“Because you’re dreadful at it, son,” Lord Devon said to him. “If that’s the case, I think I will, Camilla, thank you. You don’t mind if I call you Camilla, do you?”
I shook my head.
Yes, actually, but such was my life right now.
“Brilliant. Miss Hopkins seems so formal.”
And Lord Devon was what one called all their close friends.
He poured his tea and looked between us. “You two seem to be getting along well.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” Hugo replied slowly. “She’s…”
“Surviving,” I finished for him.
“I was going to say tolerating.”
“It’s about the same thing.”
Lord Devon’s lips pulled to one side in a way that was reminiscent of the way Hugo smirked, but his was more of a gentle smile. “I see.”
What did that mean?
“What are your plans for this afternoon?” he asked me.
“Decorations,” I responded.
“Excellent. I trust the invitations have been sent out?”
“Nancy handled that.”
“Ah, wonderful. It’s a little more relaxed without Nancy around, I’ve noticed.”
“Where is Nancy?” Hugo asked, frowning. “I haven’t seen her all day. I’m not complaining, but I don’t want to get too used to walking around this happily.”
Okay.
Now I really was trying not to smile.
“She’s with a stylist. Arranging dresses for your mother for the party. She asked Mum if she’d like to join her, but I believe she told her she’d rather defecate in her hands and clap, then eat toast without washing them.”
I wrinkled my nose up. “That’s a very strong sentiment.”
“Indeed.” Lord Devon fought a laugh, then finished his tea. “I have a meeting in twenty minutes, so I’ll leave you kids alone. That tea was wonderful, Camilla, thank you.”
He swept out of the room without a word, leaving us alone once more.
Hugo looked at me. “At least you didn’t forget the decorations this time.”
“Oh, shut up.”
CHAPTER TWELVE – SOPHIE
Curveballs and Wisdom
I slowly surfaced from under the bath water and blew out a long breath. The five seconds I’d spent sinking beneath the hot water had done wonders for the stress that I felt balling in my shoulders.
One more day. That was all I had to get through.