TWENTY-TWO
Ill-advised Topics of Conversation
Arthur
Email from Lance Devonshire, Head Gardener, Valcourt Palace
Dear Prince Arthur,
I hope you won’t mind that I’m writing. I don’t mean any disrespect toward you, the rest of the royal family, or your in-laws. I do need to ask a favour, though. Would it be possible to ask your father-in-law to stop coming by to critique the staff’s work with regards to groundskeeping?
If you’re unhappy with our work, we will endeavour to improve in any way you see fit. However, Mr. Sharpe has been by with some very strong opinions for us several times per week since he moved into the palace. Some of the staff are threatening to quit, should he keep it up.
Please accept my deepest apologies for making the request. I know this puts you in an awkward position, but I felt it important to let you know that the situation has become quite dire. I’d hate to lose our very skilled, long-time employees over this.
Yours in faith and servitude,
Lance
Oh, bugger.
***
I’VE BEEN IN NEW YORKfor exactly twenty-one hours, and I’m already wishing I were on the plane home. I still have another three days here, including the last remaining two hours in what has already been a very long and somewhat frustrating day at the U.N. Headquarters. I’m tired, lonely, and I miss my wife. I was barely home for two days from Switzerland when I had to leave again.
How is it possible to miss someone this much? It’s like I’ve had a piece of my heart surgically removed, leaving a gaping hole. Oh, my, I am getting somewhat whiny, aren’t I?
It’ll be evening for her, so I know she’ll be trying to stay awake whilst watching the telly right now. I excuse myself from the mind-numbing meeting, saying I’ll return in a few minutes. Hurrying down the hall, I find the well-appointed men’s room and have a seat on the white leather couch. Pulling my mobile out of my pocket, I text her:Still awake?
Tessa:Just woke up from my pre-bedtime nap. How’s the Big Apple?
Me:Lonely because you’re not here.
Tessa:Aww. Poor Arthur. Are you looking forward to seeing Chaz tonight?
Me:Yes, it’ll be nice to catch up, as long as his awful wife doesn’t decide to join us.
Tessa:But it would make for better stories when you get home, I’m sure.
Me:Well, if it would entertain you, then I’ll hope she shows up.
Tessa:Oooh! If she does go, secretly record the dinner for me.
Me:I’ll see what I can do. How’re you doing?
Tessa:Good. Spent the afternoon with my parents while my dad painted the nursery.
Me:Christ. How’d you survive that?
Tessa:They were really great, actually. Very helpful and we even had a few laughs.
Me:Don’t tell me you’re changing your mind about having them there because if you do, I might have to stay in NYC.
Tessa:God, no. Don’t worry about that. What about Clara for a girl?
Me:Hmm. Never dated a Clara. Throw it on the list.
***
