“Aside from the slap on the back, you might simply say—‘Good afternoon, Your Highness,’” I suggested as I stood and straightened his tie. “And then let him provide the reason for the meeting. It isn’t as if you haven’t met before,” I pointed out.
Their past acquaintance had been cordial, without the usual formalities required when speaking to a royal. Yet, that might have had to do with the fact that Brodie had just saved the man’s life and those of his family.
“And no official courier. Most interesting,” Brodie commented.
It was then that I heard the door to the suite open, and His Royal Highness, Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, and future King of England, entered the room.
“It seems that we are about to learn the reason,” I commented.
The Prince of Wales was dressed surprisingly informal in trousers and jacket, although of the finest quality, that might have been worn for a day out sporting or at his hunting lodge. He had cap in hand; his other hand extended to Brodie in greeting in that casual way between men that immediately emphasized that this was not an “official” meeting.
No personal staff accompanied him, no equerry, nor Sir Knollys, his private secretary. Not even a footman.
“I appreciate you meeting with me on such short notice, Mr. Brodie,” the Prince of Wales greeted him.
“Of course,” Brodie replied, obviously surprised by HRH’s casual deportment.
His Highness turned to me. “And Lady Forsythe. Always a pleasure.”
I was not into curtsies and nodded an acknowledgement.
“Your Highness.”
“Let us dispense with the formalities, please,” he told me, his expression quite serious.
“Shall we begin then?” Brodie replied with a gesture to the overstuffed settee and two side chairs that sat before the fireplace.
His Highness nodded and sat on the settee. Brodie and I each took a chair across from him.
“I have not forgotten your service in the past on behalf of myself and my family, Mr. Brodie. And Lady Forsythe, of course, who was injured at the time. A most dangerous situation and handled with amazing skill and…discretion.
“It is in that regard that I sent that note myself while out and about and not officially, if you get my meaning.”
Brodie nodded.
“There is a matter that has arisen that is somewhat alarming as well as perplexing and needs immediate attention.” He seemed most serious as he continued.
“I assure you that it is not what you might assume from past rumors about certain…indiscretions,” he added without elaborating. There was no need as they were well known, and it was the only reference he made to several rather famous well-known affairs. The man did have a fondness not only for actresses but a titled lady or two.
“It does seem as though the man cannot keep his trousers buttoned,”my great aunt had remarked quite bluntly when one particular affair became known.
“And then there was that nonsense about a chair or some other piece of furniture.”
I did appreciate that she hadn’t elaborated on that particular subject.
“I much prefer a rogue to a nobleman,”she had continued at the time.“It does add excitement, wouldn’t you agree, dear?”
I looked over at Brodie. I had to admit that I did agree on that.
His Highness stood then and paced across the room.
“I must ask for your discretion once more, of course, in the interest of a valued friend, until the purpose behind this is determined.”
Brodie nodded once more.
“Of course,” I replied.
“You must be aware of a situation, in the matter of the death of a young man, the son of Lord Salisbery, the month past.”
