Page 66 of Duchess Material

“She is good at gifts?”

Ed chuckled. “Dreadful, actually. She’s… she’s busy and it’s not her thing. I am ninety per cent convinced she delegated it to Lucy. She got me a watch, though.”

Ed showed off the new Longines timepiece Natalie supposedly procured. Ed didn’t much care. The thought was lovely. It was also a watch he’d never have bought himself. Natalie was dreadful at gifts self-admittedly. Ed was also difficult to shop for.

“Who is Lucy?”

“Ah, sorry. Lucy is Natalie’s private secretary. She’s also Natalie’s best mate. She’s dating Winston.”

“The Duchess of Lauderdale’s son?”

“Yes. I suppose he is technically The Earl of Lauderdale. We call him Winston. Lucy is a sweetheart and, clearly, thoughtful.”

“It’s a nice watch. Expensive. Of course, I’m sure she can afford to spoil you. I told you to get a rich woman to keep you!”

“Yes, Dad. But she doesn’t. We’re not like that. She’s not so demanding. Nor am I. We have a lot of fun. It’s not about conspicuous spending.”

“Well, you’ve gotten off lucky. What did you get her, then?”

“A vintage Cartier bangle. Jade and gold. I did ask Lucy what she might like. I still don’t understand jewellery in a real sense. What is more curious is I find all dressed up version of her nearly intoxicating.”

“Because it’s novel and because it’s how she’s meant to be.” John shrugged.

“Really? Meant?” Ed looked appalled.

“Was she not born to be like that? She’s practically been raised to wear a tiara and go around in a ballgown, right?”

Ed shook his head. “If you ask her, Natalie was born to be a pilot. She has always seen herself that way. She feels awkward in an evening gown. You’d not notice.”

“I don’t buy it. Women claim to be self-conscious about everything.”

“I don’t find her particularly self-conscious. Sometimes, though, her walls come down and I am surprised by her vulnerability.”

“As she has emotions?”

“No, I never doubt those. She’s so damn competitive and focused. Sometimes, she’ll lose it and be sad. She’s so brave, Dad. I don’t know how to explain it. She’s unflappable most of the time.”

John topped up his drink. “I feel the same way about your mother. It’s fucking terrifying. I suppose one of us must be fearless. I’m a pansy. And one of us had to have a baby.”

“I think the idea of childbirth frightens her. Both of us.”

“She doesn’t want children after all?”

“No, she does. Just finds it a bit nervy. We’ve talked about it.”

“And any thoughts on the other big thing then?” his father asked.

“What other big thing?”

“Marriage, Ed.”

Ed froze.

“Well, you must be thinking about it at this point. Why wouldn’t you if you’re together every night she’s in town?”

“Firstly, I am going to be gone on the road a lot the next few months. Second, neither of us seems willing to mention it yet.”

“So, then, is it only fun for now?”

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