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Julia was genuine as she met with some of them afterwards.
“Thank you for your service.” She smiled and shook their hands as they waited to meet with the Queen. This day was one they would remember and recount the whole of their lives, the day they met Queen Alexandra and she was lovely and genial and inspirational and kind. Julia would be forgotten as soon as they passed her by, but Alexandra, she would never be forgotten.
On their way back to London, Julia enquired casually to Alexandra in the back of the Range Rover,
“Ma’am, what are your weekend plans? Will you be at the castle?”
Subtext: Do you want me there and will I have to see Victoria?
Alex narrowed her eyes and met Julia’s gaze. “Yes, all of us will be. Myself, Erin and the children. We would like you to join us if you are able to.”
“Of course.” Julia nodded. She knew as well as the rest of the staff that it didn’t matter how high up and close she was to the Queen, you never said no to her.
Julia had worried for days about the weekend, and she was in the procession of cars as the Royal Family made their move to the castle, their country home for the weekend. Anywhere Alex and Erin went, even at the best of times, was a full-scale mission given the level of security that had to go with them. But now there were three small children and the nannies that came along with them, the number of cars in the procession was almost double.
Julia’s car and driver followed the procession.
She felt numb about the thought of seeing Vic. It was afternoon, so Vic would be back from the stables and no doubt keen to catch up with everyone. Everything special Julia had shared with Vic was just the two of them, or the two of them and Hyzenthlay and the dogs. Julia had loved bonding with the little girl, getting to know her and adore her.
Julia got out of the car.
“Thanks, Bob.” She smiled to her driver; her smile hid the dread she was feeling.
She headed into the castle following the family, hoping to slink off to her office and avoid everyone.
“Ma’am, I’m just going to head to my office and finish up a couple of things.” Julia looked to Alexandra, who was carrying Prince Frank, who was getting bigger by the day. He looked chubby and rosy cheeked in Alexandra’s arms.
“Of course, Julia. Please join us for dinner in the hall at six.”
Julia nodded and almost ran with her head down to her office where she sat in her chair and tipped her head back. It was going to be a long weekend. How on earth would she survive dinner with Vic?
19
Vic was still at the small cottage next to the stables on her parents’ estate. The dogs and Hyzenthlay had been kindly brought to her by Olivia with the help of one of the drivers.
“I’m really sorry, Ms Grey-Hughes. I don’t think I will be able to help you with Hyzenthlay while you are over here. The Prince and Princesses are back now and the Queen is my boss.” Olivia shook her head as she helped bring Hyzenthlay’s things into the cottage.
“See I brought this pop up crib for her—I didn’t know how to begin moving the big one.”
“It’s alright, Olivia. This stuff will be absolutely fine. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.” The dogs were happy to see her. Hyzenthlay was happy to see her. She had Satan with her. She would arrange for God to be brought over. She had sold Angel now, so she just had the two horses.
“So not too much to manage, hey, Tiny One.” She looked at Hyzenthlay. “Just you, two dogs and one horse for now and another in the future.”
The cottage was a mess. It had a damp problem, and it was lacking in many ways, but it had been Vic’s home before she moved to the castle and she was determined to make it home again. She knew she couldn’t go back. She couldn’t be somewhere she had to see Julia—it would be too painful, and she didn’t want to make Julia’s job hard for her.
On the Friday evening, there was a knock at her door and the dogs started barking. Vic was settled in with Hyzenthlay trying to watch Netflix on her iPad, which was a challenge with a very poor mobile internet connection from her phone.
“Hey, Bear, Linda. Quiet. Easy, pups.” The dogs stopped barking and backed away from the door.
It felt cold in the cottage, but she had plenty of blankets to wrap up Hyzenthlay in.
She frowned and got up to open the door.
“You are not answering your phone.” It was Erin. She was her usual tall smart self.
“How did you know where I was?”
“I quizzed Olivia until she gave you up. I got suspicious when I saw Satan and the dogs were gone too. Then I realised so much of your stuff was gone.”
