He wipes his hands against his trousers. “So much hard work went into…”
She lifts her hand. “Stop there. I know how much time you spent with Lennox. I heard my brother talk at length about his vision for how our two countries could become married but that didn’t mean myself or my father agreed with it.”
Goldsmith shakes his head and looks at the floor. “Lennox assured me that he had the authority to do a deal.”
“He had to get any final agreement passed by our father first.”
“Are you saying the King wouldn’t have agreed…”
“To the merger of the countries financial systems? No. Not on the terms Lennox came back with.”
Her interruption surprises him. Goldsmith looks at me and I wonder what he’d be saying if I wasn’t standing there, her guard dog.
“There are other ways to make this work.”
The threat isn’t veiled.
“I’m aware of that. I’m also aware that there are more civilised means that bring the civilians of both countries along with it. Any final deal would need to go to a referendum.”
“Your brother ruled out a referendum. He didn’t trust the people to make the right choice.”
“My brother is dead, Mr Goldsmith. Which means you’ve got me instead.”
“But for how long?”
I’m surprised by the smile that grows on her face and the way her eyes dance.
“I think the question is how long do you have left? Because right now, I’d say your days in power are numbered. However, as long as you lead your country, I’m more than willing to talk on behalf of mine.”
It’s then I see the steel in her spine. She may not have been trained for this, but it’s a role she was born for.
And she’s only just started.
* * *
It seems the only response to a stressful meeting is to shop. I’m sitting outside a changing room in yet another store, at least five bags at my feet and feeling like I’ve just become the stereotypical bored but dutiful boyfriend. I’ve only walked into the back of Blair once when she suddenly stopped to look at a dress or a jacket or something, which I think is pretty damn good.
My phone rings just after she’s finished showing me dress number twenty-five thousand, at which point I’m seriously considering whether I need a change of career. Isaac’s name floods my screen and given the changing room is closed off just for her, I’m good to see what he wants.
“Tell me Goldsmith’s resigned.”
“I only wish I could.” His tone is low and I figure he’s not in a position to speak loudly.
“What’s happening?”
There’s background noise and then silence.
“You locked yourself in a cupboard or something?”
“Pretty much.” I get a muted laugh. “Goldsmith senior has gone epically ape shit after this morning. Goldsmith junior is now in panic mode. I’m giving you the head’s up.”
“What’ve they planned?”
“Can you meet me somewhere? In about an hour?”
I look at the changing room where Blair is, along with lots of scuffling and the sound of Ivy’s voice. When we acquired babysitting duties, Blair acquired a shopping partner.
“They’re shopping. If I can get them to hurry up.”
