“It wasn’ttheending. It wasa secret. Nothing to do with my stupid story. Does your producer know what you’re about to do?”
“Yes, and we’re ready. By the way, whatisgoing on between you and the prince.”
Ignore her.“Did you go to Tennessee?”
“Watch the piece. I need the ratings. It’s my first time onThe Rest of the Story. Relax, you weren’t the only one who helped me. Remember Sinclair Posey? Royal reporter in the ’80s and ’90s. He gave me lots of leads and information. But oh he was so jealous I get to break this one.”
“You and I, Leslie Ann, are through. Done. Delete my name from your contacts. We’re no longer friends.”
“Daffy, no. Come on.” Kayle was always the peacemaker. “Leslie Ann, is this story worth your friendship?”
“Ask Miss Arrogant here. I’m good. She’s the one drawing a line.”
Their eyes met. Steel clashing with steel. Trembling, vision blurring, Daffy stalked away from the table then swung back around.
“In the process of building your big career of tearing down people’s lives, you’re ruining mine. Gus and Iarein love but there will be no hope of a future now. Thanks. Thanks very much.”
“You’re what?” Leslie Ann shoved way from the table.
“You heard me. Want a scoop, LA? Here you go. Prince Augustus was in love with a royal curator, Daffodil Caron, until herstupiddiary landed in the hand of herstupidfriend and ruined the queen’s life. Now he no longer speaks to her.”
She left the table of gaping mouths and burst from the pub in a shudder of tears. Mum stood outside under the street lamp and Daffy fell into her arms.
“You know what you have to do now, love?” Mum stroked her hair.
Daffy wept and nodded.
“Want me to come with you?”
“No, I’ll do it. No use dragging you down with me.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Gus
“Hello, gorgeous.” He gathered Daffy in his arms when she reached the top of the Grand Staircase and kissed her. “I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow. How’d you get out of your volunteer gig? Not that I mind.”
“Mum took my place.” Daffy’s voice was low, if not cold. When he bent to see her face, she glanced away. “I drove up in Dad’s little blue car.”
“You all right, love?”
“Tired.”
“Where are your things?” He glanced behind her, expecting to see a footman in tow.
“Um, I didn’t bring anything.”
“Why not? You’re staying the week, aren’t you?” He stepped away with a sense of déjà vu. Her tone and posture mimicked Coral’s and Robbi’s. The old struggle renewed. But no, this was a new day. A new season. “Tell me straight up. Have you changed your mind? Returned to Thomas?”
“No, never. I’ve not changed my mind.”
“You love me?”
She nodded.
“And this makes you unhappy?”
“Gus.” Daffy raised her head with a deep inhale. “I need to speak to the queen.”
