“I was a virgin when we married, so you know I don’t. Do you?” Mum’s stern face made Dad smile.
“You know I don’t.” He winked at Mum. “Daff, you’re a sharp cookie. Figuring all that out and only telling your mum. I’m proud of you. Most kids would let it out sooner or later.”
“If Gus and I had gone on, become engaged, I would’ve had to tell him, don’t you think? Either way, the question is moot now.”
“Why’d you write it in your diary? It wasn’t even a diary, it was a romantic fantasy novel.” Ella reached over and took a bite of Daffy’s cake.
“Mum suggested it.”
“I’d moved to the Royal Trust by then so Daffy went to the palace on her own.” Mum picked up the story. “When the new security protocols came down, I didn’t think it had anything to do with her. Then she told me what happened.”
“We talked about it, love,” Dad said. “Decided it had more to do with the princes growing up, increasing their friend circle, than Daffy’s free rein.”
“But why ban Daffy for what she might have heard? Why not say she was talking about a niece or a friend’s child? And, Daffy, you know I’m so sorry.” Ella added yet another apology to the one she’d uttered with tears.
“I know.” Daffy stretched across the table to squeeze her sister’s hand. “Leslie Ann isn’t, I don’t think.”
“Six months or so after the new security protocol, I finally had a moment to speak to the queen.” Mum sat forward, cupping her coffee. “I asked if Daffy was not allowed in the palace. We’d been keeping her out but I wanted to confirm the rules applied. She said yes, and we left it there.” Mum looked at Dad then Daffy. “Remember when the queen used to say you were like the daughter she never had? She was extremely fond of you.”
“Maybe that’s it,” Dad said. “You reminded her she had a daughter.”
“Somehow the blue gown is involved,” Daffy said. “The queen was very angry when she saw me in it.”
“So why’d she sack you for the chair?” Ella said.
“It was my job to protect it.”
“But the prince broke it.”
“My gut?” Dad always came round with the calm, wise point of view. Which Daffy desperately needed now. “I think she’s been afraid for eighteen years you’d spill the beans. If you’re out of sight, you’re out of mind. Then she arrives at Hadsby to see you all cozy with her baby prince.
“Partially right, Seamus,” Mum said. “Though I’m quite sure any other curator would’ve been sacked over that chair as well. Prince or not. Daff, I can speak to the queen if you like, ask her to reinstate you, but—”
“Would you do it for any other curator?” Mum shook her head. “I didn’t think so. Believe it or not, working at the Royal Trust is not my dream. I’m looking into corporation positions. I might even accept a position abroad.” She made a face at Ella. “In America.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Watch me.” Daffy’s bold declaration made her sit a bit taller. Raise her chin.
That started a rousing conversation about jobs and careers, higher education and families, but in the end, the news of the queen and her daughter was too much to leave behind.
“I feel like Leslie Ann is holding the whole country captive. Weird to think how one person can change a nation.” Daffy glanced at her watch and slid out from the bench. She was tired. Ready to end this day. Reaching for her coat, she ached for a long soak in her tub, a short glass of wine, and an early night in bed. “Thanks for the cake and coffee, Mum.”
“Are you leaving? You just got here.” Mum stood to kiss her cheek. “We were going to watch a movie.”
“I’ll knock off before the opening credits.” She kissed Dad’s cheek, then Ella’s. “Oh, I forgot. Dad, I’m painting my bedroom tomorrow. What kind of paint should I buy?”
“Got just the thing.” He wrote down a few top brands, along with the best brush and roller. “Be sure to get a drop cloth.” He peered into her eyes. “You okay, love?”
“I will be.” She held up his note. “Thanks for this.”
“Call if you need anything.” But he wasn’t talking about painting, was he?
“Seamus, drive her.” Mum nudged him forward.
“No, I’ll take the bus. From my stop it’s a nice safe walk to my place.” She mustered a smile from the door. “Don’t worry, okay?”
“Daff, I am truly sorry.” Ella’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I feel like I’ve ruined your life.”
