Page 56 of Duchess Material

“I’m cold,” Lucy whinged.

“Yeah, so am I. I started the fire again. It was out,” Winston said.

“You’re shivering, Tony.”

Winston held her tighter. “I know.”

“I’m so cold.”

“I’m sorry, Lucy. I don’t know what to tell you. Maybe some tea would warm us up?”

“That would be lovely.”

So, all out of love, Winston left the bed and her warm body. He tucked her in tight and kissed her on the cheek. In the kitchen, Natalie sorted through her email. She was unfussed with a beanie on her head and an RAF hoodie with “Lyons” emblazoned on it.

“What? You alright?” she looked up as he passed.

“I am here in search of tea. Are you not fucking freezing?”

Natalie was nonplussed. “I have good layers on, and I have suffered far worse.”

“Lucy is dying.”

“Lucy is precious.”

“Well, she may be but we’re both freezing.”

“It will be okay. They’ll be here in thirty to fix the thing.”

He put the kettle on and rubbed his hands together, shivering. “Making some tea for Luce.”

The butler arrived. “Your Royal Highness. The man for the boiler is a bit early.”

“Great! See!” Natalie patted Winston’s back.

He wanted to punch her for encouraging this. She’d gotten Lucy all keyed up like it would be a fucking slumber party. And, for a while, it had been romantic. Now, he was sure his entire body was shutting down.

Gerry strode in, looking frozen. “It’s so bloody cold!”

Winston shot Natalie a look.

“What are you here for?” Gerry asked.

“Tea. I am supposed to bring tea for us. Lucy is freezing.”

“So is Sheena. I am regretting staying here with you,” Gerry said. “Everyone else had the right idea.”

Winston steeped the tea as the boiler man entered. He bowed and introduced himself to Natalie, looking starstruck.

Natalie shook his hand. “I’m so grateful you could do this what with the holiday and all.”

“Oh, yes, ma’am. Well, my men tried but the solution we thought would work isn’t working. It will have to wait for next week.”

Winston let out a long groan and Natalie shot him a look.

“Ignore my cousin,” Natalie said. “Okay. Thank you for trying.”

“I am so, so sorry ma’am.”

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