Page 40 of Christmas at the Castle
Chapter Five
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During the driveto the village, Kat stared out the limousine window. The road curved through rolling foothills with the majestic Alps as the backdrop. Sigh-worthy scenery. The only thing missing was snow, but she was hopeful. Not a touch of blue could be seen in the gray sky. Maybe the snow would arrive earlier than the weather forecast predicted.
Sophie handed Kat her cell phone. “What do you think of these?”
A collage of sexy negligees was on the screen—the latest addition to Sophie’s trousseau board on Pinterest.
Kat glanced at Gill, who stared at his tablet. She wondered what he would think of the hot pink and dark purple lingerie. Prince Annoying would probably point out something wrong with each item—not short enough, wrong color, cheap fabric.
“Pretty.” No traditional white peignoir sets in the bunch. “But if you’re not vacationing in a warm place, you might need a robe to wear over the lace and chiffon.”
Sophie sighed. “Packing without knowing the honeymoon destination is impossible.”
Kat looked at the other pins on her board. The pictures ranged from beach wear to ski clothing. “I’m sure it is, but you’ve got ideas for every destination.”
Sophie nodded. “But I don’t want to take clothes I won’t need.”
Gill’s gaze shot up from his tablet. “Ask Bertrand for a temperature range, so you’ll know what to pack.”
“Great idea.” Kat should have thought of that, but she was glad Gill had.
His intense gaze met hers. The way he stared made Kat shift in her seat. She looked at Sophie.
“The temperature won’t give away the exact locale, and it’ll make packing so much easier,” Kat added.
Sophie took back her phone. “I’m texting Bertrand now.”
“If he doesn’t want to tell you, have him talk to your brother,” Kat suggested.
Gill’s brows pinched together. “Why me?”
She smiled at him. “It was your idea.”
“Yes,” Sophie agreed. “Bertrand will be coming to dinner tonight. I can’t wait for him to meet the life-sized Kat. He’s only seen you on my screen and in photographs.”
Kat couldn’t wait to meet Bertrand. He and Sophie seemed to be a perfect match. They both gave back to their countries and people in different ways. Sophie through her social work and Bertrand through his military service.
“I’ve never met a lord before,” Kat said.
Gill rolled his eyes.
“You’ll also be meeting a marquess tonight,” Sophie said. “That’s Bertrand’s older brother’s title. Jamie is joining us for dinner too, but neither is a typical royal.”
Gill nodded. “Especially Bertrand.”
“That’s why I’m marrying him,” Sophie announced.
Kat smiled. “He’s a lucky guy to have you as his bride.”
Sophie raised her hand to stare at her engagement ring—an emerald cut diamond surrounded by tapered baguette diamonds on either side.
“I still can’t believe I’m getting married in two weeks.” Sophie had a wistful look in her eyes. “If I hadn’t gone on that reality TV show, I would have never met the love of my life.”
“You don’t know that for sure,” Gill countered.
“Do you believe in fate?” Kat asked.
