The Surgeon and the Princess

by Karin Baine

  Instead of taking offence, her mother actually laughed. ‘I know it’s hard for you to believe, Georgiana, but you’re not the only one who’s had a life-changing experience. Losing your brother and not knowing if you were going to pull through really made us appreciate the time we have together. We’ll do whatever it takes to make you believe that.’

  ‘I believe you,’ she said, her voice barely audible. If she’d given them a chance to prove themselves when she’d first returned, they could have had this conversation then. Instead of appreciating the changes they’d made, adapting the house, she’d shut herself off from them. Ignored the changing world around her to focus on the negatives she’d have to live with.

  In the same way her injuries had made her reassess her life, they’d also caused her parents to rethink what was important. She was thankful she apparently topped that list. Not many had the support she’d taken for granted until now.

  The emotionally charged family love-in was in danger of becoming awkward. She feared there was a group hug coming, or, worse, a mass sobbing. The attempt her parents were making to understand her state of mind and implement changes to their attitude showed they were doing their best to relate to her. Trying to break out of the old regime, which didn’t fit with the modern world. That was all she could ask of them.

  * * *

  Ed was tearing his hair out trying to manage everything at once. With the gala only two days away he was attempting to organise his time better between work and family. He wasn’t succeeding. His dad had been on the phone about the hospital appointment he’d promised to drive him to. He had patients queuing up for consultations, which was a good thing businesswise, but he was time poor at present.

  It didn’t mean he wouldn’t give anything to be with Georgiana again. By kissing her he’d been playing with fire and he was the one left burning. He should’ve stopped it but he’d fed the fire. Now he was suffering the after effects. He was missing her and had even resorted to texting her an inane message asking what colour she’d be wearing on the night so he could co-ordinate with her. Just so he could have some sort of communication with her. Not that she’d replied.

  He’d left himself the lion’s share of the organising to do, with Georgiana doing her bit at a distance from him. Goodness knew he was out of his depth organising an event at the palace to kick-start a brand-new charity. Talk about pressure. Pressure he’d put himself under by not sharing the load with anyone. She was right, he had to learn to reach out to people where he could and stop doing everything by himself. It wasn’t a weakness to ask for help and certainly didn’t make him any less of a good son or brother if his every waking moment wasn’t devoted to them. Jamie was a grown man now, living his own life. Perhaps it was about time he did too.

  He thought about Georgiana and what she was prepared to put herself through to help him and the charity and was humbled by her courage once more.

  It was one of the many, many qualities he admired in her. If nerves were getting the better of him, he could only imagine how she was feeling. Yet he knew she’d come through for everyone concerned. He hoped, in being open about what had happened to her, she’d benefit as much as those they were raising funding and awareness for.

  He heard some commotion out in Reception and attempted to ignore the increasing level of noise, hoping Giles or Security would take care of it. There was too much for him to do without getting into a row out there. When the sound of feet thundered down the corridor, he knew he’d have to go and investigate.

  ‘What on earth is going on out here?’ he demanded as he made his way through the growing crowd of staff and patients. Even though he’d been preoccupied he was sure he’d have heard a fire alarm going off. Although the gasps and excited whispers whooshing around the crowd led him to believe that nothing life-threatening had happened.

  ‘Excuse me. Pardon me.’ He eased his way through to the eye of the storm, where he was confronted by a mass of mobile phones vying for a photo op. Bewildered, he looked to Giles, who was grinning like a loon beside him. ‘Have I missed something?’

  ‘I think Christmas has come early for us.’ He gestured towards the door, where everyone’s attention was focused.

  In that second Ed was as spellbound as all those around him. A smiling Georgiana was holding court, resplendent in a chic white trouser suit and surrounded by men in black with earpieces and walkie talkies.

  She hadn’t spotted him yet, busy chatting with a young man in a wheelchair who was clearly as infatuated with Georgiana as Ed. She always looked beautiful to him, but she was glowing as children lined up to say hello to her. He didn’t know what had prompted an official royal visit but he was smiling from ear to ear because of it.

  She was agreeing enthusiastically with whatever the teenage girl next to her was saying and gave her a hug before straightening up again. That was when Ed caught her eye. His breath caught somewhere between his lungs and his throat when she beamed back at him.

  ‘Sorry about all the disruption, Mr Lawrence. I was coming to pay you a visit but the parents decreed I bring the circus to town with me this time.’ She shrugged apologetically.

  ‘No problem. We can go to my office if you want. I think there’s room for your bodyguards.’ After their last encounter he wouldn’t be surprised if she’d brought them along for protection from him.

  ‘I’m sure we can manage a conversation without them.’ Her knowing wink said she knew exactly what he was referring to but she wasn’t holding anything against him. More was the pity.

  ‘You know where to find me when you’re ready.’ He began to make his way back to his office, expecting her to take her time with her appreciative audience. Those clamouring to meet her were sure to give her a confidence boost after her time out of the limelight. It was also a good trial run to stabilise her nerves before her big night.

  ‘Thanks, everyone. It’s lovely to meet you all. I hope to see you again soon,’ he heard her say before following him down the corridor.

  Her minders were herding the crowd back, giving her some room for a conversation in private. It was only on seeing her in action that Ed remembered who it was he was dealing with. Georgiana Ashley was a princess and he’d had the audacity to kiss her like a man possessed.

  He kept a few steps ahead, so he was able to make some attempt at tidying his desk before she came in.

  ‘Take a seat,’ he said, pointing to the chair on the other side of the desk, maintaining an acceptable distance between them.

  She closed the door and sat down. ‘This wasn’t supposed to be a whole “thing”. This is why I resorted to sneaking out. It’s much less hassle.’

  ‘But this is safer. I do think you’ve made everyone’s day here. Including Giles. You know news of this visit is going to spread like wildfire?’ So far she’d been so opposed to the idea of people even knowing she was back in the country they’d been playing hide and seek with palace security. This move was on the very opposite end of that scale.

  ‘I’m aware of that. Why do you think I didn’t turn up in my workout gear?’ She rapped her knuckles on the prothesis hidden beneath her trousers.

  ‘I suppose it will garner interest leading up to the fundraising campaign.’ People were going to want to know why she’d come to this specific clinic and, as much as he didn’t want her to get hurt, they needed the publicity. Every penny counted in helping these families.

  ‘I thought that too.’

  ‘Oh.’ He was at a loss for words that she’d gone to all this trouble in person when they’d been conducting all of their conversations over the phone since the last time they’d been alone in here.

  ‘I thought I’d pop in and say hello before the big night. I wasn’t sure what you’d be wearing, though, when you said we’d be colour co-ordinated. I’m wearing blue, so does that mean you’ll be in a blue bow tie and cummerbund or were you going to go the whole hog in a ma
tching sky-blue tuxedo?’ Teasing him with that mischievous look on her face wasn’t doing anything to prevent him wanting to kiss her again.

  ‘I was thinking head-to-toe blue. Maybe with a side split in the trousers.’ One kiss and he was completely gaga over her. He was pretty sure he wasn’t managing to hide it either.

  ‘Should I come pick you up? Hire a limousine? Buy a corsage?’ He hadn’t been on the dating scene for a while and he didn’t know the etiquette for courting a princess. Not that they were dating, but he would be escorting her.

  She was laughing at him again. He obviously wasn’t cut out for the escort business either. ‘It’s not the prom, Ed, and I live at the palace, remember? I’ll see you there.’

  ‘Right. I’ll get there early to help with the catering or whatever else needs doing.’

  ‘There’s no need. My parents have everything in hand. They’ve been very supportive with regard to the event.’

  Ed didn’t know if he’d ever not be preoccupied again when in the same room as Georgiana, that kiss never to be forgotten.

  ‘It sounds as though you’re making real roads to getting your relationship back on track. Excellent news. I’m so pleased for you.’ If she had her parents to turn to again the onus would no longer be on him to provide support and that was what he wanted, wasn’t it? That he wasn’t spending so much time thinking about her. Then why did he have a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, thinking this gala night could be the end of something beautiful?

  ‘Speaking of which, I should get back and help organise the flower arrangements, seating and all of those important details my mother will be freaking out about.’ She rose to go and, as good manners decreed, Ed stood to open the door for her. Before she left she placed a hand lightly on his chest and kissed him on the cheek. A barely there, ghost of kisses past, which still managed to make a significant impact. She hesitated to move away and Ed held his breath. If she decided to kiss him again he was no stronger to resist than he had been the last time.

  When she did step back and finally walk away all the oxygen in the room and in his lungs went with her.

  He was in big, big trouble.

  CHAPTER NINE

  ‘I THOUGHT YOU might like to wear this.’ Georgiana’s mother placed the intricate silver tiara on her head. With delicate entwined vines and leaves, encrusted with tiny diamonds and sapphires, it wasn’t as ostentatious as some of the crown jewels but none the less beautiful.

  ‘Thank you. I look like a real princess now.’ She thought about little girls like Hannah who would be expecting her to look the part and she had to admit this was one perk of the job.

  ‘It was your grandmother’s from when she was young and beautiful like you.’ Her mother kissed her forehead and Georgiana felt the love radiating from her in waves. Being at home these days was so much more pleasurable now they were all doing their utmost to communicate and pull together as a family. Although tonight she was flying solo.

  ‘I’m nervous.’ This was her first official royal engagement but she also had the added pressure of introducing the charity for Ed. She didn’t want to mess anything up for him.

  ‘I still get stage fright about these things but such is the life of royalty. Anyway, I have great faith in you. You’ll dazzle everyone in the room.’ Her mother kissed Georgiana on both cheeks once she’d finished her pep talk as her daughter prepared to go into battle with her insecurities.

  Georgiana was grateful for the support and would never dream of taking it for granted again when it had played such a huge part in her recovery so far. When she’d first woken after the amputation, she’d never have believed she could walk out onto a stage in a room full of people to tell her story. She hadn’t done it all on her own either.

  ‘I really want to make you and Ed proud.’

  Her mother pulled her into a hug. ‘You’re the best thing in our lives. We love you very much and you make us proud every single day just by being you.’

  She released Georgiana from her grasp again. ‘As for Edward, surely he’s as smitten with you as you are with him. How couldn’t he be when you’re so amazing?’

  ‘Mother!’ she spluttered. ‘I’ve told you, we work together, that’s all.’ Her conscience burned with the lie and the memory of their clinch.

  ‘Uh-huh.’ Her mother’s arched eyebrow said she wasn’t convinced by her protestation otherwise.

  Deep down Georgiana knew what she was saying was true when she’d fallen hard for Ed.

  ‘I should probably go down.’

  As per her mother’s advice she’d waited until all the guests had arrived before she made her entrance. Along with being protocol for the royal family to be the last to arrive, it meant all the gawping and gossiping would be over in one go.

  After another hug and a deep breath, she descended the staircase and waited as her presence was announced to the assembled guests in the grand ballroom. She’d improved enough over the weeks that she was steady on her feet but she longed to be on Ed’s arm for that extra security.

  ‘Her Royal Highness, Princess Georgiana.’

  She caught the end of the announcement, heard the clatter of chairs as people got to their feet as she made her way to the front of the room.

  The number of curious faces staring back at her was overwhelming. She waved and smiled but she was close to walking back out. Then she saw Ed on the stage, handsome in his black tux and clapping her approach. She focused on him and glided past the round tables occupied by patients, veterans and possible donors. He met her on the steps and offered his arm, which she clung to gratefully.

  ‘You look amazing,’ he whispered into her ear, giving her that final boost before facing her demons.

  ‘Did you change your mind about the blue suit?’

  ‘I decided it wasn’t my colour. It looks so much better on you.’ He was full of much-needed compliments.

  She took her place at the podium, her hesitation magnified at the microphone before she finally found her voice. ‘I may look a little different from the last time I saw you. I’ve had some cosmetic surgery since then.’

  To illustrate her point she stuck out her leg and the cloud of billowy fabric slid away to reveal her prosthetic to the crowd. She’d chosen the sky-blue, off-shoulder number deliberately. It was embroidered down one side with silver flowers and sequins, which spilled down onto layers of chiffon. The intentional, sexy side split was on the right-hand side, effectively revealing her prosthetic leg to the world and facing the last of her worries. There was no going back now.

  The combination of awkward laughs at her joke and gasps was better than dead air. This wasn’t about feeling sorry for herself and she didn’t want people to do it for her either. The event and the charity were about improving the lives of the children like her. It was supposed to be an uplifting speech so she remained positive about the things they could do for children who’d lost limbs due to accident or illness. She kept it short with only a small reference as to how she’d lost her leg to prevent any speculating.

  Between her and Ed, they’d agreed she would give a brief introduction to the charity and her involvement, before the dinner. He was in charge of the later presentation complete with moving footage of patient stories and their plans for a national sports competition. So as she came to the end of her spiel she’d be able to enjoy the rest of the evening along with everyone else.

  ‘If there’s one thing Mr Lawrence and his clinic have shown me it’s that missing a limb doesn’t have to mean missing out on life. With your financial support, Love on a Limb can make this a reality for dozens of children who otherwise might not have the opportunity to explore their full potential. A donation tonight could be the making of a sports star tomorrow. Please give generously and support our children’s right to a future of hope. Thank you.’

  Her mouth was dry as she gave a bow and walked back across
the stage to thunderous applause. She was exhilarated by the reception she’d received and Ed almost had to catch her before she floated off the side of the steps. He gave her a glancing kiss on the cheek.

  ‘You were amazing out there. A real asset to the charity and a credit to your family.’

  ‘Do you think so?’ She was no longer so concerned with the reaction to her physical appearance as how that would translate into donations. Without those she wouldn’t have achieved anything worthwhile.

  ‘I know so. You’re an amazing woman, Georgiana.’ The deep timbre of Ed’s voice reached inside her soul and she trembled beneath his admiring gaze.

  ‘You’re not so bad yourself, Mr Lawrence. As I’m sure you’ll prove to me later tonight. I mean, to everyone here.’ Her thoughts strayed somewhere where they weren’t being watched by an audience.

  Catching her wayward train of thought, Ed gave a wry smile. ‘Just give me the word and I’m all yours.’

  Georgiana was glad the guests were too preoccupied with the arrival of their first course to witness the flirty exchange going on backstage. As Ed escorted her to their table food was the last thing on her mind. His touch, all consuming. She didn’t know how she was expected to get through the night without throwing herself at him. Especially when he kept looking at her as though she were the main course.

  * * *

  Even without knowing the final total raised or the number of sponsors signed, Ed considered the night a success. They’d delivered the message about the families who needed help, appealing to those who could afford to do so, and outlining the things they hoped to achieve.

  Georgiana had enchanted those with fat wallets using her natural charm and elegance. Going from veterans with her own tales and engaging with the children and their families, letting them know they were very much a part of the event, she was everything everyone needed her to be. Only he got to see the real Georgiana in her workout gear, full of insecurities and, at times, innuendo and he considered himself damn lucky.