Chapter 36

"Carson, darling, what do you think of this one?" Margaret's voice echoed through the vast, empty hall.

Carson looked up from his phone, barely glancing at the ornate room around them. "It's fine," he muttered.

Margaret frowned, putting her hands on her hips. "That's what you said about the last three places. Are you even paying attention?"

Carson sighed, shoving his phone in his pocket. "Look, Margaret, they're all big rooms with fancy decorations. Pick whichever one you like best."

The wedding planner, a thin woman named Evelyn, cleared her throat nervously. "Perhaps we could take a closer look at the ballroom? It has a lovely view of the gardens."

As Margaret followed Evelyn, chattering excitedly about flower arrangements and lighting, Carson hung back. He pulled out his phone again, scrolling through his messages. There was one from a pretty bartender he'd met last week. She wanted to meet up again.

Carson smirked, quickly typing out a reply. He'd have to be careful, though. The w