Page 39 of Learning to Love

“The Governor of Miami and his wife,” Mr. Hinchbottom informs us in a whisper. “They are responsible for organizing this event with the Janastrian government. Next to him is the Janastrian prime minister, Clement Woodrow, but I’m sure you already know that, sir,” Mr. Hinchbottom prompts, and I’m grateful for it even if Dalton lets out a soft laugh.

“I was listening to some of the briefings earlier, despite Miss Nash being a constant distraction.” Dalton steps forward and holds his hand out to shake the governor’s hand.

The prince is dressed in a formal suit, a black bow tie, and white gloves. Just as he requested, there are hints of teal in his handkerchief and cummerbund, matching the color of my dress. I almost jumped him and ruined my hair and makeup when I saw him dressed this way for the first time. He reminded me of James Bond, the Sean Connery version.

“Thank you so much for hosting this event. I’m excited to meet everyone,” Dalton addresses the governor and his wife. He has always spoken with a posh accent, but it seems more exaggerated tonight. I guess he has to put on a show. “May I introduce you to Miss Elodie Nash.” Dalton guides me forward, and I reach out to shake their hands.

At Dalton’s insistence, I’m also wearing white gloves. I did tell him I didn’t need to, but he said that it was appropriate as his guest. He made the request with the little pout on his face I’ve started to fall prone to, and I couldn’t say no. Plus, they look good with my outfit.

“Lovely to meet you, Miss Nash. I’ve heard a great deal about your yoga classes at Serendipity. The work you’ve been doing with the clients there has been amazing.”

“Thank you very much.” I find myself being a little more erudite with my response. Usually, I’d just say thanks. “I have seen a great improvement in many of those who attend my classes.”

“I should look into them myself,” the governor’s wife responds. “Our daughter has been through a rough time at school this year. I’m sure you’ve seen in it the press. She’s not doing too well mentally, and I think focusing her mind would be a good idea.”

“It will help her, I’m sure. One of my clients has suffered from depression for several years. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know,” I respond and am ushered onto the next person by Mr. Hinchbottom. This is probably the person I’ve feared the most.

“Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow,” Dalton shakes the hand of his prime minister, “How is Janastria? I feel as though I’ve been away from it for far too long now. Has it snowed yet?”

“Your Highness.” The Prime Minster bows his head to Dalton, and his wife curtsies. “It has been a long time. I hope we’ll be able to welcome you back soon. I was remarking to Mrs. Woodrow the other day that the first snows were a little late. I hope you’ll be able to return home to see them this year when they do come.”

“I think they might have to pull me away from the heat of Florida first. I must admit a warm winter sounds just the thing for me.” Dalton throws his head back and laughs before he pulls me forward again. “May I introduce you both to Miss Elodie Nash. I understand she’s been causing quite a stir back in Janastria.” I reach out to shake their hands.

“I do hope I haven’t been causing you any trouble. I think I’m as shocked at the interest in my relationship with His Royal Highness as you are.” Dalton does a side look at me when I don’t call him by his name.

Mr. Hinchbottom whispers behind me, “Well done.”

“Not at all. We look forward to welcoming you in Janastria soon.”

“I’m excited to see your country. I’ve heard so much about it, and it sounds beautiful.”

Dalton places his arm at his side again, and I know it’s my cue to take his arm, which I do.

“Shall we mingle?” he suggests to the governor and the prime minister, and they immediately separate to converse with others.

“You seem very knowledgeable of royal protocol, and don’t think I haven’t noticed you’ve kept one step behind me and even called me His Royal Highness,” Dalton states as we walk over to a party of guests waiting to talk with us.

“Maybe I’ve had lessons,” I tease.

“From whom?” Dalton asks.

“Who’s the one person who knows more about royal protocol than anyone?”

Dalton instantly looks behind to where Mr. Hinchbottom is following.

“Guilty as charged.” The royal secretary shrugs his shoulders.

“I’m doomed.” Dalton laughs before falling back into his formal mode.

The rest of the evening flies past in a blur. Even though Dalton is served numerous glasses of alcohol, he only drinks one or two. Most are passed back to Mr. Hinchbottom, who discretely disposes of them. I do the same, thinking it best not to get drunk at my first formal event.

Despite my initial fears, I discover I enjoy speaking to the other guests. Everyone is so friendly, and I don’t need to tap Dalton’s knuckle, which fills me with joy. As Dalton predicted, there’s a lot of interest in how I’ve been using yoga to help those with physical and mental difficulties—so much so, that by the end of the evening, I’m beginning to think I might need Mr. Hinchbottom as my personal secretary.

Five minutes before the car arrives to take us back to our hotel, we find ourselves speaking with Mr. Woodruff and his wife again. He’s not how I imagined him to be. He’s younger than I expected —he doesn’t appear to be much older than Dalton. He seems nice, but looks can be deceiving, especially if the reports I’ve read about him are accurate. He’s a man who’ll work to get what he wants by any means.

“How was my father at your last weekly meeting?” Dalton asks his prime minister. I still have an arm threaded through Dalton’s and am listening to their conversation.

“He seemed to be in a worse temper than normal. I was chastised about the rising unemployment rates,” Mr. Woodruff responds after taking a mouthful of his drink.

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