Leopold was not in a good mood when he arrived back at the stables.
Jack had tried to catch up with him, but it was next to impossible. Jack
had never seen him in such a mood, and it concerned him. Mordrid was a
very temperamental horse, and could sense his master's mood. This was not
a good thing, under the certain mood Leopold was obviously in. But Jack
was relieved when he found Leopold dismounting in front of the stables and
quickly got off his horse to assist him.
"I wouldn't pay any attention to him. You know Lord Spencer, is often all talk. He loves to make waves."
"Nothing has changed. He has been gone 10 years and he still has a way of getting under my skin in the worst possible way."
Jack took hold of Mordrid's reigns, "You handled him very well, but then you always have."
"I am not handling it very well at all, Jack. I come across that way to his face, but he has always caused trouble as far as this family is concerned. I don't trust him. He has obviously ruined Millicent's life, and I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if he has something to do with Janet and her broken engagement…and I have to think about Kate." Jack could tell he was worried. "He is determined to make my life as unpleasant as possible, through everyone I care about."
"He has met his match, Leopold. You are far wiser than he will ever be; show him what the Duke of Albany is made up of it. Don't allow him to bring you to his level. That is what he wants."
"I see your point. Sometimes my temper gets the best of me, I should not have stormed off."
"Actually, you did that well. I loved the whole "always a pleasure, Edgar". Nice touch. He can't stand your niceties."
Leopold smiled, he and Jack were actually having a conversation between friends.
"He did warn me when I rode off. Told me to watch my back and Janet's. You know he's done enough damage. If you ever need my assistance in dealing with the prick, pardon my language, your grace," he smiled, "I am at your service."
"It is good to know I can count on you, Jack. I am hoping it won't come to that."
Leopold looked at his pocket watch and realized he needed to get up to the house for breakfast. He was enjoying Jack's company and would have liked to have spent more time with him. Jack noticed Leopold's hesitancy in leaving.
"I am sure Miss Katherine will be expecting to have breakfast with you. You should go."
"I have thoroughly enjoyed our ride this morning, even running into Edgar. It is gratifying to know we have a mutual disgust for Lord Spencer, and there's nothing like an intelligent conversation to begin the day. I know things can't be the same as they were when we were boys, but having you as a friend is extremely significant to me. I want you to know, Jack, if you ever need anything, or just need someone to talk to, I am always available. "
"And the same goes for me. You always know where I am. Of course it won't be the same now that you will be a married man. I can remember all the talks we had about the women who would fling themselves onto you."
Leopold smiled remembering those days. "Janet would go off in a huff, she found it very annoying when we excluded her."
"I think she found it more annoying that she wasn't the center of attention. "
"She was a handful back then."
"She is a handful now."
"You will take care of her, won't you, Jack? I am sure I don't even have to ask you that question. You already seem to have helped her through the last few days. I do believe you have more of a chance with her than you think possible. Being friends is how every relationship should begin. She will come around."
Jack would've loved to believe he had a chance, but he didn't see it. Janet would always love Leopold, but Jack was hoping that Leopold's marriage would finally snap her out of this infatuation with a man she could never have.
"I am hoping you are right, but she is not like any other woman I have ever known."
Leopold smiled, "I find myself repeating that phrase quite often in regards to Kate. Women like Kate and Janet are rarities in this world, they require a little more effort on our part, but in the long run, well worth it."
"Effort isn't the word I would have used. Hard work is more like it. Janet is hard work."
He patted Jack on the back, "You are doing fine. She obviously values your friendship immensely. Don't give up."
He then headed up to the house to join his family for breakfast.
Kate awoke to Janet opening the drapes in her room, "I am sorry, Miss, but her ladyship insisted I wake you. She would like you to join her for breakfast."
"Is Leopold back from his ride?"
"He should be back shortly and will join you in the dining room."
Nothing had changed. Janet was still short and to the point, every time Kate addressed her, and Kate found it extremely annoying. She was determined to break through.
She sat up in bed and stretched, "I am sure I will be expected to go over the wedding preparations. Leopold's aunt is obsessed with this whole affair. So tell me, Janet, what do I need to expect from a Royal wedding?"
"I wouldn't know, miss, I have never had the opportunity to attend one, or will ever have for that matter, being of a lower station in life."
Her tone of voice was very cynical sounding and this made Kate a little angry.
"I think you need to get one thing straight, Janet. I am no different than you. My parents were hard working people. I had no special privileges, and by no means have ever had a maid. When my parents were killed in a car accident," she realized she had slipped up and corrected herself quickly, hoping Janet hadn't notice, "train accident..I was in my first year of college, my brother was 15. I know what a hard life is like. I went to college, and worked, and took care of him. I also put him through college. I am not use to this. I have never been so idle in my whole life. So don't assume that I come from some fancy pancy household, where I sat around and embroidered or knitted or whatever ladies around here do. Because that wasn't the case. I am more like you than you think."
Janet was a bit surprised by her outburst, and thoughts went through her head, how did Leopold end up with her? How did she slip by Millard? She had no money, what good what she do the family? Janet knew that Millard had been looking for a suitable wife for Leopold. A suitable rich wife. She was very curious, and part of her found her interesting and someone she could possibly talk to, but inside what she felt for Leopold was to strong, and before she could stop herself she said, "You are nothing like me. You are marrying Leopold, I am not." It was too late, she had said it, and there was nothing she could do about it.
"Are you in love with Leopold?"
"What kind of question is that? He is my employer. I was just pointing out that you are marrying a Duke, and your life is already incredibly different than mine. You will go to London and be introduced to society, and attend galas and balls and wear beautiful gowns. You can talk all you want about your hard life, and how similar it is to mine, but all that matters now is you will be the Duchess of Albany and you will have an heir as soon as possible. Because that is what is important to a man, to have an heir. That is what wives are good for."
"You are a very bitter young woman."
"You have no idea, what my life has been like." She was on the verge of tears and held them back.
"You're right, I don't. And I am truly sorry, if some man has hurt you. We are getting off to a bad start, here. I don't want you to hate me. Can't we try to get along?"
"I am here to do my job, I didn't choose to be your companion, but I need the job."
"You have a bad attitude. And you know, I don't want you to lose your job, so you need to try to get along with me. I am really not that bad. In fact, you might find that I am good listener…a good talker too. I don't want to have to tell Leopold, this isn't working out."
"You wouldn't?!"
"I don't want to, but if you keep up the attitude problem, I will see no alternative."
"I am truly, sorry, miss. I will try and be more congenial in the future. I can't lose this job. No one else would have me."
Kate stood up and went to the washbowl and splashed water on her face, Janet handed her a towel. They faced each other, silent. "So let's start again. What do you say?"
Janet nodded.
"So what do you think is appropriate to wear downstairs for breakfast?"
Janet took out a simple lavender dress and Kate took it from her, and went behind a screen in the corner to change. As she changed she could peek over the top of the screen and she continued to talk to Janet, "I don't know how you do it, day in and day out with all these horrible undergarments and tight dresses."
"Do you mean, they aren't wearing this type of thing in America?"
"Not where I come from, believe me. Give me a pair of pants any day."
"Pants, as in gentlemen's underwear, Miss?"
"Sorry, trousers. That is what you call them here."
"You wore trousers in America?"
"Whenever I could."
"I think I would like America, Miss. I can't bear dresses. I used to get away with wearing trousers when I was young, Jack and Master Leopold always gave me their hand me downs when they outgrew them. It really irritated my mother, she tried desperately to make me into a lady."
"I would have liked to have known Leopold back then."
Janet remembered what it was like. They had lessons together and then the 3 of them would go off riding in the woods. They treated her like one of the boys, and she liked it that way until they started getting interested in women and were forever discussing the latest parlor maid, or cook's assistant. She was disgusted by their talk and would go off in a sulk. But most of the time it was pure bliss. They would watch the clouds go by, or sail toy boats on the lake. She had never wanted those days to end, and then Leopold had gone away to university and nothing was to be the same again. She snapped out of her daydream and Kate was glaring at her.
"You were thinking about those times?"
She nodded. "It was wonderful back then, but things change. We have to grow up."
"Growing up is overrated. We were always so anxious to grow up, and then it happens and all we want is our youth back. I think everyone feels that way."
Janet had grown up way to fast and the memories of the summer; she was 15 were ones she would rather forget. Kate could tell she was in another world and as she came out from behind the screen she went to Janet's side.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, miss, I am fine." She helped Kate tie the sash on the dress and was surprised when Kate put her hair up with one hand. Janet went to the window and saw Leopold and Jack outside the stables, "You better get down to breakfast, Master Leopold is back." Kate noticed the way Janet did not budge from the window. It seemed fairly obvious she was smitten with him, probably some childhood crush from years ago. It didn't bother Kate at all. In fact, she found it rather charming. Obviously, Leopold had no clue. Which wasn't surprising, but Kate felt a bit bad. This poor girl had been jilted by her fiancé, and the wedding was sure to be difficult for her. At least, she was coming around and that was a start.
Kate sat at the breakfast table, and listened to Margaret talk about the wedding. It was obvious she wasn't going to have any say in it at all. There was talk about the parties they would have to attend in London prior to the wedding and the dress fitting, the invites and the wedding breakfast that would precede the wedding. Kate found it boring and nibbled on a piece of toast, looking towards the door, in hopes that Leopold would soon rescue her from all this. He finally pranced in the room and her eyes lit up, he smiled and leaned over giving her a kiss on the cheek, he rolled his eyes at the clutter on the table. Sketches of wedding dresses, different styles of writing for the invitations and Aunt Margaret's guest list. He could see that the number of guests already exceeded the amount he was thinking of, and she was obviously not finished. He pointed his finger at the paper and addressed his aunt, "I am afraid aunt, that you will never fit that many people in the chapel here at Balinor, what were you thinking, that we would be wed at St. Paul's or some other equally monstrosity of a cathedral."
"Well, since you mentioned it, Leopold. I do believe it would only be fitting that you have the wedding in London."
"Definitely not."
He stood his ground and sat down next to Kate, picking up a piece of toast and grabbing the newspaper.
"Leopold, this is the only wedding you will ever have."
"Precisely, and I will not have a spectacle. I don't even know the majority of people on your guest list."
"But they know you."
Parker walked in holding a letter, "Your grace, a letter has just arrived for you."
He took it from Parker and saw the seal, Margaret couldn't help but notice. She looked very excited and Leopold rolled his eyes once again. "Do you have anything to do with this?"
He started to open the letter, and read it silently. Flinging it onto the table where it landed in front of Kate, she saw the signature. "This is from the Queen."
"Her majesty, requests are presence at a gala in a fortnight. She believes it would be appropriate for you to be acquainted with other members of royalty before you take your nuptials, and she insists that the wedding take place at St. Paul's cathedral."
Margaret was all smiles, "Wonderful. This is all falling nicely into place."
Kate could picture St. Paul's. The steps where the bird lady sang, "Feed the Birds" in Mary Poppins. Leopold was right about it being monstrous.
"You cannot deny Kate the wedding she deserves."
Kate looked up; she hadn't been consulted about any of this.
He looked over at Kate, "Is this the wedding you want?"
She didn't know what to say. She looked from Leopold to Margaret, "I really don't have any idea, what a royal wedding should be. I really liked the idea of the chapel here at Balinor."
"Kate, you haven't experienced St. Paul's cathedral. It is beautiful. You would not be disappointed, I assure you."
Just then Millard stormed into the dining room in a rage, Kate was glad, she wouldn't have to discuss the wedding for the time being, which was fine by her.
"Leopold, what is the meaning of hiring Janet Collins without consulting me. She is inadequate as a companion for Katherine. What were you thinking?"
"This is my house, and I don't have to consult you on such matters. She will make a fine companion for Kate."
He looked towards Kate, to get some sort of reaction on how things were going and he could tell by the look on her face, not that good.
"When I sent her away 12 years ago, it was for good reasons and I never expected her to come back here."
"She has nowhere to go. No references. She is the daughter of the best housekeeper this family has ever had, she is family."
"Not as far as I am concerned."
Margaret was reading the queen's letter and ignoring Millard, "For heaven's sake, the only thing that is important right now is the wedding, Millard. Sit down and be quiet. Janet is the least of our worries. There is so much to be done in such a short time. If you dislike the girl so much, I will make sure she stays out of your way."
Leopold smiled at his aunt, knowing that his uncle wouldn't even contemplate arguing with her. Millard scowled at Leopold, "This matter is not closed, Leopold. Once the wedding takes place, she will have to go."
Leopold just smiled, knowing to leave it for the time being. He took hold of Kate's hand, "before we were so rudely interrupted, I believe we were discussing the wedding that Kate and myself would prefer. Or have you forgotten, we are to be the bride and groom."
"Millard, tell your nephew that it would be unfitting for him to turn down the suggestion of her majesty. The wedding must be at St. Pauls."
"I will not be involved in this fiasco. I don't want the wedding to take place at all, as you recall, and the mere idea of having Kate make fool of herself in front of the royal family makes my skin crawl."
Kate wasn't going to take this, "You are doing it again, acting like I am not in the room. Well, I am in the room and this is my wedding. I don't want to be married at St. Paul's cathedral; I want to be married here at Balinor, where Leopold's parents were married. I don't want to be fitted for a dress, if it's all right with Leopold I would like to wear his mother's dress. I noticed it was hanging in the wardrobe. I think it would fit. If not, maybe I can have it altered."
Leopold sat back, with a satisfied grin on his face. Proud of Kate speaking her mind, "I think my mother's dress is a wonderful idea. I would be pleased if you chose to wear it. Aunt Margaret, I think you will have to start another guest list. The chapel here at Balinor will suit us fine. I will reply to her Majesty's letter and thank her for the suggestion of St. Paul's. I am sure she will respect our wishes of being married here, where my parents were wed."
"Leopold, you are making a mistake."
"I am always making mistakes, but they are my mistakes, Aunt. I am sure this will not effect your position in society. I will tell her majesty we will accept her invitation to the gala, and Kate will not make a fool of herself, Uncle. Does that make you happy, aunt Margaret?"
"I want it to be perfect, Leopold."
Leopold knew she was thinking this would be the only wedding she would ever have any involvement in, having no children of her own. "You will be busy arranging our social schedule while we are in London, and of course I will leave the preparations for the wedding breakfast entirely in your hands."
"You will be making the social rounds, Leopold? I just assumed…"
"I realize it is totally out of character for me. I cannot fathom most of my peers and their families, but I know what it means to you. Kate might enjoy it."
She got up and moved over to him, giving him a hug and kiss, "Thank- you."
"It will be a beautiful wedding, Aunt."
"Of course it will, we couldn't have a prettier bride and the most handsome groom I have ever seen."
Millard grunted, "Alright, enough. I can't bear this saccharine babble. Do you think we could speak of something else, while I am trying to enjoy my breakfast. I am anxious to hear about your ride this morning, Leopold. How did the estate look."
"Splendid. And we ran into Edgar Spencer."
Millard nearly choked on his toast. They had only been at Balinor for a day, and already Edgar had appeared to stir up trouble and Janet Collins was his future neice's personal companion. What could possibly go wrong next?
"I wouldn't pay any attention to him. You know Lord Spencer, is often all talk. He loves to make waves."
"Nothing has changed. He has been gone 10 years and he still has a way of getting under my skin in the worst possible way."
Jack took hold of Mordrid's reigns, "You handled him very well, but then you always have."
"I am not handling it very well at all, Jack. I come across that way to his face, but he has always caused trouble as far as this family is concerned. I don't trust him. He has obviously ruined Millicent's life, and I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if he has something to do with Janet and her broken engagement…and I have to think about Kate." Jack could tell he was worried. "He is determined to make my life as unpleasant as possible, through everyone I care about."
"He has met his match, Leopold. You are far wiser than he will ever be; show him what the Duke of Albany is made up of it. Don't allow him to bring you to his level. That is what he wants."
"I see your point. Sometimes my temper gets the best of me, I should not have stormed off."
"Actually, you did that well. I loved the whole "always a pleasure, Edgar". Nice touch. He can't stand your niceties."
Leopold smiled, he and Jack were actually having a conversation between friends.
"He did warn me when I rode off. Told me to watch my back and Janet's. You know he's done enough damage. If you ever need my assistance in dealing with the prick, pardon my language, your grace," he smiled, "I am at your service."
"It is good to know I can count on you, Jack. I am hoping it won't come to that."
Leopold looked at his pocket watch and realized he needed to get up to the house for breakfast. He was enjoying Jack's company and would have liked to have spent more time with him. Jack noticed Leopold's hesitancy in leaving.
"I am sure Miss Katherine will be expecting to have breakfast with you. You should go."
"I have thoroughly enjoyed our ride this morning, even running into Edgar. It is gratifying to know we have a mutual disgust for Lord Spencer, and there's nothing like an intelligent conversation to begin the day. I know things can't be the same as they were when we were boys, but having you as a friend is extremely significant to me. I want you to know, Jack, if you ever need anything, or just need someone to talk to, I am always available. "
"And the same goes for me. You always know where I am. Of course it won't be the same now that you will be a married man. I can remember all the talks we had about the women who would fling themselves onto you."
Leopold smiled remembering those days. "Janet would go off in a huff, she found it very annoying when we excluded her."
"I think she found it more annoying that she wasn't the center of attention. "
"She was a handful back then."
"She is a handful now."
"You will take care of her, won't you, Jack? I am sure I don't even have to ask you that question. You already seem to have helped her through the last few days. I do believe you have more of a chance with her than you think possible. Being friends is how every relationship should begin. She will come around."
Jack would've loved to believe he had a chance, but he didn't see it. Janet would always love Leopold, but Jack was hoping that Leopold's marriage would finally snap her out of this infatuation with a man she could never have.
"I am hoping you are right, but she is not like any other woman I have ever known."
Leopold smiled, "I find myself repeating that phrase quite often in regards to Kate. Women like Kate and Janet are rarities in this world, they require a little more effort on our part, but in the long run, well worth it."
"Effort isn't the word I would have used. Hard work is more like it. Janet is hard work."
He patted Jack on the back, "You are doing fine. She obviously values your friendship immensely. Don't give up."
He then headed up to the house to join his family for breakfast.
Kate awoke to Janet opening the drapes in her room, "I am sorry, Miss, but her ladyship insisted I wake you. She would like you to join her for breakfast."
"Is Leopold back from his ride?"
"He should be back shortly and will join you in the dining room."
Nothing had changed. Janet was still short and to the point, every time Kate addressed her, and Kate found it extremely annoying. She was determined to break through.
She sat up in bed and stretched, "I am sure I will be expected to go over the wedding preparations. Leopold's aunt is obsessed with this whole affair. So tell me, Janet, what do I need to expect from a Royal wedding?"
"I wouldn't know, miss, I have never had the opportunity to attend one, or will ever have for that matter, being of a lower station in life."
Her tone of voice was very cynical sounding and this made Kate a little angry.
"I think you need to get one thing straight, Janet. I am no different than you. My parents were hard working people. I had no special privileges, and by no means have ever had a maid. When my parents were killed in a car accident," she realized she had slipped up and corrected herself quickly, hoping Janet hadn't notice, "train accident..I was in my first year of college, my brother was 15. I know what a hard life is like. I went to college, and worked, and took care of him. I also put him through college. I am not use to this. I have never been so idle in my whole life. So don't assume that I come from some fancy pancy household, where I sat around and embroidered or knitted or whatever ladies around here do. Because that wasn't the case. I am more like you than you think."
Janet was a bit surprised by her outburst, and thoughts went through her head, how did Leopold end up with her? How did she slip by Millard? She had no money, what good what she do the family? Janet knew that Millard had been looking for a suitable wife for Leopold. A suitable rich wife. She was very curious, and part of her found her interesting and someone she could possibly talk to, but inside what she felt for Leopold was to strong, and before she could stop herself she said, "You are nothing like me. You are marrying Leopold, I am not." It was too late, she had said it, and there was nothing she could do about it.
"Are you in love with Leopold?"
"What kind of question is that? He is my employer. I was just pointing out that you are marrying a Duke, and your life is already incredibly different than mine. You will go to London and be introduced to society, and attend galas and balls and wear beautiful gowns. You can talk all you want about your hard life, and how similar it is to mine, but all that matters now is you will be the Duchess of Albany and you will have an heir as soon as possible. Because that is what is important to a man, to have an heir. That is what wives are good for."
"You are a very bitter young woman."
"You have no idea, what my life has been like." She was on the verge of tears and held them back.
"You're right, I don't. And I am truly sorry, if some man has hurt you. We are getting off to a bad start, here. I don't want you to hate me. Can't we try to get along?"
"I am here to do my job, I didn't choose to be your companion, but I need the job."
"You have a bad attitude. And you know, I don't want you to lose your job, so you need to try to get along with me. I am really not that bad. In fact, you might find that I am good listener…a good talker too. I don't want to have to tell Leopold, this isn't working out."
"You wouldn't?!"
"I don't want to, but if you keep up the attitude problem, I will see no alternative."
"I am truly, sorry, miss. I will try and be more congenial in the future. I can't lose this job. No one else would have me."
Kate stood up and went to the washbowl and splashed water on her face, Janet handed her a towel. They faced each other, silent. "So let's start again. What do you say?"
Janet nodded.
"So what do you think is appropriate to wear downstairs for breakfast?"
Janet took out a simple lavender dress and Kate took it from her, and went behind a screen in the corner to change. As she changed she could peek over the top of the screen and she continued to talk to Janet, "I don't know how you do it, day in and day out with all these horrible undergarments and tight dresses."
"Do you mean, they aren't wearing this type of thing in America?"
"Not where I come from, believe me. Give me a pair of pants any day."
"Pants, as in gentlemen's underwear, Miss?"
"Sorry, trousers. That is what you call them here."
"You wore trousers in America?"
"Whenever I could."
"I think I would like America, Miss. I can't bear dresses. I used to get away with wearing trousers when I was young, Jack and Master Leopold always gave me their hand me downs when they outgrew them. It really irritated my mother, she tried desperately to make me into a lady."
"I would have liked to have known Leopold back then."
Janet remembered what it was like. They had lessons together and then the 3 of them would go off riding in the woods. They treated her like one of the boys, and she liked it that way until they started getting interested in women and were forever discussing the latest parlor maid, or cook's assistant. She was disgusted by their talk and would go off in a sulk. But most of the time it was pure bliss. They would watch the clouds go by, or sail toy boats on the lake. She had never wanted those days to end, and then Leopold had gone away to university and nothing was to be the same again. She snapped out of her daydream and Kate was glaring at her.
"You were thinking about those times?"
She nodded. "It was wonderful back then, but things change. We have to grow up."
"Growing up is overrated. We were always so anxious to grow up, and then it happens and all we want is our youth back. I think everyone feels that way."
Janet had grown up way to fast and the memories of the summer; she was 15 were ones she would rather forget. Kate could tell she was in another world and as she came out from behind the screen she went to Janet's side.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, miss, I am fine." She helped Kate tie the sash on the dress and was surprised when Kate put her hair up with one hand. Janet went to the window and saw Leopold and Jack outside the stables, "You better get down to breakfast, Master Leopold is back." Kate noticed the way Janet did not budge from the window. It seemed fairly obvious she was smitten with him, probably some childhood crush from years ago. It didn't bother Kate at all. In fact, she found it rather charming. Obviously, Leopold had no clue. Which wasn't surprising, but Kate felt a bit bad. This poor girl had been jilted by her fiancé, and the wedding was sure to be difficult for her. At least, she was coming around and that was a start.
Kate sat at the breakfast table, and listened to Margaret talk about the wedding. It was obvious she wasn't going to have any say in it at all. There was talk about the parties they would have to attend in London prior to the wedding and the dress fitting, the invites and the wedding breakfast that would precede the wedding. Kate found it boring and nibbled on a piece of toast, looking towards the door, in hopes that Leopold would soon rescue her from all this. He finally pranced in the room and her eyes lit up, he smiled and leaned over giving her a kiss on the cheek, he rolled his eyes at the clutter on the table. Sketches of wedding dresses, different styles of writing for the invitations and Aunt Margaret's guest list. He could see that the number of guests already exceeded the amount he was thinking of, and she was obviously not finished. He pointed his finger at the paper and addressed his aunt, "I am afraid aunt, that you will never fit that many people in the chapel here at Balinor, what were you thinking, that we would be wed at St. Paul's or some other equally monstrosity of a cathedral."
"Well, since you mentioned it, Leopold. I do believe it would only be fitting that you have the wedding in London."
"Definitely not."
He stood his ground and sat down next to Kate, picking up a piece of toast and grabbing the newspaper.
"Leopold, this is the only wedding you will ever have."
"Precisely, and I will not have a spectacle. I don't even know the majority of people on your guest list."
"But they know you."
Parker walked in holding a letter, "Your grace, a letter has just arrived for you."
He took it from Parker and saw the seal, Margaret couldn't help but notice. She looked very excited and Leopold rolled his eyes once again. "Do you have anything to do with this?"
He started to open the letter, and read it silently. Flinging it onto the table where it landed in front of Kate, she saw the signature. "This is from the Queen."
"Her majesty, requests are presence at a gala in a fortnight. She believes it would be appropriate for you to be acquainted with other members of royalty before you take your nuptials, and she insists that the wedding take place at St. Paul's cathedral."
Margaret was all smiles, "Wonderful. This is all falling nicely into place."
Kate could picture St. Paul's. The steps where the bird lady sang, "Feed the Birds" in Mary Poppins. Leopold was right about it being monstrous.
"You cannot deny Kate the wedding she deserves."
Kate looked up; she hadn't been consulted about any of this.
He looked over at Kate, "Is this the wedding you want?"
She didn't know what to say. She looked from Leopold to Margaret, "I really don't have any idea, what a royal wedding should be. I really liked the idea of the chapel here at Balinor."
"Kate, you haven't experienced St. Paul's cathedral. It is beautiful. You would not be disappointed, I assure you."
Just then Millard stormed into the dining room in a rage, Kate was glad, she wouldn't have to discuss the wedding for the time being, which was fine by her.
"Leopold, what is the meaning of hiring Janet Collins without consulting me. She is inadequate as a companion for Katherine. What were you thinking?"
"This is my house, and I don't have to consult you on such matters. She will make a fine companion for Kate."
He looked towards Kate, to get some sort of reaction on how things were going and he could tell by the look on her face, not that good.
"When I sent her away 12 years ago, it was for good reasons and I never expected her to come back here."
"She has nowhere to go. No references. She is the daughter of the best housekeeper this family has ever had, she is family."
"Not as far as I am concerned."
Margaret was reading the queen's letter and ignoring Millard, "For heaven's sake, the only thing that is important right now is the wedding, Millard. Sit down and be quiet. Janet is the least of our worries. There is so much to be done in such a short time. If you dislike the girl so much, I will make sure she stays out of your way."
Leopold smiled at his aunt, knowing that his uncle wouldn't even contemplate arguing with her. Millard scowled at Leopold, "This matter is not closed, Leopold. Once the wedding takes place, she will have to go."
Leopold just smiled, knowing to leave it for the time being. He took hold of Kate's hand, "before we were so rudely interrupted, I believe we were discussing the wedding that Kate and myself would prefer. Or have you forgotten, we are to be the bride and groom."
"Millard, tell your nephew that it would be unfitting for him to turn down the suggestion of her majesty. The wedding must be at St. Pauls."
"I will not be involved in this fiasco. I don't want the wedding to take place at all, as you recall, and the mere idea of having Kate make fool of herself in front of the royal family makes my skin crawl."
Kate wasn't going to take this, "You are doing it again, acting like I am not in the room. Well, I am in the room and this is my wedding. I don't want to be married at St. Paul's cathedral; I want to be married here at Balinor, where Leopold's parents were married. I don't want to be fitted for a dress, if it's all right with Leopold I would like to wear his mother's dress. I noticed it was hanging in the wardrobe. I think it would fit. If not, maybe I can have it altered."
Leopold sat back, with a satisfied grin on his face. Proud of Kate speaking her mind, "I think my mother's dress is a wonderful idea. I would be pleased if you chose to wear it. Aunt Margaret, I think you will have to start another guest list. The chapel here at Balinor will suit us fine. I will reply to her Majesty's letter and thank her for the suggestion of St. Paul's. I am sure she will respect our wishes of being married here, where my parents were wed."
"Leopold, you are making a mistake."
"I am always making mistakes, but they are my mistakes, Aunt. I am sure this will not effect your position in society. I will tell her majesty we will accept her invitation to the gala, and Kate will not make a fool of herself, Uncle. Does that make you happy, aunt Margaret?"
"I want it to be perfect, Leopold."
Leopold knew she was thinking this would be the only wedding she would ever have any involvement in, having no children of her own. "You will be busy arranging our social schedule while we are in London, and of course I will leave the preparations for the wedding breakfast entirely in your hands."
"You will be making the social rounds, Leopold? I just assumed…"
"I realize it is totally out of character for me. I cannot fathom most of my peers and their families, but I know what it means to you. Kate might enjoy it."
She got up and moved over to him, giving him a hug and kiss, "Thank- you."
"It will be a beautiful wedding, Aunt."
"Of course it will, we couldn't have a prettier bride and the most handsome groom I have ever seen."
Millard grunted, "Alright, enough. I can't bear this saccharine babble. Do you think we could speak of something else, while I am trying to enjoy my breakfast. I am anxious to hear about your ride this morning, Leopold. How did the estate look."
"Splendid. And we ran into Edgar Spencer."
Millard nearly choked on his toast. They had only been at Balinor for a day, and already Edgar had appeared to stir up trouble and Janet Collins was his future neice's personal companion. What could possibly go wrong next?
