The queen smiled. “ No, she is busy at school, but she may be home before you go back next weekend. Now, help yourself to tea and scones. Dinner won’t be until around seven. George has gone to visit a friend this afternoon. Henry will be joining us after he finishes a phone call.”
They chatted about Fashion Week until the prince joined them. Then, they discussed the week, Henry’s schedule and hers, and came up with some time the two of them could be together.
“I’m so happy Evelyn agreed to let you stay here. All in all, I think it will be for the best. I so hated the thought of you staying alone in a hotel in the city,” the queen said.
“I wasn’t looking forward to it, so I want to personally thank you for having your secretary phone her, Your Majesty.”
The queen waved her hand and said, “It was the least I could do to ensure your safety.”
On Friday morning, Karia was up and dressed early and ready to go. After enjoying breakfast with the queen, the driver took her into the city. The king and Henry were in a breakfast meeting with staff, so they didn’t join them, but Henry had left a message for her that he would see her at dinner.
She was excited to be behind the scenes as designers were setting up for the week. When she arrived, after telling the driver what time to pick her up, she made her way into the building where Elizabeth, Melinda Matthews’ assistant, was waiting for her with a cup of coffee.
“Good morning, Ms. Daly, welcome. I’m so glad Ms. Matthews asked me to show you around today. I know it can be daunting to attend your first Fashion Week.”
Karia took the coffee. “Thank you so much. I was a bit apprehensive about finding my way alone. This is perfect.” She took a sip of the hot liquid and added, “Mmm, this is good coffee. Most people serve tea, but I like both.”
“So do I,” Elizabeth said with a smile. “Let’s start out by going to find Melinda, shall we?”
“Sounds good.”
They found the designer with some of her employees, discussing the details of their upcoming runway show.
Melinda looked up when Elizabeth and Karia arrived. “Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Ms. Karia Daly. She is a journalism student at the Avalon Academy of the Arts and will be spending the week with us. She is writing an article about the fashion industry in our city. Let’s make her welcome.”
“Hello.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
“If I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
These were the comments of the employees as each shook her hand.
“Thank you. I’m excited to be here and to see all of this firsthand,” Karia said.
Elizabeth said, “Let me tell you a little about what to expect today. There is a catering table set up where we can grab lunch later. We are on the runway at two o’clock today, so you’ll get to be backstage where you’ll see the makeup artists at work, the coordinators helping the models, and various things of that nature. We’ll be beginning to organize in just a few minutes. Right now, what we see is Melinda giving last minute instructions to her staff.”
“And the clothes are already in the dressing rooms?” Karia asked.
“They should be soon if not already. We’ll go there shortly, so you’ll be able to see the chaos and all the work it takes to put together a show.”
“And this is women’s spring fashions, correct?” Karia asked.
“Today’s show is. We are doing another one later in the week featuring our Junior collection. You may be interested in that one as it is geared to your age group.”
“Oh, I’m sure I will be.” She was taking notes as they talked, not wanting to miss anything when she worked on her article later.
From there, they moved to the dressing rooms where Karia was able to see all the fashions that were going on display hanging on rows and rows of racks.
“This is a lot of clothes,” she commented.
Elizabeth laughed. “Yes, I suppose it looks that way. But really, once the show begins, you’ll be surprised how quickly the models get down the runway and back to change into the next outfit.”
Karia watched and listened to the activity around her while Elizabeth stepped away for a moment to help Melinda with something. When the other woman returned, she said, “Crisis averted. There will be many before the day is over, I’m sure.”
“But you all seem so calm. Aren’t you nervous at all?” Karia asked.
“We may seem calm on the outside, because we’ve all done so many of these shows. On the inside, my stomach is full of butterflies,” Elizabeth said. “You never know when something will happen at the last minute that requires a stitch here, a pin there, or a redo on makeup. It’s all part of it.”
“And you meet with your makeup artists ahead of time?”
“Oh, yes, we have a meeting in the office to go over the look we want a few weeks prior to the show.”
The rest of the morning, Karia spent her time observing and taking notes. Elizabeth joined her to invite her to lunch with her. It was a quick sandwich for her and a salad for Melinda’s assistant from the caterer’s buffet table and then back to work. The time was drawing near, and the buzz of activity in the dressing rooms was infectious. Karia wandered around, stopping to watch the makeup artist, the dressers and everyone else doing his or her job and taking notes as she did.
When it was show time, she took a seat in the front row that Melinda had reserved for her and watched in amazement as the models walked up and down the runway. The fashions were extraordinary. She snapped some photos and continued to take notes until the show was over and it was time for the next designer to take the stage.
She hurried back to the dressing rooms in time to see the aftermath, still in awe at the efficiency with which everything was handled. When the crew was finally packed up and ready to leave, Elizabeth asked Karia what her plans were for the rest of the day.
“I plan to sit in on another runway show, then I’ll probably be finished for today. I’ve gotten some really good notes to add to my article.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I will meet you again in the morning with coffee, and we can make sure you see some more of the events. You can also see what we do in between our two shows.”
“That sounds wonderful. I can’t believe you are taking the time to help me with all you must have to do.”
“Oh, Melinda insisted that we take you under our wing when she found out you would be joining us this year. I’m having fun doing it.”
“Well, I can’t thank you enough. I couldn’t have gotten a third of this information without your help.”
“I’ve got to run, but enjoy the rest of your day. I’ll see you bright and early in the morning.”
“Looking forward to it,” she replied. Once she was alone again, Karia looked at her schedule and found the room she wanted. Another designer’s show was about to begin and she wanted to find a good seat.
She took more notes and photos, thoroughly enjoying herself. When the show ended, she looked at the clock on her cell and started to walk back to the entrance to meet her driver. She kept her head down as she passed some members of the press and hurried to the front doors, making sure the guard was right behind her. He had followed behind her when she was alone, leaving her in Elizabeth’s capable hands backstage. Now, he caught up to her and took her arm.
“Let me help you, miss. We may have some problems getting out of here,” he said as he hurried her along.
Luckily, that wasn’t the case, and they were able to get into the car easily before the driver sped away to take them back to the palace. Karia breathed a sigh of relief when they were on the road and away from the event center. Day one, with no paparazzi interference, was a win, win situation, she thought to herself.
The rest of the week was much the same, with her days spent at the event and her evenings with Henry.
She was especially enthralled with the Junior fashion showing by Melinda and even ordered a few things that she liked. H
er notes and photos were going to help her article tremendously.
On the fourth day, she was walking through the building with her guard following behind, when a man with a camera approached her and took a photo. “Ms. Daly, how are you enjoying the week?”
She smiled and said, “Very much so, thank you.” Then she hurried away, and the royal guard casually stepped up and walked beside her.
“Very well done,” he complimented her as he took her arm and guided her out to the waiting car.
Of course, the next day, a local tabloid sported the headline, Prince Henry’s girlfriend seen attending Fashion Week festivities.
“Well, if that’s the worst they do, you’re fine,” Henry said as he read the article that night after dinner. “It doesn’t say anything derogatory, and it’s all true.”
“Yes, Professor Evelyn pretty much told me if I was approached to smile prettily and not engage. I don’t think my answer was out of line, and Rance, the guard, got me out of there quickly after that.”
“You handled yourself beautifully, my dear,” the queen said. “You’re learning.”
It was Monday night, and Henry made a suggestion that they go out on Wednesday evening.
“As far as I know, that would be fine. I’ve been working on my article every night, so surely, I can take a night off. What did you have in mind?”
“I thought we’d have dinner in a restaurant I frequent. I can set it up with the manager for us to have a more private table.”
“All right,” she replied.
“I would like to invite some friends, a couple I think you’ll enjoy spending time with,” he said. “Kathleen and Knox. Knox is the friend who owns the country cottage, and Kathleen is the girl he is currently dating. They seem to be heading toward a more serious thing, so I thought it might be fun to hang out with them.”
“Yes, that sounds nice. I think I would enjoy that,” she replied with a smile. “It will give me a chance to thank Knox properly for allowing us to use the cottage.”
“Great, I’ll set it all up then.”
“Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I really should get some work done if I’m to take a night off. Goodnight,” she said as she got up.
“Goodnight, dear,” the queen said.
“Don’t work all night,” the king added.
“I’ll walk you up,” Henry offered as he also stood.
When they got to her door, he said, “I’m so happy that you want to meet Knox and Kathleen. She’s someone I think you’ll enjoy.”
“I’m sure if you like her, I will too,” she said with a smile just before his lips met hers in a passionate kiss.
“We have to find some alone time while you’re here,” he murmured then kissed her again.
“I agree,” she said and then let the kiss carry her away. “Sure you can’t sneak in my room later?” she teased.
He laughed. “I can’t, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try to find another way. Let me work on it. Now, I’d better let you get to work so you can go to bed at a decent hour. I’ll try to meet you for breakfast before you head to the event center.”
She closed the door to her room and sighed. She wanted nothing more than for him to spend the night with her, but how was that going to happen? She sat down to start working on her notes. An hour later, she got up to take a relaxing bath before bed. Maggie came in with tea just as she was coming out of the bathroom towel drying her hair.
“I thought you might like some refreshment before bed,” the woman said as she set the tray down.
“Thank you so much, Maggie.” She saw that there was a decanter of water on the tray as well, for which she was grateful. She had told Maggie that she liked to keep water by her bedside at night and the woman had remembered.
By Wednesday when she returned to the palace, she was more than ready for a night out. Maggie helped her choose an outfit and ran a bath for her while she enjoyed a cup of tea.
“You look tired. You have time for a nap after your bath. I’ll be sure to wake you in time to dress,” Maggie said.
“Thank you. I am a bit bushed. It’s been a busy few days and a few late nights working on my article.”
After she finished her tea, she got into the tub for a soak and then put on her robe and lay down on the bed. She had set the alarm on her phone even though Maggie had promised to wake her.
An hour later, Maggie came in to help her. They had picked out a beautiful dress, the color of sapphires, and Karia had chosen a necklace and earrings from the things Emma had left for her that matched perfectly. A pair of black pumps and her black dress coat, along with a small black evening bag completed the ensemble. Maggie helped her put her hair up in a fashionable style and then helped with her makeup.
“You look beautiful, Miss Daly,” the woman said when they were finished.
Karia looked in the mirror and gasped. “Thank you so much, Maggie.”
It was certainly worth the effort when she walked down the stairs a few minutes later and saw the prince at the foot staring up at her.
Chapter 11
The evening with Henry, Kathleen and Knox turned out to be pleasant. Karia felt she had made two new friends and looked forward to spending time with both of them again in the future. Kathleen was bubbly and funny, and Knox liked to tell tales about the things he and Henry had done in their wild and carefree days.
By Friday, she was glad the week of work was over and she had the weekend to enjoy before she went back to school on Sunday evening. Emma was coming home, but Henry had arranged for them to go to the cottage on Friday night with Kathleen and Knox, so she wouldn’t get to see his sister until Saturday evening. Even though she had thoroughly enjoyed her time at Fashion Week, it was time to get back to reality.
“Ah, you’re back,” Henry said as he walked through the foyer. “I hope you had a good last day.”
“Yes, I did, but I am so ready for the weekend before I have to go back to school,” she said.
“Well, I have a few things to finish, but my valet packed my things, and I’m sure Maggie will help you. We have a few hours before Knox and Kathleen pick us up.”
“Good, I’ll just go up and get my things together and relax a bit. I’m sure Maggie will bring a tea tray. She always does,” she said with a laugh. “That woman is a treasure.”
“Why do you think Mum assigned her to be your maid whenever you are here?” he asked as he walked over to give her a kiss on the forehead. “I have to go, but meet me here in two hours, okay?”
“Yes, I will,” she agreed as she started up the long staircase.
Two hours later, she had bathed, changed into jeans and a sweater, packed, and was standing in the foyer with Henry. They said their goodbyes to his mother, the queen, as she passed by and went outside to join Knox and Kathleen.
“It’s so cold,” Karia said as she got into the back seat of the car. “This is a different car. How many do you have, Knox?”
He laughed as he answered, “I have the sports car and this SUV. That’s all.”
“That’s all, he says,” she replied.
“I think it’s cold too,” Kathleen said. “I’m ready to settle in by the fire at the cottage.”
“The staff will have it going for us. Cook is there preparing a meal for us, and after we arrive, she’ll leave,” Knox informed them. “It should be warm and toasty when we get there.”
“I’m just grateful to be able to get away for a night,” Henry added. “It’s been a busy week.”
“We have plans for tomorrow night, or we could have stayed two nights,” Knox said.
“That’s all right. I know Karia will want to spend some time with my sister when we get back tomorrow.”
“So, Karia, how did you like Fashion Week?” Kathleen asked.
“I enjoyed it. I even ordered a few things, which my dad may not be happy about when he sees my credit card bill next month.” She laughed, knowing that he wouldn’t say a word.
“He won’t say anyt
hing, and you know it, missy, so don’t even go there. You are Gordon Daly’s only daughter,” Henry teased.
“Are you saying I am spoiled?”
“Not really spoiled as in brat, but your dad dotes on you.”
Kathleen and Knox both laughed. “I’m not the only daughter, but my dad wouldn’t say anything, either. My mum would make sure of it,” Kathleen said. “My sister and I shop all the time.”
“And she is not exaggerating, either. They really do, all the time,” Knox piped up in response.
“You should come with us sometime, Karia.”
“I’d like that,” Karia replied.
The men both rolled their eyes and started talking about sports.
They arrived at the cottage to find the cook waiting for them with a roaring fire and warm food. “I’ll just leave you all now. Have a good time. I left some things for you to fix yourselves breakfast in the morning,” she said as she put her coat on.
“Thanks so much,” Kathleen said as the others agreed.
“Miss Kathleen, it was no trouble at all. It’s good to see you again.”
“Why don’t you guys take the bags to the bedrooms while Karia and I get the food on the table?” Kathleen suggested.
Karia was amazed at how well the other girl had taken over and issued orders. The cook had obviously met her before, too, so Henry must have been correct in his assumption that she and Knox were getting more serious.
“Yes, ma’am,” Knox said as he planted a kiss on Kathleen’s forehead before picking up their bags.
Henry grabbed his and Karia’s and made his way to the guest room.
Karia began to help Kathleen by pulling plates down and grabbing silverware from the drawer. She set the table and started pouring wine into glasses while Kathleen carried the food out.
There was a beef roast, gravy, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and freshly baked bread for their dinner, with an apricot truffle for dessert.
Karia found the jam and butter and placed those on the table for the bread.
They had just finished when the men returned. “Wow, what a spread,” Knox said as he pulled out a chair for Kathleen.
Karia and the Prince (Avalon Adventures Book 2) Page 14
