Chapter 14
I’LL (NOT) BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
ELOISE
The London Times
These pictures show the arrival of The Prince of Wales at the RAF Valley Christmas dinner.
Dressed down, he carried in a plate of something.
All attendees were encouraged to bring a dessert to share, so the Prince brought his late grandmother’s famous American chocolate chip cookies.
While there was no word on whether he baked them himself, the Prince looked at ease—a sharp contrast with yesterday’s video.
The Palace reports Prince Duncan will head north soon to make it to family Christmas on Christmas Eve.
“Miss Mills... I spared one for you.”
John approached, holding a cookie in a napkin.
“How did you know?” I giggled.
“Americans. They go mad for these. Go on. Enjoy. The Prince was insistent I grab one and bring it to you before all hell broke loose.”
“Nice of him and kind of you,” I said.
“He's doing well,” John said.
I nodded. “I know he didn't want to, but he's killing it. I didn't put him up to that speech. His CO did. And he just pantsed it. Good for him.”
John smiled and nodded as I bit into the cookie. I gave a thumbs up, confirming it was good.
“He doesn't bake,” John whispered.
I about choked in laughter.
“I know. A surprise! No. That was a courtesy of Mandy, our housekeeper. She adores him. And she learned the recipe from the Dowager Queen's staff. Queen Vanora was...”
“Very beloved?” I asked. “I don't really remember her much. I lived here when she died. it was very sad. She seemed especially kind.”
“Yes. Are your parents British? Transplants?”
“I attended school at Seymour,” I said. “I’m American.”
“Seymour is an excellent school. No wonder you are clever. Must be a Type A like that.”
I shrugged. It was what I was expected to do in hopes I might run in the right circles.
Too bad everything about that got cocked up and it wasn't the time to chase a duke.
Not my thing. But that was always the expectation.
If I went the right places and met the right people, the right man would snatch me up.
“Are you going home for Christmas, Miss Mills?”
I shook my head. “No. I am staying on. Jax cleared it with the Queen's staff.”
“Not to London?”
“No,” I answered. “One of my flatmates—the one I so loathe—will not go home. So, it would just be me and her. No thanks. I figure I will catch up on my reading and cook a big meal. I have a delivery coming tomorrow.”
“Oh, really?”
“I had to pay out the nose for delivery out this way, but I don't drive. So, what was I to do?”
“Miss Mills, whatever you need, please let us know. Do not worry about that. We can collect groceries for you. Just go to the main house and give Mandy a time and date and she will send a driver.”
“It's no trouble—”
“We've exiled a pretty young thing like you to Wales. Miss Mills, it is the least we can do.”
I blushed.
“Well, the protective not-ever-father in me makes me feel I should extend and offer to you—”
“Oh, God, no. You're such a sweetheart, John. But, no. That's just you being British.”
He sniggered. “No. It's because I want someone to entertain my mother-in-law. She'd needle you, not us.”
“I see how it is!”
“No family?”
“My father is gone,” I said. “My mom and I aren't close. And I don't have time to get home to the States either way.”
“Only child?”
I nodded. “Lemme guess. Your partner is an only?”
“Yes, Miss Mills. You are very perceptive.”
“I know one when I see it. The people pleasing but also conflict avoidant.”
“But would you change it?”
“I was perpetually lonely as a child,” I answered. “I had no cousins. I was very isolated. It's why if I ever marry, I plan on having at least two. I know some people hate their siblings, but I will just hope for the best. I was so lonely.”
I wondered if Prince Duncan could relate. And, as if his ears were burning, he looked over with an unsettling gaze. I couldn't tell what that expression was, but I knew it wasn't adoration. He was cursing me.
“Let's make up an excuse to get out of here,” I said. “I will grant him mercy.”
“Yes, Miss Mills. We will be out in a moment. I will have them bring the car round.”