He knows? Why didn’t he text. Why didn’t she text? This was going to be awkward.
Next thing she knew, she was crossing the Delafield lobby with Chandler in his crate, his cute collie nose pressed against the metal door, sniffing the air.
“Are you nervous?” she said to Scottie as they climbed into the back of a tinted-windowed Range Rover. Because she was. What if it was weird between them? What if he acted all Prince John and treated her like Scottie’s traveling companion? What if…
Get off What-If Avenue.
“I’m terrified,” Scottie said. “You?”
“Perfectly calm.”
“Do you always tremble when you’re calm?” Scottie scratched Chandler behind the ears. “He’s the only calm one in the car.”
“The Chamber Office announced today Prince John will attend the North Sea Island Nations summit next month instead of the queen. This unprecedented move has raised questions regarding the queen’s health. According to theNews Leader, Queen Catherine has not been outside the palace since mid-July. With the crown prince not legally her heir, do we face a constitutional crisis if, God forbid, something happens to Her Majesty?”
— Melissa Faris, Royal Reporter, the Morning Show
“I don’t know what to think, Hy. Prince John attending the North Sea Island Nations Summit instead of Queen Catherine… Rather last minute. It’s in Port Fressa, correct? I find it all very odd. Do you think she’s ill? And if so, doesn’t the crown heir have to marry? I think the queen must change the writ. This is the twenty-first century. You can’t force a man to marry for queen and country. He’s still grieving his wife, for pity sake. It’s loony.”
— Madeline on the Madeline & Hyacinth Live!
“The Justice Ministry announced arrests of four key players in what is now being called the Midlands Reingard Scandal. Sources indicate more arrests to come, perhaps reaching all the way to the House of Lords.”
— Perry Copperfield, Cable News PF
Chapter Twenty-one
John
The timing of Scottie’s arrival coincided with the North Sea Island Nations Summit. But there was nothing to do about it.
The summit began Wednesday so he’d have to make the most of the few days before. Though he was fully aware Scottie didn’t come to see him, did she? She came to meet her mother. Between Mum, Gus, and Daffy, she’d be well engaged.
Then there was the issue of Gemma. Scottie insisted she came at her request, but how could he spend a few hours with her? She’d become a good friend. Not to mention he was proud of his homeland and wanted to share it with her.
Maybe dinner Monday evening because Tuesday was a prep day and Wednesdsay morning he’d hit the ground running. The event concluded Saturday evening with a royal ball. What else?
He’d planned to attend alone, make himself available in the billiards room, and offer his dancing prowess to the women attendees.
But perhaps,maybe, could he entertain Gemma as his date? No, think again. Rumors would explode about a new love. While he battled his feelings for Holland over recent events, he wasn’t sure he could commit to a new love.
For now, he waited in his apartment for Scottie and Gemma, a blend of anticipation and nerves.
He’d ordered finger food and drinks. Insisted only Dad, Gus, and Daffy be there to greet Scottie—he didn’t want to overwhelm her. But Aunt Arabella insisted she be present since she was Mum’s sister and had been with her through her most trying times.
John relented, but cousin Rachel might never speak to him again.
At the telly, Dad and Gus avidly cheered the Port Fressa Seamen, Lauchtenland’s number one cricket team. By the sideboard, Aunt Arabella regaled Daffy with ghastly pregnancy and birthing stories. If she didn’t stop soon, John would run interference. Daffy looked horrified.
Nothing but a typical,averagefamily scene. It just so happened to take place in a palace. John inspected his place as if he were Gemma. While she’d made excuses for her run-down, out-of-date farmhouse, he found it charming and cozy.
What would she think of his dwelling? Pretentious? Ornate with coffered ceilings and gilded doors? Not very cozy? Not very charming?
“They’re here, sir.” Shaw stood at the door. “Miss Scottie O’Shay, Miss Gemma Stone, and young master Chandler Bing.”
“Chandler? What’s this?” John stepped in front of everyone to see Gemma carrying a wide-eyed, curious puppy peeking out from a black-and-white sling. “My little man. You brought him over for me?” He lifted the squirming puppy to his face. “Welcome home.”
“Who’s Chandler Bing?” Aunt Arabella’s voice bellowed. “Isn’t he a character on television? What show was it?”
