Page 90 of Mayfair Madame

Feeling melancholy, I stood. “I’d best go shower.”

I kissed her forehead, then her nose and finally her lips.

At least we’d still have each other.

Two hours later, we walked to the bistro, hand in hand.

“It’s so beautiful here,” she said. “I love the people, the weather, and it’s all so colourful here.”

She trailed her hand through the bright pink bougainvillaea. I plucked a flower and tucked it behind her ear.

A single painted lady butterfly flew by us, reminding me of the butterflies that had invaded my stomach. What if I’d read this wrong? What if she said no?

I couldn’t hold a candle to her. She was beautiful, exquisitely so. She had money, class, friends in high places, but what did I have to offer?

A menial job, little to no savings, and I could count the number of friends I had on one hand.

No,this was a waste of time, but the box containing the simple engagement ring burnt a hole in my pocket, reminding me it was still there.

I’d made an excuse a couple of days ago to visit the town not far away. There, I’d found a local jeweller and after much deliberation, had chosen a ring. Would it be perfect? Who knew?

But it’d be better than a ring pull.

“Are you okay, Ellie?”

“Yes, why?” Had I said something out loud? Given the game away?

“Well, you’ve gone really quiet, and you’re squeezing my hand.”

“Oh God, I’m sorry. I was just thinking about something.” Yes, something that could go horribly wrong. What was I thinking?

“Anything I can help with?”

“Nope. Nothing. Let’s just get to the bistro. I’m starving.”

I picked up the pace, almost dragging Naomi behind me.

“Hey, slow down. There’s no rush.” She pulled on my hand, and I fell in step with her, my stomach in knots, but I couldn’t stop the niggle that had taken root in my brain.

A few minutes later, we arrived at the bistro. We sat outside, the sun still warm, with the soft murmur of conversation around us. We both ordered the calamari and a fruity white wine to accompany it.

“So, what’s on your mind?” She held my hand across the table and rubbed it with her thumb. “You’re usually never this preoccupied. Is it because we’re going home soon?”

Home. London. Where demons had lurked. There were none there now, and I needed to remind myself of that. Godfrey was locked up. There was nothing he could do to ruin our lives together.

“Yes. No. I don’t know.”

“Are you breaking up with me? I thought….”

“No, I’m not breaking up with you either. Quite the opposite.” This wasn’t going according to plan at all. Not that I had a plan.

“I don’t understand. What’s going on, Ellie?” She looked confused.

Fuck, this wasn’t how I wanted to do it, but there was no time like the present, and if she said no, then we’d carry on with our meal as if nothing had happened.

Except if she said no, I’d run from here, pack my bags, and fly back to London, never to be seen again.

Here went nothing.