Even with a hat and sunglasses it was hot. Abbey was sweating and looking for any shade, but there was none at Court number 2 watching the match between Kim Clijsters and Venus Williams. Zoey had been insistent on sitting court side and Abbey hadn't had the heart to turn her down. She knew that she and her daughter were very visible to the television cameras tracking the action and because of that, any hope of privacy on this trip had evaporated.

She was brought out of her fugue by the attendant leaning over her and asking her a question.

"Excuse me, would you please repeat that? I didn't hear you."

The attendant repeated her statement. "Ma'am, you have a phone call upstairs."

Abbey stared at her. 'Who would be calling her at Wimbledon?' That was strange. But she stood up, leaned down to Zoey to tell her she would be right back, and nodded to her agent. As she got to the aisle, she told him what the attendant had said to her.

"Yes, Ma'am. It's okay. I'll follow you."

"Do you know who is calling me?"

"Yes, Ma'am. But I've been asked not to tell you."

"Okay." She made her way up the stairs and into the air-conditioned space underneath the upper stands. She saw someone motioning her over to a small office so she made her way over to it. The man handed her the phone and left her alone.

"Hello?"

"Enjoying yourself?"

"Jed! How did you find us?"

"Well, you are on the ESPN Early Breakfast show. It wasn't hard to determine where you were."

"What? It must be almost 7:00 a.m. over there."

"That's right. And the whole world is watching you and Zoey watching the match. So much for your so-called private trip. I can even see how much you're sweating. And let me tell you, you aren't sexy looking when you are sweating."

"You don't say that the other times I sweat. And I'm not going to say what times those are because I'm in a public place and this is not a secure line. But I think you know what I mean, don't you?"

"Well, I must admit sweating is relevant to time and place. But this is definitely not one of them."

Abbey sighed. "I know. But Zoey insisted she wanted courtside seats so that's what she got. I think the temperature is like 32 degrees Celsius with a very, very high humidity."

"That's only about 89 degrees Fahrenheit Abbey. That's not too bad."

"Try sitting in the direct sunlight for a while and then say it's not too bad. Listen, I need to get back. Thanks for the surprise call, but I know you have some business to take care of. I love you. I'll be home at the end of the week so keep my side of the bed warm, you hear?"

"I always do. I love you too. Bye."

Abbey hung up. She had to smile. Her husband was always full of surprises and this was certainly one. And she missed him as much she knew he missed her. But she would have fun. It was rare that she had such dedicated time with Zoey.

Abbey made her way back to her seat. Zoey was still enthralled with watching the match so Abbey didn't interrupt her. It wasn't until the break that Zoey turned and asked her who had been on the phone.

"Your crazy father. He was watching us on the tv in the bedroom while getting ready for work. Apparently, our seats are in the perfect location for random shots for the television cameras and ESPN is carrying the match live back in the States."

"Great. I hope all of my friends are getting jealous that I'm here and they're not."

"That reminds me. Who are you dating now? You haven't said much about that part of your life."

"None of your business. Mom. Oh look, time for the match." Zoey turned away from her mother and started watching the players again. Obviously, she didn't want to talk about that part of her life. Abbey was disappointed. And so was Jed. If something happened, it happened. Abbey and Jed had tried to interfere between Liz and Doug and all it had done was drive them closer together. And Liz had become pregnant. So, staying out of their children's love life had become their mantra. Whatever was going to happen, would.

Finally, the match was over. Venus Williams had won and was slated for the Ladies Final day after tomorrow. A match later this afternoon between Serena Williams and third seed Justine Henin-Hardenne would determine if Venus played her sister in the finals.

In the meantime, Abbey had to get to a cooler place. Abbey had received an invitation to the clubhouse for lunch as a guest so, after most of the ticketed patrons left, she and Zoey, along with their agents found their way to the air-conditioned room and were greeted by the President of the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, the Duke of Kent.

"Mrs. Bartlet, It is a great pleasure to have you and your daughter here at Wimbledon. I wish I had known you were coming. Please do me the favor of sitting with me in the Royal Box for the next match."

"I will be honored to do so, Your Royal Highness. I am here on a private visit and have been trying to keep a low profile, but have finally realized that it will be impossible. I would like you to meet my daughter, Zoey Patricia Bartlet. Zoey, this is the Duke of Kent."

"Your Royal Highness, I am pleased to meet you. I am thoroughly enjoying the matches." Zoey slightly curtseyed.

"Thank you. Now, will you and your mother do the honor and eat lunch with me?"

Abbey answered for the both of them. "We'll be glad to."

They had a delicious lunch of salad greens topped with chunked salmon covered in a light balsamic vinaigrette and for dessert, they were served the strawberries and cream Wimbledon was famous for.

Afterwards, they were escorted to the Royal Box for the afternoon match where they were seated next to the Duke on the front row, now more in the public limelight than ever before. Abbey had now resigned herself to the fact that her private visit had turned public. At least, she was not on an official visit. She could at least enjoy herself a little more and she knew Zoey was having a fabulous time talking with the royal cousins of the Duke more her own age.

As they got ready to leave, she said her thanks to the Duke. "Thank you so much. We had a glorious time."

"If you're planning on returning at some point during your visit, I insist you sit in the box. Just let my office in Buckingham Palace know your dates and I'll make sure your passes are sent to your hotel."

Abbey was overwhelmed with the Duke's offer. "That's so gracious of you. I'll talk with my daughter and let you know. Thank you so much."

"You are so welcomed. Our two countries have a long-term relationship and it's the least I can do for members of the President's family. And if I can arrange anything else special, by all means let me know."

"I certainly will. Thank you." Abbey nodded and motioned for Zoey to follow her. They made their way through the crowd with Marks and the other two agents moving the crowd out of the way until they reached their Land Rover. Slipping in the back seat, the first thing Abbey said was, "Turn that air conditioning on high."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Marks and the driver smiled. They were just as warm as their passengers and as grateful as their passengers for the cool air.