Maria and Henry had gone back to Grantleigh the following day leaving Audrey and Richard to spend a few more days in London on their own.

Richard had gone into the office to sort a few things out leaving Audrey to settle the last few details of their holiday in Devon.

He had just finished looking over the latest sales figures when the intercom buzzed and his secretary Sally's voice flowed through the speaker, "Sir Richard I have the Duke of Edinburgh on line one for you"

Richard looked shocked for a moment "Oh right...put him through sally" Richard said picking up the phone.

"Richard it's Phillip here can you spare a moment?"

"Yes of course Your Highness, what can I do for you?"

"I understand from a mutual friend that you are going to the D-Day commemorations"

"Yes that's right, I'm going with my...um...my well my mother's partner." Richard stuttered.

"I see well I was wondering if you and your um…would you mind if I called him your stepfather?" Prince Phillip asked.

Richard thought for a moment "No of course not sir, that's fine" Richard replied.

"Good I would like to invite you and your stepfather to accompany me to Bayeux for the memorial service."

"May I ask why me Sir?"

"I understand from my people that you have been particular active in supporting the veterans and the charities associated with them. I have been asked to be the patron of one of the charities you are involved with. I think having you there would be a good idea."

"I see, well in that case I would be very honoured Sir"

"Good I'll get my man to phone you with the details, oh before I go may I ask what regiment your stepfather served in?"

"He was in the Commandos Sir"

"Really that is interesting...well I'll see you next week then. Goodbye ."

Richard put the phone down going over the conversation again in his mind. He decided to phone Audrey to tell her what had happened and was just about to pick up the phone when there was a knock on the door.

"Come in" he called out.

Sally opened the door and walked up to his desk "Sorry to disturb you Sir Richard but your wife called to remind you of your lunch date"

"Oh damm I had forgotten about that, I'd better get going" he said rising from his chair.

"She wants you to meet her in St James park next to the fountain,"

Richard looked puzzled they were meant to meet at the restaurant "I wonder what she's got planned"

Sally smiled "It is very romantic there Sir, my boyfriend and I went last month"

"Really, well thank you Sally will you cancel all my appointments for the rest of the day please."

Richard hurried to the fountain in St James park, spotting her as he got closer. The dark blue dress she was wearing made her eyes seem even bluer than normal and the breeze that gently rustled her dark blond locks made her look even more beautiful if that was possible.

The smile on her face when she saw him made his heart fill with love for this incredible woman who he was lucky enough to call his wife.

"Hello darling I'm sorry I'm late" he said kissing her. "Why the change of venue I thought we were meeting at the restaurant?"

"It was such a nice day I thought we could have a picnic instead of sitting in a stuffy restaurant" she said pointing to the picnic basket resting on floor.

Richard eyed it suspiciously "The last picnic we went on didn't end up so well." He said recalling the picnic he had taken her on last year which ended up with him in the river.

"Oh I don't know about that I had a good laugh." Audrey chuckled

"Yes you did didn't you and I got wet..again"

Audrey caressed his cheek "Don't worry darling this time I predict nothing but a romantic afternoon"

Richard smiled picking up the picnic basket. "In that case lead on Lady DeVere" he said taking her hand in his.

They had found a nice secluded spot under a tree with a lovely view of the lake. Richard had removed his jacket and taken his tie off, enjoying the warm weather while they ate their lunch.

Propped up on his elbow richard sighed "Do you know I don't think I have ever had a picnic in a park before" he commented.

Audrey leaned back against the tree "Neither have I although Marjory and I did share a picnic with a very angry bull last year" She chuckled. "Had to run for the gate and then make a very unladylike display getting over it"

"I would have liked to have seen that" he chuckled running his hand along her shin.

She swatted his hand away "Not here darling"

"Nobody is going to see anything" he protested

"Richard the park is full of people now behave" she said firmly but seeing the look of disappointment that crossed his face she decided to let go of her propriety for a while.

"Come here darling" she said patting her lap "let me see if I can remove that frown from your face"

Smiling Richard laid down with his head in her lap looking up at her as her fingers undid another button on his shirt. Her hand found its way inside rubbing across his chest as her other hand combed through his hair.

Her touch that so often enflamed him now soothed him to a point where he was completely relaxed. "Mmm...do you know I think I could fall asleep like this" he sighed closing his eyes.

"Why don't you have a snooze darling...and then later I'll.." she placed her mouth next to his ear and whispered to him.

Richard's eyes shot open "We haven't done that since our honeymoon"

"Then don't you think it's time we did again?" She said raising an eyebrow

"You know Audrey sometimes you really are a minx" he smiled pulling her down to him and kissing her deeply.