Page 28 of Fake Fiancée, Real Baby
“Your Highness, how pleased we are to have you back on native soil,” the man said.
“Prime minister, good evening,” the prince said, and Claire was introduced to the Right Honorable Maximilian Von-Kershaw, the prime minister of Flandenne, and his wife, Mrs. Wilhelmina Von-Kershaw.
Claire had never met people like this before. The talk was of the prince’s visit to Monaco and the strengthening of the diplomatic mission. Claire was unsure as to her contribution. Was she simply to smile and nod, or could she venture an opinion?
“Smaller states such as ours have the opportunity for considerable leverage in the financial markets. Look at somewhere like Rwanda. They call it the Switzerland of Africa,” the prime minister was saying.
Claire was bored of nodding and smiling.
“It’s the same in the US — some states have more leverage than others. But together, they form a union. If the smaller European states work cooperatively, there’s no reason why the same can’t be said for them,” she said, deciding to speak her mind, rather than hold back on the obvious.
The prime minister looked at her in surprise.
“An economist as well as a chef, Miss Bellamy,” he replied, raising his eyebrows.
Claire didn’t know if this was meant in a patronizing manner or not, but it was the prince who came to her aid.
“I think that’s absolutely right,” he said. “An inward-looking nation can’t hope to compete on the world stage. In time, I’dlike to see a federation of the smaller European states — a union within a union for mutual cooperation.”
Claire glanced at him and smiled. He could so easily have dismissed her opinion, but he hadn’t.
The prime minister nodded. “Yes… there’s certainly merit in such an idea. Our economies benefit when we cooperate.”
But before either Claire or the prince could answer, a bell sounded, and the doors at the far end of the long gallery opened, revealing Monsieur Faronne in his immaculate chef’s whites wheeling a trolley on top of which was a silver domed platter. The guests fell silent, watching as it was wheeled into the center of the room. The equerry cleared his throat, and Claire slipped her arm through the prince’s, whispering in his ear.
“This is your surprise. I taught Monsieur Faronne the recipe this afternoon.”
The prince looked at her and smiled, as the equerry announced a special treat for the guests at the reception before those staying for dinner went through to the dining room.
“A steamed sponge pudding with golden syrup, Your Majesty,” he said, as the king stepped forward and the chef removed the silver dome.
Claire was relieved to see a smile spread across the king’s face, and he turned to the prince and Claire, beckoning them to join him.
“Ah, I remember your letters from school about this. Your favorite, wasn’t it?” he said, and the prince nodded.
“That’s right, Father, and I’m pleased to tell you all, that the way to a man’s heart really is through his stomach. I give you mybride to be — Miss Claire Bellamy. The author of the feast. And I do hope you’ll all indulge in a taste of nostalgia.”
Glasses were raised in a toast to Claire, who couldn’t help but feel proud at having put a smile on the king’s face, and endeared herself to the other guests too. Perhaps life at the palace wouldn’t be so bad after all, and with the prince on her side, Claire was beginning to think this whole extraordinary affair might just bring her the happiness that had so far proved elusive.
CHAPTER 15
ADRIEN
“She made a good impression at the reception last night,” Adrien’s mother said.
They were sitting in the garden together, Adrien having been summoned to speak with his mother about arrangements for the wedding.
“I thought so, too. She’s fitting in well. Despite what some people are saying…”
Adrien had heard rumors — the unpleasant talk of people with nothing better to do. It hadn’t taken long for the facts about Claire’s background to emerge. In some quarters, it seemed she wasn’t seen as the “right type of woman.” Her background had been investigated, old acquaintances had been discovered, and the facts of her previous career unearthed. The crown prince of Flandenne was to marry a cook. The fact that Claire had drive, ambition, and determination — not to mention considerable talent — appeared to matter less than her humble background.
“Yes, well, that can’t be helped. You knew it wasn’t going to be easy. But you love her, don’t you?” Adrien’s mother said. “The two of you seem quite at ease with one another.”
Adrien had been thinking the same. Hedidfeel at ease with Claire. She grounded him. Her presence was a reminder that other people lived very different lives from his own, and that what he himself took for granted was hardly so for the majority. But more than that, he was growing to like her. Healreadyliked her. She had a charm and ease about her he found endearing, and the sweet gesture with the steamed sponge pudding had only made him realize just how much his feelings for her were growing.
“I want it to work, Mother. I don’t want to be the playboy prince any longer. I’m tired of all that.”
The queen nodded. She looked relieved.
