Suddenly Royal
Page 50

“That’s a formality. Speaking of which, the queen would like to perform the ceremony in two months, unless you have other plans?” His voice rose at the end letting me know it was a question.
“I do believe my calendar is clear.”
“Not exactly, but I understand what you mean. I’ll let the lord chamberlain know.” He smiled at me. “I’ve also spoken to Dr. Bielefeld’s staff and gotten them in contact with your father’s doctors. He should be looking over his paperwork at any minute.”
“Great! Is he here in town?” I sat up and leaned forward.
“Not yet. He was in Paris for a convention and to see a few patients. He keeps in regular touch with his office though, so we can expect steady updates.” Chadwick smiled a bit mischievously. “Apparently the doctor was excited to help out America’s Duchess.”
“Oh no. Tell me that hasn’t stuck.”
“It certainly has. Catchy, if you think about. There’s a definite fascination with royals in America. Probably because they don’t have any of their own.” Chadwick flipped open his notebook to a different page. “I hope you don’t mind, but I had your luggage inventoried and I believe shopping may be in order. You have several lovely dresses and outfits, but the fact is you’re going to need much more.”
I glared at him and set down my cup. He picked it up and put a coaster underneath. “You inventoried my clothes?”
“Well, yes. That’s part of my job. Helping make sure you have everything you need.” He looked at me with patient eyes. “I know it feels like an intrusion, but try to not look at it like that. Besides, I couldn’t care less about your bras and panties—they wouldn’t fit me. Though I would recommend getting more nightclothes. You only brought tank tops and giant shirts.” He said it like it was a crime.
“Hey!”
“No offense. They’re very nice tank tops and giant shirts if you like that sort of stuff, but if you’re going to let Prince Alex help you undress each night you might want something a little sexier to slip into.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Not that I’ll say a word about it of course. Not a word.”
“It’s not like that!” I sputtered. “He’s a friend and I couldn’t reach the zipper… I just… It wasn’t like that!”
“Of course not, honey. Not that I’d blame you if it was. That man has sent many a hearts fluttering.” Chadwick smiled up at me through his red hair and winked. “And if you need any help next time, let me know, I’d be happy to assist. I was coming to see to you, which was when I caught Alex leaving your room.”
“Oh, um.” I wasn’t exactly any more comfortable with the idea of Chadwick helping me undress.
He laughed at my hesitation. “I’m not going to be ogling you, if that’s what you’re worried about. Not the right bits, okay?”
“Oh. Okay.” That explained the joke about my bras and panties. “Listen, you really can’t tell anyone what you saw last night. It was nothing and Alex has had enough trouble with the press.”
“You can trust me, ma’am. I wouldn’t have been given this job if there was a chance I’d leak stuff to the press or start any rumors.” He smiled at me and patted my hand. “Now, I’m going to order some food while you get dressed. Any preference?”
“Fruit? Maybe some yogurt or oatmeal?”
“Done. I’d wear the blue suit-dress. It’ll look lovely on you. And it would be appropriately patriotic.” Chadwick disappeared out the door and I wondered what had just happened. I did as he said though, grabbing my clothes and taking a shower. I hurried because I wasn’t sure how long I had before the food would be back. There was a blow-dryer in the bathroom, so I quickly dried my hair and pulled half of it back out of my face. The sheath dress fit perfectly, but I hated I had to wear hose with it. It wasn’t really a suit, but rather a simple dress with a fitted jacket over it. I put my mother’s earrings back on and slipped into the nude pumps Jess had insisted on.
Breakfast was sitting on the table near the fireplace. Someone had stoked the fire, so I was very toasty as I watched the light snow flutter outside the window while I ate. Chadwick had a bowl of soup as we went over the schedule for the rest of the day. Once I was ready to leave, Becca and another “suit” came to escort us. We went straight to the embassy to meet with the ambassador for the United States. There were photographers outside the palace gates and more when we reached the embassy. I stopped and smiled for a few pictures before ducking inside out of the cold. If Chadwick hadn’t given me puppy eyes, I wouldn’t have stopped for a picture at all.
Chadwick turned out to be invaluable. He knew everyone by name and could tell me all about the things they were currently working on. The ambassador was a nice lady with blond hair, serious eyes, and quick smile. She introduced me to her aides and offered help getting my things moved over arranging transportation for my father. I was there for an hour total. It was like a whirlwind history class. There were dates, stories, and pictures. I could only pray I wouldn’t be tested on any of it. Then again, Chadwick would make an excellent cheat sheet. We made an appearance at an elementary school for American workers and expats sent their children to. I enjoyed that visit much more than I did the one to the embassy. The children had all kinds of crazy questions. I took a picture with one of the classes and a tiny girl with dark brown hair in braids crawled into my lap. The palace photographer had met us at the school and while thorough, he seemed to understand too many pictures would drive everyone crazy.