The Anti-Cinderella Takes London

by Tawdra Kandle

  “That’s the problem, isn’t it? I keep trying to tell myself exactly that—to just think of her as your loving grandmother, the same way I might think of Honey. I’ve been working on that for weeks. But then Lady Marjorie reminds me of who your sweet grandma really is. She tells me I must never forget that. So, who am I supposed to believe? You or the woman who’s been training me?”

  “You’re not a dog, Kyra. Marjorie hasn’t been training you, she’s been . . .” Nicky screwed up his face, thinking. “Helping you.”

  “I’m not sure that there’s any difference,” I muttered under my breath. I was fairly certain that my fiancé heard me, but he pretended that he hadn’t. I didn’t blame him; we’d been going around and around in this discussion for quite a while now.

  About ten days ago, after a particularly grueling day with Lady Marjorie, we’d had dinner with Nicky’s sisters, Alex and Daisy. Alex’s husband Jake was away, so it was just the three siblings and me.

  I’d been frazzled and exhausted. Working full-time at a demanding job and then spending another three hours afterward practicing my curtsy and my manner of speaking wasn’t easy. Adding to that, in public I had to pretend that nothing had changed. I could only wear my beautiful new ring inside the cottage, and only then if we were alone or with immediate family. Not being able to shout our news to the world was painful and frustrating.

  “Ky, no offense, love, but you look like shit.” Daisy frowned at me across the small table around which we all sat. “Are you sick?”

  I shook my head. “Just tired. And no offense taken, by the way. I have a mirror. I know how rotten I look just now. It’s an accurate expression of how I feel.”

  “You’re beautiful, always.” Nicky wrapped one arm around me. “If you’re feeling so terrible, why don’t you slow down a bit? Take some time off work. Your grandparents will understand.”

  “I can’t right now.” I shrugged. “We have some make or break meetings coming up. The supplier we thought we had locked in for apples failed the last inspection. Now I’m trying to work out whether we can salvage that deal or if I have to find a new farmer.”

  “All right, but I’m sure they could work around you for a few weeks. At least until after we announce our engagement.”

  I frowned at Nicky. “There are several things wrong with what you just said. First of all, what makes you think they can work around me? Do you think my job is so unimportant that I can just leave it for a few weeks and nothing will change? No one will care? That makes me feel good about what I do. Thanks.”

  Nicky closed his eyes and shook his head. “Ky, of course not—”

  “And second, why do you think life is going to get so much easier after we announce our engagement? Basically, at that point we’ll be acknowledging what’s been a poorly kept secret all along, and the press will have all the more reason to trail us everywhere.”

  “There will be a huge difference.” He leveled a gaze at me, holding his eyes steady. “You’ll have official protection. You’ll be under the wing of the Palace and the Royal Family. And I’ll be able to take better care of you, too, since I won’t have to pretend that you’re just some woman who’s shacking up with me.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Nice.”

  Nicky ignored me. “And regarding your first point, of course, I don’t think that. I know that you play a very important role in your family’s company, and I know Handsome and Honey count on your hard work. But at the same time, it is your family company, and they do understand some of what you’re going through just now. I think they’d be more than happy to allow you to cut back your hours, at least, or work from the cottage. That’s all I was saying.”

  I knew Nicky had a point—well, actually, he had several—but I wasn’t ready to give up yet. Being stubborn was a trait that ran in my family, and I had it in spades.

  “Ky, may I add something?” Alex, Nicky’s older sister, had been a good friend to me over the past year, allowing me to stay with her when I came to visit Nicky and offering me advice when I asked for it. She was quieter than Daisy, and slightly more reserved, but then again, that didn’t take much. Daisy was one of the most joyful, impetuous women I’d ever known.

  When I nodded my assent, Alex went on. “You shouldn’t worry so much about meeting the Queen. Yes, I’ll admit, she has tremendous presence, and when you stop to think about what she’s been through, what she’s lived through and experienced—it is amazing and makes one’s knees knock. But at the end of the day, you’re not meeting her as Kyra Duncan, random visiting American. You’re going to meet her as Kyra, her beloved grandson’s fiancée. As a woman whom she wants to welcome into the family.”

  “But does she?” I muttered darkly.

  “Of course, she does.” Alex smiled at me. “Nothing gets by Granny. When Nicky started seeing you last year, she asked Daddy all about you and whether the relationship was serious. When we were all at Sandringham at Christmas, I was walking with Granny one day, and she remarked that Nicky seemed particularly sad. She asked me if there wasn’t some way to mend the rift between you. She was worried, as any loving grandmother would be.”

  “And when you moved to London, she was very pleased,” added Daisy. “Let’s not be blind about this, Kyra. Do you really think you would’ve been permitted to move into Kensington Palace if the Queen had reservations about your suitability for Nicky? You wouldn’t have been. It simply wouldn’t have happened.”

  “Daisy’s right.” Alex leaned across the table and covered my hand with hers. “Try not to stress too much about this meeting. Just be yourself. She’s going to love you.”

  I thought about what Alex and Daisy had said as the car drew up to the impressive gates that opened to allow the car into Buckingham Palace. Part of me wanted to crane my head out the window and snap pictures, because who wouldn’t be awestruck at driving into the famous residence of the monarchs of the United Kingdom? Another part of me wanted to shrink down into the car and hope that no one could see me.

  Nicky zipped around to a side road that led to an open courtyard, where assorted cars were parked alongside a lawn. He found a spot and turned off the engine, turning to me with a grin.

  “It’s showtime, darling. Are you ready?”

  I shuddered and then sat up a little straighter. “As much as I’ll ever be. Right now, my focus is on not throwing up or tripping or saying something completely inappropriate.”

  He laughed, lifting my hand to his lips and brushing a kiss over my fingers. “Aim high, Ky. C’mon. Let’s go in. We definitely don’t want to be late.”

  I allowed him to help me from the car seat. “But if we are, I’m totally blaming that on you. Just a warning.”

  “I’m willing to be thrown under the bus.”

  I paused, running one shaky hand over my below-the-knee green silk dress with its matching wool coat. My legs were encased in pantyhose, which was one of the royal dressing rules I was learning to embrace, and my black patent pumps had a moderate heel, neither too high nor too low.

  “Okay. I’m set.”

  We made our way along a narrow brick pathway to a nondescript door. Before Nicky could reach for the knob, it swung open. A man in a dark suit greeted us, his face expressionless.

  “Good afternoon, Your Royal Highness.” He nodded to me. “Ms. Duncan. I’m Sir John Agnew, one of the Queen’s equerries. Her Majesty is waiting for you both. Right this way, please.”

  Just inside, an older woman appeared and offered to take our coats. Nicky helped me with mine and handed both over.

  “Thank you, Carol.” He smiled and leaned down to murmur in my ear. “One of the housekeeping staff.”

  I nodded, wondering how anyone kept all the names straight.

  Gripping Nicky’s hand, I followed the man through winding corridors, doing my best not to gape open-mouthed at the artwork on the walls and the suits of armor standing guard at random points along the way. The history nerd in me wanted to stop and examine each one at closer
range. After all, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—

  And then it hit me. No, this wasn’t a one-time shot. I was marrying the man who held my hand now, and the palace we were walking through was his grandparents’ home. I wasn’t just about to meet the Queen; I was going to get to know his grandmother, who happened to sit on the throne of Great Britain, the latest in a long line that stretched back to the days of Elizabeth I and Henry VIII.

  I’d never thought about Nicky as being a member of a grand family. I hadn’t spent time mulling over exactly how many of his ancestors were people I’d studied in history class. To me, he was just . . . Nicky. The boy I remembered from childhood and the man I was going to love for the rest of my life. Thinking that he really was part of an incredible bloodline, I slid him a sideways glance.

  As if he sensed the direction of my thoughts, he met my eyes, winked at me and squeezed my hand. Suddenly, everything clicked back into place, and the nerves that had been terrorizing me for weeks vanished into mist.

  Our escort came to a sudden halt at a white carved door. He paused, adjusted his height, then knocked once before entering the room.

  “His Royal Highness Prince Nicholas and Ms. Duncan are here, ma’am.”

  I couldn’t hear anything from within the room, but apparently, our guide did, as he stepped back and indicated that we should go inside.

  My first impression of the large sitting room was that it was much cozier than I would’ve expected from a space this size. The walls were painted a serene light blue that complemented the yellow and gold of the furniture and the burgundy accents in the carpet. Tall windows let in streams of bright sunshine.

  Standing between a brocade tufted loveseat and two upholstered chairs was a small woman with short white hair. She wore a long-sleeved dress with a floral pattern and sensible black shoes with low heels.

  “Well, come in, come in.” Smiling broadly, she waved one hand at us. “Nicky, how are you, darling?”

  Nicky took one quick step forward, executed a perfect bow and then strode toward his grandmother with arms outstretched. “Hello, Granny. You look lovely today.”

  “And you are always a flatterer. Just like your grandfather.” The Queen mock-glared at her grandson but turned her cheek to accept his kiss.

  Nicky angled his body to include me, even though I was still waiting by the door, as I’d been instructed to do by Lady Marjorie.

  “Granny, may I present Kyra Duncan?”

  Now, it was truly on. I took a deep breath and slid one leg behind the other before bending both knees and dipping low, keeping my body erect.

  “Your Majesty.”

  When I straightened, I wanted to jump and give a fist pump. I’d done it, and I hadn’t ended up in a tangled heap on the floor! One hurdle cleared.

  “Kyra, it’s so lovely to meet you at last.” The Queen extended her hand, and I carefully and slowly walked toward her. “I’ve heard so much about you from my son and daughter-in-law, and from Alex and Daisy.” She tapped Nicky’s arm. “And perhaps a bit here and there from this one, too.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. I’m very happy to be here.” I took her hand gingerly, but the strength there was surprising. I was to allow the Queen to shake my hand, I knew—but I wasn’t to grip hers or pump her arm. I was the passive one in this scenario.

  “Let’s sit, shall we?” Her Majesty sat on one of the yellow chairs and indicated the other one. “Here you go, Kyra. Nicky, you can sit on the loveseat there.”

  Once we were all settled, she faced me, and I allowed myself to really look into her face. She seemed to be kind, I realized, with compassion and a certain irreverent merriment behind her eyes.

  “I was very glad to hear your happy news.” She leaned forward a bit, smiling. “Weddings and christenings are some of my favorite family events. May I see the ring?”

  I held out my left hand, which amazingly was not trembling with nerves. She peered down, examining the ring before nodding.

  “How beautiful. You made an excellent choice, Nicky.”

  I wasn’t certain whether Her Majesty was referring to the ring or to me, but I kept my mouth shut.

  “That means we’ve gotten your official approval, then?” Nicky pretended relief. “And I was afraid we’d have to elope to Gretna Green.”

  The Queen rolled her eyes. “There will be no eloping. As if you would.”

  Nicky nodded. “True. That sounds more like something Daisy would do, doesn’t it?”

  “None of my grandchildren would do something so foolish,” his grandmother retorted. “Not even Daisy. Can you imagine the press?”

  “Well, it would certainly give them something to write about.” Nicky shifted on the sofa cushion. “Are we having tea? Shall I ring for it?”

  “Not quite yet.” The Queen fastened him with a quelling stare. “As a matter of fact, Nicky, why don’t you go down the hall and see if your grandfather is about? I’m sure he’ll want to come to meet Kyra, too, and have tea with us.”

  Nicky frowned. “Are you sure? I mean . . .” He cast me a panicked glance. “Uh, I don’t want to abandon Kyra.”

  “Nicholas.” Her voice was low but firm. “Go see your grandfather. I’d like a chance to chat with Kyra without you—hovering.” She waved her fingers. “Off you go. And don’t come back until I’ve sent for you.”

  “Fine.” He stood up, and I read apology in his eyes as he skirted around his grandmother’s chair and made for the door.

  “Do you know, I rather think he was afraid to leave you with me.” The Queen laughed, swaying backward for a moment. “Imagine that. How sweet of him to be so protective. It speaks well of you both, and of your relationship. Men who have no regard for the happiness or well-being of their wives make very poor husbands.”

  “I think I’d have to agree, ma’am.” I gripped my hands together so that the slight tremble didn’t show.

  “Well, he needn’t worry.” The Queen reached across to pat my hand. “And neither should you. I have no plans to interrogate you, my dear. I just thought we could get to know each other better without my grandson butting in every few moments.”

  “Thank you.” My back was beginning to ache from keeping it so stiff, and I gave myself permission to lean against the wing of the chair, just slightly. “I appreciate that.”

  “Well, then. How are you getting on?” She smiled at me, and I thought distractedly that Her Majesty’s eyes were really quite blue. I could see where Nicky got his distinctive eye color.

  “Uh, I’m getting on well, thank you.” I focused on not fidgeting. “It’s—everything is an adjustment, of course.”

  “Yes, I’m sure.” The Queen tilted her head. “Even when one is born into something, changes in . . . situation require a period of settling in. My own early days had their challenges, even though I was always part of this family. Born into this way of life. I think it is simply impossible to be prepared for some things, no matter how hard you try.”

  “Yes.” I nodded. “I mean, I’ve read about . . .” My voice trailed off. Was it rude to admit that I’d read books about the Queen’s early life? “What I mean is, I used to read books, years ago, about the Royal Family. I’ve always been interested in history.” Shit. Did it sound as though I was calling her ancient?

  If it did, apparently this didn’t bother Her Majesty. “You’ve done your homework, then. Well done, you.” She gave a brisk shake of her head. “Never apologize for being prepared, for studying ahead of time, for being well-informed. It speaks well of you.”

  “Thank you.” It seemed like the right thing to say.

  “My son tells me that your education is in agriculture. And Nicky has spoken about your passion for preserving the planet, too. Although that wasn’t something we thought about too much when I was young, I’m very impressed by the efforts of young people these days.”

  I cleared my throat. “My grandparents have always been concerned about ecology, about how what we do now affects the future o
f the earth. I guess I picked it up almost by osmosis.” I lifted one shoulder. “Their business grew out of their interest in all things green and wholesome, and our entire family became part of that.”

  “Yes, juice, isn’t it? And related food? How interesting.” The Queen nodded. “And you’re working for their company here in London now, too, aren’t you? How have you found the transition to living in England?”

  I frowned, slightly befuddled by the abrupt change in topic. “I . . . well, it’s been different. Maybe if I had lived here before, ah—” I fell silent. “I haven’t been able to explore very much on my own. At all, really. Everything I see from the car windows as I drive to work seems lovely, though. And I love Kensington Palace. I try to walk around the gardens at least a couple of times a week.”

  The Queen’s brow drew together. “How unfortunate that you haven’t been able to enjoy our city.” Her face fell into thoughtful lines. “Although I can definitely empathize. My sister and I, when we were young, felt similarly stymied. We didn’t have the same freedom others did, and there were times when we might have resented that. For us, it was more a matter of safety than of the press coverage, though. That aspect of life has only become more unpleasant in recent years.”

  She sounded a bit weary and somehow more human. I was emboldened to ask her a question. “Did you and—and Princess Margaret never get to see any of London? You couldn’t see the Tower or Big Ben?”

  The queen laughed softly. “Well, we did visit all those sites, but it was in more of an official capacity than anything else. And there was once . . .” Her eyes grew distant. “It was on V-E Day, at the end of the war. There was tremendous celebration everywhere, people thronging in the streets and the Mall outside the palace . . . Margaret and I begged our parents to be allowed to take part in it, and for once, the answer was yes.” She shook her head ruefully. “I attribute that more to my sister’s stubbornness than anything else. At any rate, we were permitted to slip outside and stand among the people. No one recognized us. We yelled for the King and the Queen with all of the rest of them. It was glorious.”