“It seems my parents have heard about my playing for the Prince of Wales.”
“What do they want? For you to get them invited?”
She shook her head. “Oh no. She simply is letting me know that they’ve secured an invitation because they are my parents and are looking forward to seeing me and hearing me play.”
“Don’t let her get under your skin.”
“I’m not. I do find it amusing at how she has to tell me how important she and my father are. They wouldn’t have secured an invitation if I wasn’t playing for the prince. They’re not the sort of people the prince keeps as friends.”
“I’ll look after you, my love. Just concentrate on what you are there for.”
“I plan to. I just fully expect her and my father to want to hover because who knows, Father might find a business deal while he is there.”
She walked toward him and handed the letter to him. “Read it for yourself.”
He did, and more than once. Her mother was a miserable woman. Cathryn had neglected to tell him that his mother didn’t think it would be a good idea to bring him along. He might embarrass them all with his lack of social skills.
He barked out a laugh. “I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said.”
“You’re right, and you’re going to accompany me. You’re my husband, and she’d just better get used to that.”
“I never intended not to go with you,” he replied.
“I know.”
“Now it’s just gotten a little more interesting.”
“It certainly has. We’ll have to make sure to make her uncomfortable when she’s around us,” she said.
“How’s that?” he asked with a smirk.
“You know, kissing, holding my hand, just be attentive to each other. It’ll drive her crazy because she can’t control the narrative.”
Charles chuckled. “You, my dear, are an excellent judge of character.”
“Thank you,” she replied with a smile.
She had to be, with parents who were like chameleons, changing their personalities to suit the scenario around them.
*
The following morninghad a delightful pink and gray to the sky, Charles thought as he paused to look outside a window on his way to the breakfast room. He hesitated as a footman opened the door for him.
He had no sooner gotten a plate filled with eggs, sausage, and fried potatoes than the door opened once more, and his wife walked in. She sat across from Charles. As she stirred her tea, he noticed she was quieter than usual.
“Good morning,” he said.
“Good morning,” she replied, pulling a folded paper out of the pocket of her brown and rust dress. “This just came.”
“What is it?”
“I’ve been invited to check out the piano I’ll be playing and to rehearse if I like.”
“That’s good, isn’t it?”
She nodded and chose a piece of toast and began to slather it with strawberry jam. “Yes, it is. There aren’t many hosts who would think to do such a thing. The prince and his wife are different.”
“I know you’re going to go, but may I suggest I go along with you? Afterwards, we could grab a light lunch.”
