“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 wasnottrembling 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.”
