by Rachel Hauck
“Thank you, Edric. But not helping. I hope this noble marauder informs us of his intent. I’d be more than happy to give him any amount of money in exchange for the chair.”
Gus gathered his courage. No more deception. “Mum, I don’t think you should’ve sacked Daffy, but she has other career aspirations, so maybe she’ll make lemonade with her lemons. Also, I want you to give her a good reference.”
For the first time since he’d know Catherine, Queen of Lauchtenland—his mum—she seemed frail. Even a bit broken.
“All right. I’ll tell Morwena.”
“There’s one more thing.” Here goes. “I’m in love with Daffy. I know you have some angst toward her from the past, but it’s time to move on. I’ve asked her to the ball and she said yes.”
Now for real courage. To make sure Daffy didn’t change her mind.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Daffy
“I know you’re in there. Open up.” Ella’s voice pressed through the door. “We know you broke up with Thomas. We know you got sacked.”
Her sister’s muffled pronouncement of all the disastrous events shot Daffy just a wee bit lower.
“Then you know to leave me alone. Besides, it’s almost midnight. Don’t you have to work in the morning?”
“Not if you need me.”
“I don’t.” Daffy burrowed into the couch cushions and pulled her favorite blanket up to her nose. Her body ached as if she’d crawled up and down the mountain path to the Hand of God. Her heart churned like the stormy sea she and Gus had watched together.
Gus.
“Daffy?”
“Go away.” She needed to think, process.
Friday she broke up with Thomas. Sunday morning, she declared her love for Prince Gus. In the afternoon, she was sacked for something she didn’t do but was, in truth, her responsibility. The queen was right to let her go.
And now…now she needed to figure out what happened next. But before she accepted, once and for all, that her dreams of a life with a prince had been nothing more than that—a dream—could she please have a quiet moment to replay the scene at the Hand of God? To kiss Gus over and over in her mind? To succumb to the chills of his whispered “I love you”?
Lucy had called, wanting to know what happened. Daffy gave her the Dalholm shorthand version. “Chair. Lost. Sacked.” Told her to find any gown for the Unknown Bride.
“So that Adelaide lady had no idea what she was talking about?” Lucy dug for further explanation but Daffy answered in again in Dalholm-speak.
“Queen. Dress. Hates.” She was beginning to see the wisdom of her northern countrymen.
“Daff?” Ella knocked again.
“Sleeping.”
“I can hear the television.”
Daffy hit mute. The show she wasn’t really watching had gone to commercial and Leslie Ann entered her living room by way of the air waves. She strolled through some wooded, hilly countryside. What was she saying? Daffy raised the volume. “…this year’s most fascinating documentary.”
“Daff, I’m coming in. I have ice cream, and it’s melting.” The lock clicked. The door creaked open.
“What kind of ice cream?”
“Your favorite.” Heavy footsteps echoed on the hardwood, stopping just over the threshold. “Chocolate peanut butter.”
“Okay, but one bowl and you’re out of here, sister.” Daffy kicked off her blanket and tugged at her trackies. “What’s everyone saying about me and Thomas? No one has texted or—Gus. W-what are you doing here?” She smoothed her hair, tugged down her short, tattered T-shirt.
He scooped her into his arms with a fast and furious kiss heating her surprise into desire.
“I had to see you. I hated how we parted so I borrowed one of Dad’s motors.” He held her by the arms, his forehead against hers. “You didn’t say you loved me, and the old Gus, you know, the one from before Florida, felt a bit wobbly.”
“I’m sorry but was feeling so blue…so confused, but you…here…makes everything better.” She pressed a quick kiss to his lips and reached for the ice cream he held. “And this seals the deal.”
“Ella said it would.” He sighed as with relief.
“You called her?” Daffy linked her arm through his, loving his nearness, and steered for the kitchen.
“I needed someone to tell me where you lived. Help me surprise you.” He sat at the island, his famous smile dispelling the gloomy atmosphere.
A smile aimed at her. For her. Because of her. How she loved how handsome he was—his high cheeks, curious eyes, and how his full lips were surrounded by a whisper of whiskers. Mostly she loved the heart he carried beneath his sculpted chest.
Setting out two bowls, Daffy filled them with ice cream. When she handed one to Gus, he grasped her wrist, his warmth radiating along her arm.
“This crazy day doesn’t change anything for me.” Huskiness deepened his voice.
“Are you certain?” Daffy joined him on the other side of the island, sitting in one of the inexpensive tall chairs she’d found online. “The queen is not my fan.”
“She will be. When she knows the truth. I told her to get over her old grudge.”
“What did she say?”
“What could she say? And she’s going to give you a good reference for a new job. Unless you want to return to the Royal Trust. Then I’ll fight for you.”
“I’m not sure what I want.” She took a small bite of ice cream. “Does she know you’re here?”
“Does it matter? I’m not sixteen. Besides, she’s more concerned about the Titus right now than the fact I’m in love with you. But tonight, she looked spent. Almost wrecked. She didn’t even watch her usual Sunday night program with Dad. Something more than the chair is bothering her. Maybe it’s the child case she’s hearing.”
“Those details should wreck us all.”
“Know what else is odd, Daff?” Gus dug into his ice cream then waved his spoon about with a look of contemplation. “The blue dress was in their apartment. I asked if she wanted me to carry it out and she said no. Not an ‘Oo, I’m not sure.’ Or the ‘I don’t know’ sort of no. More like a bullet. ‘No!’”
“Maybe she realized her sentiment for it.” Daffy skimmed a small taste of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. The cold, sweet treat brought up childhood memories. And now, helped her create new ones.
As for the dress, she had no idea if the gown was connected to the frantic phone call all those years ago, but the chain of events was suspect. She remembered the queen going on about “sixteen something or other” and how “she something” and “wearing it,” her voice rising and falling. She also heard the words “Trent” and “daughter.”
“What are you thinking?” Gus devoured another large spoonful of ice cream. “It must be serious. You’re not eating. And you have a wrinkle, right here.” He gently pressed his thumb to the crease in her brow, then caressed her cheek and down her neck.
“I guess the reality of this weekend is hitting me. Lows to highs to lows.” She drew his palm to her lips. “I love your hand against my face.”
“I’m disappointed though. You’re still not blushing. I’ll have to think of another way to see that pink rush over your cheeks.”
“I’m sure you will.” She rather looked forward to his attempts at making her blush. In fact, he was off to a good start. “So, what about the chair. Do you think Emmanuel stole it?”
“No. But after I dropped you at the train station, I went to the Belly of the Beast.”
Daffy savored her ice cream as Gus detailed his conversation with Ernst, hoping to rouse Emmanuel sooner rather than later.
“I was going to fight for your position then I realized this was your chance. Do the job you’ve always wanted. You made the perilous climb to the Hand of God, why not go for your dream job? You possess the courage to forge a new path.”
“I’ve been thinking the same thing. Trouble is, most of those sorts are in London.”
�
�I see.” Gus paused. Cleared his throat. “Well, London is not too far. Easy to travel on weekends. Even week nights.”
“And… America. New York.”
“New York? I see.” His spoon scraped the bottom of the bowl. “That’s a bit farther than London.”
“In fact, your old love has an opening for an in-house curator at CCW Cosmetics.” She made a face. “I might have looked to see what was out there. CCW opened a new position for a curator to create a museum of the company’s history from scratch. It’s a dream opportunity.”
“Foiled again by Coral Winthrop.” There was no humor in his words. “D-do you want me to speak to her?”
“Yes, but not for me. For you.” Daffy slipped from her stool and held his face in her hands. “I’m not going anywhere without you. Promise.”
“I won’t stand in your way.”
“You think I’d want any job more than you? More than the life we’d build together? Something meaningful and lasting. A dream career is rewarding, but a home and family with my dream man is what makes my world go round. Not that we’re getting married or anything but—”
His kiss made her breathless. Sliding from his stool, he pulled her against him, his arms tight around her back, as if he couldn’t get close enough. His kiss was rushed and passionate, then after a moment, softened, and their breathing fell into the same rhythm.
Daffy locked her arms about his waist, sliced open her heart, and poured her love into him.
He stepped…she stepped…until somehow how they tumbled backward and toppled over the rummage sale chair.
Laughing, Gus raised up, his face inches from hers. “You didn’t finish your ice cream.”
“Let it melt.” She grabbed him for another kiss and rolled onto the floor, landing with a thud.
“This was way better than the scene I imagined in My Life with the Prince.”
“Your life with the prince?” Gus raised up on one elbow. “What’s this?”
“Guess it’s okay to confess now. Back in the day, I kept a diary, well, more like a novel, of what it would be like to be your girlfriend. Only you were Romeo and I was Juliet. I know, not very original. But I was ten.”
“Where is this book?” He glanced toward her bookcase. “I want to read it.”
“Lost. Thrown away in my family’s big purge of ’09.”
He traced his finger along the collar of her jumper. “Then we’ll have to write new chapters. Where everything is real.” Gus kissed her forehead, then her cheek, moving down to her neck, returning to her lips—his kiss seeking…searching…and finally finding her soul.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Gus
They stayed up all night talking, reminiscing, catching up on each other’s lives, asking the hard questions. Children. Pets. Finances. Chore list. All the practical things of joining two lives.
Gus was a talker. Had to get out what bothered him. Even if he talked to himself. He wanted the listener to hear, understand, then offer encouragement or advice, or tell him to get over himself.
“With Coral then Robbi, I didn’t want to talk about issues. I thought it made me appear weak. But I’d fill up and eventually download on my mates. Poor lads at Pub Clemency heard more than they ever wanted. After Coral left, they practically screamed at me to talk to her. But I couldn’t cross that hurdle. Robbi was easier because, well, I knew it was right.”
Daffy, on the other hand, was a brooder. Had to walk away, think about things. Not just about what bothered her, but almost any decision.
As dawn slipped across the dark, sleeping city, Gus rose from the pallet they’d made on the floor, where they stared at the city lights reflected on the ceiling, and offered to make breakfast.
“My omelets are infamous.” He moved about the kitchen as if it were his own.
“For what? Are you going to poison me, Prince Gus? Then say I’m on the lam with the chair?”
He peered inside the refrigerator. “Well that was the plan but it seems you’re void of eggs.”
She came around the island and kissed him. “I have milk and cereal. Get two bowls from that cupboard.”
She set out the milk. He found the spoons. How easily they chatted and moved about. As if they’d been together for years.
“You realize after the ball, we’ll be official,” he’d said, pouring milk over a large pile of toasted oats. “We’re already all over social media, shots of us talking on the quay. So here we go.”
“What was it the Duchess of Sussex said? She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she thought it would be fair. I’m ready for whatever, in my head anyway. But like I said at the Hand of God, if you stand by me, help me, be with me, I’ll ride whatever storm comes our way.”
The slightly stale cereal was the best he’d ever had. That’s how it was when you shared with someone you love.
While Daffy loaded in the dishwasher, Gus checked his email and read the text messages he’d ignored all night.
“Did I tell you Hemstead resigned?”
“Why am I not surprised?”
“They’re sending me a new chap. Ollie.” Gus tucked his phone away and met Daffy in the kitchen. “I should go.” He bent for a long kiss. “I don’t want to but I’ve a final meeting with the planners this afternoon.” He glanced about for his coat, spying it in a pile by the front door. He wasn’t sure how that happened. “The ball setup begins next week and we don’t want any surprises. Guests start arriving as early as Tuesday.”
“Will you miss me?”
“Every moment.” Gus stole another kiss and wrapped her in a tight embrace. “I love you.”
She pressed her head against his chest. “Me too, Gus. Me too.”
Daffy assisted him with his coat then straightened the collar. “Are you looking forward to the ball?”
“Very much.” His slow kiss was ripe with passion. “Because you’ll be there.”
“When should I go up? I’ll need to book a room—”
“You’ll stay at Hadsby. In the guest suite on the royal wing.” Gus lingered by the half-open door. “I’ll ring you tonight. As for when you come up, I’ll leave it to you, but tomorrow works for me. What’s on your diary today?”
“Sleeping. Not that I can. I feel like my life has fallen into place and I don’t want to miss a minute of it. In reality, I need to redo my résumé, unpack, return some things to Thomas. Leslie Ann and Ella want to meet for tea later. Oh, her piece on the queen runs this coming Sunday night. Are you going to watch?”
“We don’t tend to watch shows on the Family. But because she’s your friend, and only because she’s your friend, I’ll half tune in. Though I can’t imagine she’s come up with anything new. Mum’s been documented to death.”
Their goodbye kiss lingered, and he knew he’d propose sooner rather than later. But they were ready.
He had Great Granny’s engagement ring from 1933. A six-carat diamond in a gold filigree setting. Very art deco. Daffy would love it. It was so old, it was in style. But then, didn’t she deserve her own ring? One selected just for her? Now he understood why he’d never considered Coral or Robbi for Great Granny’s ring.
Maybe he’d hint around, see what she’d prefer. But would that spoil the surprise? Ella might know. Or even Leslie Ann. Ridiculous thought. She’d announce it on the telly for another “scoop of the decade.”
All good thoughts while speeding up North One toward Dalholm. Parking the motor in Hadsby’s garage, Gus tossed the keys on their hook and bounded up the stairs. He paused in his office to let Stern know he was up and about.
“Just a quick shower and I’ll be ready.”
“Very good, sir. The queen was asking for you.”
“The queen?” Gus picked up his tablet and scrolled through, looking for a break in his week to go back down to see Daffy. Maybe Thursday afternoon. “What does she want?”
He was booked on Friday with the Dalholm Home Restoration Society. He was eager to see their work restoring the hamlets’ hist
oric homes.
Saturday, John and Holland would arrive. He should invite Daffy for the weekend, let her ease into things before the ball. And ease Mum toward the idea Daffy was his true love.
True. Love. An unbelievable realization. Yet oh so nice. The usual twang of doubt, of hesitation, barely registered. Before Daffy, he had no desire for a relationship. Five weeks later, he was calculating the best engagement ring.
“Perhaps there is a God.”
“Excuse me, sir?” Stern said.
“Nothing. Talking to myself. Well, I best get on. I’ll see you in a few minutes. Can you ask housekeeping to ready Royal Guest One?” The room should be ready for Daffy whenever she wanted.
But first, a quick visit to Mum.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Yes.” She looked very much like herself. Composed, in command. “We’ve found the chair.”
“Where?” An immediate weight lifted. Yes, there was a God. “What happened? Did Emmanuel come round?”
“Hemstead found it in the workshop and took it to Perrigwynn. Then he resigned.”
“How did he get inside?”
“He broke the lock. That’s why the door was open when we arrived. He observed you heading in that direction several times and decided to investigate.
“He didn’t need to break any locks.”
“He might have pretended that lock was your head,” Mum said with a laugh.
“Perhaps. I was rather used to my freedom in Florida.”
“Which kept me awake at night.” Mum poured a cup of tea and offered it to Gus. “When Hemstead found the chair, he felt it his duty to protect it. I’m grateful.”
“Why didn’t he ring, tell me he’d found it? He had to know it was there because of me.”
“After the way you treated him, I’m sure he felt he’d not get a square answer. Anyway, the King Titus is at Perrigwynn, where Glasgow Towns will finish the restoration. He said it was in very good condition and the work done so far was excellent.”
“You’re welcome.” Gus set his tea aside. “However, since I caused the damage, I should pay for the repair.”
