Reluctantly Royal(26)

“Anyway, I’ve always heard stories about Thysmer Manor and its grounds. Supposedly some of the best gardens in the country.” She turned to look out a window.

“It’s beautiful in the spring.” I glanced out the window. “Marty loves the backyard. He can catch all kinds of little critters to play with.”

“Is there a pond back there? I bet there are frogs aplenty.” She grinned.

“Frogs, bugs, lizards. You name it and it’s back there.” I shook my head. “I never know what he’s going to come back with.”

“It’s good for them to play outdoors. Fresh air for their lungs. Have adventures.”

“Do you have children?”

“Oh yes, three. All grown now with their own young ones.” She smiled fondly. “But I remember when they were bringing me their own frogs.”

“Mom!” The door pushed open and Marty walked in. He was still wearing the rumpled clothes he had fallen asleep in last night.

“Hungry?” I turned to look at him and tried to not smile. His hair was sticking up off the top of his head.

“Starving.” He sat down next to me and I put his preferred breakfast on his plate.

“Good morning.” Rachel smiled at Marty. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yep.” He shoved half of his Pop-Tart in his mouth.

“Marty.” I leveled a glare in his direction and he hurriedly chewed what was in his mouth.

“Sorry.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Thank you.” I bumped him with my arm. “Ms. Rachel is here to help with some things I have to take care of today.”

“Is that why you’re all dressed up?”

“It is. I have to go speak in town.”

“Speak? Like a speech?” He frowned. “Do I have to go?”

“No, you can stay here, but don’t bother your grandfather and take it easy on the nanny.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He bit into his food with a big smile. The boy had not inherited my love of the spotlight. Though to be fair, I wasn’t exactly looking forward to doing this particular speech.

“Is your father not joining us?” Rachel watched me with a calm face.

“No, I’m afraid it will just be me.” I stomped on the anger that flared up. It was better this way. I’d rather people remember my granddad, not the way my father slurred through a speech.

“I suppose that he is taking the death of his father very hard.” She sighed. “Don’t worry, though, you’re in good hands with me.”

“Thank you.” I nodded my head. “I hate to be a burden.”

“Nonsense! When one of our own is suffering, we all pitch in to help.” She set her fork down. “I’m not here to take over, just to help. This is not the first royal funeral I have planned.”

“You were a great help yesterday. You had everything planned out.” I sighed. “I had no idea what all went into a funeral.”

“Lots of details to take care of, but then I’m a detail-oriented person. That’s why they sent me.” She reached out and patted my hand. “Don’t you worry, dear. We’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”

“Thank you.” The rest of our breakfast consisted of small talk and questions for Marty. It was sort of peaceful, like having a long-lost grandmother show up. She obviously knew her way around the royal scene, but her demeanor was so comfortable I was able to relax. Even the day before had been painless, with the exception of what happened with my father.

When Marty had finished his breakfast, he disappeared with the nanny to get dressed and find something to do.

“Have you thought about what you would say to the township?” Rachel sat down on the chair across from me in the sitting room.

“Um, a little.” I frowned. “Actually I was going to ask you if there was a certain protocol or how it would normally be handled.”

“Just a short acknowledgment of his passing, expressing your family’s sorrow, and promising that the township would be taken care of no matter what.” She frowned. “It’s a little unusual that his granddaughter would be the one to pass on the information, but not so much that people will complain.”

“Would they really complain?” I frowned as my stomach churned.

“No, no. It’s usually the first duty that the new duke takes on, but no one will question that it’s you making the address.” She looked down for a minute before looking back at me with shrewd eyes. “Might I speak frankly, my lady?”

“Please call me Meredith and yes, by all means.” I sat back in my chair.