Page 31 of Royal Player
“They’ll have it so soon after the birth?”
“Anna clings to her American ways. She frequently chooses the unconventional path.” I quickly correct course before I’m ordered home immediately for allying myself with an unconventional queen. “Within reason. She’s taken very well to royal protocol and expectations. A shining example of what a queen should be, as are you.”
I can hear the smile in her voice. “Thank you, Polly. That’s the first time you’ve said so. I’ve tried very hard to be an example for you. I just wasn’t sure if it took.”
A backhanded compliment, which I ignore. I’m well aware my parents find me difficult. “I’d better go check on Marge and arrange for whatever she needs. Give my love to Papa.” I say goodbye and hang up. She didn’t grant me further time, but she didn’t deny me either. A good sign.
I call to check on Marge, though I’m sure she’s just fine. “How’re you feeling? Better or worse?”
Marge’s voice is nasal. “I feel like crap, but it’s just a cold. Fever’s gone. How’s Lina doing in my place?”
“Wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for a better companion.”
She huffs.
“Not better than you, of course.”
“Let me speak to the girl.”
I grimace. Crap. I haven’t seen Lina since this morning. I imagine she’s sticking close to Louis. “She’s in the bathroom.”
“I’ll hold.”
“She’s taking a shower after swimming in the ocean. She’s a mess of sand, salt, and sunscreen. Terrible sunburn too. I imagine she’ll take extra long after the shower, carefully applying aloe.”
“Did you swim? We didn’t bring your swimsuit. What did you wear?” She sounds accusing. I’m supposed to keep covered up for modesty’s sake, and my swimsuit is a one-piece with short sleeves that has a long skirt. It’s more of a ruffled dress than a proper swimsuit. She probably thinks I wore a scandalous normal one-piece or, God forbid, a bikini.
“I didn’t swim. I just stuck my toes in the water.”
“Did you wear a proper hat and veil?”
“The wind stole it.” It’s the excuse she expects to hear from me.
She groans and then coughs. “Ask Lina to call me when she’s able.”
“We’re pretty busy with exploring nature around here, but I’ll pass on the message.”
“If she’s sunburned, she shouldn’t be exploring nature.”
“I’ll keep her under a parasol.”
“You should use one too. The sun will give you wrinkles and freckles.”
I suppress a sigh. “Great idea. Feel better!”
“I’d feel better if I had my eye on you.”
I press my lips together, mutter goodbye, and hang up. I know she’s only doing her job and that deep down she cares for me, as I do her, but she’s also a reminder of the restrictions placed on me. I must break free. From Peter, from all the rules. I must become the one who makes the rules.
~ ~ ~
Dinner with Charles is lovely. He’s reserved a private room in the back of an elegant restaurant with fabulous French food, and I must admit, it’s nice to speak my native tongue with someone who understands. He’s familiar with Beaumont, having visited several times on vacation, and loved it there. It is a beautiful place with white sand beaches, clear blue water, and tastefully done resorts.
Once the dinner dishes are cleared, Charles orders a brandy. I sip at my sparkling water, wanting to keep my head clear for our talk.
Finally, he gets down to business when his brandy arrives. “We have a mutual friend from Beaumont.”
“Who?”
