Chapter 22

Jackie walked slowly down the hallway stairs smiling to herself even though she knew that she'd receive a tongue lashing the minute she entered the study. Larry and Leo were supposedly talking over the food preparations with Renee for Christmas Eve, which seemed to be getting closer and closer much too quickly. There were just two more days and there were still schemes to get through. The two of them simply weren't finished yet. Now they had to find a fit suitor for Queen Renee, someone that she would give up the throne for. And it was getting more difficult every day because, let's face it, there simply wasn't anyone out there. Renee just wasn't interested and why should she be. Her only interest seemed to be how long she could keep wearing the crown and how quickly she could keep Danielle away from it. Oh, she and Danielle poured over names and histories for a while, but there really wasn't anyone worthy. They did come up with someone and she did promise Danielle she'd speak to Larry about it, but she didn't think it would work and she never thought that he would agree to the whole thing.

She had just come to the end of the stairway when she heard conversation from the partially opened doorway to the study, which was on the right side of the hallway. She was about to enter when a hand emerged to grab her.

"Larry?" Jackie frowned, "Aren't you supposed to be inside discussing…"

She was cut off by his kiss, but she quickly pushed him away.

"Not out here, Larry and it's way too soon yet. I've only known you such a short time."

Larry smiled, then took her hand and pulled her to the left, into the library, closing the door behind them.

"We've got to make this fast, Jackie. I have her and Leo reviewing the decorations that we're going to put up tomorrow. She ensured that there won't be a problem with payment."

Jackie was getting impatient. "Did you talk to your Uncle Phil?"

Larry nodded. "The new Palace Director? He'll be here. In fact, he's on his way here, even as we speak. "

Jackie smiled and ran into his arms. "You are a genius, Laurence Duval."

Larry hugged back. "You're the genius, Jacqueline, you and your Princess. It wasn't so hard; Renee and Philip grew up together at court. After all, my father's side of the family was friends with Danielle's father. He comes from a long line of distinguished…"

She broke away from him a puzzled look on her face. "What do you mean "new" Director? He's been just that since your uncle Geoffrey died five years ago or have you been living under a rock? "

Larry looked into her light green eyes and shook his head. "No," he answered, touching her cheek, "I knew that. Guess I forget from time to time which Duval is sitting in that seat. There's been so many. Besides, someone under your spell could forget a lot of things."

Jackie smiled. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Laurence Duval. Your family is different than any I've ever met, which has, believe it or not, impressed Renee and you know how difficult that is."

"You haven't told your Aunt yet, have you? You know, about the ring?" He looked at her finger, but as usual she wasn't wearing it.

"I will, don't worry about it. I just need the right time to do that and you know those are few and far between." They moved closer to one another. They were about to kiss when they heard movement in the hallway.

"DANIELLE!"

Jackie pushed Larry away for the third time tonight. "I forgot about her. I've got to explain what happened." She shoved him toward the library door. "Go first, I'll follow."

Larry nodded and opened the door.

"Mr. Duval, have you seen my stepdaughter? I've been expecting her to come down those stairs since…"

Larry interrupted. "Have you made up your mind about the arrangements? We can do the same for your New Year's Eve bash as well."

"Yes I have and we definitely will be saving a lot more money with you on board this project. "

Larry smiled, glancing toward the library door. "Let's discuss all of this outside, Your Majesty. It's a beautiful evening. Who wants to spend it cooped up in here?"

He guided her toward the garden at the rear of the house.

Jackie heard the footsteps getting further and further away. She didn't dare come out until she heard the rear door slam. Larry had it all under control, as always.