Page 65 of Duchess Material

“He’s a carer. Like Patrick is a carer. And like you are, I guess? Lucy, you deserve care, too. You will put everyone before you but… he’s going to be there. He’d fight to the death for you.”

“He would. I hope he never has to. But it’s so nice to have him to come home to. He doesn’t fuss at me about it. He waits. He loves me. He relishes the time we get together. He takes care of me. It’s everything I never thought I would ever see in a partner. It’s rare for men, you know?”

“I don’t think so.” George shook his head. “Okay, maybe but… I am a bit off.”

“Why?”

“I think I loved you a lot because you’re a lot like Mummy. I’m a total mummy’s boy, after all. But you need someone like Dad who is protective enough of you… who can care for you. Dad waits on Mum like that. I guess I never thought about it until now. The sun rises and sets with her. In a way, that’s Patrick for me. I hate to say that to you. It feels weird but… I could do anything for him—would do.”

“I know. I can tell,” Lucy admitted.

George was right. Vanna was worshipped by Robbie. He did do anything for her. He praised her above all else. He gave up so much for her. Vanna was everything Lucy wished she could be some day—accomplished, organised, and generous. But, above all, a doting and loving mother. It was sad to boil her needs down to just that. After all, Lucy was married to her job. But, if she could choose one thing, it would be someday to build her life around her children. Motherhood wouldn’t define her, but it would anchor her. She would care for them and give them everything she could in a way her parents hadn’t been capable of—emotionally or financially. So, maybe George was right? Maybe Lucy was a Vanna type? And maybe Winston was her Robbie?

“You deserve him,” George said. “I don’t think he deserves you. I will reserve judgement. I wish you such happiness, Lucy. I am still a bit broken up over it. That’s a me problem.”

Lucy nodded. “Yes, it is. I forgive you. I am mortified.”

George stood and held out his hand to Lucy. “Don’t be. We’re all drunk.”

George pulled Lucy to her feet. They stood there a moment in front of the massive Christmas tree. Suddenly, they were friends again. She knew he remained cross with Winston. Lucy wouldn’t wade into those waters. She had the closure she needed. They had said all they needed.

Lucy kissed George’s cheek and hugged him. “I appreciate you for being honest. I wish we had done this months ago.”

George sounded choked up. “Yeah, me, too.”

“A wedding and a baby?”

“Yeah. Wild, huh?”

They stopped before reaching the dining room.

“You’re gonna be a dad.”

“Fingers crossed.”

“And a husband,” Lucy added.

“Yeah. And before long, I suspect you’ll get your happily ever after, Luce. And I swear…”

George said, “I am not going to ever interfere in it again. If ever loved you—which I very much did—I should only help you be happy.”

“Thanks,” Lucy smiled and nodded. “Same.”

13

THE AFTERMATH

Ed had a whisky on ice for once. He was feeling it might be too watery. What had Natalie done to him? She’d be taking the piss about now. He’d gotten used to taking it neat now. Ed always missed her when they were apart. After their minutes-long pause, Ed was even more committed to proving to her he wasn’t a wuss who couldn’t handle the heat.

“Nice whisky then,” John remarked. “She has good taste.”

“I think it was her mother’s taste specifically. She’s the expert.”

“Well, Her Majesty has remarkable taste. Cheers to our fair Queen. And her fairer daughter.”

“Cheers.” Ed clinked his father’s glass.

The whisky, along with a set of crystal glasses, was a gift from Natalie to the Winslows. Margaret was chuffed. She loved anything beautiful bestowed upon her. She was a veritable crow. Ed wished he cared about such things.

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