A Right Royal Mix-up
Anyhoo, I'm sure y'all just want to read the chappie – not much L/J action, I still want to keep you in suspense ;-o but I have put in a little R/A – I've had several requests!
Disclaimer – If in doubt, it's probably not mine.
Chapter 20
Lily was interested in meeting James's parents, in spite of her nervousness. He hadn't told her much about them, but she gathered they had a close relationship.
The king and queen were very gracious to her, giving no indication that they knew about her problems with James. They referred to the story in the tabloid only indirectly, and they didn't dwell on it.
"It was good of you to come, Gabrielle," Rosamund said.
"I've been looking forward to meeting you – I mean, seeing you again." Lily corrected herself hastily.
"It has been quite a while, hasn't it?" the queen remarked.
You've grown even more beautiful, my dear," Damien said to Lily. "I hope my son realises how lucky he is."
"You're very kind," she murmured.
"We're grateful to you for being so understanding," Rosamund said quietly. "I hope this week will make up for any unpleasantness you've suffered because of James."
"It was a lot worse for him," Lily said. "He deserves a public apology form everybody involved."
"He'll get it," Damien stated grimly.
Rosamund changed the subject. "I know you've been in a social whirl all week, so I thought you might enjoy an informal evening, for a change. We've planned a simple family dinner for tonight."
Lily wondered if it would be like the 'small informal reception' in Beaumarre when she made her first appearance as Gabrielle. That had turned out to be a party on a grand scale.
But Rosamund hadn't misled her. There were only eight people for dinner. The outsiders, besides Lily and Ariadne, were Remus and his parents – they were evidently considered family.
Remus's father was a pleasant, easygoing man. He had none of the imperiousness that sometimes went with a title. André Lupin was a person everyone liked immediately, like his son.
Remus's mother looked young to have a son in his late twenties. She was a vivacious, attractive woman with naturally red hair that was just beginning to show a few threads of grey.
"You didn't tell me your mother was a redhead," Ariadne exclaimed when they were introduced. "I've always got on with them, despite their infamous tempers." She gave Lily a sidelong glance.
"It never occurred to me to say anything. I'm glad you'll get on." Remus smiled.
Helena Lupin gave her an interested look. "How long have you two known each other?"
"Not long," Ariadne answered. "We only met last week when I came for Gabrielle's engagement. I'll be going home soon."
"Surely you'll stay for the week," Rosamund protested.
"I'm hoping to," Ariadne replied, exchanging a glance with Lily. "But I'm not really sure yet."
"You can't leave," Remus told her. "We have too many things to do."
"Yes, we'd love to get better acquainted," Helena said. "Is there any way we could all get together for dinner at our house, Rosamund?"
"I'm afraid every night is already scheduled," the queen replied. "This promises to be a very hectic week."
"I realise that. Well, perhaps we could have a ladies' lunch, or even tea one day."
"Please don't go to any trouble for me," Ariadne said swiftly.
"You're no trouble. You're pure pleasure," Remus said affectionately.
Lily could sympathise with Ariadne. It made matters even worse that both sets of parents approved of them.
It was an enjoyable evening. The conversation was witty and the atmosphere relaxed, but scarcely casual. Dinner was served in a small dining room – small by royal standards, at least – but it was as elegant as the rest of the castle.
A long polished table was set beautifully with the finest china, crystal and silverware. In the middle of the table was a centrepiece of deep red roses that echoed the maroon and gold bands around the Coalport china plates.
A corps of unobtrusive servants filled wineglasses and glided in and out of the room, silently serving or removing plates.
The group was small enough for everyone to join in the conversation. Lily enjoyed listening to stories about James when he was a boy, but they created some difficult moments. Occasionally she was supposed to certain people, or things that had happened in the past.
"You remember my thirteenth birthday party," James reminded her. "You were the one who insisted we play kissing games."
"Insist is a strong word," Lily protested. "I'm sure I just suggested it."
"You said you'd tell everybody I was afraid to kiss you." James grinned. "I call that insistence. What thirteen-year-old boy could live with an image like that?"
"You were macho even then," she said lightly.
"Maybe you blackmailed me into letting you have your own way, but then I discovered I liked kissing." He laughed.
"To think I started you on your downward spiral." She gave a mock sigh.
It felt wonderful to joke around with James again. Since the article appeared they'd been so stiff with each other. Maybe they could get back on their old footing for this last week. But it would mean being more than friends, and Lily didn't know if she could handle that.
While they were having coffee, Helena returned to the subject of the party she wanted to have. "Surely you can find me a couple of hours on one of the afternoons," she told Rosamund.
"The only possible time would be on Thursday from about three to five or six," the queen said. "I thought James and Gabrielle deserved a little time to themselves, so I set that short period for them."
Helena appealed to the young couple. "I know it's selfish of me, but could I prevail on you to come to a garden party instead? You won't be alone, but you will be together," she coaxed.
Lily knew she was better off not being alone with James. "It sounds lovely," she said. "I'd like very much to come."
"That's very generous of you," Helena said happily. "I'm sure Ariadne will be visiting you often after you're married, so I thought it would be nice if she met some of the other young people here."
"You're very thoughtful, but I doubt if I'll be back anytime soon. Newlyweds don't really welcome houseguests." Ariadne smiled brightly.
"Then you can stay with us," Remus said. "That's a better idea anyway. I'll get to see more of you."
"We'd be delighted to have you," Helena said.
"You almost have to say that," Ariadne remarked wryly. "Remus didn't leave you much choice."
"You don't know my wife very well," André laughed. "She's quite adept at avoiding anything she doesn't want to do."
"So now you have an official invitation," Remus told Ariadne.
"It would be great fun," Helena said. "The house is always so much livelier with young people around. When Remus is busy, you and I can go shopping together."
"Be careful she doesn't try to talk you into mother-daughter outfits," her husband teased.
"Mother always wanted a girl," Remus explained. "But all she got were three boisterous sons."
"I wouldn't call that a hardship." Helena smiled.
"She'll get her daughters when you boys marry," Rosamund said.
"I didn't know you had brothers." Ariadne turned quickly to Remus. "Do they live here in Grandalia?"
"Off and on," he replied. "Roger is in the navy. He's away at sea, and René is travelling in Europe."
"Young people are never at home anymore," Helena complained. "Your brother didn't even return for your engagement," she said disapprovingly to Lily.
"He felt badly about it, but his trade mission is very important," Lily explained.
"I'm sure he'll be back for the wedding," André said. "That's the important event, right, Gabrielle?"
"Yes, it is," she murmured, without looking at James.
After they'd had second cups of coffee Rosamund said, "You young people don't have to sit around here any longer. Why don't you go to one of the clubs and dance?"
"Ariadne and Remus can go, but I'm perfectly happy right here," Lily said. "It's been a long week. I think I'll make this an early night."
"That sounds good to me, too," James said. "Would you like to take a stroll in the garden before you turn in?"
Lily agreed reluctantly, because she couldn't think of any polite way to refuse. As they left the room together she was aware of the king and queen watching them. They were hoping, no doubt, that everything had been smoothed over between herself and James. Too bad this was one fairytale that would not have a happy ending.
Well, how was that? I know I'm dragging it out a bit, but be patient my pretties! Things will start moving in earnest in two chapters time!
Next chapter – Romance, and lots of it! Lily and James go on a moonlit stroll, and take the afternoon off to visit James's country estate!
Fin fan foodle, stir fried noodle.
