Page 126 of Duchess Material

“That’s beautiful, though.”

“It is. But that is what I see in Winston and Lucy. Winston would give up everything tomorrow if she asked—not that she ever would. She is the stabilising force in his little world, and he is the person who cares for her most. I don’t think Lucy has ever had anyone to care for her as she does for all of us. But there is Winston, doing it all for her. I cannot explain it. Love and obligation only make sense to the people in love. What I do know is that when you know, you really do know. As George knew all he wanted was Patrick and I know I want Ed, Winston and Lucy just know.”

“It’s terribly romantic!”

Natalie nodded. “It is,” Natalie admitted. “Find someone like that, Kiersten.”

22

THE SURPRISE COUNTESS

“Come on now, off you go,” Natalie said.

They rushed back from an engagement, delayed by horrid traffic that would impede them as they headed to The Marquis. Lucy dropped papers on the table and grabbed her laptop charger as Natalie waved arms like she was landing a plane. Next stop was KP where Natalie’s team would outfit her with hair, makeup, and her wedding dress. It happened so fast. Lucy had not time to be excited. She left Kensal Rise at the crack of dawn, only giving Winston a quick kiss. It seemed like any other morning. As she packed her charger, the Queen appeared.

“Oh, there you are. Lucy, could I bother you for something?” Vanna asked.

Lucy bowed. “Your Majesty.”

“No,” Natalie answered for Lucy. “We are in a hurry.”

“Well, I was told Lucy was out on leave for the next week and two days. We have some concerns about security and your schedule leading up to Georgie’s wedding and—”

“Mother, she can email you, okay?”

“It will only take a minute.”

Lucy looked at Natalie, who relented. Lucy walked, following Vanna down to the Queen’s offices and tucked in to go over some particulars. Natalie stood in the doorway, irritated beyond measure with her charge. Lucy appreciated how invested Natalie was at seeing this through. She and Winston had worked together to settle all arrangements. If only Lucy wasn’t a workaholic!

“Okay, Mummy, are we quite alright now?”

“Yes, honey. Enjoy your holiday! It is well-deserved,” Vanna said.

“Thanks, ma’am. I will enjoy the first bit most. My sister’s bachelorette… meh.”

“You will manage. Drink lots!”

Natalie took Lucy’s hand and fled down the corridor to the waiting car. Speeding to KP, Lucy realised in a matter of hours she would marry the person she never saw coming. In her bag were the vows painstakingly written over the past few weeks. She meant every word. There was no way she would finish them without tears. She wondered if Winston panicked. Lucy hoped not. She hoped he could let it go and enjoy the fruits of his labour.

Lucy worried that nerves would eat her alive or that her family would intervene. Once she sipped champagne with Natalie, she fret no longer. Ed arrived from the pool at KP soon after the girls landed. He seemed confused as to why they went through this much trouble for a simple weeknight out but knew better than to ask too many questions. Natalie had not told him the real reason behind this covert operation. He elected to nap.

Natalie was good at lying about such ops. It surprised Lucy until she realised Natalie made a career out of it. There, it had life and death consequences. Thankfully, no matter what went down, everyone would leave this evening alive. Lucy felt all the happy feels as she tried on her dress—a silver, gold, and ivory Jenny Packham. There were cap sleeves, a low-cut V-neckline, and the ornate beading following an art deco pattern. It didn’t scream “bridal” but in context, it would do. The dress was tea length. Thanks to the dressers, it was fitted impeccably.

Natalie’s entire household was aware of Lucy’s plans. The team felt invested. Lucy was one of their own. Standing in a pair of fabulous gold heels and the dress, Lucy felt almost ready. Natalie presented her with the suite of jewellery Winston sent over. This included a pendant necklace, drop earrings, and a ring he designed himself. Natalie had been entrusted with the rings. Winston was hesitant to charge Gerry with anything, given that his mind was pulled in a million different directions with his wedding upcoming.

The ring meant the world to Lucy. It was a small delicate band. Diamonds, set within to keep them safe, furled around its entirety. Inside, the inscription lovingly read ‘From Tony to Lulu’. The message was sickening but all-together sweet. Lucy could not wait to have him slide it on her finger.

“One last thing,” Natalie said. “I have a gift for you, too.”

“Oh, Nat, you didn’t have to—”

“I was not about to send a new member of this family out without a proper gift, thank you very much! Here…”

Natalie handed a velvet box, wrapped with a simple white bow, to Lucy. Lucy pulled off the bow and peeled the box open. She stared at a beautiful floral brooch.

“It was a gift from my great aunt, Princess Sabine. I received two of them. They’re so big that I rarely wear them together. I figured that you’d wear it along with me. That way, we’re always connected—even apart. And, obviously, it was a gift from Winston’s grandmother—”

“It’s gorgeous, Natalie,” said Lucy as tears came to her eyes. She gave Natalie a big hug and stepped back. “This is the most amazing friendship bracelet I’ve ever received.”

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