Page 15 of Dancing With a Royal

Knock, knock!

A twinge and shooting pain in her foot pulled her back into reality as she tried to stretch her body from her awkward sleeping position. How could she have already forgotten about her injury?

“I’m coming!” she exclaimed at the door and fumbled to sit up in bed. She rubbed her eyes and was surprised to find herself in the outfit she had worn upon leaving the Royal Opera House. What time was it? Finally hobbling across the room to the door, Clara cursed her lack of foresight to keep the dreaded crutches closer to the bed.

“Room service, ma’am. Where would you like your breakfast?” A helpful attendant smiled as he rolled in a small table with several covered trays. Clara wasn’t sure where to direct him. Taking the hint, he found an empty spot and added, “Compliments of Leeds, miss. Please enjoy it.”

The smell of eggs, bacon, toast, coffee, strawberries,and other goodies reminded her she hadn’t eaten much the evening before. She thanked the attendant and let him show himself out of the room. Not one to question her good fortune, Clara took a seat and began eating. The coffee tasted as good as it smelled. This was the perfect way to awaken to her first full day in London. How had David known this was exactly what she needed?Clara took her first bite of bacon and closed her eyes in pure bliss.

After enjoying nibbling on the delicious food items, Clara almost felt human again. It was 10:00 a.m. when Clara called down to have her room service table removed. The same attendant from earlier exchanged the tray and table for a large teddy bear in a pink tutu and an arrangement of wildflowers.

“These flowers are breathtaking, and the teddy bear! Who are these from?”

“Miss, I’ve been told to ensure the sender of the flowers you have everything you need for the morning.”

“These are stunning! They must be from David.”

Another woman stood behind the attendant. “Good Morning,Miss Little,” she said. “I’m Nancy, the suite’s head maid. I just came up to inquire if you had any special requests this morning?”

“Oh, um, actually there is something. I mean, if you might be able to direct me to where I could purchase some clothing and basic amenities. The airline lost my luggage on the way over,” Clara requested,embarrassed to admit to being in the same clothing for over twenty four hours.

Nancy didn’t miss a beat. “If you give me your size and style requests, the concierge will have everything ready for you within the hour.”

She couldn’t leave the suite like she was, but what if they bought something totally outside her price range? She supposed she could charge it to the room and settle the tab later on. Clara considered her next move. “If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I’m a low maintenance type of girl. Perhaps I could have a clean shirt, day dress, and pajamas in a size small?”

Nancy took notes on her tablet. “Any colors you prefer? Would you like me to procure undergarments as well?” Clara flushed bright red. Nancy continued, “I assure you, there is no request that is too much for our staff. We often go about and purchase items for all of our guests.”

“Yes, and blue.” Clara couldn’t bring herself to look Nancy in the eye.

“Very well. Everything shall be brought up to you shortly.” Nancy departed.

David had spoiled Clara with breakfast and these stunning flowers! She just needed to reach out to Dr. Evans this morning. She had his number somewhere in her phone.

Within thirty minutes, Clara’s new clothing and amenities arrived. She was surprised to find how well they suited her style and how efficient the staff was. Clara prepared herself for the day. Dr. Evans had a clear schedule and sent for Clara as soon as his office received the call. Just as Clara assumed she’d have the opportunity to try London’s famous Underground system, she was shocked to learn David’s chauffeur had his car waiting in front of the hotel.

David Leeds, what am I going to do with you? Clara was not used to so much special treatment.

The chauffeur grinned from ear to ear as he assisted her into his car. “Miss Little, it is a pleasure to motor you over to the good doctor’s surgery. My name is Michael. How did you pass the evening?”

The ride was smooth and in no time at all they were in Wimbledon Common not far from the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Clara appreciated having the opportunity to see the architecture and sites on the outskirts of London.

“Michael, will I have the chance to see you again later?”

“Of course, Miss Little. I’m your dedicated driver for today. His Highness is working from his Kensington Office today,” Michael added.

Pulling up to Dr. Evans’s practice, Clara saw Dr. Evans waiting for her to arrive. “Good morning Miss Little.”

“Please, it’s Clara. And good morning to you too, Dr. Evans.”

“Jenna and Mrs. Evans appreciated your dance last night. It was all my little princess could speak about this morning. I’m supposed to ask if you might be willing to sign Jenna’s program when we’re finished.”

“Of course! And Jenna was a gem. I’d love to see her dance. Maybe after our lunch this week. Do you think I could even see where she trains?” Clara returned the compliment as the two entered Dr. Evans’s practice. Clara’s use of the crutches was coming along.By the time I get the hand of these, I’ll be ready to race a turtle.

Dr. Evans’s eyes glowed. “I’ll let her know. I’m sure Mrs. Evans would be delighted to make arrangements for a tour. Now then, how is the foot today?” Once again, he examined the injured foot.

“We’re going to take a few images, but I think it’s safe to say you have a stress fracture on the fourth and fifth metatarsal bones. Plainly speaking, it’s a broken foot.”

The X-ray and MRI scans confirmed the grim diagnosis along with some additional soft tissue damage to the tendons and ligaments. A hard fiberglass cast for four weeks was decided upon, hoping that Clara would be able to avoid surgery. She would be in a walking boot for the remaining three weeks after that.

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