That afternoon, there was tea with the Queen. Mother, Bree and I made our way down there.
Bree was dressed like a little princess. A sleeveless mint dress with a floral print and black belt. Black Mary Jane's and white socks. Mom wore a matching dress, only she wore black heels instead. I myself wore a yellow dress with a square neckline, elbow-length sleeves and a blue floral print. I wore a blue flower crown and blue heels.
Queen Elizabeth was talking with the mothers that were able to make it. She wore a simple, flowy white lace dress. I saw sisters, friends, cousins, mothers.
"Queen Elizabeth," I said.
"There's my favorite non-contestant!" She cried.
I laughed. "Meet my mother, Renée Swan."
Mother dropped into a curtsy.
"And what do you do, Mrs. Swan?"
"I am the Queen of Germany's personal maid. Not lady-in-waiting like Bella, just a maid."
"Are you proud of your daughter?"
"Yes. Very much. It was a big deal when Queen Veronica announced that our daughter would be Princess Alice's playmate and future lady."
"Yes. They get along quite well. Very devoted, protective and close."
"They practically grew up together."
"I wish my son had a friend like that." Queen Elizabeth sighed. "It'd be nice. A proper friend, someone to talk with. Well, at least he'll get a wife from this. Not like he's shown any interest in them."
"Really?" I asked.
"No, he doesn't." She sighed. "I fear my husband will force him to choose when he's not interested."
I have to talk with him about this.
I felt someone tugging on my dress.
"Bree!" I hissed. "What are you doing? You can't act like that, especially when the queen's present!"
We made our way to the window, and Bree pointed outside.
"Look!"
I peered past the shrubs and fountains and saw two figures. The first was my father, speaking with his hands as he either explained or asked something. The second was Edward, pausing to think before responding. They walked slowly, and sometimes my dad would put his hands in his pockets or Edward would tuck his behind his back. Whatever this conversation was, it seemed intense.
I glanced around. The women were all still engrossed with the experience, with the queen herself, and no one seemed to notice us.
Edward stopped, stood in front of my father, and spoke deliberately. There was no aggression or anger, but he looked determined. After a pause, Dad held out his hand. Edward smiled and shook it eagerly. A moment later, they both seemed lighter, and Dad slapped Edward on the back. Edward seemed to stiffen a bit at that. He wasn't used to being touched. But then Dad put his arm around Edward's shoulder, the way he did with me and Emmett, the way he did with all his kids. And Edward seemed to like that very much.
"What was that about?" I asked aloud.
Bree shrugged. "It looked important though."
"It did."
We waited to see if Edward had a conversation with anyone else's father; but if he did, they didn't go to the gardens.