Page 17 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“Right now, I need you to stop unpacking what I’ve packed!” Harriet grabbed the pile of clothes and dumped them in her suitcase.
“Nope,” Alex said, grabbing the clothes again.
“Stop it!” Harriet’s voice started to rise as she grabbed the pile of clothes in Alex’s hands.
“No!” Alex pulled the clothes from her hands. “You stop it.”
“Alex!” Harriet hissed. “Give me my clothes.”
They grappled over the pile of clothes until they went flying in all directions. “Now look at what you’ve done.” Alex shook his head.
“You know what?” Harriet held up her hands. “I can get someone to send them to me.”
Her hands shook as she walked to the dresser and grabbed her purse.
“Where are you going?” Alex followed Harriet through to the living room.
“Anywhere but here,” Harriet told him.
Alex blocked the door to the hallway with his six-foot-four frame.
“Why don’t we have some tea and talk about this?” Alex suggested. “I’ll even pick up the clothes that you spilled on the floor.”
Her eyes narrowed warningly on him. “My uncle and his merry entourage arrive in three days. I want to be long gone by then.”
“An hour or two is not going to make a difference,” Alex pointed out. “Please, Harry, just have a cup of tea.”
“Fine, but you’re paying for it, and I want something to eat as well. I didn’t have breakfast!” Harriet dumped her purse on the table beside the door and walked into the living room. Plopping onto the sofa, she took the room service menu from the table.
“That’s a great idea.” Alex sat beside her. “I’m also starving.”
They ordered room service, and while they waited, Harriet turned to Alex.
“Me leaving isyourfault.“ Harriet poked him in the chest with her index finger. “I asked you to do one thing for me.” She held up a finger. “One thing, and that wasnotto invite my family here.”
“It wasn’t me,” Alex told her. “My mother took over the guest list, and you know how she is.”
“It’s yours and Daniella’s party,” Harriet pointed out. “All you had to do was say no.”
“I’m sorry.” Alex pulled a sad face. “I didn’t think there would be any harm in my parents inviting Gray and your parents.”
“Yes, but you knew that inviting them would lead to the possibility of my parents extending the invitation to my grandfather and uncle.” Harriet raised her eyebrows. “My uncle has decided he’s going to trade me for the olive plantation that my family has always coveted.”
“Aren’t you just being a teensy melodramatic, Harry?” Alex made a teeny sign with his index finger and thumb.
“Let’s see…” Harriet folded her one arm over her chest and tapped her finger on her chin in feigned contemplation. “My uncle, who is the reigning monarch of my family and who apparently had a say in who I marry and what I do, hasdecreed…“ she emphasized the word, “that our family and the Gladstone family of some tiny city near Greece marry because it will be good for the Joyce Isles.”
“Doesn’t he have to go through a whole thing before he can make that stick?” Alex asked. “I mean, on the one hand, the law of your kingdom states that the monarchy is free to choose who they want to marry.” He held up his hand. “But, your uncle, the reigning king, can override that rule at will.” He shook his head in confusion. “It doesn’t make sense to me.”
“My father told me that while my grandfather is still alive, my uncle has to be seen to be following that rule,” Harriet explained. “But Uncle Titus, who has used my grandfather’s dementia for his own personal gain, managed to get him to approve a clause.”
“Oh!” Alex raised his brows. “Which is?”
“In the interest of maintaining stability and securing the future of the kingdom, the reigning monarch reserves the authority to require members of the royal family, particularly heirs to the throne, to enter into marriage when deemed necessary for the welfare and prosperity of Joyce Isles. Such unions shall be conducted with careful consideration for diplomatic relations, alliance-building, and the preservation of the royal lineage.”Harriet recited. “This amendment can only be enforced should the heir to the throne be divorced, widowed for five years, or single for five years.”
“Ouch!” Alex pulled a pained face. “You’ve been divorced, and you’ve been single for over five years.”
“I’ve dated,” Harriet said indignantly.
