Page 97 of Duchess Material

Lucy nodded, and then broke into a wide smile.

Natalie shrieked and lifted Lucy up, spinning her round. She sat her back down and said, “Are we happy? Relieved?”

“Both and just over-the-moon. We basked in it all weekend. I love him so much, Nat. Like, truly. It’s crazy, right?”

“It’s amazing. You two are the most adorable couple on earth, so it is perfect. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks.”

Natalie was happy for her friend. It was soon but Winston was an artist, always marching to his own beat. Lucy was perfectly organised and never did anything impulsive. Yet here she was ready to make the biggest commitment of her life to Winston. It was inspiring. Natalie may not have been ready to call it, but she knew that Lucy and Winston were good for one another. She’d never seen Winston so happy or Lucy so at-ease. She was radiant.

“Ladies?” it was the Lord Chamberlain, James Hewlett, sent to bother them.

“Yes, Lord James. We’re coming,” Natalie replied, taking her portfolio in one hand and the cup of coffee in the other.

The girls arrived in the war room each with a cup of coffee. Lucy, the self-described beverage goblin, also had a large bottle of ice water which her assistant brought with her. Lucy had a way of doing these things. She could be higher maintenance than even Natalie was. Lucy kept the world spinning. Natalie didn’t question her standard operating procedures.

The King entered with his staff, sitting down, and filing through his papers. He passed down a detailed agenda. Oh, when didn’t Natalie’s father love a detailed agenda? Natalie’s mother was the last one in. She entered with her staff and Rita who was going on about something.

“Yes, Rita, what is it?” Robbie sighed. He wanted to get it over with. “What are you on about?”

“On about?”

“You are quite jovial. Mind to share with the class?”

“Rita looked across the table at Lucy who was now a shade of crimson.

Robbie didn’t look up from his agenda. “What is it, cousin? Anyone wish to tell me?”

“I think Lucy has something to say, really,” Rita said. “And it’s unrelated to what I was on about. But notable.”

Natalie elbowed Lucy.

“Uh, so, while we were out, I got engaged.”

“What?” Robbie looked up and stared at Lucy, concerned.

“The right thing to say is ‘Congrats!’ Robert,” Vanna said, annoyed.

“Yes, yes, of course. This is Winston? You are marrying Winston? Your son, Rita?”

“There is only one Winston, I think, Dad.”

Rita clarified, proud as could be. “Yes, our Winston will marry Miss Chandler.”

“Best of luck, Miss Chandler,” Lord Hewlett said, sounding genuine. “Her Grace is no doubt pleased at this development?”

“As punch, James. Bruno and I are over-the-moon for them both. And I needn’t clarify that Gerald and Bernadina are also excited.”

“Well done, Miss Chandler. But will you be leaving us then?” Robbie asked.

Lucy and Natalie looked at one another, confused.

“I’m sorry, sir… why?” Lucy asked.

“Well, you wouldn’t need to still work, would you? You’ll be a Countess. Or will you stay around in an unpaid position like Mairead?”

“Robert, I am here because Vanna asked, yes. I don’t believe marrying my son demands Lucy quitting her job.”

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