“Henry the VIII was a lusty man,” Gunner said. “Murdered his wives in order to move on to his next conquest. Our Prince Louis V only settled down after his father forced him. But everyone knew he was on a first-name basis with the women at Madam Le Crux’s.”
The motor turned in to the palace and round to the main entrance. A footman hurried to open John’s door. “Good night, Gunner.”
“One more thing, sir. If I may?”
“Why stop now? What is it?”
“I spend a lot of time observing people. I can read faces. Gemma loved you from the moment she clapped eyes on you. If I were you, and I’m not, I’d not let someone like Gemma go without hearing the whole story. Love is a precious gift, sir. Don’t waste hers for you on technicalities like what the press will say or history will write. In fifty years, no one will remember anything but your good works, the strength of your reign, and your love for your wife.”
* * *
Catherine
Edric entered as she turned off the news.
“Dinner’s almost ready,” he said. “I feel like a rebel eating in the living room on telly trays. Mum never allowed it growing up. I only experienced it at friends’ houses.”
He lowered to the chair next to the couch where Catherine reclined under a blanket, her e-reader on the coffee table, her phone cradled in her lap.
“I know that look,” he said. “What are you thinking?”
“I was reading the briefs on the Reingard case. It’s clear Cletus Cunningham was involved.”
“And Holland?”
“Yes, but I’m not sure how much.”
“Anything pointing back to John?”
“No, thank goodness.”
“Then there’s the Gemma Stone video.” Edric helped Catherine sit up as the footmen carried in their dinner.
“Mason tells me it’s all over social media.” Catherine stared at her plate. She was too sedentary to have much of an appetite.
“Have you spoken to him?”
“I’m giving us space. I’m not ready for a tense row with my son. Just thinking about it wears me out.”
“Why does it have to be a row? He’s as shocked as we are.”
“But you know what I have to say and he’ll push back.” Catherine’s phone pinged. Scottie. Her daughter. “Scottie is sending me pictures of her home. Her design taste is excellent.”
Edric leaned over to see the photo. “Don’t you feel silly you sent John to meet her instead of going yourself?”
“Hush. Don’t question your queen.”
“I suppose it worked out. You’d have been ill in America, and John created a nice bridge between Scottie and us.”
“That’s what Scottie said about Gemma. She was the bridge between her and John. That’s why she invited her to come as a companion.”
“Do you think John loves her?” Edric said.
“I don’t know. We’ll have to ask him. He’s only known her a couple of months. What about Scottie? Do you like her? Tell me honestly.”
“I like her very much.” He cut a bit of chicken. “She’s very keen and sharp. I’ll do my bit as the doting stepfather.”
Catherine smiled and cut a piece of chicken. “We talked of a family gathering at Christmas.”
