Page 14 of A Foreign Crown
Within a short ride, they were pulling up in front of Buckingham House. Lady Mallory lifted the fabric that covered the window. “They call it the Queen’s House. She tries to stay here or at Windsor most of the time.”
“It’s lovely.” The facade was newer than most buildings in London. Aribella found it quite pleasing.
Just as they had at St. James’s, a double line of men in red military attire lined the entry, but something about hers and Lady Mallory’s reception felt less formal than Prince Layton’s had, and Aribella was grateful. A line of the princesses joined the military along with what looked to be the housekeeper and the butler. Suddenly Aribella felt much more like she was visiting dear family friends instead of the Queen. Two footmen approached and opened their door.
Queen Charlotte exited the front doors and smiled as Aribella and Lady Mallory descended the carriage steps and approached.
The Queen stretched forth her hand to Aribella, who hurried to grasp it in her own while curtsying low.
“I am so pleased to come and serve you in whatever ways you need and desire.”
“Arise, child, for I miss your mother, and I wish to see her face in
your own.”
A lump formed in Aribella’s throat. She lifted her chin and allowed the Queen to see the lines of her jaw, the spread of her lips, the thickness and color of her hair, all of which she knew were identical to her mother’s. “Mother thought very highly of you,” she said quietly.
They entered the house as the Queen dabbed at her eyes. “I’m pleased you could come. Thank you.”
Aribella nodded. “I’m happy and honored to serve.”
The Queen’s face filled with sympathy. “But it was difficult, wasn’t it?”
Emotion filled Aribella. Then she nodded. “We wouldn’t have it any other way, difficult or not. Our family is proud to send someone. I shall try to fill, in some small way, my mother’s shoes.”
They made their way into a smaller sitting room, mostly gold in color with some blue in the curtains and rugs.
“She was a loyal and beautiful woman, your mother, and a dear friend besides.” Queen Charlotte turned to Lady Mallory. “Thank you for accompanying our new friend here. You may go now; get some rest.”
Lady Mallory tensed but curtsied and left the room.
Queen Charlotte waved the servants out. Then she led Aribella to a couch at the side of the room.
“I am sure you are needed at home, and I am certain you miss your mother. But I summoned you.” She searched Aribella’s face. “Tell me. Do you share your mother’s loyalty?”
“To you? Yes, I do. I’ve read her book. I—I think I understand.”
The Queen shook her head. “There is so much more to know. I hope you never understand the whole of it. I’m afraidIdo not. But I do know I must keep my family intact, protect my daughters. I must raise my children well. I must keep my husband—” Her face tightened, and she looked away. “You will see things that must never be shared.”
“You will have my greatest discretion.”
“I’m trusting you because of my loyalty to your mother and because I must.” The Queen looked up and searched the room. “You’re all I have.”
Chapter Seven
His Highness, Prince George, orPrinny as the man had called himself in his ridiculous poem, stood at Layton’s side at the front door while Layton watched Lady Aribella go. He wondered if he’d see her again. And then he wondered why he was wondering such a thing and immediately began missing her. He frowned and, without thinking muttered, “What is wrong with me?”
“Pardon me?” Prinny laughed, looking from the departing carriage to Layton and then back again. “I know you’re not pining after Lady Mallory.” He snorted. “So it must be Lady Aribella who has caught your eye.” He rubbed his chin, then waved his fingers and began walking across the main hall. “Come. We’ll discuss the particulars later.”
“Discuss—no. I am here, at your disposal of course, to discuss one thing only with His Majesty—with your father, the King.”
Prinny stopped his forward motion and gripped Layton on the shoulder. “And discuss we shall. But first, we must allow you to rest from your journey. We must relax, enjoy the pleasures of court, and wait on the good will of my father.”
“Of course.” Layton stepped beside him as the prince turned to move back inside. The Dukes of Clarence and Kent were already entertaining several members of the court, everyone in high humor.
“Will you stay at Carlton House with me or here at St. James’s?”
Prinny said.
