The Accidental Countess (The Aristocrat Diaries 3)

When I was done with Dafydd’s sketch of his dog, Lucky, of course.

I rested my hands on the desk and fiddled with the rings on my left finger, circling them round. I didn’t think wearing a wedding ring would feel different, given that I was used to an engagement one, but it felt strange on my finger.

It was… foreign. Like it shouldn’t be there.

Like it didn’t belong there.

I wondered if that feeling would disappear with time.

I most certainly hoped so.

The door opened, and Matthew’s head poked through the gap. “Ready?”

“No,” I said, getting up.

He laughed, pushing the door open just a little bit. “Two minutes, I promise, then you never have to do this again.”

I stared at him. “That’s a lie, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” He took my hand in his and pulled me out of the office before I could say another word.

Instantly, I had to put on what my mum called my ‘customer service face.’ A wide smile, a welcoming tilt of the head, and a gracious shake of the opposite person’s hand. A gentle tone and kind words that made them feel like the most special person in the world.

Hey, I might not have grown up with a title, but my mum made sure me and Adelaide had the manners of a princess.

“Emyr, this is my wife, Eva. Eva, this is Emyr, the owner and editor of The Anglesey Tribune,” Matthew said, making the introduction.

Emyr was a large man—as tall as he was wide—and his greying hair was trimmed close to his head, and his clean-shaven face gave him a friendly, kindly look about him.

I took the stocky hand he offered me and gave him a dazzling smile. At least I hoped it was a dazzling smile. “Emyr, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“And you, Lady Anglesey,” he replied, giving my hand a hearty shake. “How are you enjoying our island so far? You’re certainly not local.”

I laughed, clasping my hands in front of me. “It’s actually the first time I’ve been to the island due to work commitments before we got married. I haven’t seen much yet, but from what I have seen, it’s an exceptionally beautiful place.”

Matthew wrapped his arm around my waist and gently squeezed.

Was that good?

Was I doing all right?

“It is. Will you explore now that the hotel is opening?”

“I certainly plan to, so feel free to pass on some ideas. Preferably to places where I won’t get lost.”

Emyr smiled. “Is this the first time you’ve seen the hotel? What do you think?”

“It is, actually, yes. I think Matthew and his team have done an incredible job. It’s in a wonderful location, and I’m very excited that I’m able to be here to see it open.”

He opened his mouth to ask me something else, but Matthew looked at the clock behind reception.

“I’m terribly sorry, Emyr, but it’s five o’clock and it looks like we have guests to check in,” Matthew said, releasing me. “You’re welcome to stay and visit the bar for a drink. On the house, of course, as well as your photographer.”

Emyr looked at his photographer, who nodded. “Very well, Lord Anglesey. Thank you very much.”

“You know where you’re going, don’t you?” Matthew motioned to the doorway to the bar, and we stepped aside for them to go. As soon as they’d gone, he lowered his lips to my ear. “You did incredibly well, Eva, but if I didn’t stop him, he’d be talking to you all night.”

I dipped my head to hide my laugh. “Obviously. He’s a journalist. One or two questions will never do if twenty can be asked.”

“That’s very true.” He looked down at me, eyes sparkling. “Shall we open this thing, then?”

“Let’s.”

• • •

ADELAIDE: How are you coping? Is everything weird? Do they speak English?

I blinked at my sister’s text message.

Honestly. It was like she though the Welsh were illiterate.

ME: Yes, they speak English. They’re Welsh, not Martians, Adelaide.

ADELAIDE: It’s called a joke, sister dear.

ME: Oh, that’ll be why I didn’t get it. Those are supposed to be funny.

ADELAIDE: Behave.

ADELAIDE: How are you, Eva? Really?

I sighed.

ME: It’s a bit tough, I suppose. I’m quite isolated, and since Matthew’s mum and grandma are in Greece, it’s not even like I really have them to talk to. But I’m settling in.

ADELAIDE: Olympia is off school in a week for half-term. I thought we might escape and spend a few days with you.

ME: You’d come here??

ADELAIDE: Of course. There’s some fun stuff there for kids, and Alex will be in London for most of the week anyway.

ME: I would love that. I’m sure you can stay here too. Let me talk to Matthew.

ADELAIDE: Let me know. If not, I don’t know if we’ll be able to book anything this short notice.

ME: It shouldn’t be a problem. He just told me this week that there’s 20 bedrooms here, so…