Page 77 of Duchess Material

“Says a woman who has never been to the wasteland of Indianapolis, Indiana.”

“You’re going to Vegas without me.”

“It’s not going to be about having a good time, my love. It’s work. You’re off to Paris without me. How fun will Paris be?”

“I’m going shopping, so relatively fun. But I see your point. You trust me?”

“Yes,” Ed answered. “I trust you. And I will be back here as soon as I get off the plane.”

Natalie playfully laced her fingers through his. “I was thinking I might be at yours—in bed waiting there.”

“Naked?” Ed wondered.

“Of course,” She leaned in and kissed him slowly. It felt so good to touch his lips.

“I think I am going to need to take you upstairs, Natalie. I’m feeling… exhausted.”

Natalie bit her lip. “Same.”

* * *

“Mummy!” Winston called.

He stood in the foyer of his ancestral home on Regent’s Crescent. His mother invited him for tea. Still, the house appeared deserted. There were no staff to greet him. There was a silence.

Nina bounded in, “Sorry. Mummy wanted to take tea in the solarium. Did no one tell you?”

“No, kiddo.” Winston shook his head. “You’re here still?”

Nina rolled her eyes. “You can’t send me off to school whenever you choose, Winston.”

Winston smiled slightly and followed her to the solarium where Rita and Bruno hosted a surprise guest.

The Queen was laughing with his parents and taking tea. It wasn’t far out of left field to see his mother with her best friend. However, it was odd for her to be over at their house unannounced.

“Your Majesty,” Winston said.

“Oh, stop.” Vanna laughed. “Hello, Winston. How are you?”

Winston sat. “Very good, thank you, ma’am.”

Bruno looked perplexed. “Since when are we formal? Sit yourself down.”

“I wasn’t expecting to see you here, Vanora.”

“I know. Sorry to scare you. I wanted to escape for a bit. The press are going crazy over this idea of an announcement and it’s anyone’s guess.”

“How did you evade them?” Nina asked as Winston added milk to his tea.

“People mover,” Vanna said, happy with herself. “Effective.”

Rita shook her head “You have all the tricks.”

“You taught me all the tricks, dear.”

“What brings you here, darling?” Rita asked.

“You invited me.”

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