Audrey was standing by one of the large windows of Buckingham Palace ballroom talking with Annette Wilson. She had met her only once before and had found her to be a most awful woman. Putting everyone down and cultivating people she thought would give her a leg up the ladder.

The ghastly woman had gone on and on, although Audrey wasn't really listening to what she was saying she was far to distracted by the sight of her husband in deep conversation with the Duke of Edinburgh. Her Richard certainly looked good in a tux she thought to herself.

"I must say you look very well considering" Annette said.

Audrey dragged her attention away from Richard and looked at Annette with puzzled eyes "Considering what?" She asked confused.

"Well marrying that foreigner, I mean obviously you wouldn't have married him by choice. Ghastly people the Czechs" she muttered taking another sip of her drink.

Audrey was indignant "How dare you speak about my husband like that"

Before Audrey could really let rip at the Annette she was interrupted by the Queen. Queen Elizabeth who had been observing the scene from a distance had overhead what had been said and decided now was the correct time to intervene.

"Ah Lady DeVere there you are. Is everything alright?" Queen Elizabeth asked

Before Audrey could answer Annette spoke.

"Oh I was just saying to Audrey how awful it must be for her being married to a foreigner"

The queen smiled politely "I don't know if you remember Mrs Wilson but my husband is Greek"

Annette looked very embarrassed at forgetting the origin of Prince Phillip and quickly excused herself.

"Oh yes...um...well...if you would excuse me Ma'am I see an old friend I must say hello to" she said moving to the other side of the room as fast as she could.

Queen Elizabeth turned to Audrey "I'm terribly sorry for interrupting Lady DeVere but I sensed an intervention was needed"

"Please don't apologize Ma'am, you were entirely right in your observation. A moment longer and I might have done something very unladylike"

"Well we can't have that. Although I can't say I would blame you. I have found from experience that manners do not always accompany people with money like Mrs. Wilson" She chuckled "Now where is that lovely husband of yours" she said scanning the room.

"Ah I see Phillip has cornered him, probably wants his expertise on this new business apprenticeship scheme he's starting" she sighed waving her husband over.

"Ah there you both are, I hope Phillip hasn't been bothering you Sir Richard?" She asked as the pair came to a stop in front of them.

Richard shook his head "On the contrary Ma'am your husband has been telling me of this new apprenticeship scheme. It is something I would be very happy to get involved in"

The Duke clapped Richard on the shoulder "That's splendid my boy, we must set a date to go over the details. Now if you'll excuse us we should circulate" he said taking his wife's arm.

Richard watched them walk away before turning back to Audrey where he noticed the upset look on her face "Are you alright darling?"

She nodded "Yes…yes, I'm fine. Do you think can we step outside for a moment"

Richard was now very concerned. Taking her hand he led her to the nearest exit and out onto the lawn of the palace. Once they were away from the door Richard stood in front of her concern written across his face.

"Audrey?"

"Will hold me darling, I just need you to hold me tight"

Richard immediately encircled her in his embrace, pulling her tight against him as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Darling please tell me what's wrong" he murmured

Pulling back enough to see his face she explained what had happened "I was speaking to Annette Wilson. She made some nasty comments about you and the Czech people in general."

Anger flashed across Richard's face "That's disgraceful, I'll go and have few words with her" he said about to march off and find the rude woman. But Audrey tightened her hold around his waist keeping him where he was.

"There's no need darling The Queen already put her right, it was quite funny actually. In fact, her Majesty thinks you are lovely" she giggled

"Really?" he smirked

"Mm-hmm, she said where is that lovely husband of yours"

"Well she has good taste"

"Extremely good taste I'd say, oh darling I do love you," she said crushing her lips to his. When he felt her tongue probe along the seam of his lips he opened his mouth beneath hers deepening their kiss.

Being caught up in their passionate embrace they did not see Prince Phillip coming out of the door.

"Steady on you two, the rest of the guests will be out in a minute for the fireworks." Prince Phillip chuckled

Breaking apart Richard and Audrey both blushed at being caught by the Prince.

"Oh we're terribly sorry Your Highness, we got a little carried away" Richard apologized

Prince Phillip smiled at the couple "Not to worry, I may be getting on a bit but I do remember what it's like to be newlywed."

Seconds later the rest of the guests streamed out onto the lawn to watch the fireworks over Buckingham Palace.