"When do we leave for Andrews?" She asked.
"Tomorrow, 7 AM."
"So…probably around lunch time?"
"Yeah."
"And who will be joining us from your staff?"
"Charlie, Josh, Sam, and Annabeth. You?"
"Just Amy," Abbey replied. "Why those three?"
"Annabeth because she feels she needs to witness the event firsthand, and I agree. Josh because you're bringing Amy, and who am I to separate star-crossed lovers?"
"Uh huh. And what about Sam?"
"Because Mallory's coming along," he answered.
"Mallory's coming?"
"She wants to meet the Queen."
"So we'll be seeing the Queen then?"
"Of course we'll be seeing the Queen. The British Ambassador is getting married."
"Are we staying Buckingham Palace?"
He grinned.
"You bet."
"How on earth did you manage to swing that?"
"Abbey. I'm the President of the United States. You underestimate my influence."
"The Queen doesn't know yet, does she?"
"Not technically. But I hear she loves surprises."
"Hey, did you figure out who P. Wendice is yet?" Abbey questioned.
"No, did you?"
"No."
"Guess we'll find out."
"Indeed we will."
"Excuse me, Mr. President," Charlie said, entering the Oval Office.
"Yeah, Charlie."
"We have to leave for Andrews now."
"All right. Hey, Charlie?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you know who P. Wendice is?" Jed asked.
"Sir?"
"Lord Marbury's fiancee."
"No, sir. Would you like me to find out for you?"
"Nah. I'll feel better if it just comes to me. Just to prove my mind's not shot to hell yet."
"Yes, sir."
"First Lady waiting for me?"
"She's in the car, sir."
"Everyone else ready?"
"Yes, sir. They've been ready."
"I'm the last one, huh?"
"You usually are, sir."
"Thanks, Charlie. Glad to see you getting paid to mock me."
"As am I, sir."
Jed sighed and stood up.
"All right. Let's go."
"Can I ask you a question?" Charlie inquired as they walked through the West Wing.
"You may."
"Do you think this wedding is for real?"
"Is it for real, Charlie?"
"Yeah. I mean, it doesn't seem a little off-color to you, sir?"
"Who am I to judge?" Jed replied.
"You're the President of the United States."
"Thank you, Charlie. I was wondering what all this fanfare was about."
"I'm just saying, Lord John is nearly sixty years old. He's famous for his women and his liquor."
"To say nothing of his politics?"
"Yes, sir."
"Ok."
"It just seems odd to me that he would be getting married at this stage in his life," Charlie said.
"Maybe he fell in love, Charlie. Did that ever occur to you?"
"No, sir, it didn't."
"Don't you think that's a little unfair, Charlie?"
"What do you think, sir?"
"I think…no, I hope…that this wedding is for real, as you so aptly put it. God knows John doesn't need another scandal in his career."
"I agree, sir. That's why I asked."
"I would keep your misgivings to yourself around his Lordship."
"Yes, sir."
"The thing that bothers me is not knowing his fiancee," Jed admitted.
"P. Wendice?"
"Yeah. I could swear I know that name."
"Did you ask the First Lady?"
"She can't remember either."
"Well, sir. You'll find out in about seven hours."
"Gee, I can't wait."
"That's the spirit, sir."
