Page 21 of Masked Secrets
“My dad would agree. He said it’s been his favorite since the first time he ate it at Eton. It’s quite the tradition, particularly at the annual cricket match against the school’s archrival.”
“Did you fall in love with it at Eton too?”
“No. My parents sent me to a different school. But Eton mess is a popular pudding across the UK, so I didn’t miss out.”
When we’re halfway through the creamy concoction, the professional auctioneer steps up to the podium. It’s time to raise money for our charity.
This auction will be a little different than many. Rather than auctioning a large number of items, we have five extremely special ones. The logic is that a shorter auction will keep the audience engaged, and having more unique auction items will still raise a large sum of money.
The enthusiastic auctioneer describes the first item while images of it flash across giant displays strategically placed around the ballroom. We’ve predicted that this trip down the Danube in a luxurious suite on a high-end cruise ship should appeal to a majority of attendees.
We were right. The bidding is fast. Once the price rises well above the value of the cruise, five people continue to bid it up. Eventually, it sells for at least ten times its value. That’s a phenomenal start.
Next up is a one-of-a-kind silver Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet with blue waves of water painted down each side and a custom interior. It’s worth over $350,000. I’m ecstatic when it sells in the auction for three times that.
The auctioneer then sells a week in a Swiss Chalet with private ski lessons from an Olympic medalist for an astronomical amount.
Then he offers a flawless 10-carat, white diamond anniversary ring, transportation from LA to Paris in a private jet, and reservations for a private anniversary dinner at the Eiffel Tower. I recognize the movie producer and the hedge fund manager who are battling it out for this prize packet. Eventually, the movie producer gives up when the price is well into sevenfigures. The charity is the real winner on this one, but I’m sure the hedge fund manager’s wife will be quite happy as well.
When the final item comes up, I fend off several stubborn bidders to win front row seats at the premiere of the Foundation’s movie. Of course, I didn’t need to buy tickets to my dad’s movie. It was my family’s way of directly supporting the charity. And there’s an added benefit now. I can invite a date. I’m counting on Brooke accepting my invitation.
That thought has me smiling. There’s something about having her around that makes life brighter. There’s more spring in my steps when we’re together. She may be a rule follower, but the sparkle in her eyes suggests that underneath her perfect exterior is a fun-loving woman aching to burst through. I’ll be happy to help her with that.
It’s not like either one of us is looking for a relationship. She’s married to her quest for partnership at her law firm. And I want to enjoy my last bits of freedom. Time for that is running out sooner than I’d like.
My dad was 45 when I was born, which is older than average. I’m convinced he only married in his forties to ensure an heir to his title. Given his role as a noble, he and my mum dictate the path for my future. When he turns 80, my life will change in an instant as mammoth obligations kick in. Unfortunately, Dad’s eightieth birthday is less than four years away.
On that day, I’m expected to curtail my exploits, as he calls them, and help manage the estate and the family’s investments. That’s also when he wants me to assume the lead role at the Foundation. If allowed, he’d turn over his duties in the House of Lords as well and make me the Earl of Sandridge. Luckily for me, that can’t happen until his death, which I hope is much farther in the future.
I suspect that on my dad’s eightieth birthday, the pressure to marry will also increase. Mum and Dad are set on meproposing to Lady Whitfield. They routinely remind me that she’s attractive and has aproperpedigree and upbringing. That’s all true, but there’s no spark between us. In fact, looking back on the times we’ve been together, they were rather boring. I just wish she made me feel the way Brooke does.
A vibrant voice cuts through my thoughts, turning my attention back to the stage. The emcee is saying, “The Foundation would like to thank everyone for being here today. Your generosity is incredible. The accounting firm just informed me that we have raised over $7 million dollars today between ticket sales and auction items.”
Everyone stands, applauding the success. My dad and the Foundation will be ecstatic at the news. That number far exceeds our hopes.
The emcee concludes the event, saying, “Thank you for your support today. We look forward to seeing you at the premiere tomorrow evening. Have a great afternoon.”
I stand and walk around the table, shaking hands with everyone and thanking them for their participation. Reaching Aunt Jen, I embrace her, saying, “You’re the best. See you tomorrow night.”
She whispers, “Brooke’s a keeper. Don’t mess it up.” Her eyes meet mine with a knowing look. I tense, not happy that she can read me so easily.
“We’re just new friends. Don’t be playing matchmaker,” I reply, smiling as heat creeps up my neck.
“I won’t have to. Save me a front row seat at the wedding.” She winks.
I chuckle, shaking my head. “You know I adore you, but you’re reading too much into this.”
“Whatever you say.” She flashes a sly smile and waves quickly as she steps away to say goodbye to others.
“What was that all about?” Brooke asks, looking at me with curiosity.
“Oh, nothing. She’s just mothering me in the absence of my own mum.” I rub the back of my neck to ease the tightness.
“That’s sweet.” Her head tilts, giving me a lovely view of her beautiful eyes and effervescent smile.
“It is. Are you ready to leave? I have a car waiting. We can share a ride back to your office. With my hotel in the same building, I’m going there anyway.”
“Sure. I’d love a ride. But I need to stop by my law firm’s table on the way out to say hello to my colleagues. Do you mind?”
