Page 34 of Rogue Royal
“Quite right too. Family is important. Being a unit is important. Facing everything as one is important. It’s what I want to point out today. You are individuals, yes, but you also have a duty to your family.”
Douglas transferred his gaze to his glass and swallowed hard. He didn’t need the reminder, but he assumed it was for his benefit.
“Don’t forget…your family is also there foryou.” Douglas glanced back at his father at those words to find his father’s gaze already on him. “I’m harsh on you all. I know that, and it sometimes takes your mother to remind me you are also adults in your own right. Your decisions affect us all, but our decisions affect you, too. Hopefully, we can all remember that.”
“Amen to that.”
George’s not-so-whispered words made his father’s mouth twitch, and Douglas couldn’t hide his smile.
“Let’s eat.”
As soon as his father said the words, the staff brought plates of food to them. The delicious smelling beef bourguignon was melt in your mouth good, and the conversation around the table was lively and relaxing. Surprisingly, nobody said anything about Douglas’s antics, which was good as far as he was concerned. Although he wouldn’t hold his breath until after he’d left the room.
“How was the meeting with the Secretary?”
Douglas finished what was in his mouth and followed it with a sip of water. “It went well. She’s outlined how the benefits system works currently and how she would like it to work, but I think there needs to be some improvement.” He peered at Freddie. “Freddie, do you think you could go over the details with me tomorrow night before my club session?”
Freddie hid his smile in his glass and nodded. “Sure. You’ll have to bring me up to speed on what the objective is, but I can certainly be a sounding board if nothing else.”
“Great, thanks.”
Douglas thanked his lucky stars he’d already spoken to Freddie at lunch about his plans for tomorrow evening, and Freddie had agreed to cover for him. He would need to remember to pass some details onto him about the benefits project in case their father checked in with him about it.
His mother rested her hand on his forearm. “I can also help a little should you need it, sweetheart. I’ve been through the situation many times and know the things they’ve tried previously. After you’ve spoken with Freddie and done some more thinking on it, come see me, and we can go through your ideas.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
She patted his arm and removed it, leaving a warmth behind. Despite their occasional disagreements, he loved his family dearly and would never wish for anything to hurt them. His own actions, though justified, would need to stop or change because they were hurting his family. He hadn’t seen how much before now.
The dinner passed by with conversation and laughter, with their mother bemoaning ever having grandchildren to fuss over. It wasn’t something Douglas had never thought about, except when his mother brought it up, but the idea of sharing that with someone else was a better picture than doing it alone.
His father called him as he rose to leave, and he sat again. “I spoke to Maverick earlier. He said you have taken on some more charities you’re interested in?”
“Yes, Father.”
“Have you spoken to any of them yet to ensure they fit what we need?”
“I’m meeting with them before I decide on which I will add to my itinerary. I had my first meeting with the Council of British Archaeology today, and it went well. I would be interested in adding them to my responsibilities if you agree.”
His father stood, buttoning the jacket he’d opened before dinner began. “I don’t see why it would be a problem as long as it doesn’t interfere with your duties and stops you from attracting these silly media articles.”
Douglas bit his lip to stop himself from arguing. He’d managed to keep his visits secret for many years, and he refused to blow his chances now. “It won’t interfere with anything important. I promise.”
“You’d do well to listen to Maverick, Douglas. He knows what he’s talking about.”
Douglas didn’t think his father would appreciate what type of listening he did to Mav. “He’s doing a great job, Father. He’s helped me out a lot.”
King Andrew tilted his head and narrowed his gaze on Douglas. “As long as his helping does not lead to other things.”
Douglas’s heart raced, and he swallowed several times before he could answer. “Of course not, Father. He’s helping me get my media presence as pristine as it can be. That’s all.”
“Glad to hear it. Make sure you speak to him about the club again. I’d like to see him take an interest in it.”
Frowning, Douglas rose. “Why?”
“Because he’d understand us better if he did.”
“I think he understands us enough, Father. It’s not part of his interests.”
