by Mark Stanley
"But it's your birthday."
"And it's enough that I can be with you." As I opened the box, there was a gasp as she saw what the lid had been hiding. I offered them to her and she smiled as the tears fell.
"They are just so beautiful."
"Just like you."
Each earring was made up of a centre stone, surrounded by twelve diamonds and dropped down to a larger stone. Françoise from Cartier had telephoned me to say that she had something so exquisite that only Victoria should wear them and I'd bought them, sight unseen for two million pounds and I was delighted that I had.
"Cartier call them Le Gémeaux"
"The Gemini, perfect, thank you so much Mark they're so beautiful."
"It's a very small price to pay to see you happy, thank you for the all your love and care and for making me so happy." I kissed her as her tears continued to fall.
The last week of April and things were starting to get busy and it wasn't just the houses that were getting me excited. Royal Quest was having a special gallop at Newbury this morning to give him an 'away day' and to try and re-energise him. Robert was concerned. It had been an incredibly wet spring and he had abandoned any hope of getting him to one of the trial races before the 2000 Guineas. Not only does Nipper hate mud, he hates the cold even more and now ten days before he would put his considerable reputation on the line, he was being galloped with three other horses to see whether he would be ready and we were going to see him.
"Don't even think about getting out of this helicopter without your crash helmet, coat and scarf."
"No Mother!" We were coming into land and were doing so to a half decent day. The winter coat precautions were a little exaggerated but the fight wouldn't be worth taking on and so I would do as I was told.
"He lives! Long live Lord Markey!"
"Hello Robert. How're you Katie?"
"So pleased to see you and Victoria, you have no idea how much you've both been missed."
"And on that note come and see Nipper he's wandering around in the doldrums perhaps he'll pick up for seeing you."
Robert looked genuinely worried as we walked down the hill to the Parade Ring. Slopes and uneven surfaces are still issues and I rely on Tom to be there on my left with Victoria on my right. I still limp, although it is getting better. After the last 'pain block' had given me and Victoria such a fright, David had replaced the mix with something else but frankly it just hadn't been as effective.
"Christ Markey, are you going to make it?"
"Be a good chap and shut up." But the last few days hadn't been good and of course Victoria seemed to know almost before I did hence the visit to see David Richards.
"This is useless Mark; I'll speak to David and tell him you need a better solution."
"I'm afraid of what the solution might be."
"What do you mean?"
"David said that I may need another operation to try and fix it."
The look said it all and now wasn't the time to explore the options for there were very few. Eventually, I managed to get onto a flat surface and felt a little more confident whilst still uncomfortable in my gait. Nipper, was the stable nickname for Royal Quest, he only nips Robert so has great taste! He was walking around with his head down looking much like I was feeling. I stood with the rail between us as I couldn't afford for him to knock me down.
"You've had him under the heat lamps?"
"He's used enough heat to power Newmarket Town Centre for a week but look at him, miserable."
"His coat looks okay, if a little dull, but his demeanour isn't thrilling me."
"That's the issue and his work is just, okay, not like last year. I don't mind telling you Markey I'm seriously worried and now, having seen you, I'm worried about you even more than him."
The lads all mounted their individual steeds, ready to set off to the start for the seven furlong gallop. We watched them leave before we made our way back up that fucking slope. Thankfully Robert had his Assistant at the start and was in communication with him and so, even though they were ready to go, he held them awaiting our arrival in the stands. Quite frankly I was wishing that I hadn't come.
"Let them go."
They set off in two pairs, with Royal Quest in the lead pair. Last season he had hardly seen another horse and here he was today, totally accepting of the company. As they entered the last three furlongs he did improve and 'won' the gallop by a length but...
"Let's go and see him."
"No fear, I'm not walking back there again."
Robert looked worried. "What do you think?"
"He won't win a Guineas on that showing. Let's hope that it's a combination of the ground and the weather but if he doesn't improve, you'll have to withdraw him and look at the Irish 2000 Guineas or the St. James's Palace stakes at Royal Ascot. He should get his ground there and there's a decent chance that it'll be a little warmer." At that we shook hands and said our goodbyes before going back to the helicopter. Victoria had had her phone clamped to her ear for the last thirty minutes, totally disinterested in the day's proceedings.
"Right, that's done. I've spoken with David and he agrees that the pain is unacceptable. He's advised a trip to see Professor Milne at The London Clinic and he's seeing you in the morning."
Twenty four hours later we were sat in a very plush office whilst Professor Milne 'call me Geoff', looked through a multitude of scans and x-rays. We sat in silence as he studied each and then moved on, returning to two scans, repeatedly.
"I'm pretty sure that you have some damage to the femoral nerve, just about here." He pointed to an area, halfway between my hip and thigh. "Do you see this area here? I think that either when the rod was driven into your leg or more likely when it was removed some damage was done. The Nerve Conduction tests and the Electromyography confirm that there's damage. Now to the solution, in my experience surgery is prone to failure unless it's a growth. What I would suggest is a localised nerve stimulant, coupled with a cortisone injection and a decent pain blocker; on top of that we need some gene therapy treatment. The NHS is fabulous and you're firsthand knowledge of just how fabulous, but it doesn't do cutting edge, it doesn't offer this type of treatment because it's very expensive."
"When can you do it?"
"Don't you want to know the cost?"
"If you must."
"It'll be about twenty thousand pounds."
"Fine, when can you start?”
"It's that painful?"
"More than you can ever believe."
"Better get on with it then."
And so he did. It was, very painful, but after the continuing pain that I'd had for so long it was nothing. A few hours later, Geoff, came and visited me.
"How're you feeling?"
"Numb."
"Excellent, we’ll have you back in next month for the gene therapy treatment but you should last until then and we can top everything else up at that time, but until then you should be good to go."
The following day I felt...fantastic!
The last day of April and we were moving, not very onerous as we were taking hardly anything. Some clothes had been transferred but that was all, everything else had been undertaken by Adelice and Paolo. The children were excited as were we, Daphne had welcomed the news as it relieved some of the pressure from her shoulders and we were conscious that the last few months had been tough on her with a new baby. We were driving down, despite Mister Coombes. Victoria wanted to get her Ferrari down to Surrey as she would have more chance to drive it and so we were now driving quite sedately around the M25 Orbital Motorway with a Range Rover and four security guys close behind."First of May tomorrow Billy and exactly ten weeks and one day before you make me into an honest woman, but it also heralds a change to our sex lives."
"Oh no, don't tell me you're lifting the drawbridge until the wedding night!"
She laughed out loud. "No Billy, but you'll need to wear a condom as I stop taking precautions to clear my system in readiness for you impregn
ating me."
"You make it sound so sexy, not!"
"Procreation Billy, what we were put on God’s Earth to do."
"I've done that at least three times..."
"There had better not be any lurking Stanley bastards Billy."
"Not to my knowledge. Anyway can we settle on two children?"
She laughed again. "Always funny Billy, always so, so funny."
The evening was spent exploring our new home. Adelice and Paolo had done a fabulous job at readying it for our arrival and Adelice's sister, Maria and her husband Juan were now also living with us. Well not exactly with us, but in one of the two semi-detached houses that came with the house. There was also another area over the garages which had been turned into a bunk-room for the security guys. Tom had overseen the layout and seemed happy enough with the results, we were just happy that normality had returned. The following morning we had packed the children off but they would be returning in the evening for the Bank Holiday weekend. After breakfast I wandered outside to stretch my legs, no stick and no pain, what a relief.
"Morning Tom, everything alright?"
"Good morning Lord Mark. Yes everything's fine; can I show you around the security measures?"
"Absolutely, I'm anxious to see where all of the money was spent."
"...we also have full coverage from a total of seventeen CCTV cameras. On all perimeter walls are tracking cameras and they send an alarm and image to the control room if the same car or same person is seen three times in thirty minutes? On the walls we have microwave beams..."
The briefing was, as we had all come to expect, thorough and we ended up at the front gates.
"Here we have sliding steel gates which supplement the more decorative ones. In the floor are security stumps which retract when authorised vehicles leave or arrive, before returning to their original positions. This coupled with the rest of the equipment, whilst not making you impregnable does leave you better protected than you are in London. Obviously, Ascot Park will be on another level as its new build and all manner of devices can and will be installed increasing everyone's level of protection."
"Very impressive Tom, let's hope that we never have to use them."
"For your information, you and your family’s protection level remains at four."
I knew enough that four meant an attack was highly likely.
"And you Tom, have you decided what you wish to do?"
"Yes Lord Mark, I've asked for the placement to be made semi-permanent."
"Thank goodness for that, that really is excellent news, we were getting worried that you might go off to pastures new and what about the other guys?"
"We're all staying Lord Mark, it's proving a very popular posting. You've a great family and we want to see you all suitably protected and also we're treated very well by you and Miss Victoria."
"It's good of you to say so. Now when are the new cars arriving?"
"They're due in the end of next month. Land Rover has delivered all six to the fit-out company and they should be being converted as we speak. I'll try and chivvy them along a bit because we need the extra protection they'll offer."
We had been asked to change all of the Range Rovers for similar models but with a high degree of protection. The armour plating and bulletproof glass as well as other features was proving extremely expensive but was deemed absolutely necessary and so, as ever, we complied.
Chapter 7 - May
The first Saturday in May heralds the first Classic of the season, the colts 2000 Guineas. The weather had dramatically improved since the day at Newbury and the warm sun had dried the ground so Newmarket had perfect conditions. I wanted as many people as possible to come along today and so had taken the largest box that Newmarket could offer. We were flying up from the luxury of the helicopter pad in the garden, what a joy.
"Where's your helmet?"
"No Victoria please, it's been with me for three months and even David says that my head has fused beautifully, come on let me return to normality, please?"
She gave me the hard stare that she was famous or should that be infamous for, the stare that sends shudders through business adversaries, not that she had many of those. She picked up the helmet and placed it on my head.
"When David tells me that you don't have to wear it you may stop until then you wear it."
I did as I was told, I wasn't going to have an argument that I would ultimately lose in front of two sets of parents, my brother, children and security detail, I still have some pride. "Alright let’s go and cheer him on!"
Lunch was being served at 12.30 and we arrived at the designated area at midday. Cars had been provided and we were safety ensconced in the box in good time having used a access lift away from the crowds who were assembling downstairs, much to my Mothers relief.
"At least we haven't been self-bombed!"
Charles laughed at Grandma, not advisable.
"Do tell your Grandmother, what is so funny Charles and then I will be able to share in the joke?"
"It's either a selfie or it's a photobomb but it isn't a self-bomb Granny."
She smiled as Charles corrected her and then she, with great alacrity pinched his ear lobe and didn't let go.
"Let you and I go on the balcony so Grandmother can impart some words of wisdom. If you'll all excuse us?"
And with that she guided Charles by his ear outside. I knew very well how he felt as I had experienced the same treatment on many occasions.
"Robert, Katie, thank you for coming."
"Look at you, what a difference a week can make you look so much better."
"I am but more importantly how is he?"
"Unbelievable, his work has improved in leaps and strides and so has his demeanour. Lizzy his girl says that she thinks he's back to his very best and maybe better."
Lunch was acceptable and the guests seemed happy to be altogether and enjoying the day, but my normal, pre-race anxiety was palpable.
"Calm down, he'll either win or lose and we'll deal with either so don't fret I'll still love you."
"Can I leave the helmet in the box?"
"So, so funny."
At 3.30pm we wandered down to the Parade Ring escorted by Tom and company. Newmarket had given me additional badges so that I could take all of the guests in and so we were a big crowd. As ever lots of people were taking self-bombs and Charles ear had almost returned to its normal pink colour. I stood very conspicuously in my yellow crash helmet and spoke with the numerous people that came by to say hello offering some lovely words of welcome and encouragement to both myself and Victoria. Lots of 'welcome back', 'looking so well', it was all very kind. Then the TV people came a calling and I couldn't escape and so with Victoria at my side we gave an interview that echoed, as they played it through the course PA system.
"Lord Mark Stanley and his very beautiful bride to be, Victoria Brompton are here to watch last season's sensational horse Royal Quest. Since last season Lord Mark, you've had the winner of the Gold Cup and been attacked by terrorists, spending a long-time in a coma and months convalescing how are you now?"
"Still wearing my crash helmet because Victoria thinks I look sexier in it then without it, but thank you for asking, I'm doing fine. It's wonderful to have a horse that is thought worthy of running in a classic race and to be able to enjoy the fabulous facilities of Newmarket with my friends and family but especially my children and the ever present Victoria, well, it's just a joy."
"Is it true that Victoria never left your side during all of the weeks in hospital?"
"That is very true. She's a truly special girl and one that I shall be incredibly proud to marry ten weeks today."
"Victoria, if I may turn to you, did you ever have any doubts that he would recover?"
Victoria looked at me and smiled.
"There were many dark days that I shared with Mark's parents and children, but through it all we never had any doubts that he would survive he's not a man that runs away from a fight."
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"As he has already heroically proven, Lord Mark, how do you rate Royal Quests chances today?"
"I think he'll win, why else own horses? He hasn't been in the best of form at home but this warm weather has come, we hope in time, for his challenge but whatever happens we'll celebrate for we have much to be grateful for."
"Thank you very much and may I wish you well today and in ten weeks time?"
"Thank you very much."
We decided to watch the race from the Parade Ring as it would take too long to get back to the box as I wasn't up to full racing pace, quite yet.
"A glorious days weather to greet the first classic race of 2015, the colts 2000 Guineas and as the horses mill around in front of the stalls, I can give you a betting show. Harry Truman is your 2/1 favourite after his sparkling win in the Craven Trial two weeks ago, next it's last year’s Champion Two Year Old and the highlight of most peoples 2014 racing, the wonderfully consistent Royal Quest, who won the Coventry Stakes, the Richmond Stakes and finished off winning the Dewhurst, all three victories coming in course record times. He hasn't been seen since and the vibes emanating from his stable have been less than positive, but he remains at 4/1, then we have the second string to Harry Truman, Kings Island at 5/1, the French challenger is Napoleon at 6/1, Saratoga is 7/1 and it's 10/1 and bigger the rest. The stall handlers are just taking them behind the stalls and loading has commenced, it won't be long now!"
We stood in a tight group watching horses going into the stalls. Robert paced around chain smoking. Victoria stood at my side with all three children either by my side or in front as the course commentator spoke again.
"The final two go in. Saratoga walks calmly in and now the favourite Harry Truman will be the last one. He's in! There under starter’s orders, they're off! It's a level break and Royal Quest takes up his customary position at the front of the field and edges out two or three off the rail. Through the first furlong and it's a good pace, being set by Royal Quest, he's a couple of lengths maybe more in front of Abergavenny, King's Island is in third. Napoleon fourth, Saratoga is into fifth, Harry Truman is sixth as they complete the second furlong and Royal Quest is now six lengths clear, surely this is too fast a pace, the time is inside the course record as he pours on the speed!"