Page 67 of Duchess Material

Ed topped his glass off and shifted in his chair. “No, no. We love one another, Dad. Nat’s got a life and I’m not sure… well, I’m trying to… I’m trying to be a part of it. But it’s hard. We had a blow up and she sent me off. We were both in the wrong.”

“Couples fight, son. They fight and they work through things. I know you and the ex avoided one another, but it’s unhealthy. The fact you both copped to being in the wrong is a good sign.”

“It feels like a failing.”

“What happened?”

“I accused her of making eyes at Crown Prince Olav. I took the media bait. And I believed her when she denied it. She didn’t do anything wrong. I’m certain of it. However, I asked her to say something to the press and then got angry when she refused to put out a statement.”

John snickered. “Never complain, never explain son. She’s allowed to keep this private. I’d never have dignified such a stupid rumour with an ounce of credence. What? She was laughing at an old friend’s joke? The horror!”

“I know, I know.”

“You are jealous?”

Ed shrugged.

“Look at you. You’ll marry her. Mark my words.”

“Well, I will be waiting quite some time before we do anything. I learned my lesson. No thanks. I am in no rush.”

His father chuckled. “Well, if you say so. Just know her family has expectations. You can’t take forever.”

“What? Shouldn’t it be us—”

“You think that? There is a law on the books. She cannot marry you without King Robert’s consent. She’s one of the first seven in the line of succession. As such, she must ask his permission. He’s picky. People go mad about their daughters and the men they marry. You’re wise to take a proper gig rather than to approach him as Ed The Pants Model.”

“Dad, I was never a pants model!”

“Well, does he see it otherwise? Has he been inviting you around?”

“No… but… Nat and I keep these things separate.”

“I really wish you’d invite her around more. Your mother feels snubbed, and she whinges.”

“Fine, fine. I will try to find an excuse to bring her around formally,” Ed sighed. “Before she heads off again and before I head to America.”

“How did she take it?”

“She is genuinely happy for me,” Ed said proudly. “She understands it. She has been proud of me. It means a lot, you know? I never knew what that was like.”

John smiled. “Sounds like a winner.”

* * *

“So, we survived,” Winston said.

Lucy tossed herself onto the living room’s big couch. They landed back in London.

Face down on a pillow, she said, “Yeah, we survived. I feel like I can finally breathe again. It was… something.”

Winston snickered at her remark. She was rarely silly. She must have been knackered.

“You did beautifully. And, while you may regret going, I don’t regret having you.”

She groaned loudly.

“What?”

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