Best Friend to Royal Bride

by Annie Claydon

  They spent it wisely, feeling the warm sensations of being together at last.

  Then Marie’s lips parted. ‘Here, Alex. I want to be right here.’

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  ALEX HAD ENVISAGED a rather sedate affair for the clinic’s open day—a Saturday afternoon spent coaxing people in with the promise of free coffee and then showing them around to give them an idea of what the clinic could offer to the community.

  Marie had dismissed that idea with a wave of her hand and started to search the internet for someone who could supply bunting.

  Alex knew that Marie thrived on organising this kind of thing and he’d passed the preparations to her, taking over her clinic caseload for a week while she appeared and disappeared, off on various missions to secure the things that they simply couldn’t do without. When they were alone at night he got her undivided attention. Alex had always reckoned that sex was a pleasant addition to a relationship, but when he had Marie in his arms it was more important than breathing.

  He arrived at eight in the morning the day of the open day, six hours before the doors were due to open, and found that a bouncy castle was already being set up on the grassy area at the back of the clinic. When he walked into the café, he found Marie supervising a couple of Jim Armitage’s men, who were manoeuvring a piano into place.

  ‘Where did you get this?’ Alex ran his finger over the wooden frame. It was a good one, and had clearly been polished recently.

  ‘I found it in the outhouse where Jim puts all the things you ask him to get rid of.’ She tapped her nose, in the way that Jim did when he was about to impart a pearl of wisdom. ‘You never know what might come in handy.’

  ‘I thought it was just old pieces of wood. What else is in there?’

  ‘Loads of stuff. I found one of those old-style blackboards, with a wooden stand. You should go and take a look sometime. This was from the school music room.’ She opened the lid that covered the keyboard. ‘I had it tuned.’

  Alex hadn’t seen or heard the coming or the going of a piano tuner. Marie’s innocent look indicated that she’d probably kept that activity well away from his notice.

  ‘What are you going to do with it?’

  Alex supposed it might make a nice piece of furniture for the café. Marie had added a few things in there to make the clean lines into a more welcoming area.

  ‘Well, we could always play it. We’ve got some people coming to sing this afternoon; I thought it might help break down a few barriers.’

  ‘So that’s where you and Zack disappeared off to the other evening. Auditions?’

  Marie nodded. ‘I’ve got an a capella group. A few of them are backing singers for other bands, and they look and sound marvellous.’

  ‘Great.’ Alex had no doubt he’d approve of her choice.

  ‘Why don’t you try it out?’

  She opened the lid that covered the piano keys and Alex reluctantly jabbed a couple of notes with his finger.

  ‘Sounds as if it has a good tone.’

  Marie rolled her eyes. ‘Come on, Alex, I know you can play.’

  Long hours at the piano when he was a child had seen to that. But Alex didn’t play any more. Apart from just that one time...

  ‘I don’t think Christmas carols are going to be appropriate for today.’

  She rolled her eyes. ‘I don’t know all that much about music, but I know that anyone who can play Christmas carols with the kind of tempo that gets a whole ward full of kids singing along can play pretty much anything.’

  That had been a good evening. A Father Christmas had turned up from a local charity, but no one had admitted to being able to play the piano that had stood in the corner of the family room on the children’s ward. Alex had sat down, and the kids’ faces had made him forget for a while that all the piano meant to him was rapped knuckles.

  ‘I haven’t played for years.’

  She flashed him an imploring smile. ‘It’s like riding a bike, isn’t it? Do you know this one?’

  She started to sing, her voice wavering up and down, somehow managing to hit every note but the right one. He grinned. Marie had never been able to carry a tune, and it was yet another thing that was perfect about her. But he could recognise which song she meant from the words and he picked it out with one finger.

  ‘That’s the one.’ She gave him a thumbs-up.

  He’d do anything to make Marie happy—even this. So Alex sat down, trying a few chords and then moving down a key. That was better. He was rusty, but he could still play.

  Alex operated the volume pedal and added a little oomph to the tune, gratified at the way she smiled, moving to the music. He improvised, adding a few extra choruses. He was enjoying watching her.

  When he’d finished, a muffled round of applause came from the kitchen.

  Marie shot him an I-told-you-so look. ‘That’s great. I wish you’d play more.’

  Alex was almost tempted. But in a world where everything seemed to be changing he had to hang on to a few of the rules he’d made for himself when he’d left home.

  ‘I don’t have good memories of playing the piano. You wouldn’t either if you’d been at one of my father’s music evenings. Twenty adults, all staring at you, just waiting for you to make a slip.’

  ‘It sounds awful, Alex. But you love music—you always have. You have a talent, and you can’t let anything take that away from you. And...well, the a capella band did tell me they have a couple of numbers that they usually sing with backing tracks...’

  ‘Even if I wanted to, I can’t just sit down and play for them. There’s such a thing as rehearsal.’

  Marie shrugged awkwardly. ‘They’ll be here soon to set up their equipment. There’s plenty of time before we open the gates to the public.’

  Alex sighed. ‘Have I just been set up?’

  She capitulated so suddenly that he almost hugged her. Marie was the one person he couldn’t resist, and her transparency made her all the more seductive.

  ‘No. Well...yes. But not really. The band have a recorded backing track they can use.’

  ‘So that’s not quite a yes. But it’s not a no, either.’

  She gave him an agonised look. ‘I always wondered why you didn’t play—you’re so good. When you told me about your father I put two and two together. But this is...it’s your place. You should fill it with your sound. Of course, if you really don’t want to...’

  He held up his hand and Marie fell silent. ‘Send them through when they arrive. I’ll help them set up their equipment.’

  ‘So that’s a yes?’

  ‘Not quite. But it’s not a no, either.’

  ‘Okay. Good.’

  She gave him a ravishing smile and hurried away.

  * * *

  Marie could have made more of a mess of that, but she wasn’t sure how. Although Alex hadn’t seemed too cross, and he was at least going to talk to the a capella band.

  There was plenty left to do. She had to make sure all the examination rooms were locked, and call Sonya to check that she had their special guests in hand. Then rescue Zack before he got himself completely buried under piles of bunting, and make sure the cafeteria staff had everything they needed...

  The bouncy castle was inflating nicely, and when the band arrived she sent them through to the cafeteria. Zack appeared, red-faced and grinning, declaring that the bunting was finally all under control.

  ‘Who’s playing the piano?’

  Soft strains of music were floating through into the reception area. A few chords, and then a woman’s voice, singing a few bars and then stopping as player and singer began to adjust to each other.

  ‘Um... Alex, probably.’

  ‘He plays?’ Zack took a few steps in the direction of the music. ‘I’ve got to see this.’

  ‘No, I need you here.’ Mari
e frowned at her brother.

  ‘But...’

  ‘Help me get these display boards up.’

  This was something Alex needed to do on his own for a while. The woman’s voice had begun to swell, more powerful now, and she could hear Alex beginning to follow her lead. They didn’t need any interruptions.

  Zack pulled a face. ‘Okay, where do you want them...’

  The countdown seemed to fly by. Sonya arrived, along with the special guests she’d promised to bring—a footballer and a runner—who ceremonially opened the gates at two o’clock to let the small crowd that had gathered in.

  The sun shone, and more people came. The sound of voices and music echoed through from the cafeteria, and the two celebrities set up shop in the reception area to sign autographs and smile for an endless number of photographs.

  The clinic staff were all busy showing small groups around and answering questions, the café was packed, and the bouncy castle was a big hit with the children. People were sitting out on the grass at the back of the clinic, just enjoying the sun. Sonya had the reception area well under control, and Alex was nowhere to be seen.

  When she heard the singers stop for a break, and the strains of the piano drifted through from the cafeteria, Marie smiled. Finally she felt that she might join him.

  The lead singer of the a capella group, a shy woman who suddenly became a force of nature when she opened her mouth to sing, was standing by the piano, tapping her foot and drinking a glass of lemonade. When she put her glass down and nodded to Alex, he smiled, working the music around to what seemed to be an agreed point, when the woman started to sing.

  It was breathtaking. Full of energy and soul. And both of them were clearly enjoying themselves.

  Marie sat down in the corner of the cafeteria and Zack hurried up, putting a cappuccino down on the table in front of her before turning to help the serving staff. Everything was under control.

  This was what the clinic was all about. A community helping each other. It was about Alex too. She’d asked him if he thought that the clinic would save him. Watching him here, it seemed that it just might.

  * * *

  Saturday had been great. Sunday had been delicious and lazy. Monday was nerve-racking.

  ‘Are you nervous?’ she asked.

  Alex didn’t look a bit nervous; he looked handsome and dapper in his dark blue suit.

  ‘Terrified. You?’ He shot her a smile across the bedroom.

  ‘I don’t think this dress is right. And my jacket’s far too bright...’ Her make-up was probably wrong as well, for a TV appearance, and Marie hoped that part of the reason they had to be at the studio hours before their scheduled appearance was because they would fix that.

  ‘You look gorgeous. Anyway, the whole purpose of a dark suit is to show off the woman next to you.’

  Marie wasn’t sure that made her feel any better. She’d rather fade into the background and have Alex take the glare of the attention they were hoping to generate.

  ‘I’m a doctor, Alex. Not a mannequin.’

  ‘Who says you can’t be a stunningly beautiful doctor? The two aren’t mutually exclusive.’

  ‘Stop.’ She held her hand up. ‘I know you mean well, but you’re not making this any easier.’

  ‘Does this?’

  He walked around the bed, enveloping her in the kind of careful hug that was designed not to crease their jackets, but still felt warm and reassuring.

  ‘What happened to being able to do anything together?’

  ‘It’s live TV, Alex!’

  ‘We’ve built a clinic and we can do this.’

  Marie nodded, disentangling herself from his arms and smoothing the front of his jacket. He was steady and secure, like a rock. She just had to remember not to hang on to him too much in public, however much she might want to. She knew Alex wasn’t ready to let that mask of his slip yet. He guarded his private life fiercely.

  The car arrived to take them to the TV studio and they drove through clear streets, bathed in early-morning light. She slipped her hand into his, knowing that this was breaking all their rules about keeping their relationship strictly behind closed doors, but not really caring. Alex’s touch might be subtle, and he didn’t kiss her fingers the way he had before they’d left his flat, but it was enough to keep her from panicking and trying to jump out of the car when it stopped at a red light.

  A cheery make-up girl applied lipstick in a shade that seemed too bold for Marie, explaining that it would look much the same as her normal colour under the lights of the studio. They were shuffled from one place to another by various production assistants, and finally they walked onto the set.

  Alex was standing to one side, to let her go first, but still keeping protectively close. The presenters of the morning show beamed at them, murmuring a few words of encouragement. They were clearly used to dealing with nervous guests.

  First there was a short film about the clinic that had been made earlier in the week. Sonya had picked out all the elements which were most important in the accompanying press release, and the questions were easy enough. Alex answered his with exactly the kind of friendly approachability that they wanted to be the hallmark of the clinic, and Marie managed to get through hers without stumbling.

  It was going well. She kept her gaze on the two presenters, trying not to look at Alex. She knew he was there with her, and that gave her courage.

  Then the female presenter leaned forward, smiling at Alex. ‘I believe that it’s your inheritance that has made the clinic possible, Alex?’

  Too close for comfort. But Alex’s face didn’t show any of the dismay that Marie felt.

  ‘I count myself fortunate in having been able to use it to do so.’

  ‘And as you’ve also inherited a royal title...’ the presenter paused for effect ‘...I think we can all agree that you’re one of London’s most eligible bachelors now. Is there any chance that we have a royal wedding to look forward to?’

  The woman was being deliberately challenging. Marie wondered whether strangling her on live TV would be considered an appropriate response, and glanced up at Alex.

  His smile didn’t change. ‘I’d far rather everyone saw me as a doctor. One who’s working a little too hard to contemplate romance at the moment.’

  ‘You’re sure...?’

  The male presenter shot a pointed look at Marie, and she wondered whether her body language had given her away. She’d been so frightened that maybe she’d unconsciously sat a little too close to Alex on the sofa.

  ‘I’d love to think that there’s a woman out there who could put up with me.’ Alex’s tone took on an appropriately rueful note. ‘But I’m still waiting to find her.’

  The female presenter laughed, looking quickly at the overhead screen. ‘Well, I think we have a few offers coming in already on our social media feeds. Thank you, Alex and Marie, for being with us this morning.’

  A new topic was started, and the programme cut to a filmed report. The two presenters thanked them again, and they were hurried off the set. Marie’s heart was beating so fast she could hardly breathe.

  As soon as they left the glare of the cameras Alex’s face turned ashen. Marie grabbed his arm. ‘Not a word...’ she said. Not until they could talk privately.

  He nodded down at her. The kind of decision-making that had seen them through so many medical emergencies would get them through this one.

  They walked back to the small dressing room where they’d left their things, and quietly managed to elude anyone who might stop them. The receptionist called after them, asking if they were going to wait for their taxi there, and Marie gave a smiling shake of her head while Alex kept walking. As soon as they were on the pavement he hailed a taxi, and to Marie’s relief the driver saw him and stopped to pick them up.

  ‘I suppose it was going to happen sooner
or later. I’ll speak to Sonya,’ Alex said. His whole body was tense, as if he was waiting for some new blow to appear from somewhere. ‘It can’t hurt the clinic so much now. We’ve started to establish ourselves in the community and people know what we’re about. We just have to hold on to our values and try to keep the press away.’

  Clinic first. Always. But this had to hurt Alex. He’d spent so much time leaving his past behind, and now it had come back to haunt him in the most public way possible.

  ‘My father would have loved this.’ There was a trace of bitterness in his voice. ‘Just think—all he had to do was one good deed and the press would have come snapping at his heels.’

  ‘He missed a trick there.’ Marie tried to lighten the mood between them, and Alex smiled grimly.

  They both knew that with a little careful management this wouldn’t compromise their work at the clinic, but it had raised a question that neither of them wanted to answer just yet. If Alex was going to be caught in the media’s spotlight, what would happen to their relationship?

  Alex fell silent, his face clouded with worry. When the cab drew up outside his mansion block he paid the cabbie and wished him a good day. He didn’t say another word until they were inside his front door.

  ‘I’ll protect you. I’ll make sure none of this touches you,’ he said.

  Marie suppressed the urge to shake him. ‘What if I don’t want you to protect me?’

  ‘This isn’t the time, Marie. I know you can do everything by yourself, but things would be a lot easier if you’d let me help.’

  Her face was itching from the heavy make-up and suddenly all Marie wanted was to be alone. ‘I’m going to wash my face...’

  He nodded, and she escaped to the bathroom, washing her face and splashing it with cold water.

  Sonya had been right. Alex’s royal heritage and his determination to do something good with it was a great story. He was one of the most eligible bachelors in London, and of course there would be interest in his love life. What had she been thinking when she’d got involved with him?