Page 73 of The Impossible Princess
“St Leofdag’s Hospital is an established patronage currently under the direction of Alma.” I give a short review of the history of the patronage and the general work of the hospital. “Primarily known for its care for the elderly. There are several wings devoted to the long-term care of memory patients.”
The next slide pops up, listing the number of patronages each member of the family has. Freja and Ella, just two years older than I am, have more than a dozen apiece.
The next slide contains a list of Alma’s involvement with the patronage since she took it over from Mama. “As you can see, she’s done good work, raising 250,000maarkeat the annual gala. However, because of her heavy patronage load, Alma’s involvement is limited.”
I give a direct but gentle smile to my sister, and she gives an encouraging nod. That she knows this isn’t a knife in the back gives me the support I need to continue.
“Which brings me to what I have to offer.”
Now comes a slide with a picture of Lady Greta on it. “Has anyone visited her cottage lately?”
My siblings look from face to face.
“Mama, you have tea with her from time to time, yes?”
My mother’s nod is stiff.
“I try to pop in a few times a week. Though we see each other often, she has called me Helena, Freja, and Alma in the last month alone. Sometimes she thinks I’m a secretary and at other times, the queen. For more than fifty years, she served the Crown, appearing neatly dressed and well-behaved.” I give them a brief reminder of her life and service, the parts of her personality that seemed intrinsic to her last year. “She lives a good life today because she has good food, companionship, and freedom within the walls of the Summer Palace. I like being around older people,” I say simply. My hand hovers over the keyboard as I look into the smiling face of my godmother. “Most of them have great stories and no time to pretend to be something other than who they are. It would be worthwhile to spend my time making sure that more of them get the care they need.”
I’ve worried for so long about twisting myself into a particular shape for royal life, but as I speak these words, I feel myself slipping inside a vessel that feels tailor-made for me. I clear my throat of the sudden tightness and press a key on my computer.
The next slide is an aerial map of the hospital, and I move towards the screen, pointing out areas of interest. “Years ago, as part of Alma’s patronage, she had the idea of asking for a wish list of long-term needs the hospital would like help with. Some of those have been addressed, but many have not. The first thing I would like to do is to make use of these extensive grounds. Currently, memory patients are confined to an interior courtyard. With a big fundraising push, we can provide a safe, secure environment, giving them a greater degree of freedom, fresh air, and opportunities for gardening.”
“Fundraising push? Money doesn’t come from trees, Clara,”
I give my mother a tight smile and pull up the next slide. Here I have included a list of potential engagements I could roll out immediately to build awareness.
“These would build a strong narrative of the importance of memory care. Being candid about longer-term needs would give more focus to fundraising.” I list the annual gala but include a family fun run and marathon, as well as the idea of publishing a cookbook submitted by the families of current and former patients. “Too, there are corporate philanthropies we can involve. I got the idea at Noah’s entrepreneur event. Many who attended spoke favorably about current tax loopholes which allow for government matching of funds, and I imagine the prime minister would be pleased to tout one of his successful initiatives.”
I signal to Caroline to cover the screen again and glance across the table.
“I’m good at opening car parks. I know where to stand and how to shake hands and smile. But the people of Sondmark are right to think I’m a lightweight. They aren’t getting their money’s worth out of me—not when I’m capable of more.”
Alma swivels to Mama. “I like this idea. Clara’s right. St Leofdag’s has been on my list forever, but I haven’t devoted that much time to its development because there are always other things that need doing. If we assigned Clara, it might kill two birds with one stone. The hospital will get more attention, and Clara can establish herself outside of this silly scandal with her boyfriend.”
I see a flicker of interest from Mama, but she blinks it away, aiming a look down the length of the table. “Boyfriend? You claimed you broke it off, Clara.”
My mouth is dry. “I have.” I was doing so well. Not screaming or shouting or bursting into tears. I bite the inside of my cheek, fighting to maintain my composure. “That was a mistake. In future, I intend to fight for the things—and people—that matter. You taught me how important it is to do that,” I remind her. She shifts imperceptibly, her mouth set in a tight line. Père draws a sharp breath.
I continue, “The North Sea Confederation wouldn’t exist without your determination to fight for it. Anyway, this isn’t about Max. It’s about having a voice in this family. I wouldlikeyou to give me this opportunity because I’ve earned it—because you’re fair-minded enough to know I didn’t cause this mess and you trust me to treat the lives of these people as carefully as if they were my own godmother. But I’lltakethis opportunity even if it’s just a way to solve your problems.”
Silence blankets the room.
“That was a very pretty speech,” Mama says and Père slices his hand through the air.
“No, Helena. It was not a speech. Clara is right. If youarefair-minded, you’ll admit her idea is a good one.”
Mama inhales sharply and looks right past Père.
“Noah?” she asks. The reputation of the monarchy will fall on his shoulders someday.
“It’s ridiculous that we’re not employing her. No wonder people think she’s ornamental when we use her so little.”
A queenly silence fills the room and then Her Majesty lifts her pen, checking the item off her list.
“Alma, you will begin training Clara to take over the patronage and introduce her to key figures. I hope to release a statement to the press at the end of the week.” She quickly concludes the meeting and sweeps out.
I almost gasp in surprise. I’ve won. The first thought that hits me is Max. I have to tell Max. I almost reach for my phone when I’m pulled to my feet and into my father’s embrace. My sisters offer their congratulations while I smile and say all the right things.
