“I’m not discussing this at this time. I have a meeting this afternoon. I would appreciate it if you would both stay out of my way for the rest of the day.” Dad turned and looked at me, and my heart broke at the pain I could see in his eyes. “Will I see you for dinner this evening?”

“Of course,” I replied softly. “If you’d like.”

“I would.” He looked at Miles. “When you’re done with your lunch break, the driveway could use some love, if you would be so kind as to have someone trim the bushes.”

Miles nodded. “I’ll do it myself.”

Dad returned the gesture. “Alex, I’ll be in my office.”

“Of course, Uncle Henry.” Alex moved aside as Dad swept past him and went down the stairs, leaving us all looking after him.

It was the most uncomfortable silence I’d ever experienced.

Arthur pulled his jacket on. “Perhaps it would be best if I returned to my cottage for the rest of the day.”

“That might be wise,” Alex said, stepping in. “A couple of days, I would suggest. I’m sure you’ll be paid for your time.”

“That won’t be necessary, my Lord, but thank you all the same.” He peered back at Catherine. “Will you be all right?”

“I will be.”

“Arthur,” Alex prodded. “As soon as you can gather yourself, might be best.”

“Of course.” He wrapped his tie around his neck and tied it, knotting it perfectly without looking in a mirror. “My Lord,” he said, bowing to Alex. “Lady Gabriella.”

I stepped back against the wall and let him pass. My heart panged with sadness as I saw his dejected frame disappear from view and head to his living area downstairs.

Another uncomfortable silence hung in the air until Alex looked at Aunt Cat.

“Aunt Catherine, with all due respect, what the bloody hell were you thinking?”

Her lip quivered. “I was thinking that until right now, I’ve been the happiest I have been in a very long time!” Her voice cracked on the last word, and I wanted to reach out to her, but she rounded on us and disappeared into her bedroom, closing the door and locking it with an unsatisfying click.

I looked down.

All this over a condom.

“Well, that was unexpected,” Alex said after a long moment. “What do we do now?”

“I don’t know,” I replied, wrapping my arms around my waist. “Poor Aunt Cat. Poor Arthur. Poor Dad.”

Alex pulled me into his side for a quick hug. “Oh, Gabi, this is hardly your fault.”

“He’s right,” Miles said, finally coming away from my bedroom. “It was simply unfortunate timing.”

He could say that again.

“I do hope Arthur will be all right, though,” Alex said. “He’s been here forever.”

I nodded.

Miles shifted. “Is anyone else impressed by his ability to knot his tie without looking?”

Alex trembled with laughter. “Rather so, yes.”

I smiled, looking down.

“Can I offer you some advice, Miles?” he asked him.