Page 68 of The English Queen

Louis shrugged. “I don’t know. I couldn’t quantify it.”

“I think the way you look at me says a million words,” Beth said sweetly. “My aunt always said to find someone who looks at you like you are always the only person on Earth worth talking to in a crowded room. I think you do that.”

Beth was right. Of all the people on Earth, the only one Louis wanted there in a crowded room was her. She made everything better. She made it easier. Even the most stressful and trying things felt simpler with her support. Speeches—something Louis loathed—were easier with her approval and encouragement. Everything about Beth was perfection. It started complicated, but it was now simpler than ever.

Louis said, “I do. And I can say I would never do the same for someone else. You are it, Bethany. You are everything.”

Part Three: Queens Come and Go

The Diadem Question

Beth arrived in England for her engagement celebration the first week of February. She and Louis would, once more, arrive separately. Beth attended a ladies’ luncheon first, hosted by her Aunt Sabine at The Embassy, her home on Regent’s Crescent. Louis arrived on the morning of their engagement banquet at Windsor’s St George’s Hall. It was an eventful occasion. Not only was it the send-off for the future Queen of the Belgians, but it was also the Queen’s first public appearance since her diagnosis.

Maggie was unwell. She lost all of her hair and was suffering after another round of chemo. At least her tumour shrunk. She had more time. Maggie intended to attend Rita’s wedding but was reticent to be seen as fragile or sick. This would be the first time she came out. She was now in a dowager capacity. Robbie may not have been king, but their mother was on the side lines. Beth knew she would make it through the banquet and sleep for a day.

Vanna was the party’s mastermind, assembling it in record time. While not an official state occasion, both governments were invited to attend along with foreign royals and diplomats. Monarchs did not often get married.

“Bethy,” Maggie knocked as Bethany sat for hair and makeup.

“Yes, Mum?”

Beth’s mother entered, noticeably not wearing a tiara but instead a short blonde wig.

“Papa and I have presents for you, my darling.”

“Oh, really?” Beth said, surprised.

“Yes, of course. Is it not customary to spoil a royal bride?”

“I don’t know. Never done this before.”

“I would like to bestow two things. One, I would like you to have permanently and to pass down to your girls or your sons’ wives someday. One I’d like you to have on indefinite loan. Your brother is agreed. The other is from my personal collection, and I can dispense it as I see fit.”

“Okay. Let me open the small one first.” She waved her father over, knowing the larger present was a diadem. She saved the best for last.

“As you wish.” Keir chuckled and handed the box to Beth.

“This is the one on permanent loan to you.”

Beth tore back the paper to reveal a Garrard box. She peeled it back to find her mother’s beloved sapphire brooch. It was the one she wore most often.

“Mummy, this is… I cannot accept it.”

“You shall need something blue. Before you are overrun with everything red. It is only fitting for a British princess. I think it will be most lovely on you with your eyes. Please, I insist, Bethany. Robbie was happy to loan it.”

Beth teared up. “I shall wear it with my dress for the civil ceremony. Yes, of course. I will treasure it.”

“It will be good to see you have something from our collection on loan. It brings me happiness that it will be worn.”

Beth nodded.

Maggie beckoned, “Now, open the other. Because I’d like to see you wear this, too. It does me no good.”

Beth unwrapped the Bentley and Skinner box.

“The Poltimore? Mummy, this is too generous. I cannot accept it. This should go to Vanna or Natalie—”

“They have plenty of things to wear. You should have it. I insist. My only daughter should have it,” Maggie said.

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