Page 57 of A Royal Obligation
“I’m sorry, I need to call my mom back,” Jules said, the phone already ringing.
“Jules, I have bad news,” her mother answered, causing her stomach to drop. “He’s okay, but your father was trying to fix the smoke detector battery and he lost his footing and fell off the ladder. He broke his hip, Sweetheart.”
Jules gasped as her hand flew to her mouth.
“He’s in surgery. It doesn’t seem serious, but I’m nervous about how long this recovery will take. And how much it will cost.”
“I’m so glad he’s okay, but that’s terrible. Are you okay? Do you want me to come home and sit with you? I can stay a while and help you take care of dad.”
“Darling, I could never expect you to leave your job at the Wistonian Palace to come sit with me.”
“I want to. Let me be there for you all. You all have supported me my whole life. Let me take care of you a little bit.”
Her mother paused before responding. “If you’re sure. I’ll send you the details.”
“Great. I will let you know when I’ll be there. Everything will be okay.”
They said their goodbyes and hung up. Rory looked at Jules, concern covering her face.
“My dad had an accident,” she explained. “He’s okay, but I need to go home and help out with some things.”
“I’m glad he’s okay.” Rory paused. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Always.”
“Are you leaving to help your father or because of your delicate relationship with Barrett?”
Oof. She really knows how to cut to the core of things.
“Maybe a part of me is leaving because of Barrett? I don’t know. It’s all so—” She raked her hands through her hair and glanced over at the arrangement.
The crisp note was tucked at the base of the flowers, staring at her with all its sweet words and confusing emotions. Her mind traced back over his words.My dearest Jules. You have become one of the most important people in my life. I think about you all the time.Her fingers flinched to hold it again.
Some distance would be good. With luck, it would clear the improper feelings she had, and she could return with more dignity. If she didn’t settle her heart, it was bound to break.
She snatched the note and shoved it in her pocket. “I don’t know. But I have to go.”
“Are you going to come back?”
“Yes, I’ll come back. I made a promise, and I will follow through on that. But hopefully this time away will be good for me. Give me some perspective.”
Rory nodded. “I hope it does. Here, let me start packing a bag for you while you go tell Lady Charlotte what’s happened.”
“Thank you.” Jules hugged Rory and then headed to Charlotte’s room.
No one answered her knocks on the door, so she headed to the great hall. When she rounded a corner, she saw Wadsworth up ahead. She called out to him and walked over to where he was standing.
“Is everything all right, Miss Smith?”
“My dad had an accident. I need to go home for a little while. I was trying to find Charlotte to let her know. Have you seen her?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Miss. He will be in my prayers. I believe she’s out for a walk with Prince Barrett in the gardens. You could wait until she gets back?”
“No,” she said too quickly. “I’ll text her. I know she will understand. Thank you, Wadsworth.”
Jules hurried back to her room and helped Rory finish packing up her bags.
“I’ll miss you,” Rory said as she zipped up one of the suitcases.