Chapter 8

Buckingham Palace

"Without telling me any names, what have we got?"

"Well, we've got one rather young fellow whose father died years ago. At least he has an education, and a rather good one at that. First in his class at Deswait Academy for four years straight. Since that is my alma mater, I know how impressive that is. The only other person from there that accomplished that is now your chief justice. Unfortunately, he is not old enough to have a work or career history to check. Lots of money but he seems frugal. Mother and sister. Lots of land out on lease. Other lands and money coming when relatives die. It was very tough getting information. I was forced to use the courts on this one, to open financial records.

"The other two are well-known and their money is openly flaunted for public view. Still, we verified it. These two are both in their thirties. Hereditary titles, private tutoring, no public or private academies attended. So, we couldn't tell how intelligent they really are. Never did any meaningful work in their lives as far as we can tell. Still, they are upstanding members of the upper class and, of course, members of the House of Lords.

"You didn't mention the boy's class. Why?"

"I'm afraid I'm partial to him. At least on paper. His father was in business but well thought of in that community. I knew you would prefer people born into the upper class."

"Does he seem cultured at all?"

"He does speak French, Your Highness, but we couldn't tell how well without speaking to him directly. You didn't want us to do that, as I recall."

"Does any of them know what they are being considered for?"

"The two older ones are well-connected. I'm sure they know what is going on, Your Highness."

"Any political pressure to get on the list or to be seriously considered?"

"They received too many recommendations from too many people to just be nice people, Your Highness, but that is all of the solicitors personal opinions. I'm speaking just of the two older ones again."

The Queen looked at the folders of the three most likely candidates. The two older ones had ten or more recommendations each. The younger one only had one. But that one person was well known to the Queen.

"All of the information, including names and addresses are in the folders? Good. I want to thank you for your time and effort. I appreciate honesty."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Queen's Carriage

The Queen was traveling light today. She, Ann and Lady Lucinda were alone inside the coach. Two drivers, two footmen and the Chamberlain were also on the top, plus ten honorary guardsmen were riding their chargers in front of the coach, complete with black feather plumes. Behind, was a coach containing Ann's father and mother. Further back was additional staff in another coach.

The Queen said, "He knew I was coming, don't you think, Lucinda?"

"Unless, Your Highness, he normally wears fancy dress that early and always has enough food prepared every morning to feed thirty people, I don't see how he couldn't have known. The amount of food was right, down to the last portion. I might add that he served your favorite breakfast. It might be nice having a clairvoyant in the royal family."

The Queen snorted, then asked, "Do you think the next one will be startled at our arrival?"

"Not likely, I know this one just from what you've mentioned about him. But he will appear surprised, then show us into his dining room that is fully prepared. He's as well-connected as the first one. But he does serve good food."

After they were back on the road again, the Queen turned to Ann who appeared rather gloomy. "Your parents, Dear, seemed to like both of them just fine. They seemed to feel right at home."

"My parents, as you can see, are fond of food. They are also pleased with the notion that you are taking a personal interest in my marriage. Notice that I didn't mention, arranging it. So you see that I am finally accepting the inevitable. They wouldn't raise an eyebrow if you married me off to a chimpanzee."

Ann, once asked what she thought, continued, "Everyone seems to have connections, don't they? I did notice that none of us have eaten very much at either place. We're all going to be hungry. Who is the last very well-connected and surprised candidate?"

"Actually," the Queen said, "the solicitors say he is not connected at all. Wouldn't that be refreshing? And, apparently, hasn't been told of any interest from us. But, he can certainly afford to feed us. If he is actually surprised, we may not eat. Not good. I am hungry enough to eat bear."

"But who is he, Grandmother?"

"I really don't know, Dear. I have his file and this envelope with his name and address in it. Among others, I'm sure you, Lady Lucinda, recommended him."

Lady Lucinda looked shocked. "But I only recommended one and I certainly didn't expect him to be in the final selection. May I peek in the envelope, Your Highness?" She opened the flap and held her breath, peeking inside. "OH, my God, it's him."

"Well, he apparently passed muster. You only recommended one out of all those in the realm? You think there is only one deserving of Ann?"

"You told me you expected me to recommend some. So, I selected the only one I thought could make Ann happy."

"HA! Bloody unlikely," added Ann.

"Don't use that kind of language, Ann." Turning back to Lucinda, the Queen said, "Since you know him and I am hungry, I'm going to send you on ahead while the rest of us stop for tea. Just tell him how many and how hungry we are."

Moore's Manor

A single carriage pulled up in the drive and a woman of apparent good breeding emerged. Her footman knocked for her.

"Ma'am, how may I help you?"

"I looking for Sir Donald Moore."

"I'm afraid I know nothing about a Sir, but we do have a young boy here named Donald. Would you like to come in?"

"Yes, of course. And, please announce to Donald that Lady Lucinda is here."

"Very good, My Lady. Would you wait in here?"

Lady Lucinda paced around the room for a minute or two. She knew that every second counted. At least, from what she had seen from the outside and this room, it was fairly impressive.

"Hello, Lucinda. I'm surprised but pleased to see you."

"Donald, your butler didn't even know who you are."

"Of course he does. Oliver, there you are. Who am I?"

"You're Donald."

"Thank you, that will be all. See Lucinda, he does know."

"You are playing with me. Quit it. I meant your Baronet title, Sir Donald. A proclamation was sent to you, I'm sure."

"Then it's probably still here, somewhere. I've been away at school."

"My God. We haven't got time for this banter. Maybe you better tell me how much about the last four years that your mother and sister know."

"We don't get London papers here," I said, "and they probably wouldn't read them anyway. But, we are all civilized, honest. They know I've been in school for four years and that I tutored the Dean's five children."

"I'll pass that on to the Queen. You are being considered as one of three possible marriage candidates for Ann. I hope you remember her, at least."

"Of course, I do. I'm very fond of her. I haven't even considered marriage and have not even figured out what I want by way of a career."

"Well, it's even worse than that, Donald. The Queen is having tea at an old friend of hers about ten miles away. She and the rest of us are expecting to dine here, Donald. There is the Queen, me, Ann and her father and mother plus about twenty staff and guards. Oh yes, the Chamberlain, too."

"We'll see what we can do."

"My God, Donald, don't you understand, she coming to see you and inspect your family."

"Whatever for?"

"You really don't know anything about this, do you?"

"Of course not, I just asked. But I think I grasp the situation. Let me show you into the parlor. You can explain everything you think appropriate to my Mother and sister. Their husbands are away on business. I'll take care of arrangements for the rest of them. Relax, Lucinda. And, you do look lovely today."

"Elizabeth, Mildred, let me introduce one of this evenings guests. This is Lady Lucinda. She will explain to you why we are changing out dinner plans for this evening. I have to make some arrangements."