“You look incredible.”
“Franklyn had a fit when I told him I wasn’t wearing a ballgown.”
I smile without thinking about it, my poker face lost. “Breaking the mould.”
“I’m not just a pretty thing to look at.”
I nod. “I know. Try to enjoy yourself.”
“I’d rather be riding through the mountains.”
It’s at that point I nearly tell her. Because I know myself that I’m in a deep pit of love and hate and loyalty that I can’t climb out of.
* * *
I sit down at a table with one of Blair’s cousins after the meal has been served. Today’s different; instead of the huge banqueting table, there are several smaller ones and she’s invited speakers to address the audience; one is a young girl who’s talking about the environment, another person talks about issues in countries where LGBTQ is still frowned upon.
The atmosphere is muted, in as much as everyone is listening. This isn’t just about showing off the food or the drinks or the room, it’s about topics that Blair finds important and it’s different to Lennox and her father.
She stands after the girl’s finished her talk and thanks her, her voice clear and steady. I’ve heard Blair speak a hundred times before; this is something she’s been trained to do, just not today. Not at an event like this.
“Thank you everyone for coming tonight. I appreciate the distance some of you have travelled and through some adverse weather conditions. Tomorrow, if you’re staying here, make the most of the area: it’s worth seeing the beauty of the loch and the mountains before the real snow sets it.” She smiles, her eyes casting around the room. “We’ve heard about some real issues, ones that as leaders we should be addressing as well as negotiating our trade deals. One of the ways to end discrimination is to work together to ensure that the no tolerance policy we have filters through strongly to the rest of our neighbours.
“In coming months, our intention is to visit you so we can become familiar with your countries and the issues that personalise the place where you live, the place that you serve. I hope that Scotland can become your friend and ally.” She glances at me and then Isaac who is two tables away, his eyes fixed on Blair.
“I’d like to take this chance to thank everyone for their condolences and support in the wake of my brother’s death. We have to now move forward. My father has stepped back from public duty due to his failing health. He is comfortable and wishes all of you well.
“I could lengthen this speech, but I’m sure you’ll all be more appreciative of the opportunity to chat and eat and enjoy yourselves. I look forward to spending more time with each and every one of you in the future.” She holds up her glass. “To brighter futures with a happier world.”
The toast is echoed and then I see Goldsmith stand at his table and Isaac shake his head almost imperceptibly.
“My thanks go to Her Royal Highness and her household for tonight and her hospitality. I think we’ve all heard things to make us think this evening and I’m sure what we’ve listened to will be discussed in upcoming meetings.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Blair and her team the very best as they move forward in a political landscape that’s still in a state of shock. I think I speak for us all when I say we’re saddened by the loss of Lennox, who was a very dear friend on a personal and political level for England and I only hope that Blair retains her brother’s vision for a closer relationship and modern reunification of our two great nations.
“No one decision can ever make everyone happy. Working towards the financial security and prosperity of all of our countries is paramount to ensure our societies’ happiness…”
I stop listening when Isaac leaves his seat and discreetly walks outside to the hallway. He’s sitting close enough to the back of the room to not distract anyone from Goldsmith’s rhetoric. I follow him, glancing at Micky who’s looking somewhere between pissed off and bored.
Isaac’s halfway down the corridor by the time I catch him up. His eyes are blazing and I can see the tension in his shoulders.
“Outside.” I gesture to a room which has an exit to the grounds. He follows, biting his lips together. I close the door and grab his shoulders, pinning him against the stone wall. Snow falls around us, thick and cold. “Stop. Everyone can see what you can.”
“He shouldn’t be fucking saying anything. I told him to keep his fucking mouth shut. Not tonight; this is about Blair, not Lennox. Not him.” He lets out a growl.
“She gets it.”
“I hope so. He’s not going to last, Ben. There’s a serious undercurrent against him in the party – people are suggesting he’s unstable. Elise has just fucking highlighted that.” He shakes his head but his body’s relaxed.
I move a step closer. Feel his body heat mingle with mine.
“Switch.”
“What?”
“Switch allegiance. Go to Blair.”
He’s silent, looking at me.
