237 Chapter 237

"You're back, that didn't take long at all." Frances said, kissing Erik's cheeks. "We had a lovely brunch put out for you all."

Maggie and Auggie were already eating and Ian and Fi had just come down.

"This is literally the nicest spread of food I ever seen. Thank you, your majesty." Fi said.

Pearl was starving and sat down, practically inhaling a croissant.

Louis arrived next and looked at Fi. "Didn't get to chat you up much last night. It is incredibly lovely seeing you again, Fi." He said.

"You two know each other?" Ian asked.

Fi dribbled coffee on her chin. "Yes. We've met." She said. Pearl and Erik sipped their tea and looked down, trying to remain out of it.

"We certainly have." Louis said, smiling.

"Oh my god, Fi. Did you let this man put his dick in you?" Ian asked, shocked.

"Sometimes." Fi said.

Sebastian stifled a chuckle and Edward and Frances were shocked at the vulgarity.

"Well, don't do it again." Ian said.

"Of course not" Fi said, roughing Ian's hair as he kissed her cheek.

Louis looked like he was in complete shock.

"Americans." Sebastian said, laughing.

***********************

"Pearl, I have nothing to wear. This was so last minute. I am freaking out. His father is the most intimidating man I have ever met." Maggie said, pacing the room.

"He went easy on you. My first meeting with him was much worse." Pearl said. Iris nodded. "Here. I bought you this dress when I was out yesterday with the hooligan cousins." Pearl said. "Don't ask." She said, looking at Iris who was about to ask.

"Pearl, it's beautiful." Maggie said, looking at the black Carolina Herrera sweetheart neckline dress. She tried it on and it fit her almost perfectly. It was a Black Swan-inspired dress with a plunging neckline, with a U-shaped wire. The fitted stretch crepe bodice flared out to a voluminous tulle pleated skirt. She looked like a regal ballerina.

"You look beautiful." Iris said.

"I've never had a dress this expensive on before." She said. "We really are like Cinderella now, aren't we?" She asked Pearl.

"I prefer to see us more like Vivian from Pretty Woman. Only without the hooking." Pearl said, laughing.

They were in Pearl's room, chatting and beginning to get ready for the party.

"Well what the fuck was that all about? Louis is such a little shit." Fi said, walking in. "Girl time!"she said, sitting down with a bottle of champagne in her hand.

Pearl laughed.

"I can't believe you are pregnant. And getting married in less than a month!" Maggie said.

"It's all an surreal whirlwind. But I'm so happy. And in love. A real fairy tale. And it's mine." Pearl said.

"Talking about fairytales, have you told her about Rhys yet?" Fi asked Iris.

"No. Things have been... a little crazy." Iris said.

"Rhys, what about him?" Pearl asked.

"Carys had her baby. She was further along than she originally said she was. We got the paternity results back. Ian wasn't the father, of course. He had his balls snipped years ago. And guess who else was NOT the father? Rhys." Fi said, sipping her champagne.

"Oh, really?" Pearl asked.

"Yep. All that damage and bullshit he put you through. Defending her. Housing her. Paying her debts. For nothing. She's already seeing someone else now. Some singer or songwriter or whatever." She said. "Karma is a capricious whore."

"Indeed it is", Pearl said, nodding and smiling. Rhys screwed her over but they had good moments. Great moments, together. She felt badly for him. Some part of him really did believe he was doing the right thing with her.

Maggie still looked a mess. She was really having a hard time.

"Talk to me, Maggie. What is on your mind?" Pearl asked.

"I'm dating the prince of England. A young, white, rich man that is ROYALTY. I've never dated a white man in my life, let alone a prince. He is 5 years younger than me. I do not come from money. Or even a good family. We were so poor growing up. This all seems so unreal. I told my mother I was seeing him and she nearly lost her mind. This is a huge deal for her. This will change my life." Maggie said. "But not necessarily for the better, either. I'm going to be picked apart by the press." She said.

"If anyone understands that, it's me. This has been difficult. I try to ignore it but you can't ignore everything. It's part of the package. Do you love him?" Pearl asked.

"With all of my heart." Maggie said. "He's kind. Noble. Cultured. Elegant. Patient. He's so bright. He can talk about history and art and music and business. He makes me feel safe. He is a good man. The best man I've ever met."

"Maggie, normally I wouldn't want to ruin this for you or for anyone. But looking back, I wish I would have known ahead of time. It would have helped me make a better, rational decision." Pearl said. "So I am telling you this with that purpose. He is going to propose, soon. Maybe after our wedding." Pearl said.

Maggie's eyes widened. "Are you sure? How do you know?" She asked.

"Erik told me." Pearl said. "You can't tell anyone that you know."

"Oh my god. I can't believe it." She said.

"Take it in. The shock is what messes with your head the most. Process it and be sure you know what you are getting into. I'm here, I'll always be here. If you need anything at all." Pearl said.

"That means we will be sisters!" Maggie realized.

"Yes." Pearl said.

Maggie smiled and hugged Pearl. "I don't need to think about it. I appreciate you telling me. It's good to know what is in store, but if he asks I'm going to accept." She said. Pearl smiled.

"Now give me that champagne." Maggie said.