Evelyn grinned. “I remember that. They were mad about all of the fruit for export being so heavily monitored and so much of it going to waste.”
“I mean, they had a good point,” I interjected. My mom had used those bruised and battered fruits to make the best jams and jellies.
“They did,” Evelyn agreed. “And that’s when Isobel suggested that the Council move some money around and invest in jam production. It gave us another export and cut down the waste from the orchards.”
“Wow. That’s so smart of Queen Isobel,” Birdie breathed.
“She is brilliant, that daughter-in-law of mine. That’s why, even though many chastise the marriage law, it’s so crucial to have two heads instead of one. Where one is weak, the other is strong. Where one lacks, the other is sufficient.It’s so important to have two people who can balance each other out.” She looked at Adelaide and Birdie.
What did Evelyn see when she looked at them? She had a sense about people, and I wanted to get inside her brain and pick apart what she was thinking when she surveyed the women.
Who did she think would best complement Oliver?
Deep down, I hoped it wasn’t Birdie.
A voice came over a set of speakers hidden at the edge of the terrace, asking us to please proceed to the solarium.
We stood and meandered up the steps and into the bright, warm room. Lord Thorne stood by a table that held seven clipboards.Why are there seven clipboards?I looked at Oliver with alarm.
“Why are there seven clipboards and not six?” I had a sickening feeling in my gut.
“Because whether you want to admit it or not, you are a part of the royal family and you will be treated as such.” He smiled ear to ear.
“No one is going to bid on me. The women here couldn’t care less about what I have to say.”
“And they’re idiots if they truly believe that. You’re a part of this family, my best friend, and my right hand, whether you make it official or not. If they don’t see your value, then they don’t deserve to be queen.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.This night justkeeps getting better.Not only did I have to watch Birdie walk around looking like an absolute goddess, but now I would have to endure the humiliation of not getting a single bid.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention,” Lord Thorne spoke from the front of the room. “Thank you all for attending our garden party this evening. This fundraiser is a great tradition that the Thorne family holds close to our hearts. All the proceeds will directly support our community gardens.
“This year, our silent auction will allow each of Prince Oliver’s suitors to bid for a two-hour time slot tomorrow evening with their chosen member of the royal family.” He cleared his throat of the emotion that seemed to briefly clog it. “We are so very grateful for the royal family's generosity. It means so much to us that they would donate their valuable time, especially during this holiday season. So, thank you, Your Majesties.”
“All right, let the bidding begin,” Lady Thorne cheered from beside him.
I noticed that Renata and Ginny made a beeline for the tables to start their bidding. No doubt they were bidding on Oliver.
“That’s weird,” Birdie said to Adelaide, who was standing to my right.
“What is?” Adelaide asked.
“I haven’t seen Gemma tonight. I thought those three only traveled together.”
“I guess we'll find out soon,” Adelaide responded as Renata and Ginny walked over to where we all stood in the middle of the room.
“Ollie!” Renata screeched. Her high-pitched voice was like nails on a chalkboard.
“Good evening,” hegreeted flatly.
“I made sure that I put a substantial amount down for you, so you don’t have to worry about being with someone you don’t like.” She winked at him and ran her hand down his lapel.
“Great.” He side-eyed her, and it took everything in me not to burst out laughing.
“Knox, I was so surprised to see you had your own clipboard,” Renata said snidely.
“Why is that surprising?” Oliver asked, his tone stone cold.
Shock flashed across Renata’s face. “I just thought this was supposed to be royal family only,” she said, her voice suddenly sugary sweet.
