Sam
Good night, Fashion Guru.
Twenty-Nine
On a bright Sunday afternoon, I sit in the grandstands at Windsor next to Sarah, Celine, Mr. Baker, Liz, McMillian, Mr. and Mrs. G, and their two daughters. Everyone is dressed smartly, just as the invitation called for. The men are in suits and the women in dresses.
My outfit for this occasion is a slim-fitting tea-length navy frock with a draped collar. I’ve paired it with a high-waisted champagne-gold belt, red pumps, and Dior’s signature 999 rouge lipstick. It’s my best attempt to pay homage to Sam’s uniform.
After a morning of horse jumping, dressage, and a demonstration of carriage driving, I’m beginning to grow a soft spot for horses. They really are beautiful creatures, although I’m still scared of them.
“Look, Min,” Celine whispers into my ear. “They’re getting ready to ride in. Doesn’t Sam look so smart!”
“Yes, he does.”
I spy my man sitting proudly atop his black mount.Its coat is gleaming. He’s the most handsome soldier out there, and dare I say, the best turned out.
“Ladies and gentlemen, entering the ring are the top eight finalists for this year’s Princess Alice Cup. Please give a warm welcome to Trooper Liam Wofford, Trooper Roger Young...”
The soldiers are announced one by one and ride out in a single-file line around the area before breaking out into two lines of four.
I clap with polite applause until I hear his name.
“Trooper Samuel Baker.”
Putting my fingers into my lips, I just to my feet, and let out a loud whistle, not caring if I attract the stares of others. I want them to look at us and see just how proud we are of Sam.
“Go, Sam!”
“That’s my brother!”
“Well done, son!”
“Let’s go, Baker!”
Our voices carry. Although Sam is focused on looking straight ahead, I can still see his lips twitching and eyes shifting in our direction under his gleaming helmet. His horse swishes its tail from side to side as if it’s heard us too.
“Do you know which mount this is?” I ask McMillian.
He squints. “Long white blaze, two white socks, seventeen hands—myguessis that is either Northumberland or Quintessence. I’d have to see the gelding up close to confirm it.”
“Hmm, I thought he’d be on Titan.”
“No, Titan is in London. He’s a charger that’s more often used by an officer or an NCO.”
The applause dies down and I resume sitting. A purple carpet is rolled out.
“Here to present the trophy to this year’s winner, please welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Alice.”
I clap as hard as I can for my neighbor. She’s looks stunning in a white floral print dress, red belt, and matching red heels. It’s a look thatIdesigned. I couldn’t believe it when she asked me if I’d make her something special for the event. Seeing a member of royalty wear one ofmydesigns sends shivers of excitement through my body. In any other moment, I’d spend the whole day celebrating, but today isn’t about me or Alice. It’s about Sam.
“He’ll be in the top four!” Sarah beams.
I cross my fingers. Maybe he’ll win this.
“In fourth place, from the Life Guards—Trooper Ian Brixton... In third place, from the Blues and Royals—Trooper Samuel Baker.”
Third place. My heart drops. It’s so close to being on top, yet so far. I can tell from the slight jut of his lip, he’s disappointed. But still, to come this far compared to where he was a few short weeks ago is mind-blowing to me.
