"Come up, I need to talk to you." They has just finished up at an engagement. She had a serious look about her, but had seemed fine the rest of the day. David made eyes with Sally and the older woman smiled. Since she had spoken with Eleanor, it had actually been fine. When he was around, he noticed that she kept the rest of the staff occupied with tasks in other areas of the large house and made things generally easier on them. They could go from room to room without sneaking; Sally was their accomplice in their illicit activity. She didn't seem to mind; always offering him sweets and biscuits and a smile.

They went into the study and she got right to it.

"Do you know about Christmas?" She asked, crossing her arms. He gaped at her.

"I, uh, I celebrate Christmas?" He stammered like a nutter.

"No, I meant my Christmas with the family." She sat, saying the words like curses.

"I know you do that whole bullshite walkabout at the church, but only because it gives your detail a heart attack every year." He joined her on the couch, unbuttoning his jacket to sit.

"I stay in Norfolk from the week before Christmas until Kate's birthday."

"When would that be?"

"The 9th."

"Okay, so?"

"What are we going to do?" She asked.

"About what?" He replied, causing her to throw up her hands.

"We'll be apart for so long!" She exclaimed. He broke into a grin.

"That's what you're worried about, missing me?" He was chuckling and pulled her close. She was frowning. He asked her what security protocol was in Norfolk and she said minimal for her own team because the Queen and everyone else was there too, so it was maximum for them and there was plenty of coverage.

"Plus, there's a no fly zone over Will and Kate's house." She added. "Tom normally comes for the walkabout and stays for the hunt."

"I could do it." David said, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "Vic has the kids with Kenneth's family since it's their first married Christmas. I'm supposed to get them at the end of the term break for a long weekend."

Eleanor's lips were in a tight line, her brow furrowed. "That would work. I'll be back after that so you can have even longer with them if you wanted."

"Sounds good. Maybe I'll take them to visit my parents in Scotland." He left her with a lingering kiss and plans for tomorrow.

Eleanor's engagements were ramped up since she had so much time off between Christmas and the new year. Between board meetings, dinners and engagements, she was busy every day. Her dad and Camilla had been in Africa and then Wales, so she largely had the house to herself.

"I'll miss you." She said to him breathlessly. They had snuck away to her room after her last engagement before she left for Sandringham. He kissed her hard, wanting to touch and feel all of her until they would be together again.

"And I you, Princess." David winked, rolling his hips into hers one final time. He flopped down next to her, kissing her neck.

"Do you know how to ride a horse?" She asked him, out of nowhere.

"I think I can manage." He chuckled.

"Maybe we can go riding in the country. Do you think that would be okay?" She continued, her hands entwining their fingers together. "Just me and you?"

She was so hopeful that he wanted to say yes. He didn't want to tell her that it might not look appropriate, that it might raise eyebrows. So he didn't.

"I think we can." He answered, and she snuggled in like she always did when he lingered with her in bed.

"After the new year, I should probably put in a transfer." He continued. He had told her about his conversation with Vicki and she had confessed to telling Rose.

They talked at length of options, but never really talked about the future. David didn't want to scare her and he suspected the same of her. As Vicki had said, they had met and married and had kids so fast, but it was a different time and different circumstances. Eleanor mentioned that the family was loosening up since Kate and Megan and now Jack, all "normal" people, had been around, but they both never discussed anything further than his job and the kids and one step at a time. He figured though since he was willing to basically quit his job and start another that there was something there.

"You can tell them I'm a shrill harpy and you need an immediate transfer. I won't deny it." She was smiling broadly. David made a joke about screaming and sex and her laughter filled the room.

They next saw each other on Christmas Day. He and Tom arrived from the City just as the family was readying for the walk to church. They had already opened gifts and he found her in the kitchen with Kate, both women buttoning their coats. He greeted the Duchess with a nod and a happy Christmas.

"Happy Christmas, Sergeant." Eleanor said, winking at him from under the netting on her blue and green hat. She was wearing a green plaid coat and sky high boots. She made a big story about forgetting her gloves and David was sure that Kate didn't fall for it.

"We're not leaving for ten minutes." She pulled him into the lavatory and locked the door. Her hands were at his zipper and she had him ready before he could even speak. "I've not got on any knickers." Her look was wicked. His heart started racing. He swore he was sweating. She unbuttoned her coat, coming closer.

"Don't mess up my hat." She breathed into his ear as she lined them up, the grin still there. They came together, him hooking her leg in that ridiculous boot over his hip, opposite his firearm.

She moaned against him and he gripped the edge of the sink on either side of her fully clothed body. Soon, he really was sweating, fully dressed in his vest and suit and tie, his heart beating out of his chest. She kissed his forehead satisfied with herself.

"That was some gift." His accent was thick.

"I knew you'd like it." She started adjusting herself, turning to the mirror and fixing everything out of place. She bumped into him purposely with her behind as he was fixing himself, eliciting a groan. Then, she turned back to help him with his tie, leaving a long kiss on his lips. She open the door a crack and, after checking both ways, was gone. He splashed water on his face, took a drink, and checked his appearance once more. Confident he wouldn't give them away, he stepped out as well, ready for the walkabout.