Page 117 of Duchess Material

“She told me to pick out whatever I wanted. She’s going to be booked the next few weeks. I’d like something simple. Whatever you think would match hers. It’s going on and it’s not coming off, so something neutral.”

“And you need these when?”

“Three weeks,” Winston replied.

The man looked about to fall over.

“Three weeks? Sir, this is a tall order with two or three months—”

“If you can’t do it, Cartier will,” Winston said. “If my mother called you, would you tell her no?”

“We will… make it work,” the man said.

“Also, this is completely secret,” Winston said. “Do not mention it to my mother. I will never buy another thing here again if you say even a word of it.”

“Yes, sir, of course. But why the cloak and dagger?”

“We’re eloping,” Winston replied.

“Oh, very well.” The man was unimpressed. “We will make it work… somehow.”

Winston didn’t care. “Great.”

Winston paid the deposit and left, satisfied with his choices. He wasn’t trying to impress Lucy. He didn’t need to. He wanted to make her life better. Winston returned home to the sound of barking dogs running up to him. They hoped he was Lucy. He loved them most, but Lucy was their favourite.

“Mummy will be home in a bit,” Winston said.

He sat at his computer and let out a long sigh. A week before, a guest cancelled due to a family emergency, so he was without a guest. He was still there racking his brain when Lucy returned.

She sat on the couch and stared. “You alright, Tony?”

“I’m okay.”

“You look sad.”

“I am,” he replied. “Fancy a curry?”

“Don’t change the subject.”

“I need to interview someone. I have no one for the pod. I’ve got three weeks of content and I’m already trying to pivot because we’re going to be out of town. I have no backstock for that reason, you know?”

“I do fancy a curry.” Lucy paused. “Why not interview me? I know I’m not an artist, but I’ll be a lamb to the slaughter. It might get you some ratings. I’m not good for much else.”

“Contrary to popular belief, you’re good for so much. My dear cousin would shit a brick.”

“Invite her round then.”

“What?”

“I know for a fact she’s at Ed’s right now.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I dropped her there, doofus! Ring her up and ask her if she will give her consent. Your pod is light-hearted. It’s about why people do what they do. You’ve never so much as mentioned me. I will be your sacrificial lamb.”

Winston was tempted. As Lucy scrolled on her phone, he contemplated.

“Well, she’s coming around either way,” Lucy said.

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