A Royal Romance

by Jenny Frame

  The reporter turned back to the camera and said, When we asked for a statement from Buckingham Palace, an aide told us that there would be no statements from them as Her Majesty does not comment on private matters.

  “What?” Bea exclaimed. “Her Majesty doesn’t comment on private matters? Mum, she’s just making it worse. We’re not in a relationship, and that makes it look like everything the media is saying is true.”

  Sarah squeezed her daughter’s hand and said, “It’s just the way the royals do things, Bea. I’m sure when you talk to her, you’ll work out what to do.”

  Reg looked out the window. “Something’s going on. Two cars full of police officers have just pulled up. Looks like we’ve got some police protection at the front anyway. They’re moving the press back from the house and putting up some barriers. I’ll go and talk to them.”

  Bea rested her head in her hands. How could things have turned out like this?

  *

  Queen Georgina stood at her office window, looking out over the Mall. The crowds that normally gathered at the gates, to watch the changing of the guard, seemed to have swelled this morning, even taking into account that it was the tourist season.

  This morning, Cammy had smuggled the Queen out the back door of the hotel, while one of the female protection officers made a decoy run at the front to outfox the waiting media.

  I wonder what you’re thinking, my darling. She was desperate to talk to Bea but wanted to get as much information as possible from Sebastian and Sir Michael first.

  George was furious that this had come out the way it had, before she and Bea had a chance to cement their relationship. She could only pray that Bea would still be willing to give their love a chance.

  God knows what Granny and Mama are making of this. She knew she would have to call them as soon as she had a moment. Theo, Granny, and she always spent the weekend together at Windsor, engagements permitting, but with this crisis to be dealt with, George felt she had to be back at headquarters.

  She turned when she heard a knock at the door, and called, “Come.”

  The door opened and Sir Michael led in Sebastian and one of the pages carrying the Queen’s red boxes. The three stood at the door, bowed, and walked over to the Queen’s desk, then bowed again.

  “How many boxes today, Sir Michael?” George asked as she walked over to the desk.

  “Seven, Your Majesty. It seems today’s events have added to the papers,” he said awkwardly.

  “Quite.” She said simply and sat at her desk. When the page left them, George sat forward in her chair and clasped her hands in front of her. “Before we get into today’s events and their repercussions, I want to address how some of this information got out into the media.”

  Sir Michael fidgeted nervously, while Sebastian stood quite comfortably.

  “The information regarding Miss Elliot’s past is a different issue, I was expecting that, not as soon as this, but I did know it was out there, and I have a very good idea who tipped off the media about that. I am talking about last night. The media reported that one of my personal staff confirmed that I spent the night with Miss Elliot. Only certain members of my staff knew about the arrangements for my night out. It was top secret, so I want to know who talked. I will find out, gentlemen, because I need to be certain that those who serve the royal family can be trusted to keep our confidences.”

  Both men said nothing, but George could see beads of sweat forming on Sir Michael’s receding hairline.

  “Please don’t take offence because I will be asking all my personal staff about this. Sir Michael? Could I speak to you first? Bastian, could you wait outside, please?”

  “Of course, Ma’am.” A quick bow and Sebastian walked backwards out of the room, and the Queen was left with her private secretary.

  George looked Sir Michael in the eye and said, “You have served my family with distinction for a great many years, Sir Michael.”

  “I have always tried to serve your best interests, Ma’am,” he said in a noncommittal manner.

  George raised a questioning eyebrow. “Indeed. Well, before I ask you about this, I want to remind you that you are addressing your sovereign.”

  He gave a quick nod and tried, unsuccessfully, to hide his shaking hands.

  “Very well. Sir Michael, did you give, or are you aware that any of your staff gave, information to the media, regarding myself and Miss Elliot? I ask you on your word of honour, and as gentlemen.”

  “Your Majesty…I…” Sir Michael stuttered.

  Her gaze bored into him fiercely. “On your word of honour, sir.”

  *

  George heard a knock at the door. “Yes, come in, Bastian.” A quick bow and he was standing back in front of her.

  “Bastian, Sir Michael has admitted supplying my cousin, Viscount Anglesey, and sections of the media information about my private life and private engagements. He has therefore been relieved of his post.”

  Sebastian was shocked. “Ma’am, I don’t know what to say. Sir Michael was always so devoted to your service.”

  “He was,” George agreed. “But he listened to the wrong people, presumed to know what was in my best interests, and sought to force Miss Elliot out of my life by turning my people against her.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Ma’am.”

  “Hmm.” George got up and walked, hands clasped behind her back, over to the window.

  “Sir Michael will leave his post straight away, and before I offer the post to you, Bastian, I want to be quite clear on my feelings in relation to this issue.” George turned to look at Sebastian very seriously. “Miss Elliot and I are in love. I intend to make her my Queen Consort, if I can persuade her that my people will accept her. If you have any problems with that, then now is the time to tell me.”

  Sebastian had no hesitation in replying, “I have no problem whatsoever, Ma’am. I like Miss Elliot very much, and I wish only for Your Majesty to be happy.”

  George nodded and walked back over to Sebastian and offered her hand. “Then congratulations, Bastian. You are my new private secretary.”

  “I am truly honoured, Ma’am.”

  Although George felt hurt by Sir Michael’s actions, she was pleased that this talented young man would now be in charge of her affairs.

  “I look forward to working with you. Now to business.” George took her place back at her desk. “How goes your work on Operation Elliot? Have you made progress with your opposite number at the prime minister’s office?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. Everything is ready to go, and with your permission, Felix Brown at Number Ten and I would like to hit the media today and start to clear up these nonsense news stories, Ma’am.”

  “Of course, get to it, Bastian.”

  Now I only have to make sure I have a relationship to save.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Prince Theodore and Queen Sofia had joined the Dowager Queen Adrianna in her sitting room at Windsor, to watch the TV news.

  Queen Sofia asked, “Theo? Did we misjudge this young woman? She appeared to be a very kind and caring person. I know she had some interesting views about the monarchy, but burning the flag and assaulting a policeman?”

  “No, you didn’t misjudge her, Mama. I’ve spent a lot of time with Bea, organizing the concert, and I can assure you that she is everything we thought. I don’t believe these reports for one second, and even if they were true, well, we all do things we regret at university.”

  “Quite so, my dear Theo.” Queen Adrianna gave her grandson an indulgent look. “I’m more concerned about Julian’s part in all this. It sounds as if he has been playing up this idea of constitutional crisis with the Conservatives.”

  Sofia looked shocked. “You don’t think Julian is—”

  “Trying to usurp George’s throne? I think he may be banking on Theo’s well-known relief that he would not have to take the throne.”

  Theo jumped up in anger. “You mean, if he can cause such a scandal wit
h the public that George feels she has to abdicate, and I don’t take it, Princess Grace would become queen, making him heir?”

  Sofia clasped her hand to her mouth in shock. “I know he has always been an envious and resentful boy—even Grace, his own mother, can’t abide him—but surely he wouldn’t do this to his own family.”

  Queen Adrianna tapped her walking stick on the floor and said, “He has been pushing for Princess Eleanor as a potential candidate to be George’s wife. Why would he do that if he didn’t have something to gain from it? Julian does nothing without gain. I think he sees what he has always coveted, the crown, and would do anything to get it.”

  “If that’s the case, he’s got a surprise coming,” Theo said. “If you’ll excuse me, Mama, Granny, I’m going to pay Julian a little visit.”

  When he left, Queen Adrianna said, “That boy is growing up and taking his responsibilities seriously.”

  Sofia smiled. “He’s following the lead set by George. She is such a dutiful Queen. Heaven knows what Eddie would have made of Julian.”

  “Eddie would have had his guts for garters. Ungrateful boy has never been content with his place in this family. The next time I see my grandson, I will make it very clear what his place is, even if I have to tan his backside.” Adrianna emphasized her point by swiping her walking stick through the air.

  “I pray George can find a way out of this, because it would pain me to watch her go through life alone, or with someone she doesn’t love.”

  “I don’t think she will, my dear. Queen Georgina’s reign will be one of the most remarkable in the history of this dynasty, not just because she is the first woman to come before a male in the line of succession, and the first openly gay monarch, but because she will bridge the final gap between the top and bottom of society. I feel it in my old bones, that this young woman will help George do extraordinary things.”

  “Intuition?” Sofia asked.

  Adrianna smiled. “Perhaps I see the hand of destiny on her shoulder.”

  *

  Bo Dixon walked purposefully into the PR office at Number Ten. The room was alive with sounds of media staff working on computers, contacting the press and every media outlet they could get ahold of.

  “Felix? Talk to me, what’s happening with the Queen/Elliot story. I don’t like these negative headlines I’m seeing.” Felix was heading a team working on what, unbeknownst to the Queen, was termed Operation Fairy Tale.

  “The palace is going haywire this morning. The Queen has gotten rid of the haughty Sir Michael for leaking to the press and put Bastian in his place, so it might look bad now, but give us both time and we’ll get our message across.”

  “Felix, Prime Minster, look.” One of the younger members of the press office pointed to the large screen on the wall.

  “It’s Andrew Smith. What in heaven’s name is he making a statement for?” Felix asked.

  “TV, up ten. Everyone quiet,” Bo shouted.

  The leader of the opposition was speaking outside Conservative campaign headquarters in Millbank, London.

  Mr. Smith, what do you think about the Queen’s new girlfriend? Would you support an anti-monarchist as consort for Queen Georgina? one of the press pack asked.

  I wouldn’t normally answer any question regarding a member of the royal family’s personal life, but I’ve had a great many of my constituents and members of the public contact me today regarding this matter. They have great concerns over this situation and what it means for our constitution. You also have to consider the security implications of letting an individual who holds these kinds of views into the highest reaches of government. Remember, the Queen is privy to every government secret, and her position must be protected. I feel it’s my duty, as leader of Her Majesty’s opposition, to pass on these concerns to the prime minister, so she may better counsel Her Majesty in the right direction.

  Another reporter shouted, What do you think of Viscount Anglesey breaking ranks from the family and voicing his concerns?

  Smith replied, If he feels something is not right within the family, then we should listen to his concerns with an open mind. That’s all for just now Gentlemen.

  The Conservative leader was shielded from the journalists and the cameras buzzing around, as he got into his car and sped off.

  “That man is a bigger fool than I thought,” Bo said, throwing her hands in the air.

  “What are the polls saying, Mai?” Felix asked his team’s trend analyst.

  “Numbers concerned about Miss Elliot’s relationship with the Queen, fifty per cent. Those undecided, twenty per cent. Unconcerned, thirty per cent”

  “Those are numbers I can work with. Once I get our people out into the media, we can turn that around.”

  Bo nodded. “Felix, you and Bastian get going on Operation Fairy Tale. I’m going to call Sir Walter Greengood at MI5. There’s something nagging at my brain. Something doesn’t sit right about Viscount Anglesey. He’s a vicious little tosser.”

  She closed the distance between them and whispered in Felix’s ear, “Now go get me, the country, and the world our fairy tale. I want to be sitting in Westminster Abbey, the camera trained on me as I watch the poor village girl net her handsome prince. Don’t disappoint me, Felix.”

  *

  Bea had asked her mum and dad for some time on her own to think. She was lying on her bed in the dark, as she’d had to close the curtains after a reporter had sent up a camera to take pictures through her bedroom window.

  George had called her a few times in the last hour, and she’d let it ring out. She just couldn’t handle the thought of talking to George, as she was so confused.

  She heard the beep of a message coming through on her tablet on the bedside table. “Open.”

  The screen popped up and the message appeared. My darling. I know you’re upset and confused, and probably a bit frightened, but please talk to me. I know with our love for each other we can face anything. Just talk to me.

  Bea hugged her teddy Rupert tighter to her, trying to find some comfort in her childhood friend. The tablet began to ring again, and this time Bea knew she would have to answer, or the Queen would just keep calling. She sat up and tried to make herself look less of a mess. “Answer.”

  George appeared on screen and she looked stressed and drawn. “Hello, thank you for answering.”

  “We had to talk at some time.”

  “First of all, I’m extremely sorry for this adverse publicity. I found out who the leak was and he has been dismissed, and I will be dealing with my cousin’s part in this later today.”

  “Do you know how terrifying it was? Coming back to my house this morning and being besieged by the press? They’ve even had those stupid cameras up at all the windows, trying to get footage of me.”

  “I am sorry, but I sent over the police officers to you. Is that helping?”

  Bea nodded and then there was a long silence.

  “Say something, my darling, please.”

  Suddenly all Bea’s bottled up frustrations and hurts came flooding out. “What do you want me to say, Georgie? How about we start with, why on earth haven’t you put an end to this story and denied this relationship? You’ve made things so much worse by saying nothing.”

  George wore her reliable stoic facade. “For one, the royal family never comments on personal matters, and two, last night we declared our love for each other and made love. Forgive me for assuming that meant we had some sort of relationship, or does sharing your body with me mean nothing to you?”

  “Of course it meant something to me, but this is all too impossible. Have you seen the news? Have you seen what they’re reporting about me? Do you not want to ask me if I did those things? Are you not shocked about the flag burning?”

  “No. I already knew about it, and I know you didn’t do anything that they’re reporting,” George said very matter-of-factly.

  Bea was puzzled. “How could you know about it?”

  “When we returned fr
om our trip to France, it was clear to me that I couldn’t live without you, and I hoped you might share my feelings, so I asked the prime minister for her opinion on any constitutional problems with taking you as my wife and consort. She had a file on you, and all the obstacles to our relationship, and explained what that man from Free Republic did to you.”

  “What?” Bea exclaimed loudly. “You asked the prime minister about taking me as your wife? You didn’t even know if I loved you, and you’re scheming and planning to make me your wife? Was I to get a say in marrying you, or was I just going to be commanded?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, but as I’ve explained to you before, my position is unique. I can’t just casually date someone and see what happens. As Queen, anyone I’m romantically involved with will immediately be scrutinized as potential wife and consort material, so I have to be sure we have a clear path and there’s nothing the press can use against us.”

  Bea gave a hollow laugh. “I don’t think I’ve heard anything more unromantic in my life. Do you think we’re living in medieval times? Why don’t you just give me a medical, to make sure I can produce viable offspring for you and your bloody succession, while you’re at it?”

  “You’re just being silly now.”

  Bea felt her face flame at George’s remark. “I’m silly?”

  “Look, calm down, please? Because I had that information from the prime minister, we were able to work on a plan to counteract today’s press attention. Bastian and Number Ten have been working on a plan to change any negative public opinion on our relationship. They’re hitting the press with it from this afternoon. Things will get easier for us.”

  Bea shook her head in disbelief. “I take it back. I think that is the most unromantic thing I’ve ever heard.”

  George’s calm finally broke. “Well, I’m so sorry I was doing something proactive to try and be with the woman that I love, unlike you who are determined to deny the love you feel for me. I had never made love with anyone in my life before you. Do you really understand what last night meant? We gave ourselves to each other. I love you, and I know you love me, so just forget anything else.”