Page 25 of Duchess Material

“Dating a princess?”

“It’s life,” Ed shrugged. “The press are a small price to pay.”

John guffawed. “A small price?”

“To see her openly? Yes.”

“Why don’t you have Natalie over for dinner next weekend?” Margaret asked.

“Can’t. She’s in Stockholm. I am debating going with. I’d tag along—not officially.”

“Ed, you are the laziest man—”

“Dad, she’s travelling all the time and I’m the one with the flexible schedule. Besides, I’m doing those swim club visits next week. It’s not like I’m doing nothing,” Ed asserted.

“Well, the week after?”

“She’s in Paris.”

“When is she not somewhere?” his mother asked.

“Schedule mid-week.”

Margaret scowled. “Who schedules a dinner in the middle of the week?”

“Her parents… for the reasons I described to you. Natalie’s schedule is madness. She won’t be free until Christmas. Even then, Christmas is a family-only event. I won’t see her.”

“Yes, they do the stupid Christmas walk.” John rolled his eyes. “Archaic.”

Ed said, “She’d agree. I’m sorry. It’s a busy time of year.”

“So, when do you see her?”

“Whenever I can, Mam.”

“It seems odd to have a girlfriend you cannot see. That’s all I’m saying, love.”

“Yes, I know, Mum. But… it’s fine. It’s better than fine. Worth it.”

“You’ve traded up. Not sure why she’s with you, though.”

Ed rolled his eyes. “Thanks, Dad, for all the confidence.”

“What, what? You’re a divorced-athlete-turned-pants-model with a modest trust fund, a spartan house, and an electric car. Your girlfriend is a Princess with a duchy printing money, a palace, and a classic Ferrari.”

Margaret snickered. “Don’t forget the plane.”

“She doesn’t live in a palace—not at present.”

“Will she not be?” Margaret asked. “I am sure she will again someday.”

“Semantics. You understand my point, Edwin. You know, you’ll never run for office as it stands.”

Ed snapped his fingers. “Oh, damn. Guess I gave up the ghost too soon.”

“You’d do well to try.”

“Jonathan, he’s too introverted.”

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