offend us.”

“Oh, I’m sure I can offend you,” I say. “I’m American, after all.” Everyone laughs, and thankfully the course of the conversation changes.

“Whatever happens, you all must come and stay again. The estate is quite marvelous in the autumn. The colors are astonishing, aren’t they, darling?” The duchess turns to the duke, who nods and takes amouthful of the eggs that were just placed in front of him. “All year round. And especially wonderful at Christmas.”

“We would love that,” I say, genuinely excited, as if I’m actually going to be able to come back and see the changes to the landscape and holiday lights sparkling in the trees lining the driveway. “I can’t wait for a Christmas in England.”

“Ben, let’s see if we can set up a meeting this week at The Fairfield.” The duke dabs his mouth with his napkin. “I want to go through a few things with you.”

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