I exhale with regret and relief as I acknowledge that Liam is in every way the classic romance novel hero. But for some stupid, illogical, inexplicable reason, I just can’t write him in as mine.

He falls asleep shortly thereafter while I remain restless and wide-awake. Careful not to disturb him, I slither out of bed and pass through the darkened hallway until I reach the dining room. I sit down at the table and open my laptop, doing the one thing that brings me home no matter where I am.

“Good morning, Lady Destonbury, Mr. Thomas Flincher, at your service.”

Having hardly slept in over a week, Charlotte smiled as best she could at the gangly but well-dressed man who stood opposite her in the Greenspeak drawing room.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Flincher. If you’re looking for my father, I’m afraid he’s in London, preparing for my upcoming wedding.”

“Oh, no, my lady, I am here specifically to see you.”

“Really?” Charlotte had no idea what a solicitor would want with her, but she asked the gentleman to be seated nevertheless. Mr. Flincher pulled several papers out of his travel case and laid them neatly in his lap.

“I have here very specific legal documentation that I was empowered to explain to you on behalf of my employer. The first matter we should discuss is the order awarding you full guardianship of your younger brother, Mr. George Destonbury.”

Charlotte’s eyes went wide as saucers. “I beg your pardon?”

“To my knowledge, your brother was recently visiting a school along the Scottish border but is now on his way back to Greenspeak.”

Charlotte’s hand flew to her mouth as relieved tears flooded her eyes.

“I do apologize,” Mr. Flincher quickly said. “I didn’t mean to distress you.”

“No.” Charlotte nearly laughed through her blinding happiness. She knew where George was. He was safe, he was well and he was coming home. “I’m sorry, I’m just... Do go on.”

Mr. Flincher handed Charlotte his handkerchief before looking back down at his stack of papers. “As to the next order of business, I have further documentation leaving sole control of this property, Greenspeak Park, to you until your brother reaches maturity, at which time the estate will pass directly to him. A new property manager has been selected to assist you and is prepared to begin his duties pending your approval.”

“I don’t understand,” Charlotte said, frantically trying to listen through her shocked state. “Were these documents drawn up by my father? Have you seen him?”

“I have seen him, my lady, and I assure you everything is perfectly legal. It is my understanding that your father is taking up residence in a smaller estate in Ireland.”

“Ireland?” Charlotte repeated, astonished.