Page 59 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“Go on,” Titus said.
“When we knew Alex’s mother was inviting the Joyce family, Harriet didn’t want to be seen to still be single,” Finn embellished a little. “I’ve known Harriet for over a year now, and we’ve grown close.” He smiled lovingly at Harriet. “But we really fell in love. We didn’t want to upstage our friend’s wedding, so we kept up the farce.”
“Harriet, is this true?” Titus’s narrowed eyes turned to his niece. “And no more lies. I want the truth, Harriet.”
“Y… Yes,” Harriet said. “It’s the truth, Uncle Titus.” She looked at Finn, who was picking up the story. “I explained to Finn how things worked and that we’d need to make amends with you and my parents after the wedding festivities.” She straightened her shoulders, and her eyes narrowed at her uncle, facing him down. “Then I was glad of the ruse when Gray arrived on Plum Island to tell me thatyouhad set up a union between me and Leon after everything you know he put me through before.“ Her voice wobbled with anger. “All the guilt I felt about lying was washed away when I found out that you felt nothing about going behind my back and getting me re-engaged to thatmonster!”
“Harriet, I explained—“ Titus began, his eyes widened as Harriet advanced in anger.
“You should’ve come to me and explainedbeforeyou offered me up like a prize cow,“ Harriet hissed.
Finn had to hide a smile. She truly was magnificent. Harriet had managed to take their situation and turn it against her uncle. She really belonged on the throne.
“Now, Harriet,” Titus held up his hands. “Need I remind you that I’m still the king.” He pointed out. “And…” He swallowed as he stared at his angry niece. “I’m sorry, Harry.” His voice dropped, and his eyes shone with regret. “I panicked, sweetheart.”
Oh!Finn gave a slight nod.It runs in the family.Titus was turning the tables on Harriet. It was like watching an emotionalboxing match. But he knew who was going to win and had every confidence in his queen.
“Do you think that’s going to melt my heart and…” Harriet threw her hands in the air. “Truce?”
“Phew!” Titus breathed. “I didn’t know what my next move would be.” He nodded and held out his arms. Harriet smiled and ran into them, giving him a hug. “I don’t like us being at odds, Harry,” Titus admitted as he held her. “Especially when I remember the last time we were at odds.” He rolled his eyes and shook his head, looking at Finn when Harriet stepped out of his arms.
“I know I’m probably going to regret this,” Finn stated. “But what did Harriet do?”
“She staged a protest that had all the workers on Joyce Isles down their tools and take the various town squares across the island,” Titus told him, and Harriet grinned sheepishly. “She wanted me to include nurseries for working parents at all the factories and make it a law that all establishments that employed staff allowed for proper leave.” He sighed. “Full paid leave up to a certain amount of time.” He waved his hand in the air. “It’s quite a complicated law that Harriet wanted passed, and when she wasn’t getting the attention… well, she staged one of the biggest protests in the history of Joyce Isles.”
“All because you and your uncle were at odds?” Finn gaped at her.
“No, because he refused to listen,” Harriet told him. “So I had to make him listen and see reason.”
“Oh!” Finn nodded, feeling both scared and proud. “On that note.” He turned to Titus. “Your Majesty, I’m not sure how to do this, but I would very much like to marry your niece.”
“Usually, this isn’t done in a bathroom,” Titus said, a spark of humor glinting in his eyes as he looked around them. “But youdid that just fine, young man.” He turned to look at Harriet. “Harriet?”
“I love Finn, Uncle Titus, and I want to marry him,” Harriet told Titus. Finn’s heart did a double-take as she sounded like she meant every word.
“While the two of you should be taken to task for lying to me,” Titus stated. “I, too, am at fault here and acknowledge it. But from here forward, no more lies. I have trusted both of you with island secrets that only the highest officials of the island know.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Finn said, knowing in his heart that not one word about him being in love with Harriet and wanting to marry her was a lie.
“Harriet?” Titus looked at her questioningly.
“No more lies,” Harriet said, putting her arm around Finn’s waist, and he could feel her crossing her fingers. “Now, should we get out of the bathroom before Murphy pops his head in the room door and thinks I’ve murdered you and am trying to dissolve your body in acid in the bath?”
Titus sighed again and shook his head. “You know, Harry, I never know whether to be proud of you or incredibly scared.”
“Probably a bit of both!” Harriet told him.
They followed Titus out of the bathroom, and Finn realized he hadn’t gotten around to giving him stipulations for helping them.
“Before we discuss the plans, I have a few conditions,” Finn told them. “Like I said to Harriet, it’s a lot of responsibility to take on what you want me to do.”
“I know, Finn,” Titus agreed, taking the seat he’d vacated and indicating that they should take a seat. “What are your conditions?”
“First, my kids need to be kept completely safe and not get involved until we’re in the clear,” Finn stated.
“Of course,” Titus said. “I believe they are on their way to the Hamptons to visit the Danes?”
“Yes.” Finn nodded.
