Page 51

“Yes, she is. Is she a model?” asked Kitty.

“I always thought she could have a career in front of the camera, but she chose a life behind it,” said Patricia, warming to her subject.

“Oh?”

“Yes, she studied fashion and has built her own boutique label. She’s quite a success in Europe,”

Patricia put a tray down on the table. It held three glasses and a pitcher of pale liquid. She took a seat opposite Kitty.

“How amazing,” Kitty said, genuinely impressed.

“I was hoping she would settle for a quieter life in the country, but she wouldn’t have it. Bright lights and adventure lured her away.”

Kitty smiled as the ice cubes in the pitcher clinked together, increasing her thirst.

“When she and Josh parted ways, I kissed that dream goodbye.” Patricia sighed, her mouth in a sulky pout.

Tight tendrils of heat crept up Kitty’s neck. Josh and this glorious creature used to be an item? If that were true, what hope was there for her? She and the picture of perfection on the wall couldn’t be more different.

“I’m always hopeful they’ll reconsider, and she’ll come back.”

Kitty’s stomach lurched. That sounded like a terrible idea to her.

“Where do you live?” Patricia asked, her eyes narrowing.

“I’m from Hertfordshire, but I’ve lived in London for a while now.”

“I assume you aren’t a veterinarian, my dear, judging from how you handled Diva and…” she paused, staring at Kitty’s pink gumboots, “your attire.”

Kitty shifted in her seat. “No,” she admitted. “I’m a lawyer. I’m just in between jobs now, and….”

“Then our little village must be a change of scenery for you,” Patricia said, interrupting her.

She gripped the arm of the wicker sofa. “Well, it’s different. I used to visit during the holidays when I was a kid. I'd forgotten how much I loved wandering the fields and hearing the birds. We even picked some berries today.”

Patricia’s eyebrows lifted. “How, then, do you know Joshua and Thea?”

“I’m Jonathan Finch’s cousin.”

Patricia pursed her lips together. “So, you must be Julia’s niece?”

Kitty nodded.

“Well, now,” Patricia smirked. “I'd heard you’d arrived in our little paradise. Please give Julia my best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

From the look on her face, she didn’t care if Kitty delivered the message or not.

“Joshua said you’ve been helping Thea at the Sanctuary. I’m one of her biggest donors, you know.” Patricia smiled at her, a smug lookon her face.“Thea and Tabitha used to be the best of friends. I assume Jonty introduced you to Thea?”

“No, Josh introduced us,” said Kitty.

Patricia’s over-plucked eyebrows shot up. “Oh, so you already knew Joshua?”

Kitty was about to tell her about their childhood friendship, but a returning Josh interrupted her.

“Did I hear my name?” he said as he appeared through the doorway, fresh, handsome, and smelling like hand soap. He took a seat next to Kitty. Patricia’s face lit up. The King had returned to his worshipping court.

“Oh darling, there you are. Your friend…”