Page 20 of Tis The Season for Secrets
My darling granddaughter, I’m sorry I couldn’t give this to you in person and explain its contents. This chest was entrusted to me by your mother, to be passed on to you only after the passing of your grandfather. I’m afraid that in keeping my promise to your mother, I’ve had to keep you in the dark. There are many elements of our family’s past and your own story that have been kept from you, for both your own safety and that of others. However, the time has come for you to learn the truth.
Having watched you grow into such a thoughtful, kind and honest woman that I’m proud to call my granddaughter, I feel you should be allowed to make your own decision and find where you truly belong. I hope you can forgive me– us – for what we’ve kept from you over the years. Please keep your mind and your heart open, and I promise you’ll find the home you’ve always deserved. One I’m afraid that we failed to give you.
I wish now that I could go back in time and protect you, but you have to understand that your father’s relationship with your mother put us in an impossible position. Your grandfather and I did what we thought would protect our family. Our family history is rife with secrets that will seem impossible for you to understand at first. I wanted to spare you any undue longing for a home we could not give you. I’vebeen in contact with your mother, Eloise, and I promised her that I would get this chest to you when the time was right. It is of the utmost importance that you keep this chest and its contents to yourself. I know I’m asking too much and you’ll want to confront your father for answers, but please have patience. Your mom will reach out when the time is right. The last thing I ask of you is to give her a chance to explain.
All my love,
Nana Rose
Taking a deep breath, Juliet resisted the urge to crumple up the letter, to forget all she’d just read and move on from her past. What she didn’t know couldn’t hurt her.
She settled on the edge of the bed, reminding herself to breathe as she absorbed her nana’s words. She loved her grandmother, but what had she– what had her family – been hiding from her that could be so terrible as to wait until death to expose it? Her grandfather was dead, so she couldn’t confront him for answers, and she doubted her dad would tell her what the hell this letter meant.
She read over the last part again.Your mom will reach out when the time is right. The last thing I ask of you is to give her a chance to explain.
Reach out?It’d been days since she’d received the chest. There’d been no calls or emails, letters – nothing.She’s been talking to my mom since when?She’d always been led to believe that her mom wanted no contact with her, that she was a mistake to be forgotten.Did Mom know how I was being treated over the years? How I was never welcome and raised by the driver and chef? Did she know all this and never come for me?Her grief quickly morphed into rage.
“I buzzed Victor up. You almost ready?” Margot popped her head around her door. Luckily, her friend was too busy stuffinghard candy into her tiny satin clutch to notice Juliet’s solemn expression. Watching her friend trying to squeeze her phone into the already stuffed clutch made Juliet chuckle, softening the ache in her heart. She would’ve suggested less candy, but Margot never went anywhere without it, always saying she couldn’t offend anyone if her mouth was full.
She thought of the gala, and in spite of Margot’s presence a cold sweat took over her body. Strapping on her heels with shaky hands as Margot headed down the hallway, she reminded herself that in a few hours she’d be home and safe. It was too late to cancel now, and despite what her nana had requested, shehadto ask her dad if he’d known his mother was talking to Juliet’s mom. If he and his deceased mother had concocted this cruel plan to dangle the woman Juliet had never met before her to bring her back into the family fold…
She heard Margot greeting Victor as she shoved the chest back under her bed. Forcing her best smile, she prepared herself for the night ahead.
“Victor! Prompt as always.” She beamed, kissing her father’s driver’s cheek.
“Ms Juliet, beautiful as always.” He spun her round, ever the gentle giant. His grey beard was longer than when she’d last seen him. However, he still wore the grey suit and white shirt he’d worn for as long as she could remember. “Ms Margot, you look wonderful also,” he said politely. “Though I wasn’t aware I was bringing both of you tonight?”
“I’ve a little surprise and a favour to ask,” Juliet wheedled, playing with the waves that framed her face.
“I’m listening.” His dark eyes narrowed, and his weathered wrinkles deepened.
Juliet glanced at Margot, who looked incredibly nervous. “Margot is invited, so I thought we’d ride together.”
“I don’t know.” Victor always knew when she was up to something. “I didn’t receive any notice, and I don’t want a repeat of last year…” He had escorted Juliet to the Frost estate last year after the scandal with the prince, and it was Victor who’d brought hot cocoa and an icepack for her cheek to her cottage after Gillian had slapped her – with her rings on – for embarrassing the family. Juliet guessed he was erring on the side of caution to protect her.
“We can always take a cab,” she suggested, knowing he wouldn’t let that happen. “Please, Vic! Don’t make me go alone. Margot will keep me in check.”
Her voice got a little pitchy at the last part. It was more likely that Margot would have to keep her in check when she confronted her father about her nana’s letter.
“You left this to the last minute, so I can’t argue.” Victor checked his watch. “Ms Roth, I’d be delighted to offer you my services.” It wasn’t the first time he’d met Margot; he’d helped them move out of their college dorm and into their current apartment almost five years ago.
“Thank you. I promise our girl will be on her best behaviour,” Margot said with a smile.
“I can only hope the other guests will do the same,” Victor said, eying Juliet sympathetically. He knew how the other guests thought she was an easy target because of how she’d come to be a Frost.
Then again, if I confront my dad about private matters at the biggest event of the year, I might not be a Frost for much longer.
By nine o’clock, the steps in front of the museum were empty since they’d missed everyone arriving. Thanks to the icy roads, what should have been a twenty-minute drive had taken nearly an hour. The moment Juliet saw the press weren’t waiting on the steps, her nerves settled, and she thanked whatever god was responsible for the weather for delaying them. Her father would be furious with her for being late, but she got some amusement from knowing he’d have to swallow it for the night so he wouldn’t make a scene in public.
“Thanks for the ride!” Juliet hugged Victor from behind the driver’s seat before hurrying out of the black sedan.
“Have a good night! Call if there are any issues,” he called after them. His nervous gaze unsettled Juliet.
“As always.” She saluted him through the window.
Victor saluted back, always in her corner. It had been Nana Rose’s gesture, a way of saying ‘stiff upper lip’; Victor had adopted it after her death. The thought reminded her of the letter. She wished she’d read it sooner. She needed to get to the bottom of all these secrets, but for now she’d have to be patient.
“Ms Frost, Ms Roth, welcome. If you’d both please follow me.” Clearly, the suited greeter had done his homework on the guests. They were swiftly led down a long corridor adorned with artefacts from various centuries. The pillars that separated each exhibit were ornately decorated Christmas trees. The pine smell was a touch overwhelming.
