Page 65 of His Royal Request

I noted Maribeth across from her. “Did she take care of you?”

Charlie’s eyes twinkled. “Yes, she did.”

“Good, I hope you enjoyed your time cause your mine for the rest of the night.”

She bit her bottom lip and smiled. I wouldn’t need to convince her.

“The party will be moving out to the walled garden,” Dad announced before leading the group outside. The sun had dipped low against the horizon but we still had a bit of light. Mum had also instructed the gardeners to light the pathways and garden for the event.

We got to the main entrance gate and Charlie paused. I looked to her and smiled at her stunned expression. We hadn’t even gone in yet; we had stopped in front of the iron gate.

“It’s beautiful.” She held up her hand and traced the spiral pattern. It was black with gold touches and quite striking, but it was something I’d seen a million times.

Seeing her take it in for the first time reminded me of all I took for granted. Being with her helped me remember to take it all in and appreciate it.

“Wait until you see inside.”

She pulled me through, more excited than I’d seen in days. The walled-in area was made up of four square, symmetrical knot gardens with paths between each. The geometrical designs were the highlight and always impressed our visitors.

“It’s like the Palace of Versailles,” Charlie whispered with wonder.

“On a much smaller scale.”

She laughed and looked up at me. “Well, this is only one of the gardens.”

I was about to rattle off the history when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned and worked to keep the cringe off my face.

MacDonald and Pierce, two members of Parliament, stood with expectant expressions. They weren’t exactly my biggest fans and I was sure they had strong opinions about me dating a title-less foreigner.

“Evening gentlemen, to what do I owe this rare pleasure?” I slipped my arm around Charlie’s shoulders and pulled her closer to me as if that would protect her from whatever they were planning.

“We wanted to introduce ourselves to your new friend.” Pierce dragged his eyes over her with no attempt at hiding his disdain.

“Yes, we’ve heard chatter and thought it best we meet her,” MacDonald spoke as if Charlie wasn’t directly in front of him.

“It’s lovely to meet you both.” Charlie held out her hand for MacDonald who stared down at it for a few beats before reluctantly shaking it. Pierce was slightly less embarrassing, but I made a mental note about these two.

“How lucky you are to be on the prince’s arm. Your friends and family back home must be so thrilled.”

When had MacDonald become the most condescending person in the country?

I was about to defend her but she wasn’t going to back down.

“Actually, my parents had to leave their home and check into a hotel because the media won’t leave them alone. They’re supportive of me and my decisions, but I don’t think I’d use the word thrilled.”

Pierce looked down his nose at her. “Well, I can only imagine the family will miss you terribly when you have to leave.”

I pulled her even closer. “You have no idea. Charlie’s become a dear friend and I’m sure when she leaves it will only be temporary.”

Isla appeared behind the men with Mum at her side.

“Charlie has been a pure delight,” Mum said. “I’m sure once you and the rest of the country gets a chance to know her better, you’ll share my opinion.” She condemned them with a look and they scurried off like frightened mice.

Charlie giggled. “Thank you both. That was very sweet of you to say.”

Mum smiled. “It’s true, my dear. I may not have had much time to spend with you, but you’ve brought happiness to my children and have remained graceful in the face of adversity. I admire you for that.”

Charlie stuttered a bit before composing herself. “Thank you so much, Your Maj-”