Room to Breathe (6 page)

Chapter 9

“Just tell me. It can’t be worse than anything I am thinking,” I reassure him as I squeeze his hand lightly.

“Okay, here it is. You asked me once what I do for a living. I told you that I am a Lord. I am a Lord by birth so my title does come with its own set of duties and responsibilities. Most of them just have to do with what I told you the other night. I have certain functions I am expected to attend and causes I lend support to, that sort of thing,” he pauses, taking a deep breath.

“That is pretty much what I thought,” I tell him but leave out that I searched the internet after our dinner the other night for what a Lord does.

“Well that isn’t all I do. I don’t know how much you know about the lifestyle of someone in my position but there are very different expectations put on us than on the average person. For example, if I were to start dating the daughter of another Lord or someone similar it would be expected that I was doing so in preparation of a proposal. There is no such thing as casual dating in that circle. On the other side, if I were to start publicly dating someone from a different, let’s just say circle again, I would have to be very careful about that girl’s motives.”

“Whoa, are you worried about my motives for hanging out with you? Do you think I am trying to get something out of you? Because you can have your damn clothes back. I thought we were just having fun together,” I can feel my face start to burn but this time it is for a very different reason. He can’t seriously be worried about what
my
motives are. I mean for the love of god he is the one that was insisting I take his gifts.

“What? Oh God no! This isn’t coming out right,” He scrubs his hands through his hair and over his face. “I don’t mean you. I mean there are other women out there that would want to date someone like me for all the wrong reasons and it can get very unpleasant. You would not be sitting here if I thought for a moment you were that kind of woman.”

“Okay, go on,” I say as I exhale. I wasn’t even aware I had been holding my breath.

“Okay, this isn’t working. Let me start at the beginning. Just be patient with me. When Sarah died I was a mess. I had no idea how to deal with the loss, so I did what any twenty-four year old man does when they faced with heavy emotions. I ran from them,” he explains as his eyes turn sad for a moment.

“I started spending a lot of time with my best mate, Tristan. He is a good guy but certainly not the head of the morality police. We drank and partied a lot. There were always lots of girls around but for a while I barely even noticed them. I was too caught up in my guilt from not being able to save her.”

“She had cancer, I am sure you did everything possible for her,” I try to reassure him.

“I know that now but at the time I felt like there should have been something I could do to save her. Then one night I met a woman named Hannah. She was sweet and not like most of the women hanging around. She could actually hold a conversation. She was in school to be a doctor.”
Okay why is he telling me about some girl he dated?

“I wasn’t interested in starting a relationship with anyone but I really needed some stable companionship. So we developed sort of an unspoken arrangement. I allowed her to live in the flat I had in London and took care of her other expenses. She accompanied me to various functions I had to attend and provided the emotional support I needed to really grieve for Sarah.”

“Okay,” I say scowling slightly. I am still not sure where this is supposed to be going.

“I am getting to my point, I promise. One night at about one in the morning a woman showed up on our door in hysterics. It seems that she had a similar arrangement with a man who was considered quite wealthy. Only, he had made some poor choices and was now broke. She had found out two hours earlier when he came to tell her that the flat she was living in had been sold and she had to be out by morning. She had nowhere to go and nothing really to her name. I agreed to let her stay at my flat as well for a few weeks to get back on her feet.”

“Are you trying to tell me that you have some home in London full of single women?”

“No, not really anyways. So it just happened that I have a cousin I had told about my arrangement with Hannah. He mentioned he would really love to find the same thing. He was just too busy to date anyone but thought it would nice to have a companion.

I decided to introduce him to Hannah’s friend and they really hit it off. Only this time to protect them both I had my barrister draw up a contract. It was a confidentiality agreement mostly. It had a part that he had to give her a certain amount of notice before taking away a residence from her too. It worked out really quite well for both of them. In fact, it worked so well that within a few weeks I had scores of other men looking for me to help them find similar situations. It has grown in to a rather large production now.”

“Wait, you help men find prostitutes?”
Oh my god, he is a pimp.

“No! No one is ever paid for sex. Yes, a lot of the relationships turn sexual but that is only if both parties desire it. No one is ever to be paid for anything sexual. I would ban both parties immediately. It is more about companionship than sex. You would be surprised how many men don’t have the time to put into a real relationship or finding the right woman. There are other men that are in bad marriages and cannot get out of them.”

“You help men cheat on their wives?”
Okay, so he isn’t a pimp but he is a pig. What the hell is going on?

“Sometimes, but not just men. We help women now too. Don’t look so horrified. People in my “position” sometimes marry for several reasons and none of them are love. I know of a quite a few that in order to inherit from their family they have to marry a person in the same circle. That is a small group of people and finding someone that you love is simply not always possible.”

“Okay,” my head is spinning as I try to understand what he is saying.

“There are others that marry to bring two powerful families together for business reasons. So yes, occasionally I have helped people in those situations find happiness with another. They are able to be with someone that has no preconceived notions about their relationship and is bound to be discreet. I understand how you might think that is wrong, but I cannot see the harm in people being happy. I think of it as providing a matchmaking service for slightly unconventional relationships.”

“Okay, give me a minute please. This is a lot to process,” I say as I take a deep breath. He is still holding my hands gently. I look into his warm brown eyes that are so full of worry. I can’t honestly think that he would do something like this if he didn’t really think he was helping people. There is just one point I am stuck on. “So, what happened to Hannah?”

“Oh, after about a year she finished her schooling and is a doctor now. She lives in Wales with her husband and two children. We communicate via email a few times a year,” he says as his face relaxes. He was clearly braced for a different reaction from me. “So you are okay with this?”

“I think so. I am not sure I really understand it all. I know I disagree with anyone cheating but I can also kind of understand too.”

“Well, good because there is one more thing I wanted to talk to you about.”
Oh dear god, what now?
“You see we call the affluent people “sponsors” and the people we set them up with are their “charges”. Charges are given a lot of opportunities they wouldn’t normally be given. For instance, one charge wanted to be a chef so we set her up with a sponsor who loved food and was looking for a charge to live right near a very prestigious culinary school in Paris. It worked out very well for parties. She is now the head chef at a very popular restaurant in London.”

“Well, that does seem pretty perfect.”

“That is what we are able to do. We can help people’s dreams come true by providing them a different start. I provide access to any financial planning or legal help at no cost as well. Think of where you could be if money was no longer an issue. You could travel the world and work with different charities without having to worry about providing for yourself. You could do everything you want to do and then some.”

“Wait, are you asking me if I want to do this?”

“Yes, I am. Cora, you are intelligent, beautiful, and so much fun to be around. You are exactly the kind of person I can help.”

“So you just want to pass me off to someone else? I know neither of us wants something serious but I thought we were having fun together. Is this just your way of getting rid of me? If you don’t want to see me anymore you could’ve just told me.” I am completely thrown.

“No, no! That isn’t what I am saying at all. I like spending time with you, a fact that I thought I made fairly clear earlier. However, you said yourself this isn’t serious and it wouldn’t be right away. You would have to stay here for a while first so we can make sure you are prepared for whatever you might have to deal with. Then once you are ready we would have a get together for you to meet potential sponsors and see if there is anyone you want to work with. It is almost more of a job opportunity than anything else.”

“But it would be a job where I am always on call. What if I didn’t like any of them or none of them like me?” I can’t help but think that would be humiliating if they all hated me.
Wait, am I really considering this?

“If you don’t like them then you don’t have to be with any of them. As for none of them liking you, that is not possible. It more likely that they with be having fist fights over you,” he smiles his charming smile and it seems my happy Eric is back.

“Can I have some time to think about this?” My head is so full of thoughts I can hardly think. I need some time to really run through everything.

“Yes, of course! I would expect you to. Please take all the time you need,” he gently kisses the back of my hand.

“Thanks. I should be getting home now,” I say as I smile back to reassure him. I slip back on my heels.

We stand and Eric pauses to press a button on a monitor on the wall. By the time we reach the door Jefferson is waiting.

“Miss Allen I have already had your belongings placed in the car,” He says holding my sweater out for me. Eric takes it from him and helps me into it himself.

“Thank you Jefferson,” Eric says as he nods to the butler. Jefferson nods back and disappears down the hall. Eric kisses me sweetly on the lips. “Thank you for hearing me out, Cora. Let me know when you have made your decision or if you have any questions.”

“I will. Thank you for everything today. It was wonderful,” I reply and then return his kiss. Eric opens the door to reveal a downpour and freezing wind. Angus rushes from the car holding an umbrella for me.

“I can’t tell you how much I enjoy just talking to you,” he says kissing my cheek once more.

“Good bye, your Lordship,” I smile and attempt a curtsy.

“Good bye, Miss Allen,” He smiles as he shakes his head at me. I turn to head down he front steps with Angus carrying the umbrella.

Chapter 10

As the car starts the head down the long drive I decide to check my phone. I have three text messages from Maggie asking me to call her. I send her a quick message telling her I am on my way home and will call her when I get there. She responds immediately saying she is coming over. Urgh. I have really had enough of serious conversations for the day. I am about to argue with her when I get a message Eric.

Thank you again for coming to the house today and for hearing me out. I appreciate that you didn’t just bolt. You should know that you have a perfectly talented mouth as well.

He makes me smile so easily. I send him a quick message back.

Anytime and thank you. Your mouth is pretty wonderful too.

I put my phone down and think back over everything he said. It would be a lot of fun to stay at Greenwood Manor with him and there really wouldn’t be any harm if I changed my mind later. Also, maybe I would find someone I connected with. It isn’t like I have a lot going on in Edgecombe and this would help me travel. There is just one thing bothering me. I am worried that maybe this whole thing with Eric was just a set up for his pitch. I decide to send him a quick text.

If I say no to your offer would you still want to go to the castle with me?

There that should give me a better idea if I was being setup or not. I would have to feel like I can trust him if I go through with this. His reply comes within seconds.

Absolutely! I want to keep spending time with you no matter what you decide.

I feel a sense of relief after his message. I know what I want to do even if it doesn’t seem like the smartest decision. Maybe I should talk to Maggie before I respond. I do want to see what is so urgent first. I really hope it isn’t some kind of family crisis.

The town car pulls up in front of my home. I can see Maggie’s car out front and the light is on in my kitchen. She must have let herself in. Angus hurries to open my door carrying the umbrella. I grab my bags and he helps me out of the car.

“Thanks Angus. I have got it from here.”

“Very well. Have a good day Miss Allen,” he states as he nods to me.

“You too,” I reply as I head to the door. I rush in to the warm living room where Maggie is sitting on my couch. I dump my handbag and shopping bags on the coffee table before taking my sweater off.

“What’s the shopping bag from? I thought you were going to his house for lunch?” Maggie scowls at the bag and then up at me.

“I did. I fell that first night we met and some of my clothes got torn. He felt responsible so he replaced them,” I only kind of lie as I grab a water from the fridge. I take off my heels before Maggie notices them and curl up in the large overstuffed chair next to the couch. “So what did you want to talk about?”

“You haven’t had sex with him yet have you?”

“Um, no. You know I won’t have sex with anyone until after dating them for a while,” I respond vaguely. Technically we haven’t had sex yet. “Why are you suddenly so against it?”

“Because I am worried that if you fucked him you would be really attached to him.”

“Okay, and if I was that would be bad? Weren’t you the one practically begging me to talk to him that first night?”

“Yes, it would be bad and that was before I talked to Gwen,” Maggie says as stares down at her hands folded in her lap.

“Gwen? Your friend Gwen? What does she have to do with anything?” I have only met Gwen twice. She lives in London and works as an intern there for
Elle
magazine’s UK version. She is an absolute knockout and could easily be on the cover herself if she didn’t want to be a columnist.

“Well, she called to tell me she got offered a full time position with the magazine.”

“Oh, that is great news!” So she is beautiful, skinny, and now successful. I may have to start disliking her. “I still don’t see the connection.”

“Well we were talking and I told her about you spending time with Lord Ashford and apparently she knows him,” Maggie says slowly as if she is unsure how tell me the next thing I know is coming. “I guess when she was in school he sort of helped set her up with a rich software man. Only, they he didn’t set them up to date really. He basically helped her prostitute herself.”

“Is that the way she put it?” Eric said it wasn’t like that but if Gwen said different it might make me wonder.

“No, in fact she kept swearing it wasn’t prostitution but it sure sounds that way to me. She said he paid for her flat and expenses in exchange for her dating him. She said she only had sex with him after they had been together for a while and only because she wanted to. I am not sure I believe her though.”

“Why wouldn’t you? You have been friends since you were children. It doesn’t sound like prostitution to me. If a secretary has sex with her boss would you consider it prostitution?”

“Well no.”

“It is kind of the same thing. She was basically working for him and then they ended up having sex. I don’t think it is worse than anyone that sleeps with their boss. Besides, Eric was adamant that no one is ever paid for sex.”

“So, you already know about this?” Maggie narrows her eyes at me.

“I didn’t know about Gwen until you told me but I did know about Eric. I just found out today. He asked me to his place today so he could explain everything to me,” I stop myself before telling her that he offered to help me. I am not sure I want her to know just yet. “I am surprised Gwen told you all this. Eric said everyone signs confidentiality agreements.”

“I kinda tricked her into thinking I already knew a little bit. I don’t want her to get in trouble. I was just worried about you being around him but since you already know I am sure I don’t have to worry anymore. How did he take it when you told you weren’t going to see him anymore?” She asks reaching for her mug from the coffee table.

“What do you mean?” I feign ignorance. I am sure that what she wants to hear is the opposite of what I have to tell her.

“You told him you aren’t going to see him again, didn’t you?” Maggie crosses her arms in front of her and scowls at me again. This is really going to get ugly.

“No. I didn’t tell him that because I plan on seeing him again. I like seeing him and he likes seeing me,” I say as I brace myself. I might as well tell her everything now. “He offered to help me the same way he helped Gwen. At first I didn’t think it was for me but after talking to him it sounds like it might be worth a try.”

“You are just going to let him turn you into a whore?” Maggie’s face is full of anger and shock.

“I tried to tell you, I wouldn’t be anybody’s whore. I would hope you know me well enough to know I wouldn’t ever do that. Maggie don’t you see? This could give me a chance to do the things I have always wanted to do. To
really
help people. I would have a whole different start in the real world.”

“I do understand that I just figured you would rather start life on your feet instead of on your back.”

“That was an awful thing to say. It wouldn’t be like that.”

“Oh really? Then how would it be?”

“I will get to stay at Greenwood Manor for a while. Eric wants to make sure I am sure and prepared. Then he will introduce me to different men that share my interests. If I like any of them I would work out an agreement with them. If I don’t like any of them or I change my mind then I can just say never mind and I am out. But, if I find someone that can help me and I can help too then I would be given a whole new life.”

“Only as long as whoever wants you. If he changes his mind you are just out on the street?”

“No, they have to sign a contract that promises notification. Besides aren’t you in the same situation? If your husband came home tomorrow and said he didn’t want to be married to you anymore wouldn’t you have to find a new place to live?”

“Don’t you dare compare my marriage to his “tart-for-hire” program!”

“My point is there isn’t a guarantee in any relationship. At least this way each party knows where they stand and are protected against ugly human nature. Besides would Gwen have been able to be an intern for as long as she did another way? If she had to work as well she never could have landed a full time job so fast,” I say pleading my case. Maggie’s face is hard and unforgiving. I really doubt she will ever change her mind.

“You have a point about Gwen but that doesn’t make it right. I am sorry Cora but if you do this I don’t want you around while you do.”

“Do you mean at all? It could be for years.”

“Yes, at all. I can’t agree with what you are doing and I don’t want it to affect my life,” Maggie states flatly as she stands and heads to the door. She stops and the door and turns to face me.

“What are you saying? You are cutting me off because I don’t want to die some second-rate barmaid in an insignificant town or because you will never have this kind of opportunity.” I know I crossed the line but I don’t care. How could she just bail on me?

“If you choose to do this you are on your own in England.”

She leaves closing the door behind her without another word. I am at a loss. I never thought Maggie would turn her back on me. I didn’t expect her to be happy about it but we are family. I thought once she heard my reasoning she would understand. After what she said my choice is completely clear to me.

I pick up and phone and type a message to Eric. I will prove Maggie wrong no matter what it takes. Without any hesitation I press send. All I say is;
I am in.

*********

The office is lit with a soft glow from the lamp on the desk. The light from the computer monitor casts shadows over Eric’s face. He has spent the last hour responding to different emails. He has just finished a quick update to his closest friend and business partner Tristan when his phone chimes that he has a text message.

He is happy to see it is from Cora. It is short and to the point. All it says is:
I am in.
He instantly feels a surge of relief. He had been worried ever since she left earlier in the day that he had scared her off.

Eric decides to send her a quick reply:
Good
,
looking forward to it. XO

It is true he really is looking forward to having her around more. He is about to send a message to Dean informing him of Cora’s decision when there is a knock at his door.

“Come in,” he says as he types the quick message.

“Sorry to bother you,” Dean steps in to the room.

“Oh, not at all. I was just sending you a message. Cora responded just now. She is going to take me up on my offer. We have planned to go to some castle ruins together for a day next week. Seems like a good idea for her to move in then. What do you think?”

“I think that sounds as good a time as any. I will make sure everything is ready. Do you want me to tell Tristan?”

“No, please I will tell him myself. I am sure you will enjoy having another Yank around,” Eric says with a smirk.

“Maybe. It’s just, if you don’t mind me saying, slightly irregular to allow her here isn’t it?” Dean asks carefully.

“What do you mean?” Eric responds as he leans back in his chair and folds his arms in front of him.

“Well, she is a little young, and American. Those are two main guidelines she is breaking. I also don’t think she has any kind of degree or anything like that. She just isn’t the kind of girl we usually work with and I have to wonder why you want her here.”

“I am fully aware of the guidelines since I was the one that put them in place. Cora is an exceptional young woman so I don’t see a problem making exceptions for her,” Eric said with tone meaning this was not open to discussion. “As for why I want her here, I will admit that it is at least a little for selfish reasons. I enjoy her and want to spend more time with her than I would be able to if she were still over in Edgecombe.”

“Of course, I’m sorry. I’ll let Jefferson know of the changes right away. Do you have a preference as to which room we should put her in?” Dean asked in a more agreeable tone. He knew when not to push his employer.

“Yes, put her in the Rose Room please. Oh and Dean keep an eye on Lucinda. I have a feeling she might be a problem,” Eric added turning back to his computer.

“I agree with you there. I’ll keep an eye on her. I still say that woman is nuttier than a rabbit on a peanut farm,” Dean adds before leaving the room and closing the door behind him.

As Eric goes back to his correspondence he finds he feels much more relaxed. He hadn’t noticed how concerned he had been about Cora’s answer until now that he had it. He laughs softly to himself.

Eric finds it amusing that Cora can surprise him even when she isn’t around. This girl is getting under his skin. Maybe it was a bad idea to have her here. After all, those guidelines were there for a reason. It might be better for them both if he just ended it now.

He was considering calling Dean back to tell him he had changed his mind when he glanced over to the leather sofa where earlier today’s activities had taken place. He felt his blood rush to the lower part of his body at just the thought. He took a deep breath.
Fuck it
, he thought to himself,
what is the worst that could happen?