Page 23 of His Unforgettable Bride (Bride Ships: New Voyages #4)

Twenty-Three

If you wish to succeed in society, and be known

as a man who converses well, you must cultivate

your memory .

“I assume you have heard the chatter regarding my identity.” Gray stood beside the constable on the front walk outside the sisters’ house in the dawn light. He had changed his clothing and donned shoes but neglected to add an overcoat in his haste to catch the lawman before he left with the kidnappers.

Mr. Blake straightened his top hat, shaky in the stiff breeze coming off the mountains. “Apparently, word spread after the tea party last night. Some say you’re a prince. Is it true?”

Without a shadow of a doubt.

“Yes, and the two men you arrested kidnapped me last month.” Gray glanced at the cart in the street, ready to deliver the bound villains to jail. “They brought me here on a ship from Victoria. While docked at the harbor, I escaped before suffering amnesia.”

“Any idea why they kidnapped you?”

“For a ransom. They mentioned a boss in Hope, though I have no name to hand you. From what they said earlier, they searched for me the past few weeks but thought I ended up back in Victoria. They had only returned to Everly a few days ago but had nearly given up on me for dead.”

“All this time, everyone thought you were the sisters’ nephew.”

“I realize that.” An early-morning owl hooted a lonesome cry.

Slowly, the constable ran his hand over his mouth. “I’ll try and squeeze what information I can out of these two, then head over to Hope to investigate a ringleader. I’d keep an eye open in case their boss arrives to finish the job these two failed to complete.”

A wrinkle Gray had not yet considered. He nodded.

The lawman moved toward the conveyance with a hand on his hat brim as Gray turned toward the house. He drew fresh air into his lungs. It was the start of another wintry day. What would it bring? Last night was a whirlwind, one Gray hoped never to live twice. And yet, the incident had finally resurrected his memories. What he needed now was time alone with his recollections. He climbed the stairs, a large Christmas wreath gracing the front door as he entered the house.

Juliet stood in the foyer, resting her elbow on the banister and her ankles crossed. “Are you sure you’re fine, Gray? I hate being a pest, but you look troubled.”

Fine? Not exactly. Overwhelmed was a better description. “Yes, though I am full of thoughts and on my way to bed. Good night or good morning, whichever you prefer.”

She delivered a caring smile. “What a relief. I was worried about you.”

A rush of tenderness passed over him, and he kissed the top of her head before climbing the staircase. Was she still in denial about who he was? Soon, he would tell Juliet every startling detail about his identity, but only one aspect would spin her head—his royal status.

He continued to his room, closed the door, and lay on his bed, folding his arms beneath his head. Sleeping was not on the agenda. Only quiet to welcome the return of his memories.

Once again, his life had changed in a blink. What did he know about himself? He was christened Henry Phillip Graighton to honor two of his maternal uncles.

More memories arose—visions of horseback riding, Christmas gatherings, dancing in the great hall, swimming in the pond. Even his first kiss with a girl named Gabriella.

One Christmas Eve, he and Sutton had a knockdown brawl in the fencing room. Why? He had no recollection. But he had blackened his brother’s eye. Sutton had shoved him into an old suit of armor that crashed to the floor, bloodying his lip and delivering a gash to his thumb. He rubbed the scar that still lingered all these years later.

Finally, their father intervened by pulling them apart. A massive scolding followed, the root being that his sons had better behave and mature or else. How old were they? Eight and nine?

One son immediately took their father’s words to heart. The other followed a slower, more meandering path. Nonetheless, could he and Father finally make amends? Gray scrubbed a hand over his face. He would soon return to Bascandy, and Everly would become a memory.

A lump lodged in his throat. But what about Juliet?

Holding her on the dance floor had solidified his plans to build a future with the woman of his dreams. How could he leave her? Not when he’d already pictured her as a part of his future. Not when he had formed so deep a connection with her as a friend but also as more. Not when he had come to rely upon her to anchor him through the storms. What would he do without her?

He shook his head. No, he refused to think about life apart from her. Not yet. And not ever.

The sisters’ footsteps pattered in the hallway. Soon, their doors closed. Were they returning to their beds or getting ready for the day? Had Juliet also retired to her room, or had her day of chores already commenced?

He doubted there was a perfect time to tell her about his past, but perhaps now was as good as any, especially if they stole a few minutes alone. After he rose, he left his room, crossed the hallway, and peered into Juliet’s empty bedchamber, the door wide open. Not locating her, he continued down the staircase and into the kitchen.

She stood at the washbasin, her back to him. She had changed into a dress and added shoes and stockings to her attire, but her bundled hair still sat atop her head. “I am happy you are still awake,” he said.

Juliet whirled around, drying her hands on her apron. “It’ll be a full day cleaning up the tearoom and the incident down the hallway. Plus, I’m too worked up to rest since the scuffle.”

“Can you squeeze in time for a conversation? There is something I wish to tell you.”

“If you can walk and talk at the same time? It’ll be the dickens to remove that man’s blood from the carpet, and I’d like to get started.”

“Fortunately, I possess multiple talents, including walking and conversing simultaneously.”

“You could add holding your own in a tussle to the list.” She picked up a wet, wadded cloth from the sideboard. “I was thoroughly impressed.”

“That is what it takes to impress you?”

“It takes very little.” Her eyes held a teasing glimmer as she led the way from the kitchen.

When they reached the drawing room, he moved to the settee, sat, and patted the cushion beside him. “I changed my mind and request your rapt attention while I tell you something vital.”

She pulled her eyes from the dark bloodstain before joining him on the cushion. Someone, probably Juliet, had already righted the end table and removed evidence of the broken lamp. “You are acting quite mysteriously.”

“If you recall the day we met, I told you I was a man of mystery.”

Juliet lowered her damp cloth to the carpet near her feet. “That’s right, and it’s a good memory to hold tight.”

And now he had a million more. “Brace yourself for a shock.”

Her chin rose to an adorable tilt. “There is little that truly surprises me anymore.”

“My memory has returned.”

Wide-eyed, she reared back and grasped his hand. “Holy Moses. That’s…grand.”

An overwhelming need to embrace her wrenched him forward, and he tucked her into a warm hug, his chin resting on her head. Holding her now was different than before, maybe because he understood himself better, realizing he had wanted someone genuine like her all his life.

There was no doubt about it any longer. He loved Juliet wholeheartedly.

But could he bring her back with him to Bascandy? Would she be willing to go? The daily scrutiny at the palace would be magnified compared to Tabitha’s. Could she withstand the pressures? Maybe and possibly not.

Her warm breaths stroked his neck, then she leaned back and placed her hands on his shoulders, studying his face. “Did your memories suddenly slide back into your head or slowly trickle into place?”

Earlier, he had allowed Juliet, Cy, Livy, and Tabitha to assume that the two trespassers had come in hopes of a reward after hearing the rumor about him being a prince. And of course, he and Juliet had no choice but to report the earlier encounter with Ruby at the party and her declaration about him being missing royalty. He had failed to admit his identity at that point. Still, they had been shocked by the possibility, to say the least.

“I recognized the men who broke into the house. Immediately afterward, my recollections surged into place.”

Her quizzical brow rose. “Recognized them from where?”

“They kidnapped me from Victoria last month.”

She blinked, then shook her head as if unable to believe his claim. “I’m not following you. More details, please.”

“Ruby spoke the truth last night. I finally, and fully, understand who I am, and that person is Henry Graighton.”

Emotions flitted across her lovely face. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, completely. My amnesia is gone, and I recall my family, my home, and everything else.”

Juliet cupped her cheeks and stared at him unflinchingly. “If you are Henry Graighton, you are also a prince.”

“And in line to the throne of Bascandy, my country. It is north of France, but we have more in common with England.” He was rambling. No doubt, her head twirled like the spindles at the textile mill where she’d previously toiled.

“You kissed me. Twice.”

He softly smiled. “And desired to kiss you two dozen times, or more accurately, two hundred.”

“But…you’re a prince.”

“And still your friend.”

Juliet added space between them. Then she laughed almost recklessly, evidently unconcerned that anyone might hear the disturbance. “I had hoped we might share a future one day. What an absurd notion.”

“I desire the same thing.”

“Because of my past, the palace wouldn’t hire me to change the bed sheets, let alone allow me to be your…friend.” She appeared to shudder. “I’m thrilled your memories have returned for your sake. But for my sake…I am shockingly…shocked.”

“Of course.” How would he respond if Juliet claimed to be a princess? Fall off the sofa, most likely. “My life is abundantly complicated back home, and even more so since my older brother’s recent death. I had received a letter with the information only a short time before my kidnapping.”

Her beautiful eyes brimmed with empathy. “I am terribly sorry.”

“The worst part is that Sutton and I never forgave each other.” He struggled to name the monumental grievance that had caused their wide rift in the first place. Yet he recognized that a mountain of little complaints had expanded the barrier ever since.

She patted his hand before her eyes widened again. Then she yanked her hand to her lap. “Do you have other older brothers?”

“No.”

“So, you’ll be King one day?” Her voice shrieked.

“Yes.”

Juliet jumped to her feet. “I need a moment to myself, Gray.” Anguish strangled her words. “Umm, Henry. Or Your Highness, I guess.” Spinning, she fled the room, and her footsteps soon pounded up the staircase.

Sighing, he leaned against the settee and gazed at the ceiling. “What am I to do?” he whispered. His family expected him to make an advantageous match with Faith in Sutton’s place. Even if he could free himself from his betrothal to Faith, the King would never permit him to marry a servant.

Nobody questioned the ruler’s edicts, especially his only living son.

But having tasted freedom during his voyage and since coming to live with the sisters, he had shaken loose the shackles that had trapped him back home. He was his own man now, and if forced to choose between Juliet and the crown, he would always choose her. Wouldn’t he?

Yet before making too many plans, he had to determine if Dobbin still lived and breathed. If so, his loyal friend would never return to Bascandy without him, even if that meant toting Gray’s dead body home. Fortunately, he had dodged that outcome.

However, before he boarded a ship bound for Victoria, he had to tell Juliet of his plans to leave Everly temporarily. As Cy entered the drawing room, straightening his shirt collar, Gray stood. “What’s all the racket?”

Obviously, Cy was referring to Juliet storming up the staircase.

“I barely know where to begin with my explanation.”

“May I suggest you go straight to the heart of the matter?”

The heart belonged to Juliet.

Before he replied, the sisters arrived in the drawing room. Livy patted her curls, and Tabitha carried a thick book underneath her arm.

Tabitha halted abruptly and pinned her severe gaze upon him. “Is anything amiss?”

Gray nodded to acknowledge both sisters. “I shared surprising news with Juliet moments ago. As a result, she raced to her room, but we still need to finish our conversation before I leave Everly for a short stint.”

Worry lines creased Tabitha’s brow. “I can ask if she’ll come down and talk with you.”

“Please,” he said.

As Tabitha departed, Cy hobbled toward the hallway. “I’ll heat water for more tea. Seems like all we do some days is drink the brew.”

Livy wrung her hands. “Does the surprising news have anything to do with your identity, Gray? I have a hunch it does.”

At his core, he knew he would miss living in the sisters’ home. They had nursed, sheltered, and treated him like a cherished family member. “My amnesia is over, and I recall who I am. Exactly who Miss O’Reilly claimed.”

“Oh my. That is indeed a blessing. A blessing and a curse, I suppose.” Livy had a wisdom he had grown to appreciate and would indeed miss.

“Incredibly so, and the news has understandably shaken Juliet.” Though they had pondered his identity for weeks, this scenario about him being a prince had never crossed his mind, nor hers, undoubtedly.

“It is evident you care deeply for her.”

“I hope always to have Juliet in my life. But my existence is overly complicated, and I do not know how to reconcile what we have now with what must come in the future.” Especially because he was technically betrothed to another woman.

Livy ran her finger over the velvet frippery on her cuff. “She has made great strides in becoming a lady, but a princess might be a stretch, in her opinion. I wonder if the prospect overwhelms Juliet.”

All too well, he understood the crown’s burden. “Perhaps, but in my eyes, she is perfect as she is and always has been.”

“Indeed. You have always accepted Juliet. I pray others, including your parents, will see her for the wonderful person that she is.”

Most likely, his father would not because they rarely agreed on anything in recent years.

“Gray, can you come here, please?” Tabitha called from upstairs.

After bowing to Livy, he left the drawing room and climbed the front staircase like a well-mannered royal. Tabitha stood before Juliet’s slightly ajar door. In a few steps, he reached Tabitha’s side.

“She prefers not to leave her room. However, you may converse, provided you remain in the hallway. Is that acceptable?”

They could speak through an open window if that enabled them to finish their conversation. “Yes, ma’am.”

Tabitha nodded, her eyes full of concern, then departed.

The next few minutes could set the course for his future, their future. With a deep breath, he leaned closer to the opening and whispered, “Juliet?”

Only silence answered.