Chapter 58
WITHOUT HER
DUNCAN
London Daily Times
The Prince of Wales wrapped up his visits with charities in New York today. Now, he moves on to D.C. and a meeting with the American President. The tour has so far been hailed a wonderful triumph for the wayward prince. Even with the loss of a staff member, he’s persevered.
In all honesty, we’d never encourage anyone to take the job of Social Secretary to Prince Duncan. It’s a doomed position. And while we are assured Miss Mills will return at some point, conspiracies swirl. Leo Hayes, our Royal Correspondent summarizes the general tenor of these theories.
“The world ‘ships’ a relationship between Prince Duncan and the young woman. It’s inexplicable. If a relationship doesn’t exist, people might will it into fruition.”
Ilooked out my window as our motorcade approached the White House from the British Embassy. Back in Newfoundland, Ella settled into the rental Monique had booked—an old fisherman’s cottage. Poor Ella was still in pain, recovering from her surgery, but remained brave.
Without her, John ran on all cylinders. He tried not admitting how much we needed Ella to run interference. She was the best at yelling and barking orders. John was too nice and his accent too cute for these Americans.
Today was the biggest day. No pressure. Eloise reminded me that this was my shot to look like a proper monarch. I needed to prove I was ready for diplomacy at the grownups table.
“Sir, it will go well,” John noticed my reticence.
“I know. I will make it so. Mum will skin me alive.”
“Sir, this is for you. You will do a grand job because it is for you.”
“John, I’m tired,” I said. “I am worn down. I have been on this redemption tour for four months now and jumped up and down. I have done so much—everything everyone has asked of me. I’ve had cameras following me around for more than a month now.
And all I can think about is how good a break will feel. But when?”
“Should I book you a holiday, sir?”
“Wouldn’t that be Ella’s job?” I chuckled.
“Well, Ella is momentarily predisposed. And… I do not mean to be rude, sir, but I think she will be hiring a replacement.”
“Why should she?” I asked.
“Because she’s not long for the job. No one is. It’s a revolving door. And it’s not you. It’s that you love her. And if you love her, making her chase you around will get old.”
“But I long to bring her everywhere with me. This allows me to do it.”
“And is that fair to her, sir?”
He gave me a look that suggested it was not.
I shrugged. “Okay, maybe it’s a crutch.”
“I promise you I have full faith that she will be going everywhere with you before too long. And it won’t be the end of the world to take some time focusing on your next steps—and hers.”
“I love her, John.”
“I know, sir. But she’s not a set piece in a game who lives to chase you about. She’s a person. And, she may need to think about her own next steps.”
“Like hiring her own staff at some point,” I sighed.
He shrugged. “We are far off from there, sir. But we might be getting closer than she’d even know. Either way, I think you have earned a holiday, and I can put in a request. I do not suspect your mother will balk at the idea. Might you take Miss Mills with you?”
I smiled slightly. “Somewhere warm. Somewhere she can wear as little as possible. Yes. Sounds brilliant.”