Right Number, Wrong Girl

“That sounds about right.” The duchess scanned it. “Very well. I suppose we can compromise on that if the chef is accepting of the change.”

“He was more than happy to make it,” I confirmed. “It has also been sent via email to all the guests with an RSVP and an apology for a menu not being included with the invitations.”

She almost looked impressed.

Almost.

“Very well.” She put the menu down on the table. “I see no wines on the list.”

“That was my next question.” I hugged the folder. “I’ve already given Rupert a copy of the menu, but he said he will need some time to take me to the cellar.”

“Thirty minutes tomorrow morning at nine,” she said. “I will accompany you.”

Of course she would.

“Did you get the blasted lemon cake?” Evelyn asked, walking in. “Oh, you’re here,” she added blithely to the duchess.

She closed her eyes. “Hello, Evelyn.”

Evelyn grunted in response and looked at me. “Well? The cake? I don’t give a frig about chicken or beef.”

I smiled. “Lemon cake is on the menu.”

“Excellent. I will have it for all three courses. Write that down.” She waved her walking stick at me.

“That’s not how it works, Evelyn. You cannot eat cake for all three courses,” the duchess said to her.

“I don’t know,” Hugo said from the doorway. “It’s her party. I’d just let her eat the cake.” He peered over at me with a small smile. “Good morning, Miss Hopkins.”

I swallowed.

Was I blushing?

I felt like I was blushing.

I cleared my throat. “Good morning, Lord Hugo.”

Evelyn glanced between us, then quickly blinked and shook her head. “I agree with Hugo. Let me eat the cake.”

“Hugo, that does not help,” the duchess said, removing her glasses and setting them gently on top of the book. “Either way, I have things to do today, so if we’re all done here…”

I nodded. “That was all. Thank you.”

“Right.” She stood up and walked past me. “I shall see you tomorrow, Camilla. Hugo, Evelyn, I’ll see you later on.”

“Bye, Mum.” Hugo put his hands in his pockets.

Evelyn didn’t even bother to look at her as she left, instead turning to me. “What are you doing today?”

“I have some things that need to be ordered,” I said, thankful that Camilla had given me the details of her business card where money had already been transferred for costs relating to the party. “So I’ll probably disappear now and go to the café.”

She raised her eyebrows. “I quite fancy some cake.”

That sounded like a hint.

Hugo coughed and rubbed his hand over his mouth. I caught a glimpse of a smile before he dipped his head so Evelyn couldn’t see.

“Would you like to join me?” I asked her, fighting my own smile.