by Jenny Frame
“I for one am glad, Georgie. Anything that keeps you safe and secure gets my vote.”
“I can’t imagine you taking it so well, Theo.” George pulled the reins, directing her horse to walk closer to her brother’s.
“That may be so, my dear sister, but you are far more important to me and the nation. If anything happens to you, Georgie, I will give you one swift boot up the arse myself.”
“You sound like Granny.” Theo looked aghast at that comment, making George chuckle.
“You’re not funny, Georgie. So I hear you have a new friend?”
George gave her brother a surprised look. “Yes, Beatrice Elliot. How do you know?”
“You know courtiers are terrible gossips. She has lunch with you and all sorts, so I’m told.”
“Are you? Well, yes. It’s nice to have a friend and I enjoy her company.”
“She’s the anti-monarchist, yes? The one who Granny challenged you to convert?” Theo smirked at his sister.
“The very one.”
“So? How goes Granny’s challenge? I seem to remember the honour of the House of Buckingham rested on your shoulders.”
“Well…”
The promised debate had happened without fanfare the previous week. After spending a few hours at a community project and having lunch with the children, it emerged that a threat had been made regarding the Queen’s safety. While the royal protection squad checked over the car and the surrounding area, they kept the Queen secured in the manager’s office inside.
“Your Majesty, if you could stay in here, we’ll get the area swept as quickly as possible.”
“Thank you, Superintendent. I’m anxious not to hold up the staff here any longer than necessary.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
George took a seat behind the desk and sighed in frustration.
“Can I get you anything, Ma’am?” Cammy asked.
George’s thoughts went immediately to Bea. They had been bidding the staff farewell, when Superintendent Lang and his officers had bundled the Queen back into the building and she and Bea had been separated. “Could you bring Miss Elliot, Cammy? It would be nice to have someone to chat to.”
“Certainly, Ma’am.”
A few minutes later, a rather annoyed looking Bea entered the office.
“Are you okay, Georgie? No one would tell me anything.”
George had stood as soon as she entered. “I am absolutely fine. My protection squad are probably just being over cautious. Do please sit down.”
“I can’t believe people would threaten you for being gay in this day and age.” To George’s delight, Bea seemed extremely concerned over her safety.
“There will always be people who do not approve of me in some way or another. There are many people that don’t like the head of state being a woman, and a gay woman at that. As monarch I am a symbol of what Britain stands for—equality, freedom, and tolerance. My job is to bring my people together and represent them, whatever their colour, creed, or sexuality, and that does not suit those who seek to cause division. My father took his role seriously, and I intend to do the same. At my coronation I will take a vow, before God, to defend my people’s rights and freedoms. Some would prefer I did not have the chance to do that. Being so openly gay doesn’t help, I’m sure.”
“You really take your coronation vows seriously, don’t you?”
George was confused. “Of course. Any vow is serious, and when you take such a vow you are bound by honour to uphold it.”
“Does that extend to a marriage vow?” Bea asked quietly.
“Of course, why do you ask?”
“I read on the Net most days about the various women you are connected with. I just wondered…No, I’m sorry. That’s a private question. I shouldn’t ask you things like that.”
George tried to contain a smile and said, “It doesn’t usually stop you, Bea.”
Bea’s cheeks went red. “Well, I—”
“Ask away. What do the gossip columns say?”
“They say you are linked with many members of the European aristocracy, but that the main contender is Princess Eleanor of Belgium. Apparently you played together as children, and she is your childhood sweetheart.”
George could not help but laugh out loud at what Bea had said. “Dear God, wait till my brother hears this. I assure you I have no childhood sweetheart, and I think I may have met Princess Eleanor all of twice at royal functions as I was growing up, and she is known in our circles to be a bit of a man-eater.”
“A man-eater? But she came out only a few months ago.”
George sat back in her chair and crossed her legs. “Let’s just say that my family and I are quite astonished at the number of European princesses and members of the aristocracy who are suddenly coming out since I inherited the throne.”
“You mean…?”
“I mean that I think Princess Eleanor is more in love with the idea of being Queen Consort, than the thought of loving me.”
“Then she is a fool,” Bea said indignantly.
An awkward silence fell upon the room, as George wondered what to make of what Bea had said.
Finally, George said, “I will have to marry eventually though. It is my duty.”
Bea looked up at George with searching eyes. “Your duty? Why?”
“Well, for one I must produce an heir, for the succession.”
Bea laughed. “Are you some sort of a prize bull? Or will you be a breeding heifer?”
George leaned forward on the desk and said in a low voice, “Oh, I think it’s quite clear I’m the prize bull.” She was sure she could see Bea give a little shiver. “My brother often reminds me he would like to be bumped from first in line to the throne as quickly as possible. He can’t think of anything worse than taking over as king if anything happened to me.”
“You know, I wouldn’t have believed that someone wouldn’t want your job until I met you. I can now understand why you wouldn’t want that burden.”
“Yes, indeed.” George sighed, then continued, “The other main reason is that the monarch was never meant to do this job alone. I need the support of a Queen Consort to help me in my duties. There is an office waiting back at the palace for my consort. She has just as important a role as I do.”
Bea tapped her manicured nails on the desk.“What if you don’t meet someone you love?”
A wave of sadness rushed George all of a sudden. “I can only pray I will find someone I truly love to make my Queen Consort, the way my father loved my mother. If not, I can only hope we will be friends and a support to one another.”
“You would marry someone you didn’t love, for duty?” Bea’s anger was evident in her voice.
With a certainty that came from a life of training, George said, “Of course. Duty comes before self for the royal family, and especially for the monarch.”
“I don’t know how you could even think that. You do realize that it’s not the Middle Ages, don’t you?”
George became defensive in her reply. “It is the reality of my position, Bea. I must have a wife and produce an heir. I don’t expect you to understand, but I have been trained since birth to put the country, its people, and duty before my own private wishes, and that is exactly what I will do.”
The room was again in an awkward silence, until George felt she should break the ice. “I apologize for this delay. I will stay as long as you need me to at the next venue, or we can come back at a later date.”
“Let’s see how long it takes first. Do you have any engagements tonight?”
“Yes, I have a reception for one of my charities, Wounded Heroes. It raises money for injured servicemen. I’ve invited some business people and some representatives of the armed forces, to try and raise funds.”
Bea gave George a smile that melted her heart. “I sometimes forget you have other charities apart from Timmy’s. You really do give us a lot of your time.”
“I try to do as much as I can for all of my chariti
es—I’m the patron of over eight hundred—but I wanted to choose one to be the main focus of my coronation year, and I’m so glad I chose Timmy’s. Not only do you do fantastic work around the country, but I wouldn’t have met you, Bea, and I value your friendship greatly.”
“I appreciate it hugely as well, Georgie.”
George met Bea’s eyes and felt Bea could see deep inside her, past the stoic mask, to a place where there was no Queen, just Georgie and Bea.
Cammy cleared her throat, and George jumped up, realizing they had been caught. “Cammy? Yes, what news?”
“Superintendent Lang estimates we will be held up for another half an hour, Ma’am. If you could just stay put here for a while longer.”
“Thank you. Please let us know when we can set off.” Cammy bowed her head and left.
George saw the edges of Bea’s mouth rise into a smile. “It seems I have you as a captive audience, Your Majesty.”
George was relieved to have her emotions back on an even ground and chuckled at Bea’s words. “I appear to be at your mercy indeed. What would you do with me?”
Bea sat back into the chair, looking confident. “I think it might be time for that debate on the merits of monarchy you keep putting off.”
“I do not put it off. I am simply busy, but if you think you can hold up your end of it, then let’s have at it.”
George shifted in her saddle, remembering the passionate look that Bea had had at the thought of a good debate, and wanted to see that look again.
“Well, Georgie?” Theo asked.
George’s horse snickered and whinnied, bringing her back from her thoughts. “I made progress, I believe.”
“Progress? What did you say to her?”
“I gave her the facts. Most presidencies cost more to run than a monarchy. The monarchy represents stability, continuity, and ethics, and I pointed out that we are above politics and so more able to represent Britain abroad without the grubbiness of political debate upon us.”
Theo thought for a moment and said, “I do hope you explained that the monarchy brings billions in revenue into the country each year, and we only cost the taxpayers a few pounds each.”
“Of course I did. She seemed to take some things on board but needs further convincing. It’s hard to see the real value of our work unless you come face to face with it. I hope I can make her see it.”
“You haven’t told me the most important thing. Is Miss Beatrice Elliot beautiful?”
George grinned. “Bea is absolutely beautiful. Stunning even.”
“Well, well. I don’t think I’ve ever heard you describe a woman so enthusiastically, Georgie. I can’t wait to see for myself, since I am the expert on the female of the species.”
George gave her brother a serious look. “Just remember she is off limits to you, Theo. She’s a lesbian, so you’d be wasting your time.”
“I know, don’t worry. How about I race you back and see if we can lose these protection officers?”
George grinned at the challenge. “Last one back mucks out the stables.”
The siblings shot off at a canter, leaving the running police officers lagging behind.
Chapter Ten
Bea was working when Danny stopped by her office.
“Have you got a minute, Bea?”
“Of course. Computer off.” He sat down at her desk, barely able to keep the smile from his face. “Danny? You look like the cat that got the cream. What is it?”
“I’ve had the first donation figures since the Queen gave us her patronage.”
“Well?” Bea asked expectantly.
“In just two months of patronage, donations and fundraising are up by seventy percent. The number crunchers predict that we will hit one hundred percent by summer.”
Bea jumped up and shrieked, “Oh my God. Really? You’re not kidding, are you?”
“Never. We can afford to finish building and equipping our new units, and start work on the overseas respite centre.”
She ran round the desk and hugged her friend and boss. “I can’t believe it. All because we have a royal walking about, shaking hands and waving.”
“Yes, indeed, but I have even more news.” Danny let go of her and stood back.
What now? Was it a good news/bad news scenario?
“Don’t look so worried. Listen, remember when the Queen was in America?”
Bea did indeed remember that time fondly. It was when Georgie had first called her and they’d cemented their friendship. “At the UN conference, yes?”
“Yes. Well, apparently at one of the glitzy affairs, she spoke to some business people. One of them, an expat Brit, was very impressed with our Queen and asked which charities she was involved with. Queen Georgina told her all about us and our work.”
“Tell me. Please.”
“The businesswoman’s secretary just called me to say we would be receiving a donation from her company of twenty million dollars.”
*
Bea walked around in a daze the rest of that day. A smile was permanently attached to her face, and all she could think of as she tried to work and as she made her way home was George’s warm smile and deep blue eyes.
She walked through her front door and shouted, “Mum, Dad, I’m home.”
“We’re in the kitchen, dear. Come and see. It’s so wonderful.”
What on earth has made Mum so excited? She hurried through to the small kitchen, to find her mum and dad sitting at the kitchen table with a large picnic basket.
“Look, sweetheart. This was delivered an hour ago.”
Bea dropped her handbag and began to look through the basket. There were jams, marmalades, biscuits, fruits, meats, and even fresh juice. They all bore the label: Produce of the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk.
Bea looked at her parents quizzically. “How did this get here?”
“I’d just pulled up outside the house, and this big Land Rover pulled in behind me. These huge blokes got out, and I thought I was in trouble, I tell you.”
“What kind of blokes, Dad?”
Reg shrugged his shoulders. “Looked like plain-clothes policemen or something. They asked if I was Mr. Elliot, I said yes, and he says he’s got a delivery for me and my wife, and that the card would explain everything.”
Sarah handed it over to her and said, “It’s handwritten and everything.”
Bea read the note out loud.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Elliot,
Please accept this small token of my esteem, from my estate at Sandringham. Everything in the basket has been either grown or made there, and I hope you will enjoy them. Your wonderful daughter has told me of your long and unstinting support for my family, and for that I am very grateful.
Yours faithfully,
Georgina R
“I can’t believe she would do this,” Bea said in shock.
Her mother pulled her into a hug. “A personal gift from the Queen. It’s astonishing, and that’s not all. This was inside.” Sarah handed over a larger envelope, which had a large handwritten card inside. It read: The Lord Chamberlain is commanded by Her Majesty to invite Mr. and Mrs. Elliot to a royal tea party to be held at Buckingham Palace, October 5th.
“A royal tea party. It’s wonderful, isn’t it, sweetheart? Did you tell the Queen about us?”
“Yes. I told her that you love the royal family, and about your collections and things. I’m astonished that she took in all that and did this.”
“Reg, I’ll need to buy a new hat and dress. Oh, I can’t wait,” Sarah said excitedly.
Oh, Georgie. You’ve been so kind. You really listen to me don’t you? “Mum, I’m just going to get changed, okay? I’ll be down in a while.”
Bea ran up the stairs to her bedroom and activated the computer on her desk. She had no idea how she could contact the Queen. Georgie always called her on a secure line when they spoke. Then she realized—Cammy, of course. She had Captain Cameron’s details in case any problems with the visits came up.
/> Bea kicked off her high heels and said, “Call Captain Cameron.” After a few seconds the image of Cammy appeared.
“Hello? Ah, Miss Elliot. How are you?”
Bea moved to her desk. “Hello, Captain, I’m sorry to bother you.”
“Not at all, Miss Elliot, and please call me Cammy. How can I help?”
Bea sensed that the captain had warmed up to her over the past few weeks, and she was glad. “Thank you, Cammy, please call me Bea.” She went on to explain about the news she’d heard from Danny at work, and then coming home to find the kind gift the Queen had sent. “And so you see, I just wanted to thank her for her kindness. I really am overwhelmed at what she has done for Timmy’s and my family.”
Cammy smiled. “Of course I will let her know you called, Bea. She is with the Queen Mother at the moment, but I will speak with Her Majesty at the first opportunity.”
“Thank you. Well, I’ll let you get on—”
“Before you go, Bea, I just wanted to apologize for the way I spoke to you on the train. I was concerned because Her Majesty has never opened up like that to an outsider. She doesn’t have friends—well, she has her cousins and myself, but no one outside the royal family or palace walls. She is very guarded, usually, but when I saw her behaving so freely with you, I’ll be quite frank, I was worried.”
Bea was buoyed by the knowledge that the Queen trusted her enough to be open, and she realized then what a special friendship they were developing. “You needn’t worry yourself, Cammy. I understand why you are protective. I haven’t known the Queen as long as you, and I already feel that urge to protect her.” And care for her.
“I was worried, but not now. You’ve seen her at her lowest and you didn’t go running to the press. You’ve proved your loyalty, lassie.”
She smiled at Cammy’s pleasant sounding Scottish brogue. “Thank you. Anything the Queen tells me will be kept between us, I promise.”