Clemmie’s heart was pounding as she, too, bowed her head, ‘Uh, yes, Your Majesty,’ she stammered, utterly mortified.
The Queen chuckled softly. ‘What an adventure you’re having.’
Clemmie gave a nervous laugh. ‘You could say that.’
Oliver placed Clemmie back on dry land and then turned back to the Queen. ‘I just need to rescue the horse now.’
The Queen’s gaze shifted back to Clemmie, her expression kind. ‘Don’t let him tease you too much about this, dear. Everyone has their first riding mishap. Mine involved a rather stubborn pony and a hedge.’
Clemmie felt a flicker of relief at the monarch’s easy manner, though her cheeks still burned with embarrassment.
By the time Oliver reached Shadow, the Queen had resumed her ride, her voice carrying back to them as she trotted away. ‘Enjoy the rest of your day! Do try to get dry before you catch cold.’
Clemmie watched her disappear into the distance, still struggling to process the surreal encounter. ‘Did that really just happen?’ she asked Oliver.
‘It did,’ he replied, grinning. ‘And you survived it beautifully.’
‘Barely.’
As soon as the horse was out of the water it let out a loud neigh, causing Clemmie to jump. ‘That horse is mocking me.’
‘Do you need help getting back on?’
‘Are you kidding me? I’m done with horses for today,’ she declared. ‘And for any day for that matter.’
Still grinning, Oliver held up his hands in surrender. ‘Fair enough. We’ll walk back.’
Despite her soggy boots and aching muscles, Clemmie couldn’t stop smiling as they strolled towards the stables. The day had been a whirlwind of chaos and laughter, and she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so alive.
‘You know,’ she said, nudging Oliver with her elbow, ‘this might go down as one of my most embarrassing moments.’
‘Or one of your funniest,’ he countered, his hazel eyes twinkling.
She laughed, shaking her head. ‘I’ll let you decide when you’re writing my biography.’
As they reached the stables, Clemmie turned back to look at Shadow, who was now contentedly munching on hay. ‘Next time, we’re sticking to bicycles!’
Chapter Nineteen
As soon as they arrived back at the cottage, Clemmie decided to indulge in some much-needed relaxation and take a bath. After turning on the taps, sending a stream of hot water rushing into the tub, she grabbed a jar of lavender-scented bubble bath and poured in a generous splash, watching as soft, frothy bubbles spread across the surface. The scent was dreamy, floral, fresh, and way better than her pyjama bottoms, which reeked of pond water and were now spinning around in the washing machine in theutility room. She dipped a hand in to check the temperature, then slipped out of the rest of her clothes and stepped into the tub with a happy sigh. The bubbles wrapped around her like a warm hug, and the faint scent of lavender mixed with the fresh air from the open window made it feel like she’d stepped into another time entirely.
On a whim, Clemmie glanced towards the bottle of champagne she’d spotted earlier. ‘Why not?’ she murmured to herself. Wrapping herself in a plush towel before padding barefoot across the room, she retrieved the champagne and returned to the bath.
With a satisfyingpop, she uncorked the bottle and poured herself a glass. The bubbles sparkled like tiny diamonds, and she took a long sip, the crisp, effervescent taste adding to the indulgence. She leaned back against the edge of the tub, closed her eyes and allowed herself to fully relax.
Her mind wandered as she soaked, replaying the day’s events. The awkward horse ride, the Queen’s unexpected appearance and, of course, the lake incident. It was all so ridiculous and yet so wonderfully surreal. The memory of Oliver laughing as he carried her in his arms made her smile.
After a much-needed long, luxurious soak, Clemmie climbed out of the tub and dried herself. Her dress for dinner, a simple yet elegant navy number, was already laid out on the bed. She quickly blow-dried her hair and began applying her make-up, giving herself a more sophisticated look. As she swiped on some lipstick, her phone buzzed with an incoming FaceTime call from Betty.
‘Granny!’ Clemmie answered, propping the phone on the dressing table.
Betty’s face filled the screen, her mischievous grin already in place. ‘If it isn’t Lady of the Lake herself!’ she teased. ‘Your text had me giggling!’
Clemmie groaned, but she couldn’t help laughing. ‘Don’t even start. It was mortifying!’
‘I mean, meeting the Queen while stuck in a lake and wearing pyjamas? Only you, Clemmie. Only you!’
‘It wasn’t my fault!’ Clemmie protested, though she was laughing too. She recounted the entire escapade in vivid detail, from Oliver’s rescue to the Queen’s casual conversation.
