‘That one last time I visited,’ said Richard, ‘Rosemary told me how very happy she was with James.’ He glanced at his wife. ‘The Countess and I both agreed how happy we were, in the end. I thank God daily for the day I met my wonderful wife.’
The Earl cleared his throat. ‘I never forgave myself for the way I treated Rosemary in those early months. I made it my life’s work to make it up to her.’
‘Och, never a day passed without the Countess humming,’ said Kathleen, cheeks flushed bright pink.
‘She always spoke of you in the highest terms,’ said Mr Thompson gruffly.
‘Abbey hoped this show might bring you two brothers together,’ I said.
‘How touching,’ said the Baron and sniggered with Harry.
But Richard was looking into the Earl’s eyes, then slipped his arm around his older brother’s shoulders. A lump swelled in my throat. Finally, Richard pulled away and turned to Edward.
‘I’m sorry – about all of this, young man. Maybe now… Perhaps we can… I’d like to be part of your life, Edward.’
‘Let’s not get carried away with sentimentality,’ said the Baron and stared into the nearest camera. ‘Despite all that guff on their stupid blog about being honest, remember, you voters, the Croxleys are nothing special—their family history is just as full of secrets and tacky scandal as anyone else’s.’
‘Absolutely correct,’ said Edward. ‘That’s the point. We’re just trying to save our home, like anyone else would. We’ve never held ourselves up as perfect… Not a day has passed, in my life, without hating the deception—people treating me like someone special as the heir to Applebridge. I guess…’ he glanced across at me ‘it’s made me judge harshly others who lie. I’ve been forced into deceiving everyone I meet. It’s hard to understand why anyone would choose that type of life – even for a short time.’
‘I’m sorry to have burdened you with that responsibility,’ mumbled the Earl, a tear hanging from the corner of one of his eyes.
‘Don’t ever apologize to me over this,’ said Edward firmly. ‘The Croxley family means everything to me. I’d die to protect our name.’
Richard shrugged. ‘We’re no different from
Million Dollar Mansion’
s viewers. We all have skeletons in our closet…’ his eyes twinkled ‘…apart from the one our grandfather’s cousin buried under the maze.’
The Earl’s face brightened. ‘Bless me, Dickie, I’d forgotten that story.’
Charlie Chingo raised his eyebrows.
‘Just before our father died, part of the foliage died in the middle,’ the Earl continued. ‘The gardeners dug it up and stumbled across human bones. Then Papa recalled a tale from his childhood, about Grandfather’s cousin, Ned, accidentally killing a love rival in a fight after a party. Apparently, Ned buried the body in the middle of the maze. Grandfather didn’t tell anyone about it until the day he died, and at that point people just thought it was the morphine talking.’
‘So, there you have it,’ said Charlie, as Gaynor glared at him and made various animated hand movements. ‘Viewers – you have a lot to think about as we go to an interval. But, before we do…’ He glanced at Gaynor, who was nodding frantically. ‘We just have time to screen some rather special footage. No one else has seen it, apart from me and the editing crew… We couldn’t manage a live satellite link, but our contacts managed to track Abigail Croxley down in Africa and shoot this earlier today…’
Everyone in the room gasped. I leant forward and stared at the screen. It flickered for a moment, there was some crackling and… I clapped my hands! Perspiration on her brow, yet hair tidily tied back and in smart khaki trousers and matching shirt, there stood Abbey in a barren field, sun beating down.
‘Hello, everyone…’ she said nervously. ‘To my surprise, yesterday, a journalist appeared at the orphanage to fill me in on what’s going on.’ Her voice wavered. ‘First and foremost, I beg of you, British public, don’t blame my dear friend Gemma for her deception. She stepped in to help after much persuasion. Her good heart saved the day and meant I could have a shot at saving both the African orphans and my family home. Plus…’ her eyes glistened ‘… have a chance at reuniting my father and uncle…’
‘Emotional poppycock!’ boomed the Baron.
Oh, Abbey. How I wished she was here. I could hug her tight – tell her that everything between her dad and the Earl had turned out all right.
‘And Edward…’ she continued; Edward sat more upright ‘… I know you did try to contact me and Rupert over the years… I’m sorry we weren’t in a position to reply. One day getting to know my cousin… It’s always been something at the back of my mind and turning down this opportunity wasn’t easy.’ Her face broke into a smile. ‘Just let me say, I am hugely thrilled to have another brother, instead. I can’t wait to get to know you now.’
Oh my God. Of course. Abbey was the half-sister he’d hardly ever met, both of them having green specks in their blue eyes. He must have been doubly disappointed when my true identity was revealed. What with Rupe, now Edward was one of three siblings and not on his own.
Edward’s face flushed and softened. For one second he looked like a little boy who’d just been handed back a lost toy.
‘As for my parents,’ continued Abbey, ‘I’m told they are back from their cruise and there, at the final. Please, both of you…’ she stepped forward to the camera ‘…try to forgive my lies. But Zak means everything to me. In fact, I think I might stay out here longer than expected. Daily, the number of orphans grows. But I’ll be back for Christmas. Why don’t we…oh, I don’t know…have a big family reunion? Baubels and tinsel, fruitcake and turkey – these are all things the Croxleys can at last enjoy together, in the same room.’
The screen flickered.
‘Must dash,’ she said. ‘Best of British. I miss you all awfully. Gemma, I’ll write soon! And stiff upper lip, everyone – even if we don’t win the money, we’ve done our very best. The ancestors couldn’t ask for more.’
The screen went blank.
‘Sentimental rubbish!’ boomed the Baron again. ‘Baubels and tinsel?’ He shook his head. ‘Vote with your heads, viewers,’ he yelled at the camera. ‘I wouldn’t trust these Croxleys with a cent, let alone a million dollars! Don’t be swayed by the promise of Christmas sparkle.’
But everyone ignored him and his son. As the interval began, the room was silent for a moment and then filled with chatter. However, Edward sat down quietly to one side while Roxy got us drinks. Much as I wanted to go over, Richard beat me to it. Then the Earl joined them and the three men talked quietly. Eventually, Edward gave them both man-hugs. The Croxley men showing such emotion? My throat ached – by now I understood just how much that meant.
During the forty-five minutes off-screen, I chatted with Abbey’s mum. She wanted to know everything about the African trip and couldn’t help giggling as Lady C and I described my crash course in how to be a lady.
‘It’s time for the result, folks,’ said Charlie, after what seemed like just a few seconds. ‘Everyone into position.’
The make-up girl busied herself with her powder and brushes.
‘Three, two, one, action!’ said Gaynor, as I crossed my fingers.
‘Rightie!’ said Charlie, to the camera. ‘Here it is – the result of
Million Dollar Mansion
. Viewers, you’ve been voting in your thousands. The lines closed ten minutes ago. The result has been checked and verified. Please don’t ring the numbers any more as your vote won’t be counted but you may still be charged.’ He grinned around the room and waved a card. ‘So – who has the Great British Public voted to be worthy of this enormous amount of money? Baron? You’ll spend it on converting Marwick Castle into a top-notch hotel?’
‘Yes, siree. Babes, beers and banquets. Marwick Castle will gain a worldwide reputation for twenty-first century fun in a medieval setting.’
‘And Applebridge Hall?’ said Charlie in a softer voice.
‘The Applebridge Food Academy shall be our pride and joy,’ said Edward, eyes bright and forehead lines disappeared. ‘Once outstanding repairs have been done, the prize money would be invested and give future generations the chance to safeguard everything we cherish about our home – the burial ground of our ancestors; the antiquities paying tribute to everyone who has ever entered its doors – aristocratic or not. People residing with us at the Academy will be given a tour, so that they too can share our history. Plus, ultimately, we’d like to strengthen our links with the village and, as in years gone by, recruit more staff from the local population.’
‘Here we go, then,’ said Charlie. ‘It’s been neck and neck since Thursday but, within the last hour, a distinct winner has emerged.’
The Baron and Harry high-fived each other. I was going to be sick. Please, don’t let it be Marwick Castle.
‘The winner of
Million Dollar Mansion
is…’
Urgh. Trust Charlie to do a long X-Factor pause. Come on! Come on! I couldn’t wait any longer!
‘…Applebridge Hall,’ said Charlie and gave a big grin.
Oh my God…I was going to faint!
‘There’s got to be some sort of mistake,’ boomed the Baron, looking as if he’d just eaten one of my chilli strawberries or mustard pineapples. ‘Why would anyone vote for some boring old fart and a moronic cookery school?’
‘Tell us, Lord Croxley,’ said Charlie, ‘how are you feeling at this precise moment?’
‘I…’ His voice cracked. ‘Rosemary would have been so very proud.’ He turned to the camera. ‘Enormous thanks to everyone. Every last penny of this prize will go towards making sure Applebridge Hall remains a going concern and to spreading the wealth into the local community. But, more than that—this programme has brought my family back together and there’s no price on that. We are eternally grateful.’
The door slammed. The Baron of Marwick and Harry had gone. So much for their losers’ interview. Then Edward stood up and left too.
‘Hey, folks, don’t anyone else desert us!’ Charlie grinned. ‘Richard – tell us how you, Abigail and Rupert can help your brother run the Food Academy, now that you are on board.’
Lady C gazed at me whilst the interview continued. Eyes glistening, she nodded. I nodded back. We smiled. Then, subtly, I crept out of the room. Edward had sunk to the floor, back up against the wall.
‘You all right?’ I said and sniffed, throat still feeling all lumpy. ‘What are you doing? Shouldn’t you go back in there and celebrate?’
‘I…need to clear my head. Look, Gemma…’ He stretched out his arm and pulled me down to the floor. ‘Can you ever forgive me for chastising your deception when I’ve had to fool people for years? It was just such a shock. In one fell swoop I lost my sister and the… the beautiful, funny, red-haired, supposedly honest girl I was getting to know.’
‘But I am honest, Edward—over feelings and important stuff. Pretending to be someone else was on the surface – it was all for the show.’ I sniffed again and he passed me a hanky. ‘I’m sorry you were on your own as a kid.’
‘Don’t be – for the most part, I had a wonderful childhood. I never stopped dreaming about meeting my half-siblings, though.’ He smiled. ‘Sounds like Rupert will be perfect for eventually looking after Applebridge Hall.’
I nodded.
His voice cracked. ‘Living a lie was stressful enough but, you know, there’s been something else even more difficult.’
I raised my eyebrows.
‘Telling you our relationship was just a bit of fun. I thought it best; was still in shock. But it killed me to hurt you.’ He smiled. ‘You know, I felt a strong connection with you, right from the start when you were disguised as Abbey. I put it down to a DNA bond with my supposed half-sister…’
I dabbed my eyes. ‘So…you really aren’t the heir with some fancy title?’
He shook his head. ‘No, Richard will inherit and then his legitimate son. But I’ll help Father run things as long as I’m needed. Rupert is still young.’
Butterflies stirred in my stomach. ‘So, doesn’t that make us well-suited? I’m just a waitress although, after the last fortnight, I quite fancy doing a catering course—“chef” might one day be my title.’
He turned to face me. ‘You’d be suited to be the Queen of England, Gemma. Please accept my apology for the things I said. I meant every word about you being the soundtrack to my movie… Can you ever forgive me?’
My heart beat quickly and I felt my face crease into a broad grin. I handed back the handkerchief. Then I leant forward and our lips met. Cue popping candy, of course – from my ears to my toes.
‘I’m not sure,’ I mumbled eventually. ‘I was only ever after you for fancy clothes and jewels.’
He took my hands, cheeks flushed, tones gentle. ‘Right now, I’m holding the most beautiful, precious “Gem” in the world.’ He kissed me again.
We stared at each other and he tucked a ringlet of hair behind my ear. Then he jumped to his feet and pulled me up. ‘Come on!’ We ran along the corridor.
‘What about the show?’ I asked.
‘There’s something very important I’ve been dying to do for a few days.’
We went downstairs in the lift, passed the swanky marble reception desk and out of the swing doors. Edward called over the limo and we got in the back.
‘Edward! Tell me immediately!’ I said and giggled. ‘Where are we going?’
‘It’s no good.’ He beamed, looking more boyish than ever. ‘I’ve fought it, but ever since you took me to BestBurger, I’ve been craving another of their cheeseburgers with potato wedges. And don’t mention the toffee ice cream swirls.’
‘Are you serious?’
‘I wouldn’t lie to you,’ he said softly. ‘Never again.’
‘Ditto.’
‘Perhaps we could serve burgers at this Christmas reunion Abbey mentioned,’ he said, eyes twinkling.
‘Hmm, sounds perfect – and mistletoe would make the perfect garnish.’ I leaned in for another amazin’ kiss.
Finally, I drew away for breath and he explained to the chauffeur which route to take.
Uh oh, I spotted a button on the car’s ceiling. Adrenaline rush. I pushed it hard.
‘Ever stuck your head out of the sun-roof, when the car’s at full speed and felt the wind rush through your hair?’ I whispered.
Edward grinned and rolled up his sleeves. ‘No – but I’ve a feeling I’m about to.’